Neil Gray
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I welcome the fact that, through the police and the courts, our justice system is ensuring that justice is done. Victims show enormous bravery and trust in our legal system in reporting crime, and I want that to continue.”
“The Scottish Government-funded Caledonian system is a good example of a community-based programme that aims to address the behaviour of men who have been convicted of domestic abuse, alongside providing support to affected women and children.”
“On the day after my appointment as justice secretary, I visited HMP Edinburgh to see the level of pressure that the Scottish Prison Service is facing due to an increasing prison population. It is clear that staff want to focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending but that it is increasingly difficult for them to do so.”
“Scotland shows a clear and persistent trend of increasing the length of average custodial sentences, including a 37 per cent rise between 2014-15 and 2023-24.”
“However, although the operational impact that will result from the changes is expected to be minimal, I still advise the Parliament to give legislative consent to the relevant sections of the bill.”
“I note my thanks and appreciation to the Parliament for expediting consideration of this legislative consent motion. It is regrettable that we are having to expedite scrutiny on an LCM, which is due to the UK Government’s timetabling for the National Security (State Threats) Bill.”
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“Scotland shows a clear and persistent trend of increasing the length of average custodial sentences, including a 37 per cent rise between 2014-15 and 2023-24. Those figures should not be interpreted as being solely attributable to sentence inflation, because other factors, such as the mix of offences in cases heard in court, continue to apply. The remand population also remains high, with complicated and detailed cases taking longer to conclude. Scotland is not unique in experiencing prison population pressures, with many comparable countries recording increases in their prison populations. However, the fact that we have one of the highest such populations in western Europe must be addressed.”
“The Scottish Government-funded Caledonian system is a good example of a community-based programme that aims to address the behaviour of men who have been convicted of domestic abuse, alongside providing support to affected women and children. My priority is to prevent crimes, but, when they happen, prisons must be a safe and effective place where such offending behaviour can be challenged and addressed through programmes and other rehabilitative work. More individuals now remain in prison for longer, which creates a cumulative demand on capacity across the estate and also means that the population is increasingly more complex to manage, including dealing with health and social care needs. I make no apology for saying that serious crimes should merit serious sentences.”
“I welcome the fact that, through the police and the courts, our justice system is ensuring that justice is done. Victims show enormous bravery and trust in our legal system in reporting crime, and I want that to continue. We are strengthening confidence in the justice system and ensuring that police, prosecutors and the courts have the powers that they need to bring perpetrators to justice. I am, of course, concerned by the rise in sexual and domestic abuse crimes. Although I welcome the fact that victims have the confidence to come forward, including on historical crimes, we must remain focused on tackling such horrendous crimes and, importantly, prevent them from happening. Sexual and domestic abuse crimes are overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women and, ultimately, men must change their behaviour.”
“On the day after my appointment as justice secretary, I visited HMP Edinburgh to see the level of pressure that the Scottish Prison Service is facing due to an increasing prison population. It is clear that staff want to focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending but that it is increasingly difficult for them to do so. I put on the record my thanks to the dedicated prison officers and staff across the prison estate, who are working tirelessly to maintain a safe and supportive environment for those in their care. Although recorded crime in Scotland has fallen overall, over the longer term there has been a marked increase in the reporting, investigation and prosecution of serious offences including sexual crime and serious organised crime.”
“That will strengthen the Scottish Government’s response to state threats and, ultimately, help to keep the people of Scotland safe. In light of those points, I urge the Parliament to support the legislative consent motion. I move, That the Parliament, noting that the National Security (State Threats) Bill, introduced to the House of Commons on 9 June 2026, makes provision that alters the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, agrees to give consent to such provision as made by paragraph 5 to the Schedule to the Bill. 17:34”
“However, although the operational impact that will result from the changes is expected to be minimal, I still advise the Parliament to give legislative consent to the relevant sections of the bill. It is important to maintain alignment with England and Wales in relation to the sentencing of individuals who are convicted of national security offences. Such offences are addressed on a UK-wide basis, which makes consistency essential in how offenders are treated in both sentencing and release arrangements. Consenting to the arrangements will ensure that Scotland is aligned with the rest of the UK on the sentencing and release of individuals who have been convicted of the new state threat offences that are set out in the bill, and on the introduction of the new powers that aim to disrupt and deter the activities of state-linked entities.”
