Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Christine Jardine Excerpts
Wednesday 15th April 2026

(1 day, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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The communities of Fauldhouse, Blackburn and Whitburn all face long-standing economic challenges, but as my hon. Friend rightly says, there is also so much pride and passion locally, and she is a great champion of that. Our Pride in Place programme is there to ensure that all local people have a stake and a say, and that they can work together for a future that is truly worthy of their ambitions for the places they love.

Christine Jardine Portrait Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)
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Does the Minister share my disappointment that my constituency of Edinburgh West was the only one in Edinburgh that was not considered for a Pride in Place programme, including areas like Drylaw and Stenhouse which have particular problems that could have been helped by this programme?

Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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The hon. Member and I have had a chance to discuss this matter previously and, as I have indicated, these are Labour priorities guided by Labour values. We have committed to targeting funding at the places that need it most, based on a double deprivation index, and I am afraid her constituency simply did not qualify.