John Lamont Portrait

John Lamont

Conservative - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

6,599 (14.2%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 8th June 2017


Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Jul 2024 - 5th Nov 2024
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
27th Oct 2022 - 5th Jul 2024
Scottish Affairs Committee
4th May 2020 - 22nd May 2023
Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)
27th Jan 2020 - 24th Jan 2023
Statutory Instruments (Select Committee)
27th Jan 2020 - 24th Jan 2023
Cultural Objects (Protection From Seizure) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 17th Nov 2021
Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Statutory Instruments (Select Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Scottish Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, John Lamont has voted in 129 divisions, and 2 times against the majority of their Party.

12 Nov 2024 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill - View Vote Context
John Lamont voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 18 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 41 Noes - 378
26 Mar 2025 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill - View Vote Context
John Lamont voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 24 Conservative Aye votes vs 31 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 41
View All John Lamont Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(20 debate interactions)
Robbie Moore (Conservative)
Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(18 debate interactions)
Ian Murray (Labour)
Secretary of State for Scotland
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Scotland Office
(14 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(13 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(11 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all John Lamont's debates

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk signature proportion
Petitions with most Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk signatures
Petition Debates Contributed

Prevent independent schools from having to pay VAT on fees and incurring business rates as a result of new legislation.

We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.

3,064,064
c. 19,696 added daily
3,095,191
(Estimated)
20 May 2025
closes in 1 month, 2 weeks

I would like there to be another General Election.

I believe the current Labour Government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead up to the last election.


Latest EDMs signed by John Lamont

20th November 2024
John Lamont signed this EDM on Thursday 21st November 2024

Housing

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (England) Order 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 1073), dated 28 October 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30 October, be annulled.
32 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 32
9th October 2017
John Lamont signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 9th October 2017

GLASGOW UNIVERSITY NAMED SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

Tabled by: John Lamont (Conservative - Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)
That this House congratulates Glasgow University for recently being named Scottish University of the Year in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018; understands that the university saw improvements in its rankings for graduate prospects, competition rates, teaching quality and student experience and that the university is …
6 signatures
(Most recent: 8 Jan 2018)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 4
Conservative: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All John Lamont's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by John Lamont, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.



Latest 29 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to take legal advice on whether introducing an exception to copyright for text and data mining with an opt-out is consistent with the UK’s international obligations under the Berne Convention.

The Government published a consultation on Copyright and AI in December 2024.

This consultation seeks views on proposals for a new regulatory model for text and data mining. These proposals are presented for feedback and discussion, and no decision has yet been taken on the final policy.

As set out in the consultation “any proposals that we take forward will be implemented in line with our existing legal obligations, domestic and international. Relevant international treaties include the Berne Convention, Rome Convention, WCT, WPPT and TRIPS”.

The consultation closes on 25 February.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will commission an impact study on the potential impact of visitor levies on levels of inbound tourism.

The Chancellor continually keeps the tax system under review.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
26th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of import controls on horticulture businesses; and whether he plans to consider this impact in the context of proposals to amend plant health fees.

Defra’s approach has been to design a modern border with a simplified but effective system of biosecurity controls to contribute to economic growth, minimising friction at the border, administrative burden to traders, and additional costs to consumers while maintaining or improving biosecurity. Our import controls are a critical element of any biosecurity system.

We also appreciate the importance of timeliness in imports. To this end checks at Border Control Posts are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service. Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods are handled safely and with care.

GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and deliver checks in line with set Service Level Agreements and ensure minimal trade disruption.

We are committed to reducing barriers to trade and cutting red tape by striking a fair balance between industry and biosecurity and will seek to negotiate an agreement with the EU to achieve this. Our aim is to negotiate a SPS agreement with the EU which could help to cut red tape and costs at our borders whilst maintaining a high standard of safety and security for eligible imports entering the UK through the short straits.

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has been developed following extensive engagement with businesses across the UK, points of entry, enforcement agencies and with the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments. Defra continues to monitor and review the impact of the BTOM. We continue working closely with industry, trade partners and enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and costs to trade, while continuing to protect our biosecurity.

The consultation on proposed increases to APHA plant health fees closed on 21 March 2025 and we are analysing the responses. We plan to respond to the consultation feedback in the spring.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
26th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) the border target operating model and (b) border control posts are adequately (i) resourced and (ii) equipped to ensure horticulture growers can import the required plant products to meet demand.