“The Scottish Government therefore considers that the legislative consent of the Scottish Parliament is required in relation to the amendments, as the proposed changes would alter the executive competence of the Scottish ministers. The reasoning behind that view has been set out to the UK Government, but my officials have not received a response at this time. The changes are expected to have little to no operational impact on the Scottish Prison Service, the Parole Board for Scotland or justice social work services in Scotland, given that few prisoners are expected to be sentenced under the new offences—just as, currently, no national security prisoners are held in Scottish prisons.”
“That means that the sentencing and release regime for individuals who are convicted of the new state threat offences will be brought into line with the existing release process for some national security and terrorist prisoners. They would be referred to the Parole Board for Scotland after serving two thirds of their sentence. If not granted parole at that time, they would be reviewed for parole again up to 12 months following. As a result, the Scottish ministers will be required to take on responsibilities for referring any such prisoners to the Parole Board for Scotland. That will extend ministers’ executive functions over the release of those types of prisoner.”
“That means that the UK Home Secretary may designate a body if they believe that it may be linked with foreign-power threat activity and they consider that designating the body is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the UK. New criminal offences will apply in relation to those designated bodies, including proxies being used by states to carry out hostile activities in the UK. The areas of law that are covered by the bill are largely reserved, or else the provisions extend to England and Wales only. However, the provisions that create offences that relate to designated bodies subsequently expand the class of prisoners to whom specific provisions will apply on release. The schedule to the bill amends the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 to apply those measures in Scotland.”
“Given that fact, the motion will be the Scottish Parliament’s only opportunity to express its view on whether to consent to certain provisions in the bill, as set out in my legislative consent memorandum. I recommend that the Parliament agrees to the motion to provide legislative consent to those aspects of the UK Government’s National Security (State Threats) Bill that amend Scottish legislation—specifically, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. The bill makes provision for the designation of bodies that are involved in threat activity that has been linked to a foreign power, within a framework that is modelled on proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000.”
“I note my thanks and appreciation to the Parliament for expediting consideration of this legislative consent motion. It is regrettable that we are having to expedite scrutiny on an LCM, which is due to the UK Government’s timetabling for the National Security (State Threats) Bill. However, I want to make progress this evening to facilitate the passage of that bill. Although I appreciate that the UK Government is of the view that the bill is reserved in its entirety, the UK Parliament’s accelerated timetable has put us in the unfortunate position of having to suspend standing orders to ensure that this Parliament is able to give its view on the bill before our recess. It is the UK Government’s intention to pass the National Security (State Threats) Bill before the UK Parliament begins its recess in July.”
“The Scottish Government is fully supportive of Police Scotland’s efforts to ensure that a resilient and responsive C3 service is maintained and is accessible to all. Emergency calls must clearly take precedence over the reporting of potential criminal incidents. Police Scotland has been very clear that 101 is a non-emergency number. Callers are advised to phone 999 if the incident that they are reporting is escalating into an emergency situation. Police Scotland’s contact assessment model ensures that resources are deployed to where they are needed most and that people receive the support required. We expect the record investment in policing to support effective, accessible services for the public and to ensure that communities continue to receive the prompt and reliable policing response that they deserve.”
“Clare Haughey: I regularly hear from constituents who feel that waiting times for speaking to a call handler can be lengthy. I appreciate that the online service is also available, but many of my constituents, particularly older constituents, tell me that they do not have access to or do not use the internet. Can the cabinet secretary advise me how the Scottish Government expects Police Scotland to maintain a balance between telephone and online services to ensure that the 101 service is accessible for all? Neil Gray: Clare Haughey is absolutely right. We need to bring people with us and give them the flexibility to get in touch with services as they need them and in a way that meets their needs.”
“Decisions on how resources are deployed, including the operation of contact, command and control—C3—services, are rightly matters for the chief constable, which reflects the operational independence of policing. Police Scotland has been very clear that 101 is a non-emergency number, and callers are advised of other means by which they can contact the service while they are on hold. The Scottish Government is providing record funding of more than £1.7 billion for policing in 2026-27, giving Police Scotland the resources that it needs to maintain a resilient and responsive service, including the 101 service. We expect that investment to support effective, accessible services for the public and to ensure that communities continue to receive the prompt and reliable policing response that they deserve.”
