Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Cooper and Douglas Alexander

Thursday 17th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

We have heard this morning that the review of the UK Internal Market Act 2020 somehow tramples on Holyrood, but in fact, the Government say:

“Devolved Governments will have greater flexibility to set rules”.

Is there not a danger that this invites the SNP Government to introduce change for the sake of change, and divergence for the sake of divergence, thus damaging trade right across the country?

[The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

Well, if I am simultaneously being criticised by the SNP and the Conservative party, I am pretty sure that we have got the balance right. The UK Internal Market Act seeks to strike the appropriate balance between giving devolved Governments flexibility on policy and avoiding unnecessary barriers for UK businesses. I believe we have got that balance exactly right.