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Commons urgent question about Global Laundromat revelations - Politics live Scottish parliament debates call for second independence referendum - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
2.33pm GMT
14:33
Davidson says five times in the last six months the SNP government has ignored the wishes of the Scottish parliament.
So why should the UK government recognise votes in the Scottish parliament when the Scottish government does not do so?
2.32pm GMT
14:32
Davidson says the SNP said the will of the people should drive a second referendum.
But there is none, she says.
She allows an intervention from Patrick Harvie, the Green co-convenor, saying he is going against his own manifesto.
Harvie says the Tory manifesto said the UK would stay in the single market.
Davidson says the government wants to keep access to the single market.
2.29pm GMT
14:29
Davidson says the SNP motion amounts to a “bulldozer” approach.
That is not what happened in 2014, she says. She says the terms of that referendum were agreed in talks with Westminster.
She says the SNP described the approach taken in 2014 as “the gold standard approach”. This is not the gold standard approach, she says.
She accuses the SNP of rushing to any microphone “with the angry face on” and making the same old complaints.
It won’t work, she says.
She says most people in Scotland are sick and tired of these old games.
She says Brexit will pose challenges. Why start an independence campaign now when we don’t know how it will play out?
And the SNP cannot answer basic questions, such as what the currency will be.
The first minister wants a date, but she cannot give us a plan.
2.25pm GMT
14:25
Ruth Davidson's speech
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, is speaking now.
Here is Davidson’s amendment.
As an amendment to motion S5M-04710 in the name of Nicola Sturgeon (Scotland’s Choice), leave out from “acknowledges” to end and insert “declines the Scottish Government’s proposal for a referendum on independence before April 2019; believes that it would be unfair to ask this question while the process of leaving the EU is still ongoing and while the Scottish Government has failed to set out its own position on independence; considers that no referendum should take place while there is no public or political consent for one, and urges the Scottish Government to focus its efforts on working with the UK Government to secure the best possible new relationship with the EU.”
She says the SNP is prioritising independence, not education.
She quotes Nicola Sturgeon saying on various occasions in the past she was opposed to a second referendum.
Sturgeon says she should consider what was in the SNP’s referendum.
Davidson says she is coming to that.
She quotes Sturgeon saying there would be no referendum if support for independence did not increase.
The latest polling shows it has not increased, she says.
2.22pm GMT
14:22
Sturgeon says there is a fundamental decision to be taken. It can only be made by the people, she says.
And that’s it. Her speech is over.
Updated
at 2.24pm GMT
2.20pm GMT
14:20
Sturgeon says the SNP will set out its plans for independence, so people can make an informed choice.
She says that is in contrast to Brexit, where people were not told what it would involve, and where nine months later people still do not know what it will be like.
2.19pm GMT
14:19
Sturgeon challenges UK government to set out its alternative timetable for a second referendum
Sturgeon says the Scottish parliament should take the decision over the timing of the referendum.
She says the latest time for a referendum should be around the time the UK leaves, in the spring of 2019.
If the UK government disagrees, it should set out an alternative timescale, she says. She says she is prepared to discuss an alternative.
Sturgeon challenges UK government to set out its alternative timetable for a second referendum.
2.15pm GMT
14:15
Sturgeon says she understands why many Scots don’t want another referendum.
But the alternative is to drift through the next two years, hoping for the best, but fearing for the worst.
Scotland would have to accept a hard Brexit, she says.
And Scotland would not then have the option to reject that.
2.13pm GMT
14:13
Sturgeon says the UK government rejected her compromise plan for the single market.
And it has also refused to commit to giving repatriated powers from Brussels to Scotland, she says.
She says the Tories could be in power in Westminster until 2030.
So Scotland should decide what future it wants, she says.
2.10pm GMT
14:10
Nicola Sturgeon's speech
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, is opening the debate.
She says that she offered the UK government a compromise plan that would keep Scotland in the single market after Brexit. The UK government refused that, she says.
She says the SNP’s manifesto said a second referendum would be justified if there was a material change in circumstances. Brexit qualifies, she says.
She says she did not immediately call for a second referendum after the Brexit vote on 23 June.
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, says she heard Sturgeon on the radio that morning saying she had asked civil servants to draw up legislation.
Sturgeon says she said at the time she would seek a compromise first.
2.05pm GMT
14:05
MSPs debate call for second independence referendum
The Scottish parliament is now debating Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a second independence referendum.
Here is the motion.
That the parliament acknowledges the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best suited to their needs and therefore mandates the Scottish government to take forward discussions with the UK government on the details of an order under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 to ensure that the Scottish parliament can legislate for a referendum to be held that will give the people of Scotland a choice over the future direction and governance of their country at a time, and with a question and franchise, determined by the Scottish parliament, which would most appropriately be between the autumn of 2018, when there is clarity over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, and around the point at which the UK leaves the EU in spring 2019.
Updated
at 2.23pm GMT
1.39pm GMT1.39pm GMT
13:3913:39
Urgent question on Global Laundromat revelations - VerdictUrgent question on Global Laundromat revelations - Verdict
And here is a verdict on the UQ from my colleagues Luke Harding and Nick Hopkins.And here is a verdict on the UQ from my colleagues Luke Harding and Nick Hopkins.
