Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill: Section 35 Power

Debate between Stephen Flynn and Philippa Whitford

Tuesday 17th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Flynn]

With all due respect, I think that the hon. Member is missing the point. Democratically elected Members in Scotland’s Parliament have voted for legislation in a devolved competency and the UK Government—her party—are seeking to block that legislation. That is simply not fair, and it is not democratic in any way, shape or form.

What comes next in the continual democratic deficit we experience in these here islands? It is incumbent on reasonable Unionists, of whom I think there are many—I do not see very many in front of me, but I think there are many in society—to come forward.

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

In part 2 of this big flabby document, the heading states:

“Adverse effects of different GRC regimes across the UK”.

If there is no allowance for different GRC regimes, how come gender recognition is devolved in the first place?

[Stephen Flynn]

Indeed. A very powerful and eloquent point by my hon. Friend, as always.

The point of what comes next is incredibly important. Where do we go when Scotland’s Parliament, our views and our purpose is just being ignored by Westminster? What are we to do? How are people in Scotland to respond? When will reasonable Unionists stand up and say, “You know what? This isn’t on. If you believe in this Union of equals, then you put the Scottish Parliament first.” I do not see that and I do not hear that in Westminster, and this is the clearest example of that.