Oral Answers to Questions

Philippa Whitford Excerpts

Monday 24th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

Few people put more passion into their advocacy than my hon. Friend. While in levelling up we must have a proper focus on the midlands and the north, other parts of the United Kingdom, including the area around the Solent—Gosport, Portsmouth and Southampton—also require investment. I will work with her to ensure that that investment is forthcoming.

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

8. What plans his Department has to increase devolution across the UK.

[The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations (Michael Gove)]

The Government are committed to ensuring that devolution works across the United Kingdom. We hope to deepen and extend devolution within England.

[Dr Whitford]

Unfortunately, the levelling-up fund is already being used to bypass the devolved Governments, and the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 could enable UK Ministers to overrule the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments’ policy decisions. Does the Secretary of State not recognise that riding roughshod over devolution will force the people of Scotland and Wales to choose between a return to direct rule by Westminster and controlling their own future through independence?