St Andrew’s Day and Scottish Affairs 2025-12-11

The hon. Member for Edinburgh West raised concerns about the simplification of Scotland’s history in national discourse, focusing on key figures like William Wallace and Robert Bruce instead of other significant contributions to British and world history, such as engineering achievements.

The hon. Member for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green stepped in to emphasise the importance of Scotland’s universities in providing a world-class education, referencing personal connections to Scottish educational institutions through her constituents who travel from London to study there.

Mundell pays tribute to three former colleagues before focusing on the current challenges facing Scotland under SNP governance. He criticises the SNP-led council's proposed £68 million flood prevention scheme in Dumfries as a waste of money when basic services are struggling, urging councillors to reject it. Mundell argues that education standards and healthcare services have deteriorated under SNP rule, pointing out high NHS waiting times and emergency department strain.

Arthur briefly comments on the Dumfries flood prevention scheme, suggesting earlier implementation could have been more cost-effective. He supports Mundell's critique of delayed project progress due to lack of public support.

Jardine agrees with Mundell that change is needed for Scotland and acknowledges the importance of addressing current problems before the next election.

Doogan challenges Mundell's statistics, pointing out falling waiting lists in Scotland over the past five months and the superior performance of Scottish emergency departments compared to England and Wales. He criticises Mundell for comparing Scotland with other places rather than focusing on SNP Government promises.

Baxter supports Mundell's critique of NHS waiting times, highlighting the number of people waiting more than two years in individual health boards compared to the whole of England.

Raises concerns about the impact of Brexit on recruitment difficulties within Scotland's healthcare system, suggesting that there is a need for a bespoke visa system in Scotland to address staffing shortages.

Highlights issues with mental health care and waiting times for psychiatric services. Emphasises the urgent need for an examination of healthcare deficiencies within Scotland, attributing responsibility primarily to workforce planning failures by the Scottish Government.

Discusses the work of the Scottish Affairs Committee and its various inquiries on topics like space launches in Shetland and drug consumption facilities in Glasgow. Mentions challenges with connectivity issues in remote communities but focuses primarily on celebrating St Andrew's Day and discussing Scotland’s national flag and patron saint.

Ferguson condemned comments made by Reform UK regarding multilingualism, praising teachers for supporting bilingual families. She highlighted Glasgow's history of welcoming refugees and emphasised the importance of preventing flags from being used to intimidate or exclude people.

Doogan supported Ferguson's stance on the misuse of flags, stressing the need for all political sides to uphold values that make Scotland welcoming and inclusive.

Chamberlain discussed St Andrews' historical significance, including its ecclesiastical past and cultural events. She highlighted the economic impact of golf on St Andrews and North East Fife, mentioning challenges such as rural transport issues and the need for funding to maintain infrastructure.

Crichton acknowledged the importance of discussing Scottish affairs on St Andrew's Day, emphasising the value of taking stock of issues and challenges facing Scotland while keeping contributions brief.

Asked Torcuil Crichton to give way on his point about health and education. Highlighted that Scottish schoolchildren speak multiple languages, which is celebrated in Glasgow. Mentioned the 95,000 children lifted out of poverty by the Chancellor's budget.

Discussed the historical significance of St Andrew's day and proposed a change from the dirge-like 'Flower of Scotland' to a more uplifting national anthem. Criticised Labour Government for not tending to the fabric of the Union, advocating for a stronger relationship between Westminster and Holyrood.

Acknowledged her birthday contribution in the debate on St Andrew's day. Discussed Carlisle's history as a border city contested by England and Scotland for centuries, emphasising its strategic importance and its resilience against sieges.

Celebrates the shared history between Carlisle and Scotland, highlighting cultural ties such as the Loch Lomond ballad written in Carlisle. Mentions historical events like Bonnie Prince Charlie's presence in Carlisle and Mary, Queen of Scots' time there. Emphasises the importance of cross-border economic links through infrastructure projects like the A74 and west coast main line. Advocates for reduced friction between UK and Scottish Governments on matters such as health and agriculture to promote unity and investment in cross-border cooperation.

Acknowledges the historical complexity of migration, emphasising Scotland's rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Reflects on the contributions of predecessors like Winston Churchill and E.D. Morel to political discourse. Critiques current immigration policies for hindering the international appeal of Scottish higher education and energy sectors. Highlights Norway’s success with a future generations fund and contrasts it with Westminster’s handling of oil revenues, criticising austerity measures and Brexit.

Arthur emphasises the diversity of his constituency in Edinburgh South West, including its natural landscape, cultural heritage, influential inventions, and literary history. He highlights initiatives like the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Holy Trinity church, and community food projects that embody St Andrew’s values.

Baxter discusses Scotland's values of community, fairness, and responsibility, reflecting on the achievements of previous Labour Governments. She criticises the SNP Government in Holyrood for focusing too much on referendums rather than delivering essential services like healthcare.

Sullivan commends her constituency's industrial heritage, including the Kinneil estate where James Watt tested his prototype steam engine. She also highlights Sir James Young Simpson’s discovery of anaesthetic which has saved millions of lives worldwide.

Welcomed the debate leader's speech about Dunfermline, highlighting community faith organisations like St Luke’s Scottish Episcopal church with initiatives such as Luke’s Larder. Recognised the H100 Fife project for bringing 100% green hydrogen to domestic customers and expressed disappointment in the current Scottish Government's lack of ambition.

Acknowledged Scotland's rich history and its contributions, including Roman soldiers along the Antonine Wall, Thomas Muir advocating for democratic rights, and industry transformations. Criticised recent government mismanagement of finances and healthcare projects, highlighting issues like soaring household bills and long GP wait times. Called for a health service that is truly there when needed with fair pay for professionals.

Scotland has had 18 wasted years under SNP, with lagging economy, high social security spending forecast to hit £9 billion by 2030, broken promises on infrastructure projects like A9 dual carriageway and council tax scrapping. Labour and Conservative support for SNP is regrettable.

Responds to Andrew Bowie's remarks, pointing out Edwin Morgan's donation to the SNP despite his poem critique, questioning whether Conservatives should have propped up the SNP government.

Questions Andrew Bowie about regretting past support for SNP, noting that stability was prioritised in 2007 but would not be repeated given current context.

Acknowledged Scotland's qualification for the World Cup and its hosting of the Commonwealth games next summer. Emphasised the importance of working men’s clubs, institutes and miners’ welfare in Scottish communities.

Agreed with Kirsty McNeill that Scotland has been troubled by division but suggested differing remedies. Criticised the current Scottish Government's announcements over achievements.

Discussed the ferry fiasco impacting islanders negatively and criticised the Scottish Government for being more interested in announcements than achievements.

Suggested that the UK Government sends money to Scotland without sufficient concern about its proper use, questioning transparency on £11 billion sent so far.

Asked for a comment on the government's commitment to devolution and criticised SNP's response to NHS issues in Scotland.

Gave a moving tribute to community groups in his constituency, highlighting the need for devolved powers within communities.