Angela Constance
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Patients deserve better. There have been active campaigns by members across the chamber to represent the views of constituents in Lanarkshire, including by my colleagues Neil Gray and Fulton MacGregor. I fully appreciate the strength of feeling on the need for a new Monklands hospital.”
“Proceeding in that cost envelope would significantly limit our ability to invest in services and infrastructure across the wider NHS. I have carefully weighed the opportunity cost against our objective on improving public services. The current proposal also raises important questions about value for money.”
“For the wider system, it will reduce pressure on acute hospitals, allowing focus on those who need specialist care most. I can announce today that, as part of the programme, specifically for Lanarkshire, we will begin with a new general practitioner walk-in facility in Lanark—transforming an old shop front and a retail park in the town ce…”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an update to members on NHS capital projects, specifically on the current position and next steps for the Monklands replacement project. I begin by being absolutely clear: the Government will deliver a new Monklands hospital. That commitment has not changed and it will not change.”
“During the election campaign, the Scottish National Party promised to increase use of the new refugee doctors project, which is meant to help medically trained refugees from Gaza and other places to get registered for work in the national health service.”
“Scotland welcomes refugee doctors and is committed to supporting them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from rebuilding their medical careers.”
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“This review will draw on inspection findings, but we cannot wait for HIS’s programme of inspections to conclude next year before it gets under way. That is why, today, I have published the core principles of the review, and I will outline these to members now. First, the review will consider whether we have the right maternity services in place to meet the changing needs of women and families. Women are increasingly having children later in life, and more women are entering pregnancy with complex health needs. These factors can have a significant impact on the care required during pregnancy and birth. This review will provide a strategic assessment of need that will help us match our services to our population.”
“We have developed a delivery framework for miscarriage care to make sure that women and their families receive the compassionate care that they need, at the right time, in settings that meet their needs. Our triage working group is producing a target operating model that describes how maternity triage services should look in small, medium and large units, and in rural and urban communities. Work is also being taken forward to support the sustainability of the maternity workforce through our nursing and midwifery task force, including improving recruitment pathways, retention and workforce wellbeing. Minister Maree Todd will take forward work to develop rural midwifery apprenticeships. Although those actions are important, they will not be sufficient. That is why we have committed to an independent review of maternity services in Scotland.”
“Each of the boards inspected by HIS has submitted a detailed action plan setting out how it will address the issues identified, and they will be held to account for delivering on those commitments. It is clear, nonetheless, that decisive national action is needed to tackle the issues that we are seeing again and again in different parts of the country. That work has already begun. First, we commissioned HIS to develop standards that describe the level of service expected in every maternity unit. Those were published in March, and HIS will incorporate the new standards into its inspection programme from September. Last year, we published an action plan to address racialised health inequalities. This provides boards with clear actions to improve the care provided in perinatal services.”
“Progress within NHS Lothian is positive: 24 of the 26 HIS requirements have been delivered, with the board launching a maternity culture charter and recruiting new staff. However, NHS Lothian maternity services remain escalated under the framework that we have for supervision, and we will continue to work with the board to ensure that it meets all of HIS’s requirements and recommendations. With seven of the 18 HIS inspections completed, common themes are emerging. These include inconsistent approaches to maternity triage, delays in induction of labour, workforce pressures, concerns around governance and culture, and failures to consistently meet core mandatory training requirements.”
“I find those issues unacceptable, and I have made that very clear to the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I expect all of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s 26 requirements to be taken forward urgently, and ministers will be meeting the board’s chief executive again before recess to review progress. Although the report identifies failures, it also highlights kind care delivered to women, babies and their families, demonstrating the dedication of maternity staff. I will shortly meet Jaki Lambert, director of the Royal College of Midwives, to discuss the concerns of the workforce and to reiterate my thanks for the exceptional dedication of midwives. Members might also recall last year’s HIS inspection of the Royal infirmary of Edinburgh maternity unit.”
“Care must be safe, compassionate and of the highest quality, regardless of where or when women give birth. Ministers have already laid some important groundwork that is needed to address the challenges facing maternity services, but it is clear that much more remains to be done. Last year, Healthcare Improvement Scotland began a rigorous programme of inspections of maternity units, instigated by this Government. Those inspections are independent of Government and are conducted wholly unannounced. Last week’s HIS report into the Queen Elizabeth university hospital identified serious issues, particularly in relation to women’s experiences of birth and access to timely, personalised care. Inspectors reported delays in triaging to labour wards and instances of failures to provide interpretation services where they were needed.”
