Speeches by Sullivan.

“To go back to the key point of the question; what more do you think the MOD could to ensure the primes play their part in supporting SMEs?”

“Do you seek a regular forum rather than ad hoc communications?”

“Minister, you have made a very strong case for the importance of SMEs in the sector this morning, and we know that in turn prime contractors have a key role in nurturing SMEs. However, we have also heard that risk is often pushed down the supply chain. Indeed, John Howie from Babcock gave evidence to this Committee tha…”

“This Committee has heard evidence from the defence sector that some of the Scottish Government policies have had quite a negative impact on the perception of defence companies, with one company spending £1 million on its physical security due to attacks. What is your assessment of how past and present Scottish Governme…”

“My final question goes back to skills. You did mention how you would like to see more political level conversations being able to take place. Do you currently have a formal forum, either politically or between officials, to discuss skills issues that are really quite critical and pressing at the moment?”

“In March, I met the Women’s Health Minister, Baroness Merron, to discuss how women’s voices must be central to policymaking and clinical care. I was glad to see that clearly reflected in the refreshed women’s health strategy. However, after the Holyrood election, the role of Scottish Minister for women’s health was abo…”

“My hon. Friend makes an excellent point: Glasgow has always been known as a friendly city. Does he agree that volunteers play a fantastic role in welcoming visitors to the city for our sporting events, such as the Commonwealth games and the 2023 UCI cycling world championships?”

“My hon. Friend makes an excellent point: Glasgow has always been known as a friendly city. Does he agree that volunteers play a fantastic role in welcoming visitors to the city for our sporting events, such as the Commonwealth games and the 2023 UCI cycling world championships?”

“Lord Robertson, you mentioned earlier that there has been a long-running issue around skills gaps and skills shortages in the defence sector. Clearly, there is huge ambition to bolster national security through defence, but do you think that we are potentially going to be in a situation where we are making huge commitm…”

“On Thursday I will chair the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis’s first evidence session of our inquiry into endometriosis in the workplace. We will look at the experiences of women living with the condition and at the lack of timely treatment for chronic symptoms and how this impacts them in the workplace.…”

“What do you think that the UK Government could do most quickly to unlock investment in skills in Scotland?”

“On Thursday I will chair the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis’s first evidence session of our inquiry into endometriosis in the workplace. We will look at the experiences of women living with the condition and at the lack of timely treatment for chronic symptoms and how this impacts them in the workplace.…”

“Yes, indeed. We have heard evidence previously to that effect, Lord Robertson. How realistic do you think the Government’s plans are at the moment, given the workforce crisis that was identified as part of the strategic defence review?”

“If I can go on to ask you about the skills element—you will be aware that that is devolved—what role do you think that the UK Government should play in co-ordinating defence spending with skills policy in Scotland? You might also be aware of the offer that the UK Government made to the Scottish Government for £10 milli…”

“Having that vision statement has driven the connectivity work, whether tunnels between islands but also tunnels on islands themselves.”

“Will that be to take the conversation forward in light of the islands’ connectivity plan?”

“This is for Councillor Steele. The Scottish Government have previously identified potential bridges in the Western Isles, and of course they have their islands connectivity plan. However, you have said that no further action has been taken since. Now I may be putting this question to the wrong person, but I will have a…”

“I think that members of the public—particularly residents, your constituents—would be a bit baffled given that the island’s connectivity plan specifically identifies the opportunities for more resilient transport links with the replacement of ferries. It is odd that this has not really been taken forward, but I do unde…”

“Councillor Robinson, could you give us an update on the feasibility study for tunnels in Shetland? Given this Committee has recently visited the Faroe Islands, I think we would be really keen to understand where you are on that journey at the moment.”

“That would be very helpful. Thank you. When will you complete the feasibility study, and what do you think the next steps are after that?”