Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Arkless Excerpts
Thursday 15th October 2015

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Wright Portrait The Attorney General
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My hon. Friend will know that I share his enthusiasm for this reform, and I stood on that manifesto, too, and believe in it. But it is important also to make sure that we get this reform right and that we have the details worked out before we announce what we wish to do. There will of course also be an opportunity for all Members of this House to comment on what is proposed, because I know that the Justice Secretary intends to consult on the matter.

Richard Arkless Portrait Richard Arkless (Dumfries and Galloway) (SNP)
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The proposed repeal of the Human Rights Act and the potential withdrawal from the ECHR has serious constitutional implications for Scotland. Has the Attorney General seen the proposals and will he be delivering legal advice before they are published in the public domain?

Jeremy Wright Portrait The Attorney General
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As the hon. Gentleman has heard me say to the Select Committee, I would certainly expect to see the proposals before they are published. He is right, of course, that the devolution consequences of any changes that might be made are significant or potentially significant, depending on what is done. I am afraid that, until we see what is proposed, it is difficult to assess exactly what those consequences might be.