Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stewart Malcolm McDonald and Alister Jack

Wednesday 29th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

13. What assessment he has made of the state of devolution in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alister Jack)]

With devolved powers, the Scottish Government can tailor policy in areas such as health, education and justice, as well as in tax and welfare through additional powers in the Scotland Act 2016. The UK Government are working with local government and local partners to deliver on their needs and wishes. That is real devolution in action.

[Mr Jack]

It is very straightforward. We understand that there will be environmental engagement overseas by the Scottish Government, and that is a devolved matter. What we have tried get a grip on is the Scottish Government travelling overseas, meeting Ministers, discussing reserved areas such as constitutional affairs and foreign affairs, and straying away from the portfolio of matters that are devolved to them. That is our position.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald]

It is obvious that in order to cement a sense of economic resilience Scotland requires a population growth strategy, but the devolution settlement, unfit as it is, will not come anywhere near that, and the Government continue to set their face against it. Can the Secretary of State explain why?

[Mr Jack]

If the Scottish Government want more people to settle in Scotland—and immigration is at a record high—they need to build more housing, have lower taxes and better public services, and make Scotland more attractive to people.

Scotland Act 1998: Section 35 Power

Debate between Stewart Malcolm McDonald and Alister Jack

Tuesday 17th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jack]

I urge the Opposition to reflect the tone here. This is a legal decision. We need to take the heat out of this debate. We are dealing with a reduction in safeguards for women and children. That is the legal advice we have, and later, when they read the statement of reasons, they will be able to draw their own conclusions.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

I am sure that the United Kingdom’s first ever female First Minister is enjoying the lecture from the Secretary of State and the various Cicero tribute acts behind him on feminism and the protection of women’s rights. Is it not the case that we have here a decaying Government in their last months of office needing some red meat for their base, and an utterly supine Labour party trying to triangulate through all of this, while trans people are the collateral damage? Just as section 28 haunted Thatcher’s Government, section 35 will always be associated with the Secretary of State. He must have the statement of reasons in that folder on his knee—let him read it out from the Dispatch Box.

[Mr Jack]

We will publish the statement of reasons. On the other remarks the hon. Gentleman made, opinions may vary.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stewart Malcolm McDonald and Alister Jack

Wednesday 12th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jack]

As the Prime Minister said, there will be “unfettered access” between Scotland and Northern Ireland and indeed the rest of the United Kingdom.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

4. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on maritime security off the coast of Scotland.