Kaukab Stewart
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“All forms of violence against women are abhorrent, and those who perpetrate violence and abuse— the majority of whom are men—must change their actions and behaviours.”
“Will the Government stop blaming teenage boys for misogyny and finally connect the dots upstream by strengthening sex-based protections and confronting systemic misogyny through urgent legislative and societal action to reverse this crisis?”
“Ash Regan: Twelve years on from the equally safe strategy, women and girls in Scotland are less safe than ever. Male violence is escalating in homes, on our streets and online.”
“I have also met Jess Phillips MP, so that we can take a collaborative approach to tackling technology-facilitated abuse of women. This Government is absolutely taking action to address those abhorrent abuses of women and girls. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time.”
“Bill Kidd: The support and dedicated services that are available to help people with their struggles with the cost of living are a lifeline to many in my constituency and across Scotland, given the continuing pressures on households and in the light of rising petrol, energy and food prices, which are linked to global instability.”
“We recognise the pressure on household budgets, which is why we are working with key partners, including Glasgow City Council, to tackle child poverty through transforming the way in which public services are delivered.”
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“The Scottish Government has always said that we accept the ruling of the Supreme Court in its judgment—that is not a contentious issue, and we are working at pace to review and implement guidance as necessary. That is not in question. Pam Gosal: As I expected, there was no yes or no answer. That is all that I wanted from the minister—just a simple yes or no. Let me be clear today: I will continue the fight against this toxic gender ideology, for every woman and girl in Scotland. It is my number 1 priority on which I will continue to hold the SNP Government to account. No matter how many hurdles are thrown in our way or how many times they try to silence or slander us, women won’t wheesht and women won’t wait. I promise that I will continue the fight with every breath that I have.”
“We are focused on improving access to care and support, including through grass-roots projects that are supported by our communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults. We have successfully reopened the independent living fund for new applicants for the first time since 2010, enabling up to 1,400 disabled people in Scotland who face the greatest barriers to independent living to access the support that they need. We continue to work on ensuring that disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.”
“How will the plan directly improve support and accessibility in communities throughout Strathkelvin and Bearsden and the rest of Scotland? Kaukab Stewart: We believe that Scotland should be a place where disabled people can live the lives that they choose with the support that they need to do so. Everybody should be able to participate in society, access their rights, take advantage of opportunities and thrive in their communities, including in Rona Mackay’s constituency. In addition to the £1 million improving access fund to enhance digital inclusion, mental health support and access to health and social care, the disability equality plan directly links to and aligns with the work of the mental health and wellbeing strategy and delivery plan.”
“I was delighted to attend the launch of the disability equality plan over the summer and to see the energy and commitment behind it. It is encouraging to witness progress and to know that real change is being prioritised. Timely and targeted funding is essential to the plan’s success and to disabled people’s organisations across Scotland, which play a vital role in advancing equality and inclusion. To support the plan, we are investing £2.5 million in key services and initiatives, including a new £1 million improving access fund to enhance advice, digital inclusion, mental health support and access to health and social care. Rona Mackay: I thank the minister for that encouraging reply. Many disabled constituents struggle with accessible transport, housing adaptations and local mental health services.”
“I welcome the fact that that was also raised by Jamie Greene and James Dornan. Sadly, and to our increasing frustration, asylum and immigration decisions are reserved to the UK Government. I welcome Paul Sweeney’s support in working with us to pursue the right to work, safe regular routes and the expansion of visas. I am deeply concerned that asylum hotels are now being turned into targets of the far right. For the safety of all, we need the move-on period to be extended back to 56 days. Craig Hoy: Will the member take an intervention?”
“Patrick Harvie: Does the minister also recall the way in which a community in another part of Glasgow, Kenmure Street, rose up in opposition to the violence of the Home Office heavies and protected their asylum-seeking neighbours? Does she share my pride in that kind of concern about the immigration issues in our society? Kaukab Stewart: I absolutely accept that the majority of people in Scotland will rise up and protect everyone in our communities. However, in direct contrast, some of the pressures that are arising from the UK’s asylum system are a consequence of overly restrictive policies, such as the policy on the right to work. Such policies prevent people from contributing to our economy or supporting themselves, and they erode their skills by minimising opportunities for integration.”
