Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Connectivity: Scotland and the Rest of the UK

Wednesday 2 February 2022 · 5 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and a Cabinet colleague have regular discussions about improving cross-border connectivity.
  • The UK Government invited the Scottish Government to work in partnership on the Union connectivity review but they did not engage.
  • The Secretary of State committed to meeting Damien Moore to discuss improving the rail link connecting Southport better with Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Felicity Buchan
Scotland
Context

Discussions on improving cross-border connectivity in response to a request.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary had with Cabinet colleagues on improving connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK?

Answer from Alister Jack

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart), and I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about improving cross-border connectivity. The UK Government are currently considering the recommendations from the Union connectivity review and a formal response will be published shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments beyond ongoing discussions and future publication of a formal response.

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Q2 Felicity Buchan
Scotland
Context

Disappointment at the Scottish Government's refusal to engage with the Union connectivity review.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend share my disappointment that the Scottish Government refused to engage with the Union connectivity review and does he hope for an end to party political games?

Answer from Alister Jack

The Scottish Government did not engage in the Union connectivity review, but the UK Government have invited them to work closely in partnership to consider recommendations and identify solutions best for all people in the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments beyond noting lack of engagement and inviting future cooperation.

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Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland
Context

Query on improving political relationships for better connectivity.

Question

What is the Secretary of State specifically doing to improve connectivity between the UK Conservative Cabinet and the Scottish Conservative party?

Answer from Alister Jack

I support the Prime Minister and our leader in Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Moray (Douglas Ross).

Not addressed: Changed subject entirely from connectivity to supporting political figures.

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Q4 Damien Moore Con
Transport
Context

Request for a meeting to discuss improved rail connections.

Question

Would my right hon. Friend commit to meeting me to discuss putting the link back through Burscough curves connecting Southport better with Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Yes, I will meet my hon. Friend. It would be wonderful for us Scots as we do enjoy a game of golf.

Not addressed: Changed subject to golfing rather than discussing rail improvements.

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Q5 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Transport Scotland
Context

Inquiry on discussions with Scottish Government to harness new demand in UK.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State had about supporting Edinburgh airport and Haymarket station to facilitate improved connectivity?

Answer from Alister Jack

Connectivity is important, including air, rail, and road. We are engaging with the Scottish Government in a spirit of good will with a view to improving connectivity for all parts of the United Kingdom.

Not addressed: Provided broad statements without specific actions or commitments.

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