Ian Murray
MP for Edinburgh South
Lab
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Happy new year to you and all your staff, Mr Speaker, and everyone in the House. The Prime Minister knows that his “Get Brexit done” slogan was vacuous. He also knows that it is not even the end of the beginning, with no deal firmly back on the table. Will he now acknowledge that any job lost and any impact on British industry as a result of his Brexit policy is firmly at his door?
Context
Critiques the Prime Minister's slogan 'Get Brexit done' as vacuous, pointing out that it is not even the end of the beginning with no deal still on the table.
The Prime Minister
Contrary to the predictions of the gloomsters, unemployment is at a record low—we have put on about 800,000 jobs since the referendum—and we will indeed get Brexit done by 31 January.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
This is a £46 billion, unfunded aspiration, and the Secretary of State and the Government will not tell us where they will get the money from. With neither Government wanting to let the people decide, who does the Secretary of State think is most scared of a general election?
Context
The situation involves significant dissatisfaction with both the UK and Scottish Governments' handling of public services, marked by a lack of stable leadership. The SNP group criticises the lack of funding for their aspirations.
Alister Jack
We absolutely do not fear an election. As I watch the nationalists implode again, I say, “Bring it on.”
Session: Spring Budget 2024
View All Questions -->
On May Day, Scottish Television journalists are on strike for fair pay. STV needs to get back around the table with its journalists for an acceptable deal. Has he discussed funding national insurance cuts or income tax rises?
Context
STV journalists are striking for fair pay. The spring budget is seen as damaging and mirroring a previous Prime Minister's policy.
Alister Jack
The UK Government has reduced NI by 4p, aiming to remove it altogether as it is a tax on jobs. We aspire to remove NI but not through income tax rises; we aim to reduce the tax burden in Scotland and across the UK.
Session: Spring Budget 2024
View All Questions -->
Regardless of what the Chancellor says today, working people will still be paying a much higher tax burden at the end of this Parliament. Shockingly, the tax burden in Scotland is even higher. Anyone in Scotland earning more than £29,000 a year will pay more income tax after the SNP voted for yet another tax rise on working people.
Context
Discussion of SNP's tax policies, particularly the tax rise for those earning over £29,000 in Scotland.
John Lamont
As I said, I will not speculate on the contents of the Budget. When the election comes, Scotland's voters will have a clear choice: a party who will stand up for Scotland's place in a strong United Kingdom, or the Scottish National party.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Regardless of what the Chancellor announces today, we are in the highest tax-raising Parliament in history. Does the Minister agree with the Institute for Fiscal Studies that even after today's Budget the overall tax burden on working people will still reach record levels?
Context
Discussion of the highest tax-raising Parliament in history and its impact on working people.
John Lamont
Clearly, I will not speculate on what the Chancellor will announce shortly. I remind the hon. Gentleman that 2.4 million workers in Scotland have benefited from £340 going back into their pockets thanks to the changes to national insurance.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Working people pay more taxes because of the economic crash caused by Tories. The Barnett formula results in £19 billion extra spending in Scotland, but SNP is considering ditching this formula. Sixteen years of SNP have left a £1 billion black hole in public finances. Losing the formula would devastate Scotland's finances and economy. Will the Minister join me demanding SNP rule out binning the formula?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential loss of Barnett funding for Scotland due to SNP policies.
John Lamont
The biggest enemy of the Barnett formula and devolution in Scotland is the SNP, which wants to stop it. The Conservative Government remains committed to devolution, the formula, and more investment into Scotland.
Session: Scottish Economy
View All Questions -->
Working people now pay 10p more on the pound than before. The party of low tax created the highest tax burden in 70 years. In Scotland, everyone earning over £28,000 pays even higher taxes due to SNP's policies. What impact does this have on the Scottish economy?
Context
The MP notes that since the Government came to power, working people have paid more in taxes and questions how this high tax burden impacts Scotland's economy.
John Lamont
The Government remains focused on reducing tax burden where prudent but faces challenges in Scotland due to SNP's high tax agenda, impacting Scottish economy's potential.
Session: Scottish Economy
View All Questions -->
It is the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament next year—one of the Labour party's proudest achievements. However, recently it has been riven by failure and scandal, from one in seven on NHS waiting lists to ferries, iPads and camper vans. Much has been made about the dual role of the Government-appointed Lord Advocate, who sits in the Scottish Cabinet while presiding over prosecutions in Scotland. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government about Anas Sarwar's idea to split the dual role of Scotland's top law officer, to maintain the separation of powers between the Government and the judiciary?
