Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
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.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
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.
Correspondence Jul. 14 2026
Committee: Scottish Affairs Committee (Department: Scotland Office)Correspondence Jul. 14 2026
Committee: Scottish Affairs Committee (Department: Scotland Office)Correspondence Jul. 14 2026
Committee: Scottish Affairs Committee (Department: Scotland Office)Correspondence Jul. 14 2026
Committee: Scottish Affairs Committee (Department: Scotland Office)Oral Evidence Jul. 14 2026
Committee: Scottish Affairs Committee (Department: Scotland Office)Asked by: David Reed (Conservative - Exmouth and Exeter East)
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.
Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
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.