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Scottish Independence Referendum
22 March 2021
Lead MP
Chris Evans
Caerphilly
Lab Co-op
Responding Minister
Iain Stewart
Tags
EconomyEmploymentScotlandBrexit
Word Count: 13178
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Chris Evans raised concerns about scottish independence referendum in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the government not to give consent for another referendum on Scottish independence at this time, given the ongoing pandemic and economic recovery challenges. He suggests focusing on pressing domestic issues instead of constitutional changes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The creator of the petition is concerned about the divisive nature of the independence debate in Scotland, which they believe has overshadowed other pressing issues such as food bank usage and hospital waiting times. They note that since 2014, education standards have worsened with a decrease in full-time or equivalent teachers by 1,700 and an increase in pupil-to-teacher ratios. The creator worries about the Scottish Government's focus on independence rather than using their existing powers to address these issues.
Alan Brown
SNP
Cowdenbeath
The petition reflects the views of a minority in Scotland and seeks to block democratic rights. It ignores Northern Ireland's referendum frequency, questioning why Scotland cannot have another vote. The 2014 referendum was unique due to EU membership; now, it seems Westminster obstructs Scottish parliamentary democracy, undermining devolution with measures like the UK Internal Market Bill.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Barnet and Camden
Chris Clarkson criticized the SNP's approach to referendums, stating that they are out of touch and arrogant. He highlighted the economic benefits Scotland receives from being part of the UK, such as higher public spending per person compared to the UK average. Clarkson argued against Scottish independence, emphasizing the importance of unity in post-Brexit Britain.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Jardine emphasized that her constituents are concerned about the economy and daily struggles due to the pandemic. She argued against focusing on another independence referendum, stating it would be unreasonable at this time. She noted that only 45% of the electorate voted for the SNP in the most recent election, which mirrors the vote from the 2014 referendum.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Dave Doogan defended Scotland's right to self-determination, citing recent polls showing majority support for independence. He criticized the UK government's denial of a referendum and highlighted the decline in defense jobs in Scotland under UK rule, questioning what Union dividend that represents.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
The Member is pleased to serve under the chairmanship and thanks constituents for signing a petition. He criticises the SNP's stance on the Iraq war and the EU referendum, arguing that their claims about these events are misleading. The Member highlights that the 'once in a generation' promise made during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum was not respected by the SNP and calls it a deliberate trick to gain support for another referendum.
Douglas Ross
Con
Moray
Douglas Ross expressed concern about the divisive nature of another independence referendum and highlighted a death threat he received, illustrating the state of Scottish politics. He emphasized the need to focus on recovery from covid-19 rather than political division.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
The Member argues that nationalism thrives where there is perceived disadvantage. He praises the Prime Minister's levelling-up approach and highlights the success of the vaccination programme as an example of why Scotland is better off within the United Kingdom. The Member calls for unity across the UK to ensure progress and prosperity for everyone.
Ian Murray
Lab
Edinburgh South
Murray expressed shock that petitioners wish to remain anonymous due to fear of consequences, highlighting the divisive nature of another independence referendum. He criticized the lack of meaningful engagement and substantive answers on key issues such as currency, EU membership, borders, debts, deficits, asylum policies, educational attainment, food poverty, energy poverty, and economic recovery.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Con
Morden and Mitcham
Scottish independence would be detrimental during recovery from the pandemic, as the SNP has failed to respond adequately. The SNP's job creation rate is the lowest in the UK, and it has reduced funding for schools and frontline officers. A new referendum contradicts the 2014 promise of being once-in-a-generation and undermines unity.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
He highlighted that his constituency has the 11th highest number of petition signatories in the UK. He argued that another independence referendum would be divisive at a time when people are concerned about the pandemic, economy, jobs, education, health and wellbeing. Lamont criticized the SNP's record over the past 14 years, mentioning issues like declining education standards and an NHS crisis.
John Nicolson
SNP
Ochil and South Perthshire
John Nicolson argued that Brexit disillusioned many Scots who voted against Scottish independence in 2014, suggesting that the current situation has made them reconsider their position. He called for Scotland to become a socially progressive independent member of the European Union.
Mhairi Black
SNP
Glasgow East
Stressed the importance of respecting democratic rights in Scotland, arguing that if a majority of Members elected on an explicit pledge to hold another independence referendum were voted into power, there should be another referendum. Emphasized that nothing in the Edinburgh Agreement prevented future referendums and highlighted significant changes since the previous vote, including Brexit.
Woodford Green and Essex Wick
He expressed concern over the Scottish National Party's push for another referendum, arguing that it stokes division and uncertainty during a major economic downturn. He highlighted historical benefits of the Union and emphasised respect for the 2014 referendum result.
Peter Gibson
Con
Darlington
Mr. Gibson expressed his support for the Union, noting that only a small number of people in his constituency have signed an e-petition supporting Scottish independence. He highlighted the UK Government's provision of financial aid to businesses and individuals during the pandemic, citing statistics on furloughed workers and self-employed income scheme beneficiaries. Mr. Gibson argued against SNP claims by pointing out their failures on education, health, and polling data.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Clydebank and Milport
He discussed the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's trade with the EU, citing significant drops in fish, meat, and dairy exports. He argued that these issues are not due to the pandemic but rather a result of Brexit's red tape, which has pushed many businesses towards bankruptcy.
Government Response
Iain Stewart
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Nokes. I also congratulate the hon. Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) on introducing the debate effectively. More than 110,000 people signed a petition against another Scottish independence referendum, reflecting views across Scotland and the UK. Recent polls indicate that less than 10% of people prioritise constitutional issues over pressing concerns like health and education recovery from the pandemic. The minister highlighted deeply unpleasant behaviour arising from such debates, including death threats, and stressed that pursuing another divisive referendum is not what Scotland needs or wants. He criticised SNP Members for focusing on division instead of addressing economic challenges such as job losses and educational delays caused by the pandemic. The minister commended cross-government collaboration during the pandemic and emphasised the UK Government's commitment to levelling up and investing in future industries, green technologies, and jobs. He warned that breaking up the UK single market would add risk and uncertainty for businesses recovering from the pandemic. The Budget demonstrated a UK-wide focus on economic growth with extensions to furlough, self-employed scheme, and the levelling-up fund. The minister concluded by stating that another referendum is unnecessary, urging people to focus on rebuilding and investing in the future.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.