Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Products: Overseas Promotion

Thursday 2 May 2024 · 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

  • Ministerial Department works closely with the Scottish Government to promote Scottish products in overseas markets.
  • Honorable member raised concern about Scotland being the only major oil-producing nation without a refinery capacity.
  • Discussion includes supporting new businesses expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in the US to meet net zero targets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neale Hanvey
Business & Trade
Context

The value of Scotland's oil exports to the EU reached £9.4 billion in 2023, with total oil exports up 14.7%.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with the Scottish Government on the promotion of Scottish products in overseas markets?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

My Department works closely with the Scottish Government and their agencies to promote Scottish products in overseas markets. We have recently delivered our Made in Scotland, Sold to the World exporter roadshow in Glasgow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on recent discussions about oil exports and refinery capacity were not addressed.

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Q2 Neale Hanvey
Scotland Energy
Context

The value of Scotland's oil exports to the EU reached £9.4 billion in 2023, with total oil exports up 14.7%, and a modest £80 million investment could triple the profitability of Grangemouth.

Question

Does she accept that it would be absurd for Scotland to be the only major oil-producing nation without a refinery capacity? Will she meet me to discuss this matter further?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue; we are concerned about it, and UK and Scottish Governments are working together through forums like the Grangemouth Future Industry Board to understand all options for the future of the refinery.

Answered
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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Climate Business & Trade
Context

There is a need to support the expansion of electronic vehicle infrastructure into new markets like the United States.

Question

Does she agree that while there has been progress promoting traditional Scottish exports, we also need to support new businesses, such as those keen on expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in the US?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Yes, my right hon. Friend is quite right; our exports need to focus on future industries like electric vehicles, which are crucial for hitting net zero targets, an area supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Answered
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