Oral QuestionScotland Office

What his policy is on the holding of a referendum on Scottish independence.

Tabled: 14 October 2025Answered: 22 October 2025

Asked by

Brendan O'Hara

Scottish National PartyArgyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Scotland

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

I was elected on a very clear manifesto, which made clear that this UK Labour Government do not support independence or another referendum. If, after 18 years, the SNP is not prepared to run on its record, that begs the question: what kind of record have they left, after 18 years in power? Behind the smokescreen it has tried to create by talking about independence, we know the reality: one in six of us on waiting lists, rising violence and falling standards in our schools. Frankly, Scotland deserves better.