Martin Docherty-Hughes Portrait

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Scottish National Party - West Dunbartonshire

First elected: 7th May 2015

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)

(since September 2023)

SNP Chief Whip
7th Dec 2022 - 17th Jan 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Industries of the Future and Blockchain Technologies)
1st Jul 2018 - 12th Dec 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs Team Member)
7th Jan 2020 - 12th Dec 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence Team Member)
7th Jan 2020 - 12th Dec 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (PPS to the Westminster Leader)
7th Jan 2020 - 12th Dec 2022
Financial Services and Markets Bill
12th Oct 2022 - 3rd Nov 2022
Defence Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Defence Sub-Committee
5th Mar 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Committees on Arms Export Controls
6th Jul 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill
25th Feb 2021 - 14th Apr 2021
Armed Forces Bill Select Committee
22nd Feb 2021 - 22nd Feb 2021
Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill
22nd Feb 2021 - 22nd Feb 2021
Defence Sub-Committee
12th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Defence Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Industries for the future)
20th Jun 2017 - 1st Jul 2018
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Voluntary Sector)
1st Sep 2016 - 20th Jun 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Martin Docherty-Hughes has voted in 670 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

25 Jan 2022 - Judicial Review and Courts Bill - View Vote Context
Martin Docherty-Hughes voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 4 Scottish National Party No votes vs 4 Scottish National Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 187 Noes - 315
View All Martin Docherty-Hughes Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Johnny Mercer (Conservative)
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
(30 debate interactions)
Andrew Griffith (Conservative)
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
(25 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(20 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(95 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(62 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(53 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Martin Docherty-Hughes's debates

West Dunbartonshire Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Reform the GRA to allow transgender people to self-identify without the need for a medical diagnosis, to streamline the administrative process, and to allow non-binary identities to be legally recognised.

The Government's manifesto stated “we will make intentional trespass a criminal offence”: an extreme, illiberal & unnecessary attack on ancient freedoms that would threaten walkers, campers, and the wider public. It would further tilt the law in favour of the landowning 1% who own half the country.


Latest EDMs signed by Martin Docherty-Hughes

26th March 2024
Martin Docherty-Hughes signed this EDM on Tuesday 26th March 2024

Referral of matters of 21 February 2024 to the Committee of Privileges

Tabled by: William Wragg (Conservative - Hazel Grove)
That this House notes the Speaker’s decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February 2024 was not in accordance with the established precedent for Opposition days; and accordingly considers that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 6 February 1978, the matter of whether undue pressure was placed …
58 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 42
Conservative: 14
Plaid Cymru: 1
Independent: 1
22nd March 2024
Martin Docherty-Hughes signed this EDM on Monday 25th March 2024

Office of National Statistics and mandatory attendance at workplaces

Tabled by: Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South West)
That this House expresses support and solidarity with the 1,200 Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) union members working for the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in Newport, Titchfield, London, Darlington, Manchester and Edinburgh who are currently balloting for industrial action over mandatory attendance at workplaces; notes that there was …
27 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 20
Scottish National Party: 5
Independent: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Martin Docherty-Hughes's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Martin Docherty-Hughes, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Martin Docherty-Hughes

Wednesday 7th September 2022

1 Adjournment Debate led by Martin Docherty-Hughes

4 Bills introduced by Martin Docherty-Hughes


A Bill to make provision about the rights of workers, including to negotiate pay and join trade unions and employee associations; to amend the definition of worker; to make provision about the employment rights of members of the armed forces; to make provision about employee representatives on company boards; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make provision about employment security and the rights of workers; to amend the definition of worker; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make provision for the purpose of enabling certain mortgage borrowers to switch to a new mortgage arrangement; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 11th March 2024
(Read Debate)
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 14th June 2024

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. a Bill to create a staff association to represent the interests of members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces as employees; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 20th June 2018
(Read Debate)

1 Bill co-sponsored by Martin Docherty-Hughes

Asbestos (national register) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Andrew Percy (Con)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
4 Other Department Questions
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to the tourist industry in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Research by VisitBritian found that 82% of international respondents said that ‘a good variety of food and drink to try’ is a key driver when selecting a destination for an international break. This is why the UK’s unique food and drink experiences are a key pillar of their international marketing campaigns and PR activity.

The whisky industry is recognised as the UK’s largest single food and drink sector, accounting for 25% of the UK’s food and drink exports and 80% of Scottish food and drink exports, impacting 200 markets worldwide. The whisky sector generates £3.3 billion directly to the UK economy, and totals £5 billion when Gross Value Added (GVA) is added to the overall to UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Research by VisitScotland found that 20% of respondents stated they visited awhisky distillery on their holiday in Scotland, making it one of the top activities for overnight tourists on their trip to Scotland.

Visits to whisky distilleries in Scotland have increased by two thirds since 2010, and over 1000 people are now directly employed in tourism roles which equates to 10% of the industry’s direct employment in Scotland.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Nov 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when the Government plans to publish its action plan coordinating a year of domestic action on LGBT issues, in the run up to the global conference, Safe to be me: Global Equality Conference to be hosted in London in June 2022.

The UK government is committed to promoting equality for LGBT people at home and abroad and we continue to be recognised as one of the top 10 most progressive countries in Europe for LGBT rights.

Earlier this year, the Minister for Women and Equalities set out her top priorities, which we are making good progress towards delivering. We have launched a public consultation on our plans to ban conversion therapy; we are digitising the Gender Recognition Certificate application process, having already reduced the fee, and are improving healthcare for trans people; and the Department for Education recently announced over £1 million in funding to support schools and colleges to tackle all forms of bullying, including anti-LGBT bullying.

We have also appointed Iain Anderson as LGBT Business Champion, and the Prime Minister has appointed Lord Herbert as Special Envoy on LGBT rights, with both an international and domestic focus.

We look forward to hosting Safe To Be Me: A Global Equality Conference next year, which will bring together government representatives, businesses, civil society and international parliamentarians to address the safety of LGBT people at home and abroad.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
24th Nov 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when she last met the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights.

Ministers routinely have internal meetings to discuss a range of issues. As Special Envoy on LGBT rights, the Rt Hon Lord Herbert CBE is leading efforts across Government to champion LGBT equality at home and abroad.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
24th Nov 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when the Prime Minister last met his Special Envoy for LGBT Rights.

Ministers routinely have internal meetings to discuss a range of issues. As Special Envoy on LGBT rights, the Rt Hon Lord Herbert CBE is leading efforts across Government to champion LGBT equality at home and abroad.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the pensions of Capita Fire and Rescue workers; and what discussions he has had with (a) the Cabinet Office, (b) Capita Fire and Rescue, (c) MyCSP and (d) Unite the Union on that subject.

The Cabinet Office, acting as the Civil Service Pension Scheme Manager, has met on a number of occasions with representatives of Unite the Union (Unite), Capita Land Services and MyCSP to discuss issues surrounding Pensionable Pay for members of the Defence Fire and Rescue Services that were transferred to Capita Fire and Rescue. Work is currently ongoing towards resolving these issues.

The Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) is supported by a robust governance model that includes audits carried out annually by the National Audit Office (NAO) and the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA). The scheme is also responsible for providing scheme accounts which are fully audited on an annual basis. Alongside this, the scheme is required to implement the legislation for pensions effectively and pay the correct benefits. I am comfortable that the administration of the pension scheme is adequate and robust and that there are effective policies and procedures in place to resolve issues impacting members.

To support all employers in performing their duties required for the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme there are several different functions that employers can utilise:

  • Dedicated on-boarding team

  • Guidance and Notifications

  • Employer Training

When an employer joins the CSPS, they must complete a legal document called an Admission Agreement (AA) and ensure that the parties comply with their obligations set out in it. The AA is signed in triplicate by the provider, the contracting authority and Cabinet Office. To ensure employers are meeting their requirements we:

Internally have:

  • Interface Compliance Model - which reviews the monthly interface quality which is supplied from employers. Capita Fire and Rescue are working with the Scheme Administer to bring their interface up to date. Once this has been completed, a review of all pensions in payment will be completed to ensure that the members are receiving the correct benefits.

  • Annual Assurance Statement (AAS) - The purpose of the AAS is to assist the Cabinet Office’s Accounting Officer, to carry out their responsibilities to the Civil Service Pensions Scheme. It reminds employers of their fundamental roles and responsibilities in relation to the scheme and gives the opportunity to highlight any issues.

  • Employer Engagement Matrix - The Employer Engagement Matrix tracks employer performance and measures against set criteria which are either essential and desirable. This is to provide an overview of several different metrics to identify if employers falling down in their duties.

Externally we have:

  • Annual audits carried out by both the Government Internal Audit Agency and the National Audit Office.

  • An independent external company (ITM) has recently carried out a data audit which identified no material concerns.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an independent auditor to assess adequacy of the Capita fire and rescue workers pension system.

The Cabinet Office, acting as the Civil Service Pension Scheme Manager, has met on a number of occasions with representatives of Unite the Union (Unite), Capita Land Services and MyCSP to discuss issues surrounding Pensionable Pay for members of the Defence Fire and Rescue Services that were transferred to Capita Fire and Rescue. Work is currently ongoing towards resolving these issues.

The Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) is supported by a robust governance model that includes audits carried out annually by the National Audit Office (NAO) and the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA). The scheme is also responsible for providing scheme accounts which are fully audited on an annual basis. Alongside this, the scheme is required to implement the legislation for pensions effectively and pay the correct benefits. I am comfortable that the administration of the pension scheme is adequate and robust and that there are effective policies and procedures in place to resolve issues impacting members.

To support all employers in performing their duties required for the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme there are several different functions that employers can utilise:

  • Dedicated on-boarding team

  • Guidance and Notifications

  • Employer Training

When an employer joins the CSPS, they must complete a legal document called an Admission Agreement (AA) and ensure that the parties comply with their obligations set out in it. The AA is signed in triplicate by the provider, the contracting authority and Cabinet Office. To ensure employers are meeting their requirements we:

Internally have:

  • Interface Compliance Model - which reviews the monthly interface quality which is supplied from employers. Capita Fire and Rescue are working with the Scheme Administer to bring their interface up to date. Once this has been completed, a review of all pensions in payment will be completed to ensure that the members are receiving the correct benefits.

  • Annual Assurance Statement (AAS) - The purpose of the AAS is to assist the Cabinet Office’s Accounting Officer, to carry out their responsibilities to the Civil Service Pensions Scheme. It reminds employers of their fundamental roles and responsibilities in relation to the scheme and gives the opportunity to highlight any issues.

  • Employer Engagement Matrix - The Employer Engagement Matrix tracks employer performance and measures against set criteria which are either essential and desirable. This is to provide an overview of several different metrics to identify if employers falling down in their duties.

Externally we have:

  • Annual audits carried out by both the Government Internal Audit Agency and the National Audit Office.

  • An independent external company (ITM) has recently carried out a data audit which identified no material concerns.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the (a) performance, (b) functionality, and (c) coherence of the pension system for Capita fire and rescue workers.

The Cabinet Office, acting as the Civil Service Pension Scheme Manager, has met on a number of occasions with representatives of Unite the Union (Unite), Capita Land Services and MyCSP to discuss issues surrounding Pensionable Pay for members of the Defence Fire and Rescue Services that were transferred to Capita Fire and Rescue. Work is currently ongoing towards resolving these issues.

The Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) is supported by a robust governance model that includes audits carried out annually by the National Audit Office (NAO) and the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA). The scheme is also responsible for providing scheme accounts which are fully audited on an annual basis. Alongside this, the scheme is required to implement the legislation for pensions effectively and pay the correct benefits. I am comfortable that the administration of the pension scheme is adequate and robust and that there are effective policies and procedures in place to resolve issues impacting members.

To support all employers in performing their duties required for the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme there are several different functions that employers can utilise:

  • Dedicated on-boarding team

  • Guidance and Notifications

  • Employer Training

When an employer joins the CSPS, they must complete a legal document called an Admission Agreement (AA) and ensure that the parties comply with their obligations set out in it. The AA is signed in triplicate by the provider, the contracting authority and Cabinet Office. To ensure employers are meeting their requirements we:

Internally have:

  • Interface Compliance Model - which reviews the monthly interface quality which is supplied from employers. Capita Fire and Rescue are working with the Scheme Administer to bring their interface up to date. Once this has been completed, a review of all pensions in payment will be completed to ensure that the members are receiving the correct benefits.

  • Annual Assurance Statement (AAS) - The purpose of the AAS is to assist the Cabinet Office’s Accounting Officer, to carry out their responsibilities to the Civil Service Pensions Scheme. It reminds employers of their fundamental roles and responsibilities in relation to the scheme and gives the opportunity to highlight any issues.

  • Employer Engagement Matrix - The Employer Engagement Matrix tracks employer performance and measures against set criteria which are either essential and desirable. This is to provide an overview of several different metrics to identify if employers falling down in their duties.

Externally we have:

  • Annual audits carried out by both the Government Internal Audit Agency and the National Audit Office.

  • An independent external company (ITM) has recently carried out a data audit which identified no material concerns.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what date he or his ministerial team last held discussions with Scottish Government ministers on the Veterans Capital Housing Fund.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) has been discussing the design of the Capital Housing Fund with Scottish Government officials since May 2023. The Fund is now open for applications from across the United Kingdom.

Johnny Mercer
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
9th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will announce a framework of compensation for victims and families of the contaminated blood scandal.

This government remains committed to considering a framework for compensation, as well as actions to address disparities in financial and non-financial support for people infected and affected across the UK.

Cabinet Office officials are working with their colleagues in HM Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care, and health departments in the devolved administrations to take this forward. I will update the House and the Inquiry, and those infected and affected as soon as these considerations have been concluded.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
10th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether (a) she, (b) Ministers in her Department and (c) officials in her Department have met (i) Gautam Adani and (ii) representatives of the Adani Group in the last five years.

The Secretary of State has not met Gautam Adani. The then Minister for Investment, Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Kt met Gautam Adani at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 25 May 2022.

Officials have met the representatives of Adani Group on a number of occasions over the past five years, including most recently at a meeting in December 2022 between a representative of Adani Defence and the Director of UK Defence and Security Exports.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many businesses in West Dunbartonshire constituency (a) applied for, (b) received support from and (c) did not receive support from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that all eligible businesses in Stockport, who receive their energy from licensed suppliers, are protected from excessively high energy costs over the winter period. The EBRS discount is applied directly to the energy bills of eligible businesses by their energy providers and therefore we do not have a breakdown of support received by location or sector. The new Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) will run from April 2023 until March 2024 and continue to provide a discount to eligible businesses.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support is available for (a) hospices and (b) care homes to meet their energy costs.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that all eligible charities, including hospices and care homes, are protected from high energy costs over the winter period. Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme, will run from April 2023 until March 2024, and continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers, including the health and care sector. Both energy schemes apply across all of the United Kingdom, including Scotland. The Government will continue to engage with devolved administrations in its design and implementation plans for the new scheme.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to increase his Department's outreach to the Brazilian agricultural Ministry MAPA for the purposes of streamlining import processes for UK exports, including whisky and gin.

The Government is committed to boosting the UK’s agri-food export capability and growth around the world. Recognising the potential of the Brazilian market for UK agri-food exports, DEFRA is currently recruiting a new Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché for Brazil. This new role will strengthen our agri-food engagement with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, working directly with officials in Brazil to broaden market access and boost UK agri-food exports. This includes supporting the continued growth of whisky and gin exports to Brazil, which is now a top 20 market for UK exports of these commodities.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
24th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the wholesale sector and safeguard food supplies to schools, care homes, hospitals and other critical public service infrastructure.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a range of temporary financial support to the wholesale sector, a key supplier of food to critical public service organisations, to ensure its ongoing viability through this difficult period. Wholesalers are eligible for a number of schemes, including: the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help keep millions of people in employment and the Discretionary Grant Fund for small and micro businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes.

In addition to this, Defra has been working with the charity sector through the Food Charity Grant Scheme which gives charities up to £100,000 in grant funding to purchase food to support the most economically vulnerable. Through this scheme, Defra has encouraged charities that do not have established suppliers to purchase stock from wholesalers and local producers, both to support the sector and to reduce waste.

A range of Government departments hold responsibility for public sector food provision for specific sectors including schools, care homes, hospitals and prisons. My department is working closely with officials from the Department for Education, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence to support them in making arrangements with their suppliers to ensure food supply continues to these public sector institutions.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what her Department’s plans are to support Scotch whisky exports to China (a) in general and (b) through supporting continued adherence to a high whisky standard in domestic regulation.

UK food and drink, including Scotch whisky, is renowned worldwide for its quality and provenance. In 2021, whisky was the highest value UK food and drink export to China and amounted to £200.1m. The UK government’s agriculture, food and drink counsellor in China works closely with the Scotch Whisky Association and whisky companies to promote whisky in China. This includes supporting the protection of intellectual property and whisky tasting and educational events and promotions, including via digital media. Our success is built on our strong domestic standards and the quality and safety of our products.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help support British businesses trying to secure hard currency in Nigeria.

