Tag: Scottish Office

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 1 November 2023.

Alister Jack welcomes economy’s resilience while remaining committed to halving inflation for long-term growth.

Scotland’s onshore GDP is estimated to have increased by 0.1% in August, following the figures increasing by 0.2% in July (revised up from 0.1% in the previous publication)

In the three months to August, GDP is estimated to have remained constant (0.0% growth) compared to the previous three month period. This indicates an increase in growth during the third quarter of the year so far, relative to the fall of 0.3% in 2023 Quarter 2 (April to June)

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

While this month’s figures indicate a resilient economy, we are still absolutely committed to halving inflation to achieve sustained long-term growth.

Not only are we encouraging trade and boosting investment with more than £2.5 billion invested directly into all parts of Scotland, we also continue to help families with the cost of living, with the second of three £300 payments going out from this week to those who need it most.

The UK has grown faster than France and Germany since the pandemic and we will continue to prioritise growing the economy for the benefit of people all over the UK.

Additional information:

• Since 2010, the UK has grown faster than France, Japan and Germany.
• Recent figures have shown that by 2021 the UK had recovered faster than France, Germany, Italy and Japan, with the economy 0.6% above pre-pandemic levels by 2021 Q4.
• Through measures announced at the Spring Budget, the Chancellor is tackling two of the biggest issues for UK growth – employment levels and business investment – while also supporting households with cost-of-living pressures.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 3 October 2023.

Alister Jack joined by Scotch Whisky Association to boost Vietnamese export market

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack will travel to Vietnam this week on a mission to boost trade and diplomatic links. He will be joined by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), in a drive to boost the Vietnamese export market.

Vietnam has strong business and educational links to Scotland, and 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the UK and Vietnam establishing formal diplomatic relations.

Mr Jack will undertake a packed programme in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which will include:

• speaking to leading political figures from the Vietnamese government;
• hosting (jointly with the SWA) a whisky reception in Hanoi for key business representatives, plus a reception in Ho Chi Minh City to promote Scottish produce;
• visiting textile manufacturer Coats, to hear about their operations in Vietnam; and
• meeting students at the British University Vietnam (BUV) and seeing the signing of a new partnership between the BUV with Stirling University.

Alister Jack said:

“It is a real honour to promote UK interests in Vietnam – particularly this year which marks 50 years of the UK’s and Vietnam’s formal diplomatic relations. I look forward to building on these strong and important ties with our Vietnamese friends.

“The UK Government’s post-Brexit free trade agreement with Vietnam offers huge opportunities for Scottish businesses, and I look forward to promoting Scotch and other important Scottish exports in this important market.”

During his visit to Hanoi, Mr Jack will meet with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to furthering cooperation with Vietnam in a wide range of fields, including this year’s celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations. He will also meet the Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister, Phung Duc Tien, and the Vice Minister for Industry and Trade, Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. Mr Jack will focus on ways to strengthen UK-Vietnam trade relations, particularly in light of the UK’s recent agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He will also meet the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss international relations.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Mr Jack will meet with the City’s political leadership and the National Assembly’s Committee For Foreign Affairs. These talks will foster deeper connections and collaboration between the UK and Vietnam.

Mr Jack will visit a Coats factory in Ho Chi Minh City to hear about their expansion into the Vietnam market. The company, with its roots in Paisley, is the world’s leading industrial thread manufacturer.

And he will meet a group of Chevening Scholars to learn about their experiences at UK universities and how they are using that learning back home in Vietnam. The Chevening scheme is the UK government’s international scholarships programme, which enables outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue masters degrees in the UK.

Latest trade figures show that almost 200 Scottish companies export goods to Vietnam worth £83 million a year – more than 11 per cent of all UK exports to Vietnam. The three top three export are beverages, fish and scientific instruments. There is huge further potential for Scottish businesses in the country.

Vietnam is a priority market for Scotch. Vietnam is the 24th largest export market by value. In 2022 direct exports were worth £73.9 million equivalent to 7.1m bottles, having grown in value by 371 per cent since 2019. Single malts account for 31% of exports. Some 85 per cent of all whisky drunk in Vietnam is Scotch. Under the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, the 45 per cent import tariff is being gradually reduced over six years to zero (it is currently 24 per cent). This has been a significant factor in driving exports.

Graeme Littlejohn, Scotch Whisky Association Director of Strategy and Communication, will join the Secretary of State on the visit, said:

“As the fastest growing economy in Asia last year, Vietnam is attracting global investment and the opportunities for Scottish exports are clear to see. The growth of Scotch Whisky exports to Vietnam over the past few years is linked to this economic potential, coupled with the reduction in tariffs agreed as part of the UK-Vietnam trade deal, and the importance of premium tourism to the Vietnamese economy.

