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That this House recognises the return to the stage of the modern Scottish classic Tally’s Blood, written by Scots-Italian playwright Ann Marie Di Mambro; welcomes that, in late 2023, audiences across Scotland got to enjoy the first full production of the play in 20 years, directed by Ken Alexander who also directed the 2023 production; understands that the play takes places between the 1930s and 1950s, and follows the lives and loves the Pedreschis, an Italian immigrant family who own a traditional café in Glasgow, in the run up to and aftermath of the Second World War; further recognises that the story is based on aspects of the playwright’s own Scottish-Italian heritage; appreciates that Tally’s Blood’s universal themes of love, family, war, identity and prejudice have resonated with audiences for decades, and are as relevant today as they were when the play was first performed at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 1990; further notes that that the play, which is a set text for the National 5 English curriculum in Scotland, helped raise awareness of the Arandora Star tragedy of 2 July 2040 when a passenger ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat while transporting Italian and German detainees to Canada, resulting in the loss of over 800 lives; is pleased that new audiences have had a chance to enjoy the play’s return to the stage; and is confident that the heartwarming story of Rosinella, Massimo, Lucia and Hughie will continue to delight audiences for years to come.
That this House recognises the return to the stage of the modern Scottish classic Tally’s Blood, written by Scots-Italian playwright Ann Marie Di Mambro; welcomes that, in late 2023, audiences across Scotland got to enjoy the first full production of the play in 20 years, directed by Ken Alexander who...
Will the Secretary of State clarify what he was saying earlier and whether he thinks it is legitimate for Scottish Government Ministers to be able to travel overseas to promote the work of the Scottish Government?
Will the Secretary of State clarify what he was saying earlier and whether he thinks it is legitimate for Scottish Government Ministers to be able to travel overseas to promote the work of the Scottish Government?
I have always been very clear that Scottish Government Ministers can go overseas to promote areas that are devolved, but the reserved areas, such as the constitution and foreign affairs, are a matter for the UK Government and those Ministers should not be using our embassies and consulates to promote their plans for separation, or their different views on the middle east or anything else.
The Minister will know that the Lord Advocate in Scotland has issued a prosecution statement saying that she will not prosecute anyone in possession of controlled substances in any pilot safe consumption or overdose prevention facility that might be established in Scotland. Can he confirm what the Secretary of State for Scotland indicated in the House last week—that the UK Government will not seek to use any administrative or legislative means to frustrate or block the establishment of such a pilot facility?
The Minister will know that the Lord Advocate in Scotland has issued a prosecution statement saying that she will not prosecute anyone in possession of controlled substances in any pilot safe consumption or overdose prevention facility that might be established in Scotland. Can he confirm what the Secretary of State for Scotland indicated in the House last week—that the UK Government will not seek to use any administrative or legislative means to frustrate or block the establishment of such a pilot facility?
First, it is important to make it clear that the UK Government’s position on drug consumption rooms in England and Wales is that we do not support them. We are concerned that they condone or even encourage illegal drug use. I want to put that on the record straightaway. Of course, we respect the independence of the Lord Advocate as Scotland’s prosecutorial authority.
Providing that that power is exercised lawfully, of course we are not going to stand in the way of it, as my right hon. Friend the Scottish Secretary set out last week. I understand that plans may involve a strong integration with treatment and some consideration of each case on its individual merits, but we do not plan to interfere with the lawfully exercised prosecutorial independence of the Lord Advocate.
Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on further devolution of drugs policy to Scotland.
Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on further devolution of drugs policy to Scotland.
I have not had discussions on the devolution of drugs policy, which is of course reserved to this Parliament, but I do have regular discussions about co-operating with colleagues in the Scottish Government. I had a discussion with the new Minister just a few weeks ago, and I think we are going to be meeting in Cardiff in just a few weeks’ time with Ministers from the three devolved Administrations to discuss how we can work constructively and collaboratively together.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK’s departure from the EU on Scotland.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK’s departure from the EU on Scotland.
The 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 agreements will support growth, jobs and higher wages. The hon. Gentleman will have noted the recently revised numbers, which show that we have recovered better from the pandemic than France, Italy or Germany. Since 2010, the United Kingdom has achieved the third highest rate of growth in the G7—faster than Italy, France, Japan and Germany.
We had a really good trading relationship with the European Union—it was called membership—and 78% of people in Glasgow North, and 62% of people across Scotland, voted to retain it. If Brexit is really delivering the successes that the Secretary of State says it is, why does he think the polls show that those figures would be even higher if the people of Scotland had the choice again?
We had a really good trading relationship with the European Union—it was called membership—and 78% of people in Glasgow North, and 62% of people across Scotland, voted to retain it. If Brexit is really delivering the successes that the Secretary of State says it is, why does he think the polls show that those figures would be even higher if the people of Scotland had the choice again?
