Lords to question journalists on implications of Scottish independence
The House of Lords Constitution Committee will this week take evidence from three leading Scottish journalists as part of its inquiry into the constitutional implications for the rest of the UK of Scottish independence.
The committee will hear from Alex Massie, a columnist for the Scottish edition of The Times, Mandy Rhodes, editor of Holyrood magazine and David Torrance, a regular columnist for the Herald and author of books on independence.
Areas the committee is likely to cover with the journalists include:
- Is the UK Government's policy of “no pre-negotiation” realistic?
- How well understood are the constitutional processes required to deliver independence in the event of a “yes” vote?
- Should the UK Government cease to represent the interests of Scotland from the point at which any “yes” vote is returned in the referendum?
- What would be the essential issues to agree before independence day on 24 March 2016, even if not all issues have been resolved?
- Should Scottish MPs and ministers be excluded from negotiating on behalf of the rest of the UK?
- How might the 2015 general election affect the negotiations?
- Is there any alternative other than for Scottish MPs to leave the House of Commons on independence day?
The evidence session will start at 10.30 am on Wednesday 19 March in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.
