Standards Impropriety The Union 2021-12-15
2021-12-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent allegations of impropriety have raised questions about the integrity of government work on strengthening the Union.
What recent assessment has been made of the implications of allegations of standards impropriety for the Department's work on strengthening the Union?
We remain focused on delivering for Scotland within a strong United Kingdom. This can be seen by the scale of our investment, with more than £191 million of UK Government funding being invested directly in community projects across Scotland. This is real devolution in action.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment on implications of allegations not provided
Changed Subject To Investment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Scots have rejected the Tories for decades and recently rejected Brexit. 65% of Scots believe PM is corrupt and should resign, coinciding with a surge in Scottish independence sentiment.
Given that people in Scotland reject the Prime Minister's projects, does corruption in UK Government drive Scots away from Union? Should he join calls for PM's resignation?
I will stick to the question, which is what we are doing to deliver for the people of Scotland. I am delighted to answer that question. With the Union connectivity review, there are huge opportunities to improve transport links between Scotland and rest of UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address corruption or PM's resignation calls
Changed Subject To Investment
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Scandals about PM breaking lockdown rules have led to a loss of moral authority. Scottish Conservative leader could not think of any positive attribute for the PM.
Can Secretary of State think of any positive attribute for Prime Minister? Can he tell me any reason why morally bankrupt PM is not bigger threat than nationalism?
Absolutely, without difficulty. The Prime Minister is a man of optimism, vision, courage, foresight in investing in vaccine development, fastest roll-out in Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
First Minister announced new covid guidance devastating the hospitality trade. Businesses need financial support but UK Government funds are criticised.
Why can't UK and Scottish Governments work together to provide financial support needed by hospitality businesses?
Hon. Gentleman makes serious point about pressure in hospitality across UK, Scotland included. Treasury announced certainty over Scottish Government finances yesterday. They failed to set out measures and costs or explain inability to act alone with record settlement of £41 billion block grant.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific collaboration mechanisms not addressed
Changed Subject To Funding Certainty
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Shadow Secretary of State asked about knowledge of parties in Downing Street. PM's vision is questioned.
Was the Secretary of State invited to any of these parties and did he have knowledge?
Asked at Scottish Affairs Committee last Monday. Answered clearly that no knowledge of the parties, not at any of them.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
PM's vision questioned against majority of Scots being against Brexit and PM, with surge in Scottish independence sentiment.
Does PM's vision go against what majority of Scots voted for? Best chance to save Union and rebuild trust is by resigning?
Right, Mr Speaker. Saying again if we talk about majorities, First Minister failed to get one in May. Less than a third voted for her. Focus on fighting pandemic, then recovery, bringing forward great things like Union connectivity review, freeports and structural funds.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address vision or resignation calls
Changed Subject To Actions
Response accuracy