Contributions
638 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK Departure from EUThe UK Government are focused on opening new international export markets for Scottish businesses. We have trade agreements with 71 non-EU countries and the EU, and those…13 Sept 2023HANSARDStrength of the UnionThey always say independence will sort the problems. Scotland is not building hospitals on the islands because the Scottish Government are squandering the most generous settlement…13 Sept 2023HANSARDStrength of the UnionI agree with my hon. Friend, and I could not have put it better myself.13 Sept 2023HANSARDUK Departure from EUThe recent trading numbers show that we are now doing more trade with the EU in goods and services than we did when we were members.13 Sept 2023HANSARDStrength of the UnionI believe that support for the Union is strong. The United Kingdom is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world, and the foundation on which all our…13 Sept 2023HANSARDSupport for the Energy IndustryBy law, transmission network charging is a matter for Ofgem, which is an independent regulator. It has recently produced a report on charging reforms, and the Government are…28 Jun 2023HANSARDSupport for the Energy IndustryLow-carbon hydrogen is critical to delivering energy security. It presents a significant growth opportunity and will help the UK to reach net zero. We have doubled our ambition to…28 Jun 2023HANSARDSupport for the Energy IndustryScotland’s energy industry is vital to supporting the UK’s energy security. This Government have listened to Scotland’s energy industry, and we understand the need to encourage…28 Jun 2023HANSARDLabour MarketI agree. That is exactly why this Government introduced the United Kingdom Internal Market Act (2020): to protect frictionless trade across the UK. On maximising opportunities on…28 Jun 2023HANSARDLabour MarketI pay tribute to two great Scots who have sadly died in recent days. Winnie Ewing blazed a trail for women in politics. She was admired by colleagues from all Scotland’s parties…28 Jun 2023HANSARDAllegations of Impropriety in Public LifeThe Union has never been stronger, and this Prime Minister has said that those in public life should aspire to the highest standards of propriety.28 Jun 2023HANSARDAllegations of Impropriety in Public LifeThe United Kingdom is the most successful political and economic union in the world—the foundation on which all our businesses and citizens are able to thrive. When we work…28 Jun 2023HANSARDAllegations of Impropriety in Public LifeI did see Angus Robertson’s video clip, and I think I counted 16 false claims in the space of one minute and 40 seconds. That is a false claim every six seconds—pretty impressive,…28 Jun 2023HANSARDProductive ForestryNot only do I champion it, I plant trees myself.28 Jun 2023HANSARDProductive ForestryMy hon. Friend is a champion for this industry, and it is the UK Government’s ambition to increase planting across the United Kingdom. I know she is keen for productive forestry…28 Jun 2023HANSARDProductive ForestryAlthough forestry is a devolved policy, we continue to work with the devolved Administrations to deliver a UK-wide step change in tree planting and establishment.28 Jun 2023HANSARDAllegations of Impropriety in Public LifeAs I said to the media when this question was raised in an interview last week, it was simply because I felt the report was too excessive in its conclusions.28 Jun 2023HANSARDLabour MarketMy right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Business does not like uncertainty, and the constant harping on about independence is causing uncertainty among business. The devolved…28 Jun 2023HANSARDLabour MarketThe Scottish National party likes to blame everything on Brexit, but for the past two years we have had record immigration into the United Kingdom. That is a simple fact—record…28 Jun 2023HANSARDHighly Protected Marine AreasFor those who heard the question, the answer is yes.17 May 2023