Foysol Choudhury
Independent · Scotland
“To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that it is not currently on track to meet its target to reduce child poverty to less than 10 per cent by 2031, what its response is to children’s charities stating that its child poverty plan is “timid” and does not go far enough. (S6O-05709)”
“Sport supports children’s mental wellbeing and improves discipline and performance in the classroom, and team sports help young people grow into better adults by teaching co-operation, respect and how to both win and lose with dignity. Research consistently shows that active children are far more likely to lead healthier lives as adults.”
“It provides safe and engaging activities such as basketball, football, rugby and fencing as well as vital support to vulnerable young people. Youth sport should also be a long-term priority, to ensure that Scotland finds its sporting talent and builds home-grown champions to compete in international games.”
“Some of the young people told me that, without access to school facilities, they did not know how they would spend their summer and that they might start to get involved with things that they should not be getting involved with. That reflects a wider reality.”
“First, I thank Brian Whittle for securing this much- anticipated members’ business debate and for championing sports throughout this parliamentary session. As members might know, I was a restaurateur in my former life, and it did not make me much of a morning person.”
“Through groups such as Scot Bangla sporting club and Scot Nepal club in Edinburgh, sport helps to integrate newcomers and celebrate diversity. Community organisations are doing remarkable work, but they cannot do it alone—they need sustained nationwide support.”
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“To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that it is not currently on track to meet its target to reduce child poverty to less than 10 per cent by 2031, what its response is to children’s charities stating that its child poverty plan is “timid” and does not go far enough. (S6O-05709)”
“What analysis has been conducted of the potential change in response times for the north-east of the city of Edinburgh should the proposed closure of Marionville fire station proceed? Siobhian Brown: That is an operational decision, and the analysis will come from the Scottish Fire and Rescue through its service delivery review. The SFRS continues to respond to every emergency incident with the appropriate level of resources. That was evident at the fire in Glasgow just a few weeks ago, at which there were more than 250 firefighters. Home Care Services 3.”
“Through groups such as Scot Bangla sporting club and Scot Nepal club in Edinburgh, sport helps to integrate newcomers and celebrate diversity. Community organisations are doing remarkable work, but they cannot do it alone—they need sustained nationwide support. Quite simply, sport is one of the most effective and affordable solutions to many of the societal challenges that we face today. If we are serious about improving mental health, reducing pressure on the national health service, tackling youth crime and strengthening communities, sport must be at the heart of our approach. Sport is not a luxury; it is a necessity in building a healthier, more connected and resilient Scotland. 10:26”
“It provides safe and engaging activities such as basketball, football, rugby and fencing as well as vital support to vulnerable young people. Youth sport should also be a long-term priority, to ensure that Scotland finds its sporting talent and builds home-grown champions to compete in international games. That message should be sent across Scotland with full force, with the world cup and the Commonwealth games in Glasgow coming up and the Tour de France grand départ in Edinburgh next year. In recent years, vital facilities have been closed due to funding pressures, such as swimming pools in West Lothian, which are lifelines for many constituents. We must do more, and local authorities need greater support to maintain and expand facilities. Sport also plays a vital role in community cohesion.”
“Some of the young people told me that, without access to school facilities, they did not know how they would spend their summer and that they might start to get involved with things that they should not be getting involved with. That reflects a wider reality. We know the transformative power of sport: it not only builds friendships but keeps young people away from antisocial behaviour and reduces the risk of involvement with harmful substances. Community initiatives are already using sport as a prevention tool to make neighbourhoods safer and more inclusive. A groundbreaking example is the Friday night lights project in Leith, which is delivered by the Leith community sport hub in partnership with Hibernian Community Foundation.”
