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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“However, participants reported only a moderate level of confidence in the political impact of the panel. We should be clear that the success of deliberative democracy depends on the ability of Parliament and Government to seriously listen and put recommendations into action. If the public believe that they are completing a pointless exercise, the results will be worse and the benefit lessened, leaving us back at square 1. That is why I welcome the clause in the blueprint for participation that recommends that committees seek responses from the Scottish Government and commit to “giving a considered and reasoned response” to all the panel’s recommendations. That brings me to my final point, which is about tracking the impact of people’s panels.”
“The recommendations of the people’s panel on climate change were accepted by the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and will be implemented in the Scottish Government’s strategy. The evaluation of the people’s panel shows that those who took part not only gained knowledge of major issues that Scotland faces but had their estimation improved of the Scottish Parliament and its work. Seventy-five per cent reported that they would get involved in the work of the Parliament in the future—including one woman who described herself as “a serial non recycler” saying that she was seriously considering setting up a climate action group in her community. That is welcome, of course, and, if our target is to improve trust and participation in politics, can be considered a success.”
“When the subject was last brought to the chamber in 2023, after the committee published its report on public participation, one recommendation was for the launch of two people’s panels. Two such panels have now been completed: one on drug harm and deaths and the other on post-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Looking at the results of the work of both panels, we can see that the deliberative approach that the committee recommended has been successful in informing both the Government and the Parliament, and has been welcomed by those who took part in the panels. The Scottish Government accepted 18 of the 19 recommendations made by the people’s panel on drug harm and deaths. Its work also informed the questioning of ministers, and it was praised by members and also in its evaluation.”
“I join other members in thanking the clerks and parliamentary staff who assisted with the work on people’s panels, including those who supported their operation. I also thank the researchers who completed the evaluation of the people’s panels that were held during this session. We often hear about the bubble that supposedly surrounds Holyrood, whereby members of the public feel disconnected from decisions made on their behalf that affect their lives and priorities. That disconnect is well documented, with polling showing that people’s trust in politics and politicians is falling. Through the committee’s work on improving participation, we have endeavoured to break down those barriers and move towards having a system that builds understanding.”
“We are investing in community support for children, young people and adults directly through local government funding and third sector voluntary funds, and I will ensure that members are aware of those sources of funding for the areas that they support. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 3 has been withdrawn. National Health Service Complaints (Backlogs) 4.”
“The proposed cuts are causing massive concern, particularly for mental health services, which are estimated to save £7 for every pound invested. The EIJB recognises that cuts to Thrive mental health contracts could increase pressure on services and leave users without support. Does the minister agree that that goes against the Scottish Government’s target of prevention? Will she meet me and the cross-party group of MSPs to find a solution? Maree Todd: I am certainly content to meet colleagues to try to find a way forward. The member will understand that, as I have said in previous answers, these decisions are appropriate for the IJB and locally elected representatives to make. However, the Scottish Government is absolutely focused on early intervention and prevention, including for serious and enduring mental health problems.”
“That could most easily be done by ending single-sex committees, but there are opportunities in bringing in elected conveners and enhancing committee powers. I again thank the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee for its work on this matter and look forward to seeing its final report in the autumn. 16:21”
“The size of committees, some of which have up to 11 members, was mentioned as possibly hindering that collaboration. The petitions committee is small, with only five members, which I believe has allowed us to be agile in our work and to become less bogged down in small issues. Electing conveners could also improve the efficiency of committees. It could give them a mandate to pursue their priorities and could motivate them to share their views about the committee’s future work in order to persuade others to vote for them. Electing conveners could also increase the profile of committees, turning them into the independent engines of Parliament that they were intended to be. In summary, although our committees do great work, we should be looking to improve them.”
“We have a varied programme—last November, we published our inquiry into the dualling of the A9, while, this week, we considered the microchipping of cats. However, one problem that the petitions committee faces is that its membership is currently all male. We frequently hear and respond to petitions that relate to issues of which we have no lived experience. Although members often join us to give evidence on issues where they have an interest, we should be looking to embed that in the structure of the committee by mandating that no committee can be single-sex. The evidence given highlighted the value of collaboration when members can allow themselves to put party politics aside and work together towards a committee’s common goal.”