Context
Concerns raised by Anas Sarwar about the dual role of Scotland's top law officer.
Alister Jack
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Director of Public Prosecutions in England is appointed by a panel, which removes the risk of perceived interference by Government. Many learned friends have expressed their concerns to me about the structure in Scotland and the closeness between the judiciary and the Government, and I find their concerns understandable. It is vital that the public perception is that the prosecution service is very independent from Government.
Session: Devolution in Scotland
View All Questions -->
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Michael Shanks) not only on his vast—and fast—promotion to the shadow Front Bench but on the 20.4% swing from the SNP that brought him the by-election victory. The announcement of the closure of the refinery at Grangemouth is a hammer blow. Too many communities are still living with the devastation of being left behind after coalmine closures in the 1980s. That must not be allowed to happen again. Grangemouth's owner is buying football clubs and investing in plants elsewhere, while the workers lose out. The Prime Minister has decided that a culture war on the environment trumps getting the UK into the global green energy race by backing Labour's green energy superpower plans. The devolution settlement demands that both Governments work together, but they certainly do not. What discussions is the Secretary of State having with the Scottish Government to protect jobs at Grangemouth? What impact will the closure have on the Acorn carbon capture and storage project?
Context
Concern about closure of the Grangemouth refinery and its impact.
Alister Jack
First of all, it is a very worrying time for those whose jobs are at risk at the Grangemouth refinery. This morning, the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont), and a Minister from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero met Neil Gray from the Scottish Government, and yesterday my hon. Friend had a meeting with the local authority. Work is going on. It is ironic that the Scottish Government want to shut down oil and gas, because when that happens, people suddenly realise the need to manage a transition and take us gradually to net zero while protecting people's livelihoods. On Acorn and the Scottish cluster, I have spoken to the chief executive of Storegga, which is pulling the project together. He told me that the refinery closing has little impact on its project, because Grangemouth was supplying the blue hydrogen to the refinery and others, and the emissions from that were being put into the North sea.
Session: Devolution in Scotland
View All Questions -->
Ukraine and covid did not crash the economy; this Government did. The truth is that, after 13 years, we have a low-wage, low-growth economy. Let me take the example of residents in a random Scottish constituency, Rutherglen and Hamilton West. Behind every door we knock on, the story is the same: the cost of living.
Context
The MP criticises the UK Government for crashing the economy and asks if residents deserve a fresh start with Scottish Labour's Michael Shanks.
John Lamont
It was not so long ago that Scottish Labour was calling for even higher taxes on the people of Scotland. When Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stood for the leadership, he said: “I actually think our tax policies will be even more progressive and radical than even John McDonnell's or Jeremy Corbyn's tax policies or manifesto”. Mr Sarwar has now U-turned, of course, but maybe the hon. Gentleman can explain how much Scottish Labour secretly wants to put up taxes in Scotland.
Session: Scottish Economy
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister accept that Scots will be paying the price for years to come for the Tories' kamikaze handling of the economy? The economy is said to have been crushed by illegal war in Ukraine and covid pandemic, with the support of the Scottish Secretary.
Context
The MP criticises the former Prime Minister for her book deal and the economic impact of the Tory government's handling of the economy.
John Lamont
The economic challenges we face here in the United Kingdom are no different from those faced by other economies around the world. They have been entirely caused by the illegal war in Ukraine and the covid pandemic. Thankfully, due to the decisive action of this Conservative Government and Prime Minister, the evidence suggests that the UK is recovering from the economic shock far better than France, Italy and Germany.
Session: Scottish Economy
View All Questions -->
The Scotland Office is saying that Scottish mortgage holders should just “hold their nerve”. What the Minister did not include in his list of excuses was the fact that the Tories actually crashed the economy, which has resulted in some of these mortgage interest rates. Is it not incredible that during the worst cost of living crisis in living memory the Prime Minister's entire approach is to tell people to hold their nerve, while the approach of the First Minister in Scotland is to launch proposals for a de facto referendum and a written constitution—something that he himself admits Scottish voters do not want? Scotland has two Governments so out of touch with the priorities of the Scottish people that polling shows that 70% think they are doing little to help with the cost of living. Does the Minister agree that what Scots need and deserve is a UK Labour Government focused solely on delivering the priorities of Scottish voters?
