House of Commons · Ministers' Questions
Wednesday 15 July 2026 · 7 questions
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
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The question follows a period of political tension regarding Scottish independence.
Question
What discussions he has had with the First Minister of Scotland on a second independence referendum.
Answer from Douglas Alexander
Still none.
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The SNP is questioning the Secretary of State about constitutional issues, particularly regarding a voluntary union.
Question
If these are indeed the last Scottish questions for the Secretary of State, we on these Benches will miss him almost as much as his Scottish Labour colleagues will do. If it is his swansong, when is he going to bring something—anything—to the table to help break this constitutional logjam? It could be an idea, a suggestion or a proposal.
Answer from Douglas Alexander
I am glad to see that SNP Members are staying classy, as usual. On the matter of personnel choices, I am not sure that my first go-to source would be the First Minister, because of course he appointed Peter Murrell to be the chief executive of the Scottish National party.
Not addressed: Specific ideas or proposals were not provided; focused on criticizing SNP's personnel choices and appointments instead.
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The SNP faces criticism for poor NHS performance across Scotland, with issues like cancer treatment delays and long waiting lists.
Question
The Scottish Secretary will be aware that no NHS board in Scotland has met its target for starting cancer treatment within 62 days since 2012, that Public Health Scotland data shows that one in seven Scots are on an NHS waiting list, and that the Scottish Government's own figures show that home completions fell by 10% in the year to March. Does the Scottish Secretary agree that it is time for the SNP Scottish Government to start talking about delivery and acting on delivery?
Answer from Douglas Alexander
The Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee speaks with her characteristic wisdom and authority on these matters. It seems that the only output that is rising on the SNP's watch is the number of statements being issued by solicitors on behalf of their high-profile clients.
Not addressed: Specific delivery issues were not addressed; focused on criticizing SNP's public relations efforts instead.
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The Conservative MP questions the effectiveness of devolution in addressing various issues in Scotland.
Question
Will the Secretary of State make it clear to the right hon. Member for Makerfield that devolution in itself is not the answer? It is about how it is used. We recently saw that in Scotland, when the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of another independence referendum and against an inquiry into SNP finances.
Answer from Douglas Alexander
I am not sure whether paying generous tribute to the right hon. Gentleman for his question and the wisdom thereof will impair my prospects.
Not addressed: Specific effectiveness of devolution was not addressed; focused on responding to MP's praise instead.
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A question regarding the political division brought up during a sporting event.
Question
Regardless of how we divide on the referendum, I wonder if colleagues on the SNP Benches will find it in their hearts to put political division aside at 8 o'clock tonight? Does the Secretary of State agree with today's Daily Record editorial which says that there is always room for friendly rivalry with neighbouring nations?
Answer from Douglas Alexander
There is a serious point to start the answer, which is that I have always believed that to be pro-Scottish you do not need to be anti-English. We should be bigger and more generous than that.
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Concern about potential U-turns on previous commitments regarding the Scottish independence referendum.
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State's reassurance on the constitution. The people of Scotland do not want another divisive, distracting and damaging referendum on ripping our country apart. That said, this Labour Government do have a bit of a habit of changing position on certain issues with 25 U-turns in only two years.
Answer from Douglas Alexander
Yes. Ours is a politics of solidarity, co-operation and togetherness. We had a manifesto commitment not only opposing independence, but opposing a further referendum, and we stand by that mandate.
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Recent polls show support for nuclear power and unionism among Scottish voters. The SNP's response to these preferences has been controversial.
Question
Some 54% of Scots now back nuclear power, and the SNP tells them that they cannot have it. In May, over half of Scots—57%—voted for parties committed to the Union. Now, I know that some parties might describe that as nearly 60%, but it is definitely a majority. However, the SNP's answer, as we are hearing, appears to be another referendum. There is a pattern whereby a majority of Scots disagree with the SNP, and the SNP decides the majority is wrong. Will the Secretary of State back the single transferable vote so that Scots get what Scots vote for?
Answer from Douglas Alexander (Secretary of State for Scotland)
This is now almost a matter of ancient history, but in the forgotten referendum that took place under the last Labour Government, I was proud to campaign alongside the hon. Member's party's former leader Charles Kennedy in favour of the alternative vote. In that sense, I think there are ways that we can improve the working of our democracy within the United Kingdom, without leaving and separating ourselves from the United Kingdom.
Not addressed: The specific ask about backing the single transferable vote was not directly addressed.
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