Industrial Strategy

Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab), Frank McNally (Coatbridge and Bellshill) (Lab), and Gregor Poynton (Livingston) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, about the discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on a new industrial strategy. In his response, the Secretary of State welcomed the new Members of Parliament and thanked the former Secretary of State, Sir Alister Jack, for his work. He also congratulated Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians on their achievements. The Secretary of State stated that the Government will introduce a new industrial strategy to drive long-term, sustainable growth, which will involve working in close partnership with the Scottish Government. Martin Rhodes asked how the Government will ensure that the industrial strategy involves the three world-class universities in Glasgow. The Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of Scotland's higher education institutions and said he will meet the principals of all of Scotland's universities to deepen and strengthen those relationships, as their knowledge and expertise will be crucial to delivering the new industrial strategy. Frank McNally raised concerns about the lack of a long-term, sustainable, and coherent strategy for industrial jobs in Scotland. The Secretary of State responded that Scotland and its industrial workforce will play a driving role in the UK's ambition to become a green energy powerhouse, and he mentioned discussions with representatives of Petroineos to support the industrial clusters in the Falkirk and Grangemouth region. Gregor Poynton expressed concern about the potential job losses at the Mitsubishi Electric plant in his constituency, which produces vital products for the decarbonisation of the economy. The Secretary of State acknowledged the difficulties facing the workforce and committed to meeting with the company and its employees as a matter of priority. Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD) welcomed the Secretary of State and encouraged him to focus on the potential development of tidal stream generation, which could create a supply chain based in the UK. The Secretary of State agreed with the importance of tidal resources in achieving net zero ambitions and stated that he will discuss this with the European Marine Energy Centre during his upcoming visit to the constituency. Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD) also welcomed the Secretary of State and highlighted the role of universities in the new industrial strategy. She expressed concern about the UK Government's decision to cut £800 million from a supercomputer project at the University of Edinburgh. The Secretary of State explained that the project was announced by previous governments, but no money was allocated, and it has been paused pending the upcoming Budget and spending review.