11/05/2016 Scottish Questions

Hello and welcome to a slightly damp Westminster for the may edition of

Scottish questions. Coming less than a week after the elections to the

Holyrood parliament. Down here there is one issue that is dominating

politics. That is the EU and the upcoming referendum. Should the UK

stay in or should it leave the EU? As we are about to find out, it was

that question and discussions around it, that dominated Scottish

questions. Order, order. I have to tell the

house that yesterday, together with other right honourable and

honourable members, I attended upon Her Majesty The Queen to deliver the

House's message of congratulations on her 90th birthday. Her Majesty

made the following reply... Members of the House of the is, I am most

grateful to you for your address on the occasion of my 90th birthday. I

have been deeply touched by the many messages of congratulations, which I

have received on this particular birthday. And I warmly reciprocate

the good wishes of members of the House of, is at this time. In order.

Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland. Patricia Gibson.

Question number one, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, can I begin by

congratulating Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish National Party on

achieving the largest number of seats in last week's Scottish

Parliament elections. And say I look forward to working with her and the

new Scottish Government for the benefit of the people of Scotland. I

would like to answer questions one, two, three, six, seven and eight

together. The government's position is Scotland and the UK will be

stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.

Membership of the EU reduces costs for Scottish businesses, supports

jobs in Scotland and provides an export market currently worth 11.6

billion pounds. A rerun of a project fear from the Prime Minister will

not win the European referendum. Stories of war, genocide and

economic crashes are not in keeping with making a positive case for the

EU. Can Secretary of State tell the House when we hear the positive case

for remaining the EU? Can I add my congratulations to the honourable

lady's Husband on his re-election to the Scottish Parliament, where I am

sure his witty repartee will be welcomed. What I say to the

honourable lady, is she and her colleagues repeatedly called for a

positive campaign for Scotland to remain in the EU, but all we hear

about from then is process and calls for a second recommend. I call on

them to disregard that approach and start setting out the positive case

themselves. The UK Government has shown disregard for Scotland's

higher education by scrapping the poster do work Visa against the

unanimous wishes of the business and Scottish political parties. Does the

Secretary of State accept a crippling effect is EU referendum is

having in its ability to attract young talent to Scotland? What I

believe is the biggest issue that faces Scotland currently, is the

uncertainty over the Scottish Government's inability to rule out a

second independence referendum, which they could quite easily do. I

look forward to the First Minister, if she is re-elected, setting out

clearly we aren't going to have a second independence referendum. The

Scottish affairs select committee has carried out a good report into

the Visa issue and the government is looking at it. Does the Secretary of

State considered the 60% of the UK landings in Scotland, a Scottish

Fisheries Minister should lead during the UK presidency of the EU?

Is the Secretary of State still stuck in this Westminster rut of

some nations being more equal than others? Mr Speaker, my position is

Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom and that the United

Kingdom represents Scotland's interests on fishing in the EU. The

honourable lady may be aware the Scottish Government and UK

Government have been discussing intergovernmental relations, and in

particular how these issues of representation at the EU should

work. My understanding is the SNP previously were in agreement with

those proposals. This week report was critical of the UK Government's

approach to the energy sector, saying it is not only stalling

investment were jeopardising UK energy security. Does the Secretary

of State agreed the best way for Scotland's energy policy to

developers within the EU? I absolutely agree that it is in the

best interests of Scotland to remain in the EU and it is in the best

interests of Scotland to remain in the UK. Because it has been clearly

set out the best way forward for Scotland's energy sector is to have

a UK wide common market. We clearly want the UK to remain part of the

EU, I am wondering if the Secretary of State's mission is to antagonise

as many Scots as possible before the referendum. Will he agree, should

Scotland be dragged out of the EU against its will, it will be a major

constitutional change? The honourable gentleman might be

interested to know that tomorrow night I am sharing a platform with

the former deputy leader of the SNP, where I will be making the positive

case for Scotland remaining in the EU. I understand he will be making

the case for Scotland leaving the EU. The Royal College of psychiatry

has warned that UK leaving the EU would remove rights for psychiatric

uses. Would he join me in safeguarding mental health and

prevent any attempts for Scotland to leave the European Convention on

human rights? The honourable lady is aware that the government is going

to bring forward a consultation on a bill of rights post the EU

referendum. But I do agree with her, the united kingdom remaining in VUE

is for the benefit of everyone in Scotland. Mr Speaker, would the

Secretary of State agreed that the government is split on the issue of

when we should remain in the European Union, just as the SNP are.

