Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Campaigner James Starkie and Jonathan Gullis are advocating for mental health nurses in GP surgeries under the “No Time to Wait” pilot scheme developed by the Royal College of Nursing.
People in places such as Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke are not getting the help that they need quickly enough when it comes to mental health. Fellow campaigner James Starkie and I were delighted when the Prime Minister, who was then Chancellor, said he would back our campaign every step of the way to get mental health nurses into GP surgeries. Will the Prime Minister deliver on his promise, back our “No Time to Wait” pilot scheme developed by the Royal College of Nursing and help get people the support that they need?
May I thank my hon. Friend for his continued campaigning on this important issue? I am pleased to tell him that all 1,250 primary care networks in England are entitled to recruit up to two mental health practitioners to work in surgeries. I know that the British Medical Association and the NHS are looking at expanding that, and I look forward to working with him to ensure that his constituents in Stoke get the mental health support and care that they need.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm delivery of the 'No Time to Wait' pilot scheme
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report projects Britain will face the lowest growth among OECD member countries over the next two years.
Congratulations to England and Wales on their start to the World cup, and good luck for the rest of the tournament. The World cup does not belong to FIFA, and it does not belong to the host nation; it belongs to everyone who loves football. It is totally unacceptable that, during this tournament, gay football fans are unable to acknowledge who they love, and players have been threatened with suspension if they show solidarity with those fans. Shame on FIFA. Britain faces the lowest growth of any OECD nation over the next two years. Why?
Since 2010, this country has experienced the third highest growth in the G7; this year, the fastest growth in the G7, and unemployment at a multi-decade low. We are getting on to deliver more growth. We are delivering freeports. We are investing in apprenticeships. We are protecting research and development. If the Labour party is serious about supporting growth, maybe it should get on the phone with its union paymasters and tell them to call off the strikes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why Britain will face the lowest economic growth among OECD nations
Discussed Past Growth Achievements
Blamed Labour For Strikes
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative government is facing criticism for their economic policies that are projected to lead Britain into a prolonged recession.
There is only one party that crashed on the economy and it is sitting there on the Government Benches. And I noticed this, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister will not say why Britain is set to be the first into a recession and the last out, so I will: 12 years of Tory failure, followed by 12 weeks of Tory chaos. For a decade, they let our economy drift aimlessly, before suddenly cutting the parachute ropes and slamming it to the ground. And because of the changes he has made, a typical household will end up with tax increases of £1,400.
Labour had 13 years to address this issue and did nothing. It was a Conservative Government who took action and tightened the rules. The problem with the right hon. and learned Gentleman's idea is that it would end up “costing Britain money”—not my words, but the words of a former Labour shadow Chancellor. Rather than peddling fairy tales and gesture politics, let us tell him what we are doing to deliver for this country: a record increase in the national living wage; protecting millions from energy bills; and protecting the pensioners' triple lock.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explain why Britain will be first into recession and last out
Accused Labour Of Failing To Address Issues
Blamed Previous Labour Policies
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservatives have been criticised for their economic performance, with Keir Starmer pointing out that if they had grown the economy at the same rate as Labour's last term, Britain would now have tens of billions more to spend.
If the Conservatives had grown the economy at the same rate as the last Labour Government, we would have tens of billions of pounds more to spend. It was not a trick question. The answer is that the Prime Minister has not asked non-doms to pay a penny more. He talks about the money. Every year that is £3.6 billion thrown away because he will not make them pay their taxes here. How many extra doctors could Britain afford with that money?
I am pleased that the right hon. and learned Gentleman brought up doctors, because last week we delivered record increases in funding for the NHS—not just more doctors, but more nurses, more scans, more operations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how much extra funding for NHS could be gained by taxing non-dom status
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative government has been criticised for providing substantial tax breaks to non-doms, which is argued by Labour as detrimental to public services like the NHS.
Scrapping the non-dom status would allow us to train 15,000 doctors every year—that is what Labour would do. We can carry on handing out tax breaks to the super-rich, or we can live in a society where people do not have to go private to get a doctor's appointment. It is that simple.
This is the Government who have actually put in place an economic plan that will deliver confidence and stability to our economy. All I have heard from the right hon. and learned Gentleman today is that he has no answers and no substance, because there is no plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how many doctors Britain could train if non-dom status was scrapped
Accused Keir Starmer Of Having No Plan
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Keir Starmer criticizes the government's failure to address economic issues, referencing previous Prime Ministers' inability to support working people.
Every time the Prime Minister opens his mouth, another powerful business voice says that he has not got a plan on growth. He will not follow Labour's plan to scrap non-dom status—instead, we have an NHS staffing crisis. He will not follow Labour's plan to make oil and gas giants pay their fair share—he hammers working people.
