Speeches by McAllister.

“Increasing our investment in defence not only bolsters our national security, but is an opportunity to support vital, skilled defence sector jobs and boost economic growth. Will the forthcoming defence industrial strategy spread prosperity across the regions and nations of the UK, and will the Minister use defence proc…”

“Thank you, Lord Advocate.”

“I appreciate that, Lord Advocate, and this is in no way a criticism of you, but I do feel as if we have had to dance on a pin just to allow one facility to operate. You have quite correctly used your discretion in relation to the statement of prosecution policy that it is not in the public interest to prosecute, and th…”

“Sorry to interrupt you, Lord Advocate, but they would take that decision, would they not, based on your legal advice because you are their principal legal adviser and a Minister in Scotland?”

“Thank you for that. When the Scottish Ministers decide to weigh up the benefits of the scheme, and you remind them that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is UK-based, how far can they take that discussion in relation to their and the Scottish Government’s powers to roll out the scheme to other areas across Scotland and to e…”

“I understand that, but they would seek legal advice from you.”

“Can I come in with a supplementary on that, Chair?”

“I appreciate that, yes.”

“It would be considered. Your original decision is based on the public interest, so if it remains in the public interest, the Lord Advocate—whether it is you or someone who succeeds you—can extend it, in your opinion. If the UK Government expressed opposition to that and you were in office at that point, would you still…”

“Good morning, Lord Advocate. If the three-year pilot scheme assessment points towards success, supporting the argument that such a scheme or facility benefits the public interest—and, as you said to us earlier this morning, it is evidence-based and guided by those experts—can you extend your discretion to allow the fac…”

“The transition to net zero is a chance to create decent, high-skilled jobs for the future. That includes the next generation of small nuclear reactors, which could revolutionise our energy market and deliver cleaner affordable energy. The SNP has vetoed nuclear energy projects in Scotland for almost 20 years, determine…”

“9. What steps he is taking to support the nuclear power sector.”

“I am advised by Matthew, a West Dunbartonshire constituent, that animals—including dogs—bred for scientific procedures and not used are omitted from Britain’s annual statistics on animal testing. If true, that means we have no real idea how many animals are used for science overall in Britain. The Home Office estimated…”

“Earlier this month, my hometown football club, Clydebank FC, were crowned West of Scotland premier division champions. On Saturday, they play their final home league game of the season at Holm Park, and it will be my pleasure to be there and see them lift the trophy. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulati…”

“Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the pragmatic and calm approach of our Prime Minister to this issue? He is working in the clear interests of businesses and consumers, in contrast to Opposition Members, who seem interested only in social media and quick headlines.”

“The Chancellor set out in the spring statement a clear plan to drive better value for taxpayers, including through the transformation fund, which will transform frontline delivery while making savings in the long term. Does he agree that that is in stark contrast to the SNP Scottish Government’s record of waste?”

“T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.”

“My constituent Jagtar Singh Johal, who has now been in arbitrary detention in India for seven and a half years, was acquitted of all charges on 4 March in the first case against him to conclude. However, he has not been released because he is facing eight other essentially duplicate cases, without the prospect of any c…”

“I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. The announcement of a 10% tariff on all products exported from the UK to the United States means that for the second time in just five years, the Scotch whisky industry could be impacted by tariffs in the industry’s largest global market. That will be concerning news ac…”

“There has been a recent slew of successful European sting operations that have resulted in the arrest of prominent individuals involved in people-smuggling gangs. Does the Minister agree that this highlights the crucial importance of international co-operation, and signals that Labour’s plan to smash the gangs is worki…”