Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Independence Referendum

Wednesday 22 October 2025 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scottish Government received a 5.2 billion settlement from the UK government, the largest in 25 years of devolution.
  • Jack Rankin questioned the Secretary of State about steps to prevent more taxpa, praising the UK's unity.
  • Brendan O'Hara welcomed the Secretary of State to his position, noting that not everyone approves of the appointment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Scotland
Context

The Conservative MP expressed concern over the SNP's pursuit of a Scottish independence referendum, highlighting perceived wastage of taxpayer funds.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his unequivocal rejection of separatism. He will always find on the Conservative side fellow colleagues who treasure this United Kingdom and want to shout about the most successful alliance in political history. What specific steps can he take to prevent more taxpayers’ cash being squandered as the SNP pursues its doomed dream?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland made clear, we have committed £5.2 billion to the Scottish Government this year—the largest settlement in the 25 years of devolution. There is a very basic question that we Scots are asking: “Where’s the money gone, John?” The reality is that our services are getting worse, not better, and we see industrial-level waste from the SNP. That is why it is time for a new direction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps to prevent taxpayer funds being wasted but defended government spending and criticised SNP

How: Changed Subject, Defended Uk Labour Record

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Q2 Brendan O’Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Scotland
Context

The SNP MP welcomed the Secretary of State to his position but mocked Labour's support for him, noting Labour's declining popularity in polls.

Question

I, too, welcome the Secretary of State to his place, although it seems that his appointment has not been universally welcomed. Indeed, I hear that the Daily Record, having asked his Labour colleagues for their opinion, feared an asterisk shortage. One particularly caustic comrade said: 'If I had a pound for everyone who liked Douglas, I would have 50p.' But rest assured, Mr Speaker, his appointment was welcomed with open arms on the SNP Benches, and I have to admit to having a grudging admiration for him as someone who cares not about the opinion of other people.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

Well, Mr Speaker, the quality of the SNP’s contributions does not seem to have improved since 2007, and neither has its arguments. In the face of failing schools and hospitals, and the inability to build ferries in the hon. Gentleman’s own constituency, what do we see? Once again, dreary documents about independence. The reality is that the SNP has let Scotland down, and Scotland deserves better. That is why we are up for the fight in May.

Not addressed: Did not address mockery of Labour's support but instead criticised SNP's record on public services

How: Changed Subject, Criticised Snp

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