John Lamont MP: speeches 2024

46 published records · newest first.

Speeches

19 Dec 2024 · Syria · Hansard source
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I very much welcome the Minister’s statement and the removal of the Assad Government. What assessment have the UK Government made of the Syrian justice system’s capacity to prosecute war crimes, and all the horrendous crimes that were perpetrated against the poor people of Syria during Assad’s regime?
19 Dec 2024 · Christmas Adjournment · Hansard source
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Ahead of the Christmas break, I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of the amazing organisations that serve the Scottish Borders all the year round. These groups, and the volunteers who help keep them running, often do not get the praise they deserve, so I want to mark the excellent work of those who provide unbelievable support to so many people all the year round. The generosity and compassion of volunteers and workers across the Borders are incredible. I want to start by recognising the organisations that provide extra help to our NHS, and to patients and their families. I recently had the privilege of meeting some of the Margaret Kerr fundraising team, who help support the purpose-built, specialist palliative care unit at Borders general hospital. I would encourage everyone to give anything they can to help this wonderful group and to keep the unit operating as effectively as possible for those who need treatment and care. I also thank the volunteers at the Borders Parkinson’s support group. It was a pleasure recently to join the volunteers and service users, and to spend some time with those who attend. The meetings are well attended, good natured and very sociable, so well done to the volunteers for bringing people together in this way. Beyond healthcare and the NHS, I want to take this opportunity to recognise the passionate community campaigners who want the best for the Borders and who put in the work to make local projects happen. The first of these fine groups is the Campaign for Borders Rail—I have worked with it for many years—which is seeking to extend the Borders railway on to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle. I have been doing everything I can during my time as its MP, and previously as its MSP, to get this extension built. It is disappointing that the new Government have not yet committed to the funding to which the previous Government had committed for the feasibility study, but I will continue to push for that to be delivered. Similarly, I pay tribute to the Rail Action Group East of Scotland for its campaigns to get better train services along the east coast of Scotland and to get the station reopened at Reston a couple of years ago. I particularly want to mention two stalwarts of this campaign, Barrie Forrest and Tom Thorburn, who have done so much to improve rail services over many years. Beyond the transport network, lots of community groups in the Borders are helping to bring people together. First, I want to mention the Men’s Shed network, which has multiple locations across the Borders to promote the wellbeing and quality of life of local people. We are particularly lucky in the Borders to have the highest number of men’s sheds located there than in any constituency in the UK. Secondly, I want to mention Escape Youth Services in Hawick, which provides incredible support to young people. I was delighted to be able to join one of its sessions recently, and the young people clearly love and enjoy the activities that the dedicated team of volunteers provide for them. I have a few other groups to mention, including Sustainable Selkirk and the Berwickshire Marine Reserve, which help preserve our environment. I also want to mention the local people who help promote our high streets, because without thriving high streets with local businesses and shops, our communities would be greatly diminished. The team behind the Galashiels business improvement district recently had a huge success in persuading local businesses to back its plans, and I would also mention the General Store in Selkirk and Café ReCharge in Galashiels. To conclude, I wish every Member of the House a very merry Christmas and a happy new year when it comes. Christmas is a time to be thankful, and I particularly want to thank the UK armed forces personnel who will sacrifice their own festive break to serve our country. Their selfless sacrifice and dedication should be an inspiration to us all. The same goes for those in the NHS and the emergency service workers who work through the festive period to keep us healthy and safe. We owe them all our gratitude for continuing to do their duty while most people take time off. Although their efforts are not as critical as those of our armed forces and emergency services, we should not forget hospitality workers and small business owners who also work through the festive season. Finally, I hope we will all take the chance over Christmas to think of those less fortunate than ourselves, and to look out for our neighbours, who may be lonely or struggling more at this time of year. Even the smallest gesture of generosity can mean a lot to someone who may not have others to look out for them. Happy Christmas to everybody.
