Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Standards Impropriety: The Union

Wednesday 15 December 2021 · 6 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We remain focused on delivering for Scotland within a strong United Kingdom, with over 191 million of UK Government funding invested directly in community projects across Scotland.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted the opportunities presented by the Union connectivity review to improve transport links between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
  • The Prime Minister is described as a man of optimism, vision, courage, and foresight, particularly in investing in vaccine development, resulting in the fastest roll-out in Europe.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steven Bonnar
Scotland Standards & Ethics
Context

Recent allegations of impropriety have raised questions about the integrity of government work on strengthening the Union.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the implications of allegations of standards impropriety for the Department's work on strengthening the Union?

Answer from Alister Jack

We remain focused on delivering for Scotland within a strong United Kingdom. This can be seen by the scale of our investment, with more than £191 million of UK Government funding being invested directly in community projects across Scotland. This is real devolution in action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment on implications of allegations not provided

How: Changed Subject To Investment

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Q2 Steven Bonnar
Scotland
Context

Scots have rejected the Tories for decades and recently rejected Brexit. 65% of Scots believe PM is corrupt and should resign, coinciding with a surge in Scottish independence sentiment.

Question

Given that people in Scotland reject the Prime Minister's projects, does corruption in UK Government drive Scots away from Union? Should he join calls for PM's resignation?

Answer from Alister Jack

I will stick to the question, which is what we are doing to deliver for the people of Scotland. I am delighted to answer that question. With the Union connectivity review, there are huge opportunities to improve transport links between Scotland and rest of UK.

Not addressed: Did not address corruption or PM's resignation calls

How: Changed Subject To Investment

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Q3 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Context

Scandals about PM breaking lockdown rules have led to a loss of moral authority. Scottish Conservative leader could not think of any positive attribute for the PM.

Question

Can Secretary of State think of any positive attribute for Prime Minister? Can he tell me any reason why morally bankrupt PM is not bigger threat than nationalism?

Answer from Alister Jack

Absolutely, without difficulty. The Prime Minister is a man of optimism, vision, courage, foresight in investing in vaccine development, fastest roll-out in Europe.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Scotland Business & Trade Local Government
Context

First Minister announced new covid guidance devastating the hospitality trade. Businesses need financial support but UK Government funds are criticised.

Question

Why can't UK and Scottish Governments work together to provide financial support needed by hospitality businesses?

Answer from Alister Jack

Hon. Gentleman makes serious point about pressure in hospitality across UK, Scotland included. Treasury announced certainty over Scottish Government finances yesterday. They failed to set out measures and costs or explain inability to act alone with record settlement of £41 billion block grant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific collaboration mechanisms not addressed

How: Changed Subject To Funding Certainty

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Q5 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland Standards & Ethics
Context

Shadow Secretary of State asked about knowledge of parties in Downing Street. PM's vision is questioned.

Question

Was the Secretary of State invited to any of these parties and did he have knowledge?

Answer from Alister Jack

Asked at Scottish Affairs Committee last Monday. Answered clearly that no knowledge of the parties, not at any of them.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q6 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland
Context

PM's vision questioned against majority of Scots being against Brexit and PM, with surge in Scottish independence sentiment.

Question

Does PM's vision go against what majority of Scots voted for? Best chance to save Union and rebuild trust is by resigning?

Answer from Alister Jack

Right, Mr Speaker. Saying again if we talk about majorities, First Minister failed to get one in May. Less than a third voted for her. Focus on fighting pandemic, then recovery, bringing forward great things like Union connectivity review, freeports and structural funds.

Not addressed: Did not address vision or resignation calls

How: Changed Subject To Actions

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