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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“I would also be more than happy to interact with her, as I have with others, about the process for the reorganisation of neonatal services, which I believe will result in a safer process for the most vulnerable babies in our society.”
“Neil Gray: Progress on that is already under way. The Government published guidance in 2021 for boards on how and when to undertake significant adverse event reviews in maternity and neonatal services. Those sit alongside Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s SAER process, in which there is a strong focus on being open and including affected families. We expect all boards to follow those guidelines to ensure that robust and timely reviews are undertaken. As I said, I will follow up in writing with both Meghan Gallacher and the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee about the individual recommendations and the work that is under way through the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019.”
“Following the reviews that were conducted by the fatal accident inquiry, and its findings, there will be significant concern, anxiety and anticipation among women and families who are expecting. Can the Scottish Government provide assurance on the additional measures that are being considered to enhance that patient safety—I understand that the cabinet secretary has just outlined some of those—to improve oversight and address staffing levels in our maternity and neonatal services in order to alleviate those concerns? The cabinet secretary has provided a timescale for that, but could he also consider whether any changes that have been made to neonatal services, in particular in relation to the downgrading at Wishaw general hospital, can also be taken into consideration, given the findings of the fatal accident inquiry?”
“We are also working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on the renewed approach to significant adverse event reviews, and we will update the maternity and neonatal guidelines to reflect the revised HIS guidelines. To improve the safety of maternity services, the Government has commissioned HIS to develop a set of maternity standards. The process has already started and we expect the standards to be published in late 2025. As Meghan Gallacher will know, HIS is also now starting unannounced inspections of maternity services in order to give that additional level of assurance. Meghan Gallacher: A written response from the cabinet secretary would be greatly appreciated.”
“To reassure her, I would be happy to provide, in writing, to her and to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, the Government’s response to all those recommendations. I believe that there is already progress on some of them, and more progress to come, which is currently being worked on, on others. Meghan Gallacher is right—improving maternity safety is paramount, and I would like to reassure expectant mothers that maternity services in Scotland are very safe for both mothers and babies. Our world-leading Scottish patient safety perinatal improvement programme works with maternity services across Scotland to drive improvements in care for mothers and babies.”
“My deepest sympathies go to the families who have been impacted by the inquiry findings. While we cannot undo the pain and distress that those families have endured, we must ensure that their experiences lead to meaningful change. The report highlights defects in the system of working in hospitals, pointing to a lack of guidance for midwives in assessing preterm labour symptoms and a lack of effective means of flagging risks on hospital systems. Given the inquiry’s recommendations, although I was listening closely to what the cabinet secretary has just said, what further assurances can the Scottish Government provide to pregnant women and families that those recommendations will be fully implemented in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future? Neil Gray: Again, I thank Meghan Gallacher for her question.”
“We are considering the findings carefully with the maternity community to ensure that the recommendations are acted on with the greatest urgency. Indeed, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have already put in place a range of actions to deliver against the recommendations, and they have an on-going programme of work to deliver the safest care for mothers and babies. I have written to the chief executives of those boards seeking further assurances that actions are under way and that appropriate changes are happening at pace, and I have asked to be kept informed of progress. Meghan Gallacher: I appreciate the response that the cabinet secretary has just provided, because the most heartbreaking conclusion of the inquiry is, of course, that the deaths of Lea, Ellie and Mira-Belle could have been avoided.”
“I appreciate Meghan Gallacher’s raising this urgent question. The loss of a baby is devastating for any family, and I offer my sincerest apologies to the families for any failures in the system that has seen the tragic deaths of baby Lea, baby Ellie and baby Mira- Belle. As a father of four, my heart breaks to think of the unspeakable pain that those families will be suffering, especially as the fatal accident inquiry has flagged opportunities for their babies’ lives to have potentially been saved. In that light, I thank those families for participating in the fatal accident inquiry. I simply cannot begin to imagine the pain of not only losing their child but having to relive that time through the investigation. I am also grateful to Sheriff Principal Anwar for her report.”