Would the secretary of state say it is embarrassing for the government

to be associated with that lot? Mr Speaker, what this government does

which the Scottish National Party doesn't always do is respect people

have different opinions. My view is very firmly that Scotland should

remain in the EU, but I recognise and respect there are people in

Scotland, including SNP voters and supporters who want Scotland to

leave the EU. Therefore, that is why we are having a referendum, that is

why we are having a debate and the people will have their say. Mr

Speaker, why hasn't my right honourable friend emphasised that

when we leave the European Union, the Scottish Parliament, the

Scottish Government and the Scottish people will have control over

Scottish fishing waters? I don't leave, Mr Speaker, the best

interests of Scottish fishermen, Scottish farmers or the general

population of Scotland would be served by leaving beat you. Because

my honourable friend, will note that large amounts of fish, particularly

shellfish caught off the west coast of Scotland, goes to a European

market. Does my right honourable friend agree that Scotland, like the

rest of the United Kingdom, would be safer if it left the European Union,

because as the former head of MI6 has said, Britain is Europe's leader

in intelligence and security matters and gives much more than it gets in

return? No. What assessment has the Secretary of State undertaken as to

why the SNP are so keen on the EU, when it is clear the EU is in the

global economic slow lane, when the EU unemployment rates are so much

higher, including youth unemployment, over 50% in certain

countries. And the common fisheries policy, has over the years,

decimated the Scottish fishing fleet? Mr Speaker, I do know the

inherent contradiction in the SNP position because every argument they

use for Scotland remaining in the EU were arguments they dismissed in

relation to Scotland remaining in the United Kingdom. On this

occasion, I will forgive them, because I believe, like them, it is

in Scotland's best interest to remain in the EU. A pensioner in my

right honourable friend's constituency would like to say how

pleased she is at having two things to choose from and is seeking

reassurance in a reformed EU as a pensioner, she will be better off? I

am absolutely clear that the reforms which the Prime Minister brought

forward will improve the EU for pensioners and citizens right across

Scotland. I also believe it is not the end of the reform process. The

EU is not perfect, even after these reforms. It is up to the UK to lead

in reforming the EU, not withdraw from it. I know the Secretary of

State will be aware the EU is based on its current member state. What

assessment has been made of the Scottish Parliament election results

in ensuring the integrity of one of its largest members and removing the

prospect of Scotland having to join as a new member? What I would say to

my honourable friend, there was a clear message from last week's

Scottish Parliament elections. The people of Scotland don't want

another referendum. I hope the First Minister has heard that message loud

and clear. The EU referendum is about the UK's membership of the EU.

It is not a rerun of the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill. Can I

take this opportunity to congratulate all MSPs elected last

week and the SNP historic third term in government in Scotland. I do have

to say in Edinburgh South, it was a net gain from the SNP. Can I

congratulate the secretary of state on his son Oliver being elected to

the Scottish Parliament. They also both have fetching beards. With the

word fetching the used loosely! The evidence is clear the UK and

Scotland are stronger in the EU. In the Scottish context, 42% of

exports, a quarter of a million jobs, 10% of higher education

spending and a whole host of social protection. Can the Secretary of

State give assurance that all MSPs will be campaigning to stay in the

European Union? I thank the honourable gentleman for his

congratulations and the congratulations to my son. The high

point of the election for me was when somebody on the door said, you

look a lot like your dad. But that aside, what I can assure him, is

there will be a robust and proper debate in Scotland. Ruth Davidson,

head of the beginning of this referendum process, made her

position very clear on supporting Scotland remaining in the EU. But we

cannot hide the fact there are people in Scotland who would like to

leave the EU. I think their views should be reflected. The

Conservative Party isn't frightened in Scotland to hide the fact there

are different views. There are different views across Scotland.

The Secretary of State has not told us what Oliver's response was.