“It has been disappointing to hear the echoing of divisive language in the chamber. However politely it is said, it is still inflammatory. As the MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, I have the great honour to represent one of the most diverse constituencies in Scotland. I understand—of course I do—that people feel left behind after a decade of austerity and mismanagement, and Westminster is literally working against them. However, I have also had the pleasure of visiting many local grass-roots community groups that are bringing people together to share conversations, food and culture in order to get to know each other and learn that we have more in common than what divides us. New Scots have the same hopes and dreams, and their stories and laughter are weaving the very fabric of our rich, diverse and welcoming nation.”
“This afternoon, we have heard of the failings of UK Home Office policies. However, that must not undermine our continuing moral and legal commitment to refugees and people who seek asylum. I am deeply concerned about some of the rhetoric that is being used across the UK, which should, of course, have no place in our society. No one should have to fear that they will be targeted just for being who they are. It is critical that every citizen feels safe and welcome in our communities. As the cabinet secretary made clear in her opening remarks, we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the language that we use. Scotland’s Parliament can choose to reject the deliberate use of divisive and inaccurate language, which does nothing to address community concerns or the impact of austerity.”
“Kaukab Stewart: Does the member recognise that, in fact, the previous Conservative Government deliberately put a hold on processing claims to allow people to seek asylum and that, now that Labour has come into Westminster, it is processing those claims? Does he recognise that there are vast numbers of claims that have not been properly funded in order to enable people to move on in dignity? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give Craig Hoy some of the time back. Craig Hoy: I recognise that. I also said at the outset that it would be an uncomfortable debate for parties that had recently been in government. I am not apportioning blame to one party or another, but the SNP—[Interruption.] The First Minister is chuntering away, but the SNP has to recognise—”
“As we see from Scottish local authorities, the financial burden of housing immigrants cannot be understated. In fact, SNP-run Glasgow City Council has admitted as much itself—Susan Aitken says that the debt-laden local authority faces a staggering £66 million overspend on homelessness. Today, city chiefs fear a fresh influx of newly homeless refugees as the Home Office reduces the length of time for which people can stay in Government accommodation. Kaukab Stewart: Will the member give way? Craig Hoy: I will take an intervention at this point. Kaukab Stewart: I welcome the measured tone that you started the debate with—language does matter. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Through the chair.”
“It came up among those who are directly impacted by asylum hotels, and among those who have simply watched the small boats arriving on their televisions with an increasing sense of alarm. The costs are not just financial—there are economic costs, social costs and opportunity costs. Yes, we all want Scotland to be a welcome, open nation. I have had the privilege of living and working overseas, and I know how important migration is for modern, dynamic economies in order that they can attract global talent and, in so doing, create a country with rich and diverse cultures and experiences. However, uncontrolled migration—or worse still, rampant illegal immigration—simply cannot be the sustained solution to any workforce challenge, and the SNP is playing a strange game of identity politics if it believes that to be true.”
“Will the member take an intervention? Craig Hoy: Not at the moment. At the heart of the problem are criminal gangs who bring illegal immigrants into the country in small boats. In the year to June, nearly 90,000 asylum applications were made in the UK, and 50 per cent of those arrived via irregular routes—the vast majority by boat, but others by lorry or shipping container. The First Minister and Scottish National Party can no longer bury their heads in the sand, because the negative effects of illegal immigration—and of the asylum hotels, which are the visible tip of that iceberg—are very real. During the summer, I knocked on thousands of doors across Dumfriesshire and, time and again, the issue of illegal immigration came up. It came up among the young and the old, and among those living in small villages and in large towns.”
“I move, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 30 January 2025, relating to the provision and sharing of trailer registration information (amended clauses 30 to 33), the provision of biometric information at ports in Scotland (clause 36), the repeal of certain provisions of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 (clause 38), the detention and exercise of functions pending deportation (clause 41), powers to take biometric information at detention centres (clause 44), offences relating to articles for use in serious crime (clauses 49 and 50), applicants for making of orders and interim orders (clause 54), and the validation of fees charged in relation to qualifications (clause 57), so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament.”
“While recognising the UK Government’s efforts to combat organised immigration crime, the Scottish Government reaffirms its commitment to those who are fleeing persecution and urges the UK Government to expand the availability of safe and legal routes to sanctuary.”
“Alongside support services that local authorities provide to child victims, the Scottish Government funds the guardianship Scotland service to support unaccompanied children in Scotland who have been trafficked or who are vulnerable to being exploited. We facilitate refugee integration through the new Scots refugee integration strategy, which is delivered in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Refugee Council. We also provide tailored support through Scotland’s migration service, which helps people to navigate our complex immigration system, understand their rights, access services and build stable lives. In moving the motion, I recommend the Parliament’s consent to the relevant provisions in the bill as amended.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to supporting those who come to Scotland in search of safety and to ensuring that the implementation of the bill reflects our values and respect for human rights. As head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Lord Advocate has published instructions for prosecutors when considering the prosecution of a person who is, or appears to be, the victim of human trafficking and exploitation. The Scottish Government introduced what became the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015, which provides support when there are reasonable grounds to believe that an adult is a victim of human trafficking. That support can include accommodation, medical care, legal services and psychological support.”
“As a founding signatory to the refugee convention, the UK has a moral and legal duty to uphold its principles. I welcome the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee’s report on the legislative consent memorandum and its recommendation that the Parliament should consent to the relevant provisions in the bill. The committee highlighted stakeholder concerns about age declaration forms and called for the reassurance that we are working with the UK Government to mitigate the risks for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. We have engaged with the UK Government and we understand that those forms are used in Kent, not Scotland. We will continue to monitor the issue.”
“Strengthening border security is legitimate, but it must not criminalise those who are fleeing war and persecution. While we support sanctions for serious crimes, such as human trafficking, breaching immigration rules alone should not result in criminalisation. Many people who arrive in small boats are vulnerable individuals who are seeking safety. Detention and prosecution should always be a last resort. The bill must be matched by the expansion of safe and legal routes, such as refugee resettlement, family reunion and humanitarian pathways. Amnesty has said that safe routes save lives, and the Scottish Refugee Council has called the bill a “missed opportunity”. Enforcement alone will not resolve the crisis. We must address the root cause and protect the most vulnerable.”
“Many people risk dangerous Channel crossings out of desperation and rely on smugglers and criminal networks. These are not journeys of choice; they are journeys of desperation by men, women and children who are seeking safer shores. In 2024, 73 people died attempting the crossing—more than in the previous six years combined. The boats are now more crowded, with an average of 53 people per vessel, which is up from 13 per vessel in 2020. The Scottish Government does not condone illegal activity and supports efforts to disrupt criminal networks. Measures such as enhanced data sharing and new offences can help, but they must be implemented with care. Strong oversight, safeguards and respect for privacy and due process are essential.”
“I open this debate on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill at a time of growing global instability. That instability can result in people having to flee their homes to seek safety in another country. Scotland has a proud history of welcoming those who are fleeing war and persecution, and the debate needs to be seen in that wider context. Border security is central to the UK Government’s plan for change. The Border Security Command aims to co-ordinate efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, which prey on the desperation of those who are seeking a safe haven. At the time of the previous general election, more than 122 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced as they fled persecution and conflict, violence and human rights violations.”
