Contributions
183 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandI welcome today’s debate on devolution. At its heart, it is really a discussion of how we deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland. That objective has long animated the…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandApologies, Madam Deputy Speaker. I hope Members across this House will always find us accessible to them and willing to make their constituents’ case across Government. My hon.…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandApologies, Madam Deputy Speaker—my mistake. The hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey (Graham Leadbitter) said that he would like to focus some of this debate on the…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandCredit for those trade deals sits with those who got them over the line. This is a Labour Government who have delivered comprehensively for Scotland’s world-class producers and…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorThis Government appreciate the role of farmers and everyone involved in our agricultural sector, and I have been delighted to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union of…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorAs I mentioned, we are in regular dialogue with farming stakeholders and we regularly consider the evidence that is presented to us. I would stress that, while we will always give…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandWe are focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland. We constantly have constitutional questions and questions about second-order concerns from the Opposition Benches, but…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorI myself am a representative of rural Scots, as indeed is the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is meeting farmer representatives in his constituency this very week. We are in…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorI could not agree with my hon. Friend more. Since the election, the UK Government’s plan for change has delivered an extra £5.2 billion to the Scottish Government—funding that can…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorOur reforms mean that the majority—almost three quarters—of those claiming the relief will not be affected. Only the richest estates will be asked to pay more. This is a fair…22 Oct 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax Relief: Agriculture SectorI would be delighted to meet the hon. Lady, and I welcome her to her new position. Food security is indeed national security, and national security is the No. 1 priority of this…22 Oct 2025HANSARDDevolution in ScotlandI could not agree more with my hon. Friend. At the last election, we promised to maximise Scotland’s influence, and this is what that looks like. The calls we have heard from…22 Oct 2025HANSARDLisbon Maru MemorialI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bathgate and Linlithgow (Kirsteen Sullivan) on securing this debate on the potential merits of Government support for a memorial to…01 Sept 2025HANSARDSupporting Scottish AgricultureThose three trade deals are some of the proudest achievements of this Labour Government, and they will disproportionately benefit Scotland. As I have already said, it is home to…09 Jul 2025HANSARDSupporting Scottish AgricultureI would be delighted to report back to the House and Scotland’s rural communities, including my own in Midlothian, about the outcomes of the farming roundtable. We heard directly…09 Jul 2025HANSARDSupporting Scottish AgricultureI agree with my hon. Friend that the Scottish Government have been blessed with a record settlement in the devolution era. The difficulty for those of us on the Labour Benches who…09 Jul 2025HANSARDSupporting Scottish AgricultureScotland cultivates the very best produce in the world, and we are absolutely committed to supporting Scotland’s agricultural sector and, indeed, all those who live and work in…09 Jul 2025HANSARDArtificial Intelligence: ScotlandI am led to believe that the hon. Member has already picked this matter up with the Secretary of State, who will be taking it forward, but I would be delighted to talk to the hon.…09 Jul 2025HANSARDArtificial Intelligence: ScotlandMuch like my hon. Friend, who is a truly passionate advocate for his community, I am proud to represent one of Scotland’s industrial heartlands. He is right to highlight the role…09 Jul 2025HANSARDBroadcasting: ScotlandThe Secretary of State and I are committed to supporting a flourishing broadcasting sector in Scotland and regularly meet its representatives. I know that my hon. Friend the…09 Jul 2025