Future of the UK

Last week, the Coalition Government published a consultation paper on the constitutional future of Scotland and its place in the United Kingdom. I am a Unionist, and believe that the United Kingdom works better together than apart. As such, I support Scotland’s continued existence as part of the United Kingdom, and am playing my own small part in trying to ensure our country remains intact.

The consultation sets out the Government’s clear view that the Scottish Parliament does not have the legal power to legislate for a referendum on independence. This is because the original law that set up the Scottish Parliament, the Scotland Act 1998, states that laws on constitutional matters can only be made by Westminster and not Holyrood. This means that any attempt by the Scottish Government to legislate for a referendum could be challenged in court, and it is highly likely that the Scottish Government would lose.

The SNP Government in Scotland stood on a platform of independence. Due to this, the UK Government do not wish to stand in the way of the wishes of the people of Scotland and will explore the possible options to allow a referendum to occur. However, the UK Government will insist that any referendum is legal, fair and decisive.

This issue is of the utmost importance to the country. The United Kingdom is the most successful partnership of nations in history. Independence is not in the best interest of Scotland or the rest of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom brings strength to Scotland, and Scotland brings strength to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are united in their determination to keep the UK together. The Secretary of State for Scotland will be leading on the issue and other Ministers, from both Coalition parties, are also playing a role. This is also an issue on which we take the same view as the Labour Party and they will play an important part, especially in Scotland itself. I have been involved in discussions to some extent as my officials in the Constitution Unit at the Cabinet Office include some of the Government’s experts on the devolution settlement.

I’d be very interested to know what you think about this issue – do write and let me know.

Contact me: Mark Harper MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, mark.harper.mp@parliament.uk or www.markharper.org.

ENDS