Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether Scottish (a) venison and (b) venison products are eligible for the Brand Scotland initiative; and what process exists for (i) producers and (ii) sellers to engage with the Department on this matter.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Brand Scotland programme supports Scottish industry to export to international markets across the world. This includes the food and drink industry. Available support includes conducting trade missions overseas and supporting projects to promote exports, inward investment and Scottish soft power. Scottish businesses can contact the Scotland Office, British diplomatic posts overseas and the Department of Business and Trade for more details.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief on levels on investment on farms in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As agriculture is a devolved policy, this response only covers England.

In England, no assessment has been made of the potential impact of changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief on levels of investment on farms. Data on farm investment income is available in the table 5 series of Farm Accounts in England – but these tables only show data for 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Defra are currently collecting the 2024/25 data; data on English farm investment income for 2024/25 will be published in January 2026.

Found: membership Patricia Ferguson (Labour; Glasgow West) (Chair) Maureen Burke (Labour; Glasgow North East) Harriet Cross

The UK Government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with plans to reach 3% in the next Parliament. Given Scotland’s significant role in the UK’s defence sector, this inquiry will explore how Scotland’s economy and job market can benefit, particularly through the creation of highly skilled jobs. The Committee will examine existing skills gaps in the sector, how they can be addressed to maximise the economic impact of investment, and the UK Government’s role in supporting the creation and retention of the skilled jobs needed to grow the defence industry. It will also consider how Scotland can support the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence’s engagement with Scottish SMEs, which dominate the Scottish private sector, as well as the use of local supply chains.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Transport infrastructure plays an important role among island communities, supporting local economies and ensuring access to essential services. In Scotland, geographic barriers and limited transport options can restrict mobility and contribute to depopulation. This inquiry will examine the strategic case for permanent transport links—such as tunnels and bridges—between Scotland’s islands and assess whether there is a role for the UK Government in supporting such projects.

In Scotland, as in other parts of the UK, concerns have been raised about how high streets and town centres are changing. Scotland’s high streets face multiple challenges, and many have been described as being in ‘decline’. However, possible new models for resilient and thriving high streets are emerging, while there continues to be interest in community-led regeneration. This inquiry will engage with local communities and other stakeholders to explore what a positive vision for the future of Scottish high streets and town centres might look like, and to examine what role government might play in making this vision a reality.