Speeches by Sullivan.

“I want to pick up on the point that you made, Claire, about the limits on Scotland’s reserve capacity. I was just wondering if there has been a recent example of the Scottish Government having to hand money back to the UK Government because it has not been spent in time.”

“I was going to ask about the fact that the Scottish Government are required to run a broadly balanced budget each year and are not permitted to overspend. Can you go into some detail about why that is the case? What implications does that have on the fiscal flexibility of the Scottish Government?”

“If I could follow up on that, what, in your view, would be the benefits and risks of changing this restriction of following the fiscal rules? What if it were put in that context, rather than saying they have to balance the budget?”

“I have a question that is probably for João and David. Until we are at the point of convergence, which I suspect we might come to later this morning, would you say that the Barnett formula is working to the benefit of Scottish people in so far as it allows for higher levels of public spending?”

“You have answered my question, which was around outlining convergence. We have heard a comprehensive explanation already this morning. Can I ask João and David—and feel free, Claire, if you have thoughts on this—whether convergence, or the “Barnett squeeze”, is an intentional design feature of the formula?”

“3. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help promote Scotland internationally.”

“Fraser, I appreciate your background in delivering Glasgow’s first ever community energy project. I am going to ask you what role you think community ownership of energy assets can play in Scotland’s path to net zero, and whether you think both the UK and Scottish Governments could and should be doing more to support c…”

“A lot of my questions have already been answered around skills, the need to align with an industrial strategy and the need to ramp up manufacturing in this country. I am going to ask my question around a very live issue, which is Grangemouth. What should the lessons for transition be for both the UK and Scottish Govern…”

“Tech companies such as Calnex in my constituency export around the world, including to the US and south-east Asia. On his recent visit to south-east Asia in November, what representations did the Secretary of State make to promote Brand Scotland, specifically in the tech sector, and will he join me on a visit to Calnex…”

“I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Dr Opher) on securing what has been a powerful and impactful debate. It has reflected the personal experiences and relationship that people have with food, which can be complex. My interest in this subject started as a councillor in West Lothian, when I became acutel…”

“Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that people have a number of ways to access the democratic process, and that no one should be locked out of exercising their democratic right purely through a point of process?”

“I congratulate and thank my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Tracy Gilbert) for bringing forward the Bill, and for working constructively with parliamentarians in other places. I am not sure what I can add to this full, thorough, enjoyable and important debate, but I will cover two points: the inco…”

“Does my hon. Friend agree that education in schools is absolutely central to making sure that Chambers across the country start to look like the communities they represent and to achieving 50:50?”

“This point has been made a few times, but it is almost as if there is a tension between protecting our natural environment and making progress on renewable energy sources. It is not a choice between the two; one is central to the other. As a former councillor, I know that it is vital that community voices are heard in …”

“The construction of St Michael’s church in Linlithgow began in 1424, and it is a significant centre of worship in the newly formed parish of Linlithgow and Avon Valley. As a category A listed site, it has benefited greatly from the listed places of worship grant scheme over the years. Can my hon. Friend advise what eng…”

“In March last year, Members discussed the need for improved personal protective equipment for women, an issue brought forward during the pandemic. Arco Professional Safety Services, which has a safety training centre in my constituency, recognised the need and told me during a recent visit that it is trialling women’s …”

“4. What assessment the Commissioners have made of the effectiveness of the listed places of worship grant scheme.”

“I thank my hon. Friend for securing this critical debate. With an average of eight-plus years for a diagnosis, does she agree that employers must build a more supportive and flexible approach that embeds policies to help women, such the endo-friendly employers scheme? Will she join me in thanking campaigners such as th…”

“Q7. Dental deserts mean that routine dental check-ups and treatment are often unavailable in local communities. In my constituency, we have had a dedicated space for a dental practice in the Blackburn partnership centre since 2018, but NHS Lothian has been unable to secure a dental practice. What steps will the Prime M…”

“Will my hon. Friend give way?”