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The UK Government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with plans to reach 3% in the next Parliament. Given Scotland’s significant role in the UK’s defence sector, this inquiry will explore how Scotland’s economy and job market can benefit, particularly through the creation of highly skilled jobs. The Committee will examine existing skills gaps in the sector, how they can be addressed to maximise the economic impact of investment, and the UK Government’s role in supporting the creation and retention of the skilled jobs needed to grow the defence industry. It will also consider how Scotland can support the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence’s engagement with Scottish SMEs, which dominate the Scottish private sector, as well as the use of local supply chains.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Transport infrastructure plays an important role among island communities, supporting local economies and ensuring access to essential services. In Scotland, geographic barriers and limited transport options can restrict mobility and contribute to depopulation. This inquiry will examine the strategic case for permanent transport links—such as tunnels and bridges—between Scotland’s islands and assess whether there is a role for the UK Government in supporting such projects.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the (1) Secretary of State for Scotland, and (2) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland have had with (a) South Ayrshire Council, (b) Scottish Borders Council, (c) East Lothian Council, (d) Perth and Kinross Council, and (e) South Lanarkshire Council, regarding their proposal to establish a remote betting and gaming duty and the potential impact on horseracing at the racetracks located in each local authority area.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.

The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025.  The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have conducted any economic analysis of the potential financial impact of their proposed remote betting and gaming duty in Scotland on (1) the horseracing industry, and (2) other businesses supported by horseracing.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.

The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025.  The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the (1) Secretary of State for Scotland, and (2) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, have had with Scottish Racing about their proposals to establish a remote betting and gaming duty.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As part of the consultation process, the UK Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and continues to work with representatives of horseracing to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.

The Government’s consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Budget 2025.  The consultation relates to the structure of gambling duties, and no decision has yet been made on rates. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget following the consultation, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on issuing a Scotland Act Order to permit the bringing into force of relevant sections of the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Act 2024.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Scotland Act Orders are pieces of secondary legislation made under the Scotland Act 1998 and are used to implement, update or adjust Scotland’s devolution settlement. A Section 104 order is used to make provision which is considered necessary in consequence of any provision made by or under an Act of the Scottish Parliament.

My officials are working with Scottish Government officials to determine the scope of the request for a Scotland Act Order made in consequence of the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Act 2024.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether Scottish (a) venison and (b) venison products are eligible for the Brand Scotland initiative; and what process exists for (i) producers and (ii) sellers to engage with the Department on this matter.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Brand Scotland programme supports Scottish industry to export to international markets across the world. This includes the food and drink industry. Available support includes conducting trade missions overseas and supporting projects to promote exports, inward investment and Scottish soft power. Scottish businesses can contact the Scotland Office, British diplomatic posts overseas and the Department of Business and Trade for more details.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department has had discussions with the Scottish Government on (a) joining or (b) contributing to the work of the Retail Industry Leadership Group.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Scotland Office is not a member of the Retail Industry Leadership Group, which is co-chaired by Ministers of the Scottish Government. The Group was established by the Scottish Government in 2022. The Scotland Office maintains close contacts with industry across Scotland, including the retail sector, and champions them overseas through the Brand Scotland programme.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in his Department is made by a British manufacturer.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts.

The new Procurement Act creates a simpler and more transparent system that will support British businesses bidding for work.

The Act also allows contracting authorities to set standards that recognise the quality and standard of UK businesses and products.

Alongside this, the National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider this government’s Industrial strategy and the sectors vital to our economic growth.

The Scotland Office has tableware and crockery for use at events which has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers within the UK. Information on the country of manufacture is not available.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether funding will be made available to the Scottish Government under the Barnett Formula from the New Hospital Programme.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Since the election, the UK Government’s plan for change has delivered an extra £5.2 billion for the Scottish Government. In June 2025, the Spending Review announced an additional £9.1 billion in funding for the Scottish Government over the spending review period. This included almost £5.8 billion in Barnett consequentials as a result of additional UK Government funding for the Department of Health and Social Care.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

All staff that join the Scotland Office, do so on an assignment, loan or secondment from other Government bodies, principally the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government, who remain the employers. As such, the Scotland Office actively participates with the employers in any recruitment and internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce.

In the past year, the Scotland Office has participated in the Civil Service Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will hold discussions with Scottish football authorities on the display of banners supporting deceased supporters of terrorism at football grounds.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Everyone has the right to support their football club but they must do so in line with the law. Investigations into potential offences are a matter for Police Scotland.