Everyone knows that this referendum is more about settling old scores in

the Conservative Party than doing what is best for the UK and indeed

Scotland. They also know that the SNP are desperate for any excuse to

trigger another referendum. The truth is, and we all know, that the

UK is better in the EU and Scotland is better off in the UK. Isn't it

the case that the Secretary of State has taken a huge gamble with the

future of the UK and the future of Scotland? Absolutely not. What we

have done is to allow the people of Scotland and the people across the

United Kingdom to have their say on this important issue. And they will

do. And we need to have a debate in Scotland. I am campaigning

vigorously, as he appears to be, for Scotland to remain in the EU. People

like Jim Sillars are campaigning for Scotland to leave the EU. Let's have

a vigorous debate in Scotland over the next few weeks and I look

forward to sharing a platform with him and SNP colleagues.

May I add my congratulations to the election of Oliver on Dell to the

Scottish Parliament? Candy Secretary of State confirm that he will

continue to champion the Scotland Bill, which he passed through this

House, which is given so much powers to the Scottish Parliament, to

ensure that Scottish people continue to benefit not just being in the UK,

but being in the EU as well? Thank you for that from my honourable

friend. I must get my son elected more often because there are more

plaudits today than I recall ever previously at Scottish questions!

What I would say to him is that of course we will move forward with the

implementation of the Scotland Bill. But we will also work hard to

achieve a positive outcome for Scotland in the EU referendum. Does

the Secretary of State agree that the high levels of support in

Scotland for remaining in the European Union could be improved

further still if Scottish farmers could be confident they can get

their capital payments when they are supposed to? The right Honourable

gentleman raises a very important point. The reason the payments have

not been made to farmers in Scotland is due to the previous SNP Scottish

government. And any attempts to suggest it was the EU is incorrect.

I think that farmers and others know the benefits to Scotland of being in

the EU and will vote to remain. If the EU were to withdraw from the EU,

what impact would this have on Scotland and the EU relationship

with Malawi, which I know my honourable friend has recently been

to? My honourable friend knows that I did recently visit Malawi. And

without being indiscreet, I can firmly say the Malawian government

are in favour of Scotland and the UK staying in the EU. It seems like a

minority of Scottish people want to leave the EU. What is his message,

as Secretary of State, what is his message to the Scottish people if we

are taken out of the EU against our National Collective well? I think

that is another positive campaigning point from the SNP. It is not for me

to give the SNP advice. But if my vote had fallen by 500,000 from the

general election, I would be focusing on getting my supporters

out to vote on the 23rd of June to ensure that Scotland votes to

remain. We on these benches are delighted that in the run-up to the

European Union referendum, the Scottish electorate has returned a

pro-European SNP government. Returned with the highest vote of

any party currently Anni were in national elections Anni were in

Western Europe. -- anywhere. Most people in Scotland are very pleased

that when given the opportunity the Scottish electorate did not return a

single MSP from the UK Independence Party and there is a majority in the

Scottish parliament for Scottish independence as a member of the

European Union. On the case for remaining in the EU -- EU, will the

UK government concentrate police are making a positive and inspiring case

to stay rather than warming endless scare stories up? I made it clear to

the honourable gentleman that that is exactly what my intention is.

Perhaps he could undertake today to stop obsessing about process and a

second Scottish Independence Referendum, and concentrate himself

entirely on the positive reasons for Scotland remaining in the EU. If

Scotch whiskey is the largest net goods exporter to the European

Union, both from Scotland and for the United Kingdom as a whole, does

the Secretary of State agree that the European single market is

profoundly important and positive for the ?1 billion of trade, meaning

there is no need for customs forms, duplication of labelling and safety

requirements? Will heat stress the positive advantages to the whiskey

industry and all exporters from Scotland, to jobs and profitability,

by remaining within the European single market and the European

Union? I am absolutely clear that what the honourable gentleman states

is the case and I am sure that he will have welcomed the visit to

Scotland yesterday my right friend, the secretary of state for Defra, to

stress the importance to the whiskey industry of remaining within the

single market. The particular pointy makes about duplication in relation

to labelling certification and licensing our once which the Scotch

Whisky Association have made, and once the public will take into

account in voting in the referendum. Of course this is an important

sector and it faces difficult times. That is why I am delighted the

Chancellor announced a ?1 billion package in the budget reducing

headline rates of tax, major investment opportunities and

encouragement in exploration, infrastructure, and a quarter of ?1

billion Aberdeen city deal along with the creation of

interministerial groups specifically targeting the oil and gas sector.

