Scotland Office

The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland supports the Secretary of State in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Scottish interests are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland

Conservative
Lord Keen of Elie (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Advocate-General for Scotland
Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Bruce of Bennachie (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Scotland)
Christine Jardine (LD - Edinburgh West)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Scotland)

Conservative
Andrew Bowie (Con - West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine)
Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Scotland)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Kirsty McNeill (LAB - Midlothian)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
Baroness Smith of Cluny (Lab - Life peer)
Advocate General for Scotland
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Friday 25th April 2025
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
12:20
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 13th February 2025
Industrial transition in Scotland

The Committee’s work on industrial transition in Scotland has two parts. The first part of the inquiry considers Scotland’s industrial …

Written Answers
Friday 25th April 2025
Scotland Office: ICT
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many (a) phones, (b) laptops and (c) other electronic devices have …
Secondary Legislation
Wednesday 13th September 2017
Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2018
The Order makes provision in consequence of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).
Bills
Thursday 28th May 2015
Dept. Publications
Friday 20th September 2024
16:29

Scotland Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Apr. 23
Oral Questions
Jan. 08
Westminster Hall
Jul. 18
Adjournment Debate
View All Scotland Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Scotland Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Scotland Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Scotland Office - Secondary Legislation

The Order makes provision in consequence of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).
View All Scotland Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petitions with most signatures
Scotland Office has not participated in any petition debates
View All Scotland Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Scottish Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Scottish Affairs Committee
Patricia Ferguson Portrait
Patricia Ferguson (Labour - Glasgow West)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 12th September 2024
Jack Rankin Portrait
Jack Rankin (Conservative - Windsor)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Harriet Cross Portrait
Harriet Cross (Conservative - Gordon and Buchan)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Kirsteen Sullivan Portrait
Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Elaine Stewart Portrait
Elaine Stewart (Labour - Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Susan Murray Portrait
Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dunbartonshire)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Douglas McAllister Portrait
Douglas McAllister (Labour - West Dunbartonshire)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Angus MacDonald Portrait
Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat - Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Lillian Jones Portrait
Lillian Jones (Labour - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Maureen Burke Portrait
Maureen Burke (Labour - Glasgow North East)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Stephen Flynn Portrait
Stephen Flynn (Scottish National Party - Aberdeen South)
Scottish Affairs Committee Member since 4th November 2024
Scottish Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Renewable energy in Scotland Access to cash in Scotland Impact of closure of City Link on employment Coronavirus and Scotland My Scottish Affairs 2020 Devolution of welfare in Scotland inquiry The EU Referendum and its impact on Scotland inquiry The demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution inquiry The renewable energy sector in Scotland inquiry Revising Scotland's fiscal framework inquiry English Votes for English Laws inquiry Scotland's place in Europe inquiry Sustainable employment in Scotland inquiry Sustainable employment in Scotland inquiry European Union (Withdrawal) Bill: Implications for devolution inquiry Work of the Scotland Office inquiry My Scottish Affairs inquiry Immigration and Scotland inquiry Digital connectivity in Scotland inquiry Impact of HMRC's reorganisation in Scotland inquiry Scotland and the High North inquiry Jobcentre Plus closures in Scotland one-off session Inter-governmental co-operation on social security inquiry Welfare policy in Scotland inquiry Access to Financial Services inquiry Problem drug use in Scotland inquiry Immigration and Scotland: follow-up inquiry The work of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland inquiry Fisheries Bill hearing City Region Deals inquiry BBC Scotland inquiry The relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments inquiry The future of Scottish agriculture post-Brexit inquiry RBS branch closures inquiry Delivery charges in Scotland inquiry Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment inquiry ATM Network in Scotland inquiry The future of the oil and gas industry inquiry Video Games Industry in Scotland Postal Services in Scotland Supporting Scotland's Economy Scotland Bill Health and safety in Scotland Crown Estate in Scotland UK Border Agency and Glasgow City Council A Robust Grid for 21st Century Scotland Impact of the Bedroom Tax and other changes to housing benefit in Scotland inquiry Power Outages in the West of Scotland Land Reform in Scotland Zero-Hours Contracts inquiry Remploy Marine Fife The Referendum on Separation for Scotland inquiry Blacklisting in employment Crown Estate in Scotland: Follow-up Scotland Office Annual Report 2013-14 Our Borderlands - Our Future Compliance with the National Minimum Wage in Scotland Post study work schemes inquiry Work of the Scottish Affairs Committee Creative industries in Scotland inquiry English Votes for English Laws inquiry Scotland Office Annual Report and Accounts and the work of the Scotland Office inquiry Telecommunications in Rural Scotland Sports Direct: employment practices and the sale of USC inquiry The Smith Commission: Proposals for further Devolution to Scotland Welfare policy in Scotland Promoting Scotland internationally Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland Coronavirus and Scotland follow-up Science and Scotland Scotland's space sector Intergovernmental relations: 25 years since the Scotland Act 1998 Intergovernmental Relations: The Civil Service City Region and Growth Deals The Financing of the Scottish Government GB Energy and the net zero transition Problem drug use in Scotland follow-up: Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch Industrial transition in Scotland Scotland and the Shared Prosperity Fund Access to Financial Services The future of Scottish agriculture post-Brexit BBC Scotland Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment Fisheries Bill Immigration and Scotland: follow-up Immigration and Scotland The work of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland The future of the oil and gas industry Problem drug use in Scotland The relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments Welfare in Scotland Welfare policy in Scotland