All clubs across Scotland have a responsibility to ensure that football is, as it should be, a force for good.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support economic growth in Scotland.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Our Plan for Change is creating jobs, driving growth and delivering for Scotland.

Our recent trade mission to India, resulted in a raft of major new deals leading to more than 100 brand new jobs in Scotland.

This comes on the back of Norway’s decision to select Glasgow-built warships bringing billions of pounds into the Scottish economy securing thousands of jobs.

The Clean Energy Jobs Plan to train up the next generation of clean energy workers will recruit over 40,000 workers into clean energy jobs in Scotland by 2030.

And of course our focus as a Labour government is ensuring that people don’t only have access to work, but that work pays - and that’s why we have ensured a pay rise for 200,000 of the lowest paid Scots.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of net zero policies on Scotland's oil and gas sector.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

I’m due to be in Aberdeen next week to meet a range of North Sea oil and gas operators.

The Government is clear that Scotland’s oil and gas industry will remain part of our energy system for decades to come.

We are also strengthening our energy security and making Scotland home to the green jobs of the future by investing in homegrown clean power through GB Energy.

GB Energy is already investing in Scottish renewables. This includes an investment of £200 million in solar and renewable energy projects on public buildings across the country, and in June, GB Energy also pledged £300 million of investment in offshore wind supply chains, as part of a £1 billion package in collaboration with industry and the Crown Estate.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of net zero policies on Scotland's oil and gas sector.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

I’m due to be in Aberdeen next week to meet a range of North Sea oil and gas operators.

The Government is clear that Scotland’s oil and gas industry will remain part of our energy system for decades to come.

We are also strengthening our energy security and making Scotland home to the green jobs of the future by investing in homegrown clean power through GB Energy.

GB Energy is already investing in Scottish renewables. This includes an investment of £200 million in solar and renewable energy projects on public buildings across the country, and in June, GB Energy also pledged £300 million of investment in offshore wind supply chains, as part of a £1 billion package in collaboration with industry and the Crown Estate.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of visits abroad by Scottish Government Ministers on UK trade policy.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

The Hon Gentleman, not the Scottish Government, can be assured that it is the UK Government that has delivered trade deals with India, the United States, the European Union. As the former trade policy Minister, I have some experience in these matters.

In every negotiation there is give and take. The President does not give gifts, he does deals and the negotiating counterpart of the United States is the United Kingdom.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the the potential impact of the contract to supply Norway with Type 26 frigates on Scotland's economy.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

This is the biggest British warship export deal in history and is a huge vote of confidence in the strength of our defence industry and in Scotland’s shipbuilding capability.

This strategic partnership with Norway will sustain more than 4,000 jobs, of which more than 2,000 are in Scotland, for at least 15 years. It is expected to benefit many UK suppliers, including Scottish small and medium enterprises.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that critical services continue to run in the event of a major internet outage.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Government has a robust set of policies in place to ensure there are well-defined and tested incident management processes in place, and to ensure continuity of essential functions in the event of system or service failure.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will publish the Government Cyber Action Plan this Winter, which will set out a clear approach for the Government and the Wider Public Sector to manage cyber security and resilience incidents.

The Scotland Office uses the information technology system provided and operated by the Cabinet Office, which has responsibility for all hardware and software procurement, administration, support maintenance, security, and integrity of the system.

We work closely with the Cabinet Office to understand the range of possible impacts from short to long term outage or disruption and to minimise the likelihood, impact, or time and cost of recovery. Measures to respond to major internet outages are built into our Business Continuity Planning...

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what progress his Department has made on securing the £200 million National Wealth Fund allocation for Grangemouth.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The UK Government is working with our investment agencies and the Scottish Government to both proactively drive project development at Grangemouth and to assess all the enquiries we have received, to help ensure that they are suitable for National Wealth Fund investment at the earliest opportunity.

On 21 October, Minister Shanks and the Secretary of State for Scotland met with the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the National Wealth Fund as part of the Grangemouth Investment Taskforce to discuss what actions we can take to progress investible propositions at Grangemouth. We continue to work at pace to ensure that this investment materialises as soon as possible.

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Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the number of civil servants working from home for three days a week or more is increasing or decreasing.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

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.

Data for the latest period for which data is available is copied below. No other information on occupancy data or workforce attendance is gathered centrally.

Departments manage their own arrangements for monitoring workforce attendance. Heads of departments have agreed that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service.

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Found: UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: Scotland’s fisheries sector and our coastal

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