18 Dec 2024 · Engagements · Hansard source
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Labour promised not to raise taxes on working people, but farmers are some of the hardest-working people I know. Peter Douglas from Jedburgh has looked at the details of this policy and he says that Labour’s inheritance tax increase will prevent him passing on his family farm to his son and daughter. They say Labour has betrayed them and cannot trust the Prime Minister to keep his word. They’ve got a point, haven’t they?
16 Dec 2024 · Royal Mail Takeover · Hansard source
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I have eight Royal Mail delivery offices in my constituency, staffed by a team of hard-working posties who cover a vast rural area around the Scottish Borders. Will the Minister tell them, and me, what commitment the new owner has given to maintaining those offices and staff levels?
12 Dec 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate so that we can pay tribute to our young sporting heroes? I am sure that all Members have many examples, but 22-year-old cyclist Oscar Onley from Kelso was recently awarded the title of male rider of the year by Scottish Cycling after becoming the first Scottish-developed rider to start the Tour de France for 31 years. Will she take this opportunity to congratulate Oscar on behalf of us all?
11 Dec 2024 · Responsibilities of Housing Developers · Hansard source
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My hon. Friend speaks well about the challenges in Keighley and Ilkley. On the point about consultation, residents in my area might not object to the location of a development, but they are concerned about the impact on doctors and schools. When those concerns are raised with the developer, it pushes back and says that that is not its problem, but rather a matter for the local authority and the Scottish Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that that balance needs to be changed? Developers should take greater cognisance of the impact that their developments will have on services, working with the local authority to address those concerns as part of the consultation stage.
11 Dec 2024 · Responsibilities of Housing Developers · Hansard source
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I find some of the hon. Member’s remarks quite extraordinary. Is he genuinely saying that if concerns about wildlife, the environment or what is proposed are put forward by local residents, and particularly by the Environment Agency, they should simply be ignored in pursuit of this house building agenda?
9 Dec 2024 · Fireworks: Sale and Use · Hansard source
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The hon. Member is making an excellent point, but does he agree that, in Scotland, the issue is about resources as well? The local authorities and police authorities of Scotland just do not have the resources to police this. He is making the point that the legislation and rules are there, but, if he reads some of their responses, he will see that the police are concerned about their ability to enforce them effectively. It comes down to the money from the Scottish Government for the police and local authorities.
9 Dec 2024 · Fireworks: Sale and Use · Hansard source
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It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Edward. I thank the petitioners for raising this important issue, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore) for setting out the issues behind the petitions so well. I know from my own mailbag that many people are concerned about the unintended impact that fireworks have. Fireworks should be a symbol of joy and happiness, with everyone in awe as they light up the sky. People often use them to celebrate and mark special occasions while surrounded by friends and family. Whether it is bonfire night, new year’s eve or just a simple get together, there is no doubt that fireworks make for a fun time and bring people together. However, we should not forget that that is not always the case. As we have heard, fireworks can have unintended consequences. People suffering from PTSD and trauma are at a particular risk, as are those with severe mental health issues. Pets and animals often get frightened by fireworks, abandoning their owners to find safety. Others become extremely anxious and, in the worst cases, tragically pass away. As Members have heard, a baby red panda called Roxie died of distress at Edinburgh Zoo on bonfire night this year. For some of my constituents in the Scottish Borders, that is the reason they contacted me and encouraged me to participate in this debate. A report by the Office of Product Safety and Standards in 2020 stated that noise blasts resulting from fireworks can be particularly stressful to dogs. The report highlighted that some farm animals, such as pigs, should not be exposed to the kind of noise levels that fireworks make. Fireworks can also trigger significant behavioural changes in cattle. In the last 13 years, there have been at least 98 horse injuries, and 20 fatalities. When it comes to the effects on people, the report states that there were 990 injuries due to the misuse of fireworks in 2005, and there is evidence that they can exacerbate stress and anxiety. The report raises legitimate questions about how and where fireworks are used, and whether they do more harm than good. Over the years, greater restrictions have been enacted in Scotland. The Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004 restrict the times of day when fireworks can be used by the general public, and the times of day that they can be supplied to the general public. However, the most significant piece of legislation