Written questions by Bowie.

What steps his Department is taking to engage with the public on the nuclear energy industry.

The department regularly engages with the public on nuclear energy policy matters.

How many people have successfully obtained employment using the Energy Skills Passport.

The initial version of the Energy Skills Passport was launched on 22nd January 2025. As with all policies, DESNZ will be assessing the impact of the project and will use these findings to inform how the project evolves going forward.

What the value of Scottish exports is to (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.

The latest official statistics, published on 29 January 2025, show that Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK was worth over £60.5 billion in 2023, and valued at over £47.7 billion during the first three quarters of 2024. The rest of the UK includes England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

When he (a) last met and (b) plans to next meet with the Chief Executive of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

Scotland Office Ministers meet with a variety of stakeholders on a regular basis, including from the environmental sector, as required.The positive reset of relations with the Scottish Government and, as appropriate, its agencies, is a priority for this Government. While the majority of environmental policy is devolved, we work with the Scottish Government on matters that fall within the scope of both of our administrations. We also meet their Ministers regularly at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where matters relating to the environment are often discussed.

Whether he has received representations from local authorities in Scotland on the proposed expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure in rural areas.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with local authorities in Scotland across a wide range of issues.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the UK defence sector on Scotland’s economy.

Scotland’s aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors contribute significantly to both the Scottish and UK economies, contributing £3.2 billion in 2023 as well as directly employing 33,500 people and 1,500 apprentices. Latest figures show that the Ministry of Defence's expenditure with Scottish industry was £2,140 million in 2023/24. Defence spending in Scotland, including military shipbuilding, generates and maintains high-skilled jobs, creates opportunities for inward investment and drives exports, benefiting both Scotland and the wider UK economy. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the role of Scottish shipyards in fulfilling future Royal Navy procurement contracts.

My Department engages regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues.Scottish shipyards play a key role in fulfilling Royal Navy procurement contracts. The commitments set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy have enabled MoD investment in Scotland’s yards both at Rosyth and on the Clyde.BAE Systems in Glasgow is constructing eight Type 26 frigates, which will form the Anti-Submarine Warfare backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s.Simultaneously, Babcock in Rosyth is building five Type 31 frigates to replace the Navy’s Type 23 general purpose frigates. This investment ensures Rosyth’s shipbuilding capability and capacity can be optimised to support further opportunities.In late 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting both BAE Systems in Govan and Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard to witness the progress of these two key UK Government defence programmes. I also recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to ensure that energy transmission projects in Scotland prioritise community engagement.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

What assessment he has made of the contribution of Scottish-based defence industries to the UK’s national security.

The first duty of the Government is to keep the country secure and our communities safe - a duty all my Cabinet colleagues take very seriously. This is why the Prime Minister launched the Strategic Defence Review to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges of the future, part of which Scottish-based defence industries will play a key role in. Scottish-based defence industries are crucial to the UK's national security. I regularly engage with the defence, aerospace, and security sectors in Scotland to understand the current landscape of their work and how it contributes to the UK’s broader national security picture. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Northern Irish-Scottish connectivity by (a) road, (b) sea, (c) air and (d) rail.

There is of course currently no direct road or rail travel link between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Air routes between Northern Ireland and Scotland are a commercial matter, however the UK Government recognises the importance of strong intra-UK travel routes and is committed to working with all parties as appropriate. The Scottish Government, via Transport Scotland, holds policy responsibility for direct sea travel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The UK Government respects devolution and is supporting the Scottish Government to deliver, with a record block grant of £47.7bn for 2025/2026 - with a further £3.4bn via the Barnett formula, the largest settlement in real terms since devolution began.

What discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) energy transmission companies on the impact of proposed electricity pylons on rural communities in Scotland.

I engage regularly with my counterparts in the Scottish Government on a variety of issues.My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and create good jobs across the UK. We will ensure that these changes are made in partnership with communities across Scotland.

If he will make representations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure that all future energy transmission infrastructure projects in Scotland align with best practices for (a) environmental protection and (b) rural development.

I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

When he (a) last met with and (b) plans to next meet with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.

I meet regularly with Chief Constable Jo Farrell and discuss with her the wide range of issues facing Police Scotland, as well as sharing our mutual priorities and helping to develop understanding of how the UK Government can support the organisation. One of the Prime Minister’s Missions is to halve serious violent crime and raise confidence in the police and criminal justice system. While Crime and Justice is devolved to Scotland, I share this ambition for Scotland and want to support Police Scotland however possible. My last meeting with the Chief Constable took place in December 2024 and the next is scheduled for April 2025.

If he will have discussions with with (a) National Grid and (b) Scottish transmission operators on technological solutions to reduce the need for overhead pylons in Scotland’s rural landscapes.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

When he (a) last met and b) plans to next meet with the Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The Scottish Ambulance Service provides a vital, lifesaving service to the people of Scotland. Health is a devolved matter, and the Scottish Government funds and oversees the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The UK Government engages regularly with the Scottish Government on overall matters of security and multi-agency collaboration across Scotland and the UK, including the work of rescue service agencies. The UK Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government and other agencies to ensure that the safety, health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is protected and prioritised.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the future of military bases in Scotland.

Scotland’s military personnel and our strategic bases, including HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth, play a crucial role in defending the whole of the UK and our NATO Allies. Scotland hosts 17 regular Armed Forces sites, 7 Royal Navy operated sites and two key RAF bases, representing a significant portion of the UK’s defence estate. I engage regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues and my department has a close, positive relationship with the UK Armed Forces in Scotland. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable, together with senior members of the Armed Forces, to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment. Last year, the Prime Minister commissioned a Strategic Defence Review to examine the strategic and operational context for the UK’s defence. As part of that Review, I wrote to the Defence Secretary to highlight Scotland’s important and ongoing role in the UK’s defence capabilities, including the importance of our key military bases. The continued presence of the Armed Forces in Scotland will continue to be important to our overall security and defence.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of new electricity transmission infrastructure on the (a) economy and (b) environment of rural Scotland.

My officials work closely with colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure the needs of Scottish people are represented in policy development.My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on (a) underground and (b) subsea cabling for energy transmission in rural Scotland.

I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.

What steps he is taking to support defence-related job creation in Scotland.

I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on supporting Scotland's defence sector, which makes a vital contribution to the economies of both Scotland and the UK. In 2022/23, the MoD supported 11,200 direct jobs in Scotland through expenditure with industry, and supported 25,600 civilian and military jobs. Under the new Defence Industrial Strategy, UK-based defence firms, including those in Scotland, will be prioritised for government investment. I maintain regular dialogue with Scotland's defence, aerospace, and security sectors and recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment. Additionally, as part of Brand Scotland, I have been promoting the Scottish defence industry in Norway and in South-East Asia, where I visited HMS Spey, constructed by BAE Systems on the Clyde.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing Government support for mitigating the (a) visual and (b) environmental impact of new energy transmission infrastructure in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.