Contributions
183 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic GrowthOver the last year, this Government have taken action to fix the foundations of our economy, to put the public finances on a sustainable path and support growth. Despite the UK…26 Nov 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthThe hon. Gentleman and I have discussed this issue many times, and he is aware that we are striking a fair balance between supporting farmers and fixing the public services on…26 Nov 2025HANSARDAsylum and Returns PoliciesWhat Scottish Labour supports, like the rest of the Labour party, is a system that is both humane and restores control, and that is in the best interest of communities and those…26 Nov 2025HANSARDPride in Place ProgrammeThrough the Pride in Place programme, we are investing almost £500 million to revitalise communities across Scotland. As part of that, the Scotland Office has recently completed…26 Nov 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthI could not agree more. Since the election, this Government have delivered an extra £5.2 billion in funding for the Scottish Government, so they should be making life easier for…26 Nov 2025HANSARDPride in Place ProgrammeI can confirm to my hon. Friend that she will not have long to wait. It is in all our interests to get things coming down the chimney as soon as possible.26 Nov 2025HANSARDAsylum and Returns PoliciesImmigration is a reserved issue and the Home Secretary set out last week an asylum policy that will work for all parts of the United Kingdom. It contains the most sweeping asylum…26 Nov 2025HANSARDAsylum and Returns PoliciesI am sure that the whole House will join me in remembering those children who have drowned in the channel, and I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. There is nothing…26 Nov 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthThe hon. Gentleman is perfectly well aware that the majority—three quarters—of those claiming agricultural property relief will be completely unaffected. However, what will affect…26 Nov 2025HANSARDDraft Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025I thank the hon. Member for his contribution. While he might not be surprised to discover that I disagree with his assessment of the Conservative educational legacy south of the…25 Nov 2025HANSARDDraft Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025. It is a pleasure to serve under…25 Nov 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorI will reiterate it in case the shadow Secretary of State did not hear me: both myself and the Secretary of State represent semi-rural and farming constituencies. We are in…22 Oct 2025HANSARDPride in Place Programme: RegenerationThe Scotland Office is backing Scotland’s communities with our £292 million pride in place investment. The plan will support grassroots movements that restore local people’s…22 Oct 2025HANSARDPride in Place Programme: RegenerationI commend my hon. Friend on his ambition for his seat and his sterling advocacy for it. He is right that this funding will help revitalise our high streets, create jobs and…22 Oct 2025HANSARDPride in Place Programme: RegenerationMy hon. Friend is right that both her constituents and mine look with some envy to the other side of the border where millions of extra NHS appointments have been secured while…22 Oct 2025HANSARDPride in Place Programme: RegenerationI remind the hon. Lady that, of course, her constituents benefit from a city region and growth deal—there is investment going into her area. If she has complaints about the…22 Oct 2025HANSARDPride in Place Programme: RegenerationThe allocations under the pride in place programme have been evidence led, based on data and on a formula that is progressive and puts money into the pockets of those who need it…22 Oct 2025HANSARDCost of LivingThis Government are working tirelessly to reduce the cost of living in Scotland. We have introduced a national living wage, delivered a generational upgrade to workers’ rights and…22 Oct 2025HANSARDCost of LivingA child poverty strategy is on the way and will be released in due course. I can underscore our commitment to fighting child poverty with every breath we have. That is what Labour…22 Oct 2025HANSARDCost of LivingOur commitment to ending poverty is clear. We have had a clear focus on living standards; work is increasingly now paying; and we are focusing on ensuring that none of Scotland’s…22 Oct 2025