MPs debate motion on Scottish independence referendum
15 January 2013
MPs debated a motion to approve the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013, in the House of Commons on Tuesday 15 January 2013.
The draft order is the means by which the UK Parliament will give the Scottish Parliament the power to legislate for a referendum on independence for Scotland.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013
The motion was moved by Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Margaret Curran, responded on behalf of the Opposition.
The motion to approve the draft order was approved. It is scheduled for debate in the House of Lords on Wednesday 16 January 2013.
Agreement on referendum on independence for Scotland
According to the Agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland, signed at Edinburgh on 15 October 2012, the section 30 Order “will put it beyond doubt that the Scottish Parliament can legislate for that referendum.”
House of Commons library analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial.
The library has produced a note which discusses the agreement, and the draft ‘Section 30 Order’ by which the UK Parliament will give the Scottish Parliament the power to hold the vote.
Delegated legislation
Delegated or secondary legislation is usually concerned with detailed changes to the law made under powers from an existing Act of Parliament.