United Kingdom Internal Market Bill Strength of Union 2020-12-17
2020-12-17
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill has been the subject of significant controversy, particularly in Scotland where polls indicate growing support for independence.
What assessment he has made of the effect on the strength of the Union of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill?
For centuries, the ability to trade freely without barriers across the United Kingdom has been the cornerstone of our shared prosperity, and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will help to maintain this integrated market to ensure the free flow of goods and services throughout the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address how the bill impacts the strength of the Union between the nations of the UK. It focuses on economic benefits rather than political unity.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Polls indicate majority support for Scottish independence, in part due to how Scotland has been treated by the UK Government since the Brexit referendum. The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is seen as dictatorial and breaches devolution.
The majority support for independence in the last 17 polls in a row—58% this morning—is in part due to how Scotland has been treated by the Minister and his colleagues since the Brexit referendum. It is exemplified by the dictatorial United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, which rips the devolution settlement apart and is now the subject of legal challenge. Why are the UK Government unilaterally legislating without legislative consent with the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill when the required common frameworks could have been negotiated with the devolved nations, as they are still at the table?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. As he knows, I am a great admirer of him and of his colleague Alex Neil. One of the things about the approach that we are taking is that common frameworks work alongside the internal market Bill. Indeed, the House of Lords confirmed that approach just this week.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address why the UK government is proceeding with the bill without legislative consent and legal challenges. It mentions common frameworks but does not provide specifics on legislative process or legal disputes.
Response accuracy