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HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerThe Minister for Women and Equalities raised that subject with the Bill Minister, and it will be explained in our statement of reasons. The adverse effects are numerous and, if…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerNo—that is an appalling thing to say. This order is entirely addressing the legal advice I have been given, and the legal advice tells me that there is a reduction in safeguards,…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerWe will publish the statement of reasons. On the other remarks the hon. Gentleman made, opinions may vary.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerWell, it is. It is also about protecting the devolution settlement and two UK-wide Acts.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerNo. I hope people will realise that the United Kingdom Government have been given legal advice that raises concerns for women and children, for their safeguards and protections,…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerYes.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI entirely disagree. We are supporting the Union. The Scotland Act is what we believe in. Section 35 was democratically put there and we believe we must take the legal advice we…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI thank my hon. Friend for that. This is absolutely about safeguards and protecting safe spaces for women and children. She is absolutely right about that, and she also makes the…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI do not want to be rude to the hon. Lady, but I am afraid what she has just said shows that she does not understand the Scotland Act or what actions are available to the United…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerThis is beyond parody. Democracy is what the Scotland Act is. Section 35 is in the Scotland Act. The SNP voted for the Scotland Act with section 35 in it. It is a democratic…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerThe hon. Lady is right to say that this is unprecedented and there is a very high bar here; this was not a decision I reached easily or took lightly. However, the legal advice was…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerIn short, two different regimes create adverse effects.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI am not an expert on the Northern Ireland Bills, so I will not stray into that area, but we have been advised that protections and safeguards for women and children need to be…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI am here to answer on the constitutional decision I have taken. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman goes to oral questions and asks those questions of the Minister for Women and…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerWell, if any are not addressed, I am sure that others in the Chamber will ask those questions.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerToday I will make an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 preventing the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent. This order will mean…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerAbsolutely.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerAbsolutely.17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerWhat I am doing here is addressing the legal issues as advised by legal counsel. The issue here is adverse effects on UK-wide legislation—the Equality Act 2010 and the Gender…17 Jan 2023HANSARDScotland Act 1998: Section 35 PowerI shall answer the hon. Gentleman’s questions, hopefully in the right order. This is not a last resort. To understand the Scotland Act, section 33 relates to where UK legislation…17 Jan 2023