HMRC Office Closures

Kelvin Hopkins Excerpts

Tuesday 24th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Hannah Bardell]

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. It is yet more evidence of this Government’s lack of respect for Scotland and for Scottish workers.

Following the announcement, the BBC reported that more than 2,000 jobs could be lost in Scotland. As yet, we have no detail. With your indulgence, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will list the offices that are set to close across Scotland to highlight the scale and impact of the decision: one office to close in Aberdeen by 2021; one office in Bathgate and Livingston, my own constituency, by 2020; one office in Cumbernauld by 2020; two offices in Dundee; three offices in East Kilbride; three offices to close and consolidate into one large office in Edinburgh; and two large offices to close and consolidate into one large office in Glasgow.

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

I am pleased to say that I support the motion. The motion also refers to HMRC offices throughout the UK. Does she have statistics for the whole of the UK as well as for Scotland?

[Hannah Bardell]

I do not have them to hand, but I would be happy to hear the hon. Gentleman’s specific views and discuss them with him.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend is right to say that our record is strong, and we remain absolutely committed to that priority.

[Kelvin Hopkins]

rose—

[Mr Gauke]

If I may, I will make a bit of progress. I am conscious that I am being generous to the people who wish to intervene, but I should also be generous to those who wish to take part in the debate.