“The debate marks the publication of the Scottish Government’s first annual statement on gender policy coherence, which describes the significant range of activity that is going on across the Government to make the lives of women and girls in Scotland better. It sets a benchmark against which we can measure progress in the years to come. The former UN secretary general Kofi Annan said: “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.” In that respect, we all have a stake in the realisation of greater equality for women and girls in Scotland. Alexander Dennis Ltd”
“I hope that that will give members some reassurance on gender budgeting and the fact that we take it very seriously. Ms White talked about the gender pay gap. Although the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in Scotland increased from 1.4 per cent in 2023 to 2.2 per cent in 2024, the gap continues to be narrower than the UK equivalent, which is sitting at 7 per cent at the moment. I thought that it was worth while mentioning that. I welcome the speeches that have been made on the issue of unpaid carers. Karen Adam illustrated the issue very well. It is recognised that around 73 per cent of unpaid carers are women, and I would highlight the fact that the Government is investing £522 million in 2025-26 to deliver three benefits to support unpaid carers.”
“Kaukab Stewart: Tess White is perhaps referring to the use of equality impact assessments, which will ensure that that work is progressed. Following evidence sessions that I have had at the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, of which she is a member, on the work that I am pursuing, I think that she will agree that we must ensure that we raise the standard across the whole of Scotland, so that we can address the point that she raises and which I thank her for making. I will add something further on gender budgeting. On 26 February 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice committed to developing a national gender strategy co-designed with the NACWG, the empowering women panel— EWP—and wider groups of women with diverse lived experience.”
“To give members reassurance, I would point out that we are changing how we think about our spending decisions— Tess White: Will the minister give way on that point? Kaukab Stewart: I will just finish my sentence, which was about the spending decisions that can help women and girls through gender budgeting, including further pilot activity on gender budget tagging for the 2026-27 budget, which builds on our work with the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development. Tess White: The national performance framework is set by the Scottish Government as the wellbeing framework for the whole of Scotland, but concerns have been raised at committee level that there is not a single outcome on gender equality. Does the minister have a view on that?”
“Both terms co-exist and inform each other. That is the theme that comes through the NACWG report and our response as a Government. I would also like to address the point about non- fatal strangulation. We are aware and understand why Fiona Drouet submitted her petition on the issue, and we recognise the significant physical and psychological impact that that type of criminality has on victims. The Scottish Government has committed to undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the law to see whether further action needs to be taken. We will also look at the Criminal Justice Committee’s evidence session on 21 May as part of that wider consideration. Rona Mackay, Karen Adam and many others talked about gender budgeting.”
“For example, our funding of the sexual assault co-ordination services, which the cabinet secretary mentioned, includes funding for a patient advocate to help ensure that women’s lived experience is reflected in policy development. The empowering women panel has also been working directly with Government civil servants on the design of our school-age childcare programme. I would like to address some of the points that were raised about using the terms “sex” and “gender” as if they were interchangeable. I will make an attempt to explain my view on that. Sex is the protected characteristic and we accept the Supreme Court’s ruling—there is no ambiguity about that. Gender signifies the stereotypes and the systemic, institutional and societal barriers that are gendered, such as those on, say, pay gap reporting.”
“In relation to intersectional data and evidence, we are building on a well-established programme of work that includes the 2023 publication entitled “Scotland’s Equality Evidence Strategy 2023- 2025”. Our strategy sets out actions to improve the equality evidence base across most policy areas. We know that good-quality data helps us better understand women’s experiences and the barriers that they might encounter, and it helps us deliver better and more informed policy and know when additional targeted measures are needed. We can also point to where lived experience approaches are making a difference right now across Government.”
“We have chosen to focus on two of our three outcomes—strengthening the collection, analysis and publication of equality evidence, and embedding lived experience and participation at the heart of our work—to reflect our commitment to ensuring that the voices of women and girls, who are most affected by inequality, shape our policies and decisions. We will deliver a range of actions in the period to 2029 to achieve those outcomes, and we will create resources to support Scottish Government staff in delivering participation and lived experience approaches and look at ways of making it easier for communities to engage with us and share their experiences.”
