Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Promoting Scotland Overseas

Wednesday 24 January 2024 · 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

  • UK Government promotes Scottish interests worldwide through diplomatic efforts and trade initiatives.
  • Alyn Smith expressed concern over declining Scottish exports to the EU from 2019 to 2021.
  • Minister suggested Alyn Smith discuss the issue with SNP colleagues in the Scottish Parliament regarding cuts to business support funding.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alyn Smith
Scotland
Context

No specific event or statistic mentioned, but the question relates to discussions within the Cabinet on promoting Scotland overseas.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on promoting Scotland overseas.

Answer from John Lamont

The UK Government work tirelessly to promote Scottish interests around the world through our extensive diplomatic network, forging business links and generating trade and investment. Our response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's recent inquiry on Scotland's international position highlights the extensive efforts we undertake to achieve this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues were not detailed

How: Work Tirelessly, Extensive Diplomatic Network

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Q2 Alyn Smith
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP references recent figures showing a decline in Scottish exports to the EU from £16.95 billion to £14.97 billion between 2019-2021, indicating concern about the effectiveness of current efforts.

Question

I am afraid that I do not share the Minister's Panglossian view of this issue. Does he share my concern about recently published figures that show that, in the years 2019 to 2021, Scottish exports to the EU fell from £16.95 billion to £14.97 billion? Whatever the UK Government are doing, it is not working, so the Scottish Government have a pressing need to promote ourselves overseas for the sake of our economy and our society. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to increase that overseas promotion, not cut it back due to domestic wrangles?

Answer from John Lamont

Given the hon. Member's interest in this area, perhaps he could speak with his SNP colleagues in the Scottish Parliament. They are cutting funding to South of Scotland Enterprise, which will mean less support for businesses in the south of Scotland to grow, innovate and export. Perhaps he could tell the First Minister of Scotland that promoting Scotland overseas begins with supporting businesses at home in Scotland.

Not addressed: The MP's concern about declining exports was not addressed directly

How: Cutting Funding To South Of Scotland Enterprise, Supporting Businesses At Home

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