Checks at border control posts are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. The Animal Plant and Health Agency plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service.

Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary goods are handled safely and with care.

GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and ensure minimal trade disruption.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of Scottish Government research on Ultra High Frequency electronic identification technology in livestock.

The Government has yet to make a decision on which technology to adopt for electronic identification (EID) in cattle in England. To inform decision making, Defra is reviewing, testing and seeking feedback on the different EID technologies, including through examining Scottish Government research.

In collaboration with the Welsh Government, we commissioned Harper Adams University to study the relative strengths and potential weaknesses of the two technologies under consideration. The findings of this study have now been published and can be found on Defra Science Search pages.

As we develop our thinking, Defra has also been in close touch with industry through an independent group of 25 industry, government and academic specialists from across the livestock, equine and meat industry.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) letters, (b) emails and (c) other correspondence his Department has received supporting proposed changes to (i) Agricultural Property Relief and (ii) Business Property Relief for Inheritance Tax.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much correspondence his Department has received from individuals making representations on proposed changes to (a) Agricultural Property Relief and (b) Business Property Relief for Inheritance Tax since October 2024.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) letters, (b) emails and (c) other correspondence her Department has received supporting proposed changes to (i) Agricultural Property Relief and (ii) Business Property Relief for Inheritance Tax.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government takes into account all representations, and HM Treasury officials and Ministers meet with stakeholders on a regular basis.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much correspondence her Department has received from individuals making representations on proposed changes to (a) Agricultural Property Relief and (b) Business Property Relief for Inheritance Tax since October 2024.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government takes into account all representations, and HM Treasury officials and Ministers meet with stakeholders on a regular basis.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the National Farmers Union of Scotland on changes to Business Property Relief in the Autumn Budget 2024 since 30 October 2024.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government takes into account all representations, and HM Treasury officials and Ministers meet with stakeholders on a regular basis.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department of the potential impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on Scotland’s retail sector.

A Tax Information and Impact Note that covers the employer NICs changes was published by HMRC on 13 November.

The Government has protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to Employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which means that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all next year, more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package, and all eligible employers will be able to employ up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage and pay no employer NICs.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many hotels in Scotland are being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

I refer the Hon Member to the Answer I gave on 3 February to Question UIN 26316.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Home Office)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will hold discussions with the Migration Advisory Committee on the potential merits of establishing a bespoke immigration route for Scotland.

The Government has no plans to devolve immigration policy or introduce a Scottish visa scheme. We are focussed on having an immigration system that works in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom.

The Government has not tasked the MAC to look at the issue of Scottish visas and have no plans to do so.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a bespoke immigration route for Scotland.

The Government has no plans to devolve immigration policy or introduce a Scottish visa scheme. We are focussed on having an immigration system that works in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom.

The Government has not tasked the MAC to look at the issue of Scottish visas and have no plans to do so.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a bespoke immigration route for Scotland.

The Government has no plans to devolve immigration policy or introduce a Scottish visa scheme. We are focussed on having an immigration system that works in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom.

The Government has not tasked the MAC to look at the issue of Scottish visas and have no plans to do so.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential merits of banning first-cousin marriage in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Scotland Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with counterparts in the Scottish Government on issues that matter to the people of Scotland.

We are aware that all aspects of weddings, including first cousin marriage, are important issues. The Scottish Parliament has power to legislate in relation to marriages in Scotland.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on infected blood compensation payments.

The UK Government is working closely with devolved governments and existing support schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Minister for the Cabinet Office met the Scottish Minister for Public Health on 3 March 2025 to discuss compensation payments for victims of the infected blood scandal, and he is committed to engaging further with the Scottish Government as we progress this work.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what meetings he has had with Cabinet colleagues on increased Government defence spending in Scotland.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that we must strengthen our defence capabilities, which is why this Government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

Scotland’s world-class defence industry is well-positioned to meet the growing demands for national security. This increase in defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the UK, including in Scotland.

