Michael Marra
Scottish Labour · Scotland
“I thank Jack Middleton for bringing the debate to the chamber. Its subject is of widespread concern, and will impact significantly on communities across the north of Scotland and in my North East Scotland region.”
“Indeed, the decline of quality local journalism that is embedded close to people is a tragedy. As many local newspapers face increasing issues with sustainability, it has become more, rather than less, important for the biggest companies and corporations to ensure that their journalism is rooted in communities.”
“More broadly, I believe—Jack Middleton has touched on some of this—that the decision is an act of surrender to what is a wildfire of commoditised fear that is weaponised by tech oligarchs to purposely undermine real freedom in pursuit of power and profit.”
“Although it is a commercial decision from STV, backed by the regulator to this point, it is also the latest example of what is becoming an ever- growing list of services being centralised away from communities in Scotland. Those in the north- east and further afield have, over the years, seen the same situation before.”
“The absence of regional journalism will only hasten that process, and whatever we might think, collectively, about the barrier and where the balance should sit, local people should have that accountability and the opportunity to make their case about where power is situated.”
“I welcome the hard work that Our Union Street is doing to re-energise Union Street and the centre of Aberdeen. The project is working along with partners to bring together a shared vision of the future of the city centre.”
The complete record
Every one of 754 lines we hold for Michael Marra, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 11 of 16.
“He defiantly stated to the Finance and Public Administration Committee that “COSLA has made assumptions that we do not recognise”.—[Official Report, Finance and Public Administration Committee, 8 November 2022; c 18.] Lo and behold, on 23 January 2024, a little over a year later, Scottish Government officials told the Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee that the cost of the bill that Mr Stewart was talking about would have been £3.9 billion—a truly astronomical figure, which is more than double the figure that the minister did not recognise and equal to the entire annual transport budget. Critically, there is absolutely no way that the country could have afforded that. Of course, by that point, the legislation had rightly and mercifully been blown entirely off the SNP’s course towards bankruptcy.”
“It will do absolutely nothing to ease delayed discharge, and there is nothing in it to fix the crisis in social care in Scotland, despite the expenditure of tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money and untold public resources being applied. From start to finish, the bill has been a total calamity. A succession of ministers have been unable to answer basic questions about the legislation that they were meant to be steering. On 8 November 2022, the then minister responsible for the bill, Kevin Stewart, was aghast at COSLA’s estimate that the bill would cost more than £1.5 billion.”
“The saga of what we are now calling the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill is a microcosm of this SNP Government. It started with a vainglorious press release and the applause line for the leader’s speech—light on detail, certainly, and quickly unable to marshal any detail at all. Absent leadership and political incompetence led to financial chaos, all resulting in messy, watered- down law that will achieve none of the lofty ambitions that were declared at the outset. The Government then moves on and hopes that nobody will notice—rinse and repeat, year after year. This legislation will not lead to a single extra carer being employed.”
“Alasdair Allan: My understanding is that the college money has just recently been approved. The member makes an important point about skills and the transfer of skills. The Scottish Government certainly recognises the critical importance of providing the current and future workforce with the lifelong skills that they need. The recently published 2024 “Green Jobs Barometer” shows that “Scotland continues to lead the way in the creation of green jobs, with new data showing the number of” such green jobs “advertised has tripled since 2021.” We will continue to work on areas such as the skills passport, which I mentioned, and on areas with the UK Government, to ensure that we have in our workforce the skills that we need for the future.”
“The UK Labour Government has listened to and acted on industry concerns over activity in the North Sea basin, and I am very sure that it will continue to do so—in fact, it is vital that that happens. What is the Scottish Government going to do about the skills shortages that are already undermining the prospect of employment in the north-east? Sarah Boyack highlighted a shortfall of 8,000 welders, and a question just a few minutes ago also related to the Government’s performance in that area. In the budget, there was a welcome announcement of a very small sum of money for an offshore wind skills programme in colleges, but progress has been grindingly slow—as in so many of these areas—in actually seeing the money on the ground. When will that money be available to colleges in the north-east?”
“As I said in my statement, I am confident that a substantive appointment can be made and that we will see the leadership that is required to turn around the situation in Grampian. On the first point, I have already set out, in response to a topical question the other week, that I want financial decisions to be taken that do not impact on front-line services and which ensure that we enhance service delivery. I would expect that for the patients of NHS Grampian, and I know that Mr Marra would, too.”
“Will the cabinet secretary guarantee that appointments and operations will not be cancelled to pay the costs of what his statement identifies as resource and, particularly, management problems, rather than just issues of demand? The cabinet secretary makes much of the crucial appointment of a new chief executive. I point out that the previous chief executive lasted only 14 months before announcing his retirement. What confidence can Parliament have that a new chief executive will be able to get a grip of the situation, which appears to be rapidly deteriorating? Neil Gray: There are two areas there. First, Adam Coldwells, who I thank for his service, was an interim chief executive. The appointment was interim, and a substantive appointment was always going to need to be made.”
“Lastly, I gave to Parliament on a previous occasion my absolute commitment to securing the future of the University of Dundee. I unreservedly reiterate that in front of Parliament today, and the Government will follow that approach in all that we do. The Presiding Officer: We move to constituency and general supplementary questions. Inward Investment (ZeroAvia)”
“The First Minister: Mr Marra knows that I cannot give that commitment, because that would be me dictating to an independent institution how it should go about its own governance, and I would break the law if I did that—it is as simple as that. Michael Marra: Ask it. The First Minister: I am trying to give Mr Marra a substantive answer, if he would allow me to do that. I understand the anxieties of members of staff, because they come to my constituency surgeries. I hear those very directly, and I totally accept the worry and anxiety that is caused, but I have to operate within the existing legal framework. I give Mr Marra, as I give to Parliament and to members of staff at the University of Dundee, the absolute commitment that the Government is engaging actively and promptly on all these questions.”
“I have met university staff and this is what one staff member said to me: “The weight of not knowing, of being left in limbo, is taking a huge toll on mental health and morale. It is not just us. It is our families, too. The endless delays and broken promises from management and Government are leaving us all in despair. When will they do something?” The Government’s target is 300 job losses, and the costings, I am told, have now been submitted and are with officials. Will the First Minister commit to Parliament today that the voluntary severance scheme will be in place and open by the end of next week?”
“Although tall ships are not typical vessels for the port of Aberdeen, I know that it will welcome them and the further boost to Aberdeen’s economy that the spectacle will bring. 13:07”
“The port has a significant role in the offshore energy industry—although a significant proportion of the port’s revenue comes from oil and gas, which will be the case for decades to come—and it is working towards its goal of becoming the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. It is one of the fundamental components of the north-east, providing thousands of jobs and essential logistics to keep our region’s industries going. The recent £420 million expansion to the south harbour will be transformative for the port’s future, with the potential to increase its gross value added contribution by 60 per cent and the number of jobs that it supports by 45 per cent, which could take the number of jobs up to 17,500.”
“The ships are to be berthed at the port of Aberdeen, which is so central to the economy of the city and the North East Scotland region, which I have the pleasure of representing. Aberdeen accounts for around 43 per cent of vessel traffic in Scotland; it is Scotland’s busiest port. Since being elected in 2021, I have worked closely with colleagues at the Port of Aberdeen port authority and its chief executive, Bob Sanguinetti. As a trust port, it is run by a board for the benefit of stakeholders. With all the profits being reinvested to safeguard and improve the port, it is a civic benefit to the city and the wider community.”
“They have the potential to showcase our country at its best and to give a much-needed boost to our economy. Liam Kerr laid out well some of the many attractions in Aberdeen of which visitors are likely to be able to afford themselves. There is an opportunity for great cultural exchange and dialogue around such events and to see some of the world’s great sportsmen and women at the top of their game. It is vitally important that, when such events are organised, logistics are in place to minimise negative disruption for local residents and to maximise enjoyment for all visitors. The use of park and ride facilities for the event has been welcomed by my constituents. Those will be at four locations across the city to help to reduce congestion in the city centre, which will be welcome.”
“I am sure that it is set to be a fantastic time in the granite city. There is an opportunity to board the great ships and learn more about their long history—some of the ships are as old as 125 years. It will be a huge boost for businesses in the city, with tens of thousands of spectators expected to attend. That will be welcome for many hospitality and retail businesses, in particular, given the challenges that those sectors have faced in recent years following the pandemic and the Scottish National Party Government’s failure to pass on rates relief from the UK Labour Government. Events such as this, the Commonwealth games and the Tour de France grand départ, which I know the minister has been involved with, are all good for Scotland and the people of Scotland.”
