Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Alexander and Robin Swann

Wednesday 25th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

The hon. Gentleman talks about sad truths; the sad truth is that one in seven young Scots between the ages of 16 and 24 are not in employment, education or training. The Scottish Government, in which he served, also uphold another sad truth: it is hard to think of a single area of Scottish public life over the past 19 years where we have seen an improvement. Scottish schools used to be the envy of the world, but the hon. Gentleman’s Government have delivered falling standards. The Scottish national health service, with brilliant staff, contrasts very badly with the level of progress on waiting lists that is being made by colleagues down here. Whether it is because of being weak on defence, inadequate on further education colleges, or generally just a secret and inadequate Government, there is a whole lot of change coming in May, I hope.

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

2. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Veterans Commissioner on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.