Martin McCluskey MP: speeches

Speeches

• 15 Oct 2024 · Scotland’s Economy · Hansard source

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  I agree. I know from experience in my own constituency with James Watt college in Greenock—now part of West College Scotland—that there have been issues with investment in colleges. That largely impacts on opportunities for working-class young people, and for people who perhaps did not get the results that they wanted at school and need a second chance. The college sector always provided that for people, but at the moment it is struggling to do so in many places across Scotland.

• 15 Oct 2024 · Scotland’s Economy · Hansard source

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  I understand the importance of the Highlands and Islands development board. My partner’s grandfather arrived in Scotland only because he was the chief engineer in the Cruachan power station. That part of my family is here because of the work of the Highlands and Islands development board, so I make the commitment to the hon. Member to speak to the Secretary of State about those issues. Delivering significant change to Scotland’s economy means working in partnership across areas of policy, not just industrial policy and employment rights but planning, housing, skills and access to health services. Many of these areas are devolved, and we are committed to resetting the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. That does not mean that we will never disagree, but where we have shared goals, we should be able to work together. The Secretary of State for Scotland has already begun working with the Energy Secretary, Gillian Martin, and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on a range of issues since coming to office. One of those issues, which was mentioned by both my hon. Friends the Members for Glasgow East and for Edinburgh South West (Dr Arthur), was universities. I would agree with them that universities are a jewel in the crown of the Scottish economy. They drive innovation, create jobs and new businesses and deliver world-leading research and education. I know that the universities sector will be crucial to the future of the Scottish economy.

• 15 Oct 2024 · Scotland’s Economy · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for welcoming the launch of the industrial strategy yesterday. It is important that we ensure that any opportunities from the university sector are spread right across the country, and that is what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is trying to do with the national wealth fund. Our university sector in Scotland is also trying to make sure that the opportunities from universities and those start-ups are pushed out beyond universities’ borders. My hon. Friend’s point about access to finance is important. The Government are trying to provide a stable economic environment, which we did not have under the previous Government. That gives investors confidence, as we saw yesterday when we doubled the amount that was invested in the UK at the global conference last year. That is testament to the confidence that business now has in the UK because of our stable political environment.