Meeting of the Parliament 25 November 2015
This order relates to international organisations’ immunities and privileges. There is a request that such immunities and privileges be applied to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
We are told that the privileges and immunities will protect the independent exercise of the organisation’s functions. One might reasonably ask what functions require criminal immunity. We are also told that the approach will provide a level playing field with regard to the bank’s operation, but the level playing field that I would like to see is one in which everyone adheres to the law.
We are also told that the purpose of the approach is to ensure that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will be free from undue influence in its affairs—which apparently means the requirement to adhere to the law of Scotland and pay taxes in Scotland.
Two groups will benefit from the approach. The organisation will benefit from immunity from suit and legal process, inviolability of its archives and premises, relief from non-domestic rates, exemption from devolved and local taxes and exemption from prohibitions and restrictions on imports and exports. The other group who will benefit is made up of individuals: staff and “experts on a mission”, who will benefit from immunity from suit and legal process in respect of official duties and exemption from devolved and local taxes.