Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Economy

Wednesday 24 January 2024 · 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 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Supporting economic growth in Scotland includes investment of up to 372 million in Scottish freeports and investment zones programmes.
  • The UK aims to deploy up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including 5 GW from floating wind, to decarbonise the UK power system.
  • The SNP's high tax agenda is impacting the potential of the Scottish economy and causing fiscal challenges.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Economy Climate Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of clarity and certainty in government support for businesses transitioning to a green economy.

Question

Chris Skidmore, former Government net zero tsar, said that businesses and investors need from the Government certainty, clarity, consistency and continuity. However, they are not getting this from the current Government, especially in Scotland where there is potential for green transition but lack of necessary support. What recent steps has the Department taken to help support the Scottish economy?

Answer from John Lamont

Supporting economic growth in Scotland remains a priority with investment of up to £372 million in Scottish freeports and investment zones programmes, on top of £1.5 billion into growth deals across the whole of Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address certainty, clarity, consistency and continuity specifically asked for.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned that businesses and communities need certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity to flourish during the green transition.

Question

Chris Skidmore stated that businesses and investors require Government certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity. However, they are not getting this in Scotland where there is potential for flourishing due to the green transition but lack of necessary support from the government. What does the Minister think?

Answer from John Lamont

I do not accept that analysis. The UK has a world-leading ambition to deploy up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with up to 5 GW from floating wind. This will play a key role in decarbonising the UK power system by 60% and achieving net zero by 2050.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address certainty, clarity, consistency, and continuity specifically asked for.

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Q3 Kevin Foster Con
Economy Taxation Scotland
Context

The MP is frustrated that despite his Department's efforts to support the Scottish economy, the SNP's high taxes and lack of support for sectors like hospitality are hindering progress.

Question

While my Department works to support the Scottish economy, the SNP imposes higher taxes and does not support vital sectors such as hospitality in Scotland compared to England. Does the Minister share this frustration?

Answer from John Lamont

My hon. Friend is right; sadly, the SNP's sole focus seems to be on independence referendums and making Scotland have the highest tax with less public services.

Answered
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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Economy Taxation Scotland
Context

The MP notes that since the Government came to power, working people have paid more in taxes and questions how this high tax burden impacts Scotland's economy.

Question

Working people now pay 10p more on the pound than before. The party of low tax created the highest tax burden in 70 years. In Scotland, everyone earning over £28,000 pays even higher taxes due to SNP's policies. What impact does this have on the Scottish economy?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government remains focused on reducing tax burden where prudent but faces challenges in Scotland due to SNP's high tax agenda, impacting Scottish economy's potential.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific impact of the historically high tax burden on the Scottish economy.

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Q5 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Economy Taxation Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential loss of Barnett funding for Scotland due to SNP policies.

Question

Working people pay more taxes because of the economic crash caused by Tories. The Barnett formula results in £19 billion extra spending in Scotland, but SNP is considering ditching this formula. Sixteen years of SNP have left a £1 billion black hole in public finances. Losing the formula would devastate Scotland's finances and economy. Will the Minister join me demanding SNP rule out binning the formula?

Answer from John Lamont

The biggest enemy of the Barnett formula and devolution in Scotland is the SNP, which wants to stop it. The Conservative Government remains committed to devolution, the formula, and more investment into Scotland.

Answered
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