Union in Scotland Public Opinion Polling 2021-07-08
2021-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a ruling by the first-tier tribunal on information rights that requires the Cabinet Office to release polling data related to public attitudes towards the Union in Scotland.
What public opinion polling his Department has collected since 2017 on attitudes to the Union in Scotland?
The Government regularly commission research across the United Kingdom to understand public attitudes in order to inform and help to deliver relevant policies, and to ensure that we have strong, UK-wide, cross-Government communications campaigns.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific polling information or data requested
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A first-tier tribunal ruling has ordered the Cabinet Office to release information on public opinion polling related to the Union in Scotland.
Will the Minister confirm that he will be releasing the information as per the tribunal's order, and provide details of how much it cost?
We are reviewing how we can comply with the first-tier tribunal's judgment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or provide details about releasing the information as ordered
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The right hon. Member for Forest of Dean suggested that the government might hide negative information, prompting a question about the Department's reasons for resisting the release of public opinion polling data.
Does the Minister agree with the statement from his colleague that the Government hides bad news? If not, why is there resistance to releasing this data?
In my current role I am all in favour of transparency. The public opinion polls show support for independence is declining and support for the United Kingdom is increasing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether there was a tendency to hide bad news or provide reasons for resisting data release
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The High Court ruled that the Minister for the Cabinet Office acted with apparent bias in awarding contracts to Public First, a company previously advising him, Prime Minister, and Dominic Cummings.
How can the Minister justify siphoning off many tens of thousands of pounds from covid recovery work to fund this political research?
I did not award the contract. The Scottish Government have received more than £180 million from the UK Government in covid recovery funds, which they have yet to publish accounts on how it is being spent.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not justify siphoning off funds for political research as requested
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows a ruling by the High Court that found the Minister acted with apparent bias when awarding contracts to Public First without competitive tender.
Given the rise in support for independence and decline of Union, is it suspicious that the contract was awarded to Public First without competition?
A bottomless Unionist slush fund does not exist. The contract was not awarded by me and I did not act with any actual or apparent bias, as found by Lady Justice O'Farrell.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether the awarding of contracts without competition is suspicious
Changed Subject
Response accuracy