Scotland Bill

Debate between Tommy Sheppard and Alberto Costa

Monday 9th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Alberto Costa]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Tommy Sheppard]

I would be happy to give way if we will get a joke.

[Alberto Costa]

Again, part of the disrespect agenda. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that last year’s referendum was once in a lifetime—yes or no?

Standing Orders (Public Business)

Debate between Tommy Sheppard and Alberto Costa

Thursday 22nd October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Tommy Sheppard]

I agree completely with my hon. Friend. The process Tories are engaged in—it is fair enough; it is a political party and I understand that—would be all well and good and just so much political banter were it not for the point that in doing so they are trying to corrupt and degenerate the procedures of this institution.

[Alberto Costa]

The hon. Gentleman—the Member for Edinburgh East—does not speak for any constituency in England. It is the people of England who voted for the Conservative party. They voted for a manifesto that clearly said English votes for English laws.

[Tommy Sheppard]

And we know that you know that we know that you never thought you would have to implement this proposal. Now you have a dilemma on your hands. Here is the nub of the problem: the Tories are trying to make this Parliament be two things. As well as being the legislator for the United Kingdom, they are trying to make it be the legislator for England. That cannot be done without creating two classes of MP.