Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth

Wednesday 14 January 2026 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers are working with partners to invest 65 million in projects in the Borderlands area.
  • Highlands and islands are receiving over 300 million in investment, including funds for the Pride in Place initiative and a green freeport.
  • Mr Alexander attributed a decrease in child poverty to the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, aiding 95,000 children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The MP refers to the Borderlands inclusive growth deal which is an important factor in driving economic growth in south Scotland. The projects originally identified are not proceeding as planned.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that new projects should be brought on board, including replacing the bridges at Annan, which have been damaged in storms over recent years?

Answer from Alexander

My officials are working closely with the Borderlands inclusive growth deal partners to oversee our £65 million investment in projects in that area. We are endeavouring to strike a balance with ensuring effective local leadership.

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Q2 Brendan O’Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Local Government
Context

The MP criticises the decision to exclude highlands and islands from the UK Government’s local growth fund. This is causing difficulties for rural communities.

Question

Will the Secretary of State listen to the advice of the leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, who desperately wants him to rethink this allocation?

Answer from Alexander

The highlands and islands are benefiting from more than £300 million in investment, including £80 million to support neighbourhoods through Pride in Place, and the £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth green freeport.

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Q3 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Education Economy Scotland
Context

The Labour Government is criticized for not supporting economic growth, citing the National Insurance increase, family farm tax, unemployment rights Bill, and impact on oil and gas industry. The Scottish Conservative party argues that after 19 years of SNP governance, change is needed.

Question

Andrew Bowie criticised the Labour government's policies as detrimental to the economy in Scotland, noting increased taxes, high unemployment rates, and inflation. He questioned why the Scottish Conservatives would not oppose the SNP’s budget before reviewing it fully, suggesting they are not good at either governing or opposition. He asked if the Secretary of State agrees that after 19 years of SNP governance, only the Scottish Conservative party has a plan to cut taxes, reduce the benefit bill, support businesses, and grow the economy.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

Mr Alexander partially agreed that Scotland deserved better than a government claiming to be change after 19 years but stated that no significant improvement has been seen under SNP governance. He argued that Scottish Labour's plan would lift more children out of poverty by abolishing the two-child benefit cap and increasing employment rights, supporting working households in poverty.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not directly address whether only the Scottish Conservatives have a plan for economic growth.

How: Changing Subject To Critique Snp

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Q4 Susan Murray Lib Dem Mid Dunbartonshire
Climate Scotland
Context

The seventh round of green energy in contracts for difference saw nearly 20% allocated to Scotland, with Liberal Democrats credited for the system. The question is about discussions between Cabinet colleagues to ensure benefits are passed on to Scottish people.

Question

Susan Murray congratulated the Government on the successful allocation of green energy and asked what discussions the Secretary of State had with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the benefits from this initiative would be passed on to the Scottish people through skilled jobs, grid upgrades, and protection of offshore infrastructure.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

Mr Alexander discussed these issues in the Cabinet and reaffirmed the government's commitment to building clean home-grown power, emphasizing that their choice is not about whether to build but what to build. The focus is on renewables due to their lower costs compared to gas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not detail specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues.

How: Repeating Government Stance

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Q5 Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Economy Employment Children & Families
Context

The SNP spokesperson questioned the Secretary of State on why Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is declining, despite Labour's opposition.

Question

Stephen Gethins congratulated Mr Alexander on catching “The Traitors” and asked him to explain why Scotland is the only region in the UK seeing a decrease in child poverty. He highlighted that Scottish Labour MPs lost their whip for backing a vote against the two-child benefit cap.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)

Mr Alexander attributed the decline in child poverty to the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which will help 95,000 children. He argued that Labour chancellors historically have lifted many children out of poverty and mentioned that three quarters of kids in poverty are from working households, emphasizing the importance of employment rights and minimum wage increases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why only Scotland is seeing a reduction in child poverty.

How: Changing Subject To Labour'S Track Record

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