Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Promoting and Protecting the Union

Thursday 16 July 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robin Millar thanked Michael Gove for his commitment to the Union and invited him to meet with MPs from north Wales.
  • Pete Wishart questioned Michael Gove about the rising support for Scottish independence based on recent opinion polls.
  • Pete Wishart cited several reasons for increasing support of Scottish independence, including the impact of Brexit and the performance of the Scottish Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robin Millar Con Aberconwy
Wales
Context

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional support for businesses across the UK, including an £8.9 billion increase through the Barnett formula.

Question

Robin Millar thanked Michael Gove for his commitment to the Union and asked him if he would meet with MPs from north Wales to hear about their ambitions for the region.

Answer from The Prime Minister Michael Gove

Absolutely. From Ynys Môn to Wrexham, there is a team of fantastic Conservative and Unionist Members of Parliament representing the interests of north Wales with vigour and energy. I would be delighted to meet them.

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Q2 Pete Wishart SNP Perthshire North
Scotland
Context

Recent opinion polls suggest growing support for Scottish independence and the SNP.

Question

Pete Wishart questioned why there is now 54% support for Scottish independence among Scottish people, reaching a sustained majority in the past year.

Answer from The Prime Minister Michael Gove

Opinion polls come and go. I am always interested in what opinion polls tell me, but I am rather more interested in real votes cast in real ballot boxes. The last time the people of Scotland were asked if they wanted to remain in the United Kingdom they decided that they did want to by a whopping 10 percentage points.

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Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perthshire North
Scotland
Context

Support for the SNP is at 55% and polls indicate growing support for Scottish independence.

Question

Pete Wishart provided a list of reasons why he believes support for independence is rising, including Brexit imposed by the UK Government, disrespect, condescension, contempt, mistreatment of Parliament, and chaotic leadership. He asked which reason Michael Gove thought was most responsible.

Answer from The Prime Minister Michael Gove

I am very grateful for that multiple-choice question from the hon. Member. It reminds me that when I sat my O-levels and multiple-choice exams when I was a schoolboy in Aberdeen, Scotland's schools were stronger than England's schools. Now, after 10 years of SNP Government, Scotland's schools have fallen behind.

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