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many (a) phones, (b) laptops and (c) other electronic devices have been lost by their Department since 5 July 2024.

No phones, laptops, or other electronic devices have been reported lost in the Scotland Office since 5 July 2024.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
7th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on next steps in relation to the (a) Rosebank and (b) Jackdaw oil fields.

This Government recognises that oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy security for decades to come. The Government has consulted on revised environmental guidance to take into account emissions from burning extracted oil and gas, and is working towards publication of finalised guidance as soon as possible.

Scotland Office Ministers remain in regular contact with DESNZ Ministers regarding the issue. We also continue to engage with the industry and listen to companies’ specific concerns.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he is having with the Scottish Government on support for the hospitality and tourism industry in Scotland.

Hospitality and tourism play a huge role in the cultural and economic well-being of Scotland. Indeed, the Secretary of State was a publican himself. The Scotland Office has regular engagement with key stakeholders in the sector, such as the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Scottish Hospitality Group.

I continue to engage with counterparts in the Scottish Government on a range of issues, including support for these vital industries, and we remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure the sector can thrive now and in the future.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on support for the farming industry.

We have been working hard to positively reset relations. Earlier this month, I joined the Scottish Government’s Employment and Investment Minister, at the opening of a dairy innovation centre. This was the first project to be delivered through the joint Borderlands Growth Deal, providing new collaboration opportunities to progress the dairy sector towards a more sustainable and profitable future.

The Secretary of State meets with the Deputy First Minister on a regular basis, and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs convenes regularly to discuss important issues, including agriculture.

I look forward to meeting with Scottish farming stakeholders alongside Scottish Government and Defra Ministers at the Scotland Office’s upcoming Food and Farming roundtable.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the National Wealth Fund's strategic partnership with the Glasgow City Region.

We meet regularly with the Scottish Government to discuss economic growth, which is this Government’s top priority. To achieve our growth mission, mobilising private investment alongside public sector financing is vital. In January, the Chancellor announced the National Wealth Fund’s Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region, which will provide enhanced support to help the region secure long-term investment opportunities.

From 2014 to 2022, the Greater Manchester economy grew by almost 50%.

If the Glasgow City Region had achieved that same level of growth, it would be £7.7 billion larger today. The Glasgow city deal has been a success story, with over £1 billion invested by the UK, Scottish, and local government. But getting devolution right in Manchester has taken it further, and there is much that Scotland’s cities and regions can learn from that model
Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that Scotland benefits from nuclear energy developments in the UK.

