MPs take evidence on referendum on separation and free speech
23 June 2014
The Scottish Affairs Committee takes evidence from Adam Tomkins, Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow on free speech as part of its inquiry into The Referendum on Separation for Scotland.
- Parliament TV: Watch the Referendum on Separation and free speech session
- Inquiry: The Referendum on Separation for Scotland
- Scottish Affairs Committee
The Scottish Affairs Committee has announced that Adam Tomkins, professor of Public Law, will be invited to a special session of the Scottish Affairs Committee in Westminster on the 2 July to give evidence on the issue of free speech in the run up to September’s referendum on separation.
Witness
Wednesday 2 July 2014, Palace of Westminster, Venue TBC
At 2.30pm
- Adam Tomkins, Professor of Public Law, Unversity of Glasgow
Chair's comments
Ian Davidson MP, Chair of Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee, said:
"This evidence follows the meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Affairs Committee on the 12 June 2014, when Professor Tomkins was interrupted during his evidence and not allowed to complete his explanation.
"Members of Parliament, whether at Holyrood or Westminster, have a responsibility to help inform the debate on separation by allowing expert witnesses to give evidence freely.
"The Scottish Affairs Committee feel it was inappropriate for Professor Tomkins to have been interrupted and then silenced by the Chair whilst he was in full flow, and we have therefore agreed to give him the opportunity to give his evidence, freely and in public, to the Scottish Affairs Committee.
"We will then discuss with him the need for all points of view to be expressed freely without interruption, intimidation or rancour."