“I thank Kevin Stewart for lodging the debate and Jackie Dunbar for standing in and transporting us to a time of grand adventure. I am not sure that my nerves would have coped with the story of the tea clipper race had it been related in Kevin Stewart’s theatrical élan, so perhaps we have all been saved by Jackie Dunbar’s intervention. For nearly 50 years, the tall ships races have traversed ports across these islands and all over Europe. The races even involved a transatlantic voyage in 1984, reaching as far as Quebec. This is the third year—and the first time this century— that Aberdeen has been involved. With around 50 tall ships and 1,500 crew members arriving in Aberdeen for four days in July, the event will bring a carnival atmosphere to the city, with concerts, parades and even a display from the Red Arrows.”
“What will the First Minister’s Government do to ensure that necessary improvements to maternity services happen?”
“This morning, Healthcare Improvement Scotland published the report of its unannounced inspection of maternity services at Ninewells hospital in Dundee. The report contains shocking details, including delays to the induction of labour of up to three days, vital equipment such as fetal heartbeat monitors being damaged and not replaced, and a rapid fall in the number of experienced midwives. Despite hard-working staff providing “compassionate and responsive care”, the state of the service was so bad in January that the HIS made a second visit in February and said that it was “not assured that sufficient progress or improvement had been made”. The situation is hugely worrying for families and especially for expectant mothers across Dundee and Angus.”
“I move amendment S6M-17525.1, to leave out from first “condemns” to end and insert: “recognises the UK Government’s commitment to a sustainable long-term energy mix, including increased renewable sources, new modern nuclear generation as well as continued oil and gas production for decades to come; notes the loss of jobs at Grangemouth and recently announced job losses at Harbour Energy, which re- emphasise the need for a just transition plan including the immediate publication of the long-delayed Scottish energy strategy; commends the creation of Great British Energy as a publicly owned energy generation company, headquartered in Aberdeen, which will help to deliver energy security, build supply chains, create thousands of jobs across the country and reduce energy bills over the long term; welcomes the £200 million of funding committed to the Grangemouth transition as part of a clean energy future to power Scotland’s economy and communities, and calls on the Scottish National Party administration to drop its ideological opposition to nuclear power.” 16:53”
“He knows the challenges and tensions that exist, but he also knows the base imperatives about which the Scottish Labour MPs have left him in absolutely no doubt. We have to make sure that we have a fiscal regime that works.”
“I spoke to the management this morning about its workforce plans and the support that it can put in place. We also discussed the fast-moving global context surrounding the industry, with oil now trading at $62 a barrel and, according to some analysts’ projections, heading as low as $50 a barrel. Stephen Kerr: Will the member take an intervention? Michael Marra: I am afraid that I do not have time. We must ensure that the fiscal regime for the UK continental shelf sustains continued employment, profits and tax revenue. I will discuss those issues with UK Government colleagues over the coming days. Treasury minister James Murray chairs the North Sea fiscal forum, which was established by Labour in Opposition and was continued when we came into Government.”
“The SNP and Tory Governments knew for years that the future of Grangemouth oil refinery was at severe risk, but neither party in government did anything about it at all. We have put £200 million in place. Gillian Martin: Will the member take an intervention? Michael Marra: No—my time is far too brief. As Douglas Lumsden rightly pointed out, the SNP has dragged its feet on publishing an energy strategy. The draft strategy was published on 10 January 2023, more than two years ago—that is, three cabinet secretaries and three First Ministers ago. Industry, trade unions and workers desperately need clarity from the SNP Government about what it is trying to achieve. I agree whole-heartedly with Douglas Lumsden that last week’s news from Harbour Energy is hugely concerning.”
“We all know the rhetoric about Scotland becoming the Saudi Arabia of renewables and that only a fraction of the jobs that were promised were delivered before Scotland’s sea bed was sold off on the cheap, with that money being used to plug the holes due to the Scottish Government’s woeful financial management rather than to invest in the supply chain or the required skills. I see that the minister disagrees, but I say to her that that was part of the three emergency budgets that we have had in the past three years. The Tories in Opposition are vehemently against the grid infrastructure upgrade that, just 12 months ago, was the UK Government’s policy, brought forward by the Conservatives, who are now howling at the moon.”
“For those reasons, we cannot afford Governments that are found wanting and politicians who abdicate responsibility and then, when the electorate gets rid of them, as it did the Tories last year, resort to howling at the moon and pretending that the complex challenges of the transition are somehow avoidable if only we shout loudly enough. Despite the rhetoric that we have heard—mostly from Mr Lumsden so far today, and I am sure there will be more to come from those benches, but partly from the SNP—the truth is that the SNP Government and the previous UK Conservative Government, in particular, have failed to seize the moment and have failed workers. There is plenty of rhetoric, but the Government’s record tells a different story.”
“In truth, the issue has to be the animating question the length and breadth of this country. It is not just the economies of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire that hinge on our energy sector; the fiscal framework that was agreed by the Scottish Government means that the fate of Scotland’s energy sector, which underpins the median wage in Scotland, is an integral part of the calculations around the budget that we receive from the UK. The money that comes through that fiscal framework means that we are able to pay for nurses in Coatbridge, teachers in Orkney, refuse workers in Glasgow, police officers in Arbroath and social workers in Ayrshire, and those wages matter to the whole country. The energy sector is a pivotal part of our economy and our fiscal infrastructure.”
“Although I do not agree with some of the rhetoric of Douglas Lumsden’s characteristic contribution, I am grateful for the opportunity to debate the future of the oil and gas industry in Scotland. In the few short minutes that I have, I will start by stressing the importance of the industry. The energy transition is Scotland’s defining economic and industrial policy challenge of our time. Since my election four years ago, it is the issue that has prevailed in discussions both economic and industrial. It is the animating purpose of so many businesses across Scotland and of employers, workers and trade unions across the north-east and beyond. The energy sector is vital to the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of constituents— not just oil and gas workers, but those in the surrounding economy and all who depend on it.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the constitution secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding its constitutional strategy, including in relation to its reported call for full fiscal autonomy. (S6O-04646)”
“There is suffering, there is hope and there is the relief, but they are not shared equally. Sometimes, well-meaning law can make things worse. I fear that law set in cold ink might break what has evolved in caring hands in Scotland. 16:35”
“It is about how we judge professional intent, and it is on that trust that our NHS is constructed. Like other members have indicated, I have received many hundreds of emails and letters regarding this subject, with conflicting views, but all with significant testimony of personal experience. Like other members, I have my own personal experience, which I do not intend to share today. I have been more struck by people who have indicated that they have had a diagnosis and that they would have taken a decision that they would regret, because there is nothing more final than the decision that we are discussing today. I believe that, in Scotland, there currently exists a very delicate medical accommodation in matters pertaining to the provision of end-of-life care, of pace and of pain.”
“Regrettably, I do not believe the suggestion that improvements in resources for palliative and social care could act as insurance against more people opting for assisted dying as a realistic or credible safeguard to the written law. I also consider the argument of required improvement by proponents of the bill to be a concession of the counterargument of possible negative choices, rather than a defence of the core proposition of assisted dying. I firmly believe that the proposed legislation, in its operation, would fundamentally alter the relationship between doctor and patient in ways that I struggle to fully conceive. The underlying duty of the protection of life is a protective principle within a relationship of a very uneasy power imbalance.”
“I have listened to claims from both sides, including in the debate today, that a significant improvement in palliative and social care will be forthcoming. One side suggests that that will happen as a parallel alternative, should the bill pass. Those opposing the bill suggest it as a salve to those with well- founded concerns that too many deaths in Scotland are painful and lacking in rightful human dignity. Frankly, I am unconvinced by the likelihood of either contention. The Scottish Government’s repeated commitments to improve our NHS and to reform social care have been objectively unsuccessful. Assisted dying is not a party-political issue, but it must be viewed in the context of political realities.”
“Were we to live in a society that was far more equal, where care could be sought and found with ease and where dignity in life could be an alternative to death, the likelihood of someone seeing themselves as burdensome might be lessened. In truth, I find it difficult to say. I recognise that this does not pertain to everyone who is terminally ill and to their distressed families, but the social risk of internal coercion would particularly apply to people who are poor and whose families might struggle to cope with the wider costs of their care. I fear that, in such a situation, the pressure felt by a terminally ill and possibly disabled person to end their life could be unbearable. That consequence—one that would fall so unequally—is not one that I believe our society should enable.”
“With a proposal such as this, which is fundamental to belief systems and which challenges some of the underpinning assumptions of our social compact, the consent of the defeated, which is made possible only by dialogue, is vital. We must all make peace with the repercussions of today’s decision. This is democracy. Following wide engagement, research and discussion, and after very careful consideration, it is my intention to vote against the bill tonight. Above all other issues, I do so because I do not believe that there is any possible safeguard sufficient to mitigate the personal and societal pressure that vulnerable people could potentially feel to end their own life.”
