Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jo Cox and David Mundell

Wednesday 4th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Jo Cox (Batley and Spen) (Lab)]

9. What discussions he has had with women’s organisations on devolving competence for abortion legislation to the Scottish Parliament.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

The Smith commission recommended that abortion law be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but recognised that the issue needed to be handled sensitively by the UK and Scottish Governments. Following ministerial discussion between Scotland’s two Governments, I confirmed that abortion would be devolved in the Scotland Bill, and wrote to interested parties. As I have already confirmed, there will be ongoing engagement with women’s groups as the matter is taken forward.

[Jo Cox]

We believe that the woman’s right to choose should be universal. Does the Secretary of State envisage any change in abortion law in Scotland?