Oral Answers to Questions

Alyn Smith Excerpts

Wednesday 11th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

9. Whether he has made a recent assessment of the impact of the UK leaving the European Union on Scotland.

[Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP)]

11. Whether he has made a recent assessment of the impact of the UK leaving the European Union on Scotland.

[Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and West Fife) (SNP)]

12. Whether he has made a recent assessment of the impact of the UK leaving the European Union on Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jack]

I would say that the people of Scotland are suffering worse health outcomes because of the incompetence of the Scottish Government to run the health system. Regarding NHS recruitment, I further add that we have a points-based system. It creates flexibility and allows us to deal with the skills gap, and a points-based system was the former policy of the Scottish National party.

[Alyn Smith]

Brexit has demonstrably been a disaster for the Scottish fisheries sector. The catchers and the processors are having a dreadful time, but even these trading arrangements are due to end in 2026 under the trade and co-operation agreement. What thought has the Secretary of State given to the future trading arrangements after 2026, or will it be just another betrayal?

[Mr Jack]

We have taken control of our waters. We have left the hated common fisheries policy. We have seen our quota increase by 30,000 tonnes this year in negotiations. We are going to take full control of our waters at the end of the five-year period, and with the other things we are putting in place to support industry, we will increase the processing business, as well.