Speeches by Jones.

“When I was reading my papers, I came across the minutes from a meeting with the BBC Scotland Committee on 8 May 2024. I appreciate that none of you was at that meeting, but the committee noted how the phrase “backing British content” is better framed within Scotland as “homegrown”. Is that an approach to perhaps overco…”

“Research conducted by Ofcom in 2018 found that viewers in Scotland felt less visible than those in other parts of the UK. What has been done since then to address that issue, and is it still a challenge today?”

“Margaret Mary, the proportion of Gaelic speakers watching BBC Alba in an average week has fallen. The number that has been quoted is 59% in 2020, to 46% last year. What has gone wrong, and how are we going to improve that?”

“Has the vision for what the channel should offer changed at all since it was launched?”

“1. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to the mineworkers' pension scheme on the living standards of recipients.”

“I thank the Secretary of State for that reply and for his attentive engagement on the issue. I understand that British coal staff superannuation scheme trustees wrote to the Department last month with reform proposals. I urge the Secretary of State to meet them as soon as possible to rectify the long-standing injustice…”

“The first Labour Budget in 14 years delivered £4.9 billion for Scotland in Barnett consequentials—the biggest settlement since devolution, putting an end to austerity. On top of that, it confirmed £20 million for Kilmarnock in my constituency—I thank the Secretary of State for ensuring that that funding was delivered, …”

“To what extent do producers share best practice when it comes to reducing farms’ environmental impact?”

“1. What steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to help support economic growth in Scotland.”

“In 2018, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, or SEPA, found that almost one in five salmon farms in Scotland failed to meet the statutory environmental standards. What steps has the industry taken since then to reduce the impact of farms on local marine ecosystems?”

“My next question is again to both of you. Environmental protection and animal welfare are both devolved to the Scottish Government. However, could the UK Government also be taking action to support the sector’s sustainability?”

“Good morning. This question is for both Sarah and Sean. How can industry accelerate progress on reducing its environmental impact and improving fish welfare and mortality?”

“Just a final question: what role does Salmon Scotland have in ensuring individual producers contribute to the industry’s wider sustainability goals?”

“I have just one question. Why was it important for GB Energy to be headquartered in Scotland? On the back of that, it has been reported that the GB Energy Chair, Juergen Maier, will be based in Manchester and not in GB Energy’s Aberdeen headquarters. What message does that send about Scotland’s role in delivering net z…”

“Absolutely. Thanks very much, Secretary of State.”

“These questions are on Brand Scotland and selling Brand Scotland to the world. In terms of the Budget that has been announced, Scotland Office received £750,000 to establish Brand Scotland. In regards to its activities, what are they and will that be set out in the strategy?”

“My final question is for the Secretary of State. The Prime Minister announced a new role of Envoy for the Nations and Regions last month. Why is this position necessary? The role is now vacant. Are there plans to fill it?”

“HMRC’s recent figures valued Scotland’s exports at £31.9 billion this year, so is the £750,000 commensurate with the existing and potential value of our Scottish exports? On the back of that as well—you have probably answered this but to be clear—the Delivering For Scotland board, you said earlier that you have had a r…”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“To the Secretary of State a question about the Council of Nations and Regions. How will the Council of Nations and Regions fit into the existing system of intergovernmental systems?”