Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

The Union and the Devolved Administrations

Thursday 24 October 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government held the Council of the Nations and Regions recently in Edinburgh.
  • The Council of the Nations and Regions will meet twice a year.
  • Over 60 billion of inward investment was announced at the first meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Context

There is a need to reset relations between the UK Government and devolved Administrations, as not all parts of the country are working together effectively.

Question

What progress has been made on resetting relations with the devolved Administrations?

Answer from Pat McFadden

This Government were elected to deliver for people throughout the United Kingdom, and held the Council of the Nations and Regions recently in Edinburgh, focused on investment and good jobs across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on progress made or any concrete actions taken to reset relations with devolved Administrations.

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Context

There is a need for regular meetings between the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with regional leaders in England to shape their communities.

Question

Will the Minister formalise the council of Ministers so that the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with regional leaders in England, can meet regularly to shape their communities?

Answer from Pat McFadden

The Council of the Nations and Regions will meet twice a year; however, these relationships are about more than formal meetings. It is important to establish as good and normal a working relationship as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide commitment on formalising regular meetings but acknowledged the importance of establishing good relations.

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Q3 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Context

There is investment planned in sectors vital to the economy of Dunfermline and Dollar, including renewables, defence and engineering. This requires alignment with the Scottish Government for skill development.

Question

This new Labour Government have outlined that they will invest in sectors vital to the economy of Dunfermline and Dollar, including renewables, defence and engineering. That investment can only fully deliver if there is alignment with the Scottish Government to deliver a pipeline of skills needed for local people to fill those jobs. Will the Minister outline how this Labour Government will co-ordinate with and press the SNP to ensure that the opportunity of this investment is fully realised?

Answer from Pat McFadden

Through the first meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions, over £60 billion of inward investment was announced. My hon. Friend is right that to make the most of this investment we have to give people the skills to do the jobs this investment will bring.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or commitments on coordination and pressing the SNP for skill development.

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