Written questions by Bowie.

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 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.

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeenshire Council on recent increases to the Energy Profits Levy.

The UK Government is firmly committed to clean energy by 2030, but recognises that oil and gas will continue to have a role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, particularly in the North East of Scotland. We have carefully considered the available allowances in the Energy Profits Levy to ensure that they support investment and jobs in current and future industries. We engage with local authorities across Scotland on a range of issues regularly, including on the delivery of the City Region and Growth Deals Programme - of which energy projects are a key part. We also speak regularly to businesses and representative bodies across all parts of the energy sector. However, this Government is clear that public and private investment must be driven towards cleaner energy. Money raised from changes to the Energy Profits Levy will be used to support the transition to clean energy, enhance energy security and provide sustainable jobs for the future, which will benefit Scotland tremendously. We have also introduced a skills passport to support oil and gas workers in taking advantage of the opportunities that exist in renewable energy, and are establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen to ensure the Northeast is best placed to lead this transition.

Whether he has had discussions with Offshore Energies UK on the recent workforce cuts announced by BP.

I was extremely disappointed to hear that BP has decided to shed energy-related jobs across the world, and that this may impact Scottish workers. We are aware of the situation, and I have asked my officials to follow up with the company to better understand the situation, and in particular the estimated impact on Scotland. I have contact with BP and Offshore Energies UK on a regular basis, where we discuss a range of issues. A just transition of energy jobs in Scotland is of utmost importance to this Government, and we are confident that our clean energy mission will ensure thousands of good quality jobs for workers in Scotland, including in the oil and gas sector. GB Energy and our skills passports are designed to ensure this. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with the relevant stakeholder

Whether he has had discussions with BP on the recent workforce cuts they have announced.

I was extremely disappointed to hear that BP has decided to shed energy-related jobs across the world, and that this may impact Scottish workers. We are aware of the situation, and I have asked my officials to follow up with the company to better understand the situation, and in particular the estimated impact on Scotland. I have contact with BP and Offshore Energies UK on a regular basis, where we discuss a range of issues. A just transition of energy jobs in Scotland is of utmost importance to this Government, and we are confident that our clean energy mission will ensure thousands of good quality jobs for workers in Scotland, including in the oil and gas sector. GB Energy and our skills passports are designed to ensure this. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with the relevant stakeholder

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce on recent increases to the Energy Profits Levy.

The UK Government is firmly committed to clean energy by 2030, but recognises that oil and gas will continue to have a role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, particularly in the North East of Scotland. We have carefully considered the available allowances in the Energy Profits Levy to ensure that they support investment and jobs in current and future industries. We engage with local authorities across Scotland on a range of issues regularly, including on the delivery of the City Region and Growth Deals Programme - of which energy projects are a key part. We also speak regularly to businesses and representative bodies across all parts of the energy sector. However, this Government is clear that public and private investment must be driven towards cleaner energy. Money raised from changes to the Energy Profits Levy will be used to support the transition to clean energy, enhance energy security and provide sustainable jobs for the future, which will benefit Scotland tremendously. We have also introduced a skills passport to support oil and gas workers in taking advantage of the opportunities that exist in renewable energy, and are establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen to ensure the Northeast is best placed to lead this transition.

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeen City Council on recent increases to the Energy Profits Levy.

The UK Government is firmly committed to clean energy by 2030, but recognises that oil and gas will continue to have a role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, particularly in the North East of Scotland. We have carefully considered the available allowances in the Energy Profits Levy to ensure that they support investment and jobs in current and future industries. We engage with local authorities across Scotland on a range of issues regularly, including on the delivery of the City Region and Growth Deals Programme - of which energy projects are a key part. We also speak regularly to businesses and representative bodies across all parts of the energy sector. However, this Government is clear that public and private investment must be driven towards cleaner energy. Money raised from changes to the Energy Profits Levy will be used to support the transition to clean energy, enhance energy security and provide sustainable jobs for the future, which will benefit Scotland tremendously. We have also introduced a skills passport to support oil and gas workers in taking advantage of the opportunities that exist in renewable energy, and are establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen to ensure the Northeast is best placed to lead this transition.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Sumburgh Airport on the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) in last year’s Autumn Budget, to take effect from April this year.This Government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and passengers while restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming our economy. However, this Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the previous administration, and as such, the Chancellor has had to make difficult decisions. Against this backdrop, the UK Government has added just £2 to APD rates in 2026-27 for those flying economy to short-haul destinations, but has increased higher rates for private jets by 50%. This is intended to ensure that contributions are proportionate and fair, while minimising impacts for the majority of travellers.The Secretary of State for Scotland has met with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports since being appointed and will continue to engage with the aviation sector on a range of issues.