“I extend my thanks to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee for its work on the inquiry so far. With our Parliament having no upper house, the work of the committees is extremely important in the scrutiny of legislation, in holding ministers to account and in bringing forward issues that matter to the public. I believe that the work of our committees can show the very best of Parliament. They were envisioned as being the engine of Parliament, but any good engine needs to be serviced. I am a member of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, which, in my biased view, is one of the best committees in Parliament. We can directly respond to and raise constituents’ concerns across portfolios.”
“To ask the First Minister, in light of recent reported incidents, how the Scottish Government is working to prevent knife crime. (S6F-04110)”
“Having an SPS agreement, which the Scottish Government called for and which I impressed on the UK Government it should agree to, is something that I and the Government welcome. Mr Choudhury may or may not be aware that the UK Government has yet to introduce the border checks that it will have to introduce under Brexit agreements. One of the advantages of the SPS agreement is that it will obviate, I think, around 90 per cent of the necessity for any kind of border checks. That is a good thing. Incidentally, that would also be the case between an independent Scotland in the European Union and the rest of the United Kingdom outside it.”
“The SPS agreement that was announced in yesterday’s summit cuts red tape, will save businesses thousands in fees and has been welcomed across the food and drink sector. What impact will the SPS agreement have on Scotland’s food and drink exports and how it will support the Scotland Food & Drink partnership’s ambition for food and drink to be a £20 billion sector? Angus Robertson: That is a very sensible question from Foysol Choudhury. I try to talk about an agriculture, food and drink deal rather than an SPS deal, because I do not think that anybody in the real world knows what SPS is. It is a deal on what we produce on our farms, what our fishermen and fisherwomen land, and what food we export. In this country, we produce a lot of food and drink. We export a lot of it, and a lot of it goes to the European Union.”
“The Scotch Whisky Association said that it was “transformational”, increasing exports by £1 billion over the next five years and creating jobs. Those actions—rebuilding our relationship with Europe, improving our security and defence and securing trade deals that boost the Scottish economy—demonstrate the power of international co-operation and the fact that we are taking a pragmatic approach to tackling the challenges that we face. They show that, if we want to be successful in delivering for Scotland’s people, we must look to the future and work together when it is in the best interests of our country to do so. Further, they prove the value of stepping up to deliver, not sniping from the sidelines or picking sides. 16:37”
“The industry has told the Westminster Defence Committee that collaboration is vital to sustain capacity at home and our competitiveness in global markets. It also says that we have an opportunity to engage in a strategic conversation on defence with the EU, due to the renewed relationship that the UK Government is pursuing. That is what a positive future with the EU looks like. Scotland also benefits from positive and collaborative relationships with non-EU countries. The trade deal with India that was announced last week will add to the £600 million of exports that we currently achieve and give Scotland unique access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The deal will benefit Scottish businesses by lowering tariffs in areas in which we are leaders, such as whisky.”
“It has been estimated that achieving a veterinary agreement will increase exports by at least 22.5 per cent. That delivers what businesses want as soon as possible—not in several years’ time. On defence, with threats to Scotland and the United Kingdom greater than they have been in previous years, co-operation is also key. The European Union has been taking a greater role in defence in recent years, following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Formal collaboration will be key to supporting security across the continent but will also be important to Scotland’s defence sector, which will be bolstered by the UK Labour Government’s increase in defence spending. That investment will boost Scotland’s industry and defence sector, which employs thousands of people.”
“As the Prime Minister has said, we should “look forward, not back” and work to build a new strategic partnership with the EU to benefit Scotland’s economy, defence and public safety. On our economy, I am pleased to see consensus reached with the UK Government on the importance of an SPS agreement. Of all the parts of the United Kingdom, Scotland exports the most food and drink, and that sector is worth £16 billion to our economy. However, since the Tories’ Brexit deal, we have seen our agri-food trade with the EU fall by 29 per cent for meat exports and 26 per cent for dairy. In the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s review of the trade and co-operation agreement we saw the impact that the situation is having on businesses, in that imports are taking far longer and costs are going up.”
