Annabelle Ewing
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Before we turn to the next item of business, I hope that members do not mind if I say a few words. I would like to say specifically what an honour it has been for me to serve in the Scottish Parliament, which, of course, was reconvened by my late mother, Winnie Ewing, in 1999.”
“There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that motion S6M-21180, in the name of John Swinney, on a motion of thanks, be agreed to.”
“I hope that members feel that I have discharged my duty. I thank you for having given me the opportunity to be your Deputy Presiding Officer, along with Mr McArthur, and I wish each of you all the very best.”
“Members! Màiri McAllan: Equally, the prospect of scrapping the land and buildings transaction tax or stamp duty land tax is for the birds, and I am afraid that it demonstrates that the Conservatives realise that their chances of implementing any such policies are, to put it politely, very slim.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises the importance of sport and activity as a force for good that goes beyond just physical health; considers that they have a significant impact on mental health, as well as contributing to community and national cohesion and wellbeing; believes that sport breaks down barriers of colour, race, r…”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes with concern the reported decision by the Lloyds Banking Group to close 11 Bank of Scotland branches between June and July 2026, including the Rutherglen branch; understands that this is the latest in a series of bank closures across the UK; believes that these closures will have a significant imp…”
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“Amendments 74 and 121, which are also in my name, will allow the creation of a process via regulations whereby the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland may impose either a financial penalty or a compensation payment, which will be payable to the tenant, in cases where a landlord is found to have not complied with the requirements of the rent cap. The regulation-making powers will allow the First-tier Tribunal full discretion as to whether to impose a penalty or compensation payment on the landlord and, if so, at what level to set it. As a matter of principle, it is important to have repercussions for breaches of public policy and law. From exchanges at stage 2 and subsequently, I know that many members agree. I believe that those measures will help to protect tenants, and I urge members to support them.”
“Amendment 155, along with amendment 152, will require certain information to be included in an advertisement when an exempt property is advertised for let. That will ensure that, before they take on a tenancy in a rent control area, prospective tenants will be aware that their rent will not be governed by the rent cap. Analysis of our recent consultation is still on-going, but the interim partial analysis that we published recently notes that a substantial majority of respondents thought that the landlord of an exempt property should be required to communicate to tenants and prospective tenants about the exemption, and that is exactly what amendment 155 does.”
“Amendment 1 disagreed to. Amendment 2 not moved. Section 20—Prospective landlords’ duty to include information about rent in advertisements The Deputy Presiding Officer: We turn to group 6, on rent controls within rent control areas. Amendment 152, in the name of the cabinet secretary, is grouped with amendments 155, 165 to 171, 280, 173 to 175, 72, 281, 282, 34, 35, 73, 36, 74, 41 to 43 and 121. I point out that, if amendment 165 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 166 because of pre- emption. Màiri McAllan: Ahead of stage 3, I have engaged with members across the parties and am grateful for their input. As a result, I have lodged amendments to enhance the rights of tenants in the private rented sector.”
“The question is, that amendment 1 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. 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) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) 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) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) 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) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) 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) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) 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) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) 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) 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) 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) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] 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) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) 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 Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 8, Against 96, Abstentions 0.”
“Why should local authorities think that the agreement is worth the paper that it is written on if the Scottish Government wishes to give itself a veto over one of the most important new powers for local government in many years? I urge the cabinet secretary to reconsider and I ask her to reflect on the words that she used in her remarks on group 1 earlier, when she talked about rent control areas needing to be “locally led”. Let local authorities lead. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Mark Griffin to speak to amendment 270 and other amendments in the group.”
“First, they go back on a fairly well-established principle that the Scottish Government accepts the will of committees and the Parliament. That new approach was voted through at stage 2. The legislation team has certified that the amendment was then, and remains, technically competent. There is absolutely no reason to reverse that, other than that the Scottish Government does not want to give that power to local authorities. Secondly, an absolute right of veto violates the Verity house agreement to which the Scottish Government is a signatory. The agreement says: “The powers held by local authorities shall normally be full and exclusive. They may not be undermined or limited by another, central or regional, authority”.”
