Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Alister Jack

Wednesday 11th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I commend my hon. Friend for his efforts as a Minister. He was one of the hardest working Ministers I have ever encountered, and I absolutely agree with what he said. Although there are people in this Chamber who have their differences on Brexit, the SNP is not interested in Brexit—Brexit has been weaponised purely to take forward the cause of independence and have another independence referendum.

[Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents that the 2018 Act will not remove any of the Scottish Parliament’s current powers?

[David Mundell]

I can absolutely do that. We have heard repeatedly from the SNP about a power grab, but when Nicola Sturgeon reshuffled her Cabinet, she needed more Ministers because of the powers and responsibilities that the Scottish Government were taking on. Today, we learn that they have taken on additional office space in Glasgow for a bigger organisation because they are delivering existing priorities while embracing additional responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Alister Jack

Wednesday 6th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I have wanted to reach an agreement all along, and we have made it clear that we still want to reach an agreement in the exchanges with the Scottish Government this week. Either the Scottish Government need to reconsider their position, or a new proposal needs to emerge.

[Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

Does my right hon. Friend think that the Scottish Government ever wanted to do a deal on the withdrawal agreement?

[David Mundell]

I think that Mr Michael Russell wanted to do a deal on the EU withdrawal agreement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Alister Jack

Wednesday 25th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will have heard the hon. Gentleman’s contribution.

[Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

6. What progress he has made on the borderlands growth deal initiative in Dumfries and Galloway.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

Only last week I hosted a meeting with local MPs to review progress. I am pleased to report that we are driving forward the innovative, cross-border borderlands deal and hope to agree a deal next year that will see investment to transform the local economies within the borderlands area. [Interruption.]

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jack]

Hear, hear to that. Will my right hon. Friend commit to ensuring that local communities have the opportunity to feed their thoughts into what the final deal will look like?

[David Mundell]

I am sure that the people of Dumfries and Galloway will be absolutely delighted to hear what my hon. Friend says. I was very pleased to receive a submission from all five local authorities involved in the borderlands growth deal. I hope that we can now move forward with local communities being able to include their ideas and contributions in this process.