To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which central funding pathways are available for places of worship in the devolved regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which central funding pathways are available for places of worship in the devolved regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the devolved Administrations on the introduction of digital ID cards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the devolved Administrations on the introduction of digital ID cards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether funding will be made available to devolved Governments under the Barnett formula from the NHS England Ten Year Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether funding will be made available to devolved Governments under the Barnett formula from the NHS England Ten Year Plan.

First, Mr Speaker, I apologise to you and the House for Scottish questions overshadowing other events today.

I was pleased to join the Commonwealth Games Federation last week to confirm that Glasgow will host the Commonwealth games in 2026. It will be yet another wonderful opportunity for Scotland to show how we put on world-class sporting events. I also visited the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome and spoke to the next generation of cyclists, who have been inspired by Sir Chris. I am sure that the whole House will wish to pass on their best wishes to him and his family. I also congratulate Scotland women’s football team, who qualified for the play-offs yesterday after a 4-0 win over Hungary.

I was delighted to join the Prime Minister as he hosted the inaugural meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh earlier this month. We discussed opportunities for attracting long-term inward investment, stabilising the UK economy and creating good jobs. The council demonstrates our commitment to working together to deliver those priorities.

First, Mr Speaker, I apologise to you and the House for Scottish questions overshadowing other events today.

I was pleased to join the Commonwealth Games Federation last week to confirm that Glasgow will host the Commonwealth games in 2026. It will be yet another wonderful opportunity for Scotland to show how we put on world-class sporting events. I also visited the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome and spoke to the next generation of cyclists, who have been inspired by Sir Chris. I am sure that the whole House will wish to pass on their best wishes to him and his family. I also congratulate Scotland women’s football team, who qualified for the play-offs yesterday after a 4-0 win over Hungary.

I was delighted to join the Prime Minister as he hosted the inaugural meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh earlier this month. We discussed opportunities for attracting long-term inward investment, stabilising the UK economy and creating good jobs. The council demonstrates our commitment to working together to deliver those priorities.

On 16 July, the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all areas that do not have a devolution deal to invite them to come forward with a proposal. New mayors established through that process would be eligible to sit on the Council of Nations and Regions. I will make sure that the Deputy Prime Minister forwards that letter to the hon. Gentleman.

On 16 July, the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all areas that do not have a devolution deal to invite them to come forward with a proposal. New mayors established through that process would be eligible to sit on the Council of Nations and Regions. I will make sure that the Deputy Prime Minister forwards that letter to the hon. Gentleman.

I was delighted to attend the Council of Nations and Regions, held in a Labour constituency in Edinburgh. I can assure my hon. Friend that our manifesto said “no return to austerity”, and that is what we are determined to deliver.

I was delighted to attend the Council of Nations and Regions, held in a Labour constituency in Edinburgh. I can assure my hon. Friend that our manifesto said “no return to austerity”, and that is what we are determined to deliver.

I thought that, with a full House, the shadow Secretary of State would have taken the opportunity to apologise for his Government not only crashing the economy, but leaving a £22 billion black hole. That is something this Government are determined to clean up. [Interruption.]

I thought that, with a full House, the shadow Secretary of State would have taken the opportunity to apologise for his Government not only crashing the economy, but leaving a £22 billion black hole. That is something this Government are determined to clean up. [Interruption.]

I hope that, in a later question, the shadow Secretary of State will apologise at the Dispatch Box to the country for crashing the economy, and to pensioners for what has happened to them as a result.

I hope that, in a later question, the shadow Secretary of State will apologise at the Dispatch Box to the country for crashing the economy, and to pensioners for what has happened to them as a result.

What discussions he had with representatives of the devolved Administrations and regions at the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions.

What discussions he had with representatives of the devolved Administrations and regions at the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions.

I congratulate my hon. Friend on winning Glasgow East. The people of Scotland want their two Governments to spend more time fighting for them than fighting each other, which is why resetting the relationship has been a priority for this Government and, indeed, the Prime Minister. I have had numerous productive meetings with Scottish Government Ministers, including the Deputy First Minister. We have had 17 days of visits across Scotland, and seven members of the Cabinet have already visited. There have been dozens of calls between Secretaries of State and Cabinet Secretaries. I look forward to working with the Scottish Government to deliver our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.

I congratulate my hon. Friend on winning Glasgow East. The people of Scotland want their two Governments to spend more time fighting for them than fighting each other, which is why resetting the relationship has been a priority for this Government and, indeed, the Prime Minister. I have had numerous productive meetings with Scottish Government Ministers, including the Deputy First Minister. We have had 17 days of visits across Scotland, and seven members of the Cabinet have already visited. There have been dozens of calls between Secretaries of State and Cabinet Secretaries. I look forward to working with the Scottish Government to deliver our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.

