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…”
The complete record
Every one of 792 lines we hold for Annabelle Ewing, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 16.
“Mr Rennie talked about how the higher history situation would not have been changed if the accreditation function had been moved, because accreditation does not currently include school qualifications. However, they might be included in the future, and that could involve a substantial increase in resource or staff. Such questions should have been addressed by now. The Government has been trying to reform education since 2020 and has come only this far. That could have been addressed by now, but it has not been. That is the sort of thing that will have to be considered in the potential scope, and my amendments allow for that scoping exercise to take place. The higher history situation happened because the SQA was able to determine the quality assurance of its own qualifications.”
“The cabinet secretary has concluded her remarks. I call Pam Duncan-Glancy to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 98. Pam Duncan-Glancy: I have to say that I am left entirely deflated and disappointed by the debate. I will address some of the points that we have heard, although I am mindful of time. I start with Willie Rennie. As I said earlier, I hugely respect him—I hope that he will permit me to speak while facing away from him so that I can see my notes; he should not take that as disrespect. I feel that the points that have been made have not fully addressed the issues that I highlighted. Willie Rennie talked about a substantial review. My amendment 200, on the role of the regulator, would offer that, while also moving the accreditation function out of the qualifications body, which experts and others have said needs to happen.”
“The next item of business is portfolio question time. The portfolio this afternoon is social justice. Asylum Right to Work Pilot Proposal 1.”
“Good afternoon. The next item of business is Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body question time. MSP Staff (Parental Leave) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises Action Mesothelioma Day 2025, which is on 4 July 2025; understands that mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, with tiny fibres getting into the lungs and damaging them over time; notes that the cancer most commonly occurs in the lining of the lung, but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and the lining of the heart, with symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and tiredness; understands that there are around 2,700 new mesothelioma cases in the UK every year, including around 200 in Scotland; recognises that Action Mesothelioma Day is a national event to raise awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma, raise vital funds to support the research into tackling mesothelioma, and to remember and support those who have been affected by the disease; notes with concern what it sees as the time bar injustice for mesothelioma victims and welcomes the Scottish Law Commission report, Report on Damages for Personal Injury, published in December 2024, which recommends that “an asymptomatic condition such as pleural plaques will no longer result in a time bar preventing recovery of damages for a later-developing symptomatic condition such as mesothelioma”; applauds the long- standing and ongoing work of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, which has provided information and support to people with asbestos-related conditions for over 30 years; notes the calls for continued research into mesothelioma, and hopes for a successful Action Mesothelioma Day 2025.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17647, in the name of Marie McNair, on action mesothelioma day 2025. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons.”
“I will respond to Annabelle Ewing’s letter in due course. A96 Corridor Review (Consultation) 6.”
“The minister will be aware that I wrote to him on 11 June expressing my concerns about the implications of the new funding model for Fife College. In an exchange with Alex Rowley on 8 May, the minister indicated that he was “open to exploring whether we could add into the mix a further premium that recognises the delivery of courses that are linked to local and national economic need”.—[Official Report, 8 May 2025; c 7.] What is the status of that thinking? Graeme Dey: I have not seen the letter that Annabelle Ewing has written to me, but she has raised it today. Consideration of an additional premium sits within a wide-ranging and on-going piece of work to look at how we get colleges in their localities to better align their offerings with the needs of the local and national economy.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17980, in the name of Craig Hoy, on demanding a better deal for taxpayers in Scotland. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Craig Hoy to speak to and move the motion. 14:52”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the latest export statistics for Scotland’s food and drink sector. (S6O-04804)”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament echoes the “grave concerns” of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the reportedly catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza; notes the calls, including from constituents in Glasgow Anniesland, for an immediate ceasefire and the safe release of all hostages, alongside the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and further notes the belief that international recognition of a sovereign independent state of Palestine, as part of a two- state solution, is the fundamental pillar upon which a lasting peace in the Middle East depends. 18:24”
“The final item of business this evening is a members’ business debate on motion S6M- 17933, in the name of Bill Kidd, on the on-going crisis in Gaza. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Bill Kidd to open the debate.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17966, in the name of Kate Forbes, on the Scottish Languages Bill at stage 3. 17:21”
“I call Ross Greer to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 58. Ross Greer: I appreciate the cabinet secretary’s remarks and hope that we will be able to embed the principle of equal respect in law at some point soon. However, for the sake of unanimity on the bill as a whole, which I consider to be important, I seek to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 58, by agreement, withdrawn. Section 29—Effect of Scots language strategy Amendment 59 moved—[Ross Greer]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 59 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“Section 4—Areas of linguistic significance The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on areas of linguistic significance. Amendment 13, in the name of Pam Duncan-Glancy, is grouped with amendments 14 to 18, 1, 2, 19 to 23 and 65.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Scottish Languages Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, Scottish Parliament bill 39A—the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes for the first division of stage 3. The period of voting for the first division will be 30 seconds. Thereafter, I will allow a voting period of one minute for the first division after a debate. Members who wish to speak in the debate on any group of amendments should press their request-to-speak buttons or enter RTS in the chat as soon as possible after I call the group. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-17968, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, which sets out a timetable for stage 3 consideration of the Scottish Languages Bill. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, during stage 3 of the Scottish Languages Bill, debate on groups of amendments shall, subject to Rule 9.8.4A, be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated, those time limits being calculated from when the stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when a meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress: Groups 1 to 3: 55 minutes Groups 4 to 7: 1 hour 50 minutes Groups 8 to 10: 2 hours 25 minutes.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Scottish Languages Bill: Stage 3 15:35”
“The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on delivering reform and renewal for health and social care. 15:01”
“The next item of business is a ministerial statement by Alasdair Allan on the greenhouse gas emissions statistics 2023. The minster will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:55”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions on net zero and energy, and transport. Public Transport (Rural Communities) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament congratulates all of the commissioners and staff of the Scottish Law Commission, past and present, on its 60th anniversary; notes that the Commission was established under the Law Commissions Act 1965, and that the Commission is Scotland’s law reform body tasked with recommending reforms to simplify, modernise and improve Scots law; considers that outdated or complex laws can be inefficient, and do not serve the interests of the public or justice well; recognises that the Commission provides independent advice to the Scottish Government, often examining entire areas of law and making recommendations; notes that the Commission’s work has led to a number of bills in the Scottish Parliament, including reforms abolishing feudal tenure and protecting adults incapable of managing their affairs; values the contribution of the Commission over the last 60 years, and notes that, since 2013, part of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee’s remit has been to scrutinise certain Scottish Law Commission Bills that comply with the Scottish Parliament’s Standing Orders Rule 9.17A and the associated criteria determined by the Presiding Officer, with the Committee leading on four such bills so far in Session 6.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17249, in the name of Stuart McMillan, on the 60th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17869, in the name of Jackie Baillie, on addressing Scotland’s medical and nursing workforce crisis. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons. 14:53”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is Deputy First Minister responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. Question 1 was not lodged. Gaelic Educational Services (Ayrshire) 2.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17858, in the name of Maree Todd, on the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 18:01”
“I call Jackie Baillie to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 39. Jackie Baillie: I press amendment 39. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 39 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. Shona Robison: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am still having technical problems. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Robison. Your vote will be recorded.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions, and the portfolio is education and skills. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Responsibilities) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament is concerned about the reported impact of the expansion of second home ownership on communities across Scotland; believes that the impact of second home ownership is felt more keenly in some communities than in others, including in areas of natural beauty; notes with concern reports that, in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, 5% of all houses are second homes or holiday lets, compared with 1% nationally, and that the figure is 12% in the Cairngorms National Park, rising to 20% in areas such as parts of Badenoch and Strathspey, that they account for over one third in Lochranza, on the Isle of Arran, and that in Coigach almost half of all homes are second homes or holiday lets; considers that recent changes to the additional dwelling supplement (ADS) and council tax have contributed to a reduction in second home purchases, with 2,455 fewer second homes bought in 2024 than in 2023; understands that the increased rate of ADS alone is expected to raise more than a quarter of a billion of pounds for public services, including the provision of affordable housing in 2025-26, and notes the view that further targeted measures, including potential tax reforms, should be considered to rebalance primary and second home ownership levels in communities where the housing crisis is particularly acute.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17422, in the name of Ross Greer, on addressing the impact of second home ownership in Scotland. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Please excuse my voice; I hope that it lasts the pace. As members will be aware, we will resume business at 2 pm and we must leave sufficient time for staff to be able to clear the chamber. I therefore ask members to stick to the agreed speaking time that they have signed up to. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak button.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17524, in the name of Miles Briggs, on a review of additional support for learning and the implementation of mainstreaming. 15:24”
“For me, that is crucial. As a Parliament, we must reach a decision, on balance, on whether to proceed with the bill. I look forward to hearing further from friends and colleagues on both sides of the debate. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise members that there are, quite understandably, a considerable number of members who wish to speak in the debate, and we are trying to accommodate that. To enable that, members have agreed to speak for up to five minutes. I take the opportunity to put that into the mix at this point. 15:39”
“Concerns have been raised by some that doctors may be under a legal duty—case law was cited—to proactively raise the subject of assisted dying with eligible patients. That would lead to a real dilemma for doctors when terminally ill people ask, “Have we explored all the possible treatment options? What else is there, doctor?” How is a clinician supposed to answer that? Could the trust in those clinicians be undermined? Would such a duty normalise assisted dying? Is that something that we should do? I suppose that we are debating that in Parliament this afternoon. On balance—it is on balance—I will not support the bill at stage 1 this evening. I expect to hear forceful arguments for why we should support it, but I am not sure that we could amend the bill to identify and tackle the underlying inequalities and realities in society.”
“Although I welcome the increased attention that palliative care is receiving, it should not take a bill on assisted dying to garner greater attention for it. It stands on its own merits, but it has not been a priority for this Parliament, and that applies across the parties. I am concerned that, when the Association for Palliative Medicine surveyed its members, who are palliative care specialists, 86 per cent of respondents stated that assisted dying would have a negative impact on services and 81 per cent considered that it would negatively impact recruitment to palliative medicine. I have various other concerns but, in the time that I have left, I want to talk about how the bill could fundamentally change the relationship between doctors and patients.”
“There is limited time. Sandesh Gulhane: I wonder whether Bob Doris might acknowledge that, even with the best palliative care, people will still be in pain, be suffering and be psychologically traumatised. Bob Doris: I appreciate that there are challenges. I do not think that many palliative care professionals would dispute that. I absolutely appreciate the situation that the member sought to outline during this afternoon’s debate. The public funds that support our palliative care sector need to be significantly increased, and it is the same elsewhere in the UK. We must make common cause to demonstrate political will and increase those funds. Our hospice sector deserves greater financial sustainability, and we also need greater consistency in how we support those who are approaching the end of life with care at home.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament congratulates St Andrew’s RC Primary School in Gorebridge on its commendation for learning for sustainability in the international environmental Eco-Schools programme, by the environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful; understands that St Andrew’s RC Primary School has gone above and beyond in its Eco- Schools activities across all of the required categories; further understands that Eco-Schools is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, and that it is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world, operated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education and delivered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and considers that such schemes are helpful in encouraging young people to take an interest in environmental issues. 17:03”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17145, in the name of Christine Grahame, on the 30th anniversary of eco-schools and success for St Andrew’s RC primary school in Gorebridge. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on the programme for government 2025-26. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 15:26”
“This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament acknowledges that Scotland has the potential to be a leading hydrogen nation and is fully committed to helping the Scottish hydrogen sector to develop and grow as part of a wider European and international network; notes that, following the successful shortlisting of Scottish projects in the recent UK Hydrogen Allocation Round, Scotland is creating a hydrogen economy that will provide economic benefit and a renewable and low-carbon source of energy to help meet its net zero ambitions; supports efforts to ensure that hydrogen is supported via continued investment, and calls on the Scottish Government to continue taking steps to deliver the hydrogen sector export plan. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:11.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app did not work. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Ewing. We will ensure that that is recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) 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) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (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) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West 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) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) 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] Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) [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) 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) 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) Against 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) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-17399, in the name of Gillian Martin, on Scotland’s hydrogen future, is: For 113, Against 6, Abstentions 0.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17399, in the name of Gillian Martin, on Scotland’s hydrogen future. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I call the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, to speak to and move the motion. You have up to 12 minutes, cabinet secretary. 14:59”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time, and the portfolio today is net zero and energy, and transport. As always, I call for succinct questions and answers in order to get in as many members as possible. Question 1 has been withdrawn. Public Transport Connectivity (South-west Scotland) 2.”
