Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Devolved Administrations

Thursday 4 December 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gerald Jones welcomed the Chancellor's additional 505 million investment for Wales through the Barnett formula.
  • Katrina Murray questioned the SNP Government's effectiveness in using recent funding to deliver healthcare improvements in Cumbernauld.
  • Irene Campbell suggested that constituencies like North Ayrshire and Arran could benefit from a Labour-led nuclear policy change in Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Wales Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Welsh Labour MP Gerald Jones references the additional investment announced in last week's Budget through the Barnett formula. He highlights the contrast with Conservative governments.

Question

I very much welcome the additional £505 million of investment that the Chancellor announced in last week’s Budget through the Barnett formula, building on the biggest settlement since devolution. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is another example of two Labour Governments working together for the benefit of the people of Wales, which is in complete contrast to how we were treated by the Conservatives?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)

I agree that this is but one fantastic example of two Labour Governments working together to deliver for the people of Wales, in stark contrast with 14 years of Conservative Governments ignoring Welsh leaders in the Senedd. Just the other week, we announced two AI growth zones and the UK’s first small modular reactor in Anglesey, alongside historic investment in Welsh rail earlier this year. Through that, we are creating 11,000 new jobs across Wales. That is thanks, again, to two Labour Governments working together for the people of Wales.

Answered
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Q2 Katrina Murray Lab Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
NHS Scotland
Context

Scottish Labour MP Katrina Murray points to the need for effective use of funding uplifts by the SNP Government to deliver on promises made regarding elective treatment and diagnostic centers.

Question

Does the Minister agree that in my constituency, where people are struggling to access healthcare, it is vital that the SNP Government make effective use of the recent funding uplift to finally deliver the long-promised elective treatment and diagnostic centre in Cumbernauld, so that we can cut waiting lists and get my constituents the care they need?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)

My hon. Friend will know that it was Nicola Sturgeon, campaigning less than a month before the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, who promised a new elective treatment and diagnostic centre for the people of Cumbernauld. Four and a half years later, my hon. Friend’s constituents are still waiting, and the SNP Government have admitted that they will not be building it any time soon. This Labour Government have committed billions of pounds in extra funding for Scottish public services, but voters in Cumbernauld and across Scotland will rightly be asking the SNP Government the question, “Where’s the money gone, John?”

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm agreement on effective use of funds

How: Challenging The Opposition

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Q3 Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Scotland Energy
Context

Scottish Labour MP Irene Campbell discusses potential economic benefits of nuclear policy changes in Scotland, particularly regarding Hunterston power station.

Question

Does the Minister agree that with a Labour Government at Holyrood working with a UK Labour Government, constituencies like North Ayrshire and Arran could be much better off, because nuclear policy in Scotland could change and sites like Hunterston, which is currently blocked from investment by SNP policy, could be developed to support small modular reactors, bringing good jobs to the community and playing a key part in our energy supply?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)

In England and Wales, Labour Governments are investing billions of pounds to deliver a new generation of clean, safe nuclear power. Hunterston, in my hon. Friend’s constituency, is just one of the communities in Scotland that could benefit from this investment, if it was not for the SNP Government’s outdated and ideological ban on nuclear power. Their student politics approach is holding Scotland back. Only a vote for Scottish Labour and Anas Sarwar next May will deliver the jobs and growth that nuclear power could offer Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm agreement on policy changes

How: Challenging The Opposition

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Q4 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Transport Scotland
Context

Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain highlights the frustration with lack of coordination regarding the implementation of step-free access at railway stations.

Question

Despite the Government’s assurances, they and the Scottish Government fail to communicate in many ways. As a Scottish MP, I am used to the frustrating process of being sent from one to another, with nobody taking responsibility. Access for All is a great example. The new ramp at Leuchars station, which serves St Andrews, could provide effective step-free access, but nobody knows when the new scheme is coming and how it will be administered in Scotland. Can I get an assurance that conversations are taking place about the scheme?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)

I can confirm that Ministers across Government, including myself, the Prime Minister and others in relevant Departments, engage with our counterparts in the Scottish Government frequently, and we wish to unblock problems to improve delivery for the people of Scotland. If the hon. Lady writes to me on the particular issue that she raises, I will ensure that it is taken into account. Perhaps next time, SNP Members might come to oral questions to hear about the issues directly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific conversations are taking place

How: Suggesting A Different Approach

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland
Context

Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon references the controversial abortion legislation passed by the previous Conservative government in 2019.

Question

The Minister is a gentleman—that is never in question. What steps will be taken to respect the principle of devolution and avoid legislating on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly without genuine necessity? I ask everyone to cast their minds back to 2019, when the Conservative Government brought in abortion legislation in Northern Ireland against the will of the Northern Ireland Assembly and against the will of the people of Northern Ireland. This House endorsed it. Mr Speaker, what can be done to ensure that that never, ever happens again?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)

I think it comes from mutual respect and dialogue, which this Government have exhibited since we have come into office. That is in stark contrast to the relationship over the previous 14 years. The Northern Ireland Secretary and I, alongside the Prime Minister, engage with the Deputy First Minister and the First Minister on these issues routinely, and we will continue to try to provide the best answers for the people of Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific steps to avoid unnecessary legislation

How: Emphasizing Mutual Respect

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