There seems to be no recognition or apology from the shadow Secretary of State for the legacy his party has left this Government to try to clear up. We knew about the massive overspend in public services by the previous Government, and the audit the Chancellor did in her first weekend in office revealed the £22 billion black hole. These things have to be fixed. We did not expect or want to make such tough decisions, but we have had to make them to fix the foundations of our economy.

There seems to be no recognition or apology from the shadow Secretary of State for the legacy his party has left this Government to try to clear up. We knew about the massive overspend in public services by the previous Government, and the audit the Chancellor did in her first weekend in office revealed the £22 billion black hole. These things have to be fixed. We did not expect or want to make such tough decisions, but we have had to make them to fix the foundations of our economy.

I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to his place, having won the election for the new constituency of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. He should look at what the Finance Secretary said in the Scottish Parliament yesterday: she announced half a billion pounds of cuts, including £120 million in health services and £20 million in mental health services, and she has sold the family inheritance by using the ScotWind money to plug the additional funding gaps in the budget. Audit Scotland and the Institute for Fiscal Studies have been clear that this is a problem of the Scottish Government’s own making, so if they want to reset the relationship, they can start by taking responsibility for their own actions.

I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to his place, having won the election for the new constituency of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. He should look at what the Finance Secretary said in the Scottish Parliament yesterday: she announced half a billion pounds of cuts, including £120 million in health services and £20 million in mental health services, and she has sold the family inheritance by using the ScotWind money to plug the additional funding gaps in the budget. Audit Scotland and the Institute for Fiscal Studies have been clear that this is a problem of the Scottish Government’s own making, so if they want to reset the relationship, they can start by taking responsibility for their own actions.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the effectiveness of the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the effectiveness of the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments.

My hon. Friend is right; the Scottish Fiscal Commission did say that. While this new Government are cleaning up the mess of the previous Conservative Government, the SNP seems to be cleaning up its own mess. In 2023, Audit Scotland said:

“The Scottish Government’s projections suggest that it cannot afford to pay for public services in their current form.”

As we have heard, the IFS said this morning that SNP decisions have reduced the tax take rather than increase it. This is about treating taxpayers’ money with respect and being honest about the tough choices we face. An honest assessment of the SNP Government’s Budget is that these problems have been stored up for years. Tough decisions have been kicked into the long grass, and money has been spent recklessly. It is a problem of the SNP’s own making, and the Scottish people will suffer as the SNP tries to clear it up.

My hon. Friend is right; the Scottish Fiscal Commission did say that. While this new Government are cleaning up the mess of the previous Conservative Government, the SNP seems to be cleaning up its own mess. In 2023, Audit Scotland said:

“The Scottish Government’s projections suggest that it cannot afford to pay for public services in their current form.”

As we have heard, the IFS said this morning that SNP decisions have reduced the tax take rather than increase it. This is about treating taxpayers’ money with respect and being honest about the tough choices we face. An honest assessment of the SNP Government’s Budget is that these problems have been stored up for years. Tough decisions have been kicked into the long grass, and money has been spent recklessly. It is a problem of the SNP’s own making, and the Scottish people will suffer as the SNP tries to clear it up.

I welcome the shadow Secretary of State to his new post.

During the inheritance statement a few weeks ago, the Chancellor set out how the current Government are fixing the foundations and trying to clear up the dreadful legacy left by the Government of which the hon. Gentleman was a member. The Chancellor did not want or expect to make these decisions, but they had to be made to try to get the finances in balance and to make sure that we can fix the foundations to deliver on our manifesto. That is the legacy of the previous Government and, as I said in my previous answer, the SNP has made a mess of the public finances over the last 17 years. As we saw in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the SNP has one hell of a mess to clear up, and it is Scottish pensioners and the Scottish people who will pay the price.

I welcome the shadow Secretary of State to his new post.

During the inheritance statement a few weeks ago, the Chancellor set out how the current Government are fixing the foundations and trying to clear up the dreadful legacy left by the Government of which the hon. Gentleman was a member. The Chancellor did not want or expect to make these decisions, but they had to be made to try to get the finances in balance and to make sure that we can fix the foundations to deliver on our manifesto. That is the legacy of the previous Government and, as I said in my previous answer, the SNP has made a mess of the public finances over the last 17 years. As we saw in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the SNP has one hell of a mess to clear up, and it is Scottish pensioners and the Scottish people who will pay the price.

Motion that the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2024, which was laid before this House on 17 April, be approved. Agreed to on question.

Motion that the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2024, which was laid before this House on 17 April, be approved. Agreed to on question.

