Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life

Wednesday 6 March 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Cat Smith asked the Secretary of State for Scotland about the potential implications of allegations of impropriety for his Department's work on strengthening the Union.
  • The Secretary of State agreed with Cat Smith that SNP MPs should engage in Westminster.
  • David Davis inquired about the cover-up of interference in the complaints process against the First Minister of Scotland, suggesting that the right hon. Friend should write to the Cabinet Secretary for clarification.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Scotland Democracy & Elections
Context

The question arises from concerns about allegations of impropriety in public life and their impact on efforts to strengthen the Union.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential implications of allegations of impropriety in public life for his Department's work on strengthening the Union?

Answer from Alister Jack

Our Union is strong. Yes, it is. Scotland's contribution to our United Kingdom is beyond doubt, and this Government's commitment to Scotland is without question. From freeports and investment zones to the record block grant and £1.5 billion for the 12 city and region growth deals, we deliver for Scotland.

Not addressed: The potential implications of allegations of impropriety on strengthening the Union were not addressed.

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Concerns about the engagement level of SNP MPs in Westminster, particularly regarding statements from their deputy leader suggesting non-engagement if they win seats at the next election.

Question

SNP MPs have been disengaged from Westminster for years. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is a disgrace that its deputy leader has said that its MPs will not engage should the party win seats at the next general election? Does he also agree that Members elected to this House should turn up and do their job?

Answer from Alister Jack

I agree with the hon. Lady.

Not addressed: The specific engagement issues and their implications were not addressed beyond a brief agreement.

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Q3 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Scotland
Context

Concern about ongoing interference in the complaints process against the First Minister of Scotland, despite previous debates and rulings.

Question

Three years ago, on 16 March 2021, we had a debate in this House on precisely the subject of this question. At the time, I was concerned that Nicola Sturgeon's Government were covering up interference in the complaints process against the First Minister. Since then, in defiance of the Information Commissioner and of a court order, they have continued to cover up. Will the Cabinet Secretary look at whether the ministerial code and the civil service code have been broken?

Answer from Alister Jack

My right hon. Friend should write to the Cabinet Secretary and ask him to do that very thing.

Not addressed: The specific request for an investigation was not directly addressed, only suggested.

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