Strengthening the Union 2020-11-11
2020-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background event, but concern about overall Union strength.
What steps is his Department taking to strengthen the Union?
The UK Government have always stressed the importance of the Union. The economic strength and sharing of resources during the covid crisis supported jobs and businesses throughout Scotland, which will help rebuild the economy following the crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or steps were mentioned to strengthen the Union.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's review into boosting transport links across the country.
Does he agree that this review into quality transport links will go a long way to levelling up economic opportunity wherever we are in the UK?
The Scottish Government's failure to engage in Sir Peter Hendy's review is letting down people who would benefit from improved transport links, highlighting the importance of improving transport links across the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
No confirmation or agreement on whether the review will level up economic opportunities.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Servicemen from Scottish regiments who fought for freedom and current servicemen fighting against the virus.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in commemorating all those Scottish servicemen who fought in the British Army for the freedom of the United Kingdom and the world, and thanking servicemen and women today in Scotland?
He is happy to join in commemorating all those who laid down their lives in defence of the country, and will thank today's servicemen and women engaged in fighting against the virus.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The importance of UK-wide efforts to defeat the virus, including furlough and £8.2 billion funding.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK Government's efforts during the pandemic show we are stronger together?
Absolutely, yes, he agrees with the sentiment that the UK Government's efforts during the pandemic show we are stronger together.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Strengthening economic ties and promoting business opportunities between Scottish and English communities.
What measures is the Department taking to strengthen economic ties and promote business opportunities?
The Union connectivity review and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will both promote economic ties and improve transport links between Scottish and English communities.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
High support for Scottish independence despite Government's efforts to strengthen the Union.
What is the difference between denying a majority in the Trump White House and denying a majority in the Scotland Office?
He respects democracy, acknowledging that it was once-in-a-generation in 2014. He believes in respecting the outcome and avoiding repeated referendums which are divisive and bad for jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear definition of the difference between denying majorities.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Prime Minister's description of the general election as once-in-a-generation and denying a majority for Scotland.
Does he think that forcing hard Brexit on Scotland against its will and denying democratic choice is good?
He respects democracy, acknowledging it was once-in-a-generation in 2014 and believes avoiding repeated referendums is good as they are divisive and bad for jobs. He sees no need to deny democratic choice.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific answer on whether denying Scottish people's democratic choice is beneficial or not.
Response accuracy