Tag: Scottish Secretary Ian Murray

New Year message from Scottish Secretary Ian Murray

Ahead of the Bells, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to 2025

This time of year is a chance for us all to look back and reflect, as well as look forward. 

Looking back, I think we can all agree that 2024 has been quite a year. 

People voted for change. And we are delivering on that with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Since July’s election we have made huge strides. We have taken the difficult decisions so we could fix the foundations of our economy, dealing with the appalling fiscal and industrial inheritance left by the previous administration. 

We have made great progress in laying the foundations for delivering on our missions. 

We launched the legislation to deliver Great British Energy, which will place Scotland right at the heart of our green energy revolution. We have put in place a £100 million package to support the workers at the Grangemouth refinery and boost the Falkirk and Grangemouth area. 

We have published the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation. And I was very pleased to be able to support the Dad Shift lobby of Parliament for better paternity rights. 

We have put more money in people’s pockets by increasing the minimum wage, uprating benefits and increasing pensions with the triple lock. Our Child Poverty Taskforce is working with partners to tackle the scourge of children living in poverty. 

I went to Norway and South East Asia to launch Brand Scotland – our campaign to sell Scotland and Scottish businesses around the world. 

We are doing politics differently. 

We invited MPs and Peers from all parties to come to Dover House to sign White Ribbon Scotland’s pledge to help stop the scourge of violence against women and girls.  

We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government so that we can work constructively together on the issues that matter to people in Scotland. 

I was very proud that, working with the Scottish Government, we were able to bring 19 female Afghan medical students to Scotland. They are an incredibly brave and inspirational group of women. Now settled at Scottish Universities, they will be a huge contribution to our NHS when they finish their studies. 

And speaking of that important joint working, I want to make a special mention of our Ukrainian friends who have made new homes in Scotland, many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in Edinburgh. I have been inspired by their bravery and resilience – and by their overwhelming desire to return home as soon as they can. 

We are determined to make life better for everyone living in Scotland. The Chancellor’s Budget delivered an extra £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, meaning a record £47.7 billion settlement for them next year, as well as £1.4 billion for local growth projects across Scotland – projects which will help create jobs and improve local communities. 

That is all good progress, but of course it is not enough. 

The UK Government is driving investment and reform to deliver growth. We are rebuilding Britain in a decade of national renewal.

As we look ahead to next year, I and the Scotland Office are focussed on my four priorities – clean energy, economic growth, tackling poverty and rolling out Brand Scotland around the world. 

We will get GB Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, moving. This will drive our green energy revolution and ensure our energy security. We will bring in our new Skills Passport, to ensure our highly skilled oil and gas workers can transition to new green technologies. Project Willow will set out how we can ensure a sustainable future for the Grangemouth site as part of our clean energy future. 

I intend to take Brand Scotland to new markets this year, to ensure that we attract inward investment to Scotland and help Scottish businesses export. Not just our fantastic products like whisky and salmon, but energy, financial services, culture, technology and manufacturing. 

Our Child Poverty Taskforce – of which I am a member – will publish a comprehensive strategy in the Spring. That will set out how we will work with the Scottish Government and others to make sure that all children and families in Scotland have a decent standard of living and the opportunities they deserve. It will look at how we bring together all different strands of this – including housing, job security, health and education – dealing with the underlying causes of poverty so that children can be lifted out of poverty for good. 

I am confident that, by the end of 2025, we will be making real progress in improving living standards and making life better for people in Scotland. 

So, as we chomp on our black bun and head towards the Bells, may I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Scotland’s political leaders remember Lockerbie

First Minister John Swinney commented on the anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has also spoken about the Lockerbie bombing, on the 36th anniversary of the atrocity yesterday [21 December 2024]

Mr Murray said: “Thirty six years on from the terrible tragedy of the Lockerbie bombing, it is right that we take time to remember those who lost their lives, and indeed all those affected by what happened that night.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 270 who perished in the air and on the ground, and all those in the town who saw such devastation rain down on them.

“I know that there are strong and enduring links between the Lockerbie community and Syracuse University, and it is heartening to know that something positive has come out of such unimaginable horror.”

Scottish Secretary pledges to take action on poverty

Ian Murray welcomes recommendations by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and vows to work with Scottish Government to tackle associated issues and break down barriers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray spoke at the launch of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) annual report into poverty in Scotland this week [7 October].

The report, summarised here, found that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty and that one in four of them are children. Recommendations were made to overhaul the social security system to tackle the problem and, in particular, for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to make the process smoother in terms of reserved and devolved policy areas.