Increasing and promoting trade with Nigeria is a priority for the UK Government. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Nigeria was £3.5 billion last year (ending Q3 2021), an increase of 1.9% or £65 million from the previous year. At the most recent bi-annual UK-Nigeria Economic Development Forum government to government dialogue, held on 26 April, Ministers from both countries agreed to start a working group to discuss how to enhance the bilateral trading relationship.

Officials are working to support British business access foreign exchange facilities through the Economic Development Forum and the associated Finance and Financial Services Working Group.

From 2016 to 2021 UK exports of spirits to Nigeria increased by 92.1%. DIT continues to offer a wide range of support for British alcohol and spirit producers wishing to export into Nigeria. Through our work, import adjustment tax is now no longer applicable on Scotch Whisky exports to Nigeria.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the Government's plans are to increase trade with Nigeria; and what recent assessment she has made of the potential for an enhanced trade partnership with Nigeria along the lines of the partnership proposed for Brazil.

Increasing and promoting trade with Nigeria is a priority for the UK Government. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Nigeria was £3.5 billion last year (ending Q3 2021), an increase of 1.9% or £65 million from the previous year. At the most recent bi-annual UK-Nigeria Economic Development Forum government to government dialogue, held on 26 April, Ministers from both countries agreed to start a working group to discuss how to enhance the bilateral trading relationship.

Officials are working to support British business access foreign exchange facilities through the Economic Development Forum and the associated Finance and Financial Services Working Group.

From 2016 to 2021 UK exports of spirits to Nigeria increased by 92.1%. DIT continues to offer a wide range of support for British alcohol and spirit producers wishing to export into Nigeria. Through our work, import adjustment tax is now no longer applicable on Scotch Whisky exports to Nigeria.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate she has made of the potential to increase UK spirits exports to Nigeria.

Increasing and promoting trade with Nigeria is a priority for the UK Government. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Nigeria was £3.5 billion last year (ending Q3 2021), an increase of 1.9% or £65 million from the previous year. At the most recent bi-annual UK-Nigeria Economic Development Forum government to government dialogue, held on 26 April, Ministers from both countries agreed to start a working group to discuss how to enhance the bilateral trading relationship.

Officials are working to support British business access foreign exchange facilities through the Economic Development Forum and the associated Finance and Financial Services Working Group.

From 2016 to 2021 UK exports of spirits to Nigeria increased by 92.1%. DIT continues to offer a wide range of support for British alcohol and spirit producers wishing to export into Nigeria. Through our work, import adjustment tax is now no longer applicable on Scotch Whisky exports to Nigeria.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
25th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate she has made of the potential to increase UK spirits exports to Brazil as part of an enhanced trade partnership.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
31st Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reducing or (b) removing non-tariff barriers faced by UK spirits exporters.

British exports of spirits amounted to £5.7 billion in 2021. We are removing trade barriers so that the industry can grow further, enabling our world-class spirits to be enjoyed across the globe – from securing geographic indicator protection for Scotch Whisky in countries like Indonesia, to streamlining the process for importers in countries like Nigeria – and we are negotiating trade deals that will reduce barriers for British spirits exporters, like our deal with Australia that includes tariff free exports on all products including whisky and gin from the United Kingdom.

31st Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate her Department has made of the annual value of UK (a) whisky, (b) gin, (c) vodka and (d) rum exports.

British food and drink are among the best in the world and renowned for their quality and provenance including spirits which are a key export product for the UK. In 2021, the UK’s largest food and drink export was whisky which amounted to £4.6bn. In 2021, UK exports of gin and geneva to the world amounted to £541.6m, vodka £40.4m and rum £55.0m. Trade data related to “spirits – beverages” is publicly available on www.uktradeinfo.com under commodity code heading 22 of the Trade Tariff.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
3rd Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, when she plans to announce the launch of a consultation on the 232 rebalancing tariffs applied to US products.

The Department is planning to launch a consultation on the rebalancing measures the UK is taking in response to the US unjustified tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivatives later this year.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Jun 2021
What recent discussions he has had with truck hauliers on the challenges facing that sector.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere and Employment Minister Mims Davies, Member for Mid Sussex, hosted a haulage industry roundtable on the driver shortage on 16 June.

This event follows a series of meetings between Government and industry regarding driver shortages, its impact on supply chains, and the work each can do to address this issue.