The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about leadership. This summer, I stood on my principles and told the country what they needed to hear, even though it was difficult. When he ran for leader, he told his party what it wanted to hear, and even now, he says one thing and does the other.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about economic plans and supporting working people
He Talks About Leadership Instead Of Answering The Specific Issues Mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Russia's barbaric strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have left 10 million people without power, prompting the need to support Ukrainian allies in repairing damage.
Will my right hon. Friend set out what support we will provide to our Ukrainian allies to help them repair the damage and keep their citizens warm this winter?
I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that I spent time discussing that with President Zelensky at the weekend and talking to Ukrainian families about the impact that these awful strikes are having on them. We are providing millions of pounds of immediate support, including generators, shelter and water repairs, as well as 570 mobile power generators donated to power facilities across Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Supreme Court has clarified a point of law, but the Prime Minister's opposition to an independence referendum is now at stake.
Will he at least be honest and confirm that the very idea that the United Kingdom is a voluntary Union of nations is now dead and buried?
Let me start by saying that we respect the clear and definitive ruling of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. I am looking forward to seeing the Moderator of the Church of Scotland tomorrow.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about Scottish independence referendum
Change Of Subject
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's opposition to an independence referendum is now at stake.
What right does a man with no mandate have to deny Scottish democracy?
When it comes to Scottish democracy, I am pleased that the Scottish Government have one of the most powerful devolved assemblies anywhere in the world. Shortly after becoming Prime Minister, I was the first Prime Minister in over a decade to attend the British-Irish Council and sit down with the First Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about Scottish democracy and mandate for referendum
Change Of Subject
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Just Stop Oil has caused chaos and disruption, prompting the need to consider making them a proscribed organisation.
Will the Prime Minister therefore consider making Just Stop Oil a proscribed organisation so that it can be treated as the criminal organisation it is?
The kinds of demonstrations that we have seen recently disrupt people's daily lives, cause mass misery for the public and put people in danger. The police have our full support in their efforts to minimise this disruption and tackle reckless and illegal activity.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about proscribing Just Stop Oil as a criminal organisation
Discusses Disruption Caused By Protests But Does Not Address The Specific Ask
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Vanessa, a constituent of Edward Davey's, has seen her mortgage payments increase by £500 per month. She fears losing her home due to the combined pressure of high energy and food bills.
My constituent Vanessa faces increased mortgage payments by £500 monthly. Along with 25% of UK mortgage holders, she fears losing her home due to rising costs. 'We are out of options and heartbroken,' says Vanessa. Will the Prime Minister introduce a new mortgage protection fund funded by reversing tax cuts for banks? How can he help Vanessa keep her home?
I am deeply sorry about Vanessa's situation. The plan announced last week will help families, tackling inflation, limiting rate increases, and securing economic confidence. Specific assistance includes low-interest loans for benefit recipients to cover up to £250k mortgages. Meetings with mortgage lenders are planned.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about reversing tax cuts for banks or creating a mortgage protection fund
We Have Plans That Will Help Families
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
The Pitching In campaign promotes community sports and volunteer efforts. Top-level football is on a break due to the World Cup.
Will Prime Minister join in thanking volunteers for their work in grassroots sports, especially during this time when top-tier football has paused? He also encourages support for local non-league teams like Atherstone Town, Bedworth United, and Coleshill Town.
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in praising all his local teams. Volunteers play a crucial role in community sport, generating opportunities for participation. Sport accounts for over half of UK volunteering, with each volunteer enabling at least eight more people to participate.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The SNP has won eight elections since 2014, securing more councillors and MPs than any other Scottish party. Each was elected on a mandate for Scottish independence.
With the SNP winning eight elections and having more representatives in Scotland, how can the UK government deny the right to an independence referendum when it goes against the democratic will of the Scottish people?
We respect the Court's decision on the referendum. We aim to work constructively with the Scottish Government, focusing on positive projects like the Ayrshire growth deal investing over £100 million in renewable energy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge or reject Scottish independence referendum rights
We Respect The Court'S Decision But Will Focus On Positive Projects
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has committed to appointing a successor for the ethics adviser role, but threats to integrity may be broader than this position.
Has PM accepted broader threats to ministerial integrity extend beyond the ethics adviser's scope? Will he introduce additional measures as suggested by Transparency International and Spotlight on Corruption?
I thank my hon. Friend for his suggestions. I have committed to appointing an independent adviser on ministerial interests, looking forward to studying additional proposals.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to the five-point integrity plan as requested
Thanking The Mp For His Suggestions But No Concrete Commitment
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has acknowledged the union's existence by consent and democracy, while the Scottish Parliament voted to hold a referendum.
