Oral Answers to Questions

Elaine Stewart Excerpts

Wednesday 26th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alexander]

I can offer the right hon. Gentleman the assurance he seeks in relation to facing down a Scottish Government who are dithering on defence. I pay tribute to him for his passionate advocacy of the site he speaks of in Dumfriesshire, and I assure him that we in the Scotland Office will continue to work with our colleagues in the MOD as we ensure that we have the factories we need to keep our country safe.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support regeneration in Scotland through the Pride in Place programme.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)]

Through the Pride in Place programme, we are investing almost £500 million to revitalise communities across Scotland. As part of that, the Scotland Office has recently completed the collection of evidence from MPs, MSPs, local authorities and community groups to inform the selection of 14 new neighbourhoods that will each benefit from £20 million over 10 years.

[Elaine Stewart]

Will the Minister give assurances on the timeline of the Pride in Place funding? It is crucial to get projects up and running as soon as possible. While it might be too early for her to wear a Santa hat, can she tell me whether successful local authorities can expect an early Christmas present?

[Kirsty McNeill]

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that she will not have long to wait. It is in all our interests to get things coming down the chimney as soon as possible.