Robert Courts
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
1st Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support her Department is providing to social security claimants to help them manage increased utility costs.

The government is providing significant financial support to many households to support them with rising energy bills. The Energy Bills Rebate will provide around 28 million households with an upfront discount on their bills worth £200. Energy suppliers will apply the discount to domestic electricity customers from October, with the Government meeting the costs. Households in England, which are in council tax bands A-D, will also receive a £150 rebate on their council tax. The rebate to bills will be made directly by local authorities from April and will not need to be repaid.

DWP administers the Cold Weather Payment scheme, which provides £25 extra a week to vulnerable people in receipt of certain income-related benefits, when the average temperature has been recorded, or is forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible person’s postcode.

Some customers in receipt of Universal Credit may be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment if they or their partner reached state pension age on or before 26 September 2021.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy administers the Warm Home Discount Scheme for low income and vulnerable customers. It gives direct assistance with their energy costs. Energy suppliers provide rebates on energy bills currently worth £140 per household each winter. This year (2021/22), the scheme will be worth £354 million.

The Energy Price Cap will continue to protect consumers, ensuring they pay a fair price for their energy this winter.

Further detail on all three schemes can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

In addition, we recognise that some people require extra support over the winter, which is why vulnerable households across the country can access the £500 million support fund to help them with essentials. The Household Support Fund provides £421 million to help vulnerable people in England with the cost of food, utilities and wider essentials. The Barnett Formula applies in the usual way, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million (£41m for the Scottish Government, £25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for the NI Executive), for a total of £500 million.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Gypsy and Traveller community can access (a) PrEP, (b) HIV testing and (c) HIV care.

The Public Health Grant in 2021/22 includes £23.4 million to cover local authority costs of the routine commissioning of HIV prevention drug pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Department and Public Health England (PHE) will continue to work closely with local authorities across England to support the routine commissioning of PrEP in 2021/22.

PHE is currently developing a monitoring and evaluation framework for the routine commissioning of PrEP, which will use established surveillance systems and include measures of PrEP need and use among key population groups to inform equitable delivery and access. We will consider issues relating to equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services including HIV services and PrEP as part of the development of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy and the HIV Action Plan, which we plan to publish in 2021. The needs of the Gypsy and Traveller communities will be considered as part of this work.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
19th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has held discussions with his counterpart in Canada on potential activity by agents of the Republic of India (i) in Canadian territory and (ii) towards Canadian nationals.

The Prime Minster spoke to Prime Minister Trudeau on 6 October about the serious allegations raised in the Canadian Parliament and the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his Canadian counterpart. All countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law. It is important Canada's investigation runs its course, with the perpetrators brought to justice. We have raised this matter with the Government of India and we encourage them to cooperate fully with the investigation.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in that country’s House of Commons on 18 September 2023 on Mr Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The Prime Minster spoke to Prime Minister Trudeau on 6 October about the serious allegations raised in the Canadian Parliament and the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his Canadian counterpart. We have raised this matter with the Government of India and we encourage them to cooperate fully with the investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further during the ongoing investigation by the Canadian authorities.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have met (i) Gautam Adani and (ii) representatives of the Adani Group in the last five years.

No FCDO ministers have met Gautam Adani or Adani Group officials in the last five years. FCDO officials regularly meet representatives of major international businesses, including representatives of the Adani Group.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in alcohol duty rates from 1 August 2023 on inflation.

The Government is unable to speculate on the content of the Spring Budget, which takes place on 15 March. When setting alcohol duty rates through the usual Budget process, the Government aims to balance the impact on businesses with its public health objectives, and to ensure that the public finances are on a sustainable footing.

Any impacts from changes to the duty rates made at the Spring Budget 2023 will be set out in the Tax Information and Impact Notes published following the Budget.

The spirits industry, including Scotch Whisky, has benefitted from spirits duty being cut or frozen for nine out of the last ten fiscal events. Spirits duty is now at its lowest level in real terms since 1918. In addition to this, on 19 December the Government extended the current alcohol duty freeze by six months to align with the implementation of the alcohol duty reforms and reduce the impact of the duty changes on businesses.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Scotch Whisky industry’s investment in the UK economy in the last five years.

The Government is unable to speculate on the content of the Spring Budget, which takes place on 15 March. When setting alcohol duty rates through the usual Budget process, the Government aims to balance the impact on businesses with its public health objectives, and to ensure that the public finances are on a sustainable footing.

