Constitutional Reform: Referendums Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Constitutional Reform: Referendums

Lord Campbell of Alloway Excerpts
Monday 24th January 2011

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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No, I cannot give such guarantees. The Parliament Acts are there for the judgment of the Government of the day. As I have said previously, whether there should a referendum to consult is a matter for the judgment of the Parliament of the day.

Lord Campbell of Alloway Portrait Lord Campbell of Alloway
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Does not the constitutional process to which my noble friend referred require pre-legislative scrutiny of a constitutional Bill, not only of the Bill currently before the House but any Bill?

Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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I think that all parties agree that pre-legislative scrutiny is a good idea—certainly, I have been supportive of it—but, as we have said, it is not always possible when a radical and reforming Government hit the ground running.