“Significant progress is being made in diagnostic testing, and there is more to come with the budget—which Jackie Baillie did not vote for. Jackie Baillie: Far be it from me to point out that it was the UK Labour Government that gave you the money, and the Scottish National Party failed to vote for it—”
“Neil Gray: I believe that I already answered the second part of Jackie Baillie’s question in my first answer about the resources that we are allocating to boards, which take the decisions. It is also for boards to make a risk-based analysis of the appropriateness of the equipment that they have— including parts, availability and maintenance—and of its reliability and productivity. We make our assessments on that basis. On the first part of her question, Jackie Baillie will know that we are already seeing improvements in diagnostic waiting lists. Quarter 4 of 2024 had the fourth-largest improvement since the pandemic. At the end of December, the waiting list had reduced by more than 18,000 compared with the end of 2024.”
“Jackie Baillie: In hospitals across Scotland, patients are going back to the future, with vital MRI and CT scanners that are often more than 15 years old and X-ray machines that are up to 27 years old. The cabinet secretary will be aware of the independent report that has recommended that CT and MRI machines that are more than 10 years old should be retired. The Society of Radiographers has said that “older equipment is unreliable” and “is often operationally slower”. First, how far does unreliable equipment contribute to the current diagnostic waiting times? Secondly, given the extra £2.5 billion for Scotland’s national health service from the United Kingdom Labour Government, will the cabinet secretary confirm when the out-of-date machines will be replaced?”
“Jackie Baillie will appreciate that equipment does not cease to function as soon as it reaches 10 years old. However, we know that equipment does not have an infinite lifespan, and life-cycle replacement planning is on-going. That includes a radiotherapy replacement programme, which is supported by annual funding, including £18.5 million this year. A further £19 million has been allocated for equipment investment, as part of additional funding that is being provided to the portfolio at the spring budget revision, to support the replacement of ultrasound and X-ray machines and other imaging equipment. The 2025-26 budget provides a 5 per cent uplift to boards’ core capital allocations to support maintenance and replacement programmes. A further £30 million supports priority equipment replacement, based on boards’ assessment of need.”
“When he closes the debate, Richard Lochhead will touch on our cutting-edge companies and the economic benefits in that space.”
“This is the embodiment of the triple helix that we want to thrive for the benefit of our people—industry, academia and the NHS working together. That night, Dr Iain Foulkes, the executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, described the potential for rivalling the golden triangle with our own platinum triangle in Scotland, such is the level of world-leading research, innovation and human talent that we have. I saw that for myself on a recent visit to the Edinburgh BioQuarter. With funding from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, it is using robots to screen thousands of possible drug treatments to help researchers to prioritise those with the best chance of success in clinical trials. Such partnerships can also support economic growth through increased investment, business spin-outs and the creation of high-value jobs.”
“Adopting innovation will be central to delivery, and that is what this debate will focus on. We know that a scientific revolution is under way that has the power to transform healthcare. It offers genuine cause for optimism about the future. We are seeing rapid advances in the use of precision medicine, robotics and diagnostics and in the application of artificial intelligence to diagnose and treat disease, as well as to keep people healthier for longer. Scotland’s life sciences and technology businesses, our universities and the NHS are driving that scientific revolution. A few weeks ago, Miles Briggs hosted Cancer Research UK at an event in the Parliament’s garden lobby. I had the privilege of speaking to a range of incredible cancer innovators who are partnered with phenomenal universities across Scotland.”
“The NHS requires reform to ensure that we can address changing needs and have a sustainable health service now and into the future. Later this month, the Scottish Government will publish an operational improvement plan, which will detail how we will deliver immediate improvement. That will be followed later in the spring by our population health framework, which will set out a long-term approach to primary prevention. Our medium-term approach to health and social care reform will then be published before the summer recess. Those three key documents will build on the health and social care vision that I set out to the Parliament last June and will demonstrate how we will plan services for our whole population over the short, medium and longer terms.”
“In January, at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, the First Minister set out our priorities for national health service recovery and renewal, which are to reduce the immediate pressures across the NHS; to shift the balance of care from hospital to the community; to take a long-term focus on prevention to tackle the root causes of ill health and disease; and—the subject of this debate—to use innovation, both digital and technological, to improve access to care. We all know the tremendous pressures on our health and social care services in recent years. Those services face Covid-related backlogs and delayed discharges, and they are working hard to meet the increasing needs and demands of an ageing population.”
“We must continue to fully scrutinise what has happened in the past in order to maintain public confidence in our healthcare provision and to ensure that vital learning is applied, so that we can prevent similar circumstances from occurring again. I will continue to update the Parliament as the work progresses. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues arising in his statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will need to move to the next item of business. Members who wish to ask a question should press their request-to-speak button.”
“Improvements have been made, but I recognise that Lord Brodie and the inquiry team have rightly drawn attention to areas that require further focus and improvement. The Scottish Government is committed to working with the health boards and other NHS bodies to consider and address each of the 11 recommendations made in the interim report. I stress that the interim report does not represent the conclusion of the inquiry’s work, and that its investigations into the Queen Elizabeth university hospital and the Royal hospital for children in Glasgow continue. We recognise the progress that has been made by the inquiry in relation to this report, and that further hearings are planned to run throughout 2025.”
“The board will ensure that infrastructure continues to support health and care service needs, will seek opportunities for doing better and will provide national oversight of the continued safe and effective operation of the retained estate. NHS National Services Scotland has also updated the Scottish health technical memorandum guidance on ventilation to include the role of design supervision given to the ventilation safety group. That multidisciplinary group, which includes authorising engineers, expert technical consultants and clinicians, is responsible for overseeing the management of the ventilation systems of a healthcare provider and is expected to assess all aspects of ventilation safety and resilience that are required for the safe development and on-going operation of healthcare premises.”
“NHS Scotland assure provides assurance that the healthcare built environment is safe and fit for purpose, and it has improved support to health boards on technical matters. Its work also includes a programme of learning intended to enable health boards to assist NHS Scotland assure in better supporting those boards that are about to go through the same process. NHS National Services Scotland is also in the early stages of developing and improving the existing standard contract for major capital projects, which will have clearer roles and responsibilities for those involved in the process to support governance, assurance and risk management. We have introduced a national infrastructure board to provide strategic leadership and expertise in driving forward a national strategy for infrastructure change.”
“The report also raises concerns about a number of instances where a governance process or aspects of operational management were ineffectively implemented. I expect health board managers to address those concerns appropriately, with support from relevant national health service bodies, such as NHS Scotland assure, to ensure that their governance processes are robust, open, transparent and fit for purpose. We continue to make improvements to policy and practices, alongside our NHS partners, including the establishment of NHS Scotland assure to provide a co-ordinated approach to the improvement of risk management in new buildings and infrastructure projects across the Scottish NHS.”
“The impact of unclear or poor communication on the wellbeing of parents, patients and their families during a very difficult, emotional and uncertain period in their lives is not to be underestimated, and the interim report sets out that “Health boards must ensure that in the event of any adverse situation that could affect the wellbeing of patients and their families, there is a communication strategy in place to liaise with this crucially important group.” It also says: “The Scottish Government should ensure that this liaison is supported in any overarching communication strategy it may wish to introduce.” To those who rely on the hospital, and those who should have been able to rely on information about what was happening, I make the commitment that the Scottish Government will improve, and I will work with the health boards to ensure that we all learn lessons that put parents, patients and families at the heart of the decisions that are taken and their impacts.”
“The inquiry has stated that the environment of the Royal hospital for children and young people and department of clinical neurosciences in Edinburgh is “suitable ... for the delivery of safe, effective person-centred care”, and that it has been since the facilities opened in March 2021. No evidence is available to the inquiry that indicates any contrary position, and I am confident that that will provide assurance to patients, parents and families who are accessing the hospital’s vital services. However, it is clear from the inquiry report that communications fell below the standard that we would expect. The interim report talks in detail about some of the difficulties faced by parents, patients and families.”
“That decision understood the risks associated with the introduction of patients into a facility that had not met the required safety standards. Only through that direct intervention by the then cabinet secretary were we able to act and deliver the necessary changes to the built environment. The issue that led to the decision to delay related principally to the design of the ventilation system of the paediatric critical care department of the new hospital. The significant remedial works that were carried out to the ventilation system to remedy the non-compliance involved extensive work to replace the system in the relevant areas. The results of independent testing and the expert evidence heard by the inquiry indicate that the remedial works have been successful.”
“The evidence before the inquiry and the interim report make it clear that safety is not a binary issue. There is a sliding scale of risk from safe to unsafe, which can be influenced by many factors that the Scottish Government and senior health board leaders must consider. Although it is right for the Scottish Government to take the time to reflect on the report’s findings and recommendations before responding more fully, l want to take the opportunity today to talk briefly about some of those findings. A full response from the Scottish Government to the interim report will be provided in the coming months, but the report confirms that the decision taken by the then cabinet secretary to postpone the opening of the hospital was the right one.”
“Turning to the interim report findings, I note that the remit of the Scottish hospitals inquiry requires it to determine “how issues relating to adequacy of ventilation, water contamination and other matters adversely impacting on patient safety and care occurred; if these issues could have been prevented; the impacts of these issues on patients and their families; and whether the buildings provide a suitable environment for the delivery of safe, effective person-centred care.” The remit further requires the inquiry “to make recommendations to ensure that any past mistakes are not repeated in future NHS infrastructure projects.” Without a doubt, patient safety is of the utmost importance, and the findings in the interim report will significantly contribute towards ensuring that lessons can be learned.”
“As we consider the interim report, the work of the inquiry continues so that parents, patients and families, and all those affected, have the answers that they deserve, and so that when lessons are identified, we take steps to implement the necessary improvements to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of patient safety throughout. All of us, whether for ourselves or through our families and friends, will have interactions with the national health service in Scotland, and there is nothing more important to me than ensuring that Scotland’s NHS is safe and effective and that all patients receive the high standard of care that we would all expect in fit-for-purpose buildings.”
“A public inquiry was announced on 17 September 2019, with Lord Brodie appointed as chair soon thereafter, and the inquiry’s setting-up date was 3 August 2020. The inquiry’s purpose is to determine how vital issues relating to the built environment of the hospitals, such as water supply, drainage, ventilation and other key building systems, gave rise to concerns about patient safety and welfare; how they occurred; and what steps were taken and can be taken to prevent them from being repeated in future projects. The Scottish hospitals inquiry chaired by Lord Brodie is, rightly, independent of the Scottish Government.”
“I am also deeply grateful to the many witnesses, especially parents, patients and their families, who have fully committed to the inquiry process and have provided the necessary evidence, reflecting their own experiences and that of their children. It has allowed the inquiry to produce the findings contained in the report and the 11 specific recommendations. I also extend my thanks to the staff at the Royal hospital for children and young people and the department of clinical neurosciences in Edinburgh for their continued hard work and dedication. On 4 July 2019, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport announced that the opening of the new Royal hospital for children and young people and the department of clinical neurosciences in Edinburgh would be postponed due to serious concerns about patient safety and wellbeing.”
“I am pleased to receive, and I welcome, the interim report from the Scottish hospitals inquiry on the Royal hospital for children and young people and the department of clinical neurosciences, both in Edinburgh. The inquiry’s overarching aim is to consider the planning, design, construction, commissioning and, where appropriate, maintenance of the Queen Elizabeth university hospital campus in Glasgow and the Royal hospital for children and young people and the department of clinical neurosciences in Edinburgh. I extend my thanks to Lord Brodie and his team for their hard work and dedication in producing the interim report, and I am grateful for the progress that the inquiry has made thus far.”
“However, I have to ensure that the reduced working week is implemented in a safe way that maintains capacity and ensures that we can deliver what we wish to see in the NHS over the coming year. I have met with unions to explain my position and my decision, which was taken by me.”
“Does he accept that any negotiations will need to rebuild trust, given his decision to U-turn on the Government’s commitment to implement the reduction in the working week for NHS staff? Will he tell us whether that was his decision, or was it John Swinney’s and he was simply the messenger? Neil Gray: There has been no U-turn on our commitment to get to 36 hours for agenda for change staff in a reduced working week. The commitment that was given in the pay deal was to get to 36 hours by April 2026, and that is what is being delivered. A recommendation of the reduced working week working group suggested an implementation of 30 minutes over three years, but there was no commitment from the Government on that provision. I recognise the frustration that exists among staff and I continue to engage with unions in that regard.”
