Scottish Economy 2024-01-24
2024-01-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of clarity and certainty in government support for businesses transitioning to a green economy.
Chris Skidmore, former Government net zero tsar, said that businesses and investors need from the Government certainty, clarity, consistency and continuity. However, they are not getting this from the current Government, especially in Scotland where there is potential for green transition but lack of necessary support. What recent steps has the Department taken to help support the Scottish economy?
Supporting economic growth in Scotland remains a priority with investment of up to £372 million in Scottish freeports and investment zones programmes, on top of £1.5 billion into growth deals across the whole of Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address certainty, clarity, consistency and continuity specifically asked for.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned that businesses and communities need certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity to flourish during the green transition.
Chris Skidmore stated that businesses and investors require Government certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity. However, they are not getting this in Scotland where there is potential for flourishing due to the green transition but lack of necessary support from the government. What does the Minister think?
I do not accept that analysis. The UK has a world-leading ambition to deploy up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with up to 5 GW from floating wind. This will play a key role in decarbonising the UK power system by 60% and achieving net zero by 2050.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity specifically asked for.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is frustrated that despite his Department's efforts to support the Scottish economy, the SNP's high taxes and lack of support for sectors like hospitality are hindering progress.
While my Department works to support the Scottish economy, the SNP imposes higher taxes and does not support vital sectors such as hospitality in Scotland compared to England. Does the Minister share this frustration?
My hon. Friend is right; sadly, the SNP's sole focus seems to be on independence referendums and making Scotland have the highest tax with less public services.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific impact of the historically high tax burden on the Scottish economy.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential loss of Barnett funding for Scotland due to SNP policies.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy