Marie McNair
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“They provide not only advice and support but a voice, ensuring that those affected are heard in this Parliament and beyond. Since my debate last year, we have, sadly, lost two central figures in the fight for truth and justice: David Colraine, a founding member of the Clydebank Asbestos Group; and former MP for Clydebank and Milngavie, To…”
“Mesothelioma is a disease that is rooted in our industrial history, but its impact is still being felt today in Clydebank, across Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. It reminds us of the human cost of that history and of our responsibility to those who have been affected.”
“Across the United Kingdom, there are around 2,700 new cases each year, including more than 200 in Scotland. However, statistics alone cannot convey the reality of the disease. In my hometown of Clydebank, the issue is deeply personal. Clydebank has paid one of the heaviest prices anywhere in the United Kingdom for asbestos exposure.”
“I say in the strongest terms that knowingly exposing people to a deadly substance without adequate safeguards is not neglect; it is an abhorrent criminal act. The legacy of asbestos is not confined to the past. It continues to affect people across the United Kingdom today.”
“Those are not abstract figures; they represent hundreds of families in one community who have lost loved ones. Clydebank was once described as the mesothelioma capital of Europe.”
“I have campaigned hard on what I have described as the disgraceful three-year time bar, which has denied justice to some victims of asbestos-related disease.”
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“Public transport uptake plays a key role in reducing emissions across Scotland. Will the cabinet secretary outline how bold initiatives and generous schemes, including abolishing peak rail fares for good, from the Scottish Government, are working to encourage Scots to use public transport to support tackling the climate crisis? Gillian Martin: Marie McNair is right to point to the initiative to abolish peak rail fares in the programme for government. We spend more than £2 billion to support public transport. As I mentioned in my statement, 2.3 million people in Scotland have access to free bus travel. Around 334 million passenger journeys were made by bus in Scotland in 2023-24, which is an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year.”
“We cannot, with any great certainty, guarantee that safeguards would be kept in place. That leads us down a very dangerous path of living in a society that devalues the lives of the most vulnerable. Therefore, I cannot support the principles of the bill, and I will vote accordingly. 16:18”
“The fact that we are unable to guarantee that strict safeguards would be kept in place is a huge worry for me. On a final point of concern, the definition of “terminal illness” in the bill is, in and of itself, rather broad. Many have noted that as a concern, including the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care, which said: “The definition of ‘terminal illness’ in the Bill is not precise enough ... and could mean that people with years to live are deemed eligible”. That will have a real impact. There is concern, then, that there would be potential for the definition to include a wide range of long-term conditions. Liam McArthur and other supporters have the best intentions with the bill, viewing it as a way to ease suffering, but the legislation would open a door that we might not be able to close.”
“Dr Mary Neal, from the University of Strathclyde, has argued that the bill contained many areas that were subject to potential “slippage” and that, irrespective of how tightly the law was felt to have been drafted, there was ultimately no way of preventing people from challenging it. Although the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has remained neutral on the bill, it is exceptionally important for members to note that, on the point of a slippery slope, the committee stated: “The Committee acknowledges that, should it become law, there may be a risk of the Bill being subject to human rights or other court challenges and that this could result in eligibility for assisted dying being extended over time.” Others share that concern, and members will have seen those briefings.”
“We have seen that happen in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands, where safeguards have been relaxed, widening access to more groups of people. Rona Mackay: The Canadian legislation is very unlike the legislation that has been proposed here. It relates to unbearable suffering, not terminal illness. None of the jurisdictions that have assisted dying on a terminal illness basis have expanded the criteria. That is the evidence. Marie McNair: I totally understand the point that the member is trying to make, but I believe that there are too many flaws in the bill and that, if agreed to, the legislation could be widened. Therefore, I cannot support the bill.”
“That worry is articulated by disability organisations, which fear that the scope of the bill would quickly be expanded to include those with disabilities within the eligibility criteria—and with that can come coercion. We risk creating an environment in which people feel pressure—however subtle—to choose death to spare others the burden of their care. If we look at other countries, such as Canada, we can see that health reports found that fear of being a burden and loneliness are high up among the top five reasons for people choosing medical assistance in dying. I fully recognise that the bill focuses on “mentally competent terminally ill eligible adults”, but we fundamentally cannot guarantee with any certainty that the eligibility criteria will not be expanded in future years.”
