Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trust in the UK Government

Wednesday 16 November 2022 · 5 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

  • Allan Dorans asked about trends in trust in the UK Government in Scotland; no assessment plans exist.
  • Richard Thomson inquired about reasons for low trust in UK Government among Scottish people; response cited integrity and professionalism.
  • Liz Twist questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to integrity given various controversies; response highlighted the UK Government's 41 billion budget for Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Allan Dorans
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the declining trust levels of the Scottish population towards the UK Government compared to the SNP.

Question

I am concerned about trends in the level of trust in the UK Government in Scotland. If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of these trends.

Answer from John Lamont

There are no current plans to do so. However, I hope that Members opposite share my concerns at the use of inaccurate or misleading statistics covering energy and health by the SNP Government in Edinburgh.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide any assessment on trust levels as requested but instead criticized the opposition for using inaccurate data.

How: Criticizing The Opposition

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Q2 Richard Thomson
Scotland
Context

The question is prompted by survey data showing a significant gap between public trust in the UK and Scottish Governments, particularly regarding issues such as NHS satisfaction.

Question

This year's social attitudes survey has revealed that 66% of people trust the Scottish Government to work in Scotland's interests compared to only 22% who trust the UK Government. Does the Minister have any useful insights into why the people of Scotland might feel this way?

Answer from John Lamont

We will act with integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of government. The SNP-run NHS in Scotland is facing a 66% dissatisfaction rate over the past year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide an explanation for the reasons behind low trust levels towards UK Government among Scottish residents but instead focused on criticising the health services run by SNP.

How: Criticizing The Opposition

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Q3 Allan Dorans
Economy Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question is prompted by criticism of recent actions taken by the UK Government such as appointing former Prime Ministers to the Lords and their perceived impact on public trust.

Question

Allowing former PMs to fill the Lords with friends, funneling funds to cronies during a pandemic, crashing the economy—does this contribute to low trust levels in Scotland?

Answer from John Lamont

I struggled to hear parts of that, but people can always trust this United Kingdom Government to be upfront and honest unlike SNP who refuse to come clean about referendum economic impact.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific actions questioned or their effect on public trust but instead attacked the SNP for not addressing the cost of a second independence referendum.

How: Attacking Opposition

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Q4 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the respect for democratic processes, particularly regarding appointments to the House of Lords.

Question

I say to the Minister that his Government will never regain trust as long as they disrespect the democracy of our Parliament. Has the soon-to-be Baron Jack made representations to secure safe seats in the House of Lords?

Answer from John Lamont

I struggled to hear the end but we respect 2014 referendum result and I encourage hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire to do the same.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether representations were made regarding appointments to the House of Lords or discuss democratic processes.

How: Attacking Opposition

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Q5 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question is prompted by recent issues surrounding integrity within the government, including resignations, appointments to the Lords, and allegations of bullying.

Question

When anointed PM said he would put integrity first. Since then, one Minister has had to resign over threats; Home Secretary clings on after resignation; old mates appointed; Deputy PM outed as bully. Does this speak to integrity at heart of Government?

Answer from John Lamont

The Prime Minister has been clear about putting integrity first in his Government. People can trust this United Kingdom Government to deliver for Scotland, with £41 billion budget for Scottish Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific allegations of lack of integrity but instead emphasized positive actions and commitments made by the government.

How: Promising Future Action

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