“Our model will draw on the Government outcomes lab’s world- class research so that we get the approach right from the outset. By embedding that evidence, learning from best practice and fostering collaboration, we will build a strong and trusted model that maximises impact and value. With the right foundations, that innovative approach will unlock new resources to provide safe spaces for young people and diversion from antisocial behaviour and criminality. Retail Crime Task Force 6.”
“Can the cabinet secretary therefore say how the Scottish Government will utilise the latest research and evidence that are available from bodies such as the Government outcomes lab at the University of Oxford while ensuring raised awareness of, support for and co-ordination of social impact investment among stakeholders to help to realise the huge potential of this innovative funding? Neil Gray: Colm Merrick is absolutely right that we have an exciting opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in investing upstream to deliver better outcomes downstream. We are providing the £200,000 kickstarter fund this year to develop a new £10 million social impact investment fund, which marks a real step change in how we support prevention and early intervention.”
“The social impact partnership model is an innovative way of using investment from local and national businesses in projects for community benefit, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for people by offering payment by results. That is a new concept for Scotland, so we will provide a £200,000 kickstarter fund this year to work with partnerships to bring forward ideas for preventative and early intervention programmes in justice, focusing on reducing reoffending and providing safe spaces for young people to divert them from antisocial behaviour and crime. If the SIP model works, we would want to roll it out to other priority areas. Colm Merrick: The potential of social impact investment is huge but, at this stage, there is obviously a need for further research and development.”
“Neil Gray: The SFRS is continuing to recruit whole-time and on-call firefighters to ensure that full crews can meet demand and that the right resources are in the right place at the right time. Currently, the SFRS has 70 trainee firefighters going through initial training and is recruiting for a further 156 posts, which will be filled in 2026-27. The process has recently closed with some 1,400 applications having been received, which shows that working for the SFRS remains an attractive option for many. The SFRS continues with its on-call improvement strategy to attract more recruits through targeted help with the application process and fitness criteria, along with introducing flexible on-call periods to make the role accessible to a larger number of people. Social Impact Investment 5.”
“I had an introductory meeting with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer and board chair on 4 June, when we discussed a variety of topics, including the concept of firefighters expanding the duties that they perform to do more to keep Scotland safe from harm. I agreed to work closely with the SFRS and the Fire Brigades Union on developing how our manifesto commitment can be delivered by the end of this parliamentary session. I look forward to meeting them both in due course. Colin Beattie: It is vital that we recruit more firefighters. Will the cabinet secretary outline what measures are being taken to ensure that firefighter numbers are sufficient to meet the demand across Scotland?”
“My constituents in the Borders are asking—I put this directly to the cabinet secretary—who will take responsibility if they receive the news on 22 June that Hawick fire station is to be downgraded and then something goes wrong. Neil Gray: The location of resources, along with shift patterns, is an operational matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The review does not propose any reduction in fire and rescue cover in Hawick. Indeed, two fire appliances will continue to be located in Hawick. The SFRS has assured me that the proposed move to a day shift duty system is based on a thorough examination of the risks and historic deployment data across the Borders area and that it will not compromise the safety of the public or firefighters.”
“I had an introductory meeting with the SFRS board chair and chief officer on 4 June, at which we discussed the overall objectives of the service delivery review and the consultation process that has been undertaken by the SFRS. I also met the SFRS deputy chief officer to discuss the service delivery review on 11 June. The SFRS board will meet on 22 June to take final decisions on which of the service delivery review proposals should go forward to implementation. Until then, no decisions have been taken. Rachael Hamilton: The proposals to downgrade Hawick fire station are simply unacceptable, and they have caused months of agony for residents and businesses across the Borders. I strongly believe that Hawick fire station should be a 24/7 service, to ensure public safety.”
“Deployment decisions and infrastructure decisions are operational matters for the independent chief constable, but that strong resource position, combined with the workforce of more than 22,000, ensures the capacity to respond to both rural and urban demands.”
“Jamie Langan: I highlight that the estimated cost of rural crime in Scotland rose by 14 per cent in 2025, bucking declining trends across the rest of the United Kingdom. Does the Scottish Government consider that the closure of 180 police station across Scotland between 2013 and the end of 2025 has stifled efforts to prevent and address crime in rural areas? Neil Gray: I believe that the resources at the disposal of the chief constable are sufficient to ensure that police numbers can be maintained at 16,500, meaning that we have more police officers per head of population than is the case in England and Wales. That is supported by record investment of more than £1.7 billion.”
