House of Commons · Westminster Hall
02 July 2025 · 12 other contributors · 13,554 words
Opened by Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Responding minister: Kirsty McNeill
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Graeme Downie raised concerns about spending review 2025: scotland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Graeme Downie asks for more focus on outcomes in budgeting and expresses concern over the SNP's mismanagement of public funds, urging the Government to ensure a fair share of funding for Scotland.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
On behalf of the Scottish contingent, Graeme Downie acknowledges significant investments such as £25 million for the Forth green freeport, but expresses concern over house building being down in Scotland with 10,000 children remaining in temporary accommodation. He also highlights failures in housing and healthcare services by the SNP government, noting that a third of cases received are from people with problems relating to devolved policy areas.
Acknowledged the impact of inflation and interest rates on small businesses. Emphasized the UK Government's support for Scottish innovation districts and aerospace industry, particularly mentioning the Rolls-Royce factory in her constituency. Discussed the potential of aviation in economic growth.
Warned about economic incompetence under Labour Government leading to tax rises for businesses, stagnant productivity, increasing unemployment and low business confidence. Acknowledged challenging times for Scotland and supported increased defence spending.
The money wasted by the SNP on the infamous ferries could have paid for around 11,000 nurses or 3,000 GPs. The Scottish Government's failure to use resources given by Westminster frustrates MPs.
Responded to the debate, acknowledging contributions and expressing hope for solutions in maternity services.
Highlighted the spending review's benefits for Scotland, including £9.1 billion over three years, but criticised the SNP Government's handling of public funds. Highlighted problems with GP surgeries in Livingston.
Harriet Cross proposes prioritising Scottish-based students for medical places at university, as they are more likely to stay in the UK and contribute to the workforce. She seeks Graeme Downie's support on this matter. Asked the hon. Member to reflect on the real-terms cut in funding from the Scottish Government affecting universities.
Described issues with maternity services in his constituency.
Jim Shannon congratulates Graeme Downie and expresses concern over equality of spending not leading to equality of outcome. He suggests the Minister must look at this issue to ensure the Government’s goal is equality of outcome.
Defended the UK Government's record settlement for Scotland, noting that Scotland receives more funding per head than other parts of the UK.
Martin Rhodes commends the debate and highlights the significant funding boost to Scotland from the UK Labour Government, amounting to £9.1 billion over three years. He also discusses the creation of investment zones focusing on advanced manufacturing in Glasgow. Discussed the potential of Glasgow and the importance of economic growth.
Asked why the Scottish Government cut employability funding despite Labour's concerns about welfare impacts. Discussed the positive impact of the Government's spending review on Scotland, highlighting investments in renewables and infrastructure projects such as the Acorn project. Addressed issues related to GP surgeries, similar to the Member for Livingston.
Stephen Gethins questions Jamie Stone's reliance on Labour figures of £9.1 billion, suggesting that the Fraser of Allander Institute has criticised these numbers. Discussed the impact of Westminster policies on Scotland and asked for clarity on welfare changes and Acorn project funding. Challenged the notion that UK government failures are dwarfed by SNP inefficiency, mentioning Brexit costs and welfare cuts offsetting. Asked if a Home Office Minister would visit the University of Dundee to discuss the impact of policies. Asked the Minister about resetting the relationship and the impact of welfare reforms on Scottish public services. Made a speech, possibly related to his campaign for Dundee.
Government Response
Kirsty McNeillThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland
Confirmed the UK Government's commitment to increasing defence spending, securing long-term future of HM Naval Base Clyde through £250 million investment over three years. Announced £1.7 billion investment in local communities and city regions across Scotland, including a £452 million four-year commitment for city region and growth deals. Emphasised the record financial support given to Scotland and defended the government's approach to welfare reforms, highlighting ongoing conversations with the Scottish Government on various policies.