Nuclear energy creates well-paid jobs and develops vital transferable skills. Investment in new nuclear power stations brings billions of pounds into local communities. It is good for the environment and good for national energy security.

So, what do the SNP say to all that? No thank you! But of course, they are happy to accept Scotland’s energy baseload coming from English nuclear power.

Their outdated, ideological opposition is holding Scotland back.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support grassroots football in Scotland.

Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, and that is why we are investing a further £8.6 million this year in sports facilities across Scotland.

Through this scheme, almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding, we can look forward to many more.

This scheme will increase participation, improve health and help people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of sport.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of recent changes to welfare provision on families in Scotland.

Scotland needs both its governments to step up and fix a broken welfare system.

We will ensure the system protects the most vulnerable who can’t work, while supporting people who can into work.

But in Scotland there are people who want to work but can’t because they are stuck on an NHS waiting list, employability services have faced cuts, college places are at a decade low and the equivalent of a large secondary school’s worth of kids leave school every year without qualifications, and there is a declared housing crisis in Scotland - does the hon Member really think that speaks well of the SNP’s record?

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on job creation in Scotland.

Figures released last week showed that the employment rate and wages in Scotland are up - no thanks to the opposition who crashed our economy, sent mortgages soaring and were ready to do it all over again.

Let us not forget, the £22 billion black hole the opposition left this government. As part of our plan for change, we have fixed the foundations and are beginning to turn things around after 14 years of Tory chaos.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will remove corporate crown immunity from the Scottish Prison Service.

The Lord Chancellor has received a letter from the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs seeking to discuss a number of issues across the justice system and will respond in due course.

Crown Immunity within the Scottish Prison Service is a complex issue, and any change would interact with both devolved and reserved competencies. It is right therefore that the UK Government fully considers its next steps accordingly.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
1st Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40390 on Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender Independent Review, if he will have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential implications for their policies of the recommendations of the Sullivan Review.

The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous government.

We are considering the findings in light of ongoing policy work in this area.

Officials and Ministers engage frequently with Scottish Government counterparts on a range of issues that matter to the people of Scotland.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the difference in the (a) process and (b) cost of completing a Power of Attorney in Scotland compared to England and Wales.

The process and costs associated with Power of Attorney vary between legal jurisdictions within the UK due to the distinct legal frameworks in place. The processes and costs are a matter for the Scottish Government.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of Dundee University's plan to cut staffing by 20% on the Tay Cities Deal.

I am fully aware of the well documented financial situation with the University of Dundee and share concern that any job losses are regrettable, however the University is a key partner in the Tay Cities Region Deal and remains fully committed to delivering its objectives. Economic Growth is one of this Government’s key missions and I am absolutely committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to realise our shared ambitions for growth in Scotland. My officials will continue to collaborate with all of the Tay Cities Region Deal partners to ensure the maximum benefits for the region can be realised.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many staff their Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024.

Secondments is one way of bringing talent and experience into the civil service for short periods of time and has been used by successive governments. Secondments are arranged at a business unit level and data is held at business unit level.

No officials in the Scotland Office have been seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential merits of banning first-cousin marriage in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Scotland Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with counterparts in the Scottish Government on issues that matter to the people of Scotland.

We are aware that all aspects of weddings, including first cousin marriage, are important issues. The Scottish Parliament has power to legislate in relation to marriages in Scotland.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many of their Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024.

No officials in the Scotland Office have been seconded from the Institute for Economic Affairs, the Policy Exchange, the Adam Smith Institute or Labour Together since July 2024.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
7th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what proportion of food procured by his Department is sourced in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland.

The Department does not operate any catering outlets. It holds a small number of official functions for which food is served. Catering for these is provided by third parties, who source and procure all supplies. The Department does not hold any data about the origin of any of the food procured or served by those third parties.

The Department hosts trade promotional events supporting Brand Scotland, where Scottish food producers and suppliers serve their products to invited guests.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he last met with representatives of the Scottish seafood sector in Scotland.