“For many of the supporters of the proposal, it is about autonomy. However, regardless of any supported safeguards, the bill will have unintended consequences for society as a whole. As the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics stated: “In an interactive society, making a choice about the value of a life ... means making a decision about the value of other lives.” The bill would fundamentally change the relationship between patients and clinicians, influence culture and alter how we view ageing, illness and disability. I believe that passing the bill would send a message that certain individuals’ lives are less valuable than others and that those individuals are considered a burden on society.”
“Before I entered politics, I worked for 14 years as part of the nursing team at the St Margaret of Scotland hospice in Clydebank. It was an incredibly moving, but also immensely challenging, role. Caring for people at the end of their life is not an easy job by any means. However, it has instilled in me the fundamental belief that those at the end of their life deserve dignity and support. It instilled in me an understanding of the importance of compassionate and well-resourced palliative care. I want to see more focus and support being given to that. Over the past year, I have met constituents and stakeholders on both sides of the debate, listening carefully to their views. Although I respect constituents on both sides of the debate, I have decided that I cannot support the bill, for reasons that I will set out.”
“Most of all, my sincere thanks go to Ritchie, Paul and everyone else who is involved with Cahonas. You have, truly, saved lives, and for that I am extremely grateful. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to the open debate. 17:25”
“I would be interested to know whether better collaboration could be achieved to ensure that post-treatment services can be better supported. Awareness starts with a conversation—with breaking down stigma and encouraging our friends and family to know that real strength is found in taking care of ourselves. We need to normalise open, honest conversations about men’s health. Having spaces in which men feel comfortable to ask questions and share concerns without shame is a core part of that. To all those battling testicular cancer, I say, “You are not alone.” To those such as Paul who have come out the other side and used their platforms to help others, I say, “Thank you for your courage and determination.” As we end testicular cancer awareness month, I thank members for attending the debate to help to raise awareness.”
“The podcast is a lifeline, offering valuable insights and a space where people can share their stories, learn from others and feel understood. I know firsthand how crucial that kind of support is, and I’m grateful that Cahonas continues to make such a difference in the lives of men like me.” That touches on an important point. Awareness goes beyond the physical. It is also about mental health, emotional support and building a community in which no one feels that they must face cancer alone. It is also about standing with those who are going through the treatment. Testicular cancer is not just a physical condition; it impacts identity, fertility, relationships and long-term mental health. Cahonas has created that wraparound support beyond the hospital ward, helping men to rebuild their lives and self-confidence.”
“From international campaigns such as “Check yer bawballs”, which reached tens of millions of people worldwide, to care packages, peer support and even a podcast, Cahonas ensures that men have access to knowledge, tools and support to protect their health. I will take a moment to tell the story of an individual who received a diagnosis of testicular cancer. “When I first received my testicular cancer diagnosis, I felt completely alone and unsure of where to turn. Talking about my experience openly on the podcast not only helped me process those overwhelming emotions, but it also reminded me that there are others out there facing the same challenges. Cahonas is doing incredible work, providing not just support but a sense of community for men who are going through similar diagnoses.”
“Cahonas has been driven by personal experience and is built on the belief that education and support save lives. I whole-heartedly agree about that. I am always keen to show the good work that is happening in my constituency, and Cahonas is a great example. Its work has achieved international recognition. It offers various vital services, such as education sessions, which are led by its community engagement officer, Paul McCaffery, whose personal story brings real-life experience to the organisation’s messages. Paul discovered a lump 10 years ago, after seeing one of the Cahonas self-check guides, which led him to his early diagnosis. He has since credited Cahonas for saving his life and is dedicated to helping others to do the same. It is an honourable cause, and I thank him for his work.”
“What struck me most about our conversations was how little attention that type of cancer has received. Unfortunately, far too many people do not know the signs or are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss them. Awareness is vital but, currently, most young people leave school without knowing how to self-check or what symptoms to look out for. I therefore call on the minister to address what further work can be done, working with Cahonas, to ensure that testicular cancer awareness can be further implemented at school level. For context, Cahonas was set up in 2009 by founder and chief executive, Ritchie Marshall. Since that time, it has been at the forefront of men’s health education, working to break down stigma, encouraging early detection and ensuring that no one in Scotland faces testicular cancer alone.”
“It is also a time for tackling common myths and encouraging self-checking. The disease most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 45, with approximately 220 people in Scotland being diagnosed each year. If it is detected early, the cure rate is more than 95 per cent, so awareness of the key symptoms is vital. The symptoms to look out for are an ache or swelling in the testicle, or a dull ache, pain or heaviness in the scrotum. If you notice any of those symptoms, please see a doctor. Do not wait: testicular cancer does not wait, and neither should you. I was keen to hold the debate after meeting Ritchie Marshall and Paul McCaffery from Cahonas. As I mentioned, the organisation is based in Clydebank and I know how much work it has done, so I am keen to highlight it in the Parliament.”
“I am grateful to have secured the debate and to end the month of April by discussing testicular cancer awareness. I thank colleagues across parties for supporting my motion and for speaking in tonight’s debate. I hope that everyone will join me in welcoming to the gallery Ritchie Marshall and Jennifer Hardie from Cahonas Scotland. Members will know that Cahonas is Scotland’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity, but they may not know that it is based right next door to me in Clydebank. Testicular cancer may not be the most talked- about form of cancer, but that does not make it any less important. That is why I feel that it is important to speak on the matter. Testicular cancer awareness month, which runs throughout April, takes place to highlight the disease and educate people about early detection and treatment.”
“My colleagues in the SNP and I will stand up for the most vulnerable in our society, and the SNP will continue to prioritise dignity, fairness and respect, in contrast to the Labour Party, which pushes on with its values of humiliation, injustice and disrespect. The issue that we are discussing is a matter of urgency, and the decision must be reversed now. As it is quite clear that Scotland continues to be an afterthought for successive Labour Governments, it is more urgent than ever that Scotland becomes an independent country, so that we have the full powers that are needed to tackle poverty and create a fairer and more equal society for Scotland. 16:21”
“First, Labour kept the two-child cap, then it removed the winter fuel payment and abandoned the WASPI women, and now it is targeting disabled people. Children, the elderly, the disabled and low-income families have been left out in the cold by the Labour Party. While Labour imposes more damage and austerity and threatens the vulnerable, the SNP will stand up for those who need support, by investing a record £6.9 billion in devolved benefits in 2025-26, which will assist disabled people and help low-income families with living costs, and by reinstating winter heating support to pensioners. By going even further than the Tories with devastating cuts to disabled people, Labour has embarked on a total betrayal of the promises that it made to voters. The Labour Party simply cannot be trusted. Will Anas Sarwar remain silent on this matter?”
“This will have enormous consequences and push more disabled people into poverty.” Across the board, Scotland’s charities recognise that the decision puts funding for Scotland’s social security system at risk. Less funding for the UK PIP will reduce the amount that is available to the Scottish Government to spend on social security, irrespective of demand for adult disability payment and differing demographics in Scotland. We now know that the Scottish Government has had confirmation from HM Treasury that, from 2026-27, there will be cuts to Scotland’s block grant as a result of the welfare cuts. Initial indications are that the changes will reduce by £408 million the block grant funding that Scotland will receive for social security benefits in 2029-30. The Labour MSPs who are here today should stand up and call out their UK bosses.”
“The biggest lie of any election campaign is the one from Anas Sarwar, in June 2024, when he said: “Read my lips—no austerity under Labour.” What we see now is just austerity 2.0, and it is crystal clear that the Scottish Labour leader’s words count for absolutely nothing. The UK Government’s impact analysis shows that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into poverty under the plans. The cuts are inhumane and cruel. That has been recognised by the leading disability charity, Scope, which has described them as “catastrophic”. It is not the only organisation to feel that way. Citizens Advice Scotland has stated: “These reforms will result in a reduction of £5 billion in social security expenditure by 2030.”
“A recent freedom of information request revealed that almost 90 per cent of those who currently receive the standard daily living component of PIP will be impacted by the UK Government cuts. That is appalling. On 6 March, I brought a debate to discuss the reported intention of the Labour Government to go ahead with its punitive welfare reforms. At the time, so-called Scottish Labour MSPs in the chamber said that the debate was premature and pointless. However, we now see that it was on the knuckle. Disabled people demonstrate outside the offices of Anas Sarwar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Pauline McNeill and Paul Sweeney—but, for a change, there is silence from them. Instead of a change of direction, a Labour Government in Westminster is intent on making disabled people, children and pensioners pay for austerity.”
“I am grateful for the chance to speak in what is an important debate. “cruelty is becoming a hallmark of this” UK “government. It is simply indefensible.” “They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society.” “These are reforms that could well have been delivered with a blue rosette.” Those are not my words or quotes from the Scottish Government; they are from the National Education Union, the STUC and the disability charity Scope. Those organisations are not alone in that thinking. I thank all the organisations that provided briefings for the debate—including Sight Scotland, Scottish Action for Mental Health, Citizens Advice Scotland and Carers Scotland, to name just a few. All of them detailed their extreme concerns and urged that the reforms be reconsidered.”