“In a changed world, it is more important than ever that we keep relationships with our partners around the world strong, and that we work in areas of mutual interest to meet goals that benefit our security and our economies. Following years of our international standings declining under the Conservatives at Westminster, it is positive that we now have a UK Government that is working to rebuild those relationships and is open about the value of international co-operation. Last week saw Scotland and Europe mark the 80th anniversary of VE day. Such memories of war act as a stark reminder of what can happen when we fail to work with our international colleagues. That is why I welcome the holding of the first UK-EU summit next week, when we can cement our new relationship.”
“They can make those decisions based only on the financial allocations that this Parliament makes, and Mr Choudhury was unable to support the allocations of funding that the Government made to cover such services. We will certainly work with the integration joint boards, but Mr Choudhury cannot be absolved of his responsibility for failing to support the budget, which is delivering the investment that is necessary in health and social care. [Interruption.] The Labour Party members can moan at me all they want about the public finances— The Presiding Officer: Members, let us hear one another. The First Minister: —but they have not been prepared to put the money in to support people in the communities of”
“The First Minister talks about prevention, but the Edinburgh integration joint board is being forced to make cuts to preventative care and third sector organisations, including the Stafford centre, which supports 640 people with mental health issues and is estimated to save the NHS up to £4.4 million in hospital admissions. Given the situation in joint boards across Scotland, does the First Minister recognise that prevention will not be possible if IJBs are in permanent financial crisis? The First Minister: Obviously, I want to make sure that the types of services that Mr Choudhury has raised are supported around the country. Those are operational decisions for integration joint boards to make.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-17437.1, in the name of Jamie Greene, which seeks to amend motion S6M-17437, in the name of Kate Forbes, on programme for government—building the best future for Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My voting app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: We will ensure that that is recorded. For Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) 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) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Alba) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-17437.3, in the name of Lorna Slater, is: For 7, Against 108, Abstentions 0.”
“Under the leadership of our chief scientific officer, Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, we are looking to capture as many clinical trials in Scotland as possible so that we get the clinical benefits for our patients here, as well as the continued investment in research and development and the skilled jobs that come alongside that. We will continue to explore that, and I would be happy to follow up with Foysol Choudhury if he wishes to raise any specific examples.”
“The analysis of proton versus photon radiotherapy in oligodendroglioma and assessment of cognitive health—APPROACH—trial is currently exploring whether proton beam therapy can improve cognitive outcomes for people with primary brain tumours in England and Wales. However, Scottish patients are unable to participate due to lack of funding to cover excess treatment costs. What consideration has the Scottish Government given to support patients during the APPROACH trial to ensure that no one misses out on cutting-edge treatment? Neil Gray: I thank Foysol Choudhury for raising an important issue. He will understand the importance of research and innovation in relation to treatments, to understand and prove their efficacy.”
“That will include the one planet picnic, in which schools around the globe will celebrate their achievements in promoting sustainability. It will act as a demonstration of the “act local, think global” mantra that is so important in tackling the climate emergency. Before that, however, I hope that St Andrew’s RC primary school in Gorebridge will be celebrating its well-deserved achievement in receiving this commendation. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, to respond to the debate. You have up to seven minutes, cabinet secretary. 17:21”
“I was humbled and moved by that meeting, but I was heartened to see that our young people are so well informed about the biggest issues that we face as a society. It makes me more confident about our future. I have no doubt that the Eco-Schools programme, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has played a large role in creating a generation of young people who understand the importance of the natural world. Since the programme’s launch, more than 8,000 green flags have been awarded to Scottish schools. The programme has been expanded to include subjects such as food and global citizenship, and it is now running in schools in 79 countries. Events are planned for the 30th anniversary, with the eco-schools celebration week being held in June.”