Context
The Secretary of State's list of excuses did not include the fact that the Tories crashed the economy, which has resulted in some of these mortgage interest rates.
John Lamont
This UK Government are very clear that now is not the time for another independence referendum, but the Labour party so often ends up backing SNP policy after SNP policy in Scotland. As we are approaching the summer holidays, perhaps the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer) should take his flip-flops and see whether there is space in the SNP's camper van.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Let me also wish the Secretary of State a happy birthday—a significant birthday—for next week. Nearly five months ago, the Secretary of State promised to arrange a meeting for David Williamson, a Scottish terminal cancer patient, but neither his Department nor the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has been able to do so. I wonder whether that could be sorted out as soon as possible. Millions of people across the country are facing spiralling mortgage rates and rents. Statistics released by Citizens Advice Scotland this week show that the number of Scottish mortgage holders searching for advice on repossession is up by 341%. Does the Minister agree with the insightful advice from the Prime Minister that worried mortgage payers hit by a Tory mortgage premium should just “hold their nerve”?
Context
The Secretary of State promised to arrange a meeting for David Williamson, a Scottish terminal cancer patient. Citizens Advice Scotland showed that the number of Scottish mortgage holders searching for advice on repossession is up by 341%.
John Lamont
I can confirm that the Scotland Office did write to the Department for Health and Social Care about the case of David Williamson, and I will undertake to ensure that we pursue that. As for mortgage rates, the Government recognise that this is a very concerning time for homeowners and mortgage holders, but we cannot ignore the fact that interest rates have risen across western economies as a result of the pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Of course, the Bank of England sets the base rate, which has an effect on mortgage pricing—as the hon. Member will recall, it was the Labour Government who made the Bank independent of Government. As he will also know, last week the Chancellor agreed with mortgage lenders a brand-new mortgage charter, which will hopefully provide some protection and reassurance for mortgage holders.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
This UK Government's refusal to stop pumping raw sewage into waterways is a disgraceful practice. With both Governments allowing this scandal, why should people believe in promises about green jobs and renewable industries when they are not being kept?
Context
The MP criticises the UK Government for allowing raw sewage dumping and failing to deliver on renewable energy jobs.
John Lamont
The UK Government have a proud record of tackling sewage discharges, highlighting that the policy is devolved to the Scottish Government. The SNP has allowed sewage dumping in Scotland's waters, including environmentally protected sites.
Session: Offshore Wind Employment
View All Questions -->
The UK Government lacks a proper energy strategy, focusing instead on short-term solutions funded by taxpayers. The Scottish Government failed to deliver promised jobs and missed climate targets according to the STUC report. Does he agree that Labour has a better solution for creating high-quality, well-paid renewable jobs?
Context
The MP criticises the UK Government for lacking an energy strategy and delivering on promises in Scotland's renewable sector.
John Lamont
The hon. Member is correct to highlight the targets missed by the SNP Government in Edinburgh. The UK Government are determined to maximise opportunities for Scottish workforce growth in renewables.
Session: Offshore Wind Employment
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that potentially life-saving treatments should be available throughout the UK? Will he work to resolve this matter urgently for David and thousands of others?
Context
The question arises from a constituent, David Williamson, who contacted the MP and others seeking access to UK-wide vaccine trials.
Alister Jack
This is a serious issue, and the Secretary of State will organize a meeting with the Health Secretary at the earliest opportunity to address the matter urgently for David Williamson and others seeking life-saving treatments.
Session: Devolution Settlement
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that there should be a UK general election following the change in Prime Ministers last year and that the new First Minister has no mandate given that Nicola Sturgeon is no longer on the ballot?
Context
The question arises from the historic victory of Scotland's football team and the appointment of a new First Minister, Humza Yousaf.
Alister Jack
There is precedent for political parties voting in new leaders who then assume office, including previous changes in Prime Ministers. The Secretary of State defends the change and suggests it would be hypocritical to call for an election now.
Session: Devolution Settlement
View All Questions -->
Parents are going without food to feed their children. The state of public services worsens due to the cost of living crisis and reduced funding for local government and health service in Scotland. Do you agree that it is absurd that failed Scottish Ministers focus on competing for leadership rather than addressing these issues?
