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Written question asked by Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard (Ulster Unionist Party) on Friday, 4 March 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 March 2016. It was answered by David Mundell (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 March 2016 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

UK Membership of EU: Scotland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential for a further independence referendum in the event of the UK leaving the EU.

Answer

I have had no discussions with the Scottish Government on this subject and do not expect to do so. A clear majority of voters in Scotland voted No in the independence referendum in 2014. That referendum was widely accepted to be a ‘once in a generation’ or ‘once in a lifetime’ event.

At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's position, as set out by the Prime Minister to the House on 22 February, is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29839
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Referendums Scotland Sovereignty UK membership of EU
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk