Emma Roddick
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Knowing all that I know about the high rate of comorbidity of ADHD and hypermobility, it did not come as a surprise when I was told in January this year that my mental health diagnosis, which came with a great deal of difficulty, stigma and, as it turns out, the wrong treatment over years and years, was misdiagnosed neurodivergence.”
“It might be that no one beyond the person’s GP is needed to manage the post-diagnosis situation. All that might be needed is guided self-management and the awareness of what their diagnosis is, which will give them the necessary confidence to ask for adjustments at school or the workplace.”
“A child with ADHD who can be managed with some changes to their school day should just have those changes made. Not dealing with those people creates urgent cases that never needed to become urgent.”
“I can now access the right people and I can read about my condition, not a label. What I cannot do is get help from the NHS. I have been advised to go private, which is something I hate seeing in a letter that is headed “NHS”.”
“I congratulate and thank Helen McDade for securing this important debate. I am glad to see that there are cross-party contributions this evening.”
“When someone feels like they do not fit in and they do not know why, they can start to resent the world and their peers, who think that the person is difficult and unfriendly instead of just quiet and busy thinking about 12 things at once.”
The complete record
Every one of 407 lines we hold for Emma Roddick, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 9.
“I highlight that there have been 10 major trunk road upgrades. We have also opened new rail stations including one at Inverness airport. Our recent investment has enabled the lengthening of platforms at some Highland stations, which this year has allowed longer trains to be deployed on the Highland main line. In addition, some 57,000 young people aged under 22 across the Highlands and Islands benefit from free bus travel. We have invested £2 billion in ferry services since 2007. The road equivalent tariff saves passengers around £25 million a year. Northern isles residents receive a 30 per cent discount on ferry fares. We have also recently extended free ferry travel for under-22s in local authority-run Highland communities.”
“Will the cabinet secretary outline what improvements to transport infrastructure and provision have been brought about since the Scottish National Party took office, what has been achieved as a result and what engagement the Government has had with Highland Council since the announcement that it was to receive £28 million for the Corran ferry? Fiona Hyslop: Since the announcement of the arrangements and funding agreements for the new Corran ferry, Scottish Government and Transport Scotland officials have been engaging with Highland Council on a timeline for delivery of the new vessel and on potential procurement routes. It will be for Highland Council to consider and manage the appropriate route to overall delivery. The member asked what the Scottish Government has achieved for the Highlands and Islands.”
“Fishing was famously—infamously—described by Westminster as “expendable” when the UK joined Europe. I think that there was a Conservative Government at the time, and it is clear that that attitude has not changed in the half- century since. Given the importance of fishing to Scotland, it is ridiculous and deeply disrespectful that the Scottish Government was not even consulted. We urge the UK Government to urgently clarify how the new fishing and coastal growth fund will be administered and apportioned.”
“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has described the deal as a “horror show ... far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement” that shows the “total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector”. Labour’s latest betrayal will be raw for many in our fishing and coastal communities and sends them the message that they do not matter. What is the SNP’s message for them? Angus Robertson: It beggars belief that the agreement has been reached by selling out Scotland’s fishing communities. Labour promised those communities that their interests would be protected in the process, but, after years of Westminster’s broken promises, fishing communities in Scotland could now find themselves in the worst of all worlds.”
“We are being badly served by the UK Government, regardless of who is in power. The reaction to a rise in divisive rhetoric should not be to pander to it. It should be to remain steadfast in our positive vision for an independent Scotland in Europe that works constantly towards upholding fundamental human rights. I am glad that the Scottish Government, at least, seems to remain committed to doing exactly that. 15:56”
“He has made it clear that he would rather suck up to Trump than fix the damage that has been caused by leaving the single market and the customs union. Keir Starmer’s red lines on Brexit should have been top of the list when he was considering which election promises to break. At least that would have improved things for the UK as a whole, instead of hurting pensioners, disabled people, Grangemouth workers and women against state pension inequality—the WASPI women. Dropping red lines on freedom of movement is not just about addressing the damage that has been done to freedom of movement; it is about our values. Scotland is an open, welcoming nation, and we have a history of not just accepting but valuing fully the social and cultural ties that come with migration.”
