Lords debates Brexit and the Union
18 January 2019
Members of the Lords, including a constitutional advisor to the Secretary of State for Scotland and an advisory council member of national debate forum These Islands, debated the possible effects of Brexit on the stability of the Union of the parts of the United Kingdom, in the House of Lords on Thursday 17 January.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Lords Library note - Leaving the European Union: Stability of the United Kingdom's Union
This was a general debate. They normally take place on a Thursday in the chamber. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Lord Lisvane (Crossbench), former chief executive of the House of Commons.
Members who took part included:
- Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party), former Lord Mayor of Belfast and member of the Northern Ireland Assembly
- Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party), president of the Northern Ireland Assembly branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
- Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Labour), former First Minister of Scotland
- Lord McInnes of Kilwinning (Conservative), constitutional advisor to the Secretary of State for Scotland
- Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve (Crossbench), member of the advisory council for national debate forum These Islands
- Lord Thomas of Gresford (Liberal Democrat), former Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Welsh Affairs
- Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru), former leader of the opposition in the National Assembly for Wales
Lord Young of Cookham (Conservative), Lords spokesperson in the Cabinet Office, responded on behalf of the government.
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