“I am incredibly grateful to our hard-working NHS Scotland staff for the care that they provide to patients day in, day out, and I am committed to ensuring that they continue to be supported and valued, and that NHS Scotland remains an employer of choice. I therefore confirm that pay negotiations for agenda for change staff will commence on 19 March. For consultants, specialty doctors, general practitioners and dentists, we await recommendations from the independent doctors and dentists pay review body. For resident doctors, we will engage directly with the British Medical Association Scotland to arrange for pay negotiations to commence. Jackie Baillie: The cabinet secretary will be aware of the anger and frustration among the NHS workforce in the light of the delay in starting pay negotiations for the coming year.”
“As I am sure the Presiding Officer will be aware, the capital funding position remains challenging, but I am working closely with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government on the refresh of the infrastructure investment plan, the results of which will be published later this year, so that we can set out what we can do to address the situation in Port Glasgow and with other primary care facilities across”
“Will the cabinet secretary accept an invitation, alongside NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s new chief executive, to visit Port Glasgow health centre to see the condition of the existing building and why a new facility is so urgently needed? Neil Gray: I thank Stuart McMillan for his question and for highlighting the investment that the Scottish Government and the board have made in the new Greenock health centre and the obvious impact that that has had. I am more than happy to accept the invitation to visit Port Glasgow, and I acknowledge the importance of the matter to Stuart McMillan and his constituents. I am fully aware of the need for additional primary care investment, not just in Port Glasgow but further afield. I understand that it is one of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s top primary care priorities—if not its number 1 priority.”
“The Scottish Government meets regularly with colleagues from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and it is due to meet with the assistant director of infrastructure, planning and delivery on 13 March. A wide variety of issues will be discussed, including the board’s primary care priorities, which we know will include Port Glasgow health centre. Following the United Kingdom spending review, the Scottish Government intends to update and publish a refreshed infrastructure investment plan, which will outline what capital projects will be taken forward. Stuart McMillan: Replacing Port Glasgow health centre is a key priority for my constituency. It would help to deliver better outcomes for patients and provide a better workplace for staff. We have only to look at the £21 million Greenock health centre replacement; that proves the point.”
“Those service providers have the interests of their patients first and foremost, of course. I would be interested in having a further discussion with Mr Burnett about the issues that he has raised, because the situation is extremely concerning. To go back to funding, it is for local authorities and health boards to arrive at the appropriate funding of our health and social care partnerships.”
“Seventy per cent of responders now face reduced hours, demotion to lower-paid and junior roles or—even worse— redundancy. Despite that, the responders’ concern was for the people for whom they care. Many had suggestions for savings but were never asked. Now, they are gagged from social media, and some are even forbidden from coming to see me, their MSP. Every integration joint board in Scotland has told Neil Gray that it will not be possible to sustain existing levels of care across all services. Has the Government given up caring? Neil Gray: Absolutely not. I recognise the concern that has been outlined. I am extremely concerned by what Alexander Burnett narrated about the ability of members of staff to come up with solutions or seek a responsible response to the pressures that are felt. He is absolutely right.”
“Although the Scottish Government has overall responsibility for social care policy in Scotland, it is for local authorities and health boards to ensure that health and social care partnerships are funded and can meet the needs of local people. Our 2025-26 budget continues to prioritise additional investment in social care and includes almost £2.2 billion for the sector, which exceeds our commitment to increase funding by 25 per cent by almost £350 million. We have also provided significant additional resources to local authorities and expect social care to be prioritised by them. Although budgets are the responsibility of local partners, we will continue to engage with the sector on the significant financial pressures that it is under. Alexander Burnett: I recently met Aberdeenshire responders for care at home in Huntly and Banchory.”
“Neil Gray: Audiology is considered a clinical priority area, and the Scottish Government remains committed to its vision for an integrated and community-based hearing service in Scotland. While our response to the independent review on audiology in Scotland is implemented, we continue to work with the national health service, the community and voluntary sector and private providers to identify and cost an appropriate model for community care for any future service reform and ensure that the voices of those with lived experience inform that work. I would be more than happy to meet Mr Lumsden and his constituent to take that area forward. North East Scotland Health and Social Care Partnerships (Funding) 2.”