“It erected barriers to trade, damaged our vital industries and made it harder for people to come to contribute to this society. Young people have missed out on countless opportunities, our national health service and medical research efforts have been isolated, and people have been made poorer. Brexit has been a profound failure, but Keir Starmer seems dead set on exacerbating it in any way that he can. Not content with Brexit’s existing damage to the Scottish economy, which is estimated to be about £4 billion, he is reacting to people turning away from his party over its many broken promises by appealing to migration panic and making it even harder for people to come over here to fill our health and social care vacancies.”
“Scotland needs to be back in with our neighbours and to work with other nations on shared challenges, and it needs to do so as an independent country. There would be times when we would disagree with other countries, but we would be doing so on an even footing, in stark contrast to how we are being treated in the local union, where our English counterparts do not even see fit to share information with Scotland ahead of engagement with the European Union on our behalf. Closer energy and climate co-operation with the EU is no longer an optional extra; it is a global imperative. We should be working hand in hand with our European partners to tackle the climate emergency; we should not be creating obstacles. That is what Brexit has done.”
“Our values align with those of the European Union and, more and more every day, they do not align with those of the United Kingdom. We still do not know, and might never appreciate, the full impact that Brexit will have economically, socially or culturally. Back in 2016, I campaigned for remain. I believed that it was the right thing to do and was saddened by the result, but I admit that I did not consider EU membership to be core to my political beliefs or necessary for the furtherance of them. I do not think that way now, as I see war and climate catastrophe inch closer and watch as the UK fails to act on shared crises such as climate change, artificial intelligence threats and human rights violations.”
“When I look at the news, I often see coverage of movement at Westminster, in Whitehall and in the European Parliament and the European Union, but I do not feel connected to what is being done on our behalf in London right now. I do not identify with the anti-migration, anti-equality and anti- welfare rhetoric that is coming out of the mouths of Keir Starmer and those in his Cabinet, and I do not believe that Scotland on the whole does, either. I often identify with progress that is being made at a European level, such as the protections that the European Parliament has introduced to ensure that people’s data and safety are not compromised by poor use or misuse of artificial intelligence, as well as efforts to work together to tackle climate change and restore peace in Europe and across the world.”
“Neil Bibby: Our amendment welcomes the UK resetting relations with the EU, welcomes the summit that is to be held, welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to create a strategic partnership between the UK and the EU, welcomes the UK Government’s specific commitment to negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary veterinary agreement and welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to improve security co-operation with the EU. Does Emma Roddick welcome those things, too? Emma Roddick: There are six “welcomes” but not one mention of the fact that Scotland has not even been invited to the table. Labour MSPs have not been invited to the table. It is incredibly embarrassing.”
“Angus Robertson: Does Emma Roddick agree that it is odd, to say the least, that, although the Welsh Labour Government is prepared to raise the same concerns with the UK Government about how it is conducting its business and how it is not informing the devolved Administrations, the Scottish Labour Party has lodged an amendment that welcomes everything and is unprepared to criticise the UK Government on those points? Frankly, it is pretty embarrassing. If it is possible for Welsh Labour colleagues to do that, why will Scottish Labour members not do it? Emma Roddick: Absolutely. I am embarrassed for them, and I hope that they will address that point later in the debate.”
“I found the tone incredible, so I counted, and the amendment contains the word “welcomes” six times. Labour MSPs are still MSPs, and it is frankly embarrassing how content they are with their own party treating this place with no respect or consideration. It must be a great comfort to Keir Starmer that, in the midst of so many different groups being utterly furious and gutted by his performance so far as Prime Minister, no matter how blatantly or publicly he disrespects Scotland, his MSPs will be there to warmly welcome it.”
“It is disgraceful that the UK Government is yet again completely ignoring the devolved nations on something as fundamental as engaging with the EU. I am not surprised that Stephen Kerr is getting tired of listening to the Scottish Government object to this country and its elected representatives being overlooked, overridden and obstructed by the UK Government, because we are all tired of that happening. It happens all the time, and it happened just as much when his party was in charge. It is no surprise that the Tory amendment boils down to “Wheesht and know your place, Scotland.” However, it is very sad that Labour’s amendment launches into a full welcoming of the UK speaking to the EU without bothering to acknowledge that the same UK Government is not speaking to Scotland.”
