Paul McLennan
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic housing site. (S7O- 00129)”
“Scotland has decarbonised its electricity supply faster than almost any other country in Europe has done. More than 90 per cent of our electricity now comes from renewable sources—a transformation that is powered by the wind, waves and tides that shape our East Lothian shores every day.”
“We are at a moment that will define the future that we leave to our children and grandchildren. The science is clear, the evidence is all around us and the window for action is narrowing. Today, red weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued in the south-east of England.”
“Therefore, does he regret his party’s decision to close down nuclear energy in Scotland, which has been a huge contributor to the Scottish economy? Paul McLennan: I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy.”
“Paul McLennan: I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible.”
“As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to ensure that objective?”
The complete record
Every one of 431 lines we hold for Paul McLennan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 9.
“The Morningside branch now has around six to eight members of staff compared with the 50 that I mentioned. What can we do to tackle bank closures? Of course, we can all campaign to save bank branches—we have heard about that from many members in the debate—and sometimes the last one in town. As has been mentioned, all the towns in East Lothian have seen branch closures by all the banks. In October last year, my team and I contacted Link about bank closures in Dunbar, North Berwick and Tranent. Link is the co- ordination body that conducts assessments when there is a change in the level of cash access in a community, and it recommends new services when required. It has assessed the bank closures in East Lothian towns and villages. New rules on that were brought in around October last year.”
“I thank Craig Hoy for securing this afternoon’s debate. As some members may know, I started my career with the TSB in Haddington. After a few years, I moved to the Bank of Scotland at the bottom of Morningside Road. I spent 22 years in the banking sector, working first as a financial adviser and then working in business and corporate banking. When I was in the Morningside branch, about 45 to 50 people worked in the branch, from the cash desk to business banking and customer inquiries. I remember the Thursday afternoon rush of people coming in with pay cheques and withdrawing cash. The rush around the Edinburgh trades holiday was also very busy—but that is enough reminiscing about the 1980s from me. Times have changed, with technology having changed dramatically and footfall in branches having dropped.”
“The Presiding Officer: I am keen to take all members who have indicated a desire to ask a question, so I would be grateful if people could be succinct.”
“Those include the investment of £1.5 million in staffing, which has led to the recruitment of more than 70 additional midwives, 30 of whom are already in post and the rest of whom will be in post by the beginning of December. Leadership has been bolstered through the appointment of a dedicated associate medical director for women’s services, and the board has invested in staff training. NHS Lothian published its externally commissioned review of culture in May, and maternity teams are now developing their own culture charter. I assure Paul McLennan that I take the concerns to which he referred extremely seriously, and I expect NHS Lothian to act immediately to implement the 26 requirements.”
“As I said in my statement, I know that people will be concerned—I am concerned—and, from the outset, I want to reassure every pregnant woman and their families in the strongest possible terms that our maternity and neonatal services in Scotland are safe. Our hospitals are the safest possible place to give birth and to ensure access to the best possible care. When I met NHS Lothian’s chief executive earlier this week, she outlined the extensive package of work that the board has already put in place to address the findings of the report, recognising that some of the issues will take time to resolve. I impressed on her my direction that this must be resolved as quickly as possible. She also outlined improvements that have already been made.”
“The report that was published following the HIS inspection in June states that staff were “working hard to provide compassionate and responsive care in very challenging circumstances.” It made 26 requirements for improvement and escalated serious concerns to NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government. One of the main issues that were mentioned in the report was “delays in escalation of care”, which “resulted in significant adverse outcomes for women.” What can the cabinet secretary say to reassure pregnant women in my area of East Lothian and in NHS Lothian about that particular area, and what actions are being taken now—and have been taken since the inspection—in relation to that? Neil Gray: I thank Paul McLennan for raising those points, which will be incredibly important to the constituents he represents in East Lothian.”
“That investment enables us to provide a range of supports that are not provided in England by the UK Government, such as the Scottish child payment, free prescriptions and free access to higher education. It is for Opposition parties that propose tax cuts to explain which public services they would slash and run down to pay for the tax cuts that they frequently call for. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Questions 2 and 3 were not lodged. Public Service Reform Strategy 4.”
