Abortion Legislation

Jo Cox (Batley and Spen) (Lab)
9.  What discussions he has had with women’s organisations on devolving competence for abortion legislation to the Scottish Parliament.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
The Smith commission recommended that abortion law be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but recognised that the issue needed to be handled sensitively by the UK and Scottish Governments. Following ministerial discussion between Scotland’s two Governments, I confirmed that abortion would be devolved in the Scotland Bill, and wrote to interested parties. As I have already confirmed, there will be ongoing engagement with women’s groups as the matter is taken forward.

Jo Cox
We believe that the woman’s right to choose should be universal. Does the Secretary of State envisage any change in abortion law in Scotland?

David Mundell
I think it would be helpful if I confirmed that because abortion law is being devolved, that does not mean that there will be any change. The existing arrangements will continue to apply in Scotland until they are changed by the Scottish Parliament. I am very pleased to note that the First Minister of Scotland has confirmed that she has no plans at all to change the existing abortion law in Scotland.

Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab)
May I urge the Minister to think again about the devolution of abortion to Scotland? To have smaller jurisdictions making such sensitive decisions on healthcare is deeply unwise and would allow those who want to lobby against the interests of healthcare to undermine the interests of women both in Scotland and in England. I urge him to consult far more widely before making this very big step.

David Mundell
I recognise, of course, the concerns the right hon. Lady raises, but the Scottish Parliament already has responsibility for criminal justice and health issues, and it has dealt with some very sensitive issues extremely well in my view. I have spoken to women’s groups in Scotland such as Engender, Abortion Rights Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid. They believe that the devolution can take place but want to be consulted about that, and they will be.

Mr Speaker
I have not forgotten the hon. Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies); I never do.