Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Co-operation: Scotland and Northern Ireland

Wednesday 4 June 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

  • Alex Easton requested a meeting to consider creating a trade fair focusing on trade between Northern Ireland and Scottish businesses.
  • Alan Gemmell noted that it is astonishing the SNP stands with the Tories and Reform against an EU trade deal beneficial for Scotland.
  • Andrew Bowie highlighted under-investment in Scotland's roads and called for improvement in transport infrastructure to boost economic co-operation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Easton Ind North Down
Northern Ireland Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks a trade fair to promote economic co-operation, focusing on trade between businesses in the two regions.

Question

Will the Minister set up a meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to consider creating a trade fair focusing on trade between Northern Ireland businesses and Scottish businesses? That would create networks, would possibly create jobs, and would be great for the economy in both Northern Ireland and Scotland. It would certainly go down well with businesses in North Down and right across the UK.

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)

I would be delighted to see more trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I will happily meet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to explore that.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Alan Gemmell Lab Central Ayrshire
Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP criticizes the SNP for opposing an EU trade deal beneficial to Scottish businesses, highlighting several economic challenges faced by Scots.

Question

Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the Government’s trio of trade deals. Does the Minister agree that it is astonishing that the SNP stands with the Tories and Reform against an EU trade deal that is good for Scotland, and that after almost 20 years in government, the SNP has no plan for Scotland? One in six Scots is on an NHS waiting list; Ayrshire ferries are late and are costing £1 billion; one in six Scots is not in education, employment or training; and the SNP has no plan for the defence of our Union.

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

I agree with my hon. Friend that it is astonishing that we see ranged on the Opposition Benches numerous people who have talked down the potential of Scotland’s exporters, and who have said that there is no benefit to be had from these deals for a Scottish business sector that is desperate to grow and export, and is delighted with the three trade deals, which will make such a difference to them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific economic issues mentioned in the question were not directly addressed.

How: General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Transport Northern Ireland Scotland
Context

The MP calls for the ringfencing of Barnett consequentials to improve Scotland's roads, emphasizing the importance of the A77 and A75 for individuals, businesses, and hauliers.

Question

For years, there has been under-investment in Scotland’s roads. The A9, A96, A77 and A75 are all in dire need of upgrading or dualling; work on all of them has been delayed or even cancelled by the SNP. In the spirit of improving economic co-operation between the nations of the UK, and specifically between Scotland and Northern Ireland, and given how vital the A77 and A75 are to individuals, businesses and hauliers, will the Minister seek the ringfencing of the Barnett consequentials that will arise as a result of this morning’s announcement by the Chancellor, so that the SNP must spend that money on improving roads in Scotland?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

We are in conversation with all the relevant parties, but yes, we would like an increase in trade, and in the transport infrastructure that supports it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about ringfencing Barnett consequentials for road improvement which was not directly addressed.

How: General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)