Context
The MP is expressing concern over the internal disputes within the SNP while Scottish people face a severe cost of living crisis.
John Lamont
While the SNP engages in internal conflicts, Scotland needs serious attention given to its economy, health service, and education system. We hope the new First Minister will address these issues rather than focusing on independence.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
View All Questions -->
According to Together Through This Crisis, almost a quarter of people regularly run out of money for essentials. Energy companies like BP and Shell have made over £1 billion in weekly profits. Will you listen to charities and recognise the crisis's impact on working people by implementing a proper windfall tax?
Context
The MP is addressing the significant impact of the cost of living crisis on households and highlighting that energy companies are making substantial profits without a proper windfall tax.
John Lamont
The Government have raised energy company taxes to 75%, considering it fair given the current situation. Additional cost of living support worth over £26 billion in 2023-24 has been provided by the Government.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister think it is right to clap public sector workers one year only to propose sacking them for asking for a fair pay rise?
Context
Highlights strikes by teachers, nurses, and ambulance workers due to wage stagnation, questioning the government's approach of stripping workers of their rights.
John Lamont
Public sector workers are striking due to SNP incompetence. This Government are ensuring public services are protected through anti-strike legislation, protecting essential service users from strikes.
Session: Inflation and Cost of Living Increases
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that 13 years of Tory wage stagnation has resulted in a cost of living crisis for families in Scotland?
Context
Discusses analysis showing average wages in Scotland are lower than when the Government came to power, attributing this to Tory and SNP incompetence.
John Lamont
No, I do not agree. The Government are committed to ensuring wages go further and people keep more of what they earn, with a 9.7% increase in national living wage from April 2023.
Session: Inflation and Cost of Living Increases
View All Questions -->
It is the reckless plans of both Governments that pose a danger to Scotland, but the point is—and this is what the Secretary of State denies—that it is about not just the last 12 weeks but the decisions of the last 12 years. A constituent came to my surgery in tears. My constituent's 1.79% five-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was expiring, and the remortgage rate was nearly 6%. That familiar story means going from a stable income and affordable bills to the crushing anxiety of being unable to pay for the roof over one's family. This Government and Secretary of State chose to ignore the experts, ignoring independent bodies such as the Office for Budget Responsibility, and the result has been a Tory premium on everyone's mortgage. Does the Secretary of State think that he and his new Prime Minister should stop refusing to say sorry and give the public an apology?
Context
A constituent came to Ian Murray's surgery in tears about their mortgage rate increase from a stable income to an unaffordable level, which was avoidable but ignored by the UK Government.
Alister Jack
I do understand how concerned people are about their mortgages. Obviously, a number of factors are influencing interest rates, but we are doing all we can to limit those factors and to support the people who need support most at this difficult time.
Session: Devolved Finances
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State, or should I say Lord Jack-elect, was blindingly loyal to the former former Prime Minister, the former former Chancellor, the former Prime Minister and the former Chancellor over the summer. They crashed the British economy on the back of handing out tax cuts to the richest. The economic crisis was created around the Cabinet table in Downing Street by the people the Secretary of State sits beside, and it will be paid for by working Scots. What price does the Secretary of State think Scottish public services and Scottish working people should pay for his Government crashing the economy?
Context
Ian Murray is questioning the economic crisis caused by tax cuts to the richest and its impact on Scottish public services and working people.
Alister Jack
First, as I have said in previous answers, we are facing a global economic downturn as a result of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. On the hon. Gentleman's final point, the Prime Minister has made it very clear that he wants to protect the most vulnerable in society.
Session: Devolved Finances
View All Questions -->
All of those are very challenging, but one simple thing the Scottish Government could do is adopt the UK Government's approach to genetic technology and precision breeding. Does my hon. Friend agree that that would be a simple way to meet the priorities of Scottish farmers, food producers and research institutes?
Context
The MP suggested that the SNP's refusal to adopt gene editing technologies mirrors their EU adherence, hindering agricultural progress.
Iain Stewart
The gene editing of crops is an important issue, and my hon. Friend is right to raise it. There is a widespread view in the agriculture sector in Scotland that it is a good move and would improve crop yields and resilience, which are part of our food security. It is only the dogma of the SNP Government that prevents Scotland from joining the rest of the UK in adopting this important technology.