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce on oil and gas licences in the North Sea.

North Sea oil and gas will continue to be an important part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government will soon consult on the implementation of our manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea, and - while this process is being led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - the Secretary of State is happy to continue to discuss this matter with a variety of stakeholders, as required. Aberdeen and the wider Northeast remain central to our clean energy ambitions.

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeenshire Council on oil and gas licences in the North Sea.

North Sea oil and gas will continue to be an important part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government will soon consult on the implementation of our manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea, and - while this process is being led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - the Secretary of State is happy to continue to discuss this matter with a variety of stakeholders, as required. Aberdeen and the wider Northeast remain central to our clean energy ambitions.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Air Passenger Duty on Sumburgh Airport.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector. It is expected to raise £4.2 billion in 2024-25 and it aims to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances, particularly given that tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty.At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for 2026-27, including a partial adjustment to help compensate for two recent years of inflation that was higher than expected. APD rates are set in advance using forecasts of inflation, and so with actual inflation being significantly greater than forecast in 2022 and 2023, APD rates fell in real terms. To help account for this and to ensure that the aviation industry continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances, the Government announced an adjustment to the APD rates for 2026-27.For economy class passengers, the rate increases are: £1 for domestic flights; £2 for short-haul international flights; and £12 for long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights.The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Notice, which outlined the expected impacts of the APD changes. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2027Passengers carried on flights leaving from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, such as Sumburgh Airport, are exempt from APD. This exemption is set out at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-air-passenger-duty

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Air Passenger Duty on Edinburgh Airport.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector. It is expected to raise £4.2 billion in 2024-25 and it aims to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances, particularly given that tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty.At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for 2026-27, including a partial adjustment to help compensate for two recent years of inflation that was higher than expected. APD rates are set in advance using forecasts of inflation, and so with actual inflation being significantly greater than forecast in 2022 and 2023, APD rates fell in real terms. To help account for this and to ensure that the aviation industry continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances, the Government announced an adjustment to the APD rates for 2026-27.For economy class passengers, the rate increases are: £1 for domestic flights; £2 for short-haul international flights; and £12 for long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights.The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Notice, which outlined the expected impacts of the APD changes. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2027Passengers carried on flights leaving from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, such as Sumburgh Airport, are exempt from APD. This exemption is set out at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-air-passenger-duty

Whether he has had recent discussions with Edinburgh Airport on the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) in last year’s Autumn Budget, to take effect from April this year.This Government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and passengers while restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming our economy. However, this Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the previous administration, and as such, the Chancellor has had to make difficult decisions. Against this backdrop, the UK Government has added just £2 to APD rates in 2026-27 for those flying economy to short-haul destinations, but has increased higher rates for private jets by 50%. This is intended to ensure that contributions are proportionate and fair, while minimising impacts for the majority of travellers.The Secretary of State for Scotland has met with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports since being appointed and will continue to engage with the aviation sector on a range of issues.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Glasgow Airport on the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) in last year’s Autumn Budget, to take effect from April this year.This Government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and passengers while restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming our economy. However, this Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the previous administration, and as such, the Chancellor has had to make difficult decisions. Against this backdrop, the UK Government has added just £2 to APD rates in 2026-27 for those flying economy to short-haul destinations, but has increased higher rates for private jets by 50%. This is intended to ensure that contributions are proportionate and fair, while minimising impacts for the majority of travellers.The Secretary of State for Scotland has met with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports since being appointed and will continue to engage with the aviation sector on a range of issues.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Air Passenger Duty on Glasgow Airport.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector. It is expected to raise £4.2 billion in 2024-25 and it aims to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances, particularly given that tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty.At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for 2026-27, including a partial adjustment to help compensate for two recent years of inflation that was higher than expected. APD rates are set in advance using forecasts of inflation, and so with actual inflation being significantly greater than forecast in 2022 and 2023, APD rates fell in real terms. To help account for this and to ensure that the aviation industry continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances, the Government announced an adjustment to the APD rates for 2026-27.For economy class passengers, the rate increases are: £1 for domestic flights; £2 for short-haul international flights; and £12 for long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights.The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Notice, which outlined the expected impacts of the APD changes. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2027Passengers carried on flights leaving from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, such as Sumburgh Airport, are exempt from APD. This exemption is set out at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-air-passenger-duty

