Jackie Dunbar
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I do not believe for one second that Reform UK cares about people like me; it cares about division and power, and crypto donations from dodgy billionaires. Reform UK does not represent me—it disgusts me. I am under no illusion that folk are frustrated at so much of what is happening, and not happening, in the world today.”
“Some folk who have never struggled before are now struggling, and some folk who have struggled their whole lives now doubt that things will ever get better for them. They are seeing the consequences of austerity, of a lack of investment in jobs and of a lack of spending in their local communities.”
“Anyway, I appreciate that the low-emission zones policy might inconvenience Baron Offord of Garvel, depending on which of his five cars he is driving at the time, but it will add years to the life expectancies of thousands of Scots.”
“At this point, I will take an intervention from any Reform MSP who wants to tell us whether they think that their party is too racist or not racist enough. George Adam: Oh—nothing! Jackie Dunbar: Perhaps I will use some different quotes: “I told you time and time again, I’m protecting the country”. “Enough is enough. I have had enough”.”
“The same folk who were leading the fight against “benefit scroungers” a decade ago when they were in the Conservative Party are now in Reform UK saying that we should “look after our own”. Maybe I am just not seeing what Reform MSPs are believing.”
“I wonder whether the MSPs who have been joining “street patrols” or the ones calling people “strangers” might see some similarities, too. I am not expecting them to stand up and hold their hands up, but those who are capable of quiet reflection may wish to try it.”
The complete record
Every one of 437 lines we hold for Jackie Dunbar, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 9.
“Some are double that amount out of pocket after Labour took away their winter fuel payment. Funding for the Acorn project, which would move a just transition on leaps and bounds, has been put on pause. When the Labour UK Government announced £22 billion for carbon capture, Scotland did not even get a mention. At Grangemouth, where Labour pledged to save the refinery and jobs, the workers have been betrayed by the UK Government, while Scottish Labour has been shamefully silent. Meanwhile, in my Donside constituency, we finally got the news that GB Energy was going to be based in Aberdeen, which was always the obvious choice. I welcomed it, but then the news got taken back because, of course, Labour conference was just around the corner, so any investment got put on pause until it could be reannounced.”
“Presiding Officer, “The untapped resources of the North Sea are as nothing compared to the untapped resources of our people.” Fifty-three years after Jimmy Reid uttered that line as part of a speech entitled “Alienation”, those words still hold true, as does so much else of that speech. Today, folk are feeling alienated. Many feel themselves to be victims of economic forces beyond their control. They are feeling frustration, hopelessness and despair. Eight months ago, many of those people voted for change. They voted for their energy bills to be £300 lower. They voted for Scotland to be the powerhouse of a clean energy mission. They voted for a GB Energy based in Scotland that would see 1,000 new jobs created. So, where are we now? My constituents’ bills are not £300 lower—they are £279 higher.”
“Those plans must involve key stakeholders, including third sector organisations, many of which are already delivering real change on the ground, to ensure that services are well integrated, proactive and focused on enhancing child wellbeing. That is why—as I have already alluded to—we have prioritised funding to maintain the programme of activity established across children’s services planning partnerships and increased it by a further £6 million for 2025-26.”
“Could the minister say any more about how children’s services planning partnerships are supporting families alongside third sector organisations? How is the Scottish Government supporting them to carry out that important work? Natalie Don-Innes: Children’s services planning partnerships are absolutely key and play a vital role in supporting families and improving outcomes for children. By shifting investment from reaction to crisis towards early intervention and prevention activity, we can improve outcomes for families across Scotland. Collaboration is a legal requirement under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, which mandates local authorities and health boards to develop joint children’s services plans.”
“It is vital that every child has the best possible start in life and that any developmental concerns are identified early. Will the minister outline what steps the Scottish Government is taking to support families and young people to ensure that assessment times are reduced? Maree Todd: I agree with my colleague that it is vital that children receive support for any neurodevelopmental concerns as soon as possible. That is why our national neurodevelopmental specification places on NHS and children’s services an expectation that they will work together to provide the support that children and families require at the point at which they need it and not be dependent on a formal diagnosis. That support might include assessment, diagnosis or other interventions. Fife Health and Social Care Partnership 5.”
