This week's UK Government news
Below is this week's round-up of activity from the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and UK Government.
Scottish Secretary Responds to Scottish GDP figures
Responding to the statistics, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:?
"Our steps to support businesses include slashing fuel duty, reducing employer national insurance and freezing alcohol duty which helps pubs and our hospitality industry. All this is in addition to the Scottish Government receiving a record ￡41 billion per year settlement for the next three years.”
Read the full statement on?GOV.UK
Trade Secretary Calls on Scottish Companies to Sell to Australia
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has called on Scottish businesses to export more Down Under during a visit to Australia to see the opportunities presented by the new?UK-Australia free trade agreement.?
The deal is expected to boost the Scottish economy by around ￡120m and benefit the financial services and manufacturing sectors.
Edinburgh Regional Centre Formally Opens
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Edinburgh Regional Centre and UK Government hub was formally opened on 1?September 2022 by Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP.?
Mr. Jack unveiled a plaque at the flagship office, named Queen Elizabeth House, alongside HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, Jim Harra.
Among those also attending the event were Scotland Office Director, Laurence Rockey, and the Advocate General for Scotland, Lord Stewart of Dirleton QC.
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Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said:
?“This flagship building will provide a base for more than a dozen UK Government departments which all have a key role in Scotland.?It is a fantastic facility and a huge asset as we engage with stakeholders, invest in communities and serve the people of Scotland.”
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Ukrainian Cockerel Jug?at Edinburgh International Culture Summit
A?cockerel-shaped ceramic jug?gifted to the Prime Minister in Kyiv has gone on display to delegates at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit.
The jug, which has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, is being displayed at the biennial event to demonstrate the ongoing international solidarity with Ukraine following the illegal invasion of the country by Russia.
Museum?and Gallery?VAT Refunds
Museums and galleries are being urged to?apply for VAT refunds?to support opening free of charge as part of plans to boost visitor numbers and give more people access to arts and culture. Any museum and gallery open to the public free of charge for 30 hours a week can apply.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said:
“From Edinburgh to Orkney, and covering subjects from art to zoology, this fantastic UK Government initiative is already helping more than 40 different museums and galleries right across Scotland to open to the public free of charge."
UK Government Scheme to Promote Scottish Artists
Contemporary Scottish artists are set to benefit from a new scheme, the?Government Art Collection (GAC), which will see their work displayed in the country’s network of embassies and government buildings around the world.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said:
“Through the UK Government’s extensive global network of embassies and residencies, this fantastic project will showcase the best of Scottish creative talent to the world and help raise the global profile of our outstanding homegrown visual artists.”?
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