Session: Union’s Impact on Scotland
View All Questions -->
Yesterday was nothing more than an attempt by the First Minister to deflect from her horrendous record in government and to hinder the prospect of a future Labour Government replacing the Prime Minister's Government. That is what she fears the most. The only thing that matters to Nicola Sturgeon is, of course, independence—not soaring NHS waiting times, hungry children, drug deaths, increasing poverty, a widening educational attainment gap or Scots worried about their bills. Why will the Minister not recognise that the Prime Minister is nothing but a gift to the SNP and put the future of the UK ahead of his blind loyalty to the Prime Minister?
Context
The MP argued that the First Minister's efforts to deflect criticism were indicative of her poor governance, urging the Minister to prioritise the Union over blind support for the PM.
Iain Stewart
I do agree with one part of the hon. Gentleman's question, and that is about the real focus of the Scottish Government: it is, as he says, not about addressing the real challenges in Scotland; it is about appeasing the hard-liners in the separatist party. We are not going to be deflected from getting on with the job we were elected to do.
Session: Union’s Impact on Scotland
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State advised people in poverty to buy value products, the safeguarding Minister suggested working “more hours” or getting a “better-paid job”, and the Chancellor said it would be “silly” to help those struggling. Does the Minister have any equally useless advice?
Context
Ministers have suggested impractical advice for dealing with the cost of living, like buying value products or getting a better job.
Iain Stewart
The Chancellor has given £22 billion-worth of support and is keeping a close eye on the situation. If concerned about cost of living, it should be noted that the Scottish tax rate is higher than in the rest of the UK.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Inflation is at a 40-year high, with the weekly shop, energy bill, petrol for the car, and taxes all rising. The Chancellor keeps saying that he “stands ready to act”, but refuses to deliver an emergency Budget. His actions so far have raised taxes to their highest level in 70 years and dropped living standards by the largest amount since the 1950s. Can the Minister tell us what he is doing to get the Chancellor to act, if he is not acting now?
Context
The Chancellor has said he “stands ready to act” but refuses to deliver an emergency budget, while inflation is at a 40-year high and many families are struggling.
Iain Stewart
The inflationary pressures are global and result from the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and other supply chain problems. The Chancellor has delivered £22 billion-worth of support; he is keeping a close eye on the situation and will intervene where necessary.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Will he commit to reforming Scottish limited partnerships and wider company law so that we can see who actually owns companies?
Context
The discussion centres on the reform of Scottish Limited Partnerships and company law for transparency.
Alister Jack
Early in the next Session of Parliament, there will be an updated economic crime Bill and further measures will be taken. The reforms in 2018 increased transparency and put more stringent checks on the individuals forming those companies.
Session: Legislative Consent
View All Questions -->
Does he think it is right that someone who laundered Putin's dirty money in Scotland before 2014 would be in the clear, while those doing so after 2014 are covered? What is he doing to implement the LCM amendment?
Context
The question pertains to the implementation of a legislative consent motion amendment regarding property registration.
Alister Jack
On the registration of property, England and Wales changed the rules for transparency of ownership in 1999, but in Scotland they were changed in 2014. The problem we have is that, if we go back before 2014, there is a risk that third parties who did not know they were engaging with an overseas entity that was non-compliant could be hurt.
Session: Legislative Consent
View All Questions -->
Why are Scotland's two Governments refusing to take any action to help Scots with spiralling energy costs, given that Labour voted to give every household support?
Context
MP questioned about the UK Government's response to rising energy costs.
Alister Jack
The UK Government are taking action. The energy price cap is being maintained and will be renegotiated—that is ongoing work for the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. We are providing a £140 rebate on energy bills for 2.2 million households with the lowest incomes, and we have the £300 winter fuel payment for pensioners.
Session: Strength of the Union
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State think that the Prime Minister, in refusing to resign after damning reports and multiple police investigations, is good for the Union or helps those who want to break it up?
Context
MP asked about the Prime Minister's conduct and its impact on the Union.
Alister Jack
The Prime Minister is resolute in opposing a second Scottish independence referendum and therefore very good for the Union.
Session: Strength of the Union
View All Questions -->
Why can't UK and Scottish Governments work together to provide financial support needed by hospitality businesses?
Context
First Minister announced new covid guidance devastating the hospitality trade. Businesses need financial support but UK Government funds are criticised.
