Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Alexander and John Cooper

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

The hon. Gentleman is full of beans—that is obviously what you get with three coffee machines. [Hon. Members: “More!”] He really has to do a whole lot better than his pathetic attempts at smears.

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Scotland on a new referendum on Scottish independence.

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

None.

[John Cooper]

My constituents will be alarmed to hear that, because Labour’s “devolve and forget” approach is a huge problem. When the Secretary of State is away, the nats will play. We know that the First Minister has gone abroad using taxpayers’ money to talk about the breaking up of Britain. Should the Secretary of State not be inviting the First Minister down for a meeting—without coffee?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Alexander and John Cooper

Thursday 17th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

We have heard this morning that the review of the UK Internal Market Act 2020 somehow tramples on Holyrood, but in fact, the Government say:

“Devolved Governments will have greater flexibility to set rules”.

Is there not a danger that this invites the SNP Government to introduce change for the sake of change, and divergence for the sake of divergence, thus damaging trade right across the country?

[The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

Well, if I am simultaneously being criticised by the SNP and the Conservative party, I am pretty sure that we have got the balance right. The UK Internal Market Act seeks to strike the appropriate balance between giving devolved Governments flexibility on policy and avoiding unnecessary barriers for UK businesses. I believe we have got that balance exactly right.