“The SFC has estimated that the Scottish National Party Government’s income tax policy choices since devolution will raise up to an additional £1.7 billion in 2025-26 compared with what would have been the case if we had matched the UK Government’s tax policy. Can the cabinet secretary provide assurances that the Scottish Government will continue to deliver a progressive approach to taxation, enabling Scotland to spend more on the things that matter most, such as protecting and improving our national health service and lifting children out of poverty? Shona Robison: Our income tax policy choices carefully balance the need to support households while raising revenue to invest in public services.”
“The poverty-related attainment gap has also narrowed for nat 5, higher and advanced higher when compared to last year. We also had 95.7 per cent of school leavers in initial positive destinations in 2024, which is our second-highest level ever. Of course, there is more work to do, particularly in relation to the attainment gap, but I certainly welcome the progress that we have seen this year in relation to our exam results. Education (Highlands and Islands) 5.”
“Although the Opposition looks to discredit the dedication of Scotland’s students through persistent negativity about Scotland’s schools, this year’s SQA results showed record levels of achievement. Can the cabinet secretary speak further on the overall performance of Scotland’s schools, notably in relation to the narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap? [Interruption.] Jenny Gilruth: I can hear someone to my left muttering the word “shameful”, but I thank Paul McLennan for highlighting the achievements of our young people in Scotland this year, which have been remarkable. A record number of vocational and technical qualifications were achieved, and pass rates for nat 4, nat 5, higher and advanced higher were up compared to last year.”
“We do not control migration to fill skills gaps, we cannot borrow to invest strategically in college estates, and we do not get a fair return from the energy resources off our shores. That is why independence matters. It is not a distraction from economic priorities; it is the essential step to deliver them. With full powers, Scotland could invest directly in the skills that underpin a fair work nation, where every worker earns a decent wage, has security and shares in the prosperity that they help to create. The SNP will always back investment in skills, apprenticeships and fair work, but the real choice that is before us is simple: do we want to manage decline under Westminster austerity or to build opportunity with the powers of independence? I know which side I am on. 16:36”
“It stated that “88% of employers say that some” of their “vacancies are hard to fill due to difficulties finding applicants with the required skills, knowledge and/or experience”. It is important that we look at the reforms that the Government is proposing in that regard. A strong college sector is a key driver to economic success in East Lothian and across Scotland in order to take those opportunities forward. We can contrast that with the Conservatives’ record: scrapping free tuition, cutting investment in lifelong learning and tying the hands of devolved Governments through austerity budgets. It is not a credible lecture on opportunity—it is an exercise in economic hypocrisy. Let us be clear that Scotland’s skills system is being held back not by a lack of ambition or ability, but by a lack of powers.”
“I have seen at first hand how colleges support my constituency by working with local employers. My local college, Edinburgh College, has stated that the south-east of Scotland region “is the fastest growing in Scotland” and that “84% of Scotland’s population growth in the next ten years will be in Edinburgh and Southeast Scotland”, with East Lothian’s population forecast to grow by a third. Edinburgh College has also stated that it supports the reforms that are proposed in the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill. It said: “It is imperative that apprenticeship provision is expanded if we are to take advantage of the substantial economic opportunities that come from our region’s demographic growth.” Last year, the college carried out its own skills survey research with regional employers.”
“The minister talked about the energy skills partnership and the work that it is doing, which is relevant to my constituency of East Lothian. The Scottish Government has protected more than 25,000 apprenticeship places, prioritising sectors that are driving future growth, such as renewables— Craig Hoy: Will the member give way on that point? Paul McLennan: I have only four minutes, Mr Hoy. Those sectors include renewables, digital, health and social care, construction and engineering. Apprenticeships in Scotland are not just about filling vacancies; they are about building a fair, productive and inclusive economy. Our colleges have been at the forefront of that, supporting young people, career changers and those who are furthest from the labour market to access opportunities that change lives.”
“No one, including Tory MSPs, can explain away the impact of Brexit and no one, including Labour MSPs, can argue that the UK Government’s migration system is contributing to filling key skills gaps and labour market shortages. Both parties lie down to the Farage narrative. The Conservative motion talks about restoring college funding and expanding apprenticeships. Those are worthy aims, but it is worth reminding members that the Conservatives’ economic decisions stripped more than £1.6 billion from Scotland’s spending power since 2021-22. Even in those circumstances, however, Scotland’s approach to skills is working. The national strategy for economic transformation, the fair work action plan and the skills delivery landscape review are aligning education, business and Government to deliver the workforce that Scotland needs.”