Whether he has had discussions with Aberdeen City Council on oil and gas licences in the North Sea.

North Sea oil and gas will continue to be an important part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government will soon consult on the implementation of our manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea, and - while this process is being led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - the Secretary of State is happy to continue to discuss this matter with a variety of stakeholders, as required. Aberdeen and the wider Northeast remain central to our clean energy ambitions.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Air Passenger Duty on Aberdeen Airport.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector. It is expected to raise £4.2 billion in 2024-25 and it aims to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances, particularly given that tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty.At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for 2026-27, including a partial adjustment to help compensate for two recent years of inflation that was higher than expected. APD rates are set in advance using forecasts of inflation, and so with actual inflation being significantly greater than forecast in 2022 and 2023, APD rates fell in real terms. To help account for this and to ensure that the aviation industry continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances, the Government announced an adjustment to the APD rates for 2026-27.For economy class passengers, the rate increases are: £1 for domestic flights; £2 for short-haul international flights; and £12 for long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights.The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Notice, which outlined the expected impacts of the APD changes. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2027Passengers carried on flights leaving from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, such as Sumburgh Airport, are exempt from APD. This exemption is set out at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-air-passenger-duty

Whether he has had recent discussions with Aberdeen Airport on the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) in last year’s Autumn Budget, to take effect from April this year.This Government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and passengers while restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming our economy. However, this Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the previous administration, and as such, the Chancellor has had to make difficult decisions. Against this backdrop, the UK Government has added just £2 to APD rates in 2026-27 for those flying economy to short-haul destinations, but has increased higher rates for private jets by 50%. This is intended to ensure that contributions are proportionate and fair, while minimising impacts for the majority of travellers.The Secretary of State for Scotland has met with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports since being appointed and will continue to engage with the aviation sector on a range of issues.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Dundee Airport on the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) in last year’s Autumn Budget, to take effect from April this year.This Government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and passengers while restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming our economy. However, this Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the previous administration, and as such, the Chancellor has had to make difficult decisions. Against this backdrop, the UK Government has added just £2 to APD rates in 2026-27 for those flying economy to short-haul destinations, but has increased higher rates for private jets by 50%. This is intended to ensure that contributions are proportionate and fair, while minimising impacts for the majority of travellers.The Secretary of State for Scotland has met with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports since being appointed and will continue to engage with the aviation sector on a range of issues.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Air Passenger Duty on Dundee Airport.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector. It is expected to raise £4.2 billion in 2024-25 and it aims to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances, particularly given that tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty.At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates for 2026-27, including a partial adjustment to help compensate for two recent years of inflation that was higher than expected. APD rates are set in advance using forecasts of inflation, and so with actual inflation being significantly greater than forecast in 2022 and 2023, APD rates fell in real terms. To help account for this and to ensure that the aviation industry continues to make a fair contribution to the public finances, the Government announced an adjustment to the APD rates for 2026-27.For economy class passengers, the rate increases are: £1 for domestic flights; £2 for short-haul international flights; and £12 for long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights.The Government published a Tax Information and Impact Notice, which outlined the expected impacts of the APD changes. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026/air-passenger-duty-rates-from-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2027Passengers carried on flights leaving from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, such as Sumburgh Airport, are exempt from APD. This exemption is set out at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-air-passenger-duty