Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kenny MacAskill and Alister Jack

Wednesday 3rd November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jack]

As my hon. Friend will know, we routinely engage with the Scottish Government on the use of devolved powers. It is in the interests of citizens across the UK for both Governments to operate within their respective powers, as set out in the Scotland Act. That is why I informed the Deputy First Minister back in March that I felt that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill contained clauses that were outside the competence of the Scottish Government. Sadly, our warnings and suggestions for changes to the Bills were ignored, so our Law Officers referred the relevant clauses to the Supreme Court. The Court agreed with our views on every count. I hope that the Scottish Government will in future work with us to ensure that their Bills respect the devolution settlement, so that we do not waste any more time and money when enacting important legislation.

[Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (Alba)]

8. What steps he is taking to support onshore employment from renewables and other forms of green energy in Scotland.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kenny MacAskill and Alister Jack

Wednesday 10th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jack]

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I hope he will be aware that next week we are signing the full borderlands growth deal, which will include funding for the feasibility study into reopening the Borders Railway link between Carlisle and Tweedbank.

[Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP)]

What assessment he has made of the effect of Budget 2021 on public spending in Scotland.