TURBO-CHARGE THE ECONOMY AND LEVEL UP
SCOTLAND, along with the rest of the UK, faces considerable challenges. We are recovering from an unprecedented health pandemic, which inflicted a terrible toll on many. Further afield, the atrocities committed by the Russians against the Ukrainian people have cast a shadow across the world as well as adding to the uncertainty felt at home.
Against that background, we are acutely aware families across the country are anxious about rising living costs.
Yesterday the UK Government set out its legislative programme, with plans to turbo-charge the economy and level up across communities right at its heart.
Just as the UK Government supported lives and livelihoods during Covid, with our world-leading vaccination programme and our multibillion-pound schemes to support jobs and businesses, we are here now for the people of Scotland.
Of the 38 Bills unveiled in the Queen’s Speech, 27 apply in whole or in part to Scotland.
They prioritise and promote economic growth, so we can continue building back from the pandemic while tackling the cost of living.
The UK Government is committed to levelling up opportunity throughout the UK. Our Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will revitalise local areas by creating jobs, stimulating town centres and driving economic growth.
In Scotland, it will build on the success of our growth deals and levelling up funds which have already seen almost £2billion invested into the Scottish economy.
Our pledge is to work with governments in Scotland – whether the Scottish Government or local government – with an unerring focus on improving lives.
Maintaining the integrity of the United Kingdom remains of paramount importance to the UK Government. Crucial to this is making sure the economic and social ties which link all parts of the United Kingdom are stronger than ever.
A potent symbol of those ties is our vision to improve train journey times between Scotland and England through the High Speed Rail Bill and Transport Bill, which will improve rail services and transport links across the UK.
We’re also taking decisive action to protect households against rising heating bills. The UK Government has already put in place a £22billion package of support, but we are acutely aware many people across the UK are worried about the impact of rising bills on their household budget and the need for long-term security.
Building on the success of the COP26 summit in Glasgow last year, the Energy Security Bill demonstrates our commitment to cheaper, cleaner and reliable energy.
The legislation will shield consumers from fluctuating prices and prevent suppliers from overcharging customers by extending the energy price cap beyond 2023. These commitments will also attract billions in investment and create jobs in the green energy sector as the UK develops more low-carbon methods of powering the nation.
ABILL to create a Britishowned state investment bank will support economic growth. The UK Investment Bank will deliver £1.6billion investment funds for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the North, Midlands, and South-West of England.
Trade is crucial to economic success. Therefore, it is essential we use the opportunities created by Brexit to create strong and enduring relationships with our trading partners.
The Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill will deliver the UK’s first ‘from scratch’ Free Trade Agreement in more than 50 years. The removal of tariffs on UK goods exported to those countries is a huge boost to domestic businesses. The deal shows our determination to work with partners to create prosperity as we forge more trading agreements and work to remove trade barriers in areas like the Americas and the Pacific.
Our commitment to good working conditions is illustrated by the Harbours (Seafarers’ Remuneration) Bill which will make sure all ferry crews receive a fair wage when operating from UK ports and will prevent a repeat of the P&O debacle, caused by the company’s mass dismissal of employees.
And we shall strengthen the support and protection for victims of human trafficking with the passage of the Modern Slavery Bill, which will drive out this despicable practice from our supply chains.
As the UK Government has led the response against Putin’s brutal attacks on Ukraine by imposing sanctions and rallying others against his aggression, we are committed to protecting people at home. At a time of global uncertainty we are tackling state-sponsored espionage through the National Security Bill.
Meanwhile, the Brexit Freedoms Bill will streamline the process to amend EU law so that we can regulate more effectively and with more agility to improve the UK’s economic competitiveness.
The Bills announced at Westminster are a comprehensive package designed to deliver for the people of Scotland, working in partnership across the UK for the common good.