Covid-19 Discussions with Scottish Government 2020-05-20
2020-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on the coordination and impact of the UK and Scottish Governments' responses to the covid-19 outbreak.
What recent discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the covid-19 outbreak?
I regularly attend cross-Government meetings, which include the devolved Administrations, to discuss how to minimise the impact of covid-19. There is a high level of co-operation between all Administrations and there will continue to be. We are committed to a UK-wide approach, as we have been from the start.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recent discussions or outcomes of those meetings were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A debate about the justification for traveling to Westminster during lockdown and adherence to public health guidelines.
What justification does the Secretary of State have for ignoring Scottish Government guidelines to stay home by undertaking a 700-mile round trip when he could work from home virtually? What message does this send, and will he self-isolate on return?
Members of Parliament are key workers. As a Cabinet Minister, it is right to be here in the Chamber for scrutiny. I travelled safely on a train over the weekend. I will isolate upon return solely due to family obligations. Proper scrutiny of Parliament must continue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why he disregarded public health guidance and only partially addressed self-isolation protocols
Changed Subject
Repeated The Importance Of Parliamentary Scrutiny
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion on the impact of prematurely ending virtual work practices in Parliament which could disregard public health guidance and increase community infections.
In light of previous confusion regarding lockdown exit strategies, will the Secretary of State accept that ending modern working methods disregards Scotland's clear public health guidance, increasing infection risks?
I have given a response. The 'stay alert' message is that people should stay at home and work from home if possible. Proper scrutiny of Parliament must continue on both virtual and covid-safe bases.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address whether the UK Government will adhere to Scotland's public health guidance
Repeated The Importance Of Parliamentary Scrutiny
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
An inquiry into a February outbreak at an international Nike conference in Edinburgh, questioning the Scottish Government's decision not to inform the public despite contrary legislation.
Was the UK Government informed of the February outbreak? Why was the public not told when disinfecting and closures followed? How many lives could have been saved?
Maximum transparency is important. The Scottish Government informed Public Health England of one case on 2 March and two further cases on 4 March. Chief medical officers agreed that each Administration would announce their own cases and handle it accordingly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address why the public was not told or the impact on potential lives saved
Praise For Predecessor
Repeated Importance Of Transparency
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Government's failure to hit testing targets is affecting Scotland, which has a low testing rate. The questioner seeks increased capacity and system improvements for effective mass testing.
In advance of a vaccine, the only way to ease lockdown measures is to test, trace, track and isolate. Given that the UK Government fail to meet their daily target and Scotland's rates are among the worst in the world, we need both Governments to collaborate on increasing testing capacity everywhere. What work is going on across Governments to ensure not only increased testing but also an effective system for testing and retesting the majority of the population, especially in care homes?
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point about the need for increased testing. In Scotland, there is daily testing capacity of 12,000 tests but only 4,559 were used on Monday. The UK Government has funded five operating drive-through test centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence operates 30 pop-up units across Scotland at the Scottish Government's behest.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about collaboration with Scotland for system improvements was not addressed in detail
He Did Acknowledge Issues But Did Not Provide Specifics On Collaborative Efforts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
England has eased lockdown measures earlier than the other UK nations, raising concerns about access to the furlough scheme for those still under stricter restrictions. The questioner seeks assurances on continuing scheme availability.
Can the Secretary of State give assurances that citizens in devolved nations will have continued access to the UK-wide furlough scheme despite earlier easing of lockdown measures by England?
This is a matter for the Chancellor. The UK Government have given huge support through various measures such as the furlough scheme, self-employed scheme, bounce-back loans and coronavirus business interruption loan scheme to keep money in people's pockets and save livelihoods.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about assurances was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement was provided
Deflection Towards The Chancellor
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner challenges the UK Government's insistence on a uniform policy approach, seeking assurances that the voice of Scots will be heard regarding fiscal powers necessary for a Scottish furlough scheme.
If this Parliament insists on following England's way or no way without leeway for devolved nations, will the Secretary of State lobby the Prime Minister to devolve fiscal powers so Scotland can implement its own furlough scheme?
This is not the time to open up the Scottish fiscal framework. The UK Government has provided substantial support through measures like the furlough scheme, self-employed scheme, bounce-back loans and coronavirus business interruption loan scheme. There will be an extension from 1 August running to 31 October.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about advocating for fiscal powers was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement on support measures was provided
Deflection Towards Existing Support Measures
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State is at Westminster while virtual proceedings are discussed to be suspended, causing concern among Scottish MPs about continued representation and ability to work from home.
Why are the Government ending virtual proceedings today when they ask people not to travel unnecessarily? As Scotland's representative in Government, what is he doing to ensure that Scots' voices continue to be heard in the House of Commons on behalf of constituents?
Discussions between Whips Office and House authorities are ongoing. We should lead by example if we ask schools to reopen and the public to return to work, but it must be done in a covid-safe environment.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about representation was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement on safety precautions was provided
Deflection Towards Ongoing Discussions
Response accuracy