Oral Answers to Questions

Nic Dakin Excerpts

Wednesday 6th July 2016 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

1. What assessment he has made of the potential effect on the economy in Scotland over the next five years of the outcome of the EU referendum.

[Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab)]

6. What assessment he has made of the effect on the economy in Scotland of the outcome of the EU referendum.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

The Scottish economy faces a number of challenges as a result of the vote to leave the EU. Yesterday I began a process of direct engagement with Scottish business leaders to ensure that their voice is heard in the forthcoming negotiations.

[Nic Dakin]

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Now that the Brexit decision has been made, does he think that it will be easier for the Scottish and UK Governments to support the Scottish steel industry in tackling things like energy costs, procurement and business rates?

[David Mundell]

Regardless of the vote, the two Governments must continue to work together to support the industry. The Scottish Government have taken steps in relation to the two plants in Scotland, very much supported by me and the Scotland Office and the UK Government. We will continue that support, and the Scottish Government will play a part in the steel council that has been established.