Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 07 October 2020
07 Oct 2020 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
United Kingdom Internal Market Bill
I conclude by emphasising the vital importance of the Scottish Parliament protecting jobs and livelihoods during this crisis. That is why we will vote for legislative consent at decision time.
I move amendment S5M-22955.1, to leave out from “not to consent” to end and insert:
“to consent to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, as it will protect 550,000 jobs and livelihoods across Scotland during an unprecedented economic crisis, deliver significant new powers to the Scottish Parliament and secure additional direct investment from the UK Government in Scotland.”
17:13References in this contribution
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
Before we proceed, I have to say that there is now no time in hand whatsoever, so I am afraid that, if members take interventions, they will have to absorb t...
The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs (Michael Russell)
SNP
Today, we are faced with no ordinary decision about whether to give or withhold approval for a Westminster bill, for this debate is actually about a decision...
Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
Does the cabinet secretary accept that the internal market bill is very much about protecting jobs and investment in Scotland, which is absolutely critical?
Michael Russell
SNP
No, I do not. Indeed, The Ferret’s fact-checking service proves that that is not the case. As I said, wrecking Scotland’s Parliament was not put to the Scot...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I call Bruce Crawford, convener of the Finance and Constitution Committee, to open on behalf of the committee. 16:59
Bruce Crawford (Stirling) (SNP)
SNP
I begin by thanking all the committee members for their hard work and commitment in completing so many reports this week. I also thank our clerks for the sig...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I call Dean Lockhart to speak to and move amendment S5M-22955.1 on behalf of the Conservatives. 17:06
Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
There has been a lot of noise surrounding the UK internal market proposals, but when further restrictions on economic activity have just been announced, sure...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
The member is winding up.
Dean Lockhart
Con
The Scottish Government’s motion refers to a breach of international law—perhaps that is what the member wanted to intervene on. On that very issue, let me q...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
You must conclude there.
Dean Lockhart
Con
I conclude by emphasising the vital importance of the Scottish Parliament protecting jobs and livelihoods during this crisis. That is why we will vote for le...
Alex Rowley (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
In opening the debate for Labour, I want to make it clear that we will not give consent to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill. Let me be clear: we will ...
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)
Green
Surely, the member agrees—as I do—with Scotland’s trade union movement, which has said that if the “UK Government proceed with the Bill, against the wishes ...
Alex Rowley
Lab
It certainly demonstrates that the greatest threat to the United Kingdom is Boris Johnson and his clapping Tories who sit behind him. As an added arrogance,...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I call Patrick Harvie to open for the Green Party. You have four minutes. 17:17
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)
Green
This has been an extraordinary process leading to an extraordinary bill, which poses an extraordinary threat to us all. The process cut right through the dis...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
The bill emerged from a hurried white paper in the summer, and it is being blasted through Westminster at high speed. The bill exists to smooth a trade deal ...
Keith Brown (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP)
SNP
I will not vote for the Parliament to consent to the UK Government’s internal market bill, and I have a number of reasons for taking that position. By the U...
Dean Lockhart
Con
Will the member give way?
Keith Brown
SNP
No, I will not. I do not have time.
Dean Lockhart
Con
Oh!
Keith Brown
SNP
The member did not give way to anybody either. The Tories in the Scottish Parliament have fallen into line behind Boris. They now support Brexit despite 62 ...
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
Despite all the hysterical language that we have heard about the bill, we need to focus on what really matters—the importance of the UK internal market to Sc...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Please conclude your speech.
Murdo Fraser
Con
Presiding Officer, the UK internal market is essential to Scottish business—
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
No, you must conclude.
Murdo Fraser
Con
For that reason, we should back the bill and reject the nonsense motion before us today. 17:34
Annabelle Ewing (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)
SNP
As we have heard, the UK bill would impose a series of rules on trade within the UK, following the end of the transition period with the EU on 31 December an...
James Kelly (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I rise to speak in favour of the Government’s motion opposing legislative consent and against the Conservative amendment. There are two central issues that n...