“The damage that such fires can cause is significant, and they can harm wildlife, impact farms and pose a risk to the public. Those issues are, naturally, very worrying, so we must push for more action and ensure that we have strong legal protections and frameworks. This is an extremely important matter, and we must work together to ensure that all levers are available to protect our environment. 16:38”
“Maurice Golden: The member mentioned progress on the circular economy. When does she think that the SNP’s target to recycle 50 per cent of household waste by 2013 will be met? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give Marie McNair the time back. Marie McNair: That is maybe something that the minister can cover later; I do not have that figure to hand. I am sorry about that—the member is laughing, but I do not have it. The environmental challenges that we face are urgent—there is no denying that. That was made very clear to me this week, when the Kilpatrick hills in my constituency saw a second wildfire in two weeks, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued its third wildfire warning this year due to dry weather.”
“Although we rightly acknowledge today that more can be done, it is important to speak about the significant steps that the Scottish Government has taken in relation to climate change, nature restoration and reaching net zero. In the 2025-26 budget, it is investing more than £90 million to protect, maintain and increase woodlands and peatlands. Additionally, by deploying capital funding of £150 million to continue to anchor our offshore wind supply chain in Scotland, we support jobs and push closer towards our net zero goals. The Scottish Government is also building on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 by delivering £39.6 million to help Scotland’s transition to a circular economy, reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption. That includes funding for the banning of single-use vapes and funding for Zero Waste Scotland.”
“Repealing it in its entirety could well have consequences across other elements of legal aid provision.” It was acknowledged that “There is a problem to do with the juxtaposition of how the legal aid system, including regulation 15, operates at the moment, and how we meet the needs of environmental issues and environmental actions.”—[Official Report, Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, 12 November 2024; c 25, 26.] However, there needs to be greater discussion about the correct way forward. The Scottish Government recognises that reform is needed, and it is welcome to note that action has already been taken to address some of the concerns that were noted in the report.”
“The minister noted that the Aarhus convention compliance committee previously welcomed Scotland’s significant progress in 2018, and that work is on-going to strengthen compliance in the areas of concern that the ACCC identified in its most recent decision. One point of concern relates to whether the Scottish Government will repeal regulation 15 of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002, in particular because the joint interest test that is specified under the regulation makes it difficult to obtain legal aid for environmental cases, given that such cases usually impact more than one person. However, as recognised by Denise Swanson, Scottish Government head of civil courts and inquiries, regulation 15 “is a necessary control mechanism for the proper and consistent use of the legal aid fund.”
“I speak as a member of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. I thank the many organisations for the helpful briefings that they provided. It was a welcome opportunity for the committee to take evidence from environmental and legal professionals and from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety. As has been mentioned, the Aarhus convention is a UN treaty that requires states to provide access to justice to allow challenges in court of breaches of environmental law. The convention consists of three pillars: access to environmental information for any citizen, the right to public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters. Progress has been made, but we all recognise that much more needs to be done to ensure that Scotland and the rest of the UK are compliant with the convention.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made regarding the potential impact that community link workers have on the social determinants of health. (S6O-04527)”
“Therefore, it is up to us to call out such policies and push for action. We must stand with those who face destitution and ensure that no one is left behind. 18:01”
“As Homeless Network Scotland stated in its briefing, “there is no credible evidence that hostile environment policies, including NRPF, have achieved the aims set out by the UK Government.” A change to that UK Government policy could remedy the situation overnight. Furthermore, as an independent country, we could finally have control over our own immigration policy and be able to introduce a system that values and respects people. I was interested to read in the report about possible actions that could be taken now to tackle destitution. One example is widening access to universal services and welfare benefits for people with no recourse to public funds. I am keen to hear the minister outline the Scottish Government’s position on those recommendations. Destitution is the result of injustice and of policies that entrench hardship.”
“The “Ending Destitution Together” strategy, which was developed by the Scottish Government and COSLA in 2021, aims to ensure that people living in communities across Scotland do not experience destitution associated with their immigration status. A crucial part of that is the fair way Scotland partnership, which has been a lifeline for so many. I thank everybody who is involved in it for everything that they do. I also welcome the Scottish Government’s and COSLA’s current review of the “Ending Destitution Together” strategy, the aim of which is to identify a refreshed delivery plan.”
