Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in the context of his Department's responsibility for devolution oversight and national security, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy, set out to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
This Government recognises the vital contribution that the Scottish defence industry has for the national security of the UK, while also being a key driver of economic growth. This is illustrated by the £2.5 million that this Government is providing to the Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow, which is developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Along side this we are developing the Scotland Defence Growth Deal that will draw on a share of a £250 million investment fund to support defence industry across Scotland.
It is important that both UK and Scottish Governments, as per their respective responsibilities, have policies in place that supports the growth of the sector. We are liaising with Scottish Government and Scotland’s defence industry to understand the impact assessments that have been conducted on the Defence Sector Support Policy.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential (a) implications for his policies and (b) impact for UK security of the Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy, set out to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2025.
Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
Defence, national security, foreign affairs and export licensing are reserved matters, and keeping the British people safe is our number one priority. The UK Government continues to assess and manage risks to UK security through established cross-government processes such as the National Risk Register.
The Scottish Government's defence sector support policy will affect Scotland’s expanding defence industry by restricting support to many companies. It is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to explain its position, including how the policy will impact jobs, skills and investment in Scotland.
In the meantime, my department continues to work with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to support the industry and the highly skilled jobs and investment that it generates. This includes progressing the development of the Defence Growth Deal in Scotland, in line with the UK’s growth, defence and security priorities.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the time taken for the AI and Copyright consultation on the media and creative industries.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The government consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI). We have carefully analysed the responses and continue to engage extensively on this issue, including through technical working groups.
The government published a progress update on 16 December 2025 and will publish a report on the use of copyright works in the development of AI systems, and economic impact assessment, by 18 March 2026.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations she has received on the potential impact of the planned rise in fuel duty on motorists.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
At Budget 2025, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until the end of August 2026. Rates will then gradually return to early 2022 levels. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026-27 will not take place, with the government uprating fuel duty rates by RPI from April 2027. This will save the average car driver £49 next year compared to previous plans.
The Government received and considered a wide variety of representations in the approach to Budget 2025.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average wait time is for a driving test at the a) Stranraer, b) Newton Stewart and c) Castle Douglas driving test centres.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The average waiting time for a practical driving test at Stranraer, Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas is 24 weeks.
These test centres are all remote outstations served by driving examiners from the main test centres of Stranraer and Newton Stewart one day a week each. Castle Douglas is served by driving examiners from Dumfries two days a week.
On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times in GB. Further information on the measures announced can be found on GOV.uk.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country to provide as many tests as possible. A full-time driving examiner can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she had with the Scottish Government prior to the meeting between the First Minister of Scotland and the President of Ireland on 26 November 2025 in Dublin; and whether officials were present at the meeting.
Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she had discussions with the Scottish Government prior to the meeting between the First Minister of Scotland and the Leader of Sinn Fein on 26 November 2025 in Dublin.
Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people who are currently trying to book a driving theory test in Dumfries and Galloway.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a key performance indicator (KPI) to provide theory test candidates with a test appointment within 28 days of their preferred date which is measured as a regional average. Despite unprecedented levels of demand for theory tests this KPI is consistently met.
The average waiting time for a practical driving test at Dumfries driving test centre is currently 15.5 weeks.
It is not possible to confirm how many people are trying to book a driving theory test. DVSA only holds data on the number of tests booked.
On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times.
In the coming months, DVSA will:
DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.
During 2025, DVSA has recruited three new driving examiners for Carlisle test centre, which will help to provide additional resource and cover for Dumfries driving test centre. DVSA is continuing to review recruitment on a regular basis and although Dumfries driving test centre is currently at capacity, DVSA will review options to increase test availability, including offering overtime to examiners.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average wait time is for 1) a driving theory test and 2) a driving test in Dumfries and Galloway constituency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a key performance indicator (KPI) to provide theory test candidates with a test appointment within 28 days of their preferred date which is measured as a regional average. Despite unprecedented levels of demand for theory tests this KPI is consistently met.
The average waiting time for a practical driving test at Dumfries driving test centre is currently 15.5 weeks.
It is not possible to confirm how many people are trying to book a driving theory test. DVSA only holds data on the number of tests booked.
On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times.
In the coming months, DVSA will:
DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.
During 2025, DVSA has recruited three new driving examiners for Carlisle test centre, which will help to provide additional resource and cover for Dumfries driving test centre. DVSA is continuing to review recruitment on a regular basis and although Dumfries driving test centre is currently at capacity, DVSA will review options to increase test availability, including offering overtime to examiners.
Asked by: John Cooper (Conservative - Dumfries and Galloway)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of (a) driving theory tests and (b) driving tests in Dumfries and Galloway constituency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a key performance indicator (KPI) to provide theory test candidates with a test appointment within 28 days of their preferred date which is measured as a regional average. Despite unprecedented levels of demand for theory tests this KPI is consistently met.
The average waiting time for a practical driving test at Dumfries driving test centre is currently 15.5 weeks.
It is not possible to confirm how many people are trying to book a driving theory test. DVSA only holds data on the number of tests booked.
On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times.
In the coming months, DVSA will:
DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.
During 2025, DVSA has recruited three new driving examiners for Carlisle test centre, which will help to provide additional resource and cover for Dumfries driving test centre. DVSA is continuing to review recruitment on a regular basis and although Dumfries driving test centre is currently at capacity, DVSA will review options to increase test availability, including offering overtime to examiners.