“My thanks to my friend Liam McArthur who, in introducing the bill, has given voice to the concerns of a significant number of people across my North East Scotland region. I have met and corresponded with many families who have sat by loved ones in terrible pain as life ebbed slowly—by their heart-rending accounts, too slowly and with too much pain. I do not regret the proposal of the bill nor the discussion on it, which I believe has been considered and balanced. Mr McArthur spoke at an event on the bill that I organised in Dundee, which was attended by more than 250 constituents. There were strong views on both sides, but it was respectful and compassionate. Disagreeing well is something that we can all improve on.”
“That is why we are sending in the external consultants, and it is why there is additional Scottish Government support—to get a handle on the financial position in NHS Grampian and to get an assurance that any savings that are required to be made will not impact on front-line services and will contribute to an improvement in service delivery in”
“In a briefing on 7 March, the leadership of NHS Grampian informed MSPs that the health board was projecting a £68 million deficit in 2025-26. That was to be submitted to the cabinet secretary on 17 March, so he has known about the extent of the deficit for two months. What has triggered the escalation of NHS Grampian to stage 4? Do those figures remain the same? What has changed? Neil Gray: Michael Marra rightly points to the financial position, which is one of the primary considerations, because we want to ensure that the board has a grip on that as quickly as possible.”
“At the heart of the issue is a Scottish Government that is telling families that they are entitled to services, but families are discovering that those services are simply nowhere to be found. I look forward to hearing members’ accounts of families in their regions and constituencies. We can and must do better for Leo, Josh and thousands like them across Scotland—and, frankly, it should happen this summer. Let us actually solve the problem. [Applause.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: Before we move to the open debate, I gently remind those in the public gallery that this is a meeting in public rather than a public meeting, so they are discouraged from participating. 13:06”
“Parents and carers need to have confidence that the service will meet their child’s needs. We must make it easy, with a clear process for direct payments being provided and, where appropriate, personal assistance being engaged through self-directed support. I thank organisations such as Contact, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, PAMIS, Dundee Carers Centre and Pregnant Then Screwed for the work that they are doing to support families in such situations and for all the work that they did with me to raise awareness ahead of the debate. I know that colleagues will mention other organisations that work in their areas and do great work with these children. However, they can only do so much.”
“I very much believe that this Government’s moves to ship children who are awaiting an ADHD or autism diagnosis off the child and adolescent mental health services waiting list will exacerbate the many challenges that are experienced by families with neurodivergent children. What do families need? They need to be able to plan, so they require timely information, with a programme of options that is published well in advance of holiday periods. That should be standard practice in local authorities across Scotland, and it should include referrals, costs, transport options and whether a section 23 referral will be required. They must be given the details that they need, including staff ratios, whether services are accessible and whether appropriate facilities are available.”
“Louise has also told me that, without a section 23 referral from social work, despite the obvious difficulties that her son is experiencing, he cannot access many of the services that the local authority provides. It would be good if, in closing, the minister could address that particular issue. Louise said: “I know how it feels to be a parent of a child with ASN and it’s hard and draining. You give up your own life to fight for them and you constantly hit a brick wall because there is nothing.” Last Thursday at First Minister questions, the First Minister told Parliament that a person does not require a diagnosis of neurodivergence to access services and support. That is simply untrue.”
“That takes a real toll on family finances, the health and wellbeing of parents and, frankly, our wider economy. My constituent Louise’s son, Josh, has a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He struggles in social settings, and his school attendance has been falling. As a single parent, Louise has had to give up her job working in a primary school with other children with additional support needs, so that she can be at home for her son. She has praised the “amazing” work of the Yard, and I know that many other constituents have been helped by the work of that excellent organisation. I recently visited its Easter holiday club in Dundee and met the children and parents enjoying play together there.”
“Nicola told me this: “Since Leo was born, he has fought for survival, had major operations and overcome medical and developmental hurdles with great spirit. To fail at finding something that should be commonplace, like a holiday club, felt very painful and a stark reminder of how inaccessible society remains for disabled children and how isolating life can be as a parent carer.” Those kids and their families are not asking for special treatment; they are asking for what the law entitles them to. In a recent survey by the organisation Pregnant Then Screwed, 71 per cent of parents who responded said that they had difficulties in accessing wraparound care for their children. Of those parents, 75 per cent had reduced their hours at work or left work altogether.”
