Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

The Union

Wednesday 28 April 2021 · 9 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister assessed the strength of the Union through successful vaccinations and economic plans.
  • Response to PM campaigning was that his focus remains on recovery, not on independence debates.
  • MP criticized SNP claims of better vaccine management in an independent Scotland, highlighting UK success.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart McDonald SNP
Scotland Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP asked about recent assessments regarding the strength of the Union amid ongoing debates and concerns.

Question

What recent assessment has he made of the strength of the Union, given that Nicola Sturgeon's SNP has been critical?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

We can assess the strength of the Union every day through vaccinations, job protection and economic plans. Surprised by the hon. Gentleman's questioning given Nicola Sturgeon's stance on independence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a recent specific assessment of the Union's strength or address concerns directly with facts or figures.

How: Changed Subject To Snp Criticism

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Q2 Stuart McDonald SNP
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP questioned the reasons behind not allowing the Prime Minister to campaign for the Union.

Question

If confident about the Union, why prevent the PM from campaigning? Are recent controversies like donations or comments preventing it?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

The Prime Minister and I regularly discuss the Union, showcasing his commitment. No mention of controversies affecting his visits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether recent issues are impacting PM's campaign in Scotland.

How: Changed Subject To Regular Discussions

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Q3 Douglas Ross Con
NHS Scotland
Context

The MP praised the UK's vaccine programme's success in Scotland compared to EU.

Question

Agrees that NHS staff, military, volunteers made Scottish vaccinations successful. Criticizes SNP's claims of an independent Scotland managing vaccines better.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Absolutely agrees; highlights UK-wide vaccine procurement programme's success compared to SNP's claims.

Answered
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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP highlighted the need for honesty regarding separation's impact on people's livelihoods, incomes, pensions.

Question

Asks how to inject honesty into debates when SNP avoids critical questions impacting Scots' futures. Mentions think-tanks warning about supercharged austerity post-independence.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Agrees on negative consequences but states no assessment done. Urges focus on recovery, not independence referendum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions to ensure honest and truthful debates regarding separation's impact.

How: Changed Subject To Need For Unity

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Q5 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Democracy & Elections Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP asked about the Prime Minister's apology for a controversial statement and questions regarding refurbishment funding.

Question

Requests an apology on behalf of PM for “let the bodies pile high” comments, asks who funded Downing Street flat. Questions if Government's conduct weakens Union credibility.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Reiterates PM's focus on saving lives during pandemic, criticizes SNP for taking eye off the ball. Does not address refurbishment or apology directly.

Not addressed: Did not provide an apology nor clarify funding issues; changed subject to PM's dedication to saving lives.

How: Changed Subject

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Q6 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP highlighted concerns about hard borders between Scotland and the rest of UK and wanted to remove this threat in upcoming elections.

Question

Asks if voters can remove the threat of a border next week by voting for Scottish Conservative party. Criticizes SNP MSP for suggesting border creation would be beneficial.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Agrees with voter's opportunity to remove SNP majority. Surprised at MSP Emma Harper suggesting border would be job-creating.

Answered
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Q7 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland
Context

Following a week of allegations against the government and prime minister, there is a potential shift in Scottish public opinion towards seeking independence. The next Scottish Government elections could see pro-independence parties gain a majority.

Question

Particularly as we rebuild after covid, we have an opportunity and a need to make radically different economic choices. After a week of troublesome allegations about the Government and the Prime Minister, it should be no surprise that many in Scotland want to take a different, independent path to that of this Government. If that request is reflected in the upcoming Scottish Government elections and a majority of pro-independence MSPs are elected, will the Minister and his Government respect that as a mandate for a second independence referendum?

Answer from Alister Jack

First, let us not take the outcome of the election for granted at this stage. Let us recognise that the focus for Scotland must be on pandemic recovery. We have saved lives through the vaccine procurement, and it is now time to save livelihoods and to rebuild as one United Kingdom.

Not addressed: The question about respecting an election result showing support for another independence referendum was not directly addressed.

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Q8 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland
Context

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives could not answer questions about the democratic path for Scotland to an independence referendum. This has led to confusion and uncertainty regarding the process.

Question

I did not hear an answer to my question there. The leader of the Scottish Conservatives was asked multiple times on recent media, “What would be the democratic path for Scotland to an independence referendum?” He could not answer the question, so can the Minister tell us what the path is?

Answer from Alister Jack

I say to the hon. Lady that in 2014 there was a referendum; it had been many years since the question had been asked, and that was with the consent of both Scotland's Governments and all the main political parties. I am glad to say that in Scotland people shared my opinion in 2014 and consented to continue being members of the UK.

Not addressed: The question about clarifying the democratic path for a future independence referendum was not directly addressed.

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Q9 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The Secretary of State is asked about the Prime Minister's travel plans to Scotland for campaigning ahead of important elections.

Question

There is only one sure-fire way for the Union to be strengthened in the next week and that is to get the Prime Minister to Scotland and on the campaign trail. The Secretary of State surely knows that there will be throngs of happy Scots rejoicing in the Prime Minister's sleaze-free presence, helping the Electoral Commission with its inquiries and sharing anecdotes about bodies piled high on the streets—what could possibly go wrong for the Scottish Tories? Can the Secretary of State and I start working on the itinerary?

Answer from Alister Jack

As the hon. Gentleman well knows, the Prime Minister's diary is not my concern, and he certainly will not be resigning. I come back to the point I made earlier: in all my discussions with him, his passion for strengthening the UK burns very bright indeed.

Not addressed: The question about planning an itinerary for the Prime Minister's visit was not directly addressed.

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