Euro Area Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Tuesday 21st July 2015

(9 years, 5 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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None Portrait Several hon. Members
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rose

David Amess Portrait Sir David Amess (in the Chair)
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Order. The wind-ups will start at 10 past five. I want to call everyone who wants to speak, so I hope that colleagues will bear that in mind.

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David Amess Portrait Sir David Amess (in the Chair)
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Order. Before the hon. Gentleman responds to that intervention, I must remind him that he has only a minute and a half left.

Stuart Blair Donaldson Portrait Stuart Donaldson
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Given the short time remaining, I will continue my speech.

I mentioned the possibility of British exit, but, of course, much of the strains in the eurozone today are centred on the possibility of Greek exit, as Members mentioned. As the Scottish Government have said, it has been, and remains, incumbent on all parties to work together to find an effective solution that allows the Greek economy and the Greek people the time and stability required to recover, and that also avoids unnecessary damage to the eurozone. As the IMF has acknowledged, some debt relief is an essential part of the recovery package. Ultimately, the key to recovery will be promoting growth to ensure an end to austerity.

During the Scottish independence referendum last year, much was made of the idea of solidarity. The SNP certainly supports the idea of solidarity within the EU and the eurozone. We also look for the eurozone states to work to promote stability and opportunities for growth, because a successful eurozone area is vital for our own economic opportunity and success. I am sure that we can all unite in supporting that outcome.