“Giving birth in Scotland is, in the vast majority of cases, very safe, and our national health service staff are highly skilled. Any woman who is pregnant should always access care. Women generally report positive experiences. The National Childbirth Trust’s recent study, “From expectation to reality”, found that 87 per cent of surveyed new mums in Scotland said that they received good-quality care, and an audit report on perinatal deaths of babies born in the United Kingdom in 2024, published today by MBRRACE- UK—mothers and babies: reducing risk through audits and confidential enquiries across the UK— shows that Scotland had the lowest rate of all four UK nations. That said, I have heard the concerns that have been shared by women, their families and members of this Parliament, and one poor experience is one too many.”
“This Government is determined to ensure that the maternity services that are provided across our country meet the highest of standards, for all women and their families. The core principles of safety and choice must remain at the heart of what we do. I know that members will share my deep concern about recent reports on maternity services, including last week’s Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspection report on the Queen Elizabeth university hospital’s maternity services. My statement will respond to those findings and set out the further action that we will now take nationally, including through an independent review of maternity services. I know that, for women and their families, pregnancy and birth can be both exciting and worrying.”
“The member will recall the long history of it, which I have looked into—the decision was taken by NHS Lothian, back in 2024, and it consulted neither the Scottish Government nor the Scottish trauma network. My expectation remains the same: that NHS boards all ensure that high level of emergency medical care for their communities. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time. First Minister’s Question Time Party Leaders 13:59”
“The business case was nine months late and has been on ministerial desks since March. When will we get a decision about this life-saving service for Edinburgh and the whole of the east of Scotland? Angela Constance: I appreciate the member’s interest in the issue; I know that he has asked several questions in that area, as have other members. He is correct that the business case was submitted in March this year. That business case was requested in 2023 and has only now been submitted. As I said in my original answer, it will be a matter for the subnational planning structure, which is best placed to make that decision. The decision must be consistent with the needs of the population base and the planning must take place across NHS and territorial boundaries. This is an important piece of work.”
“The Scottish Ambulance Service has deployed a business case for a new pre-hospital critical care service for Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, which will be considered under the new national health service subnational planning structures. It is the responsibility of NHS boards to make appropriate operational decisions to ensure a high level of quality in emergency medical care for the members of their communities. Daniel Johnson: It has been two years since the Medic One helicopter was grounded. The Scottish trauma audit group has stated that, since then, only 3 per cent of the population of Edinburgh and the south-east of Scotland receive life-saving advance pre-hospital care. The comparable figure for Glasgow and the west of Scotland is 32 per cent. That is a ten-fold difference.”
“There has also been good progress in waits for ophthalmology. The number of NHS Tayside staff has increased by 9.4 per cent over the past five years.”
“Michael Marra: I find deeply disappointing the idea that the Government does not have any position on a recruitment freeze in NHS Tayside for critical posts involved in care. The cabinet secretary should know that there are significant delays—for instance, in gynaecological care and women’s health—across NHS Tayside, which is just one example of many shortfalls. What will the Government do to ensure that health boards are not put in the position of having widespread recruitment freezes that impact on patient care? Angela Constance: I very much appreciate Mr Marra’s concern, even if I nonetheless believe that it is somewhat misplaced. He might be relieved to know that NHS Tayside is making very clear progress in specialties including gynaecology, for example, where the number of people waiting has reduced from 1,348 to 11.”
“The Scottish Government leads on the co-ordination of national activity designed to grow and retain the national health service workforce in line with service need. Decisions on the staffing of individual services are matters for health boards, which should ensure that they have sufficient, suitably qualified staff in line with the requirements of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. Boards are also responsible for managing service performance, supported by the NHS Scotland national centre for sustainable delivery. The most recent data shows sustained improvement in planned care performance across the system, including in NHS Tayside. We expect boards to build on the progress in the period ahead.”
“Alongside that, we are working closely with NHS Grampian to maximise local capacity, improve theatre utilisation and ensure that patients who have been waiting the longest are prioritised. Yesterday, I met the chief executive officer of NHS Grampian for the first time, and we discussed that issue, among other matters. Barra and Vatersay Community Campus 2.”
