Promoting Scotland Overseas 2023-05-17
2023-05-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need for coordinated efforts between UK and Scottish governments to promote Scotland's interests abroad.
What recent steps have been taken with the Scottish Government to promote Scotland overseas?
The UK Government and its departments work alongside the Scottish Government, including through events like Tartan Week in New York to identify opportunities for trade and investment.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish whisky industry and food sector face challenges such as higher taxation and post-Brexit regulatory issues.
Does the Secretary of State welcome the Scottish Government's focus on promoting global Scotland, considering recent issues with higher taxes for whisky and post-Brexit trade barriers?
Yes, I welcome those efforts but also highlight that the UK government works within reserved areas and does not support any actions by Scotland that undermine these areas like banning whisky advertising.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The North Seas Energy Cooperation Forum is a gathering of coastal states around the North Sea, and the UK has been hesitant to join despite it being seen as a world-leading platform for renewable energy cooperation.
If the UK does not want to join the North Seas Energy Cooperation forum, could they stop holding Scotland back from participating in this important international collaboration?
The UK Government promotes Scotland's food, drink industry, renewables and sales through trade deals. It suggests SNP should support these efforts rather than opposing them.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific question about North Seas Energy Cooperation forum was not directly answered
Get Behind The Uk Government
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Scotland has been ranked as the best performing nation or region outside London for foreign direct investment, a trend attributed to the Scottish Government's efforts.
Should the UK Government learn from the success of the Scottish Government in attracting foreign direct investment and use these lessons to encourage wider investment into England?
The success is due to the work of the United Kingdom Government with 282 embassies, high commissions and consulates across 180 countries promoting Scotland's interests overseas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific strategies for attracting foreign direct investment into England were not addressed
United Kingdom Government Work
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The SNP awarded ferry contracts to Turkish yards rather than supporting domestic shipbuilding, leading to delays and budget overruns.
Does the Secretary of State agree that Scotland's international reputation for shipbuilding has been damaged by the SNP due to ferry contract decisions?
Yes, the Secretary of State agrees that the island communities have been let down by these decisions which are now six years late and over budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK's membership in the G7 and NATO provides advantages for Scotland as part of the UK.
Does the Secretary of State agree that Scotland benefits from the UK's membership of the G7, NATO, and diplomatic missions around the world?
Yes, indeed. Membership in such organizations is an advantage for Scotland as part of the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The CalMac ferry project has been criticized for wasting taxpayers' money, with islanders left stranded due to delays.
Does the Secretary of State share concerns that Scottish Government is misusing taxpayers' money on poorly managed transport projects while leaving island communities without proper connections?
I certainly do share those concerns regarding the use of taxpayers' money on poorly managed transport schemes like CalMac ferry project, leaving islanders stranded.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Affairs Committee is conducting an inquiry into Scotland's international promotion, questioning the Secretary of State about unnecessary conflicts with promoting Scotland.
Why does the Secretary of State feel it necessary to pick a fight unnecessarily when there are ongoing efforts for collaboration in promoting Scotland internationally?
The UK Government should work with devolved administrations, but objects when they use missions overseas to promote separation or undermine foreign policy.
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Assessment & feedback
Using Missions For Promotion
Response accuracy