All 2 Debates between David Mundell and Chris Davies

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Chris Davies
Wednesday 20th February 2019

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Davies Portrait Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
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11. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the welfare of Scottish veterans.

David Mundell Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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As members of the ministerial covenant and veterans board, the Secretary of State for Defence and I have worked closely together and with the devolved Administrations on the ambitious UK-wide veterans strategy, encompassing devolved areas, including housing, education and mental health, to address the needs of veterans in all parts of the UK, including Scotland.

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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My hon. Friend will be aware that housing is a devolved area and the responsibility of the Scottish Government. However, the UK Government support the veterans gateway, which, among other things, provides advice to veterans on housing and accommodation in Scotland and across the UK.

Chris Davies Portrait Chris Davies
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the first ever UK-wide veterans strategy is a fantastic example of the significant collaboration that occurs every day between the UK and the Scottish Government?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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Yes, indeed—I am very happy to confirm that. Although we see a lot of politicking in this Chamber and in Holyrood, the fact is that on a day-to-day basis the Scottish Government, the UK Government and indeed the Welsh Assembly Government can work productively together.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Chris Davies
Wednesday 19th April 2017

(7 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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The purpose of the JMC is to bring together the UK Government and the devolved Administrations, and to work together to formulate our position as we go forward in the negotiations. I very much regret the fact that the Northern Ireland Executive have not been able to be politically present in recent times—we all want that situation to be brought to a conclusion—but the meetings have been robust and, I believe, certainly in terms of the actions that have flowed from them, constructive.

Chris Davies Portrait Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
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4. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on their new tax powers.

Ranil Jayawardena Portrait Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North East Hampshire) (Con)
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8. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on their new tax powers.

David Mundell Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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The UK and Scottish Governments continue to engage closely on the devolution of new tax powers. The Scottish Government are now responsible for setting the rates and thresholds of income tax. It is of course incumbent on them to use their powers to make Scotland an attractive place to live and work.

Chris Davies Portrait Chris Davies
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Now that the Scottish Government have unprecedented power to shape the economy of Scotland, will my right hon. Friend join me in calling on the Scottish National party to start delivering jobs and economic growth in Scotland, rather than focusing on a second independence referendum? [Interruption.]

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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The shouts from Opposition Members just highlight the complacency of the SNP in relation to the Scottish economy, which contracted by 2% in the fourth quarter of 2016 while the UK economy grew by 0.7%. No Scot can be proud of that comparison.