Written questions by Cooper.

Whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in Scotland on (a) the potential impact of armed forces' training activities on (i) nature conservation and (ii) public access to the countryside in Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the proposed national park in Galloway.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials have engaged with Scottish counterparts on the impact of Armed Forces training on nature conservation and public access to the countryside in Dumfries and Galloway.MOD officials have developed Integrated Rural Management Plans (IRMP) for MOD sites in Dumfries and Galloway. These plans include a level of ecological impact assessment and public access management. The IRMPs identify appropriate avoidance or mitigation measures that must be applied to manage the impact of military training and operations on these sites.MOD officials have not held any discussions with counterparts in Scotland on the proposed national park in Galloway.

What (a) evaluation and (b) assessment process his Department undertook when choosing Aberdeen as the headquarters of GB Energy.

We considered a range of factors including (1) labour market analysis, (2) mapping of Government estate availability and costs, and (3) proximity to strategic partners and establishments. I am confident that Aberdeen is the right place for Great British Energy’s Headquarters. This decision recognises that Aberdeen is at the heart of the energy transition away from fossils fuels. The city also has an excellent talent pool to support the delivery of Great British Energy. Additional smaller sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow will enable us to take advantage of the expertise, skilled workforce and diversity of projects in place across Scotland.