Oral Answers to Questions

John Robertson Excerpts

Wednesday 21st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the referendum on Scottish independence.

[John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab)]

5. When he last met the First Minister to discuss the planned referendum on Scottish independence.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

I have discussed the referendum with the Scottish Government on a number of occasions, most recently on 15 October, when Scotland’s two Governments reached agreement on the process to ensure that there is a legal, fair and decisive referendum.

[Michael Moore]

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that Scotland is stronger as part of the United Kingdom economy. We would be weaker if we were outside it, primarily because it gives us access to this huge single market which takes twice as many of our exports—if we can call them that—as anywhere else in the world; it has the resilience to absorb huge financial catastrophes, such as the bank collapse; and it gives us the clout internationally to be at the top table, where all the key economic decisions are made. That is far better for Scotland.

[John Robertson]

Does the Secretary of State agree that last week we saw an example of what happens when people do not listen to the Electoral Commission—the debacle of the police commissioner elections, with a turnout of less than 10% in some places and empty boxes? Will he talk to the Scottish Government to ensure that a similar debacle does not happen in Scotland?

[Michael Moore]

Funnily enough, I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman on the example he uses, but I am in complete agreement with him on the principle that we should listen to the Electoral Commission and follow its advice.