Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Independence

Wednesday 10 June 2026 · 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

  • Scottish Independence referendum discussions have not occurred recently according to the Secretary of State.
  • The Secretary of State wrote to the First Minister but was refused a meeting.
  • The Secretary of State stated there is no current consensus for another referendum as there was in 2014.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
Context

Recent discussions between the First Minister of Scotland and the UK government about a new Scottish independence referendum are raising concerns in Dumfries and Galloway.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the First Minister of Scotland on a new referendum on Scottish independence?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

None.

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific information about recent discussions on a new independence referendum.

How: None.

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Q2 John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
Context

The questioner criticises the Scottish Government's approach to discussions on a new independence referendum, suggesting that it is a distraction from other issues.

Question

My constituents will be alarmed to hear that Labour's “devolve and forget” approach has led to problems. When the Secretary of State was away, the SNP took advantage of the situation by discussing breaking up Britain abroad using taxpayers' money. Shouldn't the Secretary of State invite the First Minister for a meeting?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

The hon. Gentleman makes a serious point; I wrote to the First Minister congratulating him on his recent success and invited him to meet, but he refused. There is no consensus for another referendum today as there was in 2014.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not confirm whether he would invite the First Minister for a meeting without providing additional funds or resources.

How: None

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Q3 Patricia Ferguson Lab Glasgow West
Scotland
Context

The questioner believes that the incoming Scottish Government should focus on issues and problems instead of discussing another divisive referendum.

Question

Does the Secretary agree that given the incoming Scottish Government's list of issues, the last thing they should concern themselves with is a divisive referendum?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

My hon. Friend brings valuable experience to her understanding of these issues. In 2014, there was a consensus across all parties and civic society for a referendum. Today, such consensus does not exist; the SNP is focused on division and grievance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not confirm whether he agrees with focusing solely on delivery rather than divisive issues.

How: None

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland
Context

The questioner supports the Scotland team in an upcoming world cup and criticises the SNP for wasting taxpayer money on another divisive referendum.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that this Government will recognise the wishes of the majority of Scots, reject another needless referendum, and encourage the SNP to focus on delivery?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

Yes.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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