affecting fireworks regulation in Scotland is the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. Although part of it is still to come into force, that Act will significantly toughen up the law in this area. It is now an offence to supply and distribute fireworks to persons under the age of 18. Anyone found guilty faces a maximum fine of £5,000 or a six-month prison sentence. Local authorities in Scotland now have the power to designate firework control zones, which are areas where fireworks are prohibited and cannot be used. In some cities, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, additional control zones are coming into force. Despite the increased regulation of the use of fireworks, concerns remain. I very much sympathise with those who have been affected by the misuse of fireworks, particularly those who have been directly affected by some terrible acts and brought forward these petitions. The offenders committing those serious criminal acts should be punished. However, I am very reluctant to ban anything, and I am worried that, as a society and a country, we are moving into an extreme nanny state where we rush to ban everything and anything that poses some level of risk. Home Office data shows that there were seven fatalities from fireworks between 2010 and 2020. Meanwhile, the World Animal Foundation claims that 27 people die in the UK every year from accidents involving cows. Does that mean we need to ban the keeping of cows because they pose a risk? If we are to strike the right balance between fun and safety, the starting point must surely be to ensure that the existing rules and regulations for fireworks are always followed and enforced. The data suggests that misuse is the biggest issue, not the fireworks themselves. Instead of talking about banning, let us talk about personal responsibility. If an individual is irresponsible or commits a crime with a firework, they should face the full force of the law. Let us give local authorities and the police the powers and resources they need to properly enforce it. Let us learn from different parts of the UK, such as the different rules that we have in Scotland compared with England, to understand which interventions are effective and which need to be reformed. In conclusion, I do not support a ban on fireworks altogether, but I support their proper regulation and their being used safely at all times. I hope that is where we can take this debate.
4 Dec 2024 · Transport Connectivity · Hansard source
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Extending the Borders railway line to Hawick and Newcastleton and then on to Carlisle will boost jobs, help the local economy and improve social mobility. The funding for the feasibility study was agreed by the last Conservative Government with the SNP Administration in Edinburgh, but the new Labour Government seem to have pushed this into the railway sidings. Will the Minister ensure that the funding for the feasibility study is released as soon as possible?
4 Dec 2024 · Transport Connectivity · Hansard source
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5. What steps he is taking to improve transport connectivity between Scotland and England.
26 Nov 2024 · Hostages in Gaza · Hansard source
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The horrors endured by the 97 Israelis and foreign nationals held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for over 13 months are unthinkable. Given that the efforts to secure their release have not yet been successful, what further steps is the United Kingdom taking to bring home Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British citizen, and the rest of the captives?
26 Nov 2024 · Hostages in Gaza · Hansard source
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5. What diplomatic steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
25 Nov 2024 · Storm Bert · Hansard source
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Storm Bert affected many parts of my constituency in the Scottish Borders, and I pay tribute to the volunteers and emergency services who kept local residents safe. Many farmers have been particularly badly affected. Have the Government made an assessment on crop yields, not just in Scotland but across the UK, as a direct result of Storm Bert?
14 Nov 2024 · Budget: Impact on Farming Communities · Hansard source
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This week, the president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, Martin Kennedy, said: “The new UK Government’s first budget…hammered hard-working family farms and crofts with crippling tax bills”. The Minister has accused the Conservatives of scare- mongering about Labour’s family farm tax. Is the National Farmers Union of Scotland also scaremongering?
14 Nov 2024 · Budget: Impact on Farming Communities · Hansard source
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1. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on farming communities.
14 Nov 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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The money was there.
14 Nov 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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I have long campaigned for the Borders railway to be extended from Tweedbank to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle. The last Conservative Government, with the SNP Administration in Edinburgh, committed through the Borderlands growth deal to fund the feasibility study to look at that extension. Shockingly, the new Labour Transport Secretary has put this under review. Can the Government make a statement to clarify whether they support this important cross-border transport link?
