Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Tories' 'opportunistic' attempt to stop votes from Scots MPs

March 9, 2007 3:09 PM
Jo Swinson speaking in the House of Commons

Jo called for a constitutional convention to discuss solutions to current constitutional asymmetry

Jo Swinson has dismissed Conservative attempts to stop Scottish MPs voting on certain issues in the House of Commons as opportunistic.

Debated in Parliament today, Conservative MP Robert Walter's House of Commons Participation Bill sought to prevent Members of Parliament from Scotland and Wales from voting in the UK Parliament on issues devolved to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

Commenting after the debate, Jo said:

"The Conservative party is irrelevant to people in East Dunbartonshire and Scotland, but their attempt to restrict the voting rights of Scottish MPs is certainly not.

"It is quite clear that they want to 'take Scotland out of the equation' on education, health and other votes. Conservative MPs are now found almost exclusively south of the border and this Bill seeks to capitalise on that.

"The current situation is asymmetrical and does need to be addressed through a wide-ranging debate about our constitutional future, but this Bill is a self-serving and opportunistic measure that creates far more problems than it solves."

Related Links

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    joswinson.org.uk/en/article/2007/055890/tories-opportunistic-attempt-to-stop-votes-from-scots-mps
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    js.lib.dm/a02np

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the East Dunbartonshire constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone