Submit Evidence (by 18 Sep 2026)

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most globally recognised products and the UK’s largest drink export. The industry contributes substantial economic value and supports 41,000 jobs across Scotland. Whisky also carries cultural significance and plays a central role in rural economies. However, recent global volatility and a rise in protectionist measures have contributed to a slowdown in Scotch whisky exports, while market trends are also shifting. At the same time, the sector is facing a number of domestic pressures, such as rising energy costs and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. This inquiry will examine these challenges, and explore how UK Government policies on trade, duty and domestic regulation are shaping the future of this key Scottish industry.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support voluntary organisations that improve community pride in Scotland.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Voluntary organisations are essential partners in the UK Government mission to build national and local pride.

While community development is a devolved matter, the Scotland Office works closely with all UK Government departments to ensure UK-wide funding structures empower Scotland's third sector.

Through our targeted £280 million Pride in Place Programme, the £12 million Pride in Place Impact Fund and the new £140 million Local Growth Fund, we are putting real spending power into the hands of communities, to protect vital assets and drive local growth across Scotland.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase skills in low carbon sectors in Edinburgh.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

As my Honourable Friend will be well aware, earlier this year we unlocked £25 million of seed capital for the Forth Green Freeport to create tens of thousands of jobs in clean energy and manufacturing.

Already we are seeing the benefits in Edinburgh. The Port of Leith has transformed itself into an offshore wind hub, currently servicing the massive InchCape development. There is the potential for further investment by the wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, which could create up to 500 new jobs at the port.

Skills policy is devolved to the Scottish Government and it is up to them to ensure that the young people of Edinburgh are equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for steel production in Scotland.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

This Government is steadfast in its commitment to the steel industry, and that includes Scotland. On 1 July, we took bold steps to limit tariff-free steel imports, with the aim that half of the steel used in the UK is made here.

We are closely engaged on Dalzell - the UK's only heavy steel plate mill. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and I routinely engage with ministerial colleagues to ensure Scotland's specific circumstances are reflected in the Government's wider approach to supporting the domestic steel sector.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on making the wearing of a sgian dubh illegal.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The wearing of the sgian dubh is permitted where it is being worn as part of a national costume. There are no plans to change this.

However, we are clear that if any bladed or pointed article is used to threaten or harm others, this will be met with the full force of the law.

This strikes the balance between protecting public safety and protecting freedoms.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on Scotland’s contribution to UK energy security.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, we need to do all that we can to strengthen our energy security here at home. I am in regular contact with my Cabinet colleagues on a whole range of issues.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the devolving of power to local authorities.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is firmly committed to empowering local leaders and communities across the whole of the United Kingdom.

I regularly meet with Scottish Government Ministers to discuss how our two governments can work together to drive economic growth and improve public services.

During these discussions, I have consistently championed the vital role that local government plays. The UK Government already works closely with Scottish local authorities through our joint delivery of City Region and Growth Deals, and the new Local Growth Fund, and we will continue to encourage the Scottish Government to ensure that local councils across Scotland have the appropriate powers and resources they need to deliver for their communities.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many political appointees have been made by his Department since July 2024.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We have taken ‘political appointees’ to mean special advisers. A list of special advisers by department is published each year in the Annual Report on Special Advisers which is laid in parliament. The Annual Report on Special Advisers 2026 will be published in due course.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, other than special advisers if his Department has appointed anyone from outside the civil service since July 2024.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

Other than special advisers, the Scotland Office has made one appointment from outside the civil service since July 2024.

Gillian McGregor has been appointed to the Boundary Commission for Scotland, an advisory non-departmental public body funded by the Scotland Office. The appointment was made on a fixed term basis through open competition using the procedures laid down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many meetings his Department has held with the Scottish Government in the last 12 months on coordinating resilience planning for risks that span reserved and devolved responsibilities.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In reality, crises do not respect borders or boundaries. It is essential that resilience is a shared responsibility between individuals, communities, businesses, local, devolved and national government across the UK to ensure we can effectively respond to risks wherever they occur.

We work in close cooperation at both official and ministerial level on resilience, organising regular ‘four nations’ meetings on resilience. These aim to complement the everyday work teams across government do to collaborate with counterparts in the devolved governments on risk and resilience, most recently convening in June.

This group discusses how each government is developing its own strategies and frameworks to strengthen resilience and identify opportunities for greater collaboration.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many surgeries Ministers in his Department have held for hon. Members (a) between July 2024 and January 2025 and (b) since January 2025.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

Scotland Office Ministers meet regularly with Members of Parliament to discuss a wide range of issues relating to their departmental responsibilities.

For the purpose of this PQ, we have taken ‘surgeries’ to mean meetings or briefings with MPs where external stakeholders were not also present.

a) July 2024 to January 2025: 7

b) From January 2025 onwards: 37

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many agency staff were employed by his Department in each of the last five years.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

The number of agency staff employed in the Scotland Office in each of the last five years is as follows:

Found: Home Office ● Ministry of Defence ● National Cyber Security Centre ● Scotland Office

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress has been made regarding the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Regional Growth DeaIs are not a DBT policy. Delivery responsibility for the Scottish City Region and Growth Deal programme sits with the Scotland Office.

The UK Government remains committed to ensuring effective delivery in Ayrshire, as evidenced by the recent Ryanair announcement at Prestwick Airport. Ministers and officials continue to engage with local partners on a regular basis to maintain delivery momentum and urgently address challenges.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2026, to Question 8058, on UK Statistics Authority: Remote Working, what discussions he has had with the UK Statistics Authority on the attendance rate in its offices on (a) Darlington and (b) Edinburgh.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Departments manage their own arrangements for monitoring workforce attendance.

Central data on Civil Service Headquarters (HQ) occupancy is collected and published quarterly on GOV.UK for all HQ buildings of Whitehall Departments, Office for Scotland, Office for Wales and Northern Ireland Office. This data enables the Cabinet Office to gain a general understanding of each department’s position to ensure efficient and effective use of the estate.

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