Oral Answers to Questions

John Stevenson Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)]

11. What assessment his Department has made of the financial effect on Scotland of independence.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

15. What preparations his Department has made for dealing with issues that would arise in the event of Scottish independence.

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

The Scottish Government are proposing independence, but they have failed to set out what independence would mean for Scotland. This Government are clear that Scotland is stronger for being part of the United Kingdom and that the United Kingdom is stronger for having Scotland within it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is still far too much noise. I want to hear Mr John Stevenson.

[John Stevenson]

Does the Secretary of State agree that in the event of independence, there would be many unnecessary financial and regulatory costs to both Scotland and England in the areas along the border between the two countries? In an extreme case, there is the absurd possibility of border controls.

[Michael Moore]

First, I am not contemplating Scotland actually becoming independent, because I am confident that Scotland will vote to stay in the United Kingdom. However, my hon. Friend highlights a central issue. The SNP cannot dodge some of the issues that there would be in relation to Europe if we were to become separate, including those to do with the borders. As a borders MP, I think that those issues are as absurd as he does.