“I would be grateful if the minister, in her remarks, could confirm whether that is £1 million per authority or £1 million to be divided by 32 local authorities. With the holidays fast approaching, families need details now on what specific services will be available and where, so will that money be available this summer? I hope that the minister will be able to set out tangible actions that her Government and local government can take together to ensure that this summer can be different. My constituent Nicola Donnelly is joining us in the public gallery today. Nicola’s son, Leo, is seven years old. Leo has cerebral palsy, which has resulted in developmental delays and visual impairment. Nicola has fought tirelessly for Leo and other kids like him to get the care and support that they deserve.”
“Local authorities have a statutory duty under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to provide out-of-school and holiday care to children who are classified as “in need”, which includes children with disabilities. Yet the usual childcare options, such as holiday clubs, are often not available or not appropriate for children with additional needs and disabilities. Even when there are appropriate childcare options, information can be very hard to find or those services can be cancelled at the last minute, leaving working parents in the lurch and families in crisis. I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement ahead of the debate that it will provide £1 million to local authorities for holiday play schemes and activities for disabled children.”
“It is far too often a time of increased anxiety and challenge, where routine disappears and hours at work are missed, and the build-up to it can take months. The knowledge of that vast chasm looms large for many families, and the stress that it imposes is acute. For many families, it defines what type of employment they can take, or whether they can even work at all. In September 2024, I hosted a round-table meeting in Dundee to hear the stories of families who face those challenges year in, year out. Parents and carers attended, along with organisations including Dundee United Community Trust, the Yard and Happy Times Out of School Care Club. They were clear that needs are not being met—very far from it.”
“I begin by thanking all members, from across the chamber, who supported the motion to enable this debate to take place. With just under two months until the long annual holidays, many Scottish families will have already planned holidays here or abroad, booked leave from work and sorted childcare with relatives. They are signing up for football camps or outdoor activities and hoping for a long, sunny summer, starting today. However, far too little of that is available to families of children with additional needs. For thousands of families, summer arrangements are as yet unknown and unknowable, and they are staring down yet another chaotic summer period without adequate childcare. I hesitate to call that period a “holiday”, for that is not a description of it that those families would recognise.”
“I am sure that Mr Gray will welcome—[Interruption.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Marra, could you resume your seat. I encourage the Government front bench to respond to the debate in due course, which I will give them the opportunity to do. Members do not need to pass a running commentary on Mr Marra’s contribution. Michael Marra: With 20 per cent of the parliamentary term left to run, this is a case of the SNP clearing the decks for an election, rather than a case of setting up the country for success. In his response to Mark Griffin earlier, John Swinney let the cat out of the bag somewhat. When we were focusing on the issue of homeless children in Scotland, he said that we should “move on and find something else to talk about or to moan about”. The Labour Party will not do that—and we will see you at the ballot box. 16:46”
“Kevin Stewart: Will Michael Marra give way? Michael Marra: Gladly. Kevin Stewart: Mr Marra has said that the SNP Government has stolen Labour policies. The Scottish public will be thankful that we have not stolen the policies of keeping the two-child benefit cap, slashing winter fuel payments for our pensioners or cutting benefits to disabled people. Michael Marra: It is fair to say that, given the challenging financial circumstances, the additional £5.2 billion that the UK Labour Government brought to the Scottish Government’s budget is what has enabled some of those new policies in today’s programme for government. [Interruption.] I know that all SNP members will welcome that. Neil Gray: Will the member give way? Michael Marra: No, thank you.”
“On all those issues, the Government has refused to listen to the repeated warnings from the Auditor General, the Scottish Fiscal Commission, the Fraser of Allander Institute, the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Institute for Fiscal Studies about the grave threat that is faced by Scotland’s public finances. Today, the First Minister announced yet another Labour policy: the scrapping of peak rail fares. He whipped his SNP MSPs to vote against such a policy just last year. Email correspondence that was released under freedom of information shows that, last August, his own Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison, advised that the Government “simply can’t afford this given the financial position.” What changed that situation was £5.2 billion of money from the Labour Government.”
“In public, the SNP Government says that those work but, in private, it acknowledges that they are—in the words of the former First Minister— “awful”. That is the right word. It well describes the SNP attitude to public money. The SNP has wasted £6 billion of taxpayers’ money on ferries that do not sail, the scandal of delayed discharge and a national care service that will not deliver a single extra carer. I will conclude—do I have four minutes or six, Presiding Officer? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Six. Michael Marra: I will keep going, then. There is plenty more of this to come.”