Speeches by McNeill.

“This is something that has been mentioned quite a lot by all the different stakeholders we have been engaging with. As you will know, we have done huge numbers of roundtables and engagement sessions in QH and in Dover House. We have also been out and about speaking to people. The thing that external stakeholders keep s…”

“I should put on the record that the Secretary of State is right: he spends more time with the DFM than he does with me. The ongoing discussions are very regular and a sincere attempt to take each other’s temperature and mind. It is very interesting that there is this focus on the process of how many meetings have been …”

“I also found having the conversation with you all yesterday very useful. One of the things I am charged with—partly because of the allocation of portfolios inside the Scotland Office and partly because of the Scotland Office role across the UK Government—is impressing on all colleagues with decision-making power across…”

“Another issue that has emerged from the conversations we have been having on the basis of the growth deal regions is that we need another mechanism for parliamentarians to talk to Government regionally so that they do not have to rely on being able to ask questions on the floor of the House or in settings like this. Ye…”

“Obviously, the reach of the UK Government’s overseas network is much wider so, hopefully, that will help with attribution because we are in many more places with expert advice. The other place you are right to push us on is making sure there is alignment so that we are spending the money well and there is no duplicatio…”

“I think I did hear something about the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) getting lost in Hamilton this weekend, and sculking behind the bins before he was sent packing by the good people of South Lanarkshire. Of course, the only local candidate in that by-election is Labour’s Davy Russell, who will stand up for hi…”

“I could not agree more. In England, waiting lists have fallen since Labour came to office less than a year ago, while in Scotland they continue to rise, and we now see nearly one in six Scots waiting for treatment. John Swinney has, in total desperation, announced that the SNP Government’s fifth NHS recovery plan in le…”

“The Chancellor’s autumn Budget delivered the biggest settlement in the history of devolution for the Scottish Government—£50 billion. I want to see that cash reach the frontline services that have suffered years of cuts under the SNP. That record settlement is possible only because of the Barnett formula—something oppo…”

“We are in conversation with all the relevant parties, but yes, we would like an increase in trade, and in the transport infrastructure that supports it.”

“I agree with my hon. Friend that it is astonishing that we see ranged on the Opposition Benches numerous people who have talked down the potential of Scotland’s exporters, and who have said that there is no benefit to be had from these deals for a Scottish business sector that is desperate to grow and export, and is de…”

“I would be delighted to see more trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I will happily meet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to explore that.”

“Our recent trade deals with the United States, India and the EU will improve access to vital markets for businesses in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are deals with the most populous country in the world, the richest country in the world and our most important trading partner. I recognise the importance of e…”

“We are in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government and Scottish universities, but I want to be absolutely definitive about this, because there has been some confusion in the press. Education policy is devolved, and the international student levy will not apply in Scotland unless the Scottish Government decide t…”

“Scotland’s universities are of course world-class, but I am very concerned about the financial difficulties faced by several of them. As the hon. Lady will know, higher education is a devolved matter, and Scotland’s universities, their staff and their students all need a Scottish Government with a proper plan to turn t…”

“When this Government took office, we inherited a £22 billion black hole, which required emergency action. We said at the time that our decision on the winter fuel payment was a difficult one that we did not want to make, and we are very pleased to be in a position to reconsider it.”

“The hon. Member will be perfectly aware—as, indeed, everyone in the House will be—that questions about the winter fuel payment in Scotland are devolved to the Scottish Government. Decisions made in Scotland are the responsibility of the Scottish Government, but I am pleased to reiterate to the House what the Prime Mini…”

“I am very pleased to offer the hon. Lady that reassurance.”

“I am delighted to join the hon. Gentleman in thanking Betty for all her efforts. He will know that, in the review, work has been undertaken on justice for LGBT people in our armed forces, and we are pleased to commend that to the House.”

“The Minister for Veterans and People is doing sterling work. His advocacy has helped to ensure that Labour will improve 3,000 forces family homes. We are making a £1.5 billion investment across the whole UK. I am sure that when the strategic defence review was launched, in Scotland and then in this Chamber, the hon. Me…”

“First, I am truly sorry to hear about the experiences of my hon. Friend’s constituent. Support services and accommodation across the UK must reflect the needs of all our veterans, including women. That includes the provision of safe, suitable and appropriate housing. If she writes to me, I shall ask the Minister for Ve…”