14 Nov 2024 · National Insurance Contributions: Healthcare · Hansard source
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Doctors from Duns, Galashiels, Selkirk, Kelso and across the Scottish Borders have contacted me about the impact that this national insurance hike will have on their practices. They tell me that the decision will be a huge retrograde step for primary care, will have a huge financial impact on their practices, and will undermine access to primary and patient care. Why have the Labour Government made this choice to hammer local doctors?
11 Nov 2024 · Rural Affairs · Hansard source
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It is a privilege to follow the maiden speech of the new hon. Member for Stirling and Strathallan (Chris Kane). I am sure he will make a significant contribution to this place, and as a fellow Scot I wish him well. I am lucky to represent the Scottish Borders, the place I call home. We have wonderful towns in the borders, but it is one of the most rural constituencies in the whole United Kingdom. There is a strong sense of community spirit among local people, but there is also a deep and growing concern that the Governments in Edinburgh and London do not get what is important to our communities. There is a widening disconnect between people and politicians, and a growing feeling that the needs and concerns of rural areas are not important to Scotland’s two Governments. For 17 years, rural areas in Scotland have been overlooked, and even ignored, by the SNP Government, who do not understand what is important to our communities—an SNP Government who are distracted and focused on their own selfish and often divisive obsessions. They spend time on fringe issues, such as gender reform, that do not matter to the everyday lives of people in the borders. With a new Government in London, local people are now feeling the same way about Labour. Labour clearly does not value rural areas and does not care about farmers or listen to our communities. The Labour Government are bad news for the borders and for rural areas across Scotland and the United Kingdom. Let us look at what the Labour Government are already doing to rural communities. In their first Budget they changed inheritance tax, and business and agricultural property relief, despite warnings of the impact on rural areas. Their family farm tax will rip apart rural businesses and prevent farmers from passing on the family farm to the next generation. It is cruel, bitter and divisive. It is also the opposite of what Labour said it would do—another broken promise from the Labour Government. Let us listen to what Labour said before the election. The Secretary of State said in December 2023 that the Labour party had no plans to change inheritance tax, including agricultural property relief, so it is shameful that he now claims to be proud of Labour’s family farm tax. He was not the only one to make that pledge. The Prime Minister, the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, repeatedly promised not to raise taxes on working people, but that is exactly what they have done. I have news for Labour: farmers are working people. In fact, they are some of the hardest-working people of any industry. They get up before dawn and put in a hard shift every single day of the week, 365 days of the year. Labour should be ashamed of raising tax on farmers and preventing them from passing on the family farm. This shameful betrayal will not be forgotten by rural areas or in my borders constituency. Let me share with the Labour party what local farmers are saying, because it is clearly not listening. I recently spoke to Colin and Jill McGregor of McGregor Farms near Coldstream, who said: “The autumn Budget that Labour broadcast last week will affect every family farming business across the country. We have been digesting the details over the last couple of days and can see a substantial financial impact on our farming business. The Government seems to have no idea of the costs involved in agriculture. The tax that would have to be paid on death will cripple many family farms, with a huge proportion having to sell land to pay the tax and breaking up family businesses that have been working the land for many generations.” Labour does not seem to care about the damage it is doing to farming. Farming is not just a job but a way of life. We cannot overlook the immense contribution that our farmers and food producers make towards the rural economy and protecting our natural environment. They supply supermarkets and local shops, provide for housing in our towns and villages, invest in infrastructure, create jobs, employ workers, and much more. It is crucial that the Government take the right steps and measures to protect the industry and ensure its longevity for many years to come. Labour and the SNP must provide certainty and stability to our farmers. If they do not, farmers and landowners will no longer invest or provide those important services. We should not forget: no farmers means no food. Labour’s family farm tax will not just break up family farms, but limit food production, damage our food security and drive up the cost of our weekly food shop in supermarkets. Labour must drop the tax and keep its word to farmers. But that is not all: Labour must start listening to rural areas. As it stands, Labour’s plans will do great damage to local transport plans. Labour has announced plans to drop the dualling of the A1 road, which is a vital transport link for my constituency in the Scottish Borders and for cross-border connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK, and it has halted progress on the borders railway, which is crucial for commuters and anyone looking to get around in the borders. How is the borders economy supposed to grow, and how are businesses supposed to create jobs, when Labour is cutting investment in our communities? I will always stand up for rural areas, especially those in the Scottish Borders. It would be nice if, just once, the Labour party did the same.
