Oral Answers to Questions

Jeevun Sandher Excerpts

Wednesday 5th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)]

3. What steps his Department is taking to support economic growth in Scotland.

[Dr Jeevun Sandher (Loughborough) (Lab)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting economic growth in Scotland.

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting economic growth in Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ian Murray]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue in the House, and for protecting workers in his constituency. The UK Government are fully committed to seeking a sustainable industrial future for Grangemouth and all its workers. Following the work of the Scotland Office-led taskforce, the Prime Minister announced that the National Wealth Fund will provide £200 million of investment for the Grangemouth site. The UK Government, working with the Scottish Government, are providing a training guarantee for all staff at the refinery to support them into good jobs, and my hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that Unite the Union has welcomed the funding and said that the package

“safeguards Scotland’s energy security and delivers the jobs of the future.”

[Dr Sandher]

The defence sector contributes £3.2 billion to the Scottish economy, and Scotland’s contribution keeps us all safe. The Prime Minister has announced increased spending in our country, which also means more investment in Scotland, higher industrial production and higher incomes. Does the Secretary of State agree that this shows the difference a Labour Government make—both south and north of the border?

[Ian Murray]

The Prime Minister is absolutely right when he says that the first responsibility of this Government is to protect our national security and keep our citizens safe. The last time that defence spending was at 2.5% of GDP was under the last Labour Government.

Scotland is a leader in the defence industry. Just this week, I had the pleasure of visiting JFD in Renfrew, which works with the Royal Navy to design, manufacture and operate world-class submarine rescue systems. From Babcock and BAE Systems to small businesses and start-ups, I am determined that Scotland leads the way in building our military industrial base.