Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Discussions with Scottish Government

Wednesday 20 May 2020 · 8 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister regularly attends cross-Government meetings with devolved Administrations to discuss minimizing the impact of covid-19.
  • The Secretary of State travelled to Parliament for scrutiny despite being able to work from home, citing the importance of proper parliamentary scrutiny.
  • The UK Government has provided funding for five drive-through test centres in Scotland to increase testing capacity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
NHS Scotland
Context

Discussions on the coordination and impact of the UK and Scottish Governments' responses to the covid-19 outbreak.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Alister Jack

I regularly attend cross-Government meetings, which include the devolved Administrations, to discuss how to minimise the impact of covid-19. There is a high level of co-operation between all Administrations and there will continue to be. We are committed to a UK-wide approach, as we have been from the start.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on recent discussions or outcomes of those meetings were not provided

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Q2 Allan Dorans
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

A debate about the justification for traveling to Westminster during lockdown and adherence to public health guidelines.

Question

What justification does the Secretary of State have for ignoring Scottish Government guidelines to stay home by undertaking a 700-mile round trip when he could work from home virtually? What message does this send, and will he self-isolate on return?

Answer from Alister Jack

Members of Parliament are key workers. As a Cabinet Minister, it is right to be here in the Chamber for scrutiny. I travelled safely on a train over the weekend. I will isolate upon return solely due to family obligations. Proper scrutiny of Parliament must continue.

Not addressed: Did not address why he disregarded public health guidance and only partially addressed self-isolation protocols

How: Changed Subject, Repeated The Importance Of Parliamentary Scrutiny

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Q3 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Discussion on the impact of prematurely ending virtual work practices in Parliament which could disregard public health guidance and increase community infections.

Question

In light of previous confusion regarding lockdown exit strategies, will the Secretary of State accept that ending modern working methods disregards Scotland's clear public health guidance, increasing infection risks?

Answer from Alister Jack

I have given a response. The 'stay alert' message is that people should stay at home and work from home if possible. Proper scrutiny of Parliament must continue on both virtual and covid-safe bases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address whether the UK Government will adhere to Scotland's public health guidance

How: Repeated The Importance Of Parliamentary Scrutiny

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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
NHS Scotland
Context

An inquiry into a February outbreak at an international Nike conference in Edinburgh, questioning the Scottish Government's decision not to inform the public despite contrary legislation.

Question

Was the UK Government informed of the February outbreak? Why was the public not told when disinfecting and closures followed? How many lives could have been saved?

Answer from Alister Jack

Maximum transparency is important. The Scottish Government informed Public Health England of one case on 2 March and two further cases on 4 March. Chief medical officers agreed that each Administration would announce their own cases and handle it accordingly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address why the public was not told or the impact on potential lives saved

How: Praise For Predecessor, Repeated Importance Of Transparency

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Q5 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
NHS Scotland
Context

The UK Government's failure to hit testing targets is affecting Scotland, which has a low testing rate. The questioner seeks increased capacity and system improvements for effective mass testing.

Question

In advance of a vaccine, the only way to ease lockdown measures is to test, trace, track and isolate. Given that the UK Government fail to meet their daily target and Scotland's rates are among the worst in the world, we need both Governments to collaborate on increasing testing capacity everywhere. What work is going on across Governments to ensure not only increased testing but also an effective system for testing and retesting the majority of the population, especially in care homes?

Answer from Alister Jack

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point about the need for increased testing. In Scotland, there is daily testing capacity of 12,000 tests but only 4,559 were used on Monday. The UK Government has funded five operating drive-through test centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence operates 30 pop-up units across Scotland at the Scottish Government's behest.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about collaboration with Scotland for system improvements was not addressed in detail

How: He Did Acknowledge Issues But Did Not Provide Specifics On Collaborative Efforts

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Q6 Mhairi Black SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

England has eased lockdown measures earlier than the other UK nations, raising concerns about access to the furlough scheme for those still under stricter restrictions. The questioner seeks assurances on continuing scheme availability.

Question

Can the Secretary of State give assurances that citizens in devolved nations will have continued access to the UK-wide furlough scheme despite earlier easing of lockdown measures by England?

Answer from Alister Jack

This is a matter for the Chancellor. The UK Government have given huge support through various measures such as the furlough scheme, self-employed scheme, bounce-back loans and coronavirus business interruption loan scheme to keep money in people's pockets and save livelihoods.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about assurances was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement was provided

How: Deflection Towards The Chancellor

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Q7 Mhairi Black SNP
Economy Scotland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The questioner challenges the UK Government's insistence on a uniform policy approach, seeking assurances that the voice of Scots will be heard regarding fiscal powers necessary for a Scottish furlough scheme.

Question

If this Parliament insists on following England's way or no way without leeway for devolved nations, will the Secretary of State lobby the Prime Minister to devolve fiscal powers so Scotland can implement its own furlough scheme?

Answer from Alister Jack

This is not the time to open up the Scottish fiscal framework. The UK Government has provided substantial support through measures like the furlough scheme, self-employed scheme, bounce-back loans and coronavirus business interruption loan scheme. There will be an extension from 1 August running to 31 October.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about advocating for fiscal powers was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement on support measures was provided

How: Deflection Towards Existing Support Measures

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Q8 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Secretary of State is at Westminster while virtual proceedings are discussed to be suspended, causing concern among Scottish MPs about continued representation and ability to work from home.

Question

Why are the Government ending virtual proceedings today when they ask people not to travel unnecessarily? As Scotland's representative in Government, what is he doing to ensure that Scots' voices continue to be heard in the House of Commons on behalf of constituents?

Answer from Alister Jack

Discussions between Whips Office and House authorities are ongoing. We should lead by example if we ask schools to reopen and the public to return to work, but it must be done in a covid-safe environment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about representation was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement on safety precautions was provided

How: Deflection Towards Ongoing Discussions

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