30 Oct 2024 · Economic Growth: Scotland · Hansard source
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There were no answers in that response. Not so long ago, the Secretary of State said that a national insurance rise would have “an enormous impact” on businesses. He also said that “under Labour, National Insurance wouldn’t go up”. Tax rises, economic damage and broken promises—are this Labour Government not just the same as the SNP?
30 Oct 2024 · Economic Growth: Scotland · Hansard source
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The Secretary of State said at the weekend that the Labour Budget “will herald an era of growth for Scotland”, but what is going to grow? Is it the tax burden on hard-working Scots, the number of pensioners choosing between heating and eating because they have not got their winter fuel payments, or the number of Labour broken promises? Or will we get all three this afternoon?
30 Oct 2024 · Council of Nations and Regions · Hansard source
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The trade union Unite has issued a joint letter from political leaders across the United Kingdom’s nations and regions opposing Labour’s cut to the winter fuel payment. That letter has been signed by every party at Stormont and by parties in Wales, and the Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay also signed it. Was the winter fuel payment even discussed at the Council of Nations and Regions?
30 Oct 2024 · Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Specification of Devolved Tax) (Building Safety) Order 2024 · Hansard source
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It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Dr Huq. I am happy to confirm that the Conservatives support this order. As we heard from the Minister, this order originates in a recognition that both the UK and Scottish Governments face a common challenge in the fixing of historical building safety defects, such as defective cladding. Both Governments have rightly accepted that the housing sector should make a contribution towards the cost of these works. The last Conservative Government introduced a building safety levy, which applied as a tax on any new residential development in England. The Scottish Government have now made a request for a transfer of powers to allow them to introduce their version of this tax in Scotland. Jointly, both the Scottish and UK Governments consulted on the proposal to devolve the power to create this tax in Scotland. The order will devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament to legislate for a new Scottish levy on building control approval for properties providing accommodation. Revenues from the levy will be used to fund building safety expenditure in Scotland. I pay tribute to the excellent officials in the Scotland Office who have done all the hard work on this order, much of which was done prior to the general election. Although I am happy to confirm our support for the order, a number of concerns have been expressed and I would be grateful if the Minister could deal with them. I appreciate that many may be more appropriately answered by the relevant Scottish Government Minister, but I seek reassurances that the new UK Government have discussed and considered these points with the Scottish Administration. First, is the Minister content that a new levy introduced as a consequence of this order will not have a disproportionate impact on housebuilders that have not built any housing that requires remediation? Is there a risk of double taxation, as property developers already contribute to the residential property developer tax? That may be particularly the case if some developers have already committed to paying for the remediation of buildings that they are responsible for. Secondly, there are concerns that the introduction of a Scottish building safety levy may increase the price of new properties in Scotland. Is that something that the Minister has considered and consulted on with the Scottish Government? Lastly, some consultation respondents highlighted concerns that the introduction of a Scottish building safety levy would create additional complexity and administrative burden for housebuilders if the rates of the Scottish levy differ from those in England. Will the UK Government keep this under review? What action will they take if variation results in the distorting of the market on either side of the border? I would be grateful for the Minister’s comments on those points, but again I am happy to confirm that the Conservatives support this order.
17 Oct 2024 · Visitor Levies · Hansard source
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1. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of visitor levies in Scotland and Wales on inbound UK tourism.

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