The 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.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the status of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the status of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, wrote to me on 29 June, setting out the Scottish Government's proposed course of action to bring their United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill in line with the 2021 Supreme Court judgment. It has always been the responsibility of the Scottish Government to determine how they will comply with the requirements of the Supreme Court judgment.
The Secretary of State says that the Scottish Government are not using the powers that they have, but it is his Government who keep vetoing Scottish Government policies and legislation that has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. Does that not just show that the Conservatives never wanted devolution in the first place and can now barely contain their glee at getting to roll back the powers of devolution?
The Secretary of State says that the Scottish Government are not using the powers that they have, but it is his Government who keep vetoing Scottish Government policies and legislation that has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. Does that not just show that the Conservatives never wanted devolution in the first place and can now barely contain their glee at getting to roll back the powers of devolution?
No, it was the Scottish National party that did not want devolution; it wants independence. It is in the name, isn’t it? They are nationalists and they want to break up the United Kingdom; we extend devolution within England and we support it in Scotland.
That sounds just wonderful, but I would like to know how the Secretary of State thinks ending freedom of movement has helped to promote Scottish trade and culture overseas. Does she think it is a good thing that musicians in Glasgow North now find it much more difficult to tour in Europe—one of the most important markets for traditional Scottish music nowadays —and that their merchandise can no longer be manufactured in Scotland but must be manufactured in the countries to which they are travelling because the customs costs have become so prohibitive?
That sounds just wonderful, but I would like to know how the Secretary of State thinks ending freedom of movement has helped to promote Scottish trade and culture overseas. Does she think it is a good thing that musicians in Glasgow North now find it much more difficult to tour in Europe—one of the most important markets for traditional Scottish music nowadays —and that their merchandise can no longer be manufactured in Scotland but must be manufactured in the countries to which they are travelling because the customs costs have become so prohibitive?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s early-morning snarkiness as he asks about what we are doing for Scotland. We understand that there are issues that people have across borders, and my Department works closely with musicians and with all those who trade across borders to see what we can do to resolve those issues. If there are specific cases in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, the Department is well placed to help his constituents with the issues he has described.
The Secretary of State earlier told my hon. Friend the Member for Gordon (Richard Thomson) that she did not accept that Brexit was having a negative impact on the Scottish seafood industry. It is a bit like saying she does not accept that the earth is round—although, admittedly, sometimes people on her Back Benches need to be persuaded of that. If she does not think that Brexit is having a negative impact on the Scottish seafood industry, does she think it has been positive, or does she think there has not been any change at all?
The Secretary of State earlier told my hon. Friend the Member for Gordon (Richard Thomson) that she did not accept that Brexit was having a negative impact on the Scottish seafood industry. It is a bit like saying she does not accept that the earth is round—although, admittedly, sometimes people on her Back Benches need to be persuaded of that. If she does not think that Brexit is having a negative impact on the Scottish seafood industry, does she think it has been positive, or does she think there has not been any change at all?
The hon. Gentleman is entitled to his opinion, as I am entitled to mine. He has done absolutely nothing except try to re-litigate Brexit over and over again. The fact is that we are not going back into the EU. We are using our independent trade policy, negotiating with countries around the world and delivering more for the UK as well as for Scotland. Scottish businesses are happy with what we are doing, and in particular they are happy that the grown-ups in Westminster have stopped them making the catastrophic decisions that are destroying the internal market.
What discussions she has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Scottish Government on promoting Scottish trade and culture overseas.
What discussions she has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Scottish Government on promoting Scottish trade and culture overseas.
I regularly discuss with my Cabinet colleagues promoting trade in Scotland as well as the United Kingdom as a whole. Just this week I chaired a meeting of the Board of Trade that focused on trade promotion across the nations, and held discussions, alongside the Secretary of State for Scotland, on ensuring that the Department’s work delivers for the whole UK.
I am reminded of the old adage that had the Scottish National party invented the lightbulb, the Secretary of State would call it a dangerous anti-candle conspiracy. The reality is that in 1997, his party’s manifesto opposed devolution. It said it would
“create strains which could well pull apart the Union”
and
“would risk rivalry and conflict between these parliaments and assemblies and the parliament at Westminster.”
His 2019 manifesto committed to a
“deposit return scheme to incentivise people to recycle plastic and glass.”
Why is he working so hard to fulfil the vision of 1997, and not his commitment of 2019?
I am reminded of the old adage that had the Scottish National party invented the lightbulb, the Secretary of State would call it a dangerous anti-candle conspiracy. The reality is that in 1997, his party’s manifesto opposed devolution. It said it would
“create strains which could well pull apart the Union”
and
“would risk rivalry and conflict between these parliaments and assemblies and the parliament at Westminster.”
His 2019 manifesto committed to a
“deposit return scheme to incentivise people to recycle plastic and glass.”
Why is he working so hard to fulfil the vision of 1997, and not his commitment of 2019?
