Scottish and Welsh ministers to give evidence on the future of the Union
Monday 12 July 2021
The House of Lords Constitution Committee will this week be holding two evidence sessions to gain Scottish and Welsh perspectives of the Union, for its inquiry into the future governance of the United Kingdom.
Giving evidence will be:
- The Rt Hon Agus Robertson MSP, cabinet secretary for constitution, external affair and culture. (On Tuesday 13 July at 2.00pm)
- The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales. (On Wednesday 14 July at 10.15am)
Questions the committee is likely to ask Mr Robertson and Mr Drakeford include:
- What impact has Brexit and COVID-19 had on the Union?
- Once finalised, will the proposed reforms to intergovernmental structures help build trust and cooperation between the UK Government and the devolved administrations?
- Does the Sewel convention need to be strengthened or reformed?
- Do you support the Government’s proposal to repeal the EVEL procedures in the House of Commons? Is it important for England to have a distinct voice within the UK’s constitutional arrangements?
- Are more significant reforms to the UK’s territorial constitution desirable to manage relations between London and the nations and regions?
- Should the UK’s constitutional arrangements recognise an explicit right of secession for Scotland/Wales?
The sessions can be followed on Parliament TV.