“As the UK’s largest food and drink export, Scotch Whisky regularly breaks new ground in emerging markets, showing the way for other Scottish exports. The Secretary of State’s visit is welcome reminder of the cachet that Scotland, and Scottish products, have on the world stage.”

Mr Jack will arrive in Vietnam today [Tuesday 3 October] for a four day visit. He is being supported by the British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, part of the UK’s extensive global diplomatic network.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 27 September 2023.

Focus remains on halving inflation and growing the economy, says Secretary of State, as latest encouraging figures published.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 26 September 2023.

Project is one of four major bids in Scotland receiving total of £1m from UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

A new aerospace discovery centre is one of four Scottish projects set to receive thousands in government funding following a successful bidding round.

Almost £1m will be granted to the four projects – including £300,000 for the aerospace centre – to help level up local opportunities for generations to come.

Through interactive learning and exhibitions, the new centre will inspire young people to pursue aerospace-related jobs in science, tech, engineering and maths. It will be based at the Aero Space Scientific Education Trust’s Station House in Kinross, which was officially opened by Princess Anne in 1985.

Other new projects awarded in Scotland include:

• £256,793 to create a Community Net-Zero hub in Glasgow, boosting low-carbon learning and training in the city and urban nature-based wellbeing activities for residents.
• £253,032 to bring an existing shop building in Stirling into community ownership, creating a commercially sustainable village shop which supports the diversity of its community and visitors.
• £183,000 for Aberdeenshire to redevelop Laurencekirk Community Centre into a larger community hub. This will help host more local events and advisory services, lunch and chat clubs for elderly and lonely people and clubs for school holidays, youths, mums and toddlers.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

It’s great news that a further four Scottish projects are sharing almost £1 million (£992,825) from the UK Government Community Ownership Fund.

Through the fund we are now supporting 28 community groups across Scotland to breathe new life into the places where they live, work and play to the tune of almost £6.2 million (£6,161,420).

In total we are directly investing more than £2.4 billion in hundreds of projects across Scotland as we help grow our economy and level up the country.

The Community Ownership Fund helps towns and cities across the UK to create and restore treasured institutions like museums, pubs and sports clubs, so that they can be run by the community, for the community.

The fund has now given £6.2 million for 28 projects in Scotland – part of 195 projects now being supported across the UK.

UK Government minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished c community institutions.

These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.

Changes which came into effect for this round of bids also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding, not just sports clubs, and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to 20%.

This also marks the first time that applicants applying to support projects such as the Community Net-Zero hub, have been able to benefit from support with the development of their application and business case through the Community Ownership Fund development support provider, led by Locality.

The Community Ownership Fund is currently open again for bids and will close on 11 October 2023 and groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 11 August 2023.

Meeting with Scottish businesses, community groups and local partners in the west of Scotland, Minister John Lamont saw UK Government investment in action.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 31 July 2023.

Boosting the economy and supporting communities will be UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont’s focus as he visits Scotland’s west coast this week.

Starting Monday (July 31), the Minister will begin a five day visit of engagement with Scottish businesses, community groups and North Ayrshire council about the opportunities and challenges they face.

He will see how UK Government funding is helping communities on the mainland and the islands of Mull and Arran and will discuss how it, alongside local partners, can provide further support.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

“I’m eager to see and hear for myself the opportunities and challenges faced by people living and working on Mull, Arran and the west coast of Scotland.

“I know rural areas have many particular issues of concern such as cost of living, affordable housing and connectivity and I’m looking forward to chatting with local communities and businesses about how working together we can ensure local economies are growing and thriving .

“We are giving people financial security by halving inflation and growing the economy to create better paid jobs and opportunity right across the country, while reducing debt so that we can secure the future of public services.

“We are investing more than £2.4 billion to level up all areas of Scotland, with Argyll and Bute and North Ayrshire receiving £31 million and £72 million respectively. This includes £23.4 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to improve connectivity in North Ayrshire with upgrades to the B174. It will be great to see this investment in action and get thoughts on what else can be done to improve people’s lives.”

DIARY

At Cruachan Power Station, near Dalmally in Argyll, he will hear from Drax about its renewable energy operation. The Minister will speak about the UK Government’s commitment to helping the sector use alternative, clean resources, in the drive to net zero.  He will see the dam as well as the underground power station which sits in a huge cavern inside the mountain Ben Cruachan, also known as “Hollow Mountain”, which the makers of Star Wars TV series Andor used last year for on-location shooting.

He’ll also visit the nearby Scottish Sea Farms’ Barcaldine salmon hatchery – recently awarded £5 million from the UK Government Seafood Fund – to learn more about how one of Scotland’s most famous exports is becoming more sustainable and innovative and sustaining hundreds of jobs, including 103 apprenticeships.  Fisheries will also be on the agenda as he meets members of the Community Inshore Fisheries Alliance in Oban to learn more about their work and importance of the sector to coastal communities and the rural economy.

While in Oban he will also meet with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) to discuss how the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund (£407,715) is supporting the Seaweed Academy, and its importance in bringing high-skilled jobs to the area. The Minister will hear how the Argyll and Bute Growth Deal, backed by £25 million each from the UK and Scottish governments, could see the creation of a skills and research and development centre.

On the Isle of Mull, the Minister will visit Inverlussa Mussels – which earlier this month was awarded £200,000 through the UK Government’s Seafood Fund. Based at Loch Spelve from where it produces up to 500 tons of mussels per year, it has often been voted Scotland’s best mussel producer. The Minister will hear about the farm’s plans to upgrade the mussel farm and shore-based hub with renewable energy supply. Also on the agenda from the food and drink sector is a meeting with Isle of Mull Cheese which has diversified into producing Isle of Mull Spirits.

Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) will showcase their work to improve the quality of life for residents, including delivering community development projects – such as transport and local, affordable home building schemes which are helping to keep Ulva Primary School open. And he’ll hear from Tobermory Harbour Association about its plans to transform the Aros Waterfront site into an outdoor activity hub to create a hub for community well-being, educational opportunities, and tourism.

At TSL Contractors, Craignure, the discussion with the employer will include access to labour and population retention on the island. And at Nonhebel Park (Tobermory Light Industrial Park), he’ll hear about the site’s 100% occupancy rate and expansion plans. The Minister will meet Royal Mail to discuss the impact of ferry reliability on delivering post to Scotland’s island communities – and its plans for 50 new ‘postal drone routes’ over the next three years.

On Arran he’ll meet the community-led Arran Development Trust to get a better sense of the governance issues islanders face. The Minister will see the trust’s housing project in Lamlash which will provide homes for key workers. The Minister will also hear from North Ayrshire Council about its Islands Recovery and Renewal Pilot partnership and how it has facilitated the development of the first Arran Local Island Plan to boost the economic, community and environmental wellbeing of the population.

And he will meet with the Arran Community and Voluntary Service to discuss some of the work carried out by more than 120 groups operating on Arran. These include the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) who have campaigned to stop fishing that damages the island’s seabeds and introduce a more sustainable industry. The Arran Eco Savvy Community charity will tell him how it is working to reduce Arran’s carbon footprint, supporting residents and local businesses to greener lifestyles. Included will be an update on progress on the Islands Green Programme, which was supported by £456,000 from the UK Government Community Renewal Fund.

The Minister will visit the re-opened Lochranza Country Inn, which received £300,000 UK Government Community Ownership Fund for a local buyout of the last remaining inn in the village. There he will meet with the North Arran Community Benefit Society who run the Inn and see the renovations and repairs to bring the building up to standard and future-proof it for generations to come.

Back on the mainland, North Ayrshire Council will take the Minister on a tour of the area where he will see and hear about the opportunities and challenges facing the region, including successful government and local partner collaboration through the Ayrshire Growth Deal. He will hear about the new Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy and vision for Ayrshire 2033.

Among the projects the Minister will visit is i3 Irvine. Investment – including £5m from the UK Government – will result in the creation of a Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre to provide a centre of excellence for digital automation. This will build on current life science clustering at the site, and will facilitate research and development activity.

He will also see B714 upgrade plans to significantly improve connectivity between the region and Glasgow, the central belt, wider motorway network and how it will improve journeys for road users travelling to the west coast and ferry links to Arran and Cumbrae. The project, which will substantially increase the potential for tourism and economic development, is being part funded through £23,693,443 awarded to North Ayrshire Council from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

And at the recently completed Lochshore Park Hub in the Garnock Valley, the Minister will hear about the outdoor activities and events within the parkland and plans to deliver environmental, economic, regeneration, health, mental health and social benefits to the community. At the hub he will have a more detailed conversation with the council on regeneration plans for North Ayrshire.

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 26 July 2023.