Does PM accept Scottish democracy? If so, how is it compatible with today's Supreme Court ruling that exposes the UK as not being a voluntary Union upheld by consent?
At this time, the Scottish people want Governments to work together. We can do so positively, such as supporting culture and tourism in Dundee through projects like the V&A, demonstrating Union benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address compatibility of court ruling with Scottish democracy
Focus On Positive Project Collaboration
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
UK provides financial support for five firms involved in small modular reactors, while other countries are investing heavily. Sizewell C is not expected to run before 2031.
Should UK increase its investments in SMRs as other nations are doing seriously? As Sizewell will not be operational until at least 2031, what is the Government's plan?
My hon. Friend makes a good point. The Chancellor recently said we want to proceed with our nuclear programme, including SMRs and advanced reactors alongside Hinckley and Sizewell. £385 million has been allocated for support.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Scotland voted against Brexit in the 2014 referendum, but the UK's exit from the EU was imposed on Scotland. The United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 has been criticised for limiting Scottish autonomy.
During the 2014 referendum, we were told that Scotland was an equal partner in a family of nations, yet the disaster that is Brexit was forced on Scotland against our will, and we have seen devolution wound back by legislation such as the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. So if the Prime Minister still claims that the UK is a voluntary Union, can he explain the democratic route by which the people of Scotland get to make a choice over their own future?
The UK is a collaborative and constructive Union that is delivering for the people of Scotland, even in Ayrshire itself, where we are working collaboratively with the Scottish Government to invest in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and space. Those are the types of activities that will bring tangible benefits to the people in the hon. Lady's region, and that is the right focus for the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
The democratic process for Scottish independence was not addressed.
Changed Subject To Economic Benefits
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Arriva stopped the only bus service between Selby and Doncaster, affecting 40 Selby College students. Around 80 other bus services across North Yorkshire are under threat.
As a North Yorkshire MP, my right hon. Friend will know how crucial bus services are to our communities. Last month, Arriva stopped the only bus between Selby and Doncaster, meaning that 40 Selby College students had to find alternative transport at very short notice. Thankfully, the college itself stepped in to resolve the situation. Additionally, across North Yorkshire around 80 other bus services are now under threat. Can my right hon. Friend advise what action he will take to ensure that essential services are not withdrawn at short notice, and to ensure that they continue to be operated across the Selby district and wider North Yorkshire?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. He knows that I share exactly the same challenge in our rural areas of making sure that our constituents have access to the bus services they need. I am pleased that the Chancellor has allocated funding for extra bus services across the country, and I look forward to working with him to ensure that that money finds its way to rural areas such as North Yorkshire to provide the connectivity that is so important for people to have opportunity and get access to public services.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify immediate action to prevent bus service withdrawals, only future funding allocation.
Focus On Future Funding Instead Of Current Issues
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Q19
Partial Answer
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A boat carrying migrants capsized in the Channel, resulting in 32 deaths. The marine accident investigation branch has been criticized for taking too long to investigate.
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Tomorrow marks one year since 32 people lost their lives in the channel. New evidence suggests that the boat reached British waters and that the French and British authorities knew that it was in distress for a very long time. Families are still waiting for answers from the marine accident investigation branch. Why has this investigation taken so long? Will the Prime Minister commit to a full public inquiry afterwards, and does he concede that this would not have happened if there were safe and legal routes into the UK?
Every life that is lost in the channel is a tragedy, but that is why it is so vital that we break the cycle of criminal gangs that are exploiting people and trafficking them, and that is what the Home Secretary is focused on. We have accepted more than 380,000 people over the past few years, because this is a place where people can seek refuge and sanctuary, but we must be able to do that in a sustainable way, and that is why it is right that we tackle illegal migration.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address investigation timeline or public inquiry commitment, focused on tackling illegal immigration.
Shifted Focus To Overall Immigration Policy
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Park home residents are concerned about receiving the £400 energy support as temperatures fall below freezing.
Rising energy bills are a challenge for all of us. My constituents are grateful for the support that has been given by the Government, but with temperatures this week falling below freezing in Lincolnshire, those living in park homes are particularly concerned about when they will receive their support. Can my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister tell me when and how people living in park homes will receive the £400 to which they are entitled?
My hon. Friend has consistently and rightly championed her rural constituents, making sure they get access to the energy support that we are providing. This is something that the Chancellor prioritised in last week's autumn statement, and I will ensure that we get the money out as quickly as possible. My hon. Friend should also be reassured that the cold weather payment system provides extra financial support to those vulnerable constituents when temperatures drop below a certain point.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify exact date for distribution, only general commitment to speed up process.
