Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tory outrage at guillotine plan for referendums Bill

Colin Brown
Monday 02 June 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Government faced Tory outrage last night after it announced it was imposing a guillotine to force through the Bill to establish referendums on devolution in Wales and Scotland. Alastair Goodlad, Shadow Leader of the House, warned Ann Taylor, the Leader of the House, that her credibility and the co-operation of the House was being "put in jeopardy" by the move. John Redwood, a former secretary of state for Wales, accused Labour of an "arrogant presidential-style" of government.

But Liberal Democrat MPs supported the Government, accusing Tory MPs of "synthetic anger". The guillotine, to be debated today will timetable debate on the Referendums (Scotland and Wales) Bill after more than 200 amendments were tabled mainly by Tories opposed to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assemblies. Mrs Taylor said the referendums would pave the way for the main legislation, which would be introduced later, on detailed plans for devolution.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in