“The council has asked us to put lived experience at the heart of policy making and to ensure that we are collecting robust intersectional data. In the next few minutes, I would like to tell members how we are delivering on those asks, and I will try to respond to as many of the points that were raised as I possibly can. At the end of April, the Scottish Government published new equality outcomes for the period to 2029. Tess White: Will the minister take an intervention? Kaukab Stewart: I will make some progress and then come back to address members’ points. Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to set those outcomes every four years. They are intended to enable us to better fulfil the public sector equality duty, which is part of the act.”
“I thank members across the chamber for their contributions and add my thanks to past and present members of the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls and to the empowering women panel, who have made today’s debate possible. As the cabinet secretary has said, the panel is a diverse group of women and girls whom I had the opportunity to meet earlier this year, and they have been brought together by the council so that their lived experience can inform its work. That is important, because some women experience multiple forms of discrimination and inequality—for example, because they are disabled or are from a minority ethnic background. Some of the advisory council’s recommendations are aimed at ensuring that the voices of the most marginalised women and girls shape our policies across Government.”
“We are working to implement our non-binary equality action plan and take forward our commitment to ending conversion practices, including those on the basis of gender identity. We will continue to work with a wide range of third sector organisations to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience can help to improve the outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities across Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 6 has not been lodged. Tenants’ Rights (Aberdeen) 7.”
“We continue to work closely with LGBTQI+ stakeholders as we progress that work. Evelyn Tweed: ILGA-Europe and Scottish LGBTQ+ organisations are calling on political leaders to lead by example. What steps is the Scottish Government taking to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Scotland? Kaukab Stewart: I thank Evelyn Tweed for the opportunity to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to advancing equality for LGBTQI+ people and to promoting, protecting and realising the rights of every LGBTQI+ person in Scotland. We are providing funding of more than £1.1 million to organisations that work to promote LGBTQI+ equality in Scotland in 2025-26. That supports a range of projects to tackle inequality and realise the rights of LGBTQI+ people across all areas of Scottish life.”
“The Scottish Government is a progressive Government that has equality at the heart of our policies and actions. We are disappointed that the United Kingdom has fallen in the recent ILGA- Europe rainbow index of LGBTI equality laws. The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering equality for all people in Scotland, including the LGBTQI+ community. Although much of equality law is reserved to the UK Government, our 2025-26 programme for government committed to “Creating safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community— funding work that tackles discrimination and upholds the human rights of this group, including through the Equality and Human Rights Fund, and progressing actions within the Non-Binary Equality Action Plan”, as well as taking forward our commitment to ending conversion practices.”
“After the 2025-26 budget was passed in February, we were able to confirm plans in the programme for government for a £2 million national pilot to support free bus travel for people seeking asylum this financial year. In May, Transport Scotland reconvened a working group with the third sector and local authorities to help inform how that can be delivered. That included consideration of how to maximise value and benefits from the funding. Scottish ministers previously committed to exploring the extension of concessionary travel for people seeking asylum by the end of this parliamentary session. That exploratory work will continue in parallel with the design and delivery of a pilot. Tenancies (Domestic Abuse) 2.”
“The Scottish Government has promised to roll out free bus travel to people seeking asylum, who are, of course, unable to work. However, we have been waiting and talking about that for two years, and we are yet to see any progress on its delivery. The excessive cost of transport directly contributes to poverty. I know that the minister knows that. Free bus travel would remove that financial strain and help to reduce poverty. As the launch of that scheme is now anticipated, will the minister confirm that it will be delivered before the end of this parliamentary session? Kaukab Stewart: Mr Ruskell makes the case for the scheme well.”
“I wrote to the UK Government in November 2024, urging it to engage with us following the publication of our asylum right to work pilot proposal. In January 2025, it responded that it was unable to commit to exploring the proposal. Following further exchanges, the UK Government has agreed to meet to discuss it. I have accepted that offer, but a meeting date has not been scheduled yet. I remain very keen to discuss the pilot and would also like to discuss improvements to the current policy for granting permission to work for people seeking asylum. Mark Ruskell: Without the right to work, people who are seeking asylum in Scotland are being forced into poverty. Although the architect of this hostile environment is undoubtedly the UK Government, we need to use all of our powers here in Scotland to counter that.”
