Pam Gosal
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“I am pleased to deliver one of the final members’ business debates of this parliamentary session on a very important subject. Before I start, I would like to say a few words about my time in the Parliament over the past five years. I hope to return in May.”
“For someone who did not come from a political background or even have any friends or family in politics, it has been the absolute honour of my life to serve the country in which I was born and brought up. Here’s to not writing me off just yet. I hope to be back after 7 May. I will now turn to the subject of the debate.”
“Special thanks go out to Sam Rice from Smartphone Free Childhood and Kids for Now, to Nova Eden from One Collective Power, which provided presentations to the round-table meeting, and to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, who attended as well.”
“Businesses in my West Scotland region are under immense pressure thanks to increased employer national insurance contributions from the UK Labour Government, the failure of the Scottish National Party Government to fully pass down rates relief, and ever-increasing retail crime.”
“I declare an interest as a former trading standards officer. We are all devastated by the fire that took place on 8 March on Union Street in Glasgow, yet it turns out that the shop where the fire began was not listed on the mandatory register, as is required for a business to sell nicotine products, and was thus selling vapes illegally.”
“Ivan McKee: As I indicated, it is the responsibility of local authorities to take forward enforcement measures, and it is also their responsibility to provide the resources to do that.”
The complete record
Every one of 318 lines we hold for Pam Gosal, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 7.
“After more than four decades of tireless work, Clydebank Women’s Aid in West Dunbartonshire, which is in my region, will be shutting down. West Dunbartonshire has the second highest rate of domestic abuse in Scotland, with 153 incidents per 10,000 people. We must not underestimate the excellent work that those organisations do by acting as lifelines for many survivors. I have been contacted by many organisations and constituents, who have told me that the decision will have an enormous and devastating impact on the local community. What support will the Scottish Government provide to organisations that help domestic abuse survivors, so that they can continue the good work that they do, especially when the number of domestic abuse cases in Scotland is rising?”
“I hope that the Scottish Government has now learned its lesson when it comes to listening to the voices of communities. 16:20”
“They are not a blue-light service, and they highlighted the fact that the increased traffic would cause delays if they were called to provide help. That is not a scenario—it is the reality, and it is just one example of many. The SNP has made a habit of intervening in planning applications. The Scottish Conservatives have obtained figures showing that, following 151 planning application appeals in 2022-23, 80 decisions, or 53 per cent, were overturned. Clearly, we know that the Scottish Government can step in, and it has done so in many other controversial decisions. This is the fourth time that I have stood in the chamber to speak about this issue. I truly hope that it will be the last, but that might just be wishful thinking. It is our duty to protect the area for future generations.”
“Let us mention some of the factors that would be at play. The developer’s job creation figures listed 80 full-time and 120 seasonal part-time jobs, which would be minimum-wage jobs with no real prospects of career advancement or opportunities for growth. The site’s natural sensitivity makes development environmentally unacceptable. Approving the Lomond Banks development would push future flood mitigation costs on to public agencies and would normalise developers’ intrusion into protected landscapes. Last but not least, let us not forget about the congestion that would be caused on the A82. Just imagine the A82 being jammed on a summer’s day, or the problems if somebody was drowning in Loch Lomond. I spoke with volunteers from the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat organisation who came to Parliament last week.”
“It was unanimously turned down by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, and it was opposed by expert organisations such as SEPA, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust and Ramblers Scotland, yet it somehow managed to receive the Government’s approval. Two weeks ago, I attended a vocal meeting of around 200 residents, which was organised by the Balloch and Haldane community council. Residents were very angry and outraged, more so because they felt that their voices had not been heard. Their submissions and protests have fallen on deaf ears in the Scottish Government. The Government is making decisions while sitting in Edinburgh, miles away from where the impact of Flamingo Land would be felt. Residents are feeling ignored and powerless. Where is the democracy in that?”
“Could it be that the Scottish Conservatives joined forces with Opposition parties, resulting in a defeat for the SNP Government, or have the mailboxes of SNP MSPs and ministers been filled with a tsunami of emails from very unhappy locals? Like Jackie Baillie, I would like to give the minister an opportunity to respond. The minister has said that he cannot speak about live planning applications, but it would be great to hear why, at last, at the 11th hour, you have decided to change your mind. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Through the chair, Ms Gosal. Pam Gosal: I am sorry. Although I welcome the decision, it is important to know why it was made. Flamingo Land’s development has been unpopular since day 1 and has received more than 150,000 objections.”
“I am pleased to open such an important debate on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives, and I thank Jackie Baillie for bringing this important issue to the chamber. I am speaking on behalf of the residents and businesses of Balloch and the surrounding areas, in my West Scotland region, on the Lomond Banks development, which is commonly known as Flamingo Land. I make it clear that I am not against development. If anything, I am very much for investment and job creation. However, development has to be in the right place and must take local residents and businesses into consideration. It certainly cannot come at the cost of ruining our beautiful and world- famous Loch Lomond. Although I am pleased that the SNP Government has U-turned on the decision, one must wonder why it happened at the 11th hour.”
“We are pleased to see progress with, for example, the India free trade agreement, which offers huge opportunities for whisky. In that vein, I am trying hard to strike a note of consensus across the chamber about the opportunities and challenges that we face. That situation is why we have implemented a six-point export plan to target exporters who need a bit of extra help and support and to ensure that we attract inward delegations to see the opportunities in Scotland while supporting trade missions that back our key industries, such as whisky, to build a greater share of the US market.”
“EY’s recent report says that Scotland’s economy is “in a fragile state”, with the figure for Scotland’s gross- value-added growth downgraded from 0.9 per cent to 0.6 per cent. GVA figures from 2023 show that some areas, including West Dunbartonshire in my region, are heavily dependent on exports, as they have large whisky sectors, and are thus impacted by tariffs. What support will the Scottish Government provide to Scotland’s whisky industry? Kate Forbes: The member is absolutely right to touch on those comments in the EY research. It says that US tariffs have “an asymmetric impact” on Scotland’s rural regions in particular, which reflects the disproportionately high reliance on exports, particularly to the US, of food and drink products—namely, whisky and salmon, which are the UK’s top two food and drink exports.”
“I spoke today to the Largs Medical Group, which is the only general practitioner practice serving the people of Largs. Staff raised their concerns about plans for a new 80-bed care home that would focus mainly on patients with dementia. The GP practice is worried that it will bear the brunt of the additional pressure created by such a facility. Is the First Minister aware of those plans and does he agree that there is a risk of an impact on local residents, who are already worried about the difficulty of getting GP appointments?”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking to improve waiting times for audiology appointments. (S6O- 04712)”
“To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to implement any necessary measures as a consequence of the interim update from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of “woman”. (S6O-04688)”
“The Deputy First Minister said that “there can be no more delays.”—[Official Report, 14 May 2025; c 92.] Yet her boss, the First Minister, could not even say what the final cost will be to taxpayers for the corrupt ferry contract that he personally signed off. Our island communities would have been much better off if that money had gone to public services instead of down the drain.”
“The Glen Sannox, which serves the Isle of Arran, entered service earlier this year, almost seven years later than was initially scheduled. It even had to be pulled out of service a couple of months after first setting sail, as a crack was found in the ship’s hull. As for the Glen Rosa, we found out last week that its delivery will, once again, be delayed. At the same time, the cost of delivering both ferries has spiralled from £97 million to upwards of £460 million. That is a shocking figure, and taxpayers are the ones who are footing the bill. It is yet another catastrophic blow for my island constituents, who have been betrayed at every turn by the SNP’s incompetence.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Members should speak through the chair. Pam Gosal: I did what the SNP needs to do: I went out and listened to the people on the ground, and that is what the people told me. I went out with the local government committee. Maybe the SNP needs to go out and listen to the people on the ground. The same sentiments emerged while I spoke to council chief execs in islands councils when I served as the Scottish Conservative spokesperson for local government. Time and time again, the SNP has demonstrated an appalling inability to address the basic needs of the people it claims to represent. The Isle of Arran, in my West Scotland region, is a perfect example of the SNP’s betrayal. The contract for Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa was awarded to Ferguson Marine in 2015, with both ships originally due for delivery in 2018.”
“In November 2023, I visited Cumbrae while serving on the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, and the lack of access to reliable ferry services was one of the main concerns of the island’s residents. It is astonishing that, despite the SNP’s promises, local businesses and job prospects are withering away due to the dire state of transport. Transport is not just a convenience for islanders—it is their lifeline. Kenneth Gibson: Will the member take an intervention on that point? Pam Gosal: Have I got time to take an intervention, Deputy Presiding Officer? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give you your time back. Kenneth Gibson: There are 40 sailings in each direction, both to and from Cumbrae, each day— that is one sailing every 15 minutes—under the summer timetable. How would you increase or improve that?”
“I stand here to discuss the importance of empowering island communities in Scotland. These communities, which are often isolated and face unique challenges, are vital to the cultural and economic fabric of our nation. Empowering them means ensuring that they have the resources, infrastructure and support that are needed for them to thrive. Islands play a valuable role in our economy through tourism, agriculture and fishing. Tourism alone generates £10.8 billion, which supports thousands of jobs and local businesses. However, under the SNP Government, those communities have faced significant challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, education, transportation and housing, which have hindered their growth and development.”
“How each local authority decides to spend that money is down to councils themselves, and if they want to prioritise after-school care for children with special needs, they can do that. Energy Infrastructure (Cost of Planning Applications and Appeals) 4.”
“First, we recognise the important services that local authorities provide, which is why they have received record funding of more than £15 billion—something that is put at risk by Pam Gosal’s support for £1 billion of unfunded tax cuts, which would affect local government funding—[Interruption.] The Tories do not like to hear the facts, but I will not stop repeating them, because facts matter— [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the cabinet secretary. Shona Robison: Pam Gosal’s point about after- school care is important, and that is why we have provided an additional £29 million of funding on top of the existing funding for special needs provision that local government has.”
“I have spoken to many concerned parents and teachers who have said that after-school care for children with additional support needs is almost impossible to find, adding an extra layer of stress to the lives of parents and children. After-school care providers have neither the capacity nor the budget to fund the specialist staff who are required to look after children with additional needs. We cannot ignore the needs of those children. Councils need to be properly funded. Will the cabinet secretary wake up to reality, look those parents in the eye and tell them why the Government is failing future generations? Shona Robison: I will say a couple of things to Pam Gosal.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I, too, could not connect. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I will make sure that that is recorded.”
“That is why 49 conditions have been put in place that must be satisfied before the proposal can be taken forward. A legal agreement also has to be put in place that satisfies all those conditions, precisely in order to address the specific concerns that she and other members have raised.”
“In my area of West Dunbartonshire, the Flamingo Land proposal received more than 150,000 objections. I have received correspondence from many constituents and organisations that are outraged by the decision. Yesterday, I was contacted by representatives from the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, who said: “This is not democracy—it is despotism—stamping on the well-based decision of the constituted planning authority, and on the wishes of the local population.” Why is the Scottish Government’s reporter ignoring the views of the local population, which fought so hard against the development? Ivan McKee: I will reiterate. If Pam Gosal reads the report that the reporter has put online, she will find that it very much addresses the objections that the public, organisations and other interested parties have raised.”
“I am keen to see how it is envisaged that it will interact with existing measures, such as the disclosure scheme for domestic abuse Scotland, which gives people the right to ask about the background of their partner. It also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they might be at risk, even where that information has not been sought. I am always happy to engage with members.”
“Every 10 minutes, an incident of domestic abuse is reported to Police Scotland. That is just the tip of the iceberg, with many cases going unreported. My Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill was published last week, and it includes several measures to reduce the number of instances of domestic abuse. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, if passed, the bill will significantly turn the tide, given that domestic abuse has ruined lives, destroyed families and wrecked communities? Angela Constance: I have always been clear that we are willing to explore any options to reduce crime, reoffending and, in particular, domestic violence. I am happy to discuss Pam Gosal’s proposed legislation with her.”
“Before I leave the point that I was making on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, I note that it will always be a point of significant remembrance for me that I was able to visit the site of my uncle’s grave in Argenta, in Italy, and to stand on a spot that had been visited some 30 years before by my grandmother on her only trip out of the United Kingdom to pay her respects at the grave of her beloved son. The decades that have passed dampen neither the memory and the loss nor our gratitude and pride. Each of us now lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of the men and women who overcame fascism.”
“Will the First Minister join me in recognising and commemorating the pre-partition British Indian army—the largest volunteer force in history, with 2.5 million soldiers—for its brave actions in world war two? The First Minister: I join Pam Gosal in that point of remembrance. It is significant that that point was made at the VE day 80 commemoration event in the Usher hall in Edinburgh, which I thought demonstrated the scale of the involvement of so many peoples from around the world in the effort to defeat fascism. I happily associate myself with the point made by Pam Gosal.”
“I look forward to hearing in the minister’s closing remarks how the Scottish Government proposes to tackle the mental health issues that I have mentioned. 17:32”
“Since 2023, it has delivered 180 counselling sessions to 30 individuals, including children, young people and adults. It has delivered workshops and collaborated actively with Sikh and Muslim communities, visiting gurdwaras and mosques, and has created a monthly online drop-in platform to support open conversations about mental health. If we are to tackle the mental health disparities in BAME communities, we need to take a comprehensive approach. We must work on breaking down cultural stigmas, improving accessibility to services, addressing socioeconomic barriers and providing care that respects cultural sensitivities. By fostering strong communities and investing in targeted support, we can make a real difference in mental health outcomes for BAME individuals in Scotland.”
“Such stigma prevents people from getting the treatment that they need, which leads to further isolation and suffering. The Scottish Government’s “Mental Health Equality Evidence” report of 2023 highlights that BAME individuals are less likely to access mental health services and more likely to face poor mental health outcomes. The rates of delayed discharge among BAME patients in mental health specialties are significantly higher than those for the general population. We must work to dismantle those barriers and foster an environment in which conversations about mental health are encouraged and supported. I was fortunate enough to meet representatives of Scottish Asian Counselling Services, which works with people of south Asian descent and those from other BAME communities.”
“East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health offers mental health and wellbeing support to individuals through peer support. Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise in Kirkintilloch supports people’s mental health through peer support groups that focus on stability, hope and confidence for the future. I encourage members to visit the exhibition that GRACE is hosting this week in the Parliament’s garden lobby. The many great organisations in my region, and all across Scotland, do a fantastic job, and I thank them all. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I cannot mention them all in my contribution. I want to highlight how people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds see mental health issues. In some communities, it is taboo to discuss poor mental health, which is seen as a sign of weakness.”
“The rise in anxiety, depression, and stress is striking, and points to an urgent need for on-going support and intervention. I share those serious concerns about mental health issues in our communities, and I want to shine a light on the remarkable efforts to tackle them that are taking place in my West Scotland region. Initiatives such as the men’s sheds in Milngavie, Bearsden and Kirkintilloch aim to tackle loneliness and mental health problems and to alleviate depression through community-focused projects. The FACT charity in Bishopbriggs, the name of which stands for Families of Auchinairn Coming Together, works to build stronger communities and provide mental health support by breaking down social isolation.”
“I thank my colleague, Roz McCall, for securing a members’ business debate on such an important topic. As we approach mental health awareness week, which takes place between 12 and 18 May 2025, we need to take a step back and reflect on how mental health issues truly affect people across Scotland. So many individuals suffer from mental health challenges that make their lives hard for them, both at work and in relationships. Recent insights from Public Health Scotland show that mental health referrals shot up by 22 per cent in just a year, and it is alarming to see that more than a third of all general practitioner visits are now related to mental health concerns. That becomes even more concerning as the Scottish health survey states that one in four adults in Scotland faces mental health issues—an increase that cannot be ignored.”
“Were we a normal, independent country, we would be able to borrow at lower rates to fund capital projects. On the non-profit distributing programme, the key difference between those programmes and traditional PFIs, which were championed by the Conservative and Labour parties, is that NPD programmes are profit capped and are profit sharing. Those contracts provide greater transparency and more flexibility than PFI and are considerably cheaper. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 2 is from Maggie Chapman, who joins us remotely. Aberdeenshire Council (Finances) 2.”
“Those members on the Scottish National Party benches who are so keen to point out their contentions with the PFI contracts stay conveniently quiet about their party’s repeated historical use of non-profit distributing contracts. Audit Scotland has found that those NPD contracts, which are a type of PFI scheme, turn out to be significantly more expensive to taxpayers than using traditional forms of Government project financing. What is the current financial burden of NPD contracts to councils across my West Scotland region? Ivan McKee: Pam Gosal is absolutely right: the cheapest way to fund projects is for Governments to borrow. Of course, Scotland has strict limits on how much it can borrow due to the policies of the United Kingdom Government.”
“The availability of apprenticeships depends on the number of businesses. If the proper fiscal environment is not in place, there will be fewer businesses and thus fewer apprenticeships. That is why the Scottish Government must listen to businesses, so that businesses can equip themselves with the right skills. The policies of Labour and the SNP are failing Scottish businesses. National insurance increases, inadequate tax relief, budget constraints, a lack of stability and high taxes are all contributing to the struggles faced by businesses in our turbulent economy. It is time for change. We need bold, commonsense solutions that support the aspirations of families and businesses across Scotland, allowing them to keep more of their earnings and invest in their future. Only then can we create a thriving and prosperous economy for all. 15:37”
“However, under the SNP, businesses face uncertainty and unpredictability. According to the latest Scottish business monitor survey, three quarters of businesses expect Scottish economic growth to remain weak or very weak in 2025. The lack of a coherent strategy or consistent support means that businesses cannot confidently plan for the future, hindering growth and innovation. Skills play an important part in growing the economy. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has reported that our universities’ struggles due to funding shortages are creating a ripple effect that is being felt across the business sector. The funding shortfall means fewer resources for research, development and student support, which in turn affects the overall quality of the skilled workforce.”
“Despite successive UK Governments providing funding for business rates relief, the SNP has not fully passed on that support to many businesses. That has resulted in many challenges for them, particularly small retailers and those in the hospitality industry, where soaring costs have forced many to reduce their operating days and to freeze hiring, which has led to job losses and reduced economic activity. Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “Economic conditions in 2025 are turbulent and uncertain, and are likely to remain so throughout the year. Therefore, the picture is still one of subdued growth. Many of the challenges businesses faced in 2024—from rising costs to policy uncertainty—have not gone away.” I emphasise that stability is crucial for businesses to make long-term plans and investments.”
“That high tax burden is unfair and detrimental to our economy. It discourages investment and drives talent away, as individuals and businesses seek more favourable conditions elsewhere in the UK. The widening tax disparity between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom could deter top talent from relocating north of the border. Businesses that depend on senior executives or specialists might need to offer additional incentives or higher salaries to offset that discrepancy. In addition, the freeze on higher tax thresholds has created a fiscal drag, pushing more employees into higher tax bands without there being corresponding increases in their disposable income. Let us not forget the further damage caused by the SNP through its business rates policy. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound—as if businesses were not already struggling.”
“The increase is expected to lead to a 2 per cent rise in employers’ payroll costs, which will add to their financial burden and so make it harder for them to sustain operations and retain staff. Many businesses have already said that they will not be able to bear that extra cost, which will lead to job losses and business closures. David Lonsdale of the Scottish Retail Consortium has said: “Scotland’s retailers will face a £190 million increase in their tax bill” and “Such stark increases will increase the cost of operating a retail business and are unlikely to be absorbed by businesses”. Closer to home, the SNP Government’s approach to taxation has not helped either households or businesses. Scotland remains the highest-taxed part of the United Kingdom, thanks to the SNP’s so-called progressive income tax regime.”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests, which relates to my ownership of property. In his contribution, my colleague Murdo Fraser eloquently addressed issues relating to heavy industry. I want to address the pressing issue of Scottish businesses struggling in our turbulent economy and how decisions taken by the Labour and Scottish National Party Governments have significantly contributed to such challenges. I will start with the UK Labour Government’s policies. Businesses across Scotland are grappling with the impact of the employer national insurance contribution rate increase that it has imposed. This month, the rate rose from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent.”
“In closing, I hope that MSPs can come together this afternoon and call on BBC Scotland to reconsider its decision and save “River City”. 13:02”
“On that visit, I was told that 250 people worked on the site in various roles, including 70 trainees and three apprentices, who had the opportunity for long-term training, and I was pleased to see how many local people were in those jobs, which varied from low and medium skilled to higher-skilled. Like others, I was disappointed that BBC Scotland failed to inform the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee of its plans to end “River City” and to close its Dumbarton studios in its annual report, which was presented to the committee earlier this year. It should therefore explain how its current proposals will ensure that the skills and jobs, including apprenticeships, are not lost, and whether more productions are on the line.”
“Although we as audience members will be sad to miss such a great television programme, the consequences will be even more devastating for those who work on the production. They will be especially important in the west of Scotland, as “River City” is, and has been, a great job creator in Dumbarton in my region. Each episode employs many people, not just actors, writers, producers, camera and sound crew, but costume designers, wardrobe assistants, make-up artists, set builders and many more. Before the Easter recess, I was proud to sign up to Equity’s save “River City” campaign in order to save the show and the associated jobs. In 2023, I was privileged to visit the set of the series during filming and meet some of the cast members, including lead actor Stephen Purdon.”
“I thank Neil Bibby for bringing this important issue to the chamber. For more than two decades, the BBC’s “River City” has been entertaining households in Scotland, with each episode reaching an estimated audience of 500,000 people and outperforming other series by more than two and a half times. It is Scotland’s only home-grown soap opera; its creator, Stephen Greenhorn, wished to create a series that would do for Scotland what legendary TV series such as “Coronation Street” and “EastEnders” have done for England. “River City” enjoys high ratings and has won multiple awards, including, most recently, best drama at the Royal Television Society Scotland 2023 awards for its 20th anniversary episode. Its annual budget is reported as £9 million, which, as Neil Bibby’s motion states, is excellent value for money.”
“To ask the First Minister what impact the Scottish Government anticipates that the Supreme Court judgment regarding For Women Scotland Ltd v the Scottish Ministers will have on the implementation of the public sector equality duty in Scotland. (S6F-04003)”
“One of the underreported developments in recent years, with the financial distress that has been felt in the cultural sector here and elsewhere in the United Kingdom, which has been existential for many, is that a great number of important cultural venues have been saved from closure. We should all be grateful to those who have been involved in the campaigns to retain them. I assure Pam Gosal that, like me, colleagues in Creative Scotland are absolutely seized of the need to ensure that the funding streams that are available can go to venues and organisations around the country. That has already been rolled out in part through Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding programme. Other funding streams are also available. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Beatrice Wishart—please be even briefer.”
“The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh, which is in my region, was saved from closure last month due to the hard work and determination of campaigners. Since 2014, the facility has provided regular cinema screenings and has served as a venue for concerts, election hustings and other community events. The potential closure of the venue would be devastating for the local community, which has limited cultural venues. Will the cabinet secretary congratulate the Save the Tower campaign group for its hard work? Will he outline what more the Scottish Government can do to support cultural facilities in the West Scotland region? Angus Robertson: I am absolutely delighted to join Pam Gosal in commending the campaigners.”
“I say again that the Scottish Government accepts the decision of the Supreme Court and respects its right to issue it.”
“Shirley-Anne Somerville: It is important that, for the avoidance of any doubt, I answer that away from the issue in question and give a general response, which is the response that we should give to every example of such behaviour. There is no excuse for vandalism or criminal behaviour, and there is no excuse for death threats, regardless of whom such behaviour comes from, regardless of whether that is towards activists or members of this Parliament, and regardless of people’s views on the Supreme Court. It is very important that I say that. Regardless of what people’s views have been at the beginning of this discussion or at any stage in it, there is no excuse for criminal or poor behaviour. Those of us in the chamber have a particular responsibility with regard to that.”