Strength of the Union 2023-07-10
2023-07-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about support for independence in Scotland, particularly after recent opinion polls suggested a decline.
What assessment has been made of the strength of the Union?
The Union and support for the Union is strong, as evidenced by recent opinion polls showing a decline in Scottish independence support from 45% to 37%. The Scottish Parliament has significant powers but fails to use them effectively, particularly regarding education.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific question about assessment of Union strength beyond opinion polls and made a broader critique of Scottish government effectiveness.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous answer noted a decline in support for independence, prompting further inquiry about the baseline comparison of Scottish Parliament powers.
What is the Government's baseline for assessing the power level of the Scottish Parliament?
The Scottish Parliament has significant powers but fails to use them effectively, leading to issues in education and other areas. The Government believes reforms made in England have improved performance in comparison.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked for a baseline comparison of power levels with other parliaments, which was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State previously commented on public health measures backed by strong scientific evidence, prompting a question about the rejection of drug consumption rooms and decriminalisation.
Does the Secretary of State accept that rejecting proposals for drug consumption rooms and decriminalisation undermines the Union?
The Secretary of State does not accept this view, stating that the Scottish Government's proposals are wrong at this time. Drug deaths in Scotland are high, but he believes there is no single answer to this problem.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the issue is serious and complex, the response did not directly address whether rejecting these proposals undermines the Union.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State's rejection of decriminalisation proposals prompted a request for more engagement and cooperation between UK and Scottish Governments.
Will the Secretary of State engage seriously with the Scottish Government and drug campaigners to address drug policy?
The Governments should work together, NHS, law enforcement, and others to tackle the challenge of high drug deaths. However, specific proposals for decriminalisation are not believed to be the best way forward.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the response did not commit to serious engagement as requested.
Response accuracy