“No one in the chamber doubts that Scotland’s economic success depends on people, on skills and on the talent and ambition of our workforce. To build a fair and resilient economy, we need more than slogans about growth; we need investment in people, in fair work and in the systems that help people to thrive. That is what the Scottish Government has been doing, despite a decade of Westminster austerity that has cut Scotland’s capital and resource budgets in real terms year after year. Let us look at some of the fundamentals. Ninety- three per cent of school leavers have a positive destination, and the Scottish Government has provided apprenticeships and training to a record 39,000 individuals.”
“Women aged 17 to 34 are twice as likely to donate than men of the same age, but men tend to have more iron and a higher platelet count than women, which means that they can donate more regularly. Furthermore, only men’s blood can be used for transfusions in newborn babies. That highlights the fact that we need more men to regularly donate. The clear message is: book an appointment today. 17:19”
“That means that the exact products can be given to those who need them, while ensuring that none of the blood donated goes to waste. Every day, 400 new donors are needed to meet the demand for blood in the UK. Adults and children who suffer from anaemia, cancer and blood disorders are dependent on regular blood donations, and most cannot survive without them. Every minute, four units of blood are issued to UK hospitals to help patients. Blood donations are also needed for people who require major and emergency surgeries, and to treat blood loss after childbirth. To meet that demand, 5,000 people need to give blood every day. People can donate once they are 17. More than half of regular blood donors are over the age of 45, so we need more young and diverse donors to donate. As soon as someone is 17, they are eligible to donate blood.”
“My daughter gave blood when she was in her earlier years—she was just over 17—and she now donates platelets as well. We often debate who has the better platelets—she knows that it is me, of course. Three generations of the family are donating, and that shows the importance of starting to donate as early as possible. To build on some of the points that Mr MacGregor mentioned, only 4 per cent of people in Scotland who are eligible to donate blood do so. There are many reasons why people cannot donate, which makes it even more important for people to do so when they can. Every time that someone gives blood, they can save the lives of up to three people. All blood donations are separated into three components— red blood cells, plasma and platelets. One blood donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.”
“Following a blood drive in Patrick’s honour, where more than 150 people donated blood, it was realised that more than 60 per cent of people who took part had never given blood before. Most of them were young adults and had no intentions of giving blood again in the future. Further research has been done, and, according to an NHS statistic, 81 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds in the United Kingdom have never donated blood, and 35 per cent of that age group admitted that they were scared to do so. My mum has been donating blood for many years. The blood donation unit would come to Dunbar grammar school every so often, and she would always visit it. I have been giving blood for a number of years, and in the past few years I have also started to donate platelets.”
“The charity runs a young ambassador programme, where students lead awareness and donation initiatives within their institutions. As Fulton MacGregor said, the charity was founded in 2019, in memory of Patrick Smith, a keen swimmer who was involved in the University of Edinburgh’s swimming and water polo club. I know that that was a passion of his, but he was also extremely passionate about blood donation, so much so that he gave his first blood as soon as he was able to—on his 17th birthday. Every time that Patrick donated, he would advocate how important it was to do so and, at every opportunity that he had, would encourage his friends and family members to give blood.”
“Presiding Officer, I apologise to you and the other members in the chamber for having to leave before the end of the debate this evening. I thank Fulton MacGregor for bringing forward the debate. As he said, Give Blood 4 Good is a Scottish registered charity that works to improve participation in blood donation by increasing awareness and education among young adults in particular, breaking down misconceptions and empowering people to become regular donors. That involves collaboration with schools and universities. As he mentioned, the charity does outreach through student ambassadors, who share donor and recipient stories and organise community events, which are all aimed at fostering a culture in which blood donation is a regular and respected part of young people’s lives.”
“We have huge potential; there is great learning, and tens of thousands of our young and older people are achieving well through our colleges. I look forward to continuing to support our colleges by working with Colleges Scotland and individual institutions.”
“It is vital that the Scottish Government works on increasing the positive destinations that are available to Scotland’s school leavers. Will the minister speak further on that progress, as well as on the role that colleges play in fulfilling our young people’s potential? Ben Macpherson: I thank Paul McLennan for giving me the opportunity to emphasise the importance of colleges in supporting people in their learning journeys and making sure that we fulfil the skills need in our economy. The geographic differentiation of that skills need will become even more important in the period ahead. I look forward to engaging with the member and all those who have an interest in expanding and enhancing the offer appropriately for the need in their communities, and to working with local authorities, members and the bodies involved.”
