Lords to debate constitutional implications of Scottish independence

In May the committee published its report on the constitutional implications of a “yes” vote in the Scottish independence referendum. The committee recommended that, while MPs from Scottish constituencies should keep their seats at Westminster between the vote and full independence, they should take no part in independence negotiations nor scrutiny of those negotiations, as their first loyalty would lie with their Scottish constituents. 

The committee also said there was no constitutional requirement for the UK Government to stick to the Scottish Government's timetable for full independence by March 2016 in the event of a “yes” vote, and they should not do so unless it is in the interests of the rest of the UK.

The debate on the report will take place in the chamber of the House of Lords and will be held in conjunction with a debate on a government motion on the constitutional future of Scotland in the light of September's referendum.

The debate is the first business in the House following questions on Tuesday 24 June and is expected to start shortly after 3pm. 

Lord Lang of Monkton, chairman of the Constitution Committee, will speak early in the debate and Lord Wallace of Tankerness will respond for the Government. Other members due to speak include:

• Lord Hope of Craighead, former Lord Justice General and Deputy President of the Supreme Court;
• Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, former First Minister of Scotland;
• Lord Richard and Lord Strathclyde, former Leaders of the House of Lords;
• Lord Steel of Aikwood, first Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament; and
• Lord Cullen of Whitekirk, former Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session.

For a full list of speakers please see the Lords Whips website.