“NHS Grampian monitors referrals, and advises that the average waiting time between referral and assessment is between 12 and 18 months. I recognise that that is not good enough, which is why our budget will provide a record £21.7 billion for health and social care, including almost £200 million to reduce waiting lists and support a reduction in delayed discharge. By March 2026, we expect no one to be waiting longer than 12 months for a new out-patient, in-patient or day- case treatment. Douglas Lumsden: I have heard from constituents who have had to wait for more than two years to get a hearing aid. A review of audiology services was carried out in 2022, but there seems to have been no improvement since then. How many of the 55 recommendations from the report of that review have been implemented?”
“As members will be aware, we have continued to put those with lived and living experience at the heart of our approach. That is reflected in the charter of rights, which was published in December. The charter supports people who are affected by substance use to know and understand their rights in accessing support services, which I think addresses a point that was well made by Clare Haughey, around people self- denying support due to stigma, a lack of information or, more worryingly, a lack of self- worth. I know that more needs to be done. The people’s panel report calls for further and faster action on cultural change, stigma and prevention.”
“I remind members that Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce a naloxone programme nationally. The latest figures show that an estimated 79 per cent of those at risk of opioid overdose now have access to a life-saving kit. I pay tribute to Audrey Nicoll and others who have taken up the opportunity for training. The establishment of Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow marks another milestone. Although it is still in its early days, research and evaluation from similar facilities around the world have found consistent evidence that they can help to save and improve lives and reduce harm. Early anecdotal feedback from the Thistle has been positive, which reinforces the need for a harm reduction and public health-based approach.”
“I also take the opportunity to thank all those across the joint committee, including the staff and clerks, for their work. I begin with a reminder of the stark reality that we face. In 2023, we lost 1,172 lives to drugs and 1,277 lives to alcohol. Those are not just numbers—they represent individuals, families and communities affected by grief. Every life lost is a tragedy, and we must never become numb to the impacts of those statistics—having met too many bereaved families, I certainly have not. The people’s panel report outlines some of the persistent challenges that we face in tackling the crisis. I am pleased to confirm to Parliament that the Scottish Government supports all the recommendations, many of which align to work that is already under way. We should reflect on the successes that are highlighted in the panel’s report.”
“As I continue to take on Christina McKelvie’s ministerial responsibilities, I hope that I do so with members’ love and best wishes for her during her on-going treatment. [Applause.] Following the recent publication of the people’s panel report, I welcome this opportunity to update Parliament on actions that we are taking as part of the national mission to reduce harm and to improve the lives of those affected by drug and alcohol use. Like the committee conveners, I extend my sincere thanks to the people’s panel, the stewarding board and all those involved in giving evidence for their dedication and diligent work in producing the report. As Clare Haughey said, the people’s panel is a true example of deliberative democracy, which is evident in action, and I am sure that members have found the report helpful and insightful, as I have.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:11. Correction John Swinney has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that increasing the level of investment in the Scottish economy is critical to delivering on the Scottish Government’s priorities of improving public services, supporting a thriving economy, tackling the climate emergency, and eradicating child poverty; recognises that the Scottish Government’s programme of public investment, particularly in the priority areas of net zero, housing and infrastructure, is vital for leveraging private investment across the Scottish economy, to stimulate growth in key sectors, improve productivity and create jobs; welcomes the annual EY survey, which shows that Scotland is outpacing the UK as a whole when it comes to securing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, and three Scottish cities ranked in the UK’s top 10 locations for FDI outside of London, and believes that Scotland’s strengths and expertise in areas such as technology, financial services, food and drink, tourism and the energy transition make Scotland the ideal place to invest and deliver projects that bring wider benefits to the Scottish economy.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McKelvie, Christina (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-16595, in the name of Kate Forbes, on increasing investment in Scotland, is: For 86, Against 28, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-16595, in the name of Kate Forbes, on increasing investment in Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”