Oral Answers to Questions

Martin Rhodes Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

2. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Scottish interests abroad.

[Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

10. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Scottish interests abroad.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Secretary of State—you’re going to be busy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Alexander]

First, I am sure that every Scottish representative, whatever their political affiliation, will want to wish Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson and the boys the very best in Boston. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] Let’s hope they don’t come home too soon.

My hon. Friend raises a substantive and important point about island connectivity, particularly given the woeful, abject failure of the Scottish National party-led Government in Edinburgh in relation to the ferry service. The First Minister recently visited the western isles, and the ferry subsequently broke down; in a sense, that tells us everything we need to know about the Scottish Government’s record. The Minister for Aviation should be happy to pick up this issue with my hon. Friend to discuss what more can be done.

[Martin Rhodes]

Given Scotland’s significant assets in a variety of sectors, what steps is the Secretary of State taking with ministerial colleagues to ensure that city regions such as Glasgow are not only attracting inward investment, but exporting their world-leading strengths in technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing to key international markets?

[Mr Alexander]

One of the regrettable aspects of the SNP-led Scottish Government’s record has been their failure to fully harness the capability of city regions and the economic contribution they can make. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland is in China along with Glasgow chamber of commerce and representatives from Glasgow and four other cities. At the moment, they are focused on a trade mission to the Shanghai international technology fair, specifically to champion the region’s world-renowned strengths in technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.