Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Increasing Devolution Across the UK

Monday 24 January 2022 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Philippa Whitford inquired about plans to increase devolution across the UK, noting concerns that the levelling-up fund could undermine devolved powers.
  • The Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of collaboration with devolved governments on funding and other issues despite differing views on governance.
  • Virginia Crosbie sought updates on discussions with the Welsh Government regarding freeports and the anticipated publication of the prospectus.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philippa Whitford SNP
Scotland Wales
Context

The levelling-up fund has been perceived to bypass devolved governments, and concerns exist over the United Kingdom Internal Market Act's potential to override decisions made by Scottish and Welsh parliaments.

Question

What plans his Department has to increase devolution across the UK. Unfortunately, the levelling-up fund is already being used to bypass the devolved Governments, and the UKIM Act 2020 could enable UK Ministers to overrule the decisions of the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. Does he not recognise that riding roughshod over devolution will force people in Scotland and Wales to choose between direct rule by Westminster or independence?

Answer from Michael Gove

I appreciate the point made but note that several Scottish constituencies received funds through the levelling-up fund, with support from SNP MPs and councils. We work collaboratively with the Scottish Government to advance shared interests despite differing views on constitutional issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about bypassing devolved governments was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Philippa Whitford SNP
Scotland Wales
Context

The levelling-up fund has been used in ways that some perceive as undermining the autonomy of devolved administrations, raising concerns about the UK Internal Market Act's implications for governance.

Question

Does he not recognise that riding roughshod over devolution will force people in Scotland and Wales to choose between direct rule by Westminster or independence?

Answer from Michael Gove

I acknowledge that there is a point made but want to highlight successful collaborations with both Scottish and Welsh Governments on funding allocations, noting that we can work together despite differing views on governance structures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The direct question about constitutional choices was not explicitly answered.

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Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Wales Business & Trade
Context

Freeports are being seen as a mechanism for levelling up across the UK, with specific interest in their implementation within Welsh regions.

Question

Can the Secretary of State update on ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government about freeports, including when we can expect the prospectus to be published?

Answer from Michael Gove

We have had productive discussions with both Scottish and Welsh Governments on freeports. We hope to make an announcement soon about the Welsh freeport process, currently envisaging one freeport but recognising potential for more in future.

Answered
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Q4 Patricia Gibson SNP
Scotland
Context

The Secretary of State's comments about Scottish Conservatives have led to calls for the Prime Minister's resignation, raising questions about his ability to increase devolution while facing such criticisms.

Question

With Tory leaders in Scotland calling for the PM's resignation due to perceived insults and criticism by the Secretary of State and others, how can he increase devolution when Scots believe he is harming the Union?

Answer from Michael Gove

I did not realise saying someone was from Elgin would be seen as an insult; I view it as a compliment. Regardless, the focus remains on advancing collaborative work despite political disagreements.

Not addressed: The specific question about increasing devolution while facing leadership challenges was sidestepped by addressing a previous comment about Elgin.

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