The SNP has tabled a House of Commons motion to stop the Tory Section 35 attack on Scottish democracy – as the backlash grows against the Westminster government’s unprecedented move to block devolved legislation.
The cross-party motion in the name of the SNP leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn MP, has the backing of the overwhelming majority of Scotland’s MPs and those from the other devolved nations including SNP, Lib Dem, Plaid Cymru, and SDLP MPs.
If the UK government allows time, the motion will go to a vote, with the likely outcome underlining the democratic deficit Scotland and other devolved nations face at Westminster.
It comes as a wide range of civic Scotland groups speak out against the Tory attack on democracy – with the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), University and College Union (UCU) Amnesty International, Human Rights Consortium, Scottish Women’s Convention, Scottish Women’s Aid, Young Women’s Movement, Engender, Zero Tolerance, Rape Crisis Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland, Scottish Refugee Council, Stonewall, Equality Network, Scottish Trans, LGBT Youth Scotland, LGBT Health, and others backing the Scottish Parliament legislation and opposing the Section 35 order.
Commenting, SNP leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn MP, said:
“This unprecedented attack on Scottish democracy should never have happened.
“It shows Scotland will always be vulnerable under Westminster control, and independence is the only way to guarantee remote Westminster governments can’t overturn Scotland’s decision.
“It speaks volumes that the overwhelming majority of Scotland’s MPs, and cross-party MPs from across the devolved nations, oppose this Tory assault on devolution.Â
“MPs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland know that if the Tories get away with this shameful attack on democracy, the entire devolution settlement is under threat – with the risk of any future Bill passed by a devolved parliament at risk of being struck down by Westminster.
“The SNP will continue to stand up for Scottish democracy and the rights of trans people, who are the casualties of this appalling Tory culture war.
“But it’s clear the only way to properly protect Scotland’s democracy is to become an independent country and escape Westminster control for good.”
