Scotland’s Economy
Debate between Kirsty Blackman and Martin McCluskeyWestminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
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Martin McCluskey
The food and drink sector will play a crucial role in the future of the Scottish economy. I am referring not just to the whisky sector, which my hon. Friend has mentioned and which I know he plays a key role in championing through the Scotch whisky all-party parliamentary group, but to other sectors, such as our great salmon sector. There are a lot of other opportunities in food, drink and tourism whereby the Scottish economy can thrive in years to come.
One area of Scotland’s economy on which the Governments have worked closely together in recent months has been the response to the commercial decision of Petroineos to end oil refining at Grangemouth. The oil refining operation has played an important role in Grangemouth’s economy for more than 100 years. However, as a clear sign of how we can work together for the Scottish people, the UK and Scottish Governments have announced a joint £100 million package to help to secure Grangemouth’s industrial future and protect its skilled workforce. Scotland has a proud industrial past, as we have heard from many hon. Members this morning, and, as part of the transition to net zero, it will have a bright industrial future, and one that will guarantee jobs and wealth for families for generations to come.
Kirsty Blackman
In relation to that transition, while the hon. Gentleman is in the mood for making commitments, will he commit to speaking to the Chancellor about the Scottish carbon capture cluster and the fact that it is looking for an outward show of confidence from the Government? I am not asking him to push for money today, but positivity about progressing the Scottish cluster for carbon capture would be incredibly helpful for the industry.