Business of the House

Patricia Ferguson Excerpts

Thursday 12th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Patricia Ferguson, whom I congratulate on her election to the Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee.

[Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Will the Leader of the House comment on the Government’s actions to reset the relationship with the Scottish Government? The early meeting of our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister with the First Minister of Scotland was widely welcomed, but what more can be done to ensure that both Governments work together to deliver for the people of Scotland?

[Lucy Powell]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on her election to the Chair of the Select Committee. I know that she will approach that job with gusto and be a powerful voice on those issues in the Chamber. She is absolutely right: it is important for us to work constructively and in a grown-up way with the Scottish Government. The Prime Minister has begun the process of resetting the relationship. I myself have met the Scottish First Minister, and I will go up to Scotland in the coming weeks. We also want to strengthen the Sewel convention, to which I know she will give great consideration as the Chair of the Select Committee.