“Last month, the First Minister chaired a round- table meeting with stakeholders from across Scotland’s businesses and institutions and heard directly from them about the issues that the immigration white paper risks causing to our communities and economy. In the coming weeks, the Scottish Government will publish a position paper outlining the concerns that were raised at the meeting. We will also publish the proposal document that was sent by the Scottish Government to the Home Office during the development of the white paper. I come to my final two sentences, and I thank Maggie Chapman and Alex Cole-Hamilton for inspiring me, because they talked about heat and hate. I think that we definitely need more light and more compassion. The moral case is clear; this afternoon, we have also made the economic case. Decision Time 17:01”
“The Prime Minister talks of “incalculable” damage being caused by so-called open borders. I disagree with that. I would like to address some points that were raised by Jeremy Balfour and Graham Simpson regarding legal migration versus illegal migration. We have a moral obligation to offer a place of safety to desperate people who are fleeing conflict and persecution. The lack of safe and legal routes to the UK does not prevent, and has not prevented, people from coming, and it forces already vulnerable people to make extremely dangerous and life-threatening journeys across the Channel. Any damage has come from short- sighted, restrictive immigration policies and dehumanising language inflicted by, unfortunately, successive UK Government Administrations.”
“Graham Simpson: I do not want to interrupt Kaukab Stewart mid-rant, but in my contribution I mentioned a very important project for Ukrainians in Hamilton that is run by the Salvation Army. I mentioned that visas and funding are due to expire next year. Will she commit to looking at the funding issue and possibly have discussions with the UK Government, which she has been keen to mention so far, on the visa issue? Kaukab Stewart: I can give that assurance—I have already done that regarding the visa situation. There are clear tests in place with regard to the pause that we currently have in place. It is not a decision that we take lightly. There are clear tests that have to be met, I can share further details of that with Mr Simpson, should he wish to have them.”
“Who benefits from that approach? It is not Scotland; it is not our social care workforce; and it is not our higher education sector, our rural economy or our islands community. The UK Government must stop pandering to Reform, acknowledge the damaging nature of its proposals and change course. Net migration figures reduce the entirety of migrants who come to the UK to one number. They erase the diverse contributions within that figure and force us to calculate migrants in terms of net good or net bad. The UK Government wants to lower that one number. It wants to reduce the number of talented individuals who contribute to Scotland’s economy and public services, restrict international knowledge exchange and innovation, and restrict people bringing family members here to build their lives in Scotland.”
“His organisation endorses initiatives such as the Scottish graduate visa to retain diverse talent and ensure that Scotland remains a global hub for innovation and opportunity. Workforce shortages cannot be solved by training alone. The Migration Advisory Committee has cautioned that increasing domestic skills does not guarantee reducing migration, as migrant and domestic workers are not perfect substitutes. The white paper regards social care as low skilled, but providers in Scotland have disputed that characterisation. They argue that providing care compassionately, day in, day out, is highly skilled and valued. International recruitment is already expensive, and organisations would not be doing that lightly. If the UK Government is not listening to stakeholders, experts or evidence, who are the proposals for?”
“There was no substantive engagement on the proposals that we submitted. The UK Government’s proposals threaten our essential public services. It is not just us saying that—Donald Macaskill, the chief executive officer of Scottish Care, has warned: “Without the ability to attract and to retain international colleagues, it is no exaggeration to say that care would not be able to be delivered in whole swathes of our nation.” How does the UK Government expect us to develop domestic skills when policies threaten the viability of our education landscape, for instance? Where will we see growth if businesses cannot access the essential skills that they need? Enoch Adeyemi, chief executive officer of Black Professionals (UK) Ltd, shares our calls for a tailored immigration system that reflects Scotland’s needs.”