Scotland Office Ministers regularly engage with a range of stakeholders from the sector. I spoke at a Seafood Scotland event in the House of Commons on 26 February. That same day, Minister McNeill met the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation as a follow up from a joint visit organised between her and Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on 3 February, where they met a number of industry representatives and discussed issues such as access to labour at length.

My department remains committed to continuing to engage with both the wild caught and aquaculture sectors to support the seafood industry in Scotland, and I continue to promote the sector around the world through my Brand Scotland work.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what he last met with representatives of the Scottish farming sector in Scotland.

Supporting Scottish farmers and crofters is a priority for this Government and my department regularly engages with the industry at Ministerial and official levels. Most recently, Minister McNeill delivered a keynote speech at the National Farmers’ Union Scotland annual conference, where she announced that the Scotland Office would host a Food and Farming roundtable soon. Preparations for it are ongoing, in collaboration with the Scottish Government.

Earlier that same week, Minister McNeill accompanied Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on a visit to a farm in Aberdeenshire, accompanied by NFUS representatives. Prior to that she met with crofters' representatives in Stornoway.



Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what meetings he has had with Cabinet colleagues on increased Government defence spending in Scotland.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that we must strengthen our defence capabilities, which is why this Government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

Scotland’s world-class defence industry is well-positioned to meet the growing demands for national security. This increase in defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the UK, including in Scotland.

The new UK Government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will include specific SME spending targets for defence.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting JFD, a Scottish SME and world leader in underwater capabilities. This visit underscored our commitment to ensuring that these businesses benefit from the historic increase in defence spending. I am proud of Scotland's defence sector and will continue to advocate for the industry and its workforce.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on infected blood compensation payments.

The UK Government is working closely with devolved governments and existing support schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Minister for the Cabinet Office met the Scottish Minister for Public Health on 3 March 2025 to discuss compensation payments for victims of the infected blood scandal, and he is committed to engaging further with the Scottish Government as we progress this work.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Scottish Government’s proposals to adopt Ultra High Frequency electronic identification technology for animals on farming in the rest of the UK.

Animal health and traceability policy is devolved. The Scottish Government has announced that it plans to adopt Ultra-High Frequency electronic identification (EID) in cattle. The UK and Welsh Governments have yet to make a decision on technology, whereas Northern Ireland would be required to use Low Frequency technology if the Northern Ireland Executive chooses to introduce EID, in accordance with the Windsor Framework.

Work between Defra officials and counterparts in the devolved governments is ongoing to understand the potential impacts of divergence, including the impacts on industry, the internal market and international trade. The issue was discussed at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 January 2025.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the long-term future of free-to-air terrestrial TV and radio services in Scotland.

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

I understand that DCMS, as the lead department, are currently seeking to understand how people receive their television and radio services now and in the next decade. As part of this process, DCMS has established a stakeholder forum which will take views on this topic from a range of broadcasters active in Scotland, including STV, the BBC and ITV.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
3rd Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many social media accounts his Department operates; and how much his Department spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.

The Scotland Office operates 6 social media accounts across X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and Threads. It does not have any paid social media subscriptions.

The amount spent on advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years was:

Year

Channel

Amount

2022/3

Facebook/ Instagram

£49,893

2023/4

Facebook/ Instagram

£17,725

2024/5 (to date)

Facebook/ Instagram

£4,019

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on school standards.

It was John Swinney himself who said education was the “defining mission” of the SNP government. Yet just last week, we got the news that standards of attainment in Scotland's schools are declining across the board and, shamefully, outcomes for young working-class Scots are getting worse, compared to those from wealthier backgrounds. Scotland’s teachers, parents, and children all deserve a better standard in our schools.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting economic growth in Glasgow.

Scotland’s largest city has a huge role to play in delivering growth. Glasgow was selected as one of four UK areas for the National Wealth Funds Strategic Growth Partnerships.

The Glasgow City Region Investment Zone will be backed by £160 million to promote investment opportunities and create new jobs.

And we recently opened the Govan-Patrick bridge, reconnecting my Honourable Friend’s constituency with the Member for Glasgow South West’s.