“I thank Pam Duncan-Glancy for bringing the motion for debate in the chamber. Many of us have had casework on the issue over the past few years. East Lothian Council has had a policy of allowing individual schools to decide on their own policies. I am also aware of differing opinions within schools in East Lothian, as well as among the parents whom I have liaised with. As the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills highlighted, it is about the Scottish Government empowering headteachers in schools to make the decisions on mobile phone use that work for them and best support their children and their local areas. Of course, classrooms must be a safe environment—I do not think that any of us would disagree with that—and we must recognise the role that mobile phones play in contributing to distraction and challenging behaviour.”
“It is absolutely right that schools play their part, along with others, in ensuring that those young people who are feeling particularly vulnerable at the current time are supported, and the guidance goes a long way in helping to provide for that.”
“Ensuring support for transgender children in Scotland’s schools is absolutely vital to their wellbeing and learning experience. Can the cabinet secretary speak further on how the guidance will contribute to that objective? Jenny Gilruth: I thank the member for raising an important point. As I have already alluded to, the rights of all children and young people must be respected in our schools. I have now spent a number of meetings engaging with our trade unions and listening to COSLA about members’ and teachers’ feedback on what is happening in our schools. I want to again put on the record that we are talking about a very small percentage of Scotland’s pupil population at the current time. However, it is important that the Government updates our guidance in relation to the Supreme Court ruling.”
“Importantly, work is already under way to invigorate career services, which are an important part of this, strengthen the skills approach with SDS and the SFC, reform apprenticeships and improve the qualifications offer. Clare Reid of Prosper, with whom I have worked in different roles, emphasised that “the bill is an important step in the reform of the skills landscape.”—[Official Report, Education, Children and Young People Committee, 7 May 2025; c 3.] Prosper engages with employers quite a bit, and it supports the bill. I have talked about four organisations that support the bill at this stage. Miles Briggs: Will the member give way?”
“The bill places learners at the centre of the Government’s approach to the tertiary education system, and it is work that needs to be done—of course we realise that that work needs to be done. For the first time, a statutory framework for apprenticeships in Scotland will be established, which will introduce improvement while leaving room to develop future policy with stakeholders. I joined the Education, Children and Young People Committee, but I missed some of the evidence that Mr Adam talked about, although I have listened to some of the discussions. The committee talked about reserving its judgment. I will come back to the point that both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party should work with the minister; they have heard the offer.”
“It commented: “We support the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill because, although the devil is always in the detail, we see opportunities in apprenticeships being funded through the SFC, forming one collaborative funding model.”—[Official Report, Education, Children and Young People Committee, 18 June 2025; c 18.] Those three organisations have come out and said that we should support the bill at this stage. I come back to the position of the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. They might have issues with the bill, but they should support it and work with the minister. They have heard the offer and heard what is already coming in support of that.”
“Stephen Kerr: Paul McLennan is making the case for a demand-led or demand-sensitive system. The bill does not deliver that, but that is the reform that we need. Paul McLennan: Both the FSB and Edinburgh College say that we need to support the bill at this stage. Mr Kerr and other members have raised issues, but they should work with the minister. Do not oppose the bill in principle at this stage, but work with the minister and listen to what employers and Edinburgh College are saying. I also want to talk about Colleges Scotland.”
“Other members have mentioned renewables, and that has already been pursued in East Lothian. Last year, Edinburgh College carried out its own skills survey research with regional employers. That is another example of speaking to business. The college stated: “Lack of apprenticeship places in key disciplines was raised as an acute skills shortage issue.” Skills gaps continue to cause issues for employers across the region, with 88 per cent of employers saying that some of their vacancies are hard to fill due to difficulties in finding applicants with the required skills. Where hard-to-fill vacancies are concerned, the main things that employers struggle to find are the specialist skills or knowledge required for the role, but employers also struggle to find applicants.”