“Migrants are more than numbers going up and down and are about more than innovation, productivity and skills; they are, in fact, woven into the very fabric of Scotland’s communities. Our society is enriched by culture from around the world that migrants bring with them to Scotland, and, indeed, by hearing people’s personal stories at the heart of this chamber, which all helps to develop the vibrant, multicultural Scotland that we see today. Regarding the white paper, the most recent UK election offered an opportunity to reset the relationship between the Scottish Government and the UK Government. Unfortunately, Scotland’s needs are still being ignored. The Scottish Government issued comprehensive, evidence- based proposals for the white paper, and yet the white paper offered no evidence that Scotland’s needs were considered.”
“We are reforming our approach to skills at a national level. We need sustainable communities, and our population strategy is helping us to work towards that goal. Those efforts reflect the approach of this internationalist, outward-looking Government, and we continue to do all that we can to support migrants. Let me be very clear that the Government completely rejects the hostile approach that the UK Government is taking. That point has been reinforced by contributions from across the chamber, including from Maggie Chapman, Karen Adam, Collette Stevenson, Emma Harper and Foysol Choudhury. Migration benefits all sectors of our community and has a key role in Scotland’s prosperity. However, talking solely in numerical terms paints an incomplete picture.”
“First, if you will indulge me, Presiding Officer, I would like to speak directly to migrants in Scotland. I understand that they might be concerned about the uncertainties ahead, and I want them to know that their contributions in Scotland are valued. Secondly, I thank the Deputy First Minister for highlighting migration’s economic value in her opening remarks. I thank colleagues from across the chamber for their mainly measured and thoughtful contributions, and I acknowledge the constructive tone that Liz Smith set. The Government will continue to support migrants and employers to navigate the existing immigration system through Scotland’s migration service. We will continue to listen to our stakeholders’ needs and to push the UK Government for change that recognises our distinct demographic challenges.”
“Updating the principles to reflect changes to policy in the law, and maintaining the current provision for how principles are applied and monitored, will support consistency and continuity, reducing the risk of creating additional complexity to any existing principles, outcomes or standards.”
“The 2014 act sets out how those principles should be applied by local authorities, health boards and integration authorities. In creating that power, which allows us to amend existing principles, rather than creating new and separate ones, we will avoid adding complexity to the existing landscape of principles, outcomes and standards. I move amendment 39. Maree Todd: I welcome Jackie Baillie’s amendment 39, which will allow regulations to be used to modify the integration planning and delivery principles in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.”
“Amendment 61, as amended, disagreed to. Amendment 62 moved—[Brian Whittle]—and agreed to. After section 40 The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to group 5, on health and social care integration principles. Amendment 39, in the name of Jackie Baillie, is the only amendment in the group. Jackie Baillie: Amendment 39 is a small amendment, so I should be quick. At present, we have no power to update or amend the primary set of principles that apply to the planning and delivery of integrated health and social care services. Amendment 39 seeks to create a regulation-making power to amend the integration planning and delivery principles, which are set out in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014. Any such regulations would be subject to the affirmative parliamentary procedure.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Apologies, but my app did not work in time. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Stewart. I will ensure that that is recorded. For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Against 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) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) 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) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] 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] McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) 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) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 51, Against 65, Abstentions 0.”
“The working-age population in his constituency is growing, but only because of migration. The one-size-fits-all policy approach, as outlined in the UK Government’s white paper on immigration, poses a significant risk to Scotland’s economy, our communities and our public services—not least to those in Inverclyde. That is why we are taking action where we can, including by providing £60,000 over two years to support delivery of a local authority-led strategy to address depopulation. Ending international recruitment would have a profoundly negative and potentially catastrophic impact on the social care sector in many Scottish communities, including Inverclyde. The immigration system must reflect Scotland’s distinct economic and demographic needs and must not pander to the likes of Nigel Farage. Galloway and Ayrshire National”