The Scotland Office also led the way in securing the Commonwealth Games in 2026, helping showcase the city to the world once again.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on improving transport connectivity to Scottish islands.

There are few issues which better encapsulate the incompetence and arrogance of the SNP government than their long-running ferry fiasco.

Scotland’s island communities have been let down time and time again, from Nicola Sturgeon pretending to launch a ferry with the windows painted on, to the recent reports that the Glen Rosa may not be delivered until 2026 - eight years behind schedule.

John Swinney and the SNP have left Scotland’s islands with no functioning ferry network. Our island communities deserve better, they deserve a new direction.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on contingency plans for the Radio Teleswitch Service switch off in Scotland.

The Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) will continue until the end of June this year.

My colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are in close contact with the regulator and suppliers to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Smart meters are an opportunity to upgrade people’s homes, and critically, for them to access smart tariffs that will give them greater control and reduce bills.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the recent increase in the energy price cap on fuel poverty in Scotland.

The Government is taking steps to protect consumers by consulting on an expansion to the Warm Homes Discount. This proposal will help an additional 200,000 households in Scotland with £150 off their energy bills.

However, the way to bring down bills for good is to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower - with GB energy, based in Aberdeen, playing a key role in this.

Kirsty McNeill
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to promote Scotland internationally.

Brand Scotland, the Scotland Office’s programme of international trade and investment promotion, is about selling Scotland to the world.

I have already visited Norway, Singapore and Malaysia, to promote our food and drink, energy, and defence sectors. Next month, I will be in Washington D.C and New York for the famous Tartan Week.

Closer to home, I was delighted to meet my Honourable Friend last week to discuss how Brand Scotland can support some of his constituents’ finest products - Harris tweed and Scottish seafood - and I commend his outstanding work in this area.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
24th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether their Department offers (a) paid time off work and (b) other support to employees who become kinship carers.

The Scotland Office does not employ any staff directly. All staff that join, do so on an assignment, loan or secondment from other government departments, principally the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government, who remain the employers.

They remain on the terms and conditions of their parent department and can access all schemes and assistance that are available through those departments.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with Edinburgh City Council on the visitor levy.

Tourism is a key industry for Scotland, and I am promoting the country around the world as part of my Brand Scotland work. However, visitor levies are becoming increasingly common around Europe.

Tourism is a devolved area and in this case a matter for Edinburgh Council.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether there are any requirements for civil servants to book a desk in advance in order to attend the office in person in each of (a) their Department's office workplaces and (b) the arm’s length bodies of their Department.

No. There are not any requirements for civil servants to book a desk in advance in order to attend the office in person in our Department's office workplaces.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to the Answer of 17 May 2024 to Question 26173 on Civil Partnerships: Scotland, whether he will permit the Scottish Government to legislate accordingly.

I can confirm the UK Government’s in-principle agreement to proceed with a Scotland Act Order Civil Partnerships, and will write to the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary on this matter.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make representations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure that all future energy transmission infrastructure projects in Scotland align with best practices for (a) environmental protection and (b) rural development.

I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will have discussions with with (a) National Grid and (b) Scottish transmission operators on technological solutions to reduce the need for overhead pylons in Scotland’s rural landscapes.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing Government support for mitigating the (a) visual and (b) environmental impact of new energy transmission infrastructure in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department plans to take steps to ensure that energy transmission projects in Scotland prioritise community engagement.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has received representations from local authorities in Scotland on the proposed expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure in rural areas.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with local authorities in Scotland across a wide range of issues.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on (a) underground and (b) subsea cabling for energy transmission in rural Scotland.

I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of new electricity transmission infrastructure on the (a) economy and (b) environment of rural Scotland.

My officials work closely with colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure the needs of Scottish people are represented in policy development.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) energy transmission companies on the impact of proposed electricity pylons on rural communities in Scotland.

I engage regularly with my counterparts in the Scottish Government on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and create good jobs across the UK. We will ensure that these changes are made in partnership with communities across Scotland.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Northern Irish-Scottish connectivity by (a) road, (b) sea, (c) air and (d) rail.