“However, I have been contacted by several constituents who continue to face lengthy waiting times for orthopaedic surgery. Will the Scottish Government set out what action is being taken and how it is supporting NHS Grampian to ensure that waiting times in Moray are coming down for those on orthopaedics waiting lists? Angela Constance: Orthopaedics remains a priority as we continue to focus on the reduction of long waits, which means that in-patient and day- case waits of more than 52 weeks have reduced by almost half. We are also increasing orthopaedics capacity through our national treatment centres, including NHS Golden Jubilee, which is now the largest hip and knee replacement centre in the United Kingdom.”
“My commitment to tackle long waits is unwavering. To date this year, we have invested an additional £100 million to increase capacity and support boards, including NHS Grampian, to build on the progress that we have made in reducing long waits. We have made real and sustained progress nationally, with waits of more than 52 weeks for new out-patient appointments falling for 11 consecutive months and in-patient and day-case waits reducing for 15 months in a row. Since July 2025, new out-patient waits of more than a year have fallen by around 76 per cent and in-patient and day-case waits have fallen by around 47 per cent. Laura Mitchell: I recognise the progress that has been made in recent months to tackle the longest waits for secondary care patients.”
“I would welcome Ms Gibson sharing any proposals that she has with NHS Ayrshire and”
“In view of those facts, does the cabinet secretary agree that there is an urgent and compelling case for a GP walk-in centre in Cunninghame South to allow my constituents greater access to healthcare and advice? Angela Constance: Ms Gibson has made an important point about reducing health inequality by improving access to healthcare. The Government is committed to providing a North Ayrshire walk-in service, which was one of the 14 additional services that were announced. That brings the total number of walk-in services that we are focused on delivering to 30. As I said, over the next 100 days I will set out how I will do that. Health boards were previously asked to generate proposals to meet their population’s needs, and our experience thus far will inform how we commission the next 14 services.”
“I have committed to expanding the walk-in service programme and will set out how I will do so in the first 100 days of this Government. Health boards were previously asked to generate proposals that considered their populations’ needs, taking into account local issues and circumstances. Our experience so far will inform how we commission the next 14 services. Patricia Gibson: North Ayrshire’s people have Scotland’s lowest healthy life expectancy. The average adult remains in full health until just 53 years old. More than 28 per cent of people live with a long-term health condition, which is 6 per cent higher than the Scottish average.”
“It is for independent care providers to determine whether to plead the time bar, but it is important that Mr Marra has had the opportunity to put his concerns and his appeal on behalf of his constituents on the parliamentary record. The courts retain discretion to set aside time limits when it is equitable to do so, which ensures that cases can be considered fairly on their individual merits. Although my powers are limited in that regard, I do not think that it will cause any harm to have a discussion with Michael Marra and Willie Rennie, as long as we are clear about the ministerial boundaries to which I must adhere. Bathing Water Quality Legislation 10.”
“Will the cabinet secretary meet me, victims and Willie Rennie MSP to discuss how we can get to the bottom of the legal culpability relating to the private patients and to ensure that we can make the case that the same should be done, with the time bar being set aside, to allow those patients who have suffered over a period of decades to access justice? Angela Constance: I appreciate the member’s advocacy for the former patients of Sam Eljamel. He raised a point of principle that I am sure the chamber will understand. The Scottish Government was very encouraged by NHS Tayside’s decision in February this year to reset the time bar for former patients.”
“The Scottish Government expects any legal cases raised by former patients of Eljamel to be considered fairly and on a case- by-case basis. All claims brought by former patients will ultimately be determined by the courts. The judicial process in Scotland is independent and ministers do not have the power to instruct private companies or entities in relation to their approach to litigation. However, Scottish courts have discretion to disapply the time bar when it is equitable to do so. Michael Marra: I thank the cabinet secretary for her understanding of the issue. The time bar was set aside by NHS Tayside, which is allowing victims to have the chance of justice.”
“Despite the financial challenge, we are developing a whole-system national health service infrastructure plan, which includes the primary care investment programme. Within that, we have already confirmed Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly as a priority area. I say “Cowdenbeath” in the context of the member’s constituency geography rather than to indicate a specific facility. That reflects the place- based approach. No decision has been taken at this stage on whether elements in priority areas will be progressed as single or separate projects—that will be determined following service planning.”
“However, it is important that I make it clear that there are concerns about the suggested expansion of the centre to include Cowdenbeath. Will the cabinet secretary advise how the Scottish Government is engaging with NHS Fife on the areas that the new medical centre will cover? She will appreciate that my constituents are keen to ensure that Lochgelly receives the health centre that is so critically needed. Would she be willing to meet me at the existing centre to hear my constituents’ concerns? Angela Constance: I am more than happy to meet Mr Barratt. I assure him that the Scottish Government is engaging with NHS Fife, and it is my expectation that NHS Fife will engage with the communities and MSPs in the area.”
“As announced in the Scottish Government’s infrastructure delivery pipeline on 13 January, an initial tranche of 12 primary care projects is being developed, including projects in Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath. Work has already commenced on the development of a standardised approach to service planning, design, procurement and construction for all 12 projects in the programme. That will, of course, take time. Our current planning assumption is that construction will start in around 2031. David Barratt: I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a new health centre in Lochgelly. The cabinet secretary will appreciate that my predecessor was a fierce advocate for Lochgelly, and I am keen to ensure that a health centre is delivered as soon as possible.”
“The approach will result in health boards across the east and west of the country working together to develop and deliver services jointly, which will help by more effectively directing and sharing resources, reducing duplication of effort and improving equity of access. The approach underpins the transformation that we need by shifting care closer to home, focusing more on prevention and inequalities, and better aligning resources with needs—for example, during periods of increased demand such as the flu season.”
“I am also hearing about the creative solutions that are being used to ensure that patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. That includes expanding our innovative hospital at home programme by the end of this year so that it becomes Scotland’s largest hospital, as well as harnessing digital advances such as artificial intelligence to speed up lung cancer detection in Grampian. NHS leaders are spearheading a new subnational planning approach, which has already resulted in better collaboration and a sharper focus on shared priorities. That represents a material shift in how we think about population-based planning and delivery.”
“The system responded with remarkable dedication to the immediate crisis and to the journey of recovery. Therefore, it is right that I begin by recording my sincere thanks to all health and care staff for the incredible work that they do. Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the NHS Golden Jubilee hospital, where the commitment was clear to see. The hospital has now become the UK’s largest centre for hip and knee operations. My visit also allowed me the opportunity to speak to patients. Although I absolutely recognise that some people are still waiting longer than any of us would like, I am hearing about the progress that we are making, which is having a real impact on patients and their families.”
“I say to the Liberal Democrats that I will make a statement on maternity services next week. I say to Reform UK that I do not support the establishment of a health and social care commission, because the public are telling us that we need to focus on delivery right now. I say to my colleagues in the Labour Party—particularly Jackie Baillie—that, although their amendment is not the worst that I have seen from the Labour Party, I had hoped that we could perhaps start on a slightly more positive note. However, we will work on that together, because that is what the public demand of us all. Turning to the substance of today’s debate, I note that, as we will all recall, the pandemic was one of the greatest challenges that the NHS has ever faced.”
“We will support the UK Government’s Employment Rights Act 2025 when it comes forward for legislative consent. In the meantime, our support for the policy is why, in March, we introduced plans for voluntary sectoral bargaining, which the Greens have called for. We are already working with partners on that. I also support improvements to terms and conditions, including measures such as enhanced maternity leave provision and protection of vulnerable groups checks. More broadly, the Government this year supported providers to deliver the real living wage, and we were clear that support was conditional on providers upholding our fair work principles. I hope that the measures that I have set out provide an indication to colleagues of my keenness to work together with them, and I ask that they support the Government’s motion today.”
“I support the sentiment of the Greens’ amendment. We will introduce a workforce plan on pay. I very much recognise that pay is a barrier to people entering the social care workforce, and I am determined that we will do more to improve pay and terms and conditions. However, the budget is set for this year, and to increase the minimum rate to £15 an hour now would cost around £325 million. We remain open to negotiating with the Greens ahead of the next budget, but the reality for this year is that cuts would have to be made elsewhere in our NHS in order to deliver such an increase, which is why we cannot support the Greens’ amendment today. I support the policy of mandatory sectoral bargaining, but we are constrained by the reserved nature of employment law.”
“I also very much thank my good friend Jenni Minto for her pioneering work on the women’s health plan. People will be aware that Scotland was the first country in the United Kingdom to deliver a women’s health plan. That work will now be progressed by Maree Todd, who has always been a champion for women’s health, whether as an MSP or as a pharmacist. Before I provide an update on progress, I note my support for the amendment that was lodged by Miles Briggs, which—although it was not accepted by the Presiding Officer—rightly highlighted the importance of high-quality, accessible palliative care and the vital role that hospices and community services play for people and families across Scotland. I commit to working constructively with the member on the issue in order to ensure cross-party input on the future of palliative care.”
“I very much welcome the opportunity today to give my first speech in my new role as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care. I commit to the Parliament that I will do absolutely everything in my power to protect, renew and reform our national health service, which is our most precious asset. That demands that I work hand in hand not only with our exceptional health and care workforce and partners but with members across the chamber to address local issues and improve the health of our nation. I take this opportunity to thank my friend and colleague Neil Gray for the focused leadership that he has shown over the past two years, which has seen our NHS turn a corner. Mr Gray and I will continue to work together on matters that require joint action between the worlds of health and justice.”
“Motion agreed to. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Point of Order 17:21”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not connect to the app. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Your vote will be recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) Black, Dawn (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Bonnar, Steven (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Bouse, Gary (Falkirk West) (SNP) Brown, Alan (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Bruce, Holly (Glasgow Southside) (Green) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Campbell, Kate (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) Campbell, Michelle (Renfrewshire North and Cardonald) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Day, Martyn (Falkirk East and Linlithgow) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill) (SNP) Duane, Iris (Glasgow) (Green) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Flynn, Stephen (Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine) (SNP) Gethins, Stephen (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ghani, Zen (Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok) (SNP) Gibson, Patricia (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Goodlad, Hannah Mary (Shetland Islands) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Kerr, Alex (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) Kerr, Calum (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Kinross-O’Neill, Kayleigh (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Kumar, Simita (Edinburgh South Western) (SNP) Leask, Kristopher (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Linden, David (Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Cara (West Scotland) (Green) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Melville, Lloyd (Angus South) (SNP) Merrick, Colm (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Middleton, Jack (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mitchell, Laura (Moray) (SNP) Moodie, Laura (South Scotland) (Green) Nevens, Kate (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Oswald, Kirsten (Eastwood) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Con) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S7M-00159, in the name of Stephen Gethins, is: For 70, Against 54, Abstentions 0.”
“Angela Constance: It is useful to note two things. First, if the result had been different, there was a well-planned and co-ordinated arrangement for a celebration in Edinburgh. The second factor is that, with good, visible, local leadership, operation moonbeam has taken action all year round in response to the fireworks- related violence and disruption that have blighted our communities. Making clear the consequences of such behaviour has driven down violence and disorder around fireworks. We need to learn from operation moonbeam in that respect.”
“Police Scotland had to deploy more than 900 police officers, and two of those were significantly harmed. We must reflect on that, and each and every stakeholder must get on the same page and ensure that, where possible, we minimise the risk of it happening again. Adam Harley: It is also not right that local businesses should have to close or clean up. There was a significant impact on local businesses over the weekend. People need to know in advance where in the city will be impacted, so that any future disruption can be managed, whether that is through fan zones, open-top bus parades or whatever other way people want to celebrate. For that to happen, we need co-ordination and leadership. What further guidance can the Scottish Government provide in order to prevent a repeat of the disruption that we saw at the weekend?”
“Angela Constance: I thank Mr Harley for his question and congratulate him on being the first member to lodge an urgent question successfully in this new session of Parliament. He is quite correct to state that the majority of sports fans and football fans are law abiding, but we have seen the consequences when the mindless minority has an impact on our communities and on our policing, and that cannot be tolerated. We must all—Government, local authorities, other stakeholders, the football authorities and football clubs—act together. I stand here as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, and it is clear to me that, if there had been a managed, organised celebration, the impact on policing would have been much less than it was.”
“They will make it clear that governing bodies and individual clubs must step up and use their influence to help tackle this continuing misconduct. Adam Harley: I thank the cabinet secretary for that reply and I, too, wish the police officers who were injured on Saturday a speedy recovery. The overwhelming majority of supporters enjoyed their day responsibly, and it is important that any measures that may come forward do not unfairly impact or punish law-abiding fans. However, does the cabinet secretary agree that all football clubs and relevant authorities have a shared responsibility to minimise the risk of disorder around major fixtures and celebrations? Where such preparations require to be backed by funding, where does the Government think that that should come from?”
“As the First Minister has stated, the Scottish Government utterly condemns the incidents of violence, vandalism and antisocial behaviour that took place on Saturday. Although the vast majority of fans are well-behaved, it is clear that when a minority are not, the impacts on policing and on a range of services are enormous, and it is the taxpayer who foots the bill. We fully support Police Scotland, and I have sent my best wishes to the officers who were injured in the disorder while helping someone with a medical emergency. Ministers have been regularly updated on events and the Scottish Government has engaged with Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Professional Football League, and incoming ministers will do so again.”
