Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the reintroduction of a (a) passenger and (b) freight service from Rosyth to mainland Europe.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
I have not, but I am aware that you have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter in connection with infrastructure enhancements that may be required at the port of Rosyth.
This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.
The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions on the reintroduction of a (a) passenger and (b) freight service from Rosyth to mainland Europe.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
My officials have spoken with colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Treasury on this matter and I am aware of your campaigning on this issue.
This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.
The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to work with the Scottish Government to improve (a) rail and (b) ferry provision in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
Scotrail run rail services in both Fife and wider Scotland, and responsibility for these services lie with the Scottish Government. Similarly, ferry services are also devolved to the Scottish Government. This Government is, however, working to ensure public ownership across rail services. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will ensure that ScotRail is kept in public hands.
This Government is committed to resetting the relationship with the Scottish Government to ensure we can work together to deliver for the people of Scotland on the things that matter most to communities, including on transport links between Scotland and the rest of the UK. I have already met with the Deputy First Minister on numerous occasions to discuss a variety of issues. My officials regularly engage with their counterparts in the Scottish Government, working with their colleagues in the Department for Transport, to identify opportunities for collaboration on improving transport and other services.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to work with the Scottish Government to (a) support and (b) increase engineering apprenticeships in Scotland.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
Scotland has always produced world-class engineers, and this Government is committed to growing the economy and supporting the sector all across the UK.
Scotland is at the forefront of the Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030, which in itself will create a range of new opportunities for engineering apprentices in Scotland. Great British Energy, our new publicly-owned clean energy company, will be headquartered in Scotland; in addition to delivering energy security and lower prices for consumers, it will create thousands of jobs and build supply chains across the UK as new technologies are deployed. In addition to GB Energy, further opportunities for engineering apprentices will arise from the National Wealth Fund, which will unlock further investment opportunities for the local ports, heavy industry and manufacturing companies that have a crucial role to play in creating quality jobs and in our transition to net zero.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to work with the Scottish Government to improve services for veterans in (a) Dunfermline and Dollar constituency and (b) Scotland.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
The UK Government is committed to supporting those who served and risked their lives for this country - a great number of whom I know live in my honourable Friend’s constituency. The Office for Veterans Affairs continues to work closely with the Scottish Government as key areas of policy and support delivered to veterans are devolved. This includes support with employment, mental health, and housing. For example, the veteran employment pathway provides employment and career development support for veterans across the UK, and veterans in Scotland who are homeless can access a UK-wide referral housing pathway.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to work with the Scottish Cities Alliance.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
The Scottish Cities Alliance is an important stakeholder. There is a clear synergy in the work of the Scottish Cities Alliance and how this Government wants to kickstart economic growth in all parts of the country. Therefore, I have plans to meet with the Scottish Cities Alliance in the future to hear about their very important plans for the economic potential across Scotland’s eight cities and better understand how they can better work in partnership with this Government.