Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

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

13. What steps she is taking to provide regional funding.

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)]

I am very sorry to see your leg in such a way, Mr Speaker.

We are committed to driving growth everywhere. The Budget ensured that Scottish public services are fairly funded, with an extra £820 million for the Scottish Government through the Barnett formula, on top of a record settlement in June this year. We are also investing in transport for city regions, and investing £5 billion in deprived neighbourhoods through the Pride in Place programme, with some of that money going to Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rachel Reeves]

My hon. Friend has been a tireless campaigner for the Moor Farm roundabout, which holds back both commuters and businesses, and therefore both growth and prosperity. I will continue to work with her on this. I know that the roundabout is now being properly considered for inclusion in the road investment strategy and I would be happy to meet her to discuss that further.

[Elaine Stewart]

The Ayrshire growth deal, which was allocated £103 million of UK Government funds, has the potential to make a real difference to our economic prospects. Despite its clear potential, though, delivery on the ground remains far too slow in turning around real progress. What action can the UK Government take to drive momentum, sharpen the strategic direction of the deal and ensure that Ayrshire finally sees the benefits of this investment?

[Rachel Reeves]

This Labour Government are investing more than £250 million in economic development and regeneration in Ayrshire, including but not limited to the Ayrshire growth deal. My hon. Friend is a great champion of Ayrshire, and I look forward to working with her and my good friend Anas Sarwar in the months and years ahead to deliver for the people of Ayrshire and those right across Scotland.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 4th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I agree that we need to get a grip of the welfare budget, which got out of control under the previous Conservative Government. Frankly, I am not going to take lectures from the Conservative party, which crashed the economy. Let me remind the House what the right hon. Gentleman said about the disastrous mini-Budget:

“I share entirely the free-market ideology that underpins the Chancellor’s statement…The Chancellor was right to be radical.”

He added:

“I rejoice at the two fingers the Chancellor has raised to socialist dogma and envy.”

I think that the financial markets and the British public have united in their view on the previous Government.

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

11. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in Scotland.