Labour politicians were clearly unimpressed by assurances from Simon Kirby that the government has got a grip on money-laundering. It hasn’t. Today’s Guardian Laundromat story shows how profound the problem is: $740m flowed through UK banks and nobody noticed. Labour politicians were clearly unimpressed by assurances from Simon Kirby that the government has got a grip on money laundering. It hasn’t. Today’s Guardian Laundromat story shows how profound the problem is: $740m flowed through UK banks and nobody noticed.
Kirby said that the National Crime Agency (NCA) was investigating. But when we went to see the NCA last week it admitted Moscow was refusing to cooperate. Without active help from Russian authorities it’s difficult to see how detectives can arrest money-launderers or stop similar schemes in future. Kirby said that the National Crime Agency (NCA) was investigating. But when we went to see the NCA last week it admitted Moscow was refusing to cooperate. Without active help from Russian authorities it’s difficult to see how detectives can arrest money launderers or stop similar schemes in future.
For the moment, then, it’s easy for anyone to set up a UK limited company and use it for criminal purposes. This point was made by the SNP’s Roger Mullin who noted - correctly - that limited partnerships were at the heart of the Laundromat scandal. One of the companies we found, Seabon Limited, claimed its assets were £1. In fact, it was involved in transactions worth $9bn. For the moment, then, it’s easy for anyone to set up a UK limited company and use it for criminal purposes. This point was made by the SNP’s Roger Mullin who noted – correctly – that limited partnerships were at the heart of the Laundromat scandal. One of the companies we found, Seabon Limited, claimed its assets were £1. In fact, it was involved in transactions worth $9bn.
The most intriguing question came from Labour’s Ben Bradshaw who wanted to know if any of the Laundromat billions had gone to fund the Trump campaign or Leave.EU. We don’t know the answer. But there are clear signs that some of the money has gone to support pro-Kremlin think tanks and parties across Europe. The most intriguing question came from Labour’s Ben Bradshaw, who wanted to know if any of the Laundromat billions had gone to fund the Trump campaign or Leave.EU. We don’t know the answer. But there are clear signs that some of the money has gone to support pro-Kremlin thinktanks and parties across Europe.
Updated
at 2.21pm GMT
1.37pm GMT1.37pm GMT
13:3713:37
Urgent question on Global Laundromat revelations - SummaryUrgent question on Global Laundromat revelations - Summary
Recently it was revealed that Simon Kirby, the City minister, had been stripped of his responsibility for Brexit-related matters. A City source told the Sun that Kirby was someone with “no knowledge, no experience and no apparent interest in the City”. Kirby did not do much to restore his reputation with his response to today’s UQ. He floundered badly, prompting unusually harsh criticism from the oppositon.Recently it was revealed that Simon Kirby, the City minister, had been stripped of his responsibility for Brexit-related matters. A City source told the Sun that Kirby was someone with “no knowledge, no experience and no apparent interest in the City”. Kirby did not do much to restore his reputation with his response to today’s UQ. He floundered badly, prompting unusually harsh criticism from the oppositon.
Here are the key points.Here are the key points.
Labour accused the government of “complacency and inaction” over money-laundering. John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, told MPs after hearing Kirby’s opening statement:Labour accused the government of “complacency and inaction” over money-laundering. John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, told MPs after hearing Kirby’s opening statement:
I don’t believe the minister recognises the immense gravity of the situation we are facing and that statement reflected, I believe, a complacency on behalf of the government itself ... Money-laundering through London and elsewhere threatens the financial stability of our economy ... It obvious from today’s revelations that the current arrangements are not working. There is widespread, organised and sophisticated criminal activity ... Urgent action is needed by the government to protect the standing of our finance sector and indeed protect our economy. Complacency and inaction is not good enough.I don’t believe the minister recognises the immense gravity of the situation we are facing and that statement reflected, I believe, a complacency on behalf of the government itself ... Money-laundering through London and elsewhere threatens the financial stability of our economy ... It obvious from today’s revelations that the current arrangements are not working. There is widespread, organised and sophisticated criminal activity ... Urgent action is needed by the government to protect the standing of our finance sector and indeed protect our economy. Complacency and inaction is not good enough.
Later other Labour MPs criticised Kirby very strongly. John Mann said he gave the impression of being over-promoted. (See 12.53pm.) Angela Eagle said he was “appallingly complacent”. (See 1.04pm.) Rushanara Ali also said his performance was “appalling”. (See 1.08pm.)Later other Labour MPs criticised Kirby very strongly. John Mann said he gave the impression of being over-promoted. (See 12.53pm.) Angela Eagle said he was “appallingly complacent”. (See 1.04pm.) Rushanara Ali also said his performance was “appalling”. (See 1.08pm.)
McDonnell called for an inquiry into what measures might be needed to strengthen money-laundering laws.McDonnell called for an inquiry into what measures might be needed to strengthen money-laundering laws.