“The Scottish Government fully recognises the impact of rural crime and supports action to tackle it through the work of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, which is a multi- agency partnership led by Police Scotland that aims to prevent, reduce and tackle rural crime. The partnership’s strategy includes actions around how perpetrators will be brought to justice, how rural communities can safeguard against such crimes and how individuals can be diverted from being involved in them. There is also a series of local partnerships that has expanded across the country, strengthening the focus on prevention activity, particularly as criminality recognises no borders. Together, those efforts ensure a co-ordinated, intelligence-led response to rural crime and help to protect our communities.”
“The Scottish Government’s approach is grounded in tackling hate consistently and proportionately across all communities, which is underpinned by a zero- tolerance stance on racism and hate crime. Our work is underpinned by community cohesion and by promoting mutual respect, understanding and positive relationships across communities. What happened last night was designed to intimidate, to cause alarm and to divide, but we will not allow those who seek to intimidate us or to divide us to do so. The values of the people of Scotland must prevail, and we must show leadership across the chamber to ensure that that is the case.”
“From Perth to Peterhead and from Falkirk to Ayr, we are seeing the forces of hate emboldened and out on our streets, intimidating and harassing law-abiding citizens who have come to our country to build a better life. No one in Scotland should live in fear due to the colour of their skin or their religious belief. That bigotry must not be tolerated any longer. Does the cabinet secretary agree that the issue cuts to the core of what it means to live in our country and society, that there is no place for that type of thuggery in Scotland and that we must be thoughtful and compassionate and not give in to the impulses of hatred and bitterness, regardless of colour or creed? Neil Gray: I completely agree with everything that Paul Sweeney has put on the record in his supplementary question.”
“Members of the public were attacked indiscriminately because of the colour of their skin, and two police officers were injured. My prayers are with those who were attacked by the savage mob and with the victim of the vicious and barbaric assault last night in Belfast. All those who have been affected across the United Kingdom are in my thoughts today. However, let me be clear that this shocking display of hate is the antithesis of the compassionate character and welcoming spirit of Glasgow and Glaswegians. Last night’s event was not a random outburst of bigotry and violence. It marks a further escalation in the organised far-right riots that are becoming all too common in Scotland.”
“Police Scotland has since established a community reassurance cell, and officers are engaging with communities and stakeholders to understand and respond to their concerns. Police Scotland has also put in place appropriate plans to manage potential further protest activity, including the deployment of specialist public order officers, as required. Let me be crystal clear: there is no place for racism, hatred and intimidation in our society, nor for the actions of those who seek to stoke those sentiments and division. Those beliefs and actions are not those of the vast majority of people who live in Scotland, who have values of being a welcoming and warm nation. Paul Sweeney: Last night, racist thugs stormed through the centre of Glasgow under the white nationalist slogan “White lives matter”.”
“The actions of a very small number of individuals in parts of Scotland last night, which included the assaulting of police officers and members of minority ethnic communities, are shocking and unacceptable. Violence and racism have no place on our streets, and I utterly condemn the actions of the mindless few who were involved in the disorder and assaults that took place in Glasgow. What happened in Belfast is utterly horrific and unspeakable, and it will already have caused great concern, but the events that followed also caused distress and fear for all, and particularly for some communities. I think that I speak for the whole Parliament when I express my gratitude to Police Scotland for its response last night.”
“I know that the SFRS’s local senior officers will be engaging directly with MSPs on the review. My understanding is that the review is not about making reductions in the number of firefighters or appliances that have been in place since September 2023, but is about ensuring the correct spread across the country to respond to increasing wildfires, grass fires and flooding as a result of climate change.”
“Joe Fagan: There is profound concern about the potential outcomes of the service delivery review, not least from the firefighters and their union. Given the gravity of the decisions that are about to be made, does the Government agree that there should be full parliamentary scrutiny and that Parliament should have a say on what happens next, before the review is implemented? To that end, would it consider committing Government time to a debate on the next steps? Neil Gray: These are independent decisions for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make, but it is open to Parliament to take a view on those matters—in the way that a view is normally taken, for example, on investigations undertaken through the committee structure—or otherwise. Obviously, it is for other parties to determine what they use their Opposition time for.”