Does the Minister agree that we need a long-term approach to secure the

future of the jobs in the oil and gas industry in the North Sea? And

that part of the future is making sure the skills developed over many

decades are not lost? I could not agree with my honourable friend

more. That is why, as I said, we have established an interministerial

group specifically looking at this and many other issues. In this -- in

a short period of time we will publish our workforce plan.

The gas industry provides vital stocks to Britain's largest

manufacturing sector. Can the Minister assure the House the

government will continue to support as many jobs as it can in this vital

sector? The short answer is of course, yes. I would like to pay

tribute to my honourable friend for the work he does in relation to

chemicals. In very important sector. I'm very pleased to see the sort of

work they are doing to increase exports. Last week I raised concerns

related to the transatlantic trade and investment and the threat to our

public services. Only for these to be dismissed by the Prime Minister

row. -- PM. With the Secretary of State make representations to the

Prime Minister to insist on specific exemptions? Mr Speaker, on this

dispatch box, I and other ministers have repeatedly said that these

sorts of claims... I'm waiting for the honourable member to take his

seat. I do not wish to be rude to the honourable lady, but this is

absolute rubbish she puts forward. The Prime Minister is absolutely

right. This is a red herring. I undertake to share with her all of

the letters from impartial sources that have written to support our

intention that public services, especially the NHS, have no threat

whatsoever. It is a good idea. The Minister, I

hope, is aware of the increasing anxiety of Scottish entities

ironworkers about reductions in investment in safety offshore and

the failure of many companies to work what personally would trade

union safety representatives. What recent assessment has she made of

safety offshore? What can we say to our constituents to reassure them

the government is on the case? Can I thank the honourable gentleman

for his question? He makes some very important points. I am more than

happy to meet with him to discuss these, including any allegations

that the unions have not been fully engaged with. I do not have

difficulty with trade unions. More than happy to meet to discuss this

important matter. The trade union act is now waiting

Royal assent. I should say it is about employment and industrial

relations law, which are reserved matters and will deploy consistently

across the United Kingdom. We have engaged with the Scottish government

through the passage of the bill and we will carry on with that work.

Despite the trade union bill's worst elements being removed or water

down, it is still a bad bill. Does the Secretary of State agree that a

bad bill will not make for good industrial relations in Scotland? I

do not share his views on the act. I think it is an excellent act and I

fully support it and its aims. Parties in Wales and Scotland have

prepared legislative consent memorandums on the trade union Bill

on the basis that it clearly impinges on devolved competencies.

In the light of this thus the Minister not know agree that builds

should be subject to legislative consent motion is? What action with

the government to take to ensure that similar circumstances do not

arise in future? I am reliably informed that has. I think the

honourable lady is just not up to date. Row with the relegation of

labour to third place in the Scottish Elections Bill, with the

Minister agree that now is exactly the right time to be introducing an

opt in system for union members rather than it being a default

position? The honourable lady makes a very good point. Can I pay

handsome tribute to the outstanding Ruth Davidson? Like the Prime

Minister, she is a moderate, sensible conservative, one nation

Conservative. She has turned the skies of Scotland blue with, if I

may say, a Roz -- a rather pleasing tint of pink at the edges.

The government made a number of concessions on the trade union act

but the act still seeks to undermine constrictive social partnership.

Given that the government says that it believes in mutual respect

between central government and the devolved institutions, will it now

hold immediate discussions with the devolved institutions about how the

act will relate to Scotland and Wales? Discussions are always

continuing. I think this is another red herring. The honourable

gentleman is out of touch. The act is good for Britain, good for trade

unions, good for future working relations.

I'm afraid that is all we have time for at the moment. Because of the

Parliamentary calendar, the next Scottish questions will be on the

6th of July, when we will know the result of that all-important EU

referendum. I would imagine that and the fallout from that vote will

dominate the next Scottish questions.

From all of us, goodbye.