European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

Jo Stevens Excerpts

Committee: 4th sitting: House of Commons
Monday 4th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Anna McMorrin]

Yes. It is so important that structures and discussions are formally put in place across the country.

[Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)]

I recall that during the passage of the Wales Bill last year we specifically asked for the JMC to be put on a statutory footing. The Government said no.

[Anna McMorrin]

The Government will probably see the error of their ways as the Bill passes through the Lords and they lose there. My advice is that the Government should avoid any more embarrassment, listen to our devolved nations and amend the legislation before it is too late.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mike Gapes]

rose—

[Jo Stevens]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Ross Thomson]

No, thank you.

The Scottish Parliament will regain powers over agriculture, the environment and transport, for example. We have seen quite an astonishing level of hypocrisy from Opposition Members today. Where was the SNP’s belief in sovereignty when over the past 40 years laws were imposed on the people of Scotland by the EU without debate in this place, or over the past 20 years without debate in Holyrood?

[Jo Stevens]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for letting me stop him in mid-flow. Has he never heard of the European Parliament?

[Ross Thomson]

I am aware of the European Parliament, which cannot reject the legislation that is imposed on it by unelected commissioners. This is about re-establishing democracy. The EU has nothing to do with democracy—it is a deficit in democracy. We are taking that back. Opposition Members should celebrate that fact.