“Since the younger generation will bear the brunt of climate change, it is our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills to protect and cherish the environment. I saw that in action a few weeks ago, when I joined my colleagues Sarah Boyack and Ash Regan to meet inspiring young people representing more than 30 schools at a Protect Our Future demonstration held outside the Parliament. Those young people presented us with a paper chain with 6,000 handwritten messages from children across Scotland, demanding that we keep our promises on climate change and deliver for the younger generation. The paper chain is not only a symbol of unity in its demand, but a warning that, if we do not keep our promises on climate change, the chain will break, along with our young people’s futures.”
“I congratulate Christine Grahame on securing this members’ business debate and giving us all a lesson on making crisp packets into blankets. I especially congratulate St Andrew’s primary school on its commendation for learning for sustainability in the Eco-Schools programme. It is a testament to its outstanding commitment to building a sustainable future and creating global citizens. I also recognise the work of the Eco- Schools team at St Andrew’s primary school, and I am sure that, having received that commendation, they will be happy that their hard work has paid off. I am lucky enough to represent a region that includes, alongside St Andrew’s in Gorebridge, so many other schools that go above and beyond to protect our environment.”
“Last week, constituents contacted me because they were worried about the risk of rape and sexual assault in public parks in Edinburgh. They mentioned the lack of lighting that makes our parks unsafe at night, especially in winter. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that our built environment is not contributing to such horrific attacks? Angela Constance: Mr Choudhury raises an important issue about the physical environment. The Scottish Government works with our partners in local government, via the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, but safety and lighting are issues for local government. I go back to my initial answer: women in this country will be safer when men change their behaviour. Mother and Baby Deaths In Hospitals (Significant Adverse Event Reviews) 2.”
“I again welcome the shortlisting of eight Scottish sites in the latest hydrogen allocation round. That reflects the talent and appeal of Scotland in the hydrogen sector. However, we cannot just hope to be a world leader in green hydrogen. The Scottish Government should tackle the planning and skills issues that I have outlined and develop a clear strategy that ensures that green hydrogen can be used in as many areas of our economy as possible in order to hit our net zero target. 16:10”
“Creating a clear pathway from oil and gas to hydrogen should be on the cards to ensure that workers can adapt and to guarantee them a just transition. However, ClimateXChange found that skills transfer from industry alone will not be sufficient in the long term to meet the objectives of the hydrogen action plan. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to boost apprenticeships and deliver opportunities for young people across all areas of the country. That brings me to my last point on infrastructure. Hydrogen is a versatile element. It can be transported in liquid or gas form and by pipeline or boat. Infrastructure to ensure that hydrogen can flow cheaply and easily from where it is produced should be delivered at the same time as investment in green generation so that we do not find ourselves playing catch-up in the years to come.”
“In addition, as with all planning, we need to ensure that there are enough planners working to make decisions. Public engagement is also key. Some industry figures report public unease regarding hydrogen proposals. Much has been said about community input in energy infrastructure. When people hear the word “hydrogen”, many think of the Hindenburg disaster, so ensuring understanding of the safety of such systems should be a priority. I come back to skills. With our expertise in oil and gas, Scotland is well placed to enable the hydrogen economy. Those sectors include people with transferable technical skills, such as those in engineering and project management, and people with skills in safety, risk and regulatory compliance.”
“That would be complemented by Grangemouth hydrogen and a pipeline to Forth Ports in Leith, which could enable exports to other countries. All that would build a cluster of hydrogen knowledge in the central belt. If we want to be successful, we must build up capacity quickly. However, as we have seen in other areas, the planning system is sluggish and inefficient in introducing new energy infrastructure. We have heard from the Improvement Service that understanding of hydrogen among planners and decision makers is limited and can vary between areas. I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government is establishing a planning hub to improve that situation. We need knowledge to be embedded in all parts of the system—including local development plans—and a clear pipeline of projects so that decision makers can have clarity.”
“Hydrogen is a key part of our journey to net zero. Although we can decarbonise many parts of our economy through electrification or renewables, hydrogen is necessary in the areas where that is not viable. The sector has immense potential. The Hydrogen Energy Association has estimated that hydrogen technologies will be worth £700 billion globally by 2050 and will deliver hundreds of thousands of jobs in Scotland alone. Given our existing knowledge in our energy sector, we should be pursuing those opportunities, and I am glad that there is agreement across parties and Governments on that point. The shortlisting of eight Scottish sites in the second hydrogen allocation round should be welcomed, particularly that of the Selms Muir hydrogen project in Livingston, which could deliver 6 tonnes of hydrogen a day and fuel the Lothian bus fleet.”
“In addition, a PwC survey of senior manufacturing executives found that 57 per cent said that they would increase investment in the UK in response to a long-term industrial strategy. The Scottish Government should look at how we can take advantage of those trends and reverse the decades-long decline in manufacturing, rather than offshoring ferry contracts to Poland. Given the global situation, we should be protecting Scottish industry. I am pleased that the UK Labour Government stepped up to that task and secured Grangemouth’s future. I hope that the SNP will work with the UK Government to deliver project willow and take advantage of the global situation by bringing manufacturing to Scotland through a real industrial strategy. 16:18”
“As changes in global trade happen, we need not only to protect our manufacturing and industrial base but to take advantage of changing trade flows in order to expand it. In decades past, businesses offshored their manufacturing to other countries, moving jobs away from Scotland, but times have changed. Previously, it cost £4,500 to ship a 40-foot container from China, but it now costs £18,000. Supply chains are vulnerable to shocks—members will recognise the number of shortages that we have had in recent years. In the new global trading environment, manufacturing might begin to return to where customers are. A report from Medius shows that 58 per cent of manufacturers have started to reshore their supply chains and move production back to the UK.”
“The UK Labour Government’s investment in Grangemouth and support for project willow also shows how state intervention can protect industries. The £200 million of investment to secure jobs and ensure that Grangemouth is fit for the future should not be scoffed at. That is decisive action to support the industry in the long term, whereas the SNP knew about the issues for years but did nothing. Standing by as all that happened and then turning round, after all the work is done, and calling for nationalisation is simply not serious. With project willow, we have an opportunity to protect jobs, grow new industries and deliver a just transition. Governments should be working together to achieve that, not creating grievance where there was none.”
“I will not go as far as to say that globalisation is dead, but our strategy should reflect the new reality. That requires taking action to protect manufacturing and industries that are based in Scotland and are creating resilient supply chains for our businesses, which have seen shocks in recent years. In that regard, I welcome the action that the UK Government has taken to protect Grangemouth and to save British Steel at Scunthorpe. It has kept the blast furnaces running, saved skilled jobs and prevented another one of our industries from being moved abroad. Had that not been done, the UK would have been the only country in the G7 without steel- making capabilities, which, during a time of growing uncertainty in which we are increasing our defence capabilities, would not have been good for our autonomy or for Scotland’s industry.”
“Heavy industry and manufacturing are woven into Scotland’s economic and social history, from shipbuilding in Leith to brewing on the site of this Parliament, and Edinburgh’s history of manufacturing and industry continues today, with life science businesses in the BioQuarter creating life-saving drugs. The manufacturing sector is vital to Scotland’s economy: each year, it adds more than £15 billion in value, and it employs more than 150,000 people. Those industries are also strategically important, now more than ever given international events. Although I was not able to attend last week’s debate on the international situation, I was able to read some members’ remarks, such as those of my colleague Daniel Johnson regarding globalisation. Donald Trump’s tariffs show that it is clear that the game has changed.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to promote the benefits of volunteering, in light of the recent research from Volunteer Scotland indicating that regular participation in volunteering can have wellbeing benefits worth approximately £1,000 per person per year. (S6O-04537)”
“I recognise the financial challenges, which have been exacerbated by the increased employer national insurance contributions that have been meted out by the United Kingdom Government. In spite of that, we will do all that we can to make sure that the resource is allocated to increase the number of GPs and wider practice staff and to support their role in the primary care system to deliver for the people of Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I will squeeze in question 8, but I ask for succinct questions and answers to match. Community Health Workers (Impact on Social Determinants of Health) 8.”