Tenth opposition day debate (part one), on a motion in the name of the Leader of the second largest opposition party (SNP). Motion that this House believes it should be for the Scottish people to determine the future constitutional status of Scotland; and accordingly makes provision as set out in this Order: (1) On Tuesday 10 January 2023: (a) Standing Order No. 14(1) (which provides that government business shall have precedence at every sitting save as provided in that Order) shall not apply; (b) any proceedings governed by this Order may be proceeded with until any hour, though opposed, and shall not be interrupted; (c) the Speaker may not propose the question on the previous question, and may not put any question under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) or Standing Order No. 163 (Motion to sit in private); (d) at 3.00 pm, the Speaker shall interrupt any business prior to the business governed by this Order and call the Leader of the Scottish National Party Westminster Group or another Member on his behalf to present a Bill concerning a modification of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 of which notice of presentation has been given and immediately thereafter (notwithstanding the practice of the House) call a Member to move the motion that the Bill be now read a second time as if it were an order of the House; (e) in respect of that Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time; (f) any proceedings interrupted or superseded by this Order may be resumed or (as the case may be) entered upon and proceeded with after the moment of interruption. (2) The provisions of paragraphs (3) to (18) of this Order shall apply to and in connection with the proceedings on the Bill in the present Session of Parliament. Timetable for the Bill on Tuesday 10 January 2023. Timing of proceedings and Questions to be put on Tuesday 10 January 2023. Consideration of Lords Amendments and Messages on a subsequent day. Reasons Committee. Miscellaneous. Negatived on division (42 to 265).

Tenth opposition day debate (part one), on a motion in the name of the Leader of the second largest opposition party (SNP). Motion that this House believes it should be for the Scottish people to determine the future constitutional status of Scotland; and accordingly makes provision as set out in...

Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

Report stage. Government new clause 12 (Permanence of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government), discussed with Government new clause 13 (Functions exercisable within devolved competence: elections); new clause 1 (Independent Commission on Full Fiscal Autonomy); new clause 4 (Review of operation of gift aid in Scotland); new clause 6 (Local discretionary taxation); new clause 7 (Local authority's power of general competence); new clause 8 (Competences of local government in Scotland); new clause 35 (Consent of the Scottish Parliament to certain Westminster Acts); new clause 36 (Scottish independence referendum). Government new clauses 12 and 13 agreed to. New clause 1 negatived on division (191 votes to 341). New clause 35 negatived on division (245 votes to 287). New clause 36 negatived on division (56 votes to 289 - corrected from 56 to 269 by Speaker's statement on 10 November). Clause 1 amended and replaced by Government new clause 12. Government new clause 14 (Welfare foods), discussed with Government new clause 15 (Abortion); Government new clause 16 (Public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities); Government new clause 17 (Destination of fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties); new clause 2 (New benefits); new clause 3 (Joint Committee on Welfare Devolution); new clause 5 (Childcare element of universal credit); new clause 10 (Commission on social and economic rights); new clause 18 (Tax credits); new clause 19 (Employment and industrial relations); new clause 20 (National minimum wage); new clause 21 (National insurance: employers' contributions); new clause 22 (Job search and support); new clause 23 (Working age benefits); new clause 24 (Universal credit: powers to vary other elements); new clause 25 (Benefits relating to children); new clause 26 (Health and safety); new clause 27 (Equal opportunities); new clause 28 (Crown property); new clause 29 (Party political broadcasts); new clause 30 (Broadcasting); new clause 31 (Levies in respect of agriculture, taking wild game, aquaculture and fisheries etc); new clause 32 (Rail services); new clause 33 (Civil Aviation Authority); new schedule 1 (Joint Committee on Welfare Devolution). Government new clauses 14, 16, 17, and 34 agreed to. Government new clause 15 agreed to on division (350 votes to 183). New clause 18 negatived on division (56 votes to 477). New clause 27 negatived on division (61 votes to 288). Amendment to clause 32 (Equal opportunities) negatived on division (242 votes to 287). Other amendments to clauses agreed to. Third reading. Queen's Consent signified. Agreed to on question and Bill passed.

Report stage. Government new clause 12 (Permanence of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government), discussed with Government new clause 13 (Functions exercisable within devolved competence: elections); new clause 1 (Independent Commission on Full Fiscal Autonomy); new clause 4 (Review of operation of gift aid in Scotland); new clause 6 (Local...

Second reading agreed to on question. Amendment not selected. Programme motion agreed to on question. Queen's recommendation signified. Money resolution agreed to on question. Ways and Means resolution agreed to on question.

Second reading agreed to on question. Amendment not selected. Programme motion agreed to on question. Queen's recommendation signified. Money resolution agreed to on question. Ways and Means resolution agreed to on question.