“I met the SFRS board chair on 4 June, when we discussed the overall objectives of the service delivery review and the consultation and outreach process that the SFRS has undertaken. Recent large fires in Glasgow and Fife have been dealt with commendably by our front-line firefighters, which illustrates the importance of having a properly resourced fire service. However, the fire risks have changed and the SFRS must adapt its services to meet those changes. To protect the integrity of the governance process, the Scottish Government has not yet had sight of the final review recommendations, which will go to the board for consideration on 22 June. The SFRS has committed to publishing the rationale for the proposed changes, along with a detailed analysis of the public consultation ahead of that.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not connect. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Your vote has been recorded.”
“That long-standing part of Scots law has operated under many different Administrations, with a lot of the existing infrastructure originally set up in the mid-1990s by the then United”
“Offenders can be released after serving only 50, 40 or 30 per cent of the sentence imposed. Put simply, sentencing often does not mean what it says, and the public get that. Does the cabinet secretary agree that prisoners should, by default, serve the full sentence handed down by the court? Neil Gray: I am sure that Mr Kerr will know and understand that the custodial sentence imposed by the court is generally not the same as the length of time that a person will spend in custody. That does not mean that the sentence has changed. Rather, it reflects that a sentence will last for the length of time that a court has imposed but may be subject to enforcement both in custody and in the community.”
“Sentencing decisions in individual cases are a matter for the sentencing judge. The sentencing of offenders is usually announced orally in court. The judge will often give reasons for imposing a particular sentence at the time of sentencing and may also publish a sentencing statement regarding certain cases of particular public interest or those that raise wider issues. The Scottish Sentencing Council, which is a statutory independent advisory body, aims to promote greater public understanding of sentencing and has published a range of online information to help the public to understand different aspects of sentencing. Stephen Kerr: Fundamentally, it is us, in this Parliament, who decide and determine the law, and the reality is that Scotland’s sentencing system is deliberately dishonest.”
“How officers are deployed in any local area, including over the summer, is a matter for the chief constable, who has been clear that she intends to bring front-line policing into the strongest possible position. I know that, like me, she regularly meets with local policing teams to seek confidence. The Scottish Government is also investing in youth work and in diversion, so that young people have positive alternatives during school holidays, including initiatives such as the extra time programme. In addition, we are providing Police Scotland with record funding of more than £1.7 billion, which the chief constable has said will mean that she can maintain officer numbers at 16,500 in the coming year, and we continue to have more officers per head of population than in England and”
“Clare Haughey: I, too, commend the local police authorities in my Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituency for the work that they are doing. However, as the summer school holidays roll around, many people in my constituency will be concerned about the potential for youth disorder to occur, in particular in association with alcohol use and underage drinking. How will the cabinet secretary ensure that local police teams and local authorities have the resources that they need to tackle the issue, especially over the summer months? Neil Gray: I recognise Ms Haughey’s concerns, which are shared by residents in my constituency. I am confident that Police Scotland will tackle any such disorder whenever and wherever it occurs.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to tackling all forms of antisocial behaviour and violence in our communities. Any disorder is not acceptable. Although operational decisions are for the chief constable, the Scottish Government supports Police Scotland and local authorities to take necessary action that is suitable for their own communities. I have noticed that, in Ms Haughey’s constituency, community officers are being deployed to tackle youth disorder and target problem offenders. We complement that work by investing in preventative approaches, including by funding diversionary activities in every local authority area through the cashback for communities programme and by providing targeted support for youth violence initiatives such as Medics Against Violence and No Knives, Better Lives.”
“I move amendment S7M-00228.4, to leave out from “recognises” to end and insert: “thanks hard-working NHS and social care staff across Scotland for their care and dedication; commends them for the progress made in recovering services despite the Scottish Government’s failure to meet its own promises, and believes that protecting and renewing Scotland’s NHS for the next generation requires a proper emergency waiting times plan with funding that follows the patient, embracing new technology to improve productivity and patient experience, prioritising primary care and delivering proper investment in social care, which will not only reduce pressure on acute services but support healthier and happier lives in the community.” 14:41”
“We have the best staff in the world—if only they could get on with the jobs that they are trained to do. Their resilience, hard work, motivation and innovation should be an inspiration to us all. I urge the Scottish Government to learn from them and get on with delivering for the Scottish people.”
