Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ferry Services: Scotland to Europe

Wednesday 8 September 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Douglas Chapman asked about creating direct ferry services from Scotland to mainland Europe.
  • The Secretary of State praised Scottish athletes' performance in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
  • The Secretary of State mentioned the previous ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, noting it was not a passenger service from 2010 and emphasizing economic viability for future services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Douglas Chapman SNP
Transport Scotland
Context

There has been ongoing discussion about the benefits and feasibility of establishing direct ferry routes from Scotland to mainland Europe. This question arises in the context of economic, environmental, and logistical considerations.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of creating direct ferry services from Scotland to mainland Europe.

Answer from Alister Jack

Let me start by saying that the Scottish athletes of Team GB have returned triumphant from the Tokyo 020 Olympic games with a record total of 14 medals, surpassing the 13 medals won by Scottish athletes at both the London and Rio Olympics. At the Paralympic games, the Scots of ParalympicsGB won an impressive 21 medals. I congratulate every athlete who competed. I also congratulate the Scottish football team on their victory in Vienna last night. I regularly discuss a wide range of topics with Cabinet colleagues, including transport and the Union connectivity review. There are of course merits to any direct ferry services from Scotland. I understand that discussions for a new service to mainland Europe have been taking place for some time.

Not addressed: The question about ferry services was largely ignored in favour of congratulatory remarks on sporting achievements and general statements about discussions with Cabinet colleagues.

How: Changed Subject Entirely, Congratulated Athletes

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Douglas Chapman SNP
Climate Brexit Business & Trade
Context

In light of recent export figures post-Brexit, the need to reduce lorry miles for net zero targets, and the current HGV driver crisis, there is a pressing case for considering direct ferry services between Scotland and mainland Europe.

Question

I endorse the comments of the Secretary of State on the Olympic and Paralympic teams, and the tartan army result last night; I am absolutely delighted with second place in the group at the moment, but let us go on to be first and get qualification. The Secretary of State will be aware of recent dismal export figures in the wake of Brexit, the need to reduce lorry miles to help us get to net zero and the current HGV driver crisis that make up the hat-trick of events that would seem to make the need for a ferry service from Scotland to mainland Europe almost self-evident. However, there are barriers, including the commitment of Border Force to provide the resources and personnel to support that new route. Next week, we celebrate London International Shipping Week—

Answer from Alister Jack

I think the hon. Gentleman is requesting a meeting, and I would be happy to meet him. As he knows, the ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge ran from 2002 to 2018, but from 2010 was not a passenger service. We would want any service that comes forward to be economically viable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a meeting and discussion of Border Force commitments was acknowledged but not fully addressed in terms of concrete plans or actions.

How: Acknowledged The Need For A Meeting But Did Not Provide Specifics

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)