“However, I note that we have carefully considered the views that were gathered through the numerous consultations that were undertaken last year, including on the next stages of reform of the children’s hearings system, the future of foster care, the definition of care experience and the support that is available to those who are moving on from care. I look forward to introducing the bill in the coming weeks and strongly welcome the opportunity to engage with members on it, as I said in my statement.”
“I note that the programme for government outlined plans to introduce the children and young people (care) (Scotland) bill. Will the minister outline how the bill will make changes to several key areas in the children’s care system, particularly in taking on board recommendations from recent consultations? Natalie Don-Innes: I recently confirmed to the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee my intention to introduce a bill to the Parliament prior to the summer recess. That was also set out in last week’s programme for government. Members know the parliamentary procedures for the introduction of legislation and will appreciate the fact that I am not able to give any further detail on the content of the bill ahead of its introduction.”
“Nobody should be sitting without a home, or leaving their community or passing up skilled work because there is not affordable housing available, while others are fighting for their right not to be taxed on their second, third or fourth home. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Meghan Gallacher. 13:01”
“They should be prepared to pay up to allow local services to continue without the staff who might have lived in their holiday home, and for national and local government and other housing providers to build other houses that can be lived in. I believe that if someone is not willing to pay extra towards all that, they have no business purchasing a second home. Ross Greer is right that everyone should have a home before we start discussing the rights of people to own multiples. It is a house. We are talking about having a safe, secure place to live, and the ability to enjoy life and to be a productive member of society and of a community.”
“During Covid, I was struck by the realisation of many people, who did not really notice before, that many homes around them did not contain neighbours. People who could just about manage before the lockdowns realised suddenly that there was no one down the road to help to pick up shopping, parcels or medication. There was nobody living within the radius that they were allowed to walk within—the properties around them were empty and they felt really alone. Second homes are voids in a community. The fact that almost every council now charges their owners extra council tax is a step forward in addressing their lack of societal value, but Ross Greer is absolutely right that more can be done. Those purchasing extra homes should be aware of the impact and their responsibility to the community that they want to appreciate.”
“Like most MSPs who represent areas of natural beauty, I suspect, I frequently receive representations from non-constituents who own property in my region to encourage me to resist policy and legislation that would make it harder for them to maintain their extra homes. There is a perception among many of those people that their ownership is harmless and normal. It might be becoming normal, but it is certainly not harmless. When properties lie empty, regardless of whether a cleaner is hired to look after them a few days a year, they are not housing anyone who lives, works or volunteers in the local area, or who otherwise contributes to it. In many rural and island areas, a few homes, a few families and a couple of children can make the difference to the sustainability or otherwise of a whole community.”
“However, as a formerly homeless person, having two places to live in is weird and unsettling for me, especially as I walk past the Crisis office when I come down to the Parliament in the morning. I often wish that other people felt half as uncomfortable as that about buying up half of the houses along the Caledonian canal. As Ross Greer has said, there are different kinds of second home requirements. Many of my constituents have a second home in order to do things such as work in fragile communities to keep the school, general practitioner surgery, dentist or other services running. There are ways of supporting that kind of living situation while also targeting the more harmful kind.”
“I thank Ross Greer for securing the debate for the chamber. As he and other members will know, this is an issue not only that has a massive impact on many parts of my region—some of which get a shout-out in his motion—but in which I take great personal interest as somebody with experience of struggling to find one secure home to live in and of all the trauma and negative impacts that go along with that. It was pointed out that some MSPs have second homes. Personally, it is very difficult for me to live with the knowledge that I have a second home at this point. I do not own it, and it is necessary because I represent the Highlands and Islands in our national Parliament, which for some reason is not situated in the Highlands and Islands.”