“That is true for a range of allied health professionals and for social care staff. The cabinet secretary must urgently implement a 10-year workforce plan that covers everything from training and recruitment to retention and career progression. That workforce plan must be combined with a drive to cut out unnecessary bureaucracy, streamline data and invest in up-to- date equipment—for example, investing in 24/7 thrombectomy services would allow staff to treat more patients more effectively. In closing, I offer a plea to the cabinet secretary: change the culture of the SNP Government; be open, be transparent, admit mistakes and just occasionally listen to the Opposition, who have the shared interests of the NHS and social care at heart; and above all, listen to the staff.”
“[Made a request to intervene.] Jackie Baillie: Neil Gray is the past health secretary—he can sit down. Neil Gray: She knows what I am going to say. Jackie Baillie: Perhaps he should listen. A recent survey by the Royal College of Nursing found that seven in 10 nurses felt that staffing levels on their last shift were below or well below what was needed. The organisation’s latest report, which was published in May, warned that “Scotland cannot build the sustainable nursing workforce that it urgently needs by asking staff to continue to work short-staffed and under relentless pressure while feeling demoralised and undervalued.” The same could be said of the consultants, GPs and resident doctors who are leaving the country because they cannot get specialty training places.”
“We will work with it to ensure that decisions on infrastructure across Scotland are taken in a proportionate way that ensures that the continued safety of residents is paramount. We also need to be cognisant of the fact that, with increased wildfires and reduced levels of house fires, the service is responding to the changing dynamic in the right locations and with the necessary resources. That is exactly what I expect the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to do. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time. I apologise to all the members who were unable to ask questions. I have to say that ministers were quite languid in some of their answers in the first half of the question session, so not everyone could be taken. First Minister’s Question Time Back-bench Members 14:30”
“Katherine Sangster: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be meeting this month to decide on station closures that will have impacts across the Edinburgh and Lothians East region. The proposed changes are expected to push average local response times from the current four to six minutes to six to eight minutes. Given the present risk of wildfires, can the public be sure that they are being made safe by such decisions? Neil Gray: Yes. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received an additional £23.8 million in the latest budget, which takes total funding to £456 million. That underlines the Government’s commitment to keeping Scotland safe. The operational decisions on the deployment of those resources are for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to take.”
“I congratulate Katherine Sangster on her election. Her eagerness to get under way has been evident in this general question time. I put on record my thanks to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for its work to deal with the Arthur’s Seat grass fire so timeously. The Scottish Government’s strategic action plan on wildfires sets out a co-ordinated approach to preventing, preparing for and responding to wildfires. It includes actions to raise public awareness of wildfire risk, promote responsible outdoor behaviour and enhance danger assessments. We have seen the widespread damage that wildfires can cause so, to prevent fires from starting, it is crucial that everyone plays their part in acting responsibly, heeding wildfire warnings and following advice when in the countryside.”
“I am pursuing an immediate meeting with the MRA to ensure that an immediate decision is made on whether the mine workings will have an impact, as well as looking to engage with the United Kingdom Government, given its MRA responsibilities. I am happy to keep in touch with Helen McDade and Keith Brown, the constituency”
“The Government has already taken a number of steps to support residents and Clackmannanshire Council in its immediate response. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the immense effort that has been put in by Clackmannanshire Council staff, who have gone above and beyond to support local residents. We have triggered the Bellwin scheme. The Government is looking to provide additional human resources support to Clackmannanshire Council. Neighbouring authorities are also assisting through local resilience partnerships. We are looking at providing potential support for geological surveying, and we are working with utility companies to support residents and ensure that they do not continue to be charged.”
“The Mining Remediation Authority, whose decision making is crucial in a case such as this, is leading site investigations, and we will work closely with it to ensure that decisions are made as quickly as possible, so that clear next steps can be identified for residents who will be understandably concerned and upset by what has happened to their homes. Helen McDade: As has been acknowledged, the number of houses had reached 97 at the latest count. I also met some of the residents, and it is good to know that that work is happening. Due to the incident’s seriousness and the likelihood of lengthy disruption for residents, will the Government commit to establishing an emergency hardship fund? Neil Gray: I congratulate Helen McDade on her election and thank her for her questions.”
“Presiding Officer, I welcome you and congratulate you on your new role. Residents’ safety is my first priority. On Friday, I was pleased to meet the leader of Clackmannanshire Council and Keith Brown, the local constituency MSP, to ensure that immediate support is in place for those who are affected. Following that meeting, the Scottish Government continues to work directly with the council and the local resilience partnership to co-ordinate response efforts. Ministers have also activated the Bellwin scheme and stand ready to assist.”