Alister Jack says despite factors affecting growth, the UK Government is prioritising halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt.

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 13 June 2023.

New ONS figures show Scottish unemployment near record lows – but investing in jobs and skills still vital, says Alister Jack, as global economic issues persist.

Responding to the latest LMS publication, Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, said:

It’s encouraging to see that the unemployment rate in Scotland remains near record lows and there’s resilience in the labour market. Global issues are still causing significant economic challenges, however.

The UK Government is investing £3.5 billion to remove barriers to work and remains committed to halving inflation, reducing debt and growing the economy, not least through investing more than £2.2 billion in Scotland through our ambitious levelling up agenda and City and Growth Deals.

Background

Figures from the ONS show unemployment at 3.1 per cent in Scotland down 0.1 p.p. since the same time last year. Scotland’s employment rate is at 74.6 per cent, down by 0.9 p.p. over the last year.

In summary, Scotland’s labour market key indicators show a mixed but resilient picture: the unemployment rate has remained unchanged over the last three months, the UK rate has increased marginally during the same period. Unemployment remains at a near historic low rate at 3.1% in Scotland. However, the employment rate and economic activity have fallen over the quarter, whereas the UK sees a slight increase in employment. In light of increasing economic headwinds, there has been a 1.9% fall in economic activity and equal increase in inactivity.

Despite this, some economic forecasters predict that the UK economy overall will now avoid a technical recession in 2023. The claimant count level for May 2023 saw a marginal fall from April.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 31 May 2023.

UK Government prioritises halving inflation, reducing debt and growing the economy.

The latest Scottish GDP figures have been published today – here for March 2023 and here for Q1 2023 (January to March).

Responding to the statistics, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Our economic outlook is looking encouraging with the first quarter of this year showing strength due to the swift action of this Government to avoid recession.

The UK Government is creating jobs, boosting trade and encouraging investment with more than £2.2bn invested across Scotland to encourage prosperity. Our priority is to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy for the benefit of the whole of the UK.

The figures show that the economy remained flat in March this year, after growing by 0.3% in February (revised up from 0.2%).

Looking at the broader picture, in the first quarter of 2023, from Jan-March, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.4%, an improvement compared to the growth of 0.2% in the previous three month period, (October to December 2022).

Additional information:

• The UK avoided recession in 2022, and is now expected to avoid recession this year.
• The UK was the fastest growing economy in the G7 last year. Since 2010, the UK has grown faster than Japan, France, and Italy, and at about the same rate as Germany.
• The IMF are predicting that around 90% of advanced economies will see a decline in growth in 2023.
• At Autumn Statement 2022, the UK Government took difficult, but necessary, decisions across taxation and spending to restore economic stability.
• The OBR have said that the measures in the Budget caused them to revise potential output upwards by the largest amount ever in their forecasts.
• The UK Government is maintaining record levels of capital investment – £600bn over the next 5 years – including investment in critical infrastructure like Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 and Sizewell C, and safeguarding the highest ever R&D budget.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 19 May 2023.

University of Stirling researchers – part-funded by £7.25m UK Government investment – pioneer programme to make pubs, cafes and restaurants more inclusive.

• Scheme will see more venues introduce simple menus and have ‘quiet table’ provision
• Training for staff to ensure increased inclusion for people with dementia and their families
• UK Government supports associated improvements for ageing population with £7.25m funding

A drive to make pubs, restaurants and cafés across the UK more dementia-friendly has been launched by Scottish experts researching the impact of ageing.

The University of Stirling’s internationally-renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has developed a certification scheme that will encourage pub and restaurant owners to make adaptations for people with age-related degenerative conditions.

The voluntary scheme will make the spaces more accessible to people with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s so that they can enjoy going out with their families and carers.

The aim is to create a Google map to chart all dementia-friendly facilities across the UK. Establishments would bear a badge to show they’ve considered things like a clear line of sight to the bar, clearly signposted toilets, some private and quieter tables, easy-to-read menus and staff with an understanding of the condition to give customers the support they require.

The University is keen to break down social barriers associated with dementia. Their scheme sits in tandem with the new Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub, part-funded by £7.25 million from the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, to pioneer technologies for an ageing society.

Lesley Palmer, the University of Stirling’s Acting Director of DSDC, said:

We have long accepted that there should be no barriers for people with wheelchairs. Similarly, there should be no barriers for people with dementia – they should be able to go out for a drink or a meal without stigma and feel comfortable.

The scheme is entirely voluntary for owners, and by making relatively small and inexpensive adaptations, pubs and restaurants can become accredited.