“I welcome yesterday’s announcement at the All-Energy conference that Orkney will be the site of the UK’s largest wave energy project, demonstrating Scotland’s massive potential in wave and tidal stream generation. Will the First Minister provide more details on that initiative, and does he agree that we must continue to build momentum to ensure that Scotland can become a world leader in renewables?”
“To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recent reported figures indicating higher than average drug driving offences in the Highlands and Islands. (S6O-04653)”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting and encouraging diversity in Scotland’s businesses, including who leads, owns and works within them. (S6O-04624)”
“To prove that we can do better, we really need to do better where we can now, keep our promises and show everyone in Scotland that it is possible to deliver on priorities without excluding any group in society, whether they be disabled people, LGBTQ+ people or those living outwith the central belt. We must deliver infrastructure projects in the north and the south, acknowledge and meet the need for greater financial support for households that include disabled people, and ensure that islanders and rural residents have the same healthcare outcomes as someone in the middle of the city. Taking such action will convince people that we can do more than mitigate—that we can eradicate poverty and demonstrate that an independent Scotland is a better Scotland. 16:06”
“I am sad not to see a ban on conversion practices included in the programme for government, but I hope to see progress made on that issue over the next year. In my time as Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, I met not only survivors of such practices but providers who were determined to be allowed to continue them. It is painful to think that those providers are out there now, causing more of the harm that was described to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. I know that we can do better, and I am proud of the progress that we have made, but—both after independence and before it—there will be more to do if we are to become the successful, fair and socially just country described in the vision that brought me into politics in 2014.”
“Fifteen years of Tory Government, initiated by the Lib Dems, have wrecked our economy, increased poverty and harmed countless people. They have brought us Brexit, depopulation and a raft of policies that were aimed at doing nothing but discrediting and diminishing devolved Parliaments. Last year, UK Labour got in at Westminster and disappointed us again when it picked up the dehumanising brutal cuts and reforms to disability benefits that the Conservatives had started, and managed to break almost as many promises as it had made in the election campaign. Farage is no friend to Scotland, either. A far-right Government will serve no one but the people who, temporarily, sit around our boardroom tables. We cannot win with Westminster.”
“We cannot one day criticise the rise of the far right and then the next day allow that same group to dictate our principles and policy, as the UK Labour Party is doing. It positions itself as an alternative to the Conservatives, but it is now adopting right-wing policies, sharing negative lines on migration and turning its back on the most marginalised by taking money out of the household budgets of disabled people and pensioners. We cannot afford to let Nigel Farage and his campaigns of disinformation and despair win in Scotland. I can understand people feeling helpless and that something radical is needed to shake up politics and redirect power in favour of ordinary people. However, we need to be clear that the route to doing that is independence.”
“Movement during this parliamentary session to get on top of the out-of-control situation with second homes and short-term let properties in many areas, including a lot of the areas that I represent in the Highlands and Islands, has been incredibly positive. Those policies have not just provided extra revenue for local authorities; they have encouraged properties to be returned to the housing market. There is work to be done to convince people of the merit of doing things the right way, not by resorting to reactionary rhetoric, blame culture or monstering minority groups but instead, with a positive message, by delivering public services that benefit everyone in Scotland. It is important that we practise what we preach.”
“It can be easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of politics, especially given the current international situation. As easy as it is to get frustrated with what is not happening, we have to remember what is happening and what has happened. There is a lot that SNP MSPs can feel proud of. The best start grant, Scottish child payment and baby box are all working to tackle child poverty and to ensure that every baby and parent in Scotland has the essentials that they need. Free prescriptions, eye appointments and dental care for certain groups mean that people do not have to choose between paying their bills and taking care of their basic health.”
“I have set out in my statement the rationale for the steps that we are taking on ending conversion practices by collaborating with the UK Government, which has indicated that it intends to take forward the agenda, and by ensuring that we provide funding support to organisations that will work to promote equality in Scotland in the forthcoming financial year. I give Emma Roddick the assurance that those commitments will lie at the heart of the programme for government.”
