Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

First Minister: Meetings

Wednesday 25 March 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed to enhancing virtual relationships with the First Minister of Scotland instead of face-to-face meetings.
  • Response addressed the issue of EU nationals working in essential services and volunteering during asylum case consideration.
  • Discussed challenges faced by craft distilleries switching production to hand sanitiser and seeking faster registration from HMRC.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart McDonald SNP Argyll and Bute
Scotland Foreign Affairs
Context

Discusses the need for virtual communication due to the pandemic.

Question

When does he plan to next meet the First Minister of Scotland. Will he discuss with the First Minister and Foreign Secretary the plight of constituents trapped abroad who feel let down by the FCO?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

I am committed to a constructive relationship with the First Minister of Scotland and other Scottish Government Ministers. Now is not the time to plan face-to-face meetings; rather, we should enhance virtual relationships and communications. The people of Scotland benefit most when both Governments work collaboratively during difficult times. I raised cases of stranded constituents in New Zealand and Australia yesterday with the Foreign Secretary who made a statement on the issue. We are working to keep some airline hubs open for repatriation purposes and encourage all British nationals abroad to register with local high commissions or embassies.

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North
Asylum & Refugees NHS
Context

Discusses essential workers who are European nationals or seeking asylum.

Question

Does he hope the Secretary of State will reflect on the fact that many people in the NHS, care sector, delivery drivers and supermarket staff are EU nationals; these are not low-skilled but essential. Will he discuss with the First Minister and Home Secretary how to grant right to work to asylum seekers who can help their communities during the crisis?

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

It is a UK-wide issue. Normally, asylum seekers cannot work while cases are considered; however, they can volunteer. NHS England announced a volunteering scheme yesterday, and I hope the Scottish Government will do the same.

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Discusses the challenge faced by many Scottish distilleries, particularly those producing hand sanitiser.

Question

When speaking with the First Minister, will he discuss challenges faced by craft distilleries keen on switching production from their usual products to produce sanitiser and other cleaning products. Many face duty payments in advance which means they cannot give away this stuff for free.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Yes, we have done so. We want HM Revenue and Customs to speed up the registration process for these companies because the tax treatment of alcohol used in hand sanitiser is no different from that used in food, chemicals or other products: once denatured, it becomes duty-free.

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