Economic Growth

Scotland – in the House of Commons am ar 4 Medi 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Stephen Gethins Stephen Gethins Scottish National Party, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on steps to help promote economic growth in Scotland.

Photo of Ian Murray Ian Murray The Secretary of State for Scotland

I am committed to working with the Scottish Government and have already met the Deputy First Minister four times in eight weeks. Resetting the relationship between Scotland’s two Governments is crucial to driving economic growth. Just last week, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer was in Glasgow and met the First Minister. The Prime Minister has made resetting the relationship a key part of his new way of working in government. He has met with the First Minister to have those discussions and with members of the business community to discuss growing the Scottish economy. It is the choice of all of us to grow the Scottish economy and something we all need to do together.

Photo of Stephen Gethins Stephen Gethins Scottish National Party, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

The Secretary of State will be aware that macroeconomic policy sits here in Westminster and that decisions taken here have a huge impact. We have worked on this issue before, so does he agree with the SNP that being outside the customs union and the single market is bad for growth in the Scottish economy, or does he agree with the Conservatives and their Reform party colleagues that it has been good for the Scottish economy?

Photo of Ian Murray Ian Murray The Secretary of State for Scotland

The hon. Gentleman is taking no responsibility for the decisions that his party makes in the Scottish Government. We saw that yesterday with them plugging the hole in their own public finances. The IFS has been clear that the decisions the Scottish Government have made have taken the tax take down in Scotland, despite being it being the highest taxed part of the country. If we are to reset this relationship, they have to start off by taking accountability and responsibility for their own decisions.

Photo of Rachel Taylor Rachel Taylor Llafur, North Warwickshire and Bedworth

Sport has played an essential role in economic growth in Scotland. What steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure that the legacy of Sir Andy Murray is recognised in Scotland?

Photo of Ian Murray Ian Murray The Secretary of State for Scotland

I would like to announce to the House that Andy Murray and I are not related, despite the fact that we share the same physique [Laughter.] I assure the House that the Scotland Office and this Government will do all we can to ensure that the wonderful legacy of one of Britain’s best sportspeople of all time is maintained.