House of Commons · Ministers' Questions
Thursday 1 October 2020 · 6 questions
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
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Recent policy divergence between UK and Scottish Governments has raised questions about the Union's strength.
Question
What assessment have you made of the implications for the strength of the Union given recent differences in UK and Scottish Government policy on international law?
Answer from Michael Gove
Our Union is strong.
Not addressed: Specific assessment of implications not provided
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The Cabinet Office delayed responses to written questions about opinion polling on the Union.
Question
Given that the Cabinet Office refused to answer my written questions within agreed timescales, will you confirm if your Department undertakes opinion polling into public attitudes towards the Union and commit to putting taxpayer-funded research in the public domain?
Answer from Michael Gove
First, I apologise for any delay in answering your written questions. Research reveals that people believe Governments should work together on issues like covid-19 and the good co-operation with the Scottish Government will continue.
Not addressed: Specific commitment to release research not provided
How: We Do Undertake Research But Did Not Specify Release Timeline Or Current Status
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
There are concerns about public polling showing increased support for Scottish independence.
Question
How much money from UK taxpayers is being spent on private polling by the Chancellor? Given that polls show increasing support for Scottish independence, is it correct to say that support for the Union is weak?
Answer from Michael Gove
One benefit of leaving EU is control over territorial waters. Research shows leaving EU will create jobs in north-east Scotland, proving a Brexit boost for the region. No opinion polling needed to confirm this fact.
Not addressed: Did not address spending details or current Union support levels
How: Shifted Focus To Benefits Of Leaving Eu
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
A Bill allowing the UK Government to overrule the Scottish Government has been approved, raising questions about respect for law and Scotland.
Question
This House approved a Bill that allows the UK Government to overrule the Scottish Government. Given this, can you highlight one silver lining and thank me for contributing towards Scotland's independence?
Answer from Michael Gove
The Scottish Parliament will receive additional powers due to leaving EU, proving devolution works. People should take pride in being both Scottish and British without having to choose.
Not addressed: Did not acknowledge any silver lining or contribution to independence cause
How: Emphasised Benefits Of Devolution And Leaving Eu
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
Support for Scottish independence is at a record high of 55%.
Question
If the Union is so strong, as you claim, can you explain why support for Scottish independence is at a record high of 55%, sustained all year?
Answer from Michael Gove
Support for UK across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in England, is strong. The UK Treasury's financial support helps ensure borrowing and investment for welfare, furlough scheme, Eat Out to Help Out, and hydrogen technology investments in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Not addressed: Did not directly address high support levels for independence
How: Emphasised Financial Support From Uk Treasury
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
Speculative reasons given for high support for Scottish independence.
Question
You do not produce your own opinion polls or believe actual opinion polls, so maybe I will give you a few suggestions as to why support for Scottish independence is so high: power grab; attacks on democracy; contempt for the country; constantly saying no to majority in Scotland; taking out of EU against will; Prime Minister.
Answer from Michael Gove
There is no power grab, but there is a power surge as the Scottish Parliament receives additional powers due to leaving EU. Despite claims of contempt, Scotland has seen improved productivity, employment, health service. Failures in education, ferries procurement, and hospital investment are blamed on Scottish Government.
Not addressed: Did not agree or disagree with reasons given for high support
How: Rebutted Several Suggested Reasons But Did Not Address All
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
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