“Siobhian Brown: The changes that the Fire and Rescue Service is consulting on have been very carefully considered using substantial evidence and analysis of risk. As I have said, I am always open to visiting fire stations and hearing directly from those on the front line, and I will speak to my private office about organising a visit. As I set out in my original answer, there will be a full public consultation where everyone will have the opportunity to make their views known. “Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender” 4.”
“I listened carefully to what the minister has just said in response to Alex Rowley MSP, but I am sure that my constituents will nonetheless remain very concerned to note that she has not, in fact, ruled out those dangerous cuts to Lochgelly fire station, which is indeed one of only four rope rescue centres in Scotland, and that the cuts could lead to the very closure of Lochgelly fire station itself. I hear that the minister is happy to visit fire stations. Will she commit to having her private office today set up a visit to Lochgelly fire station to meet local firefighters and hear their very significant concerns about the considerable risks that such cuts pose to their ability to keep us all safe?”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes the view that it is vitally important to ensure that the Best Start new model of neonatal care delivers the highest standards of care for the most vulnerable babies, including those in the Central Scotland region; further notes the view that implementation of this new model must prioritise the safety of babies, be underpinned by adequate and sustained funding, including for appropriate staffing levels, and include sufficient provision of overnight accommodation for parents on neonatal units; understands the view that families require reassurance that changes to services will improve outcomes and not compromise access to specialised care, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to provide an update on progress towards implementation of the new model of neonatal care and a timescale for when the new model will be fully operational, to clarify whether there are any expected changes to the plans, as announced by the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health on 25 July 2023, and to set out how it will ensure that what it sees as these essential criteria, including provision of overnight accommodation, are met in line with its planned timescale.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17186, in the name of Meghan Gallacher, on the best start new model of neonatal care. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I advise members that Jackie Baillie has lodged an amendment to the motion. Amendments to members’ business motions are admissible, but are not taken in the chamber. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Meghan Gallacher to open the debate.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17362, in the name of Sue Webber, on ending the war against Scotland’s motorists. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak button now. 15:22”
“The next item of business is a statement by Kate Forbes on the cessation of refining at Grangemouth. The Deputy First Minister will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:51”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Craig Hoy to close on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives. 16:44”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Please be brief. Kate Forbes: For clarity, what is Daniel Johnson saying that we did not put on the agenda? I am sorry—I did not quite follow that. Daniel Johnson: My understanding is that, at no point in the many meetings between the two Governments regarding Grangemouth did the Scottish Government request that the possibility of nationalising the facility be discussed. We know that both Governments and the relevant ministers—Michael Shanks and Gillian Martin— have met dozens of times in recent months. They have had a number of discussions, which have been described as constructive. If the Government wants us to take its point seriously, perhaps it needs to explain why it has never raised the issue in its discussions with the UK Government. Those are the facts, as I understand them.”