Ian Murray said: “I want to outline some of the steps that the new UK Government is taking to reduce poverty in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.

“We are committed to working together with the Scottish Government, and to reset the relationship between our two governments. Because, as this latest report highlights, it is vital that we can deliver on behalf of the people of Scotland.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with organisations such as Poverty Alliance to understand fully the complexities of what’s happening. 

“Having one million people in poverty – a quarter of those children – is really sobering. But I think the most sobering thing is that none of us are surprised, and that really should be the thing that we need to tackle in terms of policy.

“We are only 95 days into this new government and we’ve already done a lot of engagement to make sure we can develop these policies, whether it be in social security or regarding the underlying parts of poverty. 

“With the Budget coming up on 30 October, the Chancellor has been clear on two things. One is the economic inheritance that we’ve got to try and deal with and that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the majority of what needs to be done to grow the economy for all parts of our country.

“Reducing poverty across all sections of society, particularly child poverty, is in our DNA. We did it before. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to do it again.

“We will be publishing our Employment Rights Bill this week to fundamentally transform work and pay. It will ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, outlaw fire and rehire and will make sure that the National Minimum Wage becomes a genuine living wage.

“It’s still sobering that two-thirds of children in poverty are in households where one or both adults are working full time, and that means that there’s a big problem with pay. We hope that our New Deal for Working People will start to resolve some of those issues.

“I think it’s also important to highlight our Universal Credit review, which will look at everything from the two-child cap to housing allowances.

“We’ve also launched our Child Poverty Task Force, chaired jointly by the Secretaries of State for Education and the Department of Work and Pensions. It looks at all the other big issues that are around in terms of poverty.

“Yes, it’s about the social security system, Universal Credit, but it’s also about housing, educational attainment, health inequalities, pay in the workplace, progression and skills. It’s about those underlying causes of poverty that are inherent in our society that we need to find a way to resolve once and for all.

“Having grown up on a council estate, I know that having that security of tenure of a house was the bedrock in which the family was built, and without that it’s difficult to see how you can get yourself out of poverty.

“Housing is devolved, but both governments are working very closely together to make sure that we can resolve the housing emergency that’s been declared across a lot of our local authorities. 

“We’ve made a good start over the last 95 days. There will be bumps in the road, because these are fundamental challenges, but the whole culture of the new government is to try and resolve these issues. 

“We want to make sure the system can work better, and joint working is really important in this area. There’s no reason why Social Security Scotland and the DWP can’t work jointly in terms of the delivery of social security, to make sure that we get the best out of both systems for the benefit of everyone who needs to access that system. 

“Regarding the low update of benefits by ethnic minorities, I think that’s a huge challenge for us. Not just finding those individuals and families, but actually being able to engage with them and get them what they deserve to be claiming. That’s a huge battle for us all to try to work together and resolve.

“We’ve got four big priorities as a new government and as a Scotland Office. Growth is the number one priority, but that also feeds into our green agenda, which is our second priority. Our third one is Brand Scotland to try and increase our exports, to improve our businesses and create more jobs. And the fourth one, which attached the first three, is the eradication of poverty.

“That’s something that myself and Ministerial colleague Kirsty McNeill are fundamentally committed to doing. We can only do that by all of us – devolved governments, the UK Government and organisations like JRF working together. We must find ways we can not only make the system better, but make sure that those who require access to the system, get access to that system and get the funds and support they deserve.

“There’s a huge amount of work to be done and this report gives us that very sobering starting point.”

JRF-poverty-in-scotland-2024-reportDownload

Record number of Scottish students secure university place

Number of students from most deprived areas also hits new high

A record number of Scottish students have secured places at a Scottish university this year, UCAS figures show. Acceptances to Scottish institutions for home students increased by 7% to a new high of 31,220, according to the latest UCAS statistics.

There has also been a 12% increase in acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD), to all UK universities, up 540 on last year to a record 5,080.

Overall acceptances to Scottish providers is 35,930. This is an increase of 1,910 (+6%) since last year.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see a record number of Scottish students from our most disadvantaged communities getting into university.

“This demonstrates the strong progress being made on widening access to higher education and ensuring every young person in Scotland has an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.

“We have also seen overall acceptances for Scottish students reach a new record high. These figures show the great strength and resilience of Scotland’s education system.

“Our resolute commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering ensures that access to university remains based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay, ensuring that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone, regardless of their background.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray commented: “Worrying that attainment is at its lowest ever level, and the gap between rich and poor at its highest.