The new UK Government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will include specific SME spending targets for defence.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting JFD, a Scottish SME and world leader in underwater capabilities. This visit underscored our commitment to ensuring that these businesses benefit from the historic increase in defence spending. I am proud of Scotland's defence sector and will continue to advocate for the industry and its workforce.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he last met with representatives of the Scottish seafood sector in Scotland.

Scotland Office Ministers regularly engage with a range of stakeholders from the sector. I spoke at a Seafood Scotland event in the House of Commons on 26 February. That same day, Minister McNeill met the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation as a follow up from a joint visit organised between her and Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on 3 February, where they met a number of industry representatives and discussed issues such as access to labour at length.

My department remains committed to continuing to engage with both the wild caught and aquaculture sectors to support the seafood industry in Scotland, and I continue to promote the sector around the world through my Brand Scotland work.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what he last met with representatives of the Scottish farming sector in Scotland.

Supporting Scottish farmers and crofters is a priority for this Government and my department regularly engages with the industry at Ministerial and official levels. Most recently, Minister McNeill delivered a keynote speech at the National Farmers’ Union Scotland annual conference, where she announced that the Scotland Office would host a Food and Farming roundtable soon. Preparations for it are ongoing, in collaboration with the Scottish Government.

Earlier that same week, Minister McNeill accompanied Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on a visit to a farm in Aberdeenshire, accompanied by NFUS representatives. Prior to that she met with crofters' representatives in Stornoway.



Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the impact of levels of taxation on people in Scotland.

The assessment that we have made is that the Honourable Gentleman's party crashed the economy and left the legacy of the highest tax burden on working people in 70 years and in Scotland that is even higher.

The SNP Government’s own figures show that a Band 5 Nurse will pay more tax in Scotland than a nurse earning the same amount in England, meanwhile billions of pounds of taxpayer money has been wasted under the SNP.

The previous Conservative government and current SNP government both share the belief that nurses, teachers and ordinary Scots should pay for their economic failures.

We will provide economic stability and put more money in people’s pockets.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has with the Scottish Government on funding of the feasibility study for the Borders Railway extension.

I have regular meetings with the Deputy First Minister, where we discuss local economic growth as one of the key missions of this Government.

My officials have had discussions with the Scottish Borders Council and with officials from both the Department for Transport and the Scottish Government on the funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions his officials have had with Scottish Borders Council on funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.

My officials have had discussions with the Scottish Borders Council and with officials from both the Department for Transport and the Scottish Government on the funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.

The Department for Transport will continue to work with the Scotland Office, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Borders Council on the next stage of development for this scheme as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how often the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group has met since 5 July 2024.

The Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group last met under the previous Government, in March 2024. This government recognises the vital role these industries play in ensuring coastal communities and the wider Scottish economy thrive. Since taking up office in July 2024, Scotland Office Ministers have met with Salmon Scotland, the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, Loch Long Salmon, and many others across the seafood and fisheries sectors. The UK government will continue to work closely with industry representative bodies on issues that impact the sector.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group will next meet.

The Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group last met under the previous Government, in March 2024. This government recognises the vital role these industries play in ensuring coastal communities and the wider Scottish economy thrive. Since taking up office in July 2024, Scotland Office Ministers have met with Salmon Scotland, the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, Loch Long Salmon, and many others across the seafood and fisheries sectors. The UK government will continue to work closely with industry representative bodies on issues that impact the sector.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.

Officials from my department remain in discussion on this matter with counterparts in the Department for Transport. The Department for Transport will continue to work with the Scotland Office, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Borders Council on the next stage of development for this scheme as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he plans to (a) implement and (b) cancel efficiency savings budgeted for by the previous Government for (i) his Department and (ii) departmental arm's length bodies; and what plans he has for further such efficiency savings.

Decisions regarding budgets for this year were set in the last spending review and for future years will be a matter for the upcoming comprehensive spending review which my department is engaging in. The uncovering of £22bn of in-year hidden pressures has added to the strain on departmental budgets as set out by the Chancellor to parliament on 30 July.

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will provide a breakdown of underspend in (a) his Department and (b) departmental arm's length bodies in this (i) financial year and (ii) spending review.

A breakdown of the Department and its arm’s length bodies underspend in the current financial year and over the spending review are disclosed in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scotland-office-and-oag-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scotland-office-and-oag-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024

Ian Murray
Secretary of State for Scotland