Alister Jack
Hon. Gentleman makes serious point about pressure in hospitality across UK, Scotland included. Treasury announced certainty over Scottish Government finances yesterday. They failed to set out measures and costs or explain inability to act alone with record settlement of £41 billion block grant.
Session: Standards Impropriety The Union
View All Questions -->
Can Secretary of State think of any positive attribute for Prime Minister? Can he tell me any reason why morally bankrupt PM is not bigger threat than nationalism?
Context
Scandals about PM breaking lockdown rules have led to a loss of moral authority. Scottish Conservative leader could not think of any positive attribute for the PM.
Alister Jack
Absolutely, without difficulty. The Prime Minister is a man of optimism, vision, courage, foresight in investing in vaccine development, fastest roll-out in Europe.
Session: Standards Impropriety The Union
View All Questions -->
A meeting with BEIS Secretary of State to discuss issues would be accepted, but the Minister should also champion these. COP26 has made it clear that action is needed, not just words. The Chancellor's Budget did not have a plan for jobs; taxes increased despite Scottish taxpayers getting less support after a decade of austerity. Are the Minister and his Department comfortable with hard-working Scots facing the highest tax burden since the 1950s?
Context
The effectiveness of the Chancellor's Budget in creating jobs is questioned.
Iain Stewart
On income tax, Scottish Government are responsible and have higher taxes than rest of UK. On unemployment forecast was originally 12% but will be less due to changes like universal credit tapers leaving more money in hands of hard-working people.
Session: Government’s Plan for Jobs
View All Questions -->
A proper plan for jobs would have Scottish renewables at its heart. The Minister could take four steps to unleash that potential: creating a dedicated pot for tidal energy, reforming transmission charges, funding interconnectors from island generators to the mainland, and backing Acorn carbon capture and storage project. Will he demand his Cabinet colleagues act now to create a proper jobs plan for Scotland?
Context
There is a need for a proper plan for jobs focusing on Scottish renewables.
Iain Stewart
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. Acorn project is not dead, it did not get through first two rounds but will be in future ones. Through Department funding schemes like CoRE and Orkney islands growth deal involving tidal energy. I would facilitate a meeting with my colleagues at BEIS for wider issues.
Session: Government’s Plan for Jobs
View All Questions -->
There is no money going into social care, but we will leave that for a different time. Last week, Labour's shadow team visited Orkney and its European Marine Energy Centre, which has facilities such as the most powerful tidal turbine in the world, resulting in excess energy that it cannot get back to the mainland. At the same time, the Scottish and UK Governments are backing the Cambo oilfield. With COP26 coming to Scotland, should the Secretary of State not lead by example, refuse Cambo and reform the outdated transmission charge regime while providing funding for a new large-capacity interconnector between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland? That would bring huge benefits and innovation to the islands and power large parts of Scotland from renewable resources.
Context
The MP noted a visit to the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, which has excess renewable energy due to transmission issues. He also referenced ongoing government support for the Cambo oilfield.
Alister Jack
On Cambo, all our North sea oil licences are factored into the 2050 net zero plan. Discussions are ongoing on the interconnector. It is partly devolved, with Ofgem and others involved. However, leaving that to one side, I take the overall view that there will be multiple uses for oil and gas for years to come—people must understand that—and we may as well get oil domestically rather than import it.
Session: Strength of the Union
View All Questions -->
What advice does he give those families who will be affected by these changes?
Context
Concern over the removal of £20 from universal credit and tax rise impacting low-income families.
Alister Jack
The uplift in universal credit was always intended to be temporary—it was to help claimants through the economic shock and financial disruption of the pandemic—and we now have the kickstart programme and a multibillion-pound plan for jobs. I understand it is difficult to break a manifesto promise, and the Prime Minister was clear that he was doing that in raising national insurance, but he also had a manifesto promise to address social care, which, since Tony Blair said he would address it in 1997, has not been done.
Session: Strength of the Union
View All Questions -->
One of the most frustrating elements for many people is the inconsistency of the decisions that have been made. Cases remain lower than they are in Dundee, yet Dundonians can travel all over Scotland while those living in Bolton are effectively banned from travelling to Scotland at all. These varying decisions are having a devastating impact on key sectors like weddings. A constituent's wedding in Edinburgh is limited to 50 guests but will travel to London the following week where there are no guest limits, and she was at Glasgow fan zone with 3,000 supporters last week. She is deeply frustrated.