“A turning point came when Kunal contacted the Scottish Refugee Council, which helped him to secure support to submit a fresh application. He was granted Home Office accommodation, but he was afraid of being declined again. Kunal knows that returning to his country of origin is too dangerous, but, then again, he says, “I’m not safe here.” That is one of many heartbreaking stories, and it is a matter of justice, compassion and humanity that no one should be put in that situation. I am therefore grateful for, and welcome, the positive steps that the Scottish Government and COSLA have taken to reduce destitution.”
“New research from I-SPHERE has found that the average income of those who are impacted is exceptionally low, at just £40 per week. I-SPHERE also found that, of those who were surveyed, “A third reported no income at all in the last month”. It found that “Hunger and skipping meals were the norm” and that the use of charities for essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing was exceptionally high. To put that in perspective, I want to tell members about Kunal’s story. Kunal arrived in the UK at the age of 26 as a student, fleeing homophobic persecution. He claimed asylum without success and was evicted from his accommodation. Kunal was forced to sleep rough, he was attacked and threatened with a knife, and he went hungry and took exploitative cash-in-hand work just to eat.”
“I congratulate Maggie Chapman on securing this important debate. I also take the opportunity to thank Homeless Network Scotland and Heriot-Watt University for their briefings, and the Scottish Refugee Council for everything that it does. In the 21st century, no one should be living in destitution, but the Home Office hostile environment continues to result in destitution thriving. The no recourse to public funds system needlessly prevents people from accessing welfare support, which results in there being no safety net should they face difficulty. It leaves people homeless, hungry and at risk of exploitation, and those people might have already fled horrific situations. The Labour Government promised change, but, instead, people continue to be denied basic rights.”
“This is about the imposition of a fee with no clear provision of services or facilities across a huge part of the recreational boating community. The recreational boating sector contributes significantly to our coastal communities, and we cannot burden it with unjustifiable fees. It is quite clear that this is a wrong decision, and I join my colleagues in calling for it to be abandoned immediately. 17:44”
“In my opinion, such a decision places another financial burden on people at a time when they are already facing higher costs. As British Marine has made clear, it will restrict freedoms to sail in Scottish waters, harm marine tourism and impact on small coastal communities. Alongside the fact that the fee could deter boaters and harm small coastal communities, the rationale behind it remains questionable, with no clear provision of services or facilities in return. As has been mentioned, it also unfairly targets small leisure craft rather than larger vessels. It is not that boaters are unwilling to pay for their pastime; as the chief executive of RYA Scotland has stated, sailors have always expected to pay for harbour berthing and mooring fees.”
“However, I understand from correspondence with the cabinet secretary that Peel Ports has assured her that a wider consultation process with all relevant stakeholders is proposed to take place in the coming months, with an outcome on that consultation expected later this year. I hope that as many people as possible are able to take part in that, and I will put it on my socials and encourage my constituents to respond to it, too. Unfortunately, there is no doubt that the decision will put boaters off sailing on Clydeport’s waters. Stuart McMillan has also expressed another worthwhile concern, which is that a conservation fee—I cannot say the word; it is just not happening tonight—will result in a progressive increase in charges.”
“Indeed, Stuart McMillan’s petition, which has attracted more than 4,630 signatures so far, captures people’s feelings on this issue. It is concerning that, despite its being invited twice to outline its plans to the cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism, Peel Ports has declined to participate. As such, the CPG unanimously agreed on 27 November 2024 that members’ position was that the plans should be abandoned. Unfortunately, the failure of Peel Ports to attend and be held accountable only adds to the boating community’s frustration and the feeling that the decision is being put upon them without their input.”
“As Stuart McMillan has rightly put it, the move will affect not just boaters in Scotland, but people sailing from other parts of the UK or even Europe to enjoy the Clyde, and there are massive concerns that the fee will put them off. Although I realise that it is not possible for the Scottish Government to dictate the business decisions that are made by a harbour authority on how to manage a harbour, I am nevertheless grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport for taking into consideration the concerns of vessel owners across Scotland and writing to Peel Ports on the issue. The decision, if introduced, could damage Scotland’s marine tourism industry and the economies of coastal communities that rely on the sector.”
“I congratulate Stuart McMillan MSP on securing the debate. I know that he has done a lot of work to get Peel Ports to abandon its proposal, because the decision, if taken forward, will negatively affect boaters along the River Clyde, including those in Clydebank, which is part of my constituency. The plan to introduce a conservation fee—I mean “conservancy”; I cannot say the word—for leisure craft in the Clydeport area has caused real concern among my constituents as well as for British Marine and British Marine Scotland, which have been working to represent members’ interests in opposing it. Indeed, responses from a recent British Marine Scotland members survey suggest overwhelming opposition to the proposal.”
