Asked by: Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many times (1) the Secretary of State for Scotland, and (2) the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, met the Scottish Fishermen's Federation specifically to discuss the proposed fishing and coastal growth fund, and on what dates.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Decisions over how the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund is spent in Scotland are devolved, granting the Scottish Government discretion to allocate funding in line with local priorities and the specific circumstances of Scotland’s fishing and coastal communities. As fisheries overall is devolved, the Scottish Government also has an important role in engaging with industry and stakeholders.
The funds awarded sit in addition to the baseline funding provided to the Scottish Government through their block grant. The Scottish Government has received the biggest funding settlement since devolution, with Scotland generally receiving around 20% more per capita. This funding can be allocated to other priorities, including fisheries.
Asked by: Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the (1) Secretary of State for Scotland, and (2) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland have had with (a) South Ayrshire Council, (b) Scottish Borders Council, (c) East Lothian Council, (d) Perth and Kinross Council, and (e) South Lanarkshire Council, regarding their proposal to establish a remote betting and gaming duty and the potential impact on horseracing at the racetracks located in each local authority area.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.
The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025. The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
Asked by: Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have conducted any economic analysis of the potential financial impact of their proposed remote betting and gaming duty in Scotland on (1) the horseracing industry, and (2) other businesses supported by horseracing.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.
The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025. The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
Asked by: Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the (1) Secretary of State for Scotland, and (2) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, have had with Scottish Racing about their proposals to establish a remote betting and gaming duty.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.
The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025. The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
Asked by: Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to make an order under section 104 of the Scotland Act 1998 to enable pre-existing marriages to become civil partnerships.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK Government is currently engaging with the Scottish Government and considering their proposal. We will keep Parliament informed of any developments.