Mentioned Prioritisation But No Specific Timeline
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Scotland voted against Brexit, austerity measures, and the Conservative party. The SNP seeks Scottish independence through elections.
Did Scotland vote for Brexit? No. Did Scotland vote for austerity? No. Did Scotland vote for the Tories? No. What we did vote for—Don't shout me down— Don't shout me down; I have listened to all of you. What we did vote for, only last year, was the right to choose our own future. With that in mind, and given the previous non-answer by the Prime Minister, can he tell this House—tell us all, in fact—how a nation can leave this so-called voluntary Union?
The challenges we face right now are those that require co-operation between our Governments: tackling the economy and supporting the NHS. I am pleased that last week's autumn statement means that the Scottish Government will receive £1.5 billion in extra funding to deliver for public services in Scotland, and that is what we will continue doing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how Scotland can leave the union through democratic processes, focused on current economic cooperation.
Shifted Focus To Economic Support
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Q22
Partial Answer
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The Supreme Court decision is seen as an opportunity for the SNP to push for Scottish independence.
Scotland is a proud nation with a unique heritage. It is a valued member of our family of nations—a Union of people bound through the generations by shared interests. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this morning's Supreme Court decision gives the Scottish nationalists—the SNP—the opportunity, for once, to put the people of Scotland first and end their obsession with breaking us apart?
My right hon. Friend puts it very well.
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Assessment & feedback
No substantive information provided, only agreement in principle without specifics.
Broad Agreement Without Details
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Q23
Direct Answer
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Context
Inequality in earnings between the UK and France, coupled with higher rates of fuel poverty in Angus MacNeil's constituency compared to Northern Ireland. The £200 energy payment is going to Northern Ireland but not his constituency.
The Prime Minister will not answer, but it is obvious that the route to Scottish independence is now elections, and we know there will be many of them. Inequality has a cost. In France, middle earners earn 20% more than those in the UK, and low earners earn 25% more. This inequality is why the cost of energy and the cost of living are hitting people worse in the UK —incidentally, that is why I am for independence, so that we can choose a better path. In the meantime, in my constituency there are both more off-grid fuel customers and a higher rate of fuel poverty than in Northern Ireland. Will the Prime Minister do the right thing and extend the £200 payment that is going to Northern Ireland to the off-grid customers in my geographically distinct constituency in the Hebrides on the basis of fairness—yes or no?
Last week's autumn statement announced £55 billion to support families and businesses across the United Kingdom with their energy bills. The Chancellor paid particular attention to off-grid customers in rural areas by doubling their support to £200, which will help many people in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and across the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q24
Direct Answer
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Lancashire Day is celebrated to honour Lancashire's contributions and heritage. The event was hosted in Parliament, and Sara Britcliffe seeks recognition from the Prime Minister despite his Yorkshire constituency.
Mr Speaker, I am sure that this weekend we will both be celebrating what we consider to be one of the best days of the year: Lancashire Day. May I thank you personally for hosting the event in Parliament? Will the Prime Minister, although he represents a Yorkshire constituency, join me in welcoming our Lancastrian local leaders and businesses to Parliament today, and will he join us in supporting our proud history and bright future by levelling up what we consider to be the best county?
I offer my best wishes to my hon. Friend, and indeed to you, Mr Speaker, for Lancashire Day. I can put local rivalry aside on this occasion to join my hon. Friend in thanking Lancastrians for their contribution to our country, and I wish her the very best for today's event.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q25
Partial Answer
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A Scottish independence referendum is proposed, raising questions about the balance of power between Scotland and Westminster. The question highlights the importance of hearing from the people in Scotland regarding their future.
What we have heard from the Prime Minister today is, in essence, that no matter how Scotland votes, Westminster will decide, but democracy demands differently. The late Canon Kenyon Wright said: 'What if that other voice we all know so well responds by saying, 'We say no, and we are the state'? Well we say yes—and we are the people.' It is the people in Scotland who have to be heard. This place cannot stand in the way of democracy. If this Prime Minister with no mandate thinks it can, is he seriously telling us that this is a voluntary Union of equals?
We are focused not on the SNP but on the people of Scotland; that is who we are delivering for. I am happy to meet the First Minister, as I continue to do, to deliver for the people of Scotland, including in the hon. Lady's constituency through the growth deal, and also by moving civil service jobs, creating freeports and providing extra funding for public services. This is a Government who will deliver for the people of Scotland, and we will do it constructively and collaboratively.
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Assessment & feedback
the specific recognition of Scottish independence referendum and democratic process
Focused Not On The Snp But On The People Of Scotland
Response accuracy