Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening the Union

Wednesday 1 July 2020 · 1 question

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Dines asked about the critical importance of trade between Scotland and the rest of the UK, citing that over 60% of Scottish exports go to the rest of the UK, three times more than to the EU.
  • The minister emphasized the need to avoid barriers and division that could arise from separation, stressing the importance of unity for economic recovery.
  • Tourism in Scotland was highlighted as an area that requires support, with the minister cautioning against rhetoric that could negatively impact border relations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Dines SNP Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Business & Trade
Context

Discusses the importance of trade within the UK, particularly focusing on Scotland's export figures.

Question

More than 60% of Scottish exports go to the rest of the UK. That represents three times more than the rest of the EU. Does my hon. Friend agree that, as we emerge from this pandemic, trade between all four home nations is going to be critical not only to Scotland but also to the rest of the UK?

Answer from Iain Stewart (Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government)

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight these figures. We do not need the barriers and division that separation would bring, nor do we need the reckless talk of effectively closing the border when tourism in Scotland needs all the help it can get.

Answered
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