Kirby said the latest Guardian allegations would be investigated.Kirby said the latest Guardian allegations would be investigated.
The Financial Conduct Authority and the National Crime Agency take any such allegations seriously and will investigate closely whether recent information from the Guardian newspaper regarding money laundering from Russia, or indeed any other media source, would allow the progression of an investigation.The Financial Conduct Authority and the National Crime Agency take any such allegations seriously and will investigate closely whether recent information from the Guardian newspaper regarding money laundering from Russia, or indeed any other media source, would allow the progression of an investigation.
He claimed the government was doing “more than any other” to tackle money-laundering.He claimed the government was doing “more than any other” to tackle money-laundering.
This government already does more than any other to tackle the global threat of money-laundering. Since 2010 we have already seized £1.bn in illegal funds and put hundreds of millions more beyond the reach of criminals. We have set up the Panama Papers taskforce, we have hosted the global anti-corruption summit last year and now we are preparing the most significant changes to our anti money-laundering and terrorist finances regime in over a decade ... We are determined to make the UK the most difficult place in the world for international crime networks to channel their finances and we won’t relent in our efforts to do that.This government already does more than any other to tackle the global threat of money-laundering. Since 2010 we have already seized £1.bn in illegal funds and put hundreds of millions more beyond the reach of criminals. We have set up the Panama Papers taskforce, we have hosted the global anti-corruption summit last year and now we are preparing the most significant changes to our anti money-laundering and terrorist finances regime in over a decade ... We are determined to make the UK the most difficult place in the world for international crime networks to channel their finances and we won’t relent in our efforts to do that.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.45pm GMTat 1.45pm GMT
1.37pm GMT
13:37
Jessica Elgot
On Tuesday morning, Theresa May told a cabinet meeting that the triggering of Article 50 next Wednesday would be a “historic event and will precipitate a shift in our role in the world see Britain begin a bold new chapter as a prosperous, open and global nation.”
Number 10 said the prime minister had told cabinet ministers that the letter would be “one of the most important docs in our country’s recent history and will start to deliver the result of the referendum and set the tone for our new relationship with Europe and the world.”
The content has not been finalised and was not discussed, the spokesman said. A meeting of cabinet will be held next Wednesday, the day of notification, to discuss the letter, he said.
During the meeting, May stressed her desire to come to a swift agreement on the rights of EU citizens living in the EU and those of British citizens in the EU, the spokesman said, as well as praising the work of the cabinet sub-committee on exit and trade, calling it a “strong platform” from which to start negotiations.
May said she expected negotiations to be “smooth and orderly, giving certainty to individuals and businesses and allowing us to make preparation that will see an independent UK prospering outside the EU.”
A white paper on the great repeal bill, which will migrate existing EU laws directly into British law after the UK leaves the EU, is expected to be published by David Davis shortly after the letter is sent next week.
1.08pm GMT
13:08
Labour’s Rushanara Ali says Philip Hammond, the chancellor, should have been here. She says Kirby’s answers have been “appalling”.
Kirby says he is sorry that Ali thinks that.
And that’s it. The UQ is over. I will post a summary shortly.
1.06pm GMT
13:06
Labour’s Kerry McCarthy says the Russian authorities are refusing to cooperate with the National Crime Agency. What is the Foreign Office doing about this?
Kirby says he thinks the FCA are in contact with the Foreign Office about this. He says if there is new information, the FCA and the NCA will act on it.
1.04pm GMT
13:04
Here is Labour’s Angela Eagle, who asked Kirby a question earlier (see 12.51pm), responding to his performance.
Appalling complacent blinkered response from the Economic Secretary to today's money laundering allegations in @guardian #Justnotgoodenough
1.03pm GMT
13:03
Labour’s Ian Austin says the home affairs committee has estimated that £100bn is laundered through the UK. But only 0.17% of it gets detected. What is necessary to make the authorities do their jobs?
Kirby says the FCA and the NCA are independent. They do investigate, he says.
Updated
at 1.04pm GMT
1.01pm GMT
13:01
The Lib Dem’s Greg Mulholland asks what will happen if the government secures its aim of turning the UK into a tax haven.
Kirby says that is not the chancellor’s policy.
1.00pm GMT
13:00
Labour’s Catherine McKinnell asks if Kirby accepts that the law on money-laundering needs to be tightened.
Kirby says the Ministry of Justice will have heard what McKinnell said.
12.58pm GMT
12:58
Labour’s Ben Bradshaw asks if any laundered money was donated to the leave campaign or to the Trump campaign.
Kirby says he is not aware of any donations of that kind.
12.58pm GMT
12:58
Philip Hollobone, a Conservative, asks how many money launderers have been sent to prison in the past five years.
Kirby says he does not know, but will write to Hollobone with an answer.
Updated
at 1.01pm GMT
12.56pm GMT
12:56
Jonathan Djanogly, a Conservative, says Russians are allowed into the UK on the assumption they will do nothing wrong.
Kirby says the authorities will address any action that needs to be taken to tackle this problem.
Updated
at 12.58pm GMT