Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Economy

Wednesday 13 September 2023 · 4 questions

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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Supporting economic growth in Scotland is a priority, involving investments in city and regional growth deals and freeports.
  • The Minister is pleased with recent announcements regarding the offshore wind sector and will continue engaging with the industry.
  • Economic challenges in the UK are attributed to global factors such as the war in Ukraine and the covid pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Economy Scotland
Context

The MP is asking about the steps taken to help the Scottish economy recover from the pandemic.

Question

What recent steps his Department has taken to help support the Scottish economy. The economic data shows recovery better than France, Italy or Germany but specifics on what has been done in Scotland are requested.

Answer from John Lamont

Supporting economic growth in Scotland remains a core priority of the Scotland Office, exemplified through our work in investing in the city and regional growth deals and in delivering freeports and investment zones in Scotland, which has brought tens of millions of pounds in investment and has created highly paid jobs.

Answered
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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Scotland Energy
Context

Concern over the recent contracts for difference round and its impact on the offshore wind sector.

Question

There is huge potential for offshore wind in Scotland and it is an important part of the transition to a green economy there. What conversations will the Minister be having with the offshore wind sector following the absolutely disastrous contracts for difference round last week?

Answer from John Lamont

We are very pleased with the announcements that have been made following the announcements last week and will continue to engage with the sector to see it develop across Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specifics about upcoming conversations or concrete actions planned for the offshore wind sector.

How: We Are Very Pleased

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Q3 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Ukraine Economy
Context

The MP criticises the former Prime Minister for her book deal and the economic impact of the Tory government's handling of the economy.

Question

Does the Minister accept that Scots will be paying the price for years to come for the Tories' kamikaze handling of the economy? The economy is said to have been crushed by illegal war in Ukraine and covid pandemic, with the support of the Scottish Secretary.

Answer from John Lamont

The economic challenges we face here in the United Kingdom are no different from those faced by other economies around the world. They have been entirely caused by the illegal war in Ukraine and the covid pandemic. Thankfully, due to the decisive action of this Conservative Government and Prime Minister, the evidence suggests that the UK is recovering from the economic shock far better than France, Italy and Germany.

Not addressed: The question was about admitting the impact of Tory policies on Scotland's economy; the answer focused on global factors instead.

How: We Face No Different Challenges

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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Economy Scotland
Context

The MP criticises the UK Government for crashing the economy and asks if residents deserve a fresh start with Scottish Labour's Michael Shanks.

Question

Ukraine and covid did not crash the economy; this Government did. The truth is that, after 13 years, we have a low-wage, low-growth economy. Let me take the example of residents in a random Scottish constituency, Rutherglen and Hamilton West. Behind every door we knock on, the story is the same: the cost of living.

Answer from John Lamont

It was not so long ago that Scottish Labour was calling for even higher taxes on the people of Scotland. When Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stood for the leadership, he said: “I actually think our tax policies will be even more progressive and radical than even John McDonnell's or Jeremy Corbyn's tax policies or manifesto”. Mr Sarwar has now U-turned, of course, but maybe the hon. Gentleman can explain how much Scottish Labour secretly wants to put up taxes in Scotland.

How: When Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar Stood

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