I am tempted to reply that if I ask the question, “How many SNP MPs does it take to change a lightbulb?” the answer is, inevitably, “Well, we have to wait for the motorhome to arrive.” [Interruption.] I have to try, don’t I?
On the central question, we want a deposit return scheme that works across the United Kingdom. The strongest critics of the Scottish Government’s approach have been within the Scottish Parliament and within the hon. Gentleman’s own party. If they cannot satisfy Fergus Ewing—the Minister who was responsible for environment policy in the Scottish Government with such distinction for so long—they will not be able to satisfy manufacturers, consumers and citizens in Scotland and across the UK.
Whether he has had discussions with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Scottish Government on an opt out under the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 for the Scottish Government's Deposit Return Scheme.
Whether he has had discussions with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Scottish Government on an opt out under the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 for the Scottish Government's Deposit Return Scheme.
It is nice to see you in your place, Mr Speaker, particularly after the FA cup weekend, when the blues beat the reds again.
Whether his Department is providing funding for maritime security in Scotland.
Whether his Department is providing funding for maritime security in Scotland.
The national maritime security strategy details the Government’s approach to maritime security. The MOD funds direct operational activity that contributes to maritime security, including the continuous at-sea deterrent, oceanic surveillance and maritime domain awareness capabilities. Additionally, the MOD supports the Joint Maritime Security Centre, a multi-agency organisation that supports wider maritime security throughout the UK marine area, including Scotland.
I am not entirely sure that that is the advert for the broad shoulders and strength of the Union that the Secretary of State would like to think it is. Can he confirm—[Interruption.]
I am not entirely sure that that is the advert for the broad shoulders and strength of the Union that the Secretary of State would like to think it is. Can he confirm—[Interruption.]
First, some of the most formidable subsurface boats in the world are based at Faslane. That does make the Russians calculate. Of course, the SNP wants to get rid of that, make tens of thousands of people redundant and fantasise about what that will do. Secondly, a warship is best used at sea, not at port. That is how to
deter Russia. Tying it up alongside, empty, no doubt as part of the Scottish “navy” under an independent Scotland, will hardly frighten anyone.
That this House notes the 10th anniversary on 25 February 2023 of Scotland being recognised as a Fair Trade Nation; further notes that recognition of this status commits national and local governments, communities, organisations and individuals to work towards and achieve targets for the use and promotion of fair trade products, and the use where possible of fair trade principles in the development of procurement and purchasing policies, with the aim of ensuring that the producers of goods, such as small farmers or garment workers in developing countries, are paid a fair price for their products; congratulates the many charitable organisations, fair trade shops and community groups that have worked for many years to attain and sustain local and regional Fair Trade awards, which contribute to the award at a national level; welcomes the series of events and activities organised by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to mark the anniversary, and its commitment to continuing to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of fair trade to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world and as a means of building economic partnerships that promote sustainability and tackle climate change; and wishes all those involved in the movement every success in working for the day when all trade is fair trade.
That this House notes the 10th anniversary on 25 February 2023 of Scotland being recognised as a Fair Trade Nation; further notes that recognition of this status commits national and local governments, communities, organisations and individuals to work towards and achieve targets for the use and promotion of fair trade...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect of the Government’s immigration policies on Scotland’s (a) population and (b) labour shortages.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect of the Government’s immigration policies on Scotland’s (a) population and (b) labour shortages.
Our points-based system – with a wide range of eligible occupations spanning many economic sectors - works for the whole of the UK by welcoming people to fill skills gaps, support our public services and boost our economy.
As noted in the Migration Advisory Committee annual report, immigration policy cannot be a complete solution to population movements within the UK or labour shortages. The Scottish Government has policy levers to address these issues more effectively.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the use of Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the constitution.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the use of Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the constitution.
Alas, I am a mere junior Minister and I rarely get to talk to my illustrious Cabinet colleagues, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government used section 35 very carefully and very reluctantly, in order to preserve the balance of powers between our countries.
If the Government were so determined to resolve their dispute with the Scottish Government, they would publish the amendments that they say would make the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill acceptable to them. Is not the reality that the Tories are prepared to veto and undermine the elected Scottish Parliament because they never really wanted devolution in the first place?
If the Government were so determined to resolve their dispute with the Scottish Government, they would publish the amendments that they say would make the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill acceptable to them. Is not the reality that the Tories are prepared to veto and undermine the elected Scottish Parliament because they never really wanted devolution in the first place?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, section 35 of the Scotland Act is part of our constitution. He will also know that it is now for the Scottish Government to bring forward a Bill that addresses the adverse effects set out in the statement of reasons. Once again, the nationalists do not wish to take responsibility.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of changes to fireworks regulations in Scotland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of changes to fireworks regulations in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has introduced legislative changes on fireworks in response to issues specific to Scotland. The Government continues to monitor these changes and work closely with all Devolved Administrations to ensure the safety of the public across the UK.