“That funding empowers local authorities to address critical issues such as cladding remediation, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.”
“Is the minister able to provide an update on the work to establish a comprehensive cladding assurance register for Scotland, as set out in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024? Paul McLennan: The Scottish Government’s budget for 2025-26 provides £52.2 million in funding for the cladding remediation programme. Today, we have announced an initial tranche of £10 million for assessment through our single open call scheme. As any owner of a relevant property that is affected by the cladding issue can do, local authorities can apply for support for the assessment of properties through that scheme. I made the point to Richard Leonard that the Scottish Government has provided substantial— record—funding of more than £15.1 billion for local authorities, which is an increase of £1.1 billion.”
“That is, proportionately, 45 per cent more affordable homes than have been built in England and 70 per cent more than in Wales. Despite the Labour Party promising change, it is delivering more of the same. In contrast, Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is expected to fall, which is a direct result of the SNP’s progressive policies that put children first. The consequential impact of Labour’s cuts on support to disabled people that were announced yesterday will put much more pressure on the Scottish Government. However, only the SNP will take the housing emergency seriously. As part of that, we recognise that that includes the rights of children to have a safe and secure home, and we need to work together on the matter. 16:34”
“Anas Sarwar has bizarrely claimed that that is “not austerity”. If it is not austerity, what is it? Clearly, that is austerity. Independent analysis by Crisis has shown that austerity-driven policies, such as the two-child limit, are undoubtedly driving up homelessness across the country. That contrasts with the SNP’s commitments to ending the two-child policy, and this year it will provide around £97 million in discretionary housing payments to mitigate the bedroom tax and the benefit cap. In the face of Westminster austerity, the SNP has delivered an average of 7,750 affordable homes across Scotland each year. Prior to that, at a time of plenty, when it was last in office, the Labour-led Scottish Executive built just six council houses. Since 2007, more than 135,000 affordable and social homes have been completed under SNP Governments.”
“To reduce the use of temporary accommodation, we are taking action, such as the £83 million national acquisition programme, which delivered almost 1,500 social and affordable homes over 2023-24. We will go further by investing an extra £80 million in acquisitions between 2024 and 2026. All that will play a strong role in keeping children in secure and safe homes. However, we all have a part to play in this, and that includes the UK Government. Mr Griffin is a really decent guy, but I am sure that, like me, he is still shell-shocked by his party’s inhumane attack on disabled people yesterday, when it announced benefits cuts. Those will have a dreadful impact on many people’s financial security and, consequently, on their housing situation. That disgusting decision penalises those who are most vulnerable.”
“The Scottish Government recognises that, which is why it is taking the decisive action that is needed to address the housing emergency, get families out of temporary accommodation and eradicate child poverty in Scotland. In Scotland, we invest more per person to tackle homelessness and keep people in their homes than any other United Kingdom nation. We are delivering a further 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 and are set to invest £768 million in the affordable housing supply programme in 2025-26, so that everybody in Scotland can have the safe, warm and affordable home that they deserve. Despite dealing with a challenging financial context, Scotland continues to make steady progress in how it tackles homelessness.”
“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to every child having the right to grow up in a safe and comfortable home. In its report, Shelter Scotland states: “The Scottish Government has taken bold steps to adopt a human rights approach to ending adverse childhood experiences. Their decision to enshrine the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots Law promised a Scotland where ‘every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development.’” That ensures that children’s voices are not just heard but listened to. However, I accept that too many children live in temporary accommodation.”
“The Scottish Government understands that and is taking action on that. Equality should not be a culture war battleground, but a shared goal for us all. The horrible irony of Opposition members trying to shout down women in this debate is clearly lost on them. My colleagues and I in the SNP will always stand up for fairness and dignity, and for a Scotland where everyone has the right to live peacefully and safely. 16:15”
“The 2025-26 Scottish budget will protect and support on-going efforts to tackle inequality, fulfil human rights and allow everyone in Scotland to live free from discrimination. To achieve that, equality, inclusion and human rights spending is set to increase by £6 million to £58.9 million in 2025-26. That includes more than £42 million to support Scotland’s equality and human rights infrastructure and it will fund organisations. The Scottish Government has also launched a new fairer funding pilot to provide additional multiyear funding to organisations across Scotland, which will be worth £61.7 million in 2025-26 and £63.2 million in 2026-27. The 2025- 26 spending plans are set to enhance the quality of outcomes for people and communities across Scotland. It is vital that we protect women’s rights.”