Contributions
638 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK Internal MarketI have frequent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters relating to the UK internal market. The UK internal market is vitally important for our economy. As I…09 Sept 2020HANSARDArmed Forces PersonnelI absolutely agree. Our armed forces perform a hugely important task in their service of the United Kingdom, and it is unacceptable that any member of them should be subject to…09 Sept 2020HANSARDArmed Forces PersonnelBritish armed forces personnel in Scotland play a crucial role in defending the whole UK, and my Department meets regularly with the Ministry of Defence to help raise concerns…09 Sept 2020HANSARDStrengthening the UnionFirst, I congratulate the hon. Gentleman and his partner on the birth of their baby daughter, Zola, which is why he is currently on paternity leave. I hope that I face even…09 Sept 2020HANSARDStrengthening the UnionYes, my hon. Friend is right. The benefits of the Union go way beyond public spending. The strength and size of the UK economy create opportunities for Scottish businesses, and…09 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal MarketThere are over 42 frameworks. I have not studied them all in detail, but I am sure that those subjects will be covered. When we have frameworks, it is by consensus. It is up to…09 Sept 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryAs the hon. Gentleman will know, the fiscal framework is due to be reviewed in 2021. In the interim, we have given huge support to Scotland from the British Exchequer, with £3.8…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEU Transition PeriodI was going to say I was pleased that for once that the hon. Gentleman had not made it all about independence, but he managed to weave it in. I think the whole House would like to…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEU Transition PeriodYes, I agree. I think Scottish Ministers need to wake up to the fact that we have left the European Union and we will leave the transition period on 31 December. I know that the…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEU Transition PeriodI have regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on EU transition matters, including the end of the transition period and the benefits to Scotland of once…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryOn the hon. Lady’s first remark about public health, it is absolutely imperative that we protect lives, but we must also protect livelihoods. On universal basic income, we do not…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryDiscussions that we have with the Treasury ahead of a statement are confidential, but I have highlighted the threats around tourism and hospitality, and I say again to the hon.…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryThe Scottish Finance Minister, Kate Forbes, has questioned the Barnett formula and has raised full fiscal autonomy as a preference. I would say to the people of Scotland that, for…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryLet me start by echoing the hon. Gentleman’s remarks about the shocking incident on the pavement in Morningside Road yesterday. The Chancellor acknowledged right at the beginning…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryThe unemployment rate is going up faster than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, and we are proving in Scotland to be slower at reopening our economy—something I regret. It is…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryAs the hon. Lady will know, the Chancellor is making a statement a week today. I have had discussions with him about the support. The furlough will continue for another four…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryAs the hon. Gentleman knows, universal credit support has been increased during the covid crisis, but the point he makes about the last six months of life is one that I would like…01 Jul 2020HANSARDEconomic RecoveryI would like to take a few moments to pay tribute to Glasgow’s emergency services for the enormous courage they showed in dealing with last week’s shocking knife attack. Our…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Discussions with Scottish GovernmentThis is not the time for the Scottish fiscal framework to be opened up and looked at again. The UK Government have given huge support to the whole United Kingdom through the…20 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: UK-wide ResponseI can confirm to my hon. Friend that we are absolutely committed to working constructively with the Scottish Government on all fronts.20 May 2020