Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Gemmell and Kirsty McNeill
Wednesday 9th July 2025

(5 days, 17 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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I would be delighted to report back to the House and Scotland’s rural communities, including my own in Midlothian, about the outcomes of the farming roundtable. We heard directly from stakeholders that they want support and, crucially, for the two Governments to work together, which is exactly why we had the Scottish Government around the table.

Alan Gemmell Portrait Alan Gemmell (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)
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Does the Minister agree that Scottish agriculture, salmon and distilleries like Lochlea in my constituency will benefit from our three trade deals? Can she work out why the SNP failed to support them?

Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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Those three trade deals are some of the proudest achievements of this Labour Government, and they will disproportionately benefit Scotland. As I have already said, it is home to some of the finest produce on the face of the Earth, and we are delighted to be promoting it as part of the Scotland Office’s Brand Scotland efforts.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Gemmell and Kirsty McNeill
Wednesday 4th June 2025

(1 month, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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I would be delighted to see more trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I will happily meet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to explore that.

Alan Gemmell Portrait Alan Gemmell (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)
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Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the Government’s trio of trade deals. Does the Minister agree that it is astonishing that the SNP stands with the Tories and Reform against an EU trade deal that is good for Scotland, and that after almost 20 years in government, the SNP has no plan for Scotland? One in six Scots is on an NHS waiting list; Ayrshire ferries are late and are costing £1 billion; one in six Scots is not in education, employment or training; and the SNP has no plan for the defence of our Union.

Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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I agree with my hon. Friend that it is astonishing that we see ranged on the Opposition Benches numerous people who have talked down the potential of Scotland’s exporters, and who have said that there is no benefit to be had from these deals for a Scottish business sector that is desperate to grow and export, and is delighted with the three trade deals, which will make such a difference to them.