“The medical director of Lothian Local Medical Committee recently stated that many practices can no longer afford to take on additional GPs and that some are at risk of going bust. Given that, in November, the cabinet secretary announced an additional £13.6 million for general practice staffing, can he advise me what impact that will have on GPs’ retention and, specifically, how many new GPs the Scottish Government expects that it will hire? Neil Gray: I recognise the concerns that were expressed by the Lothian Local Medical Committee, which I met, alongside Paul McLennan in his constituency capacity, last week. We had a very good conversation about how we can sustain and improve the position for general practice.”
“As he suggests, that power lies with the UK Government and its agencies, but we make that point to the UK Government, because, if we are to see an increase in the use of heat networks across Scotland, as I hope we will, we must also undertake the work that is necessary to reassure consumers that they are dealing with a fair market and not one that is subject to the problems that the member has mentioned. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the ministerial statement. I will allow a moment for front-bench members to organise themselves. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1”
“The Scottish Government supports the adoption of heat networks to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty, but such systems are not covered by the Ofgem price cap, and my constituents report that developers are increasing prices by 150 per cent. On the issue of fuel poverty, can the minister advise us how the Scottish Government is protecting residents who use heat networks from being overcharged by developers or factors? Will the Scottish Government raise the issue with Ofgem or the UK Government? Alasdair Allan: I sympathise with some of what the member says. There is clearly a need to ensure that heat networks are regulated.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am struggling with my app. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Choudhury. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“Secondly, the report recommends the expansion of the fair way Scotland partnership or the establishment of a crisis fund. Given that the Scottish Government already grants funding to organisations that provide crisis funds for those with NRPF, we should simply look at the system and create a single point of access across the country. Ultimately, making major changes to the rules is a matter for the UK Government, but we must elevate the harm that is caused by fully funding local authorities and organisations that support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. 18:29”
“Those services are so important but will not be available across Scotland, and they are subject to Shakti Women’s Aid continuing to receive grant funding. Members must recognise that any system that delivers outcomes such as that is not working for anyone. Although the power to make great changes to NRPF is reserved, Scotland can and should be taking action. “Ending Destitution in Scotland—A Road Map for Policymakers” outlines ways in which that can happen. The first is the bus scheme—my colleague Paul Sweeney has done great work in pushing for that scheme for asylum seekers. However, we know that half of those seeking support for destitution are not asylum seekers, and that being unable to travel means missing job interviews, immigration interviews or medical appointments.”
“The “Destitution by design” briefing outlines the ways in which NRPF has contributed to destitution and its on-going effects. Those with NRPF and experiencing destitution are “6 times more likely to be sleeping rough” than other destitute groups. A third who accessed support from the fair way Scotland partnership had no weekly income at all. People with NRPF are 8.5 times more likely to use accident and emergency, costing the taxpayer money. The briefing even outlines the horrific situation of survivors of domestic abuse being unable to get homelessness support. I met Shakti Women’s Aid Edinburgh, which provides support, including safe accommodation and befriending services, for those with NRPF who are fleeing abusive situations.”
“I congratulate Maggie Chapman on bringing this important issue to the chamber. The system that we have to prevent destitution and homelessness is by no means perfect, but it is far better than that for those who have no recourse to public funds, who are being forced into destitution by a system that completely overlooks them. People with NRPF include students, asylum seekers and EU citizens without leave to remain. Many have contributed to our economy through taxes or tuition fees, yet they cannot access many benefits or services, including homelessness support. They also pay a surcharge—something like 150 per cent of the cost of care—to use our national health service. I have met students who pay large tuition fees that support our universities but were forced to take out loans to pay for healthcare.”
“The strength of the fair trade movement in Scotland is something that we should be proud of. While much of the world seems to be turning inwards, with fair trade, we can make a positive case for co-operation and friendship. 16:09”