Strength of the Union 2023-09-13
2023-09-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific context or event is mentioned, but it relates to general discussions about UK unity.
What recent assessment has been made of the strength of the Union?
I believe that support for the Union is strong. The United Kingdom is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world, and the foundation on which all our businesses and citizens are able to thrive. When we work collaboratively, we are safer, stronger and more prosperous.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the SNP for prioritising independence over addressing issues like NHS, ferries, and economy in Scotland.
While the SNP's First Minister whips up grievance politics at independence rallies, Scotland's NHS goes backwards, Scotland's ferries do not work and Scotland's economy stagnates. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is about time that the SNP stopped obsessing about another independence referendum, and started delivering for the people of Scotland?
I agree with my hon. Friend, and I could not have put it better myself.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issues mentioned (NHS performance, ferry services, economic stagnation) are not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP contrasts budget surpluses in independent nations like Norway and Ireland with Scotland's inability to construct hospitals on islands under current governance.
Is the truth of the Union not that while we see independent Norway and independent Ireland in budget surplus—independent Ireland with a surplus this year of €10 billion, rising to €23 billion in the next three years—the Scottish Government cannot build small hospitals on small Scottish islands? Is the answer not for Scotland to remove the Westminster handcuffs and to get the independence and budget surpluses of Norway and Ireland, so that we can move forward and move away from the Brexit of the Tories and the Labour party?
They always say independence will sort the problems. Scotland is not building hospitals on the islands because the Scottish Government are squandering the most generous settlement they have had since devolution began.
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Assessment & feedback
The budget surpluses and hospital construction issues are not directly addressed.
Response accuracy