Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Promoting Scotland's Interests Abroad

Wednesday 29 November 2023 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government works through its diplomatic network to promote Scottish interests abroad, focusing on trade and cultural exchanges.
  • Last month, the Secretary of State travelled to Vietnam to strengthen Scotland's trade ties and celebrate diplomatic relations.
  • Scottish Government Ministers can travel abroad to promote devolved matters but must not use UK diplomatic resources for issues related to the constitution or foreign policy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Menzies Con
Scotland Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The MP asks about recent discussions to promote Scottish economic and cultural interests on an international scale.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on promoting Scotland's interests abroad? This includes fostering trade, business links, and cultural exchanges that highlight Scotland's contributions to the UK's global presence.

Answer from Alister Jack

The UK Government works diligently through our diplomatic network to promote Scottish interests abroad, engaging in business diplomacy and fostering trade opportunities. The response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's inquiry highlights extensive efforts aimed at supporting Scotland's international promotion.

Answered
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Q2 Mark Menzies Con
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP, as a trade envoy, seeks information on the Scotland Office's efforts to assist key Scottish industries in international markets.

Question

As one of the Prime Minister's trade envoys, it is my pleasure to champion British business overseas. Will the Secretary of State update the House on what work the Scotland Office is doing to support whisky and satellite sectors in the international market?

Answer from Alister Jack

Last month I travelled to Vietnam to strengthen Scotland's trade ties and celebrate diplomatic relations. The UK's recent entry into the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership opens new avenues for Scottish businesses in the Indo-Pacific region.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific work of the Scotland Office is not detailed, focusing instead on a general visit to Vietnam.

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland
Context

The MP seeks clarification on the legitimacy of Scottish ministers' international travel for promoting devolved areas.

Question

Will the Secretary of State clarify what he was saying earlier and whether he thinks it is legitimate for Scottish Government Ministers to be able to travel overseas to promote work in devolved areas?

Answer from Alister Jack

Scottish Government Ministers can travel abroad to promote devolved matters but should not use UK diplomatic resources for issues related to the constitution or foreign policy. They must refrain from using embassies and consulates for separatist activities or other reserved areas.

Answered
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