Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth: Scotland

Tuesday 4 March 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Elaine Stewart questioned the Minister about wasteful spending in Scotland and poor value for Scottish taxpayers under the SNP Government.
  • Tracy Gilbert inquired about support for the Scotch whisky industry, including investment at the Port of Leith distillery.
  • The Minister confirmed the Government's support for the Scotch whisky industry and stated that the definition of single malt whisky will not be watered down.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elaine Stewart Lab Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Economy Scotland
Context

The question arises from concerns about the Scottish National Party's handling of public services and economic development over nearly two decades.

Question

In Scotland, we have seen almost two decades of wasteful spending while public services get worse. Does the Minister agree that good public services are essential to economic growth, and that Scottish taxpayers are not getting good value for money under the SNP Government?

Answer from Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

On my recent visit to Scotland I heard just that. The people of Scotland deserve the same approach that the people of England are getting from this Government, who have stability and economic growth as their mission and who are getting a grip of public finances after years of failure. Quite frankly, we have given the Scottish Government the money, and they now need to get on with the job. If they cannot, they need to move out of the way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question was about value for money and public service quality, while the response focused more on political criticism and less on concrete measures or evidence.

How: Political Criticism, Blaming The Opposition

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Q2 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Concerns have been raised about potential changes to the definition of single malt Scotch whisky which could impact investment and growth in the Scottish whisky industry.

Question

Support for the industry starts at home by attracting investment, including at the Port of Leith distillery in my constituency, which is producing single malt Scotch whisky, attracting tourists and showcasing the best of Scottish hospitality. My right hon. Friend will be aware of the industry’s concerns about the watering down of the definition of single malt, which will have an impact on investment and growth. Will he therefore work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that no change is made to the definition of single malt that would undermine the Scottish success story and investment in the Scottish whisky industry?

Answer from Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

Scotch whisky is a proud British brand and export, and this Government will always support the industry. I have checked with Ministers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and I can confirm that we will not be watering down the definition of single malt whisky.

Answered
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Q3 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Economy Taxation Scotland
Context

The SNP highlights that Scotland's economy grew by 12% more than the UK economy in 2024, arguing for their approach to foreign direct investment, taxation, public sector funding, and community investment.

Question

We can listen to the braying of Labour MPs from Scotland or we can look at the fact that the Scottish economy grew 12% more than the UK economy in 2024. That is because of the SNP Scottish Government’s forensic focus on making Scotland the most attractive place in the UK for foreign direct investment year after year, having a progressive taxation system, rewarding our public sector workers properly and investing in our communities. What difference does the Minister think agricultural property relief and business property relief will have on the Scottish economy—positive or negative?

Answer from Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

Of course, when we make changes to taxes, even when that it is difficult, that results in additional funding for the hon. Member and his colleagues to spend. I am sure he is grateful that we have given a record-breaking increase in investment to the Scottish Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question was about specific tax reliefs and their economic impact, while the response focused on general funding increases without addressing specific relief impacts.

How: Blaming The Opposition, Redirecting To A Different Topic

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