Category Archives: Alister Jack

Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland secretary is acting like a governor general

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First minister says Alister Jack’s block on gender law marks ‘new and more dangerous phase for devolution’

Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Scotland secretary of acting “like a governor general” in a further escalation of hostilities between the Westminster and Holyrood governments.

Scotland’s first minister said Alister Jack’s decision to block her government’s gender recognition law marked “a new and more dangerous phase for devolution”, hours after he refused an invitation from the Holyrood equalities committee to discuss the move.

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Senior MPs grill Jeremy Hunt on autumn statement and UK economy – live

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The chancellor is facing questions at the Commons Treasury committee

Reed says the Scotland Act gives the Scottish parliament limited powers. It cannot legislate on reserved matters. Those include fundamental matters, including the union of the UK.

If legislation related to the union, or the UK parliament, the Scottish parliament would have no power to enact it.

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Scottish independence vote depends on sustained support, says UK minister

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Alister Jack says government could allow vote if support for referendum stays above 60% for long period

The UK government could approve a second Scottish independence referendum if support for staging one stays above 60% for a sustained period, Alister Jack, the Scotland secretary, has said.

Jack said consistent support for a fresh vote would confirm to the government that one was justified, as he signalled a further softening of the Conservatives’ previously rigid rejection of Scottish National party demands for a second referendum.

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Alister Jack is third UK cabinet member to self-isolate during Covid-19 outbreak

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Scottish secretary has not been tested for coronavirus but has mild symptoms

A third member of Boris Johnson’s cabinet is self-isolating after developing coronavirus symptoms.

Alister Jack, the secretary of state for Scotland, said he had not been tested for Covid-19 but had a temperature and a cough.

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