Context
The question arises from the inconsistency of covid-related travel decisions between Scotland and Greater Manchester, affecting sectors like weddings. A constituent's wedding in Edinburgh is limited to 50 guests while there are no such limits in London.
Iain Stewart
The issue between the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the First Minister is not satisfactory, and I would urge them both to come to a sensible arrangement. The two Governments do work closely together with several meetings a week between the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the First Minister or the Health Secretary and his counterparts to discuss arrangements. At the end of the day, the Scottish Government has the ability to make their own decisions, but they are coordinated on travel corridors.
Session: Covid-19 Public Inquiry
View All Questions -->
Will the Government agree with calls for an urgent separate Scottish judge-led public inquiry into both Governments' management of covid-19 in Scotland so that we can learn the lessons of covid and the grieving families can get the answers they so deserve?
Context
The questioner points out criticisms and concerns regarding both UK and Scottish Government's handling of the pandemic, calling for an urgent separate inquiry.
Iain Stewart
The Government does not believe there is a need for a separate inquiry at this stage, as discussions are ongoing to establish the remit of the UK-wide inquiry which will cover both reserved and devolved matters.
Session: Covid-19 Public Inquiry
View All Questions -->
Requests an apology on behalf of PM for “let the bodies pile high” comments, asks who funded Downing Street flat. Questions if Government's conduct weakens Union credibility.
Context
The MP asked about the Prime Minister's apology for a controversial statement and questions regarding refurbishment funding.
Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)
Reiterates PM's focus on saving lives during pandemic, criticizes SNP for taking eye off the ball. Does not address refurbishment or apology directly.
Session: The Union
View All Questions -->
Asks how to inject honesty into debates when SNP avoids critical questions impacting Scots' futures. Mentions think-tanks warning about supercharged austerity post-independence.
Context
The MP highlighted the need for honesty regarding separation's impact on people's livelihoods, incomes, pensions.
Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)
Agrees on negative consequences but states no assessment done. Urges focus on recovery, not independence referendum.
Session: The Union
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
In-work Poverty And Low Pay In Britain
06 September 2022
Main Concerns
['Ian Murray highlighted that in-work poverty and low pay have increased since 2010. He stated that real-term pay levels are equal to or lower than those of 2008, indicating a decade-long stagnation. The level of taxation for workers is the highest it has been in 70 years. According to the Living Wage Foundation, over one million workers lack basic rights and protections, with one in nine workers overall being in insecure employment.']
Specific Asks
['Ian Murray called on the government to address the issues of in-work poverty, low pay, and financial insecurity for workers across the country. He emphasised the need for a more progressive approach beyond the national minimum wage.']
The Royal Albert Hall (Charitable Corporation) Bill - Revival Motion
15 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am pleased to support the revival motion before the House today. The Bill is necessary and beneficial for the Royal Albert Hall, which operates on a unique public-private partnership model establish...
UK Biobank Data
23 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Miscellaneous
24 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Initiated a debate on the need for urgent legislation to protect children from harmful online content. Emphasised the importance of age-appropriate regulation, cross-party consensus, and public consul...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill 2026-01-06
06 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Life Sciences Investment 2025-09-11
11 September 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that US pharmaceutical giant Merck has cancelled the construction of a £1 billion drug research centre in King's Cross, leading to the loss of eight hundred jobs? The decisio...
Constitutional Law
21 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The order amends UK legislation to increase the cumulative borrowing limits of the Scottish Government ahead of the next financial year. It upholds the 2023 fiscal framework agreement and reflects inf...
Cost of Living Committee
14 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Scottish National Party highlights the impact of rising energy, food, and housing costs exacerbated by years of austerity measures and benefit cuts. The party criticises the Conservative governmen...
Cost of Living
16 May 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves a motion regretting the Government's support for a damaging Brexit which, according to OBR, will lead to a four per cent drop in GDP. Criticises the government for failing ordinary households wi...
Scotland Act 1998: Section 35 Power
17 January 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
36.7%
36 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
14
14.3% of votes
No Votes
22
22.4% of votes
Abstentions
62
63.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
57
Ministerial Questions Asked
28
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
10
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+325% above average
This MP:
57
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+476% above average
This MP:
28
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+6% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-47% below average
This MP:
36.7
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Ian Murray's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.