“I was promised an agreement to that project by the previous Conservative Government, and it did not materialise. There is now an absolute necessity for that project to be delivered by the Labour Government. I have made that point to the Prime Minister and to Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in correspondence and in meetings. I use this opportunity today in Parliament to reinforce the central importance of that decision being taken.”
“We all know the important role that the Acorn carbon capture and storage project could play in the future of Grangemouth. However, as the First Minister has indicated, to date the UK Government has prioritised investment in carbon capture and storage elsewhere in the UK. People across Scotland—rightly—will not understand why the Labour Government can back carbon capture in Teesside but not in Scotland. Does the First Minister agree that it is long overdue that the UK Government gives its full backing to fast-tracking Scottish carbon capture in order to support a future for workers at Grangemouth? The First Minister: As I indicated in my answer to Michelle Thomson at the last First Minister’s question time before the recess, I am intensely frustrated by the amount of time that it is taking to deliver the Acorn project.”
“I have had only a brief look at the documents, so I hope that that will be addressed in a way that ensures that we can identify outcomes. Gillian Mackay spoke very well in her opening speech about the organisations that we know do such great work with the NHS. The one that springs to mind is Sands, which operates in her area. In conclusion, we all need to work together on this issue. I thank the Scottish Government for bringing the debate to the chamber, and I hope that we can move forward in a way that ensures that people get the best outcomes in this area of care. 16:45”
“Campaigning can move mountains; it can make such a difference to people. There is no denying the crucial work that is being done to have spaces for people who experience pregnancy loss so that they can recover and have the care and support that they so desperately need. An important point was raised about funding for tailored support and training so that we can get tangible outcomes for people. I am sure that the minister understands that we will be looking for that in the framework as we go through it, now that it has been produced. We all agree on the important point of the graded model of care, which provides a comprehensive pathway. As we go through the document, we will be able to pull out those individual bits. We know from the scoping exercise national overview report that there are inconsistencies across health boards.”
“I am keen to mention Brian Whittle, Fulton MacGregor and Bob Doris, who each made a point about breaking down stigma, and I thank them for sharing their stories. I think that everybody in the chamber appreciated that. Douglas Ross made a suggestion about the meeting that the minister has offered. An important part of the minister’s speech was to say that we can work together, but we need to have space in the Parliament to do that. Douglas Ross and I are keen that the minister moves forward with that suggestion. I will allow Monica Lennon and Beatrice Wishart to decide among themselves whose constituency Louise Caldwell is a part of. Louise’s contribution cannot be overstated, and her efforts show that campaigning by people in their communities can have a real effect on us in the Scottish Parliament.”
“I believe that we can have constructive debates to push for change where we are in agreement. It is important to acknowledge, as Sue Webber did, where we need to push further. We all understand that things can be delayed, but it is our responsibility as the Opposition to highlight those areas. Some really important cross-party work has been spoken about. Monica Lennon mentioned her work with Tess White on the placental growth factor test for stillbirth. That work was thoroughly worth while, and I thank them for doing it. It shows how the Parliament can work best with Government. Jackie Dunbar spoke about being there for people. An important part of what we are discussing is that people need support from family and friends, and we have a responsibility to ensure that that support is part of the framework.”
“The “Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland” represents a crucial opportunity to establish consistent, dignified and compassionate care for all. However, it will only be effective if we continue to push for real, tangible change to ensure that improved data collection, expanded specialist services and stronger psychological support become a reality, not just an ambition. We must also continue to listen to the voices of those with lived experience, because their insights should shape our policies and the delivery of our services. This sort of work across Government, our healthcare system and support organisations will continue to make a real difference to the lives of so many. 16:41 Carol Mochan: I thank everyone in the chamber for their contribution to this crucial debate.”
“I apologise if this is indeed in the framework—I have not managed to fully make my way through it yet—but I wonder whether the Government has given any consideration to what the app can do to support those who have had recurrent miscarriages or who are going through a miscarriage. Moreover, the app lists all of a user’s previous pregnancies, and I would be grateful if the minister could tell me whether she has considered giving those with a history of previous miscarriages the ability to ask for those pregnancies not to appear in it. Those reflections reinforce the importance of ensuring that every woman and every family affected by pregnancy loss receives compassionate and high-quality care.”
“The anxiety does not go away beyond 12 weeks, and I would welcome some detail from the Government on how we ensure that those with recurrent losses are supported properly. I welcome the early scan provision in the framework, along with other enhanced physical measures. However, we need to make sure that mum stays well, with appropriate mental wellbeing support. Providing early contact with a scan before 12 weeks means that those invaluable relationships between patients and midwives can be built. Beyond eight weeks, many women around Scotland will have access to their notes through the Badger Notes app. For those who have not seen the app, I can say that it provides women with the ability to see their blood test results, alongside other resources that are relevant to pregnancy.”
“We have recognised that through the memorial book of pregnancy and baby loss, and I think that that is another logical step. Bob Doris’s speech was hugely powerful, and his reflections on the chaos around miscarriage and the ability of families to take in information were really insightful. It is important to ensure that, as with other forms of bereavement, people can get support when they are ready, not just in the immediate aftermath of loss. Psychological support for recurrent miscarriage is a must, both at the time of those miscarriages and for those who become pregnant again. The anxiety experienced in pregnancy is quite something. I originally wrote “in early pregnancy”, but miscarriage covers up to 24 weeks, which for some will be more than halfway through their pregnancy.”
“One of the gaps that we need to address is how employers, in particular, treat miscarriage. We should be making that support consistent for everyone. Some employers might provide sick leave or bereavement leave, but very few provide dedicated miscarriage leave that accurately reflects the physical and psychological trauma that women are going through. Some employers are doing the right thing, but it is not a guarantee. We should be pushing for standardised miscarriage leave, based on what women need to recover properly. I add my voice to Brian Whittle’s ask with regard to ensuring that stillborn babies have the opportunity to have a birth certificate. It is hugely important for some in their grief journey that there is an official acknowledgement that their baby was here.”
“I finish by expressing my sympathies to all those who have gone through such a tragic loss. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I must advise the chamber that we have used up the additional time in hand that we had earlier, and I now ask members to keep to their speaking times. 16:37 Gillian Mackay: Today’s debate has highlighted the progress that we have made in Scotland, but it also underscores the urgent need to continue to improve miscarriage care. We have heard powerful contributions from colleagues, and I thank those who have shared their personal testimony. It has been hugely powerful, and I have a massive amount of respect for those who have done so. I, like Monica Lennon, have not experienced this horror—and I sincerely hope that we never do—but I thank the campaigners who have been mentioned for the change that they have made.”
“Health boards must consider what work they can do to reduce such delays and to offer more direct access to early pregnancy assessment services. I would be interested to hear from the minister in her closing speech whether an assessment has been made of the adequacy of access to early pregnancy assessment services for all those who need it, and what improvements can be made. I take the opportunity to thank the Scottish Government for launching a memorial book and certificate in 2023, for all those who experience pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks. To those who have not suffered a loss, it probably does not have a significant meaning; to those who have, it means the world. The loss of their loved one, no matter how young, matters and is not forgotten.”
“I also welcome that the Scottish Government has mandated the national bereavement care pathway, which has meant that all health boards are currently working on implementing the standards and pathways associated with it. The positive impact is beginning to show for both bereaved parents and healthcare staff, with 82 per cent of healthcare professionals agreeing that it has helped raise the profile of effective bereavement care. Although that is positive, there is work still to be done. I thank Sands and everyone else who has taken the trouble to get in touch with us before the debate. In its briefing, Sands said that it has heard of significant delays of up to three days between women being seen in A and E for a suspected miscarriage and being referred to early pregnancy assessment services.”
“This is a bittersweet debate because, although the data tells us that miscarriage is a relatively common occurrence, the loss of a baby, at no matter what stage of pregnancy, is traumatic and can have a profound impact on parents and families. There is a lot for parents to process as they grieve the often unexplained and unexpected loss of their precious baby. At the same time, they are honouring their baby, seeking and providing support, and setting out on what might well be a long journey of healing. There is absolutely no doubt that there have been significant improvements in miscarriage care in Scotland, and I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring that everyone affected by pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gets the high-quality care and support that they need.”
“I welcome that the Scottish Government has brought forward this important debate. After all, many people in the Parliament or watching at home will have experienced the loss of a baby. In Scotland, we pride ourselves on being a contemporary and open-minded society, but, for many, discussing the topic of loss can still feel somewhat off limits. We can still feel inhibited in being open about how we feel and the true impact of a miscarriage. For those trying to comfort the bereaved, the words for expressing sympathy often do not come easy. If we are being honest, the fact is that, at the end of the day, no words can help. However, the sentiment can make all the difference, so we must reach out. If we cannot find the words, we can just hold their hand—or them. Just letting folk know that we care and are thinking about them can help a little.”
“I will also hold smaller, more focused group discussions with disabled people’s organisations, the workforce, social care and carers organisations and other stakeholders. Alongside those discussions, we have a number of co-design engagements planned. All of that will be made clear in the letters to stakeholders.”
“Ultimately, at the heart of this discussion are social care users across the country who require our support and reassurance while the NCS bill is paused. Can the minister outline how the Scottish Government will engage with service users and carers directly on the next steps of the process? Maree Todd: We recognise the value of engaging with people with lived experience of receiving and delivering social care. That has been at the heart of our approach to date, and it will continue to be. Today, a letter will be issued to all our stakeholders. I have arranged to speak with several groups of users, carers and stakeholders during the next couple of weeks. It is absolutely vital that we continue to engage with and listen to people throughout the next phase of the national care service.”
“The bill will pass more power to people and local communities across Scotland, because it will encourage and support responsible and diverse land ownership, with communities having a say in how land in their area is used. All land in Scotland should contribute to a modern, sustainable and successful country, which is very much what we hope to achieve through the bill. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes portfolio questions on rural affairs, land reform and islands. There will be a short pause before we move to the next item of business. Health and Social Care”
“Scotland needs a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and all its people. Therefore, our land reform journey needs to continue. Asking those with significant vested interests in the current patterns of land ownership to objectively consider the issues of land reform, the question of why it is necessary and the type of action that ought to be taken is like asking turkeys to vote for an early Christmas. How will the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill ensure that folk and communities throughout Scotland are empowered? Mairi Gougeon: The bill is hugely important in that. To create a fairer, more equal and more socially just Scotland is a really important part of the Government’s aspirations.”
“To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the potential economic impact of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ reported £800 million investment in battery energy storage sites in Scotland. (S6F- 03720)”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update regarding the steps that it is taking to tackle child poverty. (S6O-04202)”
“For some who have left the forces, a range of factors—poor physical or mental health, debt, homelessness, alcohol or drug misuse and family breakdown, among other things—can lead them into contact with the justice system. That is where we need to support our veterans better, and I look forward to seeing that happen through the pathway that NOVA Scotland is starting to provide. 17:24”
“The report states that, for the 700 veterans who completed the Op NOVA journey, “the reported outcomes were: • 97% reported progress in at least one outcome area • 82% reported improved mental health • 78% reported progress with accommodation • 76% reported progress to a crime-free life • 76% reported progress in drug and alcohol treatment • 74% reported progress in managing strong feelings • 72% reported progress with parenting and caring • 69% reported progress in living skills and self-care • 66% reported progress in friends and community”. If Nova Scotland can produce similar outcomes for our veterans, I will be truly delighted. I finish by reiterating that the majority of veterans transition well to civilian life, and that veterans are less likely to commit a crime, but that is not the case for everyone.”
“Over the past year, there has been a great deal of discussion about veterans in the justice system, much of which has been sparked by the Scottish veterans commissioner, Susie Hamilton, who investigated the subject and published her “Veterans and the Law” report. That report covers the history of what started out as project Nova in 2014 and went on to become Op NOVA in 2023, and it outlines a tale of success in supporting veterans in the justice system.”
“Before I go any further, it is important to reiterate a point that is made very early on in the text of Meghan Gallacher’s motion, which states that “veterans are not more likely to commit a crime than civilians”. However, as the motion also mentions, “they are more likely to engage with the justice system”, and that is where the work of NOVA Scotland will prove invaluable, as it has already done since the service was established last year. The service is following in the footsteps of what has already been done in England, as Meghan Gallacher said, and I do not believe in reinventing the wheel. I have no issues with taking ideas that work well elsewhere in the world and bringing them to Scotland, especially if they are going to benefit our communities and our veterans. In this case, we did not have to look that far.”
“I will probably repeat some of the things that Meghan Gallacher covered, but I will not make much of an apology for that. I congratulate her on securing the debate on introducing NOVA Scotland. I commend the Forces Employment Charity for establishing the NOVA Scotland service and for the work that it has done in Scotland to date. I note that, again, I got a slight nudge from my office manager to speak in the debate, because—as I have previously said in the chamber—he is a veteran. He has not had any dealings with the justice system, although one could not say the same for some former Prime Ministers and Presidents—allegedly, Presiding Officer.”
“That can take the form of ensuring that feed and water are stored where they cannot be contaminated by wild birds, and maintaining birdhouses to prevent the ingress of wild birds, rodents or floodwater. Cleansing and disinfecting clothing and footwear before any contact with kept birds is also vital. Safer Drug Consumption Facility (Assessment) 2.”
“Will the minister set out the importance of poultry keepers remaining vigilant and ensuring high standards of biosecurity? Can he give us examples of what that looks like in practice? Jim Fairlie: It is a legal requirement for a suspicion of avian influenza to be reported immediately. That allows the Government to carry out its contingency plans speedily and effectively, and minimises the potential for further impact on other premises and birds. The best way in which keepers can protect their flocks is by applying the strict biosecurity measures that I mentioned that are principally aimed at avoiding direct or indirect contact between their flocks and infected wild bird species, which is the main route of infection.”
“How will the Education (Scotland) Bill help to rebuild trust in qualifications among pupils, teachers, parents and carers? Jenny Gilruth: The issue of trust links directly to our broader agenda in relation to education reform. It is essential that qualifications Scotland acts differently and feels different to those whom it serves. The bill provides a framework that will strengthen the way in which young people, adult learners and our teaching professions are put at the centre of decision making. That will be achieved through new governance and accountability measures that promote participation, transparency and openness, such as the learner and teacher charters and committees. A strategic advisory council will also provide a platform for parents, carers and other key stakeholders to advise the organisation.”
“We remain committed to investing in the national centre for remote and rural health and care. As I indicated to Finlay Carson, our on-going negotiations with Community Pharmacy Scotland will ensure that the needs of rural community pharmacies are taken into consideration in future settlements. Ferry Fleet 5.”
“I recognise that addressing issues in rural primary care is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Will the minister outline how primary care services such as pharmacies will be supported through the upcoming Scottish budget? Will she join me in encouraging colleagues from all parties to support the budget to enable plans to come to fruition? Jenni Minto: I agree whole-heartedly with Jackie Dunbar’s final point. It is important to point out that the Scottish Government is investing record amounts in primary care and is on track to deliver our commitment to increasing primary care funding by 25 per cent. Our 2025-26 budget includes more than £2.2 billion of investment in primary care services, and plans for reform across the sector will take into account service needs in rural and island communities.”