“I, Angela Constance, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me”
“I will endeavour to stick to my time, so that I do not incur your wrath, Presiding Officer. I will briefly say that we must move forward together and consider the sentencing and penal policy commission recommendations while recognising that prison will always be for those who pose the greatest harm. We can all critique the past and debate the future—we can and must do that—but the decision for Parliament tonight is about what we do now to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of those who live and work in our prisons. Right now, doing nothing is not an option; we must act tonight. The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Point of Order 20:59”
“Our modelling indicates that the prison population today would be around 260 to 390 prisoners higher without the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025, and a further 130 to 230 prisoners higher without the most recent emergency release. That would mean a population of between nearly 8,800 or in excess of 9,000 if we had not taken the difficult decisions to alleviate pressure on the prison system. This action has to complement other steps that we have taken. We have optimised the existing capacity in the estate by 400 additional spaces compared with 2024; we have provided the Scottish Prison Service with capital funding to construct two new prisons; and we are, of course, increasing investment in community justice, which is far more effective than short-term sentences.”
“The proposed exclusions for those who are serving sexual and domestic abuse offences strike the right balance between recognising the concerns of victims while supporting a sustained— not temporary—reduction in the rise in the short- term prisoner population against persistent increases overall. The change could deliver a sustained reduction of between 239 and 312 individuals. The governor’s veto does not exist in the normal release process, and it never has. What the regulations will do, if approved, is to alter the standard point of release for some short-term prisoners. The action that the Government has taken has had a positive impact.”
“The reality is that there is no single or quick solution to address the rise in the prison population, and we must continue to pursue a range of measures across our justice system. In response to the immediate need for further action, the regulations will change from 40 to 30 per cent the proportion of the custodial sentences that some short-term prisoners are required to serve before they are automatically released. The change is necessary to alleviate the persistent pressure on our dedicated prison staff, whom I remain grateful to for the vital work that they carry out each and every day. I have not reached this decision lightly. However, I believe that the change is proportionate to the risks that we face.”
“It is important to remember that Scotland is not alone in wrestling with a very high prison population. Between October 2023 and September 2025, the previous and current United Kingdom Governments released more than 62,000 prisoners early. I say that not for a minute to demur from my responsibilities, but merely to make the point that any suggestion that others, if they were in my place, would be making radically different decisions in the current circumstances is, quite simply, not credible. The rise in the prison population is driven by an increase in long-term prisoners who are serving long-term sentences. There is, of course, a long- term shift away from very short-term sentences.”
“Liam Kerr: It is always worth remembering that I, too, have access to figures. Since 2021, recorded crime is up 6 per cent, sexual crime is up 10 per cent, shoplifting is up 137 per cent and violent crime is up 13 per cent. The number of police officers, however, is down by 1,000 since 2020. What does the cabinet secretary think will happen to those figures and the number of victims of crime as a result of the Government’s decisions to defund our police? Angela Constance: I am very glad that Mr Kerr has access to figures, because he will therefore know that the Government has increased the budget for policing year on year since 2016. He will also be aware of the headline figures that show a substantial fall in violent and property crime in Scotland since 2008-09. Under this Government, Scotland is a safer place.”
“Angela Constance: Although the pay— including sick pay—and conditions of police officers are negotiated through the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, the issue of whether to make any discretionary payment is an operational matter for the chief constable. Sick pay can be extended beyond the standard periods of six months on full pay and a further six months on half pay, at the discretion of the chief constable. It is worth reminding Mr Kerr that next year’s budget will show a £90 million increase in comparison with the starting position in the 2025- 26 budget, in response to an ask for an increase of £104 million in the budget. It is also with worth remembering that the Conservatives made no requests for additional funding for policing during budget negotiations.”
“Liam Kerr: The cabinet secretary strangely failed to mention one implication of the budget being £50 million less than requested, which is that, at the Scottish National Party’s own conference, the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation flagged the fact that terminally ill police officers who are off work because they have been injured on duty will be forced on to half pay, or even no pay, and that that is “because of this budget”. Is the cabinet secretary concerned that terminally ill officers might be losing money as a direct result of this Government’s cuts, and what does she intend to do about that?”