“As it has stated in its briefing, Edinburgh College believes that the bill should be supported and that work should be expedited to ensure that the recommendations of the Withers review are taken forward in full. The college stated: “It is our view that perpetuating the ‘status quo’ position is not an option”. Edinburgh College is probably the closest college to East Lothian. The south-east of Scotland is the fastest-growing region of Scotland: 84 per cent of Scotland’s population growth in the next 10 years will be in Edinburgh and the south-east of Scotland, with East Lothian forecast to grow by about a third. Edinburgh College stated: “It is imperative that apprenticeship provision is expanded if we are to take advantage of the substantial economic opportunities”.”
“Of course we need to work on this. Mr Hinks said: “In order to do that, it is essential to listen and learn from the experience of small employers, including those who are hesitant to take on apprentices.” Small businesses are at the heart of the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government is committed to streamlining and improving the frameworks for funding post-school education and skills, and the bill is part of that. As I think was mentioned by the minister at the start of the debate, the bill helps to ensure that the annual £3 billion investment in this area delivers the greatest impact for Scotland’s young people and learners.”
“One of the briefings that we have received is from Guy Hinks, the FSB Scotland chair, who said: “One in five small businesses in Scotland was forced to reduce the services they offer customers in the last year due to staff shortages.” We have been talking about what employers are saying, and this is what the FSB has said: “Modernising the training system in a way that encourages smaller employers to hire apprentices would be an important step towards tackling the skills gaps, which are a big part of this problem.” Mr Hinks added: “We can’t afford to miss the opportunity the Bill offers to ensure apprenticeships in Scotland work for the country’s small businesses”. Stephen Kerr made the point that we should hear directly from small businesses, and they are telling us that we should support the bill at this stage.”
“I am glad to speak in the debate, and I welcome Ben Macpherson to his position. It is good to see him back in government. I will touch on some of the briefings that we received today, but I am a bit concerned at the Tory and Labour position on the bill. At the Education, Children and Young People Committee, members decided to reserve judgment on the bill, yet today they have come out against it—there are committee members who have come out and said that today. They should work with the minister on the bill, rather than opposing its principles. The pragmatic approach that is being taken by Ross Greer and the Greens is a better one.”
“Kaukab Stewart: I absolutely agree that we all have a responsibility across this Parliament to ensure that our leadership and language are factual and respectful. Now more than ever, it is vital that we continue to stand in solidarity with all communities across Scotland against exclusion and division.”
“Migration to Scotland provides substantial economic benefits by boosting labour supply, increasing productivity, filling skills gaps and raising tax revenue, which supports public services and a growing economy. It is also crucial for sustaining and growing the population, particularly by addressing the projected fall in the working-age population. Beyond economics, migrants enrich communities and contribute to cultural life. Does the minister agree that it is the duty of all of us in this Parliament to ensure that debate on the subject is balanced, compassionate and fact based in order to ensure that our shared future is built on coalitions of solidarity, and does she agree that faith groups, the private sector, schools and civic organisations must stand together?”
“We remain committed to working constructively with the UK Government, recognising that this is a shared challenge, and we continue to support enforcement of all existing regulations through our record levels of funding to the police. Short Prison Sentences (Rehabilitation) 6.”
“Recognising that some powers, such as vehicle licensing, are reserved to the UK Government, will the minister provide an update on engagement with the UK Government on tackling antisocial behaviour, including in relation to vehicles? Siobhian Brown: We continue to engage with the UK Government on reserved matters, including vehicle use and licensing. Although the UK Government has so far not responded positively to our proposal to extend the safety benefits of vehicle licensing to off-road vehicles, there are some encouraging developments. For example, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 will provide powers to take action against online marketplaces selling illegally modified vehicles.”
“We can do more in that area, which is why funding is being allocated to look into the opportunities for a cultural export office. I know that that has been warmly welcomed by the likes of the Scottish Music Industry Association and others as a significant intervention that will boost the Scottish cultural sector internationally. Cultural Venues (Freedom of Expression) 3.”
“It is vital that we continue working to support, grow and realise the potential of Scotland’s creative industries sector, including through Scotland’s reputation internationally. Can the cabinet secretary say any more about the work to ensure Scotland’s leading cultural reputation and valuable contribution to our economy? Angus Robertson: One area where I have high hopes is the potential for a Scottish cultural export office working together with the Scottish Government offices internationally, the SDI network and the global Scots right around the world. Scotland has a tremendous cultural offering, but one lesson of the Covid experience and Brexit is that there has been a significant challenge for younger performers who wish to tour more and have more international experience.”
“It will make travel by train more affordable and encourage more people to use sustainable public transport. Once again, it is a better deal for people because they live in Scotland, thanks to the Scottish Government. 13:23”
“Overnight tourists contributed more than two million stays, adding £311 million to the local economy. Day visitors also played a crucial role, accounting for 63 per cent of all visits and generating £68 million. We are fortunate to have the Scottish open at the Renaissance club near North Berwick and the fringe by the sea in North Berwick, which have also boosted tourism. Many travel by rail. The abolition of peak rail fares from 1 September saw an anytime day return from North Berwick drop from £15.60 to £9.10 and an anytime day return from East Linton to Edinburgh drop from £16.70 to £10.80. The decision to scrap peak rail fares will put more money in people’s pockets in East Lothian. It will also drive forward tourism and support jobs in that sector.”
“East Lothian has traditionally been a commuter belt for Edinburgh but Covid changed travel patterns, and those are continuing to change—many people now work from home in East Lothian and occasionally travel in to Edinburgh. East Lothian has an amazing tourism offering, which is also important in relation to the abolition of peak rail fares. According to figures from the Scottish tourism economic activity monitor, the tourism industry in East Lothian generated £379 million for the local economy in 2024. It also noted that there were 1.56 million visitors to the county last year, a 9.5 per cent increase from 2023 and 14 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels. Overnight stays saw a significant rise, with visitor numbers increasing by 20 per cent.”
“My enduring memory of that day was seeing the entirety of the East Linton primary school children meet the train and wave as we arrived, along with many local residents—it was a fantastic sight. I continue to work with RAGES as we push for a new rail link from Haddington and Blindwells in East Lothian. We will meet the council next week to discuss the campaign. I also work with RAGES to push for more services and train stations in the rest of East Lothian. East Lothian, along with Midlothian, has the fastest-growing population in Scotland. I mentioned Blindwells, which has the potential to be a new town in East Lothian, increasing the population by between 25 and 33 per cent.”
“In 2007, when I was elected as a councillor for the first time, one of my main objectives was to secure a rail station for the village of East Linton in my ward. With that in mind, I set up a steering group with councillors, MSPs, council officers, South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, ScotRail, Transport Scotland and Network Rail. We met four transport ministers in the campaign as we pushed for a rail station. East Linton railway station opened on Wednesday, 13 December 2023, for the first time in almost 60 years. I had the privilege of travelling on the first train from Edinburgh Waverley to East Linton alongside Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, and Alex Hynes, the then chief executive of ScotRail.”
“I thank Bob Doris for bringing the debate to the chamber today. East Lothian has seven rail stations: Dunbar, East Linton, Drem, Longniddry, Prestonpans, Wallyford and Musselburgh. I work closely with the Rail Action Group East of Scotland—RAGES—which was established in Dunbar in January 1999 and now has about 170 members. RAGES aims to improve rail transport in East Scotland in order to reduce social isolation, promote rail transport as an essential element in an integrated transport system that serves all sections of the community—I will touch on that later—and promote rail as an environmentally friendly, sustainable and affordable mode of transport. Those aims were set out in 1999, and things have not changed.”
“According to a May 2025 report from the World Health Organization, 94 per cent of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Attacking hospitals, medical staff and the sick is considered a war crime under the 1949 Geneva conventions, which Israel has signed. Attacks on hospitals in Gaza have drawn condemnation from the UN, the WHO and other international bodies. This is state-sponsored genocide. I welcome the commitment to recognising Palestine. The Scottish Government also needs to support a total boycott of Israeli goods and to support sanctions on the state of Israel and a complete ban on arms sales to Israel. The genocide needs to stop. 16:20”
“The number of food trucks entering the territory has risen, but it is still well below the minimum that is needed to feed Palestinians there, much less reverse a famine. Gaza’s ministry of health says that more than 17,000 of the 60,000 Palestinians killed are children. Israel says that it seeks to minimise harm to civilians. The children of Gaza have the same rights as children anywhere—rights to water, to food, to shelter, to education, to play, to hope, to joy and, most important, to life. We have seen the bombing of hospitals described as a mistake. We have seen the killing of journalists, which, again, has been described as a mistake. Since October 2023, many hospitals and healthcare facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli strikes and military operations.”