“Sport supports children’s mental wellbeing and improves discipline and performance in the classroom, and team sports help young people grow into better adults by teaching co-operation, respect and how to both win and lose with dignity. Research consistently shows that active children are far more likely to lead healthier lives as adults. I can certainly attest to that, and I have passed those values on to my own children. Today, however, it is a different story from when I was a teenager. Many children and young people no longer have equal access to sports. The cost of booking pitches in Edinburgh is rising and many struggling families across the city have told me that they cannot afford to keep their children active. One of my very first visits as an MSP in 2021 was to a summer basketball session at Tynecastle high school.”
“First, I thank Brian Whittle for securing this much- anticipated members’ business debate and for championing sports throughout this parliamentary session. As members might know, I was a restaurateur in my former life, and it did not make me much of a morning person. However, sport has a way of changing people’s habits—so here I am for this unique early chamber business. I could not miss this debate. As a teenager growing up in Edinburgh, sport was the highlight of my day. I would come back from school, throw my bag into the house and run to our local council-run open space to play football. Sport brought us all together, regardless of our social or cultural backgrounds. Our differences were set aside, and we connected.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to formally define “green” to ensure alignment with net zero targets in its designation of data centres as a “national priority”. (S6O-05679)”
“I reiterate that the Parliament in the next session could look at whether the resources in those systems are being spent in the most effective way through the delivery systems that we have in place.”
“With NHS Lothian and local social care services under real pressure from staff shortages and rising demands, can the cabinet secretary set out how the budget helps us to move towards properly resourced and publicly delivered care, rather than continually relying on overstretched staff and the private sector to fill the gaps? Shona Robison: The budget provides record funding for local government and for health. In fact, we have consistently gone beyond the health resource consequentials that we get from the United Kingdom Government and have consistently provided more money to the national health service. The budget also provides more than £2.3 billion for social care, which exceeds our commitment to increase funding by 25 per cent over this parliamentary session by more than £500 million. Record resources are going into both systems.”
“However, it also suggested that there have been changes in behaviour in our schools post-pandemic, which the Scottish Government recognises. In answer to Foysol Choudhury’s point, that is exactly why we have worked with local government on a national action plan, as I said to Stephen Kerr, sharing responsibility in relation to developing guidance on consequences, risk assessment, supporting attendance and racism and racist incidents, as well as guidance on responding to substance abuse in schools, which we will publish in the coming weeks. Later, we will publish further guidance on the recording and monitoring of incidents in schools and updated national guidance on exclusion. Partnership working with local government is well under way. Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan”
“Given the recent report that hundreds of school support workers in Edinburgh have quit within months of starting due to a surge in pupils’ violence, and given the survey by the Educational Institute of Scotland and Unison that shows that there have been 5,200 violent incidents against teachers in Scotland over the past five years, what action will the Scottish Government take with local authorities to protect school staff and reduce violence in schools? Jenny Gilruth: When we talk about behaviour in schools, we need to be careful, as we are not seeking to demonise the next generation. The majority of children and young people in Scotland’s schools are well behaved; the behaviour in Scottish schools research documented that.”
“I have set up a festivals task force to co-ordinate the work of the Government and other public agencies with our festivals, including the Edinburgh international festival. We acknowledge the important role that the world-class festival fulfils, and I will do everything that I can to support it and other festivals, not least because I am the member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central and the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. Mr Choudhury has highlighted an important month in the calendar for Scotland’s cultural life. The Scottish Government will work closely with the Edinburgh international festival to support it to succeed, as it has done over the past 47 years. The Presiding Officer: Question 5 has not been lodged. Scotland’s People 6.”
“In the light of the launch of the 2026 Edinburgh international festival today, what steps is the Scottish Government taking to work with local authorities to support local artists and maximise the cultural and economic output of the festival for our communities in Edinburgh and across Scotland? Angus Robertson: I thank Foysol Choudhury for the opportunity to highlight Edinburgh international festival’s launch announcement. I encourage members across the chamber to share the exciting contents of the programme and the details of what we will be able to see later in the year. Mr Choudhury will be aware that the Edinburgh international festival is now being funded on a multiyear basis. That is huge progress, but more can be done.”
“As a consequence of the budget that the Government put before the Parliament, we are seeing an uplift in funding for social care. However, we will continue to engage with carers’ organisations, because we recognise the invaluable work that they do, and we will identify all opportunities that are available to enhance support for them. MRKH Syndrome 3.”
“What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact that social care package reductions will have on unpaid carers, in light of concerns from Carers UK that the current budget is insufficient to allow unpaid carers and support services to thrive? Tom Arthur: I recognise the significant contribution that unpaid carers make. There are an estimated 800,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. If we sought to quantify their contribution in financial terms, it would come to approximately £13 billion. I recognise that decisions that have been taken by integration joint boards are causing concern in local areas. However, I remind members in the chamber that the position that the Parliament ultimately reached when considering the proposed national care service was that decisions should be taken locally.”
“How many jobs will be lost throughout Scotland, in both the short term and the long term, as a result of the withdrawal of funding for Wave Energy Scotland from March 2026? Gillian Martin: As I have said, support for WES will be in place for the next year. I believe that 10 people work for WES, and we are looking to secure their jobs by helping it to source alternative funding to keep it as a going concern.”
“Foysol Choudhury: That is why we must give greater power to football fans. I end by wishing the Scotland football team all the best in the world cup. 19:15”
“With the help of volunteer funds, it runs active school initiatives, football for all sessions and holiday camps for young people. For the 2025-26 season, Hibernian FC has brought back its football for a fiver initiative, which helps to remove barriers for families who want to attend matches. Other football foundations, such as the Big Hearts Community Trust, have amazing community programmes, such as welcome through football, which supports young refugees to integrate and find jobs. Heart of Midlothian also runs a free lunch club called warm welcome every Wednesday at the 1874 fan bar at Tynecastle, and that is a lifeline to many vulnerable and socially isolated people in the local community. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Please bring your remarks to a close, Mr Choudhury.”
“They are the 12th person, pushing their team forward and creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging. However, their impact goes far beyond the stadium walls. Earlier this week, I visited Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton. Its work brings together football, youth work, education and community engagement. It supports about 2,500 local people each week, and it employs 77 staff, many of whom are loyal supporters of the club. The foundation’s new education pavilion includes a science, technology, engineering and mathematics club, and it works with 940 pupils to create academic and sporting opportunities for young people from all backgrounds. North Edinburgh would not be the same without the Hibernian Community Foundation.”
“I remember my first visit to Tynecastle, with my uncle and other members of my family, to watch Hearts play. I am a Hearts supporter, and my team are at the top of the league at the moment. I hope that, at the end of the season, Heart of Midlothian will have won the premier league. Of course, I look forward to Scotland winning the world cup, too. At that first match, I still remember the roaring crowd, the anticipation and the pride—that experience has never left me. I cannot remember who won, but that feeling has stayed with me since I was a very young age. In challenging times, football offers something powerful. For 90 minutes, people can set aside their daily worries. Supporters have told me that, after a win, they feel lifted, re-energised and ready to face the week ahead with renewed optimism. Fans are the life-blood of our clubs.”
“I thank Gillian Mackay for securing this important debate. I know that she has campaigned passionately on various football issues to ensure that football remains focused on the fans—the very people who sustain it. On any match day in my Lothian region, whether people are walking through Leith towards Easter Road stadium or heading to Tynecastle park, the atmosphere on our streets is transformed. People can feel the energy, the vibrancy and the unity. On match days, our local businesses thrive, too. Cafes, pubs and shops are full, so the local economy feels the boost. However, match days are not just about sport; they are about community life. Families and friends gather to celebrate the beautiful game. When sons and daughters attend their first live match, the experience stays with them for ever.”
“From the AREP curriculum budget that I mentioned earlier—that is, the anti- racism education programme—there has been an extension of the partnership with Scotdec, in collaboration with educators. The focus for 2025-26 is on creating an anti- racism and maths resource, for which the Scottish Government has provided £150,000. Funding to the value of £67,000 has also been agreed to support the second year of Education Scotland’s anti-racist mentors programme. There are two other funding streams, but I am conscious of the time. If the member will allow me, I will write to him with a bit more detail on those topics. I appreciate that there is a range of different issues here, and I would like to give him a substantive response.”
