Oral Answers to Questions

Allan Dorans Excerpts

Wednesday 20th May 2020 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the covid-19 outbreak.

[Chris Law (Dundee West) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alister Jack)]

I regularly attend cross-Government meetings, which include the devolved Administrations, to discuss how to minimise the impact of covid-19. There is a high level of co-operation between all Administrations and there will continue to be. We are committed to a UK-wide approach, as we have been from the start.

[Allan Dorans [V]]

What justification does the Secretary of State have for ignoring the Scottish Government guidelines to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, by undertaking an almost 700-mile round trip to Westminster when he could safely have worked from home today virtually? What kind of message does that send to the Scottish people? Will the Secretary of State be self-isolating on his return to his constituency?

[Mr Jack]

To be absolutely clear, first, as the hon. Gentleman’s colleague, the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart), has made clear, Members of Parliament are key workers. More importantly, as a Cabinet Minister and a Secretary of State, it is right that I should be here in the Chamber so that I can be properly scrutinised and answer these questions. I came down at the weekend and travelled on a train very safely. I will return safely and I will be isolating myself when I do, but that is solely because I go back to family. I do not see why we cannot have proper scrutiny of Parliament when we have the virtual proceedings, which work for some, but for me it is absolutely about being here, being scrutinised and being at the Dispatch Box.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

We go north of the border, to Allan Dorans.

[Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (SNP) [V]]

Will the Prime Minister condemn or condone the reckless behaviour of the Secretary of State for Scotland in making a round trip of almost 700 miles to be physically in the Chamber today, in clear breach of the guidance from the Scottish Government to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, when he could easily have taken part in the proceedings virtually from the safety of his home? Condemn or condone, Prime Minister?

[The Prime Minister]

All I can say is, no, I will not, and I think that the Secretary of State for Scotland does an admirable job.