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Former Scotland secretaries to face MPs’ questions on UK-Scottish Government relations
MPs will quiz former UK Government secretaries of state for Scotland as it continues to examine the structures which underpin relations between the UK and Scottish Governments, including the new intergovernmental relations framework introduced in 2022.
Meeting details
Douglas Alexander and Lord Desmond Browne are due to appear before the Scottish Affairs Committee to give evidence on the relationship between Scottish Government ministers and Scotland secretaries during their periods in office.
The session is an opportunity for MPs to examine how these relationships have evolved and how they compare with expectations in 1998. Whitehall’s approach towards devolved institutions, examples of successful intergovernmental arrangements, and what effective dispute resolution looks like are likely topics for discussion.
All living former first ministers of Scotland – Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and Henry McLeish – have also agreed to give oral evidence to the inquiry. Sessions are due to take place in the first half of 2024 and will be confirmed in due course.