1. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the second strategic transport projects review in relation to projects in the south of Scotland. (S6O-02704)

Significant action is being taken by this Government to develop, deliver and invest in Scotland’s strategic transport infrastructure for the long term. The 45 recommendations contained in STPR2 include proposals for an improved and more resilient transport network in the south of Scotland.

Work is already in progress on five of the eight recommendations that are specifically relevant to the south of Scotland or which will have particular benefits for the region. That work includes consideration of how rail journeys for passengers and freight can be improved; A75 and A77 improvements; and integrated smart ticketing.

I am sure that the Minister will be delighted, as I am, by the fact that Scotland’s two Governments are working together to bring forward improvements to the A75 on the back of the union connectivity review, which highlighted the infrastructure projects that are significant to the whole of the United Kingdom, and by the UK Government’s commitment to funding the A75 projects.

Given that infrastructure funding is devolved, will the Scottish Government fulfil its obligations to the south of Scotland, step up to the mark and at least match the funding from the UK Government, and bring forward other essential projects to upgrade the equally neglected A77?

In relation to the first part of Finlay Carson’s question, it is clear that the A75 has been designated by the UK Government as being worthy of union connectivity funding because it primarily benefits Northern Ireland. We have yet to receive confirmation of any funding from the UK Government.

In the meantime, this year £3 million-worth of structural maintenance schemes and improvements on the A75 are ensuring safe operation of the route.

The second part of Finlay Carson’s question was about the A77. In response to his colleague last week, I mentioned the Haggstone climbing lane, the Glen App wide single carriageway, the Park End to Bennane project and the Symington and Bogend Toll project, all of which are on top of the funding for and the delivery of the much-needed and much-welcomed Maybole bypass. Those are all positive improvements by the Scottish Government in the south of Scotland.

The UK Government’s union connectivity review recognised that the only way that the A75 would be upgraded would be through the UK Government providing the Scottish Government with the funding to make the STPR2 recommendations happen. I do not know why the Tories continually blame the Scottish Government when it has a fixed budget.

Does the Minister agree that Finlay Carson’s efforts would be better directed at lobbying his UK Government bosses, including the absent Dumfries and Galloway MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, so that my constituents get the road upgrades that they have been campaigning for for decades?

Last month, the UK Government Minister for roads and local transport confirmed that funding of £8 million was available, subject to final approvals. Those final approvals have yet to come. Although that commitment is in line with our funding request, confirmation came only after a face-to-face meeting that I had with the minister in September, at which I had to press for a final decision to be made.

My officials continue to engage proactively with their UK counterparts, and we await confirmation that the funding that we have requested will be forthcoming. Indeed, we had to submit a second business case on 17 October, following our initial submission of a business case in April, because of the passage of time and the inaction of the UK Government.