Any impacts from changes to the duty rates made at the Spring Budget 2023 will be set out in the Tax Information and Impact Notes published following the Budget.

The spirits industry, including Scotch Whisky, has benefitted from spirits duty being cut or frozen for nine out of the last ten fiscal events. Spirits duty is now at its lowest level in real terms since 1918. In addition to this, on 19 December the Government extended the current alcohol duty freeze by six months to align with the implementation of the alcohol duty reforms and reduce the impact of the duty changes on businesses.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
7th Mar 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the impact of scotch whisky distilleries on (a) the local economy and (b) communities in Scotland.

The Government is unable to speculate on the content of the Spring Budget, which takes place on 15 March. When setting alcohol duty rates through the usual Budget process, the Government aims to balance the impact on businesses with its public health objectives, and to ensure that the public finances are on a sustainable footing.

Any impacts from changes to the duty rates made at the Spring Budget 2023 will be set out in the Tax Information and Impact Notes published following the Budget.

The spirits industry, including Scotch Whisky, has benefitted from spirits duty being cut or frozen for nine out of the last ten fiscal events. Spirits duty is now at its lowest level in real terms since 1918. In addition to this, on 19 December the Government extended the current alcohol duty freeze by six months to align with the implementation of the alcohol duty reforms and reduce the impact of the duty changes on businesses.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the compatibility of alcohol taxation reforms with the Government's commitment that reform will support the Scotch whisky industry and the jobs its maintains.

The Government has announced several changes to alcohol duty that will support the Scotch Whisky sector. At the Budget, spirits duty was frozen, making freezes continuous since 2017. As part of our alcohol duty review, the Government intends to move to a system where all products are taxed in reference to the litres of pure alcohol they contain, making the taxation of other products more consistent with Scotch. Above 8.5% ABV there is to be no differentiation between product categories, providing a more level playing field between spirits and other products. These changes will narrow the difference between Scotch, wines and high-strength ciders.

Further detail about the impact of reforms on consumers will be included in a tax information and impact note when the policy is final, or near final, in the usual way.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
10th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment he has made of the effect on the costs to (a) beer and (b) whisky consumers of proposed reforms to alcohol taxation.

The Government has announced several changes to alcohol duty that will support the Scotch Whisky sector. At the Budget, spirits duty was frozen, making freezes continuous since 2017. As part of our alcohol duty review, the Government intends to move to a system where all products are taxed in reference to the litres of pure alcohol they contain, making the taxation of other products more consistent with Scotch. Above 8.5% ABV there is to be no differentiation between product categories, providing a more level playing field between spirits and other products. These changes will narrow the difference between Scotch, wines and high-strength ciders.

Further detail about the impact of reforms on consumers will be included in a tax information and impact note when the policy is final, or near final, in the usual way.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Dec 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the £125 million for hospices announced on 23 November 2020 will result in Barnett consequentials,; and what estimate he has made of how much of that funding will be allocated to the Scottish Government.

To give the Scottish Government the certainty to plan and deliver their coronavirus response, we have provided them with an upfront guarantee that they will receive at least £8.2bn in additional funding this year on top of their Spring Budget funding.

Any additional funding provided to the Department of Health and Social Care for hospices will result in Barnett consequentials for the Scottish Government that will contribute towards the guaranteed £8.2bn.

Steve Barclay
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
18th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement entitled Finance Bill 2020-21 draft legislation and tax documents of 21 July 2020, what assessment he has made on the effect on the operation of the Small Brewers Relief scheme of converting it to a cash basis.

Converting the Small Brewers Relief (SBR) scheme to a cash basis will enable the Treasury to review the value of the relief periodically, ensuring it maintains a fair and appropriate value. The Treasury will consult in the Autumn on this and other technical measures relating to SBR.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
17th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis he has made of the possible different methods of taper that could be used for the Small Brewers Relief scheme.

There are several methods employed internationally for tapering small producer reliefs. The Government will undertake a further consultation on its reforms of Small Brewers Relief later this autumn, which will consider technical matters such as this.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
4th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he will plans to announce a final consequential funding figure for hospices in Scotland in respect of the £200 million allocated to hospices in April, May, June as part of the UK Government’s £750 million coronavirus funding for charities, and the further funding provided in July 2020.

