Promoting and Protecting the Union 2020-07-16
2020-07-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional support for businesses across the UK, including an £8.9 billion increase through the Barnett formula.
Robin Millar thanked Michael Gove for his commitment to the Union and asked him if he would meet with MPs from north Wales to hear about their ambitions for the region.
Absolutely. From Ynys Môn to Wrexham, there is a team of fantastic Conservative and Unionist Members of Parliament representing the interests of north Wales with vigour and energy. I would be delighted to meet them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Recent opinion polls suggest growing support for Scottish independence and the SNP.
Pete Wishart questioned why there is now 54% support for Scottish independence among Scottish people, reaching a sustained majority in the past year.
Opinion polls come and go. I am always interested in what opinion polls tell me, but I am rather more interested in real votes cast in real ballot boxes. The last time the people of Scotland were asked if they wanted to remain in the United Kingdom they decided that they did want to by a whopping 10 percentage points.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Support for the SNP is at 55% and polls indicate growing support for Scottish independence.
Pete Wishart provided a list of reasons why he believes support for independence is rising, including Brexit imposed by the UK Government, disrespect, condescension, contempt, mistreatment of Parliament, and chaotic leadership. He asked which reason Michael Gove thought was most responsible.
I am very grateful for that multiple-choice question from the hon. Member. It reminds me that when I sat my O-levels and multiple-choice exams when I was a schoolboy in Aberdeen, Scotland's schools were stronger than England's schools. Now, after 10 years of SNP Government, Scotland's schools have fallen behind.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy