Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been discussion about the economic ties between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
What recent economic assessment has his Department made of the value of trade between Scotland and the rest of the UK?
Scottish exports to the rest of the UK increased in 2018 by £1.2 billion to £51.2 billion. The rest of the UK continues to be Scotland's largest market for exports, accounting for three times the value of exports to the European Union.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been discussion about Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK and its comparison to EU trade.
Given the Secretary of State's assessment, will he confirm that Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK is worth more than three times that with the EU, and this is only one of the benefits on offer of being part of the United Kingdom?
Scottish Government's own figures show that over 60% of Scotland's exports go to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is worth more than three times the trade with the other 27 EU countries combined.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been discussion about the economic impact of Scottish independence.
Given the excellent figures my right hon. Friend has just given, does he share my concern that the separatist agenda peddled by the SNP is a direct threat to Scottish jobs and that it would inevitably end up, if its dreams come true, in a hard border?
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that Nicola Sturgeon's separatist agenda is a real threat to Scotland's jobs, businesses and the economy.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been discussion about the SNP opposing a bill that would provide free period products in Scotland.
If the Secretary of State truly values the trade between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, why is he prepared to countenance a situation in which we would lose frictionless trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland?
There will be 'unfettered access' between Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as the rest of the United Kingdom.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been discussion about the impact of Scottish independence on trade with other parts of the UK.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon introduced a bill to give free provision of period products in Scotland, but it is opposed by the SNP Government. If that is the case, what kind of border does the Secretary of State think will be required in the event of an independent Scotland?
That is a border we need to avoid. There should not be any sort of border between Gretna and Berwick.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific type of border or its necessity was not discussed
Deflection
Response accuracy