Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013

Lord Martin of Springburn Excerpts

Wednesday 16th January 2013 Lords Chamber

In the spirit of the concordat which has led to the draft order coming before us, I humbly suggest that it is less than edifying to hear the personal attacks that have been made again today in this Chamber, and which were perhaps made yesterday as well, on the leader of the Scottish National Party, the First Minister of Scotland. Quite honestly, references to “no honesty, integrity or consistency”, allegations as to his honesty, and the suggestion today that he wants to rig a referendum and that distortion might take place are not, I believe, worthy of this Chamber and, perhaps more importantly, may not be conducive to the cause that noble Lords are promoting. It does no credit to the democratic process to resort to personal attacks, and I would suggest that it is also counterproductive.

[Lord Martin of Springburn]

I agree with the noble Lord: we should not personalise this debate. The First Minister has a case to put the same as the rest of us, and we should not attack anyone—particularly the First Minister—on a personal basis.

[Lord Wigley]

I am very grateful to the noble Lord for that intervention. Certainly, not all speakers have done that. I noted the contribution of the noble Lord, Lord Browne, which was very constructive. It hit a tone that can help to ensure that there is no dispute on matters that are irrelevant to the central question. That central question is whether people want independence. No doubt there are arguments to be had on that and the other issues should be put to one side.