Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 14 January 2026
14 Jan 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic
Glasgow (Economic Performance)
Annie Wells is right to ask about Glasgow. Output per hour worked in Glasgow is a third less than that in Edinburgh. Worse than that, since 2019, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester have achieved an annualised growth rate of 3 per cent, whereas Glasgow has achieved barely 1 per cent.
Looking past the issue of mayors, it is clear that having combined authorities with powers over skills, transport, infrastructure, housing and rates delivers growth. I do not think that putting regional economic partnerships on a statutory footing will deliver that, will it?
In the same item of business
6. Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve Glasgow’s economic performance, in light of reports that the city continues to lag behind ...
The Minister for Business and Employment (Richard Lochhead)
SNP
Glasgow has seen sustained growth, with one of the highest gross value added growth rates of any local authority area over the past five years. It also had t...
Annie Wells
Con
Business growth is down, private sector investment is down and employment levels are still below the national average. Businesses are closing, including Spud...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Always speak through the chair.
Richard Lochhead
SNP
I am aware that Glasgow, like many other communities in Scotland, is not immune to some of the economic pressures that are faced by Scotland and across these...
Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab)
Lab
Annie Wells is right to ask about Glasgow. Output per hour worked in Glasgow is a third less than that in Edinburgh. Worse than that, since 2019, Leeds, Live...
Richard Lochhead
SNP
The member has not yet seen the legislation on regional partnerships, which the First Minister has referred to in recent weeks. He should await the opportuni...