Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Thursday 27 October 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to strengthening the UK union through collaborative efforts.
  • Questions raised about the impact of the Government's approach to the Sewel convention on union stability.
  • Discussion on the importance of cross-border transport links for uniting different parts of the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Economy Democracy & Elections Energy
Context

The question addresses steps to strengthen the relationship between different parts of the United Kingdom.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to strengthen the Union. I am concerned about the measures being taken by my department to ensure that all parts of the UK are working together and strengthening our union.

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

This Government are committed to delivering for citizens across the UK, whether it is protecting households against rising energy prices or stimulating growth through the creation of freeports. When we act as one United Kingdom, we are safer, stronger and more prosperous, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with the devolved Governments on the collective challenges ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for specific steps taken by the department, but the answer provided general statements of commitment without concrete actions or initiatives.

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Q2 Giles Watling Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question discusses the importance of maintaining a strong Union, referencing historical events like Waterloo and Normandy.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for his answer, and it is good to see my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the team on the Front Bench. I have been fortunate enough to work in all four corners of this great Union—and Cornwall; my hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and Newquay (Steve Double) is no longer in his place. We have fought shoulder to shoulder for freedom and democracy all over the world, not least at Waterloo and the landing beaches of Normandy. Does my hon. Friend agree that it would be foolish to let this great and successful Union fall apart on a whim, with the aid of the likes of Mel Gibson? Should there not be a legislated timeframe—say, 25 years—before another referendum can be held?

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent and, as always, good-humoured point. People across Scotland want both their Governments to be working together and focusing their attention and resources on the issues that matter to them, not talking about yet another independence referendum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a specific time frame before another referendum can take place, but the answer focused on collaboration between governments without addressing the timing of referendums.

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Q3 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Transport
Context

The question concerns the extension of cross-border rail connections to strengthen ties between regions in the UK.

Question

I am delighted to see the Ministers in their places. Cross-border transport links are essential for strengthening the Union and connecting people across the United Kingdom. Yesterday I had a positive and productive meeting with the Ministers at the Scotland Office to see how we can push forward the extension of the Borders railway. Campaigners hope that the UK Government will soon give the green light to the next steps of the plan and consider extending the railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle. Can the Minister confirm that the Government are committed to moving that project forward as soon as possible?

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

I know that my hon. Friend has been a great champion on this issue. I can confirm that the Department for Transport has been working closely with Transport Scotland and the Borderlands Partnership on development of the evidence behind a possible extension of the Borderlands railway, following commitments made in the Borderlands inclusive growth deal. The DFT will continue to work closely with all parties and is considering the next steps.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner requested confirmation of moving forward with the project, but the answer provided ongoing engagement without a specific timeline or commitment.

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Q4 Patrick Grady SNP
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question highlights concerns over the government's handling of the Sewel convention, which relates to devolved powers in Scotland.

Question

I wonder how the Minister thinks the Government's repeated and increasingly blatant disregard for the Sewel convention helps to strengthen the Union. The Sewel Convention is important as it provides a framework within which the UK Parliament can take legislative action in areas of devolved competence.

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

Again, I refer the hon. Member to my earlier answers. If he would like to meet me, I am more than happy to discuss the issue with him at greater length.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for an explanation of how government actions impact the Sewel convention, but the answer avoided addressing this by suggesting a meeting instead.

How: Suggesting A Meeting

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