Speeches by Jones.

“The strategic defence review places strong emphasis on the integration of emerging technologies into naval capabilities. How well equipped is UK industry to deliver those capabilities at pace, and what are the key risks or barriers to successful and timely implementation of emerging technologies?”

“The Navy has reportedly been instructed to find efficiencies in its existing ships and systems before procuring additional ships. Do you believe there is still room for improved efficiency?”

“Retraining and lifelong learning of the existing workforce has been noted as a challenge in the sector. What is your assessment of the effectiveness of the current skills provision in supporting continuous development?”

“How can the Scottish and UK Governments collaborate effectively to ensure that skills provision is responsive to the dynamic needs of this specific workforce?”

“I certainly agree with your point about investing in colleges a lot more. I come from Ayrshire, which has a rich engineering heritage over many generations, and yet our young people struggle to access colleges because the engineering courses are not available due to cuts in funding, so I really agree with that point, S…”

“My constituency has a proud industrial heritage and is renowned for the rich diversity of its industrial output during the 19th century. We had the world famous Johnnie Walker whisky plant which was linked to Kilmarnock for more than 190 years, Saxone, a shoe manufacturing and retail company, Massey Ferguson, producer …”

“I thank the Secretary of State for his earlier reply. In Scotland, there are more quangos than MSPs. After four years and £30 million of taxpayers’ cash down the drain, the SNP has scrapped its plans for a national care service—its flagship policy—which was seen as a significant setback for Scottish social care reform,…”

“16. What steps his Department is taking to tackle wasteful spending in the NHS.”

“Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is right that the UK as part of the international community comes together to urge all sides to show restraint through diplomacy to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, and that it is also right that our focus is not diverted from Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and the re…”

“The use of animals in research raises serious questions about animal welfare, particularly in procedures that cause pain, distress or even death. Does my hon. Friend agree that advances in technology are making the transition away from animal testing more feasible? In vitro techniques using human cells and tissues, com…”

“A well-established local business and employer in my constituency is facing an ongoing and costly administrative issue with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. It has been trying since January to close an outdated VAT bond that is no longer required, yet despite repeated attempts, including formal letters to six HMRC de…”

“Will the right hon. Member give way?”

“My right hon. Friend is speaking about children. Does he agree that the covid pandemic really affected children who were going through school? All of a sudden, they could not see their friends for many, many weeks. I worked in the NHS. When we are living in the moment, we do not think of these things, but when we refle…”

“This is for either of you. How well does Ofcom’s equality impact assessment sufficiently capture the needs and vulnerabilities of remote communities?”

“That is a commitment that they take seriously as well.”

“With the voluntary redundancies there will be no compulsory?”

“What numbers of jobs?”

“I have a supplementary on a previous question. Ricky, just so that I can understand the enormity of the challenge that Royal Mail faces, and given the predicted savings for Royal Mail from Ofcom’s proposals, what level of savings are we talking here? What areas of the business are being focused on to deliver those savi…”

“That is why I am referring to the highlands and islands, because it can take two or three days to get to an appointment. It is important.”

“I would be interested to know that the health boards that cover the rural highlands and islands areas are aware of this barcode system and that it is in use, given that you say it is a contingency.”