“What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing with regard to anti-racist materials? How will schools be supported in accessing high-quality materials to ensure that racist incidents are handled effectively so as to prevent far-right narratives from filling the gaps? Jenny Gilruth: Mr Choudhury raises a very important point, and a number of different funding streams are related to the issues raised in his question. The building racial literacy programme, which I mentioned in my previous response, has £78,000 of funding, and there is funding of just over £80,000 for the cohort of the leadership and mentoring programme.”
“Following recent reports of violence against Edinburgh library staff, what discussions is the Scottish Government having with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure that library workers can provide service to the community in a safe and protected environment? Angus Robertson: I have not had such discussions, but Mr Choudhury’s question raises concerns that I would share with him. If he can forward any information about specific incidents that I am not aware of, I will most certainly bring that up in conversation with, among others, the culture conveners of local authorities. We are trying to work closely on cultural provision, and that seems exactly the kind of issue on which we need to have an active dialogue. Adam Smith Heritage (Cultural and Economic Potential) 2.”
“Members of the public must now submit their views on major projects through the energy consents unit portal. However, last week, a constituent said that the portal crashes when the traffic is high and times out when people are submitting their views. What is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that these malfunctions do not recur? Gillian Martin: I thank Foysol Choudhury for bringing that to my attention. If his constituents are having issues with the mechanisms that are there, I will take that back to my officials and get them to ensure that the system is robust for the future.”
“If we share the Scottish Games Network’s desire for a robust talent pipeline, we must take steps to ensure that games workers are given the rights and privileges that they deserve. 19:26”
“The games workers branch of the IWGB grew by almost 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023, and it has continued to grow since then. However, the issue is not just lay-offs. The infamous crunch period regularly involves employees being forced to work an unbearable amount of overtime in the lead-up to the release of a game, and there are concerns that the pay and the arrangements for residuals do not provide adequate rewards for developers and other staff. Developers could choose to work elsewhere, including in defence, virtual reality or the wider tech industry. To keep them in the games sector, we must strengthen their rights as employees. For example, in relation to the action plan’s recommendation on the creation of a “Games Scotland” body, trade unions must be represented on any such body.”
“Last December, I visited workers who had been dismissed by Rockstar North in Edinburgh without disciplinary hearings and with the absolute minimum notice. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain— IWGB—is helping those workers to challenge their dismissal. The dispute is symptomatic of the broader problem with employees’ rights in the sector. The industry has been blighted by lay-offs since 2022, driven to some extent by reckless investment during the Covid-era boom. In its “State of the Game Industry” report in 2025, the game developers conference stated: “Layoffs have become part of the industry, with announcements now a weekly, if not daily, occurrence.” Unsurprisingly, a wave of unionisation has begun to pass through the sector.”
“I thank my colleague Michael Marra for holding this timely debate. The Lothian region is reaping the benefits of having a significant games sector employer, Rockstar North, located in Edinburgh. I am confident that the region will only continue to benefit from the future expansion of the sector. Therefore, I thank the Scottish Games Network for offering such a detailed plan in its report. I will focus on the report’s ambition to create a robust talent pipeline. Although I welcome the report’s recommendations on how to do that, more must be said about the need to strengthen the rights of games workers. Current protections are insufficient and the situation is forcing many workers to leave the sector, while new talent may avoid it altogether.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 1st Report, 2026 (Session 6), Standing Order Rule changes – lodging deadlines for public bills (SP Paper 954), and agrees that the temporary rule change to Standing Orders set out in Annexe B of the report be made with effect from 19 January 2026. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:20. Correction Alexander Stewart has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction. At col 18, para 6, line 1— Original text—”
“2))), and a new clause after clause 12 (Consultation: Scotland and Northern Ireland (No. 2)), so far as these matters fall within legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20373, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, on standing order rule changes—lodging deadlines for public bills, be agreed to.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 10 September 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to clauses 2 to 20, 22, 26, the schedule, a new clause after clause 9 (Power to make regulations: Scotland and Northern Ireland), a new clause after clause 9 (Procedure for regulations under section (Power to make regulations: Scotland and Northern Ireland)), a new clause after clause 9 (Consultation: Scotland and Northern Ireland), a new clause after clause 12 (Power to make regulations: Scotland and Northern Ireland (No. 2)), a new clause after clause 12 (Procedure for regulations under section (Power to make regulations: Scotland and Northern Ireland (No.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am sorry—I could not get connected. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Choudhury. We will ensure that your vote is recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Abstentions Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20419, in the name of Gillian Martin, on a legislative consent motion on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, is: For 82, Against 1, Abstentions 28.”