“Today’s results show the pass rate has fallen for everyone, but have collapsed for the most disadvantaged.

“Scotland’s teachers and pupils deserve much better than this.”

Monthly GDP Estimates for May

The latest Scottish GDP stats are published this morning here for the month of May and here for Q1 of 2024.

Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.3% in May 2024, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows growth of 0.2% in April 2024.

In the three months to May, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.9% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates an increase relative to the growth of 0.5% in 2024 Quarter 1 (January to March).

Output in the services sector, which accounts for around three quarters of the economy, grew by 0.6% in May. Output in the production sector is estimated to have contracted by ‑2.2% in May. The largest contribution to overall GDP came from contraction in the output of Electricity & Gas Supply.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray says UK Government’s key mission is growing the economy, making work pay and creating jobs and opportunity for all parts of the UK.

Mr Murray said: “Economic growth is one of the key missions of the UK Government. We inherited a dire fiscal situation, with a £22billion black hole in spending for this year alone that the previous government left us. 

It’s the worst economic inheritance of any incoming government since the Second World War and tough decisions will be required. That’s why the Chancellor is taking immediate action to achieve the economic stability vital for growth.

“The UK Government will rebuild and regrow. We are making work pay, ensuring the national minimum wage is a true living wage. And with the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts, workers will have increased job security.

“Backed by £8.3bn of UK Government investment, Scottish-based GB Energy will bring jobs and opportunity for all parts of the UK and trade talks have resumed globally to forge stronger links with our international business partners.”

£10.9m boost for Scottish space sector

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth

Five projects funded by the UK Space Agency across Scotland have been announced on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, providing over £10.5 million in Scottish investment.

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth in the space sector across the UK. 

Two Scottish projects will receive £8.5 million of the total funding for UK Major Projects. These include funding for a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse (Glasgow) from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. 

A project led by Spire Global (Glasgow) will further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction centres.

Not only will the funding support the growth of UK space businesses and create new jobs, but it will enhance Scotland’s offering of space capabilities and services to international investors and major space players. 

An additional three ‘Kick Starter’ projects across Scotland will receive £2.4million between them. These projects are designed to support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours.

These projects include a partnership between University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, for a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.

Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow where he met with a number of Scottish exhibitors, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year.

“The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country. It was fantastic to meet with some of them here and hear about their pioneering plans which could be a key driver for growth, jobs and investment in Scotland.

“Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9 million in funding for these five Scottish projects.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.

“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”

Chair of the UKspace trade association, John Hanley, said: “This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK.

“We hope this will further strengthen the sector and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.”

PROJECT SUMMARIES:

Major Projects

  • SHARP – Sustainable Hybrid: Accelerated Rocket Programme 

Funding: £4,995,000  

This project will set out to conduct a vertical launch of a sounding rocket in the UK with the final goal being the build completion of the second stage of the orbital rocket ready for testing. HyImpulse, in partnership with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and the AVICON Partnership, intends to provide a fully vertically integrated launch service for a low-cost, fast, flexible, and reliable deployment of small satellites to low earth orbits. 

  • Operational Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder-Satellite (OHMS-Sat) 

Funding: £3,524,000

Led by Spire Global in partnership with STAR-Dundee Ltd, the Met Office and RAL Space (UKRI STFC), this project will build on the prior developments of the Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HYMS) to move it towards an operational mission to supply weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres and create unique weather products. 

Kick Starter Projects

  • DIGGER – Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid applications  

Funding: £845,000

In partnership with University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, DIGGER is a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.

  • Direct Detection Receivers for Millimetre Wave Radiometry  

Funding: £827,000

Led by UKRI / STFC / RAL Space in partnership with University of Glasgow and Spire Glasgow, the project will develop the critical low noise amplifier and detector technology which will be at the core of the next generation of atmospheric remote sensing instrumentation. This technology will go beyond gathering data for weather prediction, with use cases being developed in emerging fields such as security imaging, and theft prevention.      

  • TARS-IOD: Flight-ready model for In-Orbit Demonstration of Tomorrow’s Astro-Robotic System

Funding: £804,000

Lodestar Space Ltd. will develop a platform-agnostic modular robotic arm to perform contact dependent dynamic space operations. Intended for flight on Momentus’ Vigoride platform, the partnership also involves Growbotics and the University of Glasgow to equip the UK with sovereign capabilities for inspecting, protecting, and repairing vital assets beyond Earth.