“The past few weeks have been extremely challenging for the LGBTQ+ community, and the tally of bad news continued with the lack of a bill to end conversion practices. Will the First Minister set out plans in the programme for government to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people and to reassure the community that his Government will do everything in its power to protect our rights? The First Minister: I happily give that commitment to Emma Roddick. I know that the past few weeks have been particularly challenging for members of the LGBTQ+ community. I recognise that, and I want to assure Emma Roddick of the Government’s commitment to address the concerns that have been expressed.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support and raise awareness of the health passport scheme for people with a learning disability. (S6O-04598)”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that its work to support and promote Scotland’s arts and culture is geographically spread and representative. (S6O-04548)”
“We— ourselves—have to know what is not okay and what is over the line, because very clever models are out there learning how to make us cross the line without even noticing. Human rights are fundamental. When I first started watching this Parliament’s proceedings, nobody would have disagreed with that, but the lines are now blurred and so much of that area is now grey. We need to hold on to what we know to be true. Human rights are fundamental and they are under threat across the world—the UK is not exempt from that. Draw your line, because we have to refuse to cross it. 16:46”
“When AI models are being created and invested in by those who do not just want to be at the forefront of technological advancement but are working to advance their own interests, we must be extremely aware of our collective vulnerability to manipulation. Opinion, fact and voting habits are up for sale. It can seem very difficult to be a force for good in this world, but, when it comes to the far right, it really is easy. We have to draw a line somewhere, and it should always be drawn in advance of the point at which we start seeing some humans as less than others. Countless people and algorithms are out there trying to convince each and every one of us to turn on other people, often for the sake of somebody else’s investments.”
“In the past decade, we have seen Facebook criticised by the UN, not just for not stopping people making use of its platforms to incite violence but for actually designing algorithms that, in their prioritisation of promoting engagement, actively contributed to inciting genocide in Myanmar, because that is what got the comments and the shares that its creators said that they wanted. Today, the artificial intelligence models that are involved in social media analytics and promoting news content have even more autonomy and even less oversight than the algorithms that favoured videos promoting genocide. These models do not just learn that people engage when they are angry and then show them what makes them angry— they can actually create the anger.”
“Again, I found myself sitting at the back of the chamber, thinking that if we were an independent country, we could really get into the detail of trade decisions and how they impact on many of the various priorities on which we actually have a consensus in the chamber. My concerns about globalisation include things such as protecting high-quality Scottish lamb and whisky and the sustainability of our consumer practices. With regard to today’s debate, however, the globalisation of information, misinformation and disinformation is at the front of my mind. Many of us have had first-hand experience of very believable disinformation on Gaza or Ukraine or even the legitimacy of the rights of women becoming unavoidable on the phones that we carry everywhere.”
“It is reasonable to listen to a charismatic person talking about how unfair society is, because it is; how we need change, because we do; and how resources are not shared equally among citizens, which is, again, true, and think, “Oh—that’s a good point.” The danger is then accepting it when the speaker concludes those reasonable statements by taking the time to blame a minority group or to suggest that removing fundamental human rights from those groups is the right thing to do or that doing so is the only way forward. It is never the only way, and it should not even be on the table. There have been some interesting statements on globalisation and trade from members, and I will be thinking about some of them for a wee while.”
“To start with, I hope that the Scottish public can see that the Tories would rather stand in silence than stand with us against the rise of the far right, which affects absolutely every person in society. There is no way to describe it other than dangerous. We keep sitting through that lesson as a species, and I do not know how many times we are going to have to learn it. Anyone who believes that they are not at risk if the far right takes power should take a step back, look at history and rethink, because they are. Everything from the price of bread to the risk of early death is thrown into uncertainty under far- right Governments.”
“I once again restate this Government’s determination to uphold human rights for all communities, including the trans and non-binary communities. Trans men and women are our friends, neighbours, work colleagues and members of our family. It is important that we recognise that the trans community has always been, and will always be, a valued part of our community. From the discussions that I have had with members of the trans community, I am sure that there is a great deal of upset and worry following the Supreme Court’s decision. That is why this Government—and, I hope, this Parliament—will go forward with careful consideration and due diligence, in a manner respectful of everybody involved.”
