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| DISAPPOINTMENT AS SCOTLAND BILL RETURNS POWER TO WESTMINSTER |
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| Wednesday, 09 March 2011 00:00 |
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Moray’s SNP MP, Angus Robertson, has expressed his disappointment after Labour MPs joined with the Tories and the Liberal Democrats to return powers from Holyrood to Westminster on Day One of the Committee Stage of the Scotland Bill. The three London parties joined to block SNP bids to prevent the re-reservation of insolvency legislation and the regulation of health professionals. Labour MPs also voted with the Conservatives to prevent transfer of control over the most dangerous air weapons to the Scottish Parliament. An SNP amendment which would have enabled the Scottish Parliament to take action over the most dangerous air weapons and tackle problems which exist in relation to armed crime and the irresponsible misuse of firearms was defeated by 392 votes to 8. Commenting local MP Mr Robertson said: “ It is deeply disappointing that Labour MPs joined with the Tories and the Liberal Democrats to strip powers from Holyrood. This sets a worrying precedent which could undermine the devolution settlement and the Scottish Parliament. “ Labour voted with the Tories for watered down airgun control which sees responsibility for regulating the most dangerous weapons remain with Westminster – despite Scotland’s distinct problem with airguns. Problems that are widely recognised by politicians of different parties and many law enforcement professionals. “ At a time when action is needed to grow the economy and boost jobs across Scotland the Scotland Bill does little to make this happen, it is deeply disappointing that Labour MPs only felt the need to challenge the Tory Government on a point of electoral administration, leaving the most substantive issues in the bill to sail through parliament with only the SNP challenging them.” |
