Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jack Rankin and Brendan O'Hara

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jack Rankin (Windsor) (Con)]

5. What his policy is on holding a referendum on Scottish independence.

[Brendan O’Hara (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber) (SNP)]

11. What his policy is on the holding of a referendum on Scottish independence.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

I was elected on a very clear manifesto, which made clear that this UK Labour Government do not support independence or another referendum. If, after 18 years, the SNP is not prepared to run on its record, that begs the question: what kind of record have they left, after 18 years in power? Behind the smokescreen it has tried to create by talking about independence, we know the reality: one in six of us on waiting lists, rising violence and falling standards in our schools. Frankly, Scotland deserves better.