Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Devolved Administrations: Relations with UK Government

Monday 25 October 2021 · 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The chief of staff to the former Prime Minister stated that support for Scottish independence increased under Boris Johnson's tenure.
  • The Secretary of State committed to working with the Welsh Government to ensure at least one new freeport in Wales.
  • The Secretary of State meets weekly with First Ministers from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to discuss partnership and cooperation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steven Bonnar
Scotland Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questions the effectiveness of the UK Government's relationship with the devolved administrations, particularly in light of recent statements about Scottish independence and Brexit policy.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Government's relations with the devolved Administrations? The chief of staff to the former Prime Minister stated that support for Scottish independence rose from the moment Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, driven mainly by opposition to the UK's Brexit policy and perceived handling of the pandemic.

Answer from Michael Gove

Scotland's democratic destiny was asserted in the 2014 referendum when a majority voted to remain in the UK. The strength of the UK is visible daily, with Glasgow hosting COP26 and benefiting from a billion-pound-a-year Union dividend.

Not addressed: Specifically avoided addressing why dismissing Scotland's democratic rights will strengthen the Union.

How: Changed Subject To Cop26

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Steven Bonnar
Wales Brexit
Context

The MP asks about the commitment to establish at least one freeport in Wales, referencing her role as chair of the Anglesey freeport bidding consortium.

Question

This Government are committed to at least one new freeport in Wales. Can the Secretary of State reassure my Ynys Môn constituents that he is working with the Welsh Government to ensure that there is at least one new freeport in Wales?

Answer from Michael Gove

Freeports are an advantage for UK coastal communities as a result of Brexit. Investment will be made available to every part of the United Kingdom, and the Secretary is looking forward to working with partners in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete reassurance or timeline for establishing freeports in Wales.

How: Vague Commitment To Collaboration

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Scotland
Context

The MP questions the role of devolved governments in trade deals, carbon capture projects, and the UK Internal Market Act.

Question

In what ways does bypassing devolved Parliaments show that this Union is a partnership of equals? Devolved Governments are not involved in trade deals; Scotland is shut out of carbon capture storage; and the UKIMA undermines the last two decades of the devolution settlement.

Answer from Michael Gove

I meet weekly with First Ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Those meetings are like festivals of cordiality, showing that UK Government is friends and partners to Scotland.

Not addressed: Did not address how bypassing devolved Parliaments demonstrates partnership equality.

How: Emphasized Friendship And Meetings With First Ministers

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email