Devolution (Scotland and Wales)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 13 January 1976.

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Photo of Mr Ernest Fernyhough Mr Ernest Fernyhough , Jarrow 12:00, 13 January 1976

I will not quarrel with my hon. Friend. I have too much affection for him but let me say this.

None of us chooses his nationality. It is chosen for us by others. We are unable to determine where we shall be born. That is determined by someone else Likewise, very few of us determine our religion. That is mostly determined for us long before we are able to understand and express any opinion about it. If we are unable to determine our nationality and have so little say in determining what religion we shall follow, is it not important that mature men and women, understanding something of the past struggles of mankind, should be very careful when using either of those factors—nationality or religion—not to interpose differences and create conflicts between people who otherwise would live in harmony and peace?