On 24 July, we made an unprecedented upfront guarantee to the Scottish government. We guaranteed that they will receive at least £6.5bn in additional resource funding this year on top of their Spring Budget funding. This certainty ensures they can plan and deliver their coronavirus response. It is up to the Scottish government to allocate this funding across their devolved responsibilities as they see fit, including to hospices.

Steve Barclay
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the Government’s immigration policies on (a) Scotland’s population and (b) labour shortages in Scotland.

Our points-based system works for the whole of the UK by welcoming people to fill skills gaps, support our public services and boost our economy.

Furthermore, the Shortage Occupation List also includes occupations which are in shortage and are specific to Scotland, such as chemical scientists and Gaelic teachers.

Immigration policy cannot, however, be a complete solution to population movements within the UK or labour shortages. The Scottish Government has levers at its disposal to address these issues more effectively.

1st Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to answer the letter of 3 December 2020 from the hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire relating to Mrs Gurpreet Singh Johal of Dumbarton.

A response was sent on 10 March 2021.

10th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the protections afforded to Gypsies and Travellers under the Public Sector Equality Duty are encompassed in her response to the 2019 consultation, Strengthening police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments with regard to (a) criminalising trespass and (b) seizing homes.

The Government is committed to ensuring all communities are treated fairly. We are equally clear that we will not tolerate law breaking.

That is why we set out in the Queen’s Speech in December 2019 our firm aim to bring forward legislation which will help police tackle unauthorised encampments where they cause harm and disruption.

All responses to the consultation have been considered and the Government response will be published soon.

10th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the Friends, Families and Travellers 2020 report, Police renew calls for more Gypsy and Traveller sites in opposition to the criminalisation of unauthorised encampments, published 9 September 2020, that concluded (a) 21.7 per cent of police respondents agreed with the Home Office proposals to criminalise unauthorised encampments and (b) 93.7 per cent of police bodies called for site provision as the solution to unauthorised encampments.

  • The Home Office has conducted a public consultation on strengthening the powers available to the police to deal with unauthorised encampments. The Government will consider all views and representations made when reaching our decision on the next steps.
14th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to paragraphs 13-15 of Annex A of the New Decade, New Approach document of 9 January 2020 regarding Government commitments on family migration arrangements for the people of Northern Ireland, whether they will be able to access on a permanent basis similar rights to family reunification as those available to Irish citizens in the UK under EEA regulations.

The Home Office intends to change the UK’s Immigration Rules so family members of the people of Northern Ireland can apply for immigration status on broadly the same terms as family members of Irish citizens and will open the route in the near future.

14th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the conclusions of the First Report of the Defence Committee, Ready for War?, HC 26, the Eighth Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, Improving Defence Inventory Management, HC 66, and the Nineteenth Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, MoD Equipment Plan 2023-33, HC 451.

We welcome each of the reports on our Armed Forces Readiness, Inventory Management and the Equipment Plan. We are in the process of reviewing all the recommendations and formulating our responses to the reports.

14th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the impact of his Department's expenditure on a replacement nuclear deterrent on the non-nuclear equipment budget.

Funding for programmes in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise is now ringfenced within the Defence budget. This will help to protect the wider Equipment Plan budget from any financial pressures in nuclear programmes.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, where aircrew training for the New Medium Helicopter will take place.

As announced at the International Military Helicopters conference on 27 February 2024, we have now launched the next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition.

Aircrew training for NMH will integrate with the existing UK Military Flying Training System, which aircrew will continue to utilise to undertake their initial flying training, with Conversion to Type (CTT) training being provided using an Operational Conversion Unit based at RAF Benson.

Infrastructure assessment work at RAF Benson is ongoing, therefore it is too early to comment on the facilities that will be provided for NMH CTT training.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the successful applicant for the New Medium Helicopter contract will have use of a purpose-built facility for aircrew training.

As announced at the International Military Helicopters conference on 27 February 2024, we have now launched the next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition.

Aircrew training for NMH will integrate with the existing UK Military Flying Training System, which aircrew will continue to utilise to undertake their initial flying training, with Conversion to Type (CTT) training being provided using an Operational Conversion Unit based at RAF Benson.

Infrastructure assessment work at RAF Benson is ongoing, therefore it is too early to comment on the facilities that will be provided for NMH CTT training.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether training for Chinook helicopters will be moved to RAF Odiham.

A number of options are being explored, and no decisions have been taken as to where training to operate Chinook helicopters will take place.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)