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Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill [Lords]

The hon. Lady makes a perfectly reasonable and valid point, and I hope that I can clarify the situation. The amendments deal with the theoretical possibility that someone can be required to make representations or appeals against the same evidence in England and Scotland when the restriction that is imposed in both jurisdictions is the same—a bar from regulated activity across the UK. It would be unreasonable to require someone already cleared in one jurisdiction to submit to the process in another jurisdiction. In practice, we do not envisage circumstances arising in which the IBB may wish to overturn a decision by Scottish Ministers not to bar, as the barring criteria applied by the IBB and Scottish Ministers will be closely aligned. Scottish processes are at a less advanced stage than ours, but there will be an opportunity, using the affirmative resolution if necessary, to look at any concerns raised by hon. Members. We are confident, however, that there will be an appropriate level of alignment.