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Written question asked by Lara Bird (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Melanie Ward (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Sovereignty: Scotland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Scotland Act to provide that a referendum be arranged in the situation where there is a consensus in Scotland for independence.

Answer

In 2014, there was agreement in the UK parliament and the Scottish parliament, across all political parties, and across civic society, that there should be a referendum. There is no such consensus now. In that referendum, the people of Scotland made clear their continued commitment to Scotland remaining part of the UK.

As set out in the manifesto which saw this government win a majority of UK parliamentary seats in Scotland, this Government does not support independence or another referendum.

Our focus now must be on delivery, not division. This UK Government is focused entirely on delivering in the national interest.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28673
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Referendums Sovereignty Scotland
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk