Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill: Section 35 Power

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:03 pm on 17 January 2023.

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Photo of Alan Brown Alan Brown Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy and Industrial Strategy) 4:03, 17 January 2023

I agree with a lot of the points the hon. Member is making on devolution. Obviously he has read what we should really be calling the “clutching-at-straws reasons,” rather than the statement of reasons. He mentioned judicial review. I am not a lawyer, but I am sure that, like me, he can read this and see how weak the UK Government’s arguments are. On that basis, and if he believes in the protection of devolution and that Scotland should be able to do things differently, does he not agree with us that the UK Government should drop this action now? The Labour party should be four-square behind the Scottish Parliament on this.