Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to support local authorities with bus franchising.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We passed the Bus Services Act last year, to give local leaders greater control over their bus services. Local authorities can choose the model that works best for their area, including franchising.

We are backing that choice with funding, expert advice and practical support. Although decisions on transport are devolved, I’d encourage the Scottish Government to follow in our footsteps to deliver better outcomes for passengers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps are being taken to improve trade between the UK and the USA and in particular what steps are being taken to seek improvements on trade with the USA, wherever UK Exporters remain on less favourable terms than their competitors in the European Union.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Contrary to the implication of the question, through negotiations on the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), the UK is the only country to have achieved a 10% tariff for autos within quota, a 0% tariff for pharmaceuticals and a preferential 25% tariff on core steel and aluminium exports.

Furthermore, in April, President Trump announced the removal of tariffs on UK whisky exports, which is worth around £1bn each year.

Discussions on the EPD are ongoing, and the UK continues to engage with the US administration at all levels, working to benefit UK exporters.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure SMEs in Paisley and Renfrewshire North are being kept up to date and receiving practical guidance on trading with the USA in a rapidly changing trade and tariff environment.

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)

DBT supports SMEs across the UK, including in Paisley and Renfrewshire North, to expand and trade internationally.

In May 2025, the UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US, which protects jobs and helps drive economic growth. In April 2026, we achieved the removal of tariffs on UK whisky, exports to the US are worth £1bn each year.

Discussions on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal continue to address tariff barriers, increase digital and services trade, and unlock new commercial opportunities for both nations.

SMEs can access the latest information on trade negotiations and other support via business.gov.uk and through Business Gateway Renfrewshire and Find Business Support Scotland, alongside the Export Support Service and UK Business Academy.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he is considering ways to reduce the UK Government office foot print in the centre of London.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

By 2030, 11 government buildings will close, including 102 Petty France and 39 Victoria Street, delivering £94m in savings per year from 2032. More departments in London will colocate, enabling greater collaboration on delivering the Government’s Plan for Change.

Found: To: Lesley Munro, Scottish Borders Council From: Alison Taylor, Governance, Digital and Infrastructure

Found: Position Policy Officer • Signature and date: Emma Davidson 13 May 2026 • ICIA authorised by: Alison Taylor

Found: , Andy Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Caroline Lamb, Neil Rennick(from 15:00), Shona Riach(from 15:15), Alison Taylor

Found: Fraser (Chair), Gregor Irwin, Andy Kerr, Caroline Lamb, Neil Rennick (from 15:30), Shona Riach, Alison Taylor

Found: To: Shelagh McLean, Fife Council From: Alison Taylor, Governance, Digital and Infrastructure 6 July 2026Dear