Scottish Secretary Alister Jack comments on the Queen’s Speech

This is a Queen’s Speech which delivers for people in Scotland, and right across the United Kingdom, as we focus entirely on recovering our economy and our public services from the devastating effects of the Covid pandemic.

The Prime Minister and the UK Government have been working tirelessly on the pandemic, putting in place an unprecedented level of financial support, and securing millions of vaccine doses for people in all parts of the country. At all times we have prioritised both lives and livelihoods.

The UK Government will continue to lead our recovery from the pandemic, as we Build Back Better and level up opportunities right across the UK.

We will continue to support top level R&D, encourage our businesses to innovate, and create vital new and green jobs. We will invest directly in Scotland’s communities, building on the success of our £1.5 billion City Deals programme with Freeports, better connectivity, and a new UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

And Scotland’s businesses will continue to benefit as, outside of the EU, we strike new trade deals around the world.