Ross enters field of play with promise to strengthen Union
A NEWLY appointed minister has pledged to help bring the United Kingdom together and show how the Union works for Scotland.
Moray MP Douglas Ross was yesterday announced as UK Government Minister for Scotland, replacing Colin Clark who lost his Gordon seat last week.
Mr Ross, a professional football linesman, was elected to the Scottish parliament in 2016 before gaining Moray from the SNP in the 2017 general election.
He will work under Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and has also been appointed as a government whip. Both the roles are unpaid.
Mr Ross said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the Secretary of State for Scotland as we strengthen Scotland’s place in the UK and deliver on our commitment to leave the EU at the end of next month.
‘The UK Government is firmly focused on bringing the whole of the United Kingdom together. We are determined to show how the UK works for Scotland.
‘This includes driving forward our transformative investment of more than £1.4billion in Scottish city and growth deals and progressing the UK Industrial Strategy.
‘We’ll ensure Brexit works for Scotland and all parts of the United Kingdom.
‘It will mean great new opportunities for our fishing industry and coastal communities, it will allow us to tailor better support for our farmers and our exporters will benefit from new global trade deals.
‘We are also committed to building a better world for future generations and are ramping up our efforts to deliver a successful COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
‘I’m honoured and excited to be entering Government at such an important time.’
In the House of Commons yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged that he will resist SNP calls for another independence referendum.
In his first speech to MPs since securing a thumping majority in the General Election, Mr Johnson said: ‘It is my belief that most honourable members in this House believe we should resist the calls of those who would break up the United Kingdom.
‘As the Parliament of the United Kingdom, we should politely and respectfully defend that partnership and the Union.
‘I can tell the House that, after three-and-a-half years of wrangling and division, the Government will do whatever we can to reach out across the House to find common ground, to heal the divisions of our country and to find a new and generous spirit in which we conduct all our political dealings with one another that will last beyond the immediate season of Christmas goodwill.’
Mr Jack said: ‘People in Scotland are fed up with constant division and uncertainty. That is why we will not support the First Minister’s plans for another unwanted referendum on separation.
‘We want 2020 to be a year of growth and opportunity for Scotland and the whole of the United Kingdom – not more political wrangling and wasteful debate.
‘We will unleash the potential of every part of the UK and focus on the issues that matter – boosting jobs and helping with the cost of living.
‘Remaining part of a strong United Kingdom is worth more than £10billion in public spending in Scotland each year, and through the latest spending round Scotland will receive a further £1.2billion cash boost.’
Mr Ross has previously faced criticism from Nationalists for continuing to work as football official, but following the backlash he pledged to avoid doing football work while Parliament was sitting.