Scottish National Investment Bank

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 8 May 2018.

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Photo of Keith Brown Keith Brown Scottish National Party

I have given way a couple of times.

That gives us an idea of how members in other parts of the Tory party tend to think.

James Kelly made the big mistake of thinking that the only threat to Celtic achieving 10 in a row will come from the other side of Glasgow. I caution him against that—threats can come from unexpected places, sometimes.

The bank that we will establish will be further discussed later this month at the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee. Part of that discussion will focus on our response to the implementation plans, so there will be an opportunity for further discussion on those issues. A written update will also be provided to the Finance and Constitution Committee.

A key priority will be engagement with the Treasury around the additional year, which was mentioned. I am genuinely unsure on what Murdo Fraser said about his, and his party’s, approach to that. We are having constructive discussions with the Treasury. It is about year-to-year flexibility, including carrying balances across. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding here. I would hate to think that Murdo Fraser’s comments are the precursor to a refusal by the Treasury to listen to the arguments that we have put to it. Our proposal seems eminently sensible. We are not looking for more money; we intend to spend our own money. I am happy to have further discussion with Murdo Fraser if he wants to have that discussion with me.

I turn to the amendments. The Conservatives must understand that it cannot be the case that, if there is clutter in the Scottish economy—I accept that commentators have said that—that is the responsibility of only one Government. Let us have a genuine approach when looking at the issue of clutter. Part of my proposals, which I have already mentioned, will try to address that through the incorporation in the new bank of some functions that have been mentioned previously. Let us have that genuine discussion.

I turn to the Greens—