Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jerome Mayhew and Douglas Alexander

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)]

14. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on levels of employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

As shown by our decision last week to approve the Jackdaw gasfield, the United Kingdom Government are committed to a pragmatic approach to the North sea. We recognise that domestic oil and gas will continue to play an important part in our energy mix for decades to come.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Alexander]

There is a certain irony in the Conservative party lecturing the Government on deindustrialisation in Scotland. In reality, it left an energy system in 2024 that was less secure, more exposed to international shocks, and slower to invest. The hon. Lady’s question might have more credibility had we not agreed Jackdaw just last week.

[Jerome Mayhew]

The Government spent two and a half years virtue signalling about the North sea. They said there was no future for oil and gas and had a ban on licences, as well as increasing taxation. The result has been 25,000 job losses—1,000 every month and counting—not because of an external shock, but because of a crisis 100% caused by Government policy. When will this Government leave their student politics behind, back British business and get us drilling again?

[Mr Alexander]

The Conservative party’s policy towards the North sea was a study in incompetence. The reason we took the decision on Jackdaw last week was that the Conservative Government so messed up the process that we ended up in court.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jerome Mayhew and Douglas Alexander

Wednesday 15th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

Let me assure my hon. Friend that we are committed to bringing economic opportunity to every part of Scotland. Unlocking the economic potential of sites exactly like the ExxonMobil Bowling terminal is how we can achieve that for communities and deliver the high-skilled jobs that people want. West Dunbartonshire is presently benefiting from over £500 million through the Glasgow city region deal, as well as money from our new local growth fund. This Government are working hard with local partners to deliver long-term prosperity.

[Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on Scottish livestock numbers.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jerome Mayhew and Douglas Alexander

Wednesday 26th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

This Government have taken action and will continue to take action. In his rather partial account, the hon. Member missed out around 530,000 households in Scotland that are already benefiting from £150 off their energy bills this winter, and I hope we will hear more today.

[Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of recent trends in levels of economic growth in Scotland.