Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Promoting Scotland Overseas 2024-01-24

2024-01-24

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Alyn Smith
▸ Context
No specific event or statistic mentioned, but the question relates to discussions within the Cabinet on promoting Scotland overseas.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on promoting Scotland overseas.
John Lamont
The UK Government work tirelessly to promote Scottish interests around the world through our extensive diplomatic network, forging business links and generating trade and investment. Our response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's recent inquiry on Scotland's international position highlights the extensive efforts we undertake to achieve this.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues were not detailed
Work Tirelessly Extensive Diplomatic Network
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Alyn Smith
▸ Context
The MP references recent figures showing a decline in Scottish exports to the EU from £16.95 billion to £14.97 billion between 2019-2021, indicating concern about the effectiveness of current efforts.
I am afraid that I do not share the Minister's Panglossian view of this issue. Does he share my concern about recently published figures that show that, in the years 2019 to 2021, Scottish exports to the EU fell from £16.95 billion to £14.97 billion? Whatever the UK Government are doing, it is not working, so the Scottish Government have a pressing need to promote ourselves overseas for the sake of our economy and our society. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to increase that overseas promotion, not cut it back due to domestic wrangles?
John Lamont
Given the hon. Member's interest in this area, perhaps he could speak with his SNP colleagues in the Scottish Parliament. They are cutting funding to South of Scotland Enterprise, which will mean less support for businesses in the south of Scotland to grow, innovate and export. Perhaps he could tell the First Minister of Scotland that promoting Scotland overseas begins with supporting businesses at home in Scotland.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The MP's concern about declining exports was not addressed directly
Cutting Funding To South Of Scotland Enterprise Supporting Businesses At Home
Response accuracy