Written questions by Bowie.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure the buy-out of Harland and Wolff by Navantia UK aligns with (a) defence and (b) clean energy strategies.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Shetland Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Transport for Edinburgh.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet South East of Scotland Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet North East of Scotland Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Caledonian MacBrayne Limited.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet ScotRail.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet South West of Scotland Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Transport Scotland.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to meet Tayside and Central Scotland Transport Partnership.

Transport is a devolved matter but the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet stakeholders from a range of sectors in connection with transport and related matters, as needed. We have not met with any of the aforementioned organisations since taking office, nor do we have any upcoming meetings with any of them.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to (a) reduce bureaucracy on and (b) help increase the competitiveness in international markets of Scotland's seafood industry.

Fisheries and marine policy are devolved matters and therefore for the Scottish Government to determine within Scotland. Promoting Scotland internationally is one of the Scotland Office’s four priorities. As demonstrated through the Secretary of State for Scotland’s recent trip to Southeast Asia, the Brand Scotland programme is all about championing Scotland's leading industries and export products in international markets, such as Scottish seafood. Meanwhile this government is developing a long-overdue industrial strategy, working to attract investment, and looking at measures to ensure regulation is proportionate and helps support businesses in Scotland and across the UK.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

New nuclear power stations will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. This Labour Government was elected on a promise to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, including through Small Modular Reactors. The Scottish Government is responsible for energy consenting in Scotland, and is opposed to building new nuclear power stations using current technologies. The Secretary of State for Scotland and I are committed to working closely with its ministers, to ensure communities in Scotland can benefit from this essential transition.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on new Small Modular Reactors in Scotland.

New nuclear power stations will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. This Labour Government was elected on a promise to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, including through Small Modular Reactors. The Scottish Government is responsible for energy consenting in Scotland, and is opposed to building new nuclear power stations using current technologies. The Secretary of State for Scotland and I are committed to working closely with its ministers, to ensure communities in Scotland can benefit from this essential transition.

What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of floating offshore wind farms on the Scottish fishing industry.

The UK and Scottish Governments share the ambition for Scotland to lead and fully benefit from the clean energy transition. But this change needs to be managed responsibly and in dialogue with a range of industries. Marine planning and fisheries are devolved matters and it is therefore for the Scottish Government to determine the optimal balance between the two, in line with their broader priorities. My Department remains in contact with Scotland’s fishing industry and the Scottish Government on a range of issues, as we manage the transition to net zero.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Scottish fishing industry on negotiations with the EU on access to British waters by EU fishing vessels.

My Department is in regular contact with Scotland’s fishing industry and the Scottish Government on a range of issues. My colleagues at Defra are also committed to engaging with fisheries stakeholders across the UK, and to co-delivering its policies and programmes in partnership with them. We will also always listen to what the EU has to say on the matter, but we are absolutely determined to protect the interests of our fishers, including in Scotland, and continue to fulfil our international commitments to protect the marine environment.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to balance the development of offshore renewable energy projects with the sustainability of Scotland’s fishing industry.

The UK and Scottish Governments share the ambition for Scotland to lead and fully benefit from the clean energy transition. But this change needs to be managed responsibly and in dialogue with a range of industries. Marine planning and fisheries are devolved matters and it is therefore for the Scottish Government to determine the optimal balance between the two, in line with their broader priorities. My Department remains in contact with Scotland’s fishing industry and the Scottish Government on a range of issues, as we manage the transition to net zero.