Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Excerpts
Wednesday 9th November 2011

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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I understand the hon. Gentleman’s passion for Scotland’s independence, but I wish it were shared with some intention to get on with the debate. The chairman of the independence campaign is sitting beside him. What are they scared of? Let us get on with it.

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Portrait Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD)
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My right hon. Friend has outlined the benefits to Scotland of European Union membership and the uncertainty that would surround those benefits in the event that Scotland were to be independent. Does he agree that it would help to resolve that uncertainty if the Scottish Government published the legal advice they have had on the point, so that it may contribute properly to the debate?

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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My right hon. and learned Friend makes a very important point. The idea that we would somehow simply get membership of the European Union with complete agreement, without discussion and without needing to worry about the terms of negotiation is quite fanciful. It is a journey into the unknown and we need to have the detail.