Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Wednesday 11 November 2020 · 7 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government highlights the importance of the Union, emphasizing economic support and resource sharing during the COVID crisis to support jobs and businesses throughout Scotland.
  • The UK Government stresses the need for improved transport links across the United Kingdom, noting the Scottish Government's failure to engage in a review into quality transport links.
  • The Minister expresses willingness to commemorate Scottish servicemen who fought for the freedom of the United Kingdom and the world, and to thank current servicemen and women for their efforts against the virus.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Grundy
Economy Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

No specific background event, but concern about overall Union strength.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to strengthen the Union?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

The UK Government have always stressed the importance of the Union. The economic strength and sharing of resources during the covid crisis supported jobs and businesses throughout Scotland, which will help rebuild the economy following the crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures or steps were mentioned to strengthen the Union.

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Q2 Ben Everitt
Transport Scotland
Context

The Prime Minister's review into boosting transport links across the country.

Question

Does he agree that this review into quality transport links will go a long way to levelling up economic opportunity wherever we are in the UK?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

The Scottish Government's failure to engage in Sir Peter Hendy's review is letting down people who would benefit from improved transport links, highlighting the importance of improving transport links across the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No confirmation or agreement on whether the review will level up economic opportunities.

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Q3 Caroline Ansell Con
Defence Scotland
Context

Servicemen from Scottish regiments who fought for freedom and current servicemen fighting against the virus.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in commemorating all those Scottish servicemen who fought in the British Army for the freedom of the United Kingdom and the world, and thanking servicemen and women today in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

He is happy to join in commemorating all those who laid down their lives in defence of the country, and will thank today's servicemen and women engaged in fighting against the virus.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Simon Jupp
Context

The importance of UK-wide efforts to defeat the virus, including furlough and £8.2 billion funding.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK Government's efforts during the pandemic show we are stronger together?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Absolutely, yes, he agrees with the sentiment that the UK Government's efforts during the pandemic show we are stronger together.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 James Grundy
Transport Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Strengthening economic ties and promoting business opportunities between Scottish and English communities.

Question

What measures is the Department taking to strengthen economic ties and promote business opportunities?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

The Union connectivity review and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will both promote economic ties and improve transport links between Scottish and English communities.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q6 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

High support for Scottish independence despite Government's efforts to strengthen the Union.

Question

What is the difference between denying a majority in the Trump White House and denying a majority in the Scotland Office?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

He respects democracy, acknowledging that it was once-in-a-generation in 2014. He believes in respecting the outcome and avoiding repeated referendums which are divisive and bad for jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear definition of the difference between denying majorities.

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Q7 Philippa Whitford SNP
Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

Prime Minister's description of the general election as once-in-a-generation and denying a majority for Scotland.

Question

Does he think that forcing hard Brexit on Scotland against its will and denying democratic choice is good?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

He respects democracy, acknowledging it was once-in-a-generation in 2014 and believes avoiding repeated referendums is good as they are divisive and bad for jobs. He sees no need to deny democratic choice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific answer on whether denying Scottish people's democratic choice is beneficial or not.

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