Oral Answers to Questions

Graham Leadbitter Excerpts
Wednesday 15th April 2026

(1 day, 8 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Douglas Alexander Portrait Mr Alexander
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Before we get to the Conservatives’ plan, perhaps we could start with their apology. What about the £22 billion black hole that was left in the public finances by the Conservatives? We are still waiting for the apology.

Graham Leadbitter Portrait Graham Leadbitter (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey) (SNP)
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In a Westminster Hall debate on heating oil support this morning, the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Torcuil Crichton) suggested that the Scottish Government should be supporting businesses with energy costs. I agree that powers over energy should be totally devolved to the Scottish Government—does the Secretary of State agree with that?

Douglas Alexander Portrait Mr Alexander
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If SNP Members want guidance on how to deal with energy costs, they could look at the £100 million emergency package that was announced by Scottish Labour only a few days ago. I must express concern, however, because if they are serious about energy, perhaps they could tell the House what happened to the publicly owned energy company that was promised so long ago by Nicola Sturgeon, because the Scottish public are still waiting.