“A number of trans constituents have got in touch, distressed about the judgment. It is still unclear how it will impact many situations in practice, and although reviews of policy will be carried out with the necessary thought and time, not everybody will consider things so carefully. People have jumped to conclusions, and that has a direct and immediate impact on interactions in the real world. I reassure those affected that I continue to be their ally, and many of their neighbours have reached out to offer their support as well. Can the cabinet secretary offer any further reassurance for the LGBTQ+ community in the Highlands and Islands and beyond, and will she speak to the Scottish Government’s position on upholding and progressing their rights? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I thank Emma Roddick for that question.”
“As I mentioned earlier, the best clean heating solutions for some remote and rural areas might, in fact, vary from what is best for our towns and cities. We will take a technology-neutral approach, which will enable building owners in all areas to choose technologies that are right for them and their homes. In some rural and remote areas, that might include bioenergy and biofuels. We need to recognise the differences that exist across the country and the particular problem of fuel poverty, which we in no way wish to exacerbate through that process.”
“Like many rural representatives, in the run- up to the bill’s introduction, I made a number of inquiries about support for alternative heating methods. I am glad that the Scottish Government has recently been clear about its on-going support for, and commitment to, people who live in areas such as the Highlands and Islands and who rely on alternative heating methods, which is an important consideration regardless of the high rates of fuel poverty in those places. Will the minister say how getting the balance right on that can include ensuring that worsening rural and island poverty is not an accepted side effect of the progress that we must make towards achieving net zero? Alasdair Allan: The member is right about that particular issue, which exists in rural areas such as the ones that she and I represent.”
“It is essential that the workforce and the local community have a voice in the process and a say in the support that is made available to them. We cannot stand by and lose another pillar of Scottish industry thanks to a lack of action from Westminster, and urgent action is needed to retain the skills of Grangemouth’s highly skilled workforce. Can the Deputy First Minister say any more about the Scottish Government’s latest engagement with workers and trade unions at Grangemouth? Kate Forbes: We engage regularly with trade unions. In fact, the First Minister met them on the day that project willow was launched. We recognise the critical role that they play, and we continue to engage regularly with workforce representatives. We are hugely grateful for their candour as we navigate this period of change.”
“All our spending, our plans and our powers can be badly impacted with no notice or consultation, and funding for which we had great plans can disappear at the whim of a UK minister. We have had some incredible successes in Scotland through devolution, and I am proud of the progress that has been made in this place, but it does not work. We can do better, and we need independence. 17:28”
“Instead of standing with us against the surge of the far right by protecting human rights in the face of growing risk around the world, Labour is all but handing it the next election. I said that Labour’s decisions devastate me as a disabled person, but they also dismay me as a nationalist. All of this reminds me—and I hope that this is not lost on my constituents in the Highlands and Islands—that it does not matter who is in power in Whitehall, whether it be the Tories or the so-called party of devolution. It does not matter how lacking in conscience we—by which I mean the Scottish Parliament, not just my own party—believe Westminster’s decisions to be, or how vast the gap is between the approaches up here and down there.”
“How will they pay somebody who will help with those intimate tasks and enable them to show up to any job? Of the 800,000 people who will, thanks to Labour’s cuts, lose out on the money that they rely on to manage their conditions, how many will be unable to keep their jobs as a result? Labour’s broken promises are piling up at a truly remarkable speed. I can only assume that Keir Starmer and his team believe that these punitive cuts to the most vulnerable will be forgotten by the next election, but they will not. When it comes to heating payments for pensioners, WASPI women, Grangemouth workers, GB Energy and the promise of no austerity, people are going to remember the harm that is being caused now.”
“Looking at how many disabled people are unemployed and concluding that you must take away the little money that they have in order to force them into a workplace that is not set up for them, and which likely will not hire them anyway, is ridiculous, and it demonstrates either extreme ignorance or terrifying cruelty and a lack of consideration of the risk at which those lives are put. Brutal changes to the personal independent payment are blatant attempts to remove money from people with mental health issues, whom Labour seems to think are unworthy of support, but they will also affect people who have a wide range of conditions. As Kevin Stewart and others have outlined, people who cannot dress themselves or wash without help will see their payments disappear.”