“It would remove the ability of the Scottish Government to veto a rent control area application on the grounds that it is neither necessary nor proportionate. However, let me be clear: that does not prevent an inappropriate rent control area application from being stopped. If the Parliament is not convinced that an application is necessary or proportionate or feels that it is inappropriate for any other reason, subsection (1A), which I introduced into the bill at stage 2, allows it to refuse. Crucially, however, that takes the decision out of the hands of a minister and respects the rights of local authorities and of the Scottish Parliament to oversee crucial policy decisions. The Scottish Government’s amendments 60 to 62 to remove my amendments that were made at stage 2 are deeply troubling.”
“Thank you, Mr Mountain. I call Maggie Chapman to speak to amendment 136 and other amendments in the group. Maggie Chapman: Edward Mountain will be surprised to hear that I agree with virtually everything—not quite all but nearly everything— that he said and that we will be supporting his amendments in this group. At stage 2, I was very pleased to get the committee’s support to strengthen local democratic decision making on rent controls. As a result, section 9 obliges the Scottish Government to introduce rent controls, where a local authority has submitted a valid application for a rent control area. Before, it could simply refuse to produce the secondary legislation to introduce a rent control area. My amendment 136 would do some tidying up after that welcome change.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes and respects the judgment of the Supreme Court of the UK on 16 April 2025 in the case, For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers; recognises that the court unanimously ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological woman and biological sex; congratulates For Women Scotland on what it sees as the group’s hard work and dedication in protecting and strengthening women’s rights; considers that this decision will have many implications for the rights of women and girls, including those living in East and West Dunbartonshire, and notes calls on the Scottish Government to review its policies to ensure that these are in line with the law. 17:19”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17234, in the name of Pam Gosal, on welcoming the Supreme Court’s judgment on the definition of the word “woman”. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes reports of the disclosure of a number of safety incidents at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (Faslane) and the Royal Naval Armaments Depot Coulport, including the second Category A incident in two years; further notes that the UK Government and Ministry of Defence documentation has confirmed a number of “near-miss” incidents and safety breaches, including the radioactive contamination of Loch Long; notes what it sees as the concerns of constituents in Glasgow Anniesland and people across Scotland, and recognises the importance of ensuring the highest safety standards at these sites, particularly given their proximity to communities in Argyll and Bute and the wider west of Scotland. 16:42”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-18614, in the name of Bill Kidd, on nuclear incidents. The motion will be debated without any question being put. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Bill Kidd to open the debate.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. I remind members that questions 3 and 6 are grouped together, so I will take any supplementaries on those questions after both have been answered. Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums Steering Group 1.”
“The question is, that amendment 31 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“The next item of business is a statement by Ivan McKee on GFG Alliance business operations in Scotland. The minister will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:53”
“Good afternoon. The next item of business is portfolio question time. The portfolio this afternoon is social justice and housing—”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes the view that it is important to improve bladder cancer diagnosis, care and treatment in Scotland, in light of reports that outcomes for patients lag behind outcomes for bladder cancer patients elsewhere in the UK and in Europe; further notes the view that there is a need to improve the availability of staff and resources to improve the standard of care, and to support all those involved in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer in Scotland, including in the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency, such as nurses, GPs, urological surgeons, oncologists and other specialised healthcare professionals; acknowledges what it sees as the current dedication, tirelessness and passion shown by those individuals and organisations, such as Fight Bladder Cancer, that work to ensure that the best care is provided for this potentially life- changing disease, and notes the calls for all organisations to play their part in ensuring that the general public has awareness of this cancer and its symptoms so that bladder cancer can be caught and treated as early as possible.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-18138, in the name of Stuart McMillan, on improving bladder cancer diagnosis in Scotland. The motion will be debated without any question being put. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Stuart McMillan to open the debate.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18779, in the name of Murdo Fraser, on improving Scotland’s finances. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Murdo Fraser to speak to and move the motion. 14:52”
“Although I am always full of admiration for Mark’s parents and all those who are involved, at the time I felt that it was a great pity that our Government did not consider that it had a key role to play in ensuring that all young people have the same opportunities, irrespective of where in Scotland they live. I therefore urge the minister to do the right thing, the bold thing and the fair thing, which is to lodge a financial resolution so that the bill can proceed to stage 2 for further detailed scrutiny. 17:51”
“That is, after all, what the Parliament voted for at stage 1. It would allow members to lodge amendments to get the bill over the line while meeting the legitimate concerns that have been raised. I believe that, in that respect, there is cross-party support for trying to find workable solutions. Inaction will not do young people across Scotland any favours, nor will kicking the can down the road. I have seen at first hand the importance of access to outdoor residential education, in the shape of a stay at Outward Bound’s centre at Loch Eil that is offered to pupils who are participating in the Mark Scott leadership for life award scheme. As the former Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, I met young people who were participating over three years and saw how transformational the experience was for them.”
“I am aware that, in the intervening period, with regard to the important issue of funding, for example, the member has highlighted potential alternative models of funding for consideration. I note also from what she has said this evening that she has, at the same time, proposed a more targeted approach, thereby reducing the overall level of funding that would be required. Where matters stand with respect to those discussions is not clear to me, and nor is the extent to which the Government has, in fact, actively worked at pace with the member over the intervening months to explore solutions. As we have heard, there is very little time for the Government to lodge a financial resolution. Surely, if good faith is to prevail here, a financial resolution should be lodged so that the bill can proceed to stage 2.”
“While it is fair to say that some progress has been made since the Scottish Government set out its vision for outdoor learning in 2010, the fact of the matter is that access to residential outdoor education provision remains unequal across Scotland. Ensuring equal opportunity is the key objective of the bill that Liz Smith has proposed, and I was, therefore, very happy to support it at stage 1 in March this year. At that time, the minister promised Parliament that she would act in good faith and seek “to work with” the member to find a way forward, taking into account the various challenges that the Education, Children and Young People Committee highlighted in its stage 1 report. Those included issues regarding funding, the impact on teachers and the universality of application.”
“I, too, congratulate Liz Smith on securing a members’ business debate on the subject of residential outdoor education for young people. As has been highlighted by other members who have contributed to the debate thus far, residential outdoor education is a hugely rewarding experience for young people. As we have heard, it contributes to building self-esteem, self-reliance and leadership skills, encourages teamwork and self-confidence and helps to improve attainment. Residential outdoor education supports the ethos of curriculum for excellence and sits well with the getting it right for every child principles. The wider societal benefits are axiomatic and are fully in line with the Christie principles on preventative spend. I urge the minister to reflect on the importance of those principles as we talk about difficult budgetary issues.”
“Mr Lumsden, you need to conclude. Douglas Lumsden: Instead of tinkering for tinkering’s sake, the SNP should focus on the day job, provide a clean, fast, modern and reliable rail service and actually deliver on the promises that it made. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Lumsden. I remind back benchers that speeches should last for up to six minutes. 16:03”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18680, in the name of Richard Leonard, on behalf of the Public Audit Committee, on the 2022-23 and 2023-24 audits of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak buttons. I call Richard Leonard, on behalf of the Public Audit Committee, to speak to and move the motion. 15:40”
“To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to tackle the frequently reported overcrowding on Fife commuter trains. (S6O-04892)”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-18570, in the name of Bob Doris, on the abolition of peak rail fares. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Motion debated, That the Parliament notes the Scottish Government’s reported decision to abolish peak rail fares in Scotland; acknowledges what it sees as the ambition to make public transport more affordable and help people with the rising cost of living; considers that initiatives such as the abolition of peak rail fares can encourage more people to switch from cars and opt to use the train; believes that this can help tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities more affordable, and notes the view that passengers in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency should be encouraged to use this opportunity, not only for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer.”
“Mr Cole-Hamilton, you need to conclude. Alex Cole-Hamilton: The road to peace is long, and it will not be easy, but recognition of a Palestinian state is an essential step along it. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Cole-Hamilton. We move to the open debate, with back-bench speeches of up to four minutes. 16:15”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions. The first portfolio is Deputy First Minister responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. Edinburgh’s Festivals (Economic Impact) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament is concerned by the availability of NHS dentistry provision, with specific concerns relating to some dental practices reportedly making the decision to no longer provide dentistry on the NHS for adult patients; understands that the operators of Breeze Dental Care in Fife have indicated their intention to restrict the NHS dental care that they provide to only those under the age of 26, affecting patients of both their Cowdenbeath and Cardenden practices; further understands that this decision has caused considerable stress for existing patients, who have reportedly been told that the only option to remain with the practice is to sign up to a private payment plan, which many cannot afford; regrets the reported anxiety that this has caused for some patients who have used the same dental practice for many decades of their life and are now unable to find any other dentists in their local area accepting new NHS dental patients; is troubled by situations such as this when a dentist decides to no longer offer NHS dental treatment, but existing patients have no recourse to move to another dentist due to a lack of availability in the provision; believes that this situation is unfair and risks disrupting continuity of care, which can be vital for people who have attended a local dentist for much of their life; understands that, in responding to this latest practice removing NHS provision, NHS Fife has said that “There is a national shortage of qualified dentists currently and this remains a significant issue impacting NHS dentistry across Scotland, including here in Fife”, and that “Health Boards like NHS Fife have no means of compelling practices to provide NHS dental services, and with the shift over recent years from smaller NHS-run practices to larger corporate entities, we have very limited influence over practice decisions”, and notes the belief that, as a result of many people across the Mid Scotland and Fife region, as well as across Scotland, finding it difficult to access NHS dentistry, the Scottish Government should review the availability of provision as well as what action can be taken to ensure that people remain able to access NHS dentistry.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17893, in the name of Alex Rowley, on provision of national health service dentistry. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18671, in the name of John Swinney, on priorities for Scotland. 15:10”
“The next item of business is a statement by Tom Arthur on ensuring the right support for young people’s neurodivergence, mental health and wellbeing. The minister will take questions at the end of her statement—apologies, I mean his statement—so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:28”
“The next item of business is portfolio question time, and the portfolio this afternoon is education and skills. I remind members that questions 1 and 5 are grouped together and that I will therefore take any supplementaries on those questions after both have been answered. Apprenticeships (Number of Places) 1.”
“Good afternoon. The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 18148, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revision to the programme of business for Thursday 26 June 2025— after 4.55 pm Decision Time insert followed by Members’ Business—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Portfolio Question Time Education and Skills 14:00”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18079, in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville, on the legislative consent motion for the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation. 20:56”
“Of course, within qualifications Scotland there will also be a chief accreditation officer. Presiding Officer, I am conscious of time. First and foremost, we need to pass the legislation, to fully realise our shared goal to improve our education system and, as a result, improve outcomes for our children and young people. I urge members to support the Education (Scotland) Bill to make that a reality. I move, That the Parliament agrees that the Education (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Deputy Presiding Officer: For the avoidance of doubt, I clarify that there is no time in hand and that members should please stick to their allocated and agreed speaking times. 20:05”
“It said that relocating the accreditation team to another body would not deliver the outcomes that the Education, Children and Young People Committee or Parliament appeared to be seeking. I have to say that the inability of the committee to arrive at a decision on the matter at stage 2 has helped to continue the unease and anxiety that those staff have experienced. The purpose of the bill is to bring Parliament together around a solution to the challenge that exists in relation to accreditation. I am pleased that we have been able to do that with not just one party in the Parliament but two. We will now have the statutory review that I mentioned. Importantly, that will go beyond where the function is located to consider in detail the scope of that function. In committee, we debated that matter at length.”
“Therefore, I believe that the compromise position that we have managed to reach through the amendments of Mr Rennie and Mr Greer represents a significant step forward. Pam Duncan-Glancy: The cabinet secretary mentioned the accreditation staff in the SQA. It is not only as a result of our deliberations, as the cabinet secretary said, that they have had to content with uncertainty. In a letter to the cabinet secretary, the accreditation staff said: “Accreditation staff have endured over four years of uncertainty, and it is deeply concerning that their future remains unresolved”. How does the cabinet secretary respond to that? The Deputy Presiding Officer: You have one minute left, cabinet secretary. Jenny Gilruth: I have in front of me a letter from Unite the Union that I quoted to Ms Duncan- Glancy during yesterday’s proceedings.”
“It is also why, as a result of amendments lodged by Mr Greer and contributions from Mr Briggs, greater reassurance is provided in the bill that membership of the chief inspector’s advisory council will be representative of the needs of those who receive education. It is fair to say that the committee and I have probably spent more time considering and debating the location and scope of the accreditation function than any other matter. I put on record my thanks to all the staff in the SQA who, as a result of our deliberations, have had to contend with a significant degree of uncertainty and anxiety over a period of time. Members put forward a range of different options at stage 2 that would have removed the accreditation function from the qualifications body. However, none of the alternatives provided a compelling case for change.”
“That is why the bill provides for a range of different voices to be heard on the board of qualifications Scotland. As a result of Mr Greer and Ms Duncan-Glancy’s amendments, the bill includes enhanced provisions that will ensure that the perspectives of young people, teachers and business have suitable representation in board discussions. That is why the bill now sets out a list of groups that must be invited to participate in the production of the learner charter and the teacher and practitioner charter, which will provide greater transparency and accountability and the opportunity for greater involvement in decisions that affect education. That is why, thanks to Mr Kerr’s amendment, the legislation provides a cast-iron guarantee that the chief inspector will have suitable teaching and educational leadership experience.”
“Although the bill is rightly focused on reforming public bodies, we cannot lose sight of the people those bodies serve: the children and young people with whom the future success and prosperity of this country rests, and the teachers who work in our schools every day to provide excellent learning experiences. Scotland’s teachers are fundamental to reform. Only with their support will we be able to effect broader change to improve our curriculum and our qualifications and to raise teaching standards. Ultimately, through the bill and the cultural changes that I mentioned in response to Mr Kerr, we can create a system in which our public bodies collaborate with one another, and with children and young people and their parents, carers and teachers, to drive improvement.”
“That is why the response to a Government-initiated question that I published on Monday sets out the focus for the next steps on the qualifications journey. The response to the GIQ in relation to Education Scotland that I published in June last year set out a refocused purpose for that organisation, too. In addition, we have created the centre for teaching excellence at the University of Glasgow, and the totality of our structural reforms will provide a revised and refreshed system that supports continuous improvement and helps to meet learners’ needs.”
“There is not really any time in hand, cabinet secretary. Jenny Gilruth: I will give way to Ms Duncan- Glancy. Pam Duncan-Glancy: Does the cabinet secretary admit that the new organisation will have the same functions and the same leadership as the SQA? Jenny Gilruth: I do not accept the member’s latter point about leadership. A new chief executive will be appointed, and a new chair of the existing organisation was appointed in late 2023. I want to come on to talk about, in general terms, the refocusing of Education Scotland, which also has a role to play. I know that Ms Duncan- Glancy was interested in that issue in relation to her amendments that would have set up curriculum Scotland, which I was sympathetic towards.”
“I call Pam Duncan-Glancy to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 231. Pam Duncan-Glancy: In the interests of time, I will simply press the amendment. Amendment 231 agreed to. Amendment 232 moved—[Ross Greer]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 232 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is now closed. Brian Whittle: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Whittle. Your vote will be recorded.”
“To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Prison Service will conclude any work required to ensure that it fully complies with the judgment of the United Kingdom Supreme Court handed down on 16 April 2025 in the case For Women Scotland v the Scottish Ministers. (S6O-04848)”
“The next item of business is portfolio questions. The first portfolio this afternoon is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. Independence (Democratic Infrastructure) 1.”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-18133, on suspension of standing orders. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, for the purposes of consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, Rule 9B.3.5 of Standing Orders is suspended.—[Jamie Hepburn] 14:01”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 18135, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button now. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for Wednesday 25 June 2025— delete 7.40 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business and insert 9.00 pm Decision Time—[Jamie Hepburn]. Motion agreed to. Parliamentary Bureau Motion 14:00”