There is of course currently no direct road or rail travel link between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Air routes between Northern Ireland and Scotland are a commercial matter, however the UK Government recognises the importance of strong intra-UK travel routes and is committed to working with all parties as appropriate.

The Scottish Government, via Transport Scotland, holds policy responsibility for direct sea travel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The UK Government respects devolution and is supporting the Scottish Government to deliver, with a record block grant of £47.7bn for 2025/2026 - with a further £3.4bn via the Barnett formula, the largest settlement in real terms since devolution began.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the role of Scottish shipyards in fulfilling future Royal Navy procurement contracts.

My Department engages regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues.

Scottish shipyards play a key role in fulfilling Royal Navy procurement contracts. The commitments set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy have enabled MoD investment in Scotland’s yards both at Rosyth and on the Clyde.

BAE Systems in Glasgow is constructing eight Type 26 frigates, which will form the Anti-Submarine Warfare backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s.

Simultaneously, Babcock in Rosyth is building five Type 31 frigates to replace the Navy’s Type 23 general purpose frigates. This investment ensures Rosyth’s shipbuilding capability and capacity can be optimised to support further opportunities.

In late 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting both BAE Systems in Govan and Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard to witness the progress of these two key UK Government defence programmes. I also recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to support defence-related job creation in Scotland.

I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on supporting Scotland's defence sector, which makes a vital contribution to the economies of both Scotland and the UK.

In 2022/23, the MoD supported 11,200 direct jobs in Scotland through expenditure with industry, and supported 25,600 civilian and military jobs. Under the new Defence Industrial Strategy, UK-based defence firms, including those in Scotland, will be prioritised for government investment.

I maintain regular dialogue with Scotland's defence, aerospace, and security sectors and recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Additionally, as part of Brand Scotland, I have been promoting the Scottish defence industry in Norway and in South-East Asia, where I visited HMS Spey, constructed by BAE Systems on the Clyde.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the contribution of Scottish-based defence industries to the UK’s national security.

The first duty of the Government is to keep the country secure and our communities safe - a duty all my Cabinet colleagues take very seriously. This is why the Prime Minister launched the Strategic Defence Review to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges of the future, part of which Scottish-based defence industries will play a key role in.

Scottish-based defence industries are crucial to the UK's national security. I regularly engage with the defence, aerospace, and security sectors in Scotland to understand the current landscape of their work and how it contributes to the UK’s broader national security picture. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the future of military bases in Scotland.

Scotland’s military personnel and our strategic bases, including HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth, play a crucial role in defending the whole of the UK and our NATO Allies. Scotland hosts 17 regular Armed Forces sites, 7 Royal Navy operated sites and two key RAF bases, representing a significant portion of the UK’s defence estate.

I engage regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues and my department has a close, positive relationship with the UK Armed Forces in Scotland. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable, together with senior members of the Armed Forces, to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Last year, the Prime Minister commissioned a Strategic Defence Review to examine the strategic and operational context for the UK’s defence. As part of that Review, I wrote to the Defence Secretary to highlight Scotland’s important and ongoing role in the UK’s defence capabilities, including the importance of our key military bases. The continued presence of the Armed Forces in Scotland will continue to be important to our overall security and defence.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he (a) last met and b) plans to next meet with the Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The Scottish Ambulance Service provides a vital, lifesaving service to the people of Scotland.

Health is a devolved matter, and the Scottish Government funds and oversees the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The UK Government engages regularly with the Scottish Government on overall matters of security and multi-agency collaboration across Scotland and the UK, including the work of rescue service agencies.

The UK Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government and other agencies to ensure that the safety, health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is protected and prioritised.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he (a) last met with and (b) plans to next meet with the Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service provides a vital service to the people of Scotland.

The Scottish Government funds and oversees the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The UK Government engages regularly with the Scottish Government on overall matters of security and multi-agency collaboration across Scotland and the UK, including the work of rescue service agencies.

The key responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. The UK Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that the people of Scotland are supported by the emergency services available to them.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland