Oral Answers to Questions

John Stevenson Excerpts

Wednesday 16th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con)]

1. What recent assessment he has made of the impact of growth deals on the Scottish economy.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the impact of growth deals on the Scottish economy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Iain Stewart)]

All parts of Scotland have a growth deal in implementation or negotiation, with the UK Government committing more than £1.5 billion. These agreements are stimulating local economies to build back better after the pandemic, delivering thousands of jobs across Scotland and enriching communities.

[Iain Stewart]

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that growth deals show what can be achieved when Scotland’s two Governments work together. That is what people want. They are just one part of the UK Government’s hugely ambitious levelling-up agenda, which last year saw the announcement of more than £191 million in investment projects in Scotland, supported by the levelling-up fund, the community renewal fund and the community ownership fund. In February, the levelling-up White Paper saw further good news for Scotland with the Glasgow innovation accelerator, which will create jobs and boost the regional economy. I very much hope that the Scottish Government will work with us on the levelling-up agenda, which covers a number of vital devolved areas and has the potential to transform the lives of people in Scotland.

[John Stevenson]

The Borderlands growth deal has been very well received on both sides of the border. It demonstrates the benefits of a close working relationship between councils, MPs and Government. Given that success, would the Minister envisage a further opportunity for a Borderlands mark 2?