“However, I urge the Scottish Government to allocate sufficient funding for our fire services to be fit for the future. 13:38”
“Last September, the FBU told the Criminal Justice Committee that, without the required real- terms investment, the SFRS will continue to close stations in its attempts to reduce its capital backlog. That is the cost of the Scottish Government’s mistake. If it refuses to increase the capital budget to the SFRS and continues to set that budget annually, more stations will be threatened with closure, like Marionville. The existence of a station in a community makes a vital difference. The shorter the journey between the station and the incident, the better the chance that lives are saved, traumatic burns are prevented and buildings are saved from being reduced to dust. I thank our dedicated firefighters and service staff across our nation for carrying out their dangerous work and ensuring that our communities are safe.”
“Beyond that specific figure, the Scottish Government has ignored the requests of both the SFRS and the FBU for the budget to be allocated on a long-term basis rather than annually as is the case currently. We welcomed long-term funding for the culture budget, so why can we not have that for our life- saving fire services? The SFRS told the Criminal Justice Committee last September that its ability to manage change, including making strategic investments to enable longer-term savings, is made more challenging because it is limited to working within an annualised budget. The SFRS cannot make long- term strategic plans for its capital investment and is forced into short-term savings while the backlog of capital investment continues to mount.”
“The service explains that rebuilding the facilities would be too costly. However, many members of the community, while recognising the financial pressure that the SFRS faces, strongly oppose those decisions, arguing that the cost of addressing RAAC is being used as a justification for closure, which exposes the community to significant safety risks. In the recent consultation on proposals to close the Marionville station, opponents outnumbered supporters by a ratio of 10:1. I am one of those opponents and remain convinced that Marionville must remain open. In the “Firestorm” report, the FBU estimated that the SFRS had a capital investment backlog of around £800 million, and, since then, the SFRS has reiterated those figures to the Criminal Justice Committee. However, the SFRS’s capital budget is only £47 million for 2026-27.”
“I thank Maggie Chapman for securing this much-needed debate. The estate of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is not fit for the future. According to the Fire Brigade Union’s “Firestorm” report, as of 2023, 75 per cent of buildings in Scotland’s fire estate were rated as having “bad” or “poor” suitability. Having visited Crewe Toll fire station in Edinburgh and spoken with firefighters, I am aware of the poor condition of our fire estate. However, the SFRS does not have the capital budget that is required to rebuild or upgrade the stations. The SFRS recently told the Criminal Justice Committee that, if its capital budget does not grow significantly by 2031, it will be short of £119 million. The SFRS’s solution is to consider closing stations, including Marionville in Edinburgh, after RAAC issues were identified.”
“In the same way as many other local authorities have done, West Lothian Council has benefited from additionality from the Scottish Government for its school estate. However, I will continue to engage with the local authority on the issue, as I have done throughout the past year. School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 (Consultation) 2.”
“For more than two years, more than half of St Kentigern’s academy in Blackburn has been shut after deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete rendered the building unsafe. More than 1,100 students have been crammed into half a school. West Lothian Council needs £15 million from the Scottish Government to complete the repairs and reopen the school. Will the cabinet secretary agree to reconsider its request, to ensure that children in Blackburn get the best out of St Kentigern’s without the council needing to borrow the money? Jenny Gilruth: I have visited the school in question and seen the fantastic work that West Lothian Council is leading in response to the huge challenges facing its school estate, which I understand are a direct result of RAAC.”
“Small businesses in Scotland have made clear to the Scottish Government what they need. It remains to be seen whether the budget will honour the spirit of small business Saturday and lend a helping hand to those—like my family—who want to take the chance to establish a small business. 18:18”
“The UK Government is helping small businesses to face that risk, with funding to make training for apprentices under 25 completely free for small and medium-sized enterprises, the chance to open up individual savings accounts—ISAs—for investment in SMEs and a guarantee that customs duties will be levelled on parcels of any value, to stop online firms undercutting high-street businesses. The motion notes that the “recognition of small businesses must continue throughout the year”, beyond small business Saturday. I agree, and I would echo the words of Guy Hinks, the Scotland chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, in his statement on the recent UK budget: “All eyes will be on the Scottish Government’s own Budget in January and how they invest the extra £820 million they are set to receive”.”
“It gives the area a distinctive identity and, with its bustling cafe, it provides a kind of community that a larger business simply could not replicate. It ensures that the community grows with it. The cafe buys its coffee from Artisan Roast Coffee Roasters, its cake from Tasty Buns Bakery and its tea from PekoeTea—an example of local businesses working together. Leith Walk today is a rich tapestry of successful local businesses. While I firmly believe in the role of the state in regenerating communities, that role must be played in partnership with small businesses. Despite the successes, I am aware of the challenges that small businesses face. To run a small business is to take a risk.”
“I thank Rachael Hamilton for bringing this important debate to the chamber. The subject is very close to my heart. Before I joined politics, I was heavily involved in the catering industry—I draw colleagues’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighbourhoods. They create wealth, provide community and bless their neighbourhoods with a rich and distinctive identity. Take Argonaut Books, a thriving independent bookshop down the road from my office on Leith Walk, which I visited last month. Argonaut is a shining example of the qualities that small business Saturday seeks to champion. It satisfies our niche tastes. I was amazed by the sheer range of books on sale.”
“Bleed kits ease pressure on first responders by allowing bystanders to prevent a potentially fatal loss of blood from occurring while they wait for a responder to arrive. However, there are nowhere near enough bleed kits in Scotland. Will the minister explain what the Scottish Government is doing to increase the number of bleed kits in Scotland? Jenni Minto: I recognise the importance of the provision of bleed kits across Scotland, which I have been speaking to a number of people about, and I would be happy to follow up on the issue with Mr Choudhury in writing. Influenza Admissions (Support for National Health Service) 7.”
“A constituent of mine who is on a national health service waiting list recently received correspondence from NHS Lothian informing them that, if they did not confirm within 21 days whether they wanted to remain on the list, they would automatically be taken off it. Although I understand that that policy is in line with Government guidance, I am concerned that it might result in a vulnerable patient, such as one who is elderly or who has special educational needs, missing out on essential treatment without their consent. Will the First Minister agree to instruct ministers and officials to review the policy to ensure that vulnerable patients are not struck off waiting lists unfairly?”
“To ask the Scottish Government, regarding its decision to narrow the eligibility criteria for the autumn Covid- 19 booster, what assessment it has made of the cost to the national health service and the impact on hospitalisation rates. (S6O-05202)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with stakeholders regarding the development and scaling up of sustainable aviation fuel production, in light of the need to support the infrastructure, skills, and supply chains required to make Scotland a leader in the sector. (S6O- 04987)”
“To ask the First Minister what urgent action the Scottish Government is taking in light of Public Health Scotland’s estimate that dementia in Scotland is set to rise by more than 50 per cent by 2044. (S6F-04336)”