Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve nuclear investment in Ayrshire.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As we enter the new golden age of nuclear, the UK Government has allocated almost £17 billion across the Spending Review period to enable the biggest nuclear new build programme in a generation. Ministers want to see this investment create economic opportunities for communities across the UK, with domestic supply chains developing to be internationally competitive.
While the Scottish Government currently opposes new nuclear power stations, UK Ministers remain open to discussions regarding opportunities for new nuclear in Scotland.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support businesses in Ayrshire in accessing opportunities from free trade deals.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Free trade agreements are central to our plan for growth, helping UK businesses to compete and succeed in global markets. Through FTAs, businesses can benefit from tariff reductions, improved market access, and enhanced protections in investment and digital trade.
That’s why the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is ensuring that UK businesses, including those in Ayrshire, have the tools, knowledge and support they need to seize these growth opportunities.
DBT delivers a dedicated FTA utilisation programme to raise awareness and help firms understand key provisions and opportunities through practical and informative guides with more information available online at business.gov.uk.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress has been made regarding the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Regional Growth DeaIs are not a DBT policy. Delivery responsibility for the Scottish City Region and Growth Deal programme sits with the Scotland Office.
The UK Government remains committed to ensuring effective delivery in Ayrshire, as evidenced by the recent Ryanair announcement at Prestwick Airport. Ministers and officials continue to engage with local partners on a regular basis to maintain delivery momentum and urgently address challenges.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on defence investment in Ayrshire.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Strategic Defence Reveiw prioritises investment in the UK workforce and domestic industry, and recognises Scotland's role as a key hub for defence infrastructure and economic growth.