Economic Co-operation Scotland and Northern Ireland 2025-06-04
2025-06-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks a trade fair to promote economic co-operation, focusing on trade between businesses in the two regions.
Will the Minister set up a meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to consider creating a trade fair focusing on trade between Northern Ireland businesses and Scottish businesses? That would create networks, would possibly create jobs, and would be great for the economy in both Northern Ireland and Scotland. It would certainly go down well with businesses in North Down and right across the UK.
I would be delighted to see more trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I will happily meet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to explore that.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticizes the SNP for opposing an EU trade deal beneficial to Scottish businesses, highlighting several economic challenges faced by Scots.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the Government’s trio of trade deals. Does the Minister agree that it is astonishing that the SNP stands with the Tories and Reform against an EU trade deal that is good for Scotland, and that after almost 20 years in government, the SNP has no plan for Scotland? One in six Scots is on an NHS waiting list; Ayrshire ferries are late and are costing £1 billion; one in six Scots is not in education, employment or training; and the SNP has no plan for the defence of our Union.
I agree with my hon. Friend that it is astonishing that we see ranged on the Opposition Benches numerous people who have talked down the potential of Scotland’s exporters, and who have said that there is no benefit to be had from these deals for a Scottish business sector that is desperate to grow and export, and is delighted with the three trade deals, which will make such a difference to them.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific economic issues mentioned in the question were not directly addressed.
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP calls for the ringfencing of Barnett consequentials to improve Scotland's roads, emphasizing the importance of the A77 and A75 for individuals, businesses, and hauliers.
For years, there has been under-investment in Scotland’s roads. The A9, A96, A77 and A75 are all in dire need of upgrading or dualling; work on all of them has been delayed or even cancelled by the SNP. In the spirit of improving economic co-operation between the nations of the UK, and specifically between Scotland and Northern Ireland, and given how vital the A77 and A75 are to individuals, businesses and hauliers, will the Minister seek the ringfencing of the Barnett consequentials that will arise as a result of this morning’s announcement by the Chancellor, so that the SNP must spend that money on improving roads in Scotland?
We are in conversation with all the relevant parties, but yes, we would like an increase in trade, and in the transport infrastructure that supports it.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about ringfencing Barnett consequentials for road improvement which was not directly addressed.
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy