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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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 4 of 16.
“Amendment 136 disagreed to. Amendment 1 not moved. Section 3—Eligibility The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 2 is on eligibility to be provided with assistance. Amendment 2, in the name of Daniel Johnson, is grouped with amendments 137 to 141, 143, 162, 316 to 318 and 322 to 324. If amendment 161, which is to be debated in group 7, on assessments, including support, of terminally ill adults, is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 162, because of pre-emption. Daniel Johnson: I assure members that I will not be speaking at the beginning of every single grouping. It just happens that I got my amendments in early on these sections of the bill. In addition, I do not intend to rehearse much of what I said about the previous group of amendments, because much of that logic applies to my amendments in this group—amendments 2, 316 and 322.”
“For Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) 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) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) 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) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) 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) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) 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) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 8, Against 111, Abstentions 3.”
“The question is, that amendment 136 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. As this is the first division of stage 3, I will suspend the meeting for around five minutes to allow members to access the digital voting system. 15:10 Meeting suspended. 15:16 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: We will now proceed with the division on amendment 136. Members should cast their vote now.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20964, in the name of Edward Mountain, on the draft climate change plan, on behalf of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:50”
“I note that there are quite a few years involved in becoming a qualified lawyer, but that could lie ahead of the minister. That concludes the debate on the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. Draft Climate Change Plan”
“The whole point of the current design phase is to draw on existing good practice while challenging ourselves, and the housing industry across Scotland, to identify ways to simplify, scale up and speed up. The agency will be for all of Scotland, and my officials and I continue working closely with all councils, including Fife, to tackle the housing emergency. I reiterate that their expertise is helpful, as is the strong investment of around £153 million that we have made for affordable homes in Fife during the first four years of this session of Parliament. Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund 4.”
“Our record £926 million budget for the coming financial year and our commitment for the first time to multiyear funding certainty will give confidence to the sector, as will the £39 million that we have provided to Fife this year to acquire properties immediately, helping to reduce the use of temporary accommodation. Annabelle Ewing: I am sure that we all agree that more homes Scotland must be laser focused on delivery. In that regard, what consideration will be given to making Fife the first test case area for the new body, with regard to funding and to the location of social housing, in order to tackle the chronic shortage of decent homes for people living in the kingdom? Màiri McAllan: I welcome Ms Ewing’s suggestion of a test case.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates the establishment of more homes Scotland will lead to additional social housing being built in Fife, in light of reports of long waiting lists in the region. (S6O-05605) The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan): More homes Scotland will bring together housing, land, planning support and delivery expertise to simplify, scale and speed up the delivery of homes across Scotland, including in Fife. A design phase is under way and I will update Parliament on the detail this month.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises the value of lived experience in informing effective scrutiny and legislation and ensuring that those views are embedded across legislation passed at the Scottish Parliament; commends events such as the Parliament Disability Summit, first held in 2023, which highlighted disability issues and allowed disabled people across Scotland, including in the Lothian region, to be at the forefront of political discussion; welcomes that the Summit will be held again on 21 February 2026 and notes the view that this Summit should continue on a biannual basis; notes with concern reports that disabled people remain significantly underrepresented in elected office in Scotland, with 5% of the current MSPs declaring a disability compared with 24% of the general population; understands that people from other protected groups also continue to face underrepresentation; acknowledges what it sees as the many barriers that exist in society which discourage or prevent disabled people and others with protected characteristics from standing for election; welcomes initiatives such as the Access to Elected Office Fund run by Inclusion Scotland, which, it understands, helped 14 disabled candidates in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election through assistance with transport, communication and/or personal assistance, and notes the calls on all political parties, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and the Scottish Government to continue to work collaboratively to remove barriers, promote inclusion and strengthen disabled people’s representation and participation in Scotland’s political institutions, while also taking steps to improve representation and participation for all groups protected under the Equality Act 2010.”
“I ask members of the public who have come to visit us today—and they are very welcome—if they are leaving the chamber to please do so quickly and quietly, because we are about to move on to our next item of business. The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20598, in the name of Jeremy Balfour, on recognising lived experience and strengthening disabled people’s representation in Scottish democracy. 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.”
“Ms Webber, you must conclude. Sue Webber: In conclusion, it is time to stop Scotland’s ferry fiasco. It is time to restore trust. I move amendment S6M-20957.2, to insert at end: “; notes that the combined costs of the MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa has reached almost £500 million; acknowledges the Scottish Government’s announcements of four direct awards to Ferguson Marine, a programme to upgrade the yard, and the intention to return the yard to the private sector; urges ministers to outline how these new vessels will be delivered on time and on budget; notes the Scottish Government’s plan to purchase Ardrossan Harbour, and urges ministers to regularly update communities on when the purchase and upgrade of the harbour will be completed; further notes that the cost to charter the MV Alfred has reached £35 million, more than double the cost for Pentland Ferries to build the vessel, and that this cost will increase now that the charter has been extended; recognises that the public services and local economies of island and coastal communities have been hindered by the Scottish Government’s mismanagement of the ferry network through repeated timetable changes, cancelled sailings and the lack of a resilience vessel, and calls on the Scottish Government to outline how it will hold ferry service providers to account to ensure that they deliver for island and coastal communities.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Rhoda Grant, who joins us remotely, to speak to and move amendment S6M-20957.1.”
“The final item of business today is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20795, in the name of Jackie Baillie, on recognising the pressures facing accident and emergency departments. Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises the reported pressures facing A&E departments; is concerned that recorded waiting times are persistently high, with the number of people waiting more than 8 hours and 12 hours reported in 2025 as 171,854 and 74,052 respectively; notes the consequent rise in corridor care adversely affecting people in the Dumbarton constituency and across Scotland; considers that using the metric of acute hospital bed occupancy as well as A&E waiting times can help to relieve these pressures, and notes calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that reductions in occupancy act as the mechanism by which the whole system is held to account.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20943, in the name of Siobhian Brown, on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request- to-speak button, and I call Siobhian Brown to speak to and move the motion. 15:41”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, SP bill 76A—and the marshalled list. The division bill will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes if there is a division. The period of voting for the division will be 30 seconds. Members who wish to speak in the debate on the amendments should press their request-to-speak button or enter RTS in the chat function as soon as amendment 1 is called. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments. Section 4—What constitutes an offer The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call amendment 1, in the name of the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.”
“The next item of business is a statement by Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, on Ferguson Marine. The Deputy First Minister will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 15:06”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20875, in the name of Audrey Nicoll, on behalf of the Criminal Justice Committee, on its substance misuse in prisons inquiry. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I call Audrey Nicoll on behalf of the Criminal Justice Committee. 15:47”
“We turn to closing speeches. Rhoda Grant will close on behalf of Scottish Labour. Ms Grant is joining us remotely and has up to four minutes. 15:21”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament believes that providing childcare support to parents not only supports the family unit but also helps to grow Scotland’s economy by encouraging more parents back into the workforce; understands that families in Mid Scotland and Fife, and across the country, still struggle to find affordable, flexible and accessible childcare; praises the work of organisations such as Pregnant Then Screwed, which have campaigned to improve childcare provision across the UK; notes that its 2024 State of the Nation Survey concluded that around four in five parents (83.7%) found that childcare costs are the same as or more than their income, and that 71% of mothers and 50% of fathers say that it does not make financial sense for them to work; understands that its 2026 survey is due to conclude, with findings to be published in due course; further understands that the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare expansion programme evaluation strategy has assessed the impact of the expansion of provision covering the period 2018–25, and that it expects to publish its findings in early 2026, and notes the view that the Parliament should have the opportunity to scrutinise this important review before the end of the current parliamentary session.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20786, in the name of Roz McCall, on improved childcare support for parents. The debate will be concluded without any questions being put. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak button. I remind members that we will resume business at 2 pm and that we must allow sufficient time for staff to come and clear the chamber. Therefore, I expect members to stick to the speaking time that they have signed up to.”
“As I said to Mr O’Kane, we will continue to work with the organisation and see whether funding can be found from other portfolios to support it. We will continue to give it £30,000 in this financial year, which will provide it with levers for further funding avenues. Motor Neurone Disease (Research) 2.”
“I wish to add my total dismay at the situation that we find ourselves in. I share Paul O’Kane’s anger on the matter. The Government’s approach is, indeed, very short-sighted. The programme is a unique project that has been hugely beneficial to all the young people who have taken part over the years, from all backgrounds. It has a proven track record of success, and it has ensured that young people can take the better path. I would have thought that that is what the justice team hopes for for future generations. Surely, minister, a small amount of additional funding could be found to ensure that this excellent project can continue. The Presiding Officer: Always speak through the chair. Siobhian Brown: We are all aware of the great work that has been done by the Mark Scott leadership for life award programme.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes that football is one of the most loved and successful sports in the country and that Scotland boasts some of the most loyal supporters anywhere in Europe, but believes that, often, fans feel they are taken for granted or are an afterthought; considers that, across the country, including in the Central Scotland region, supporters groups and community trusts or charitable foundations attached to professional clubs are often enhancing their environment and giving back to those who find themselves in challenging situations, from foodbank collections to mental health initiatives; believes that football fans are often the beating heart of their communities, creating unity in spaces where division can be prevalent; considers that, with rising living costs, varying ticket prices and high transport costs, the current landscape is making it difficult for working-class fans and families to afford to follow their club, an outlet, it believes, that allows hundreds of thousands of people across the country an escapism and a sense of optimism in a time of struggle; recognises that a price cap has been in place in England for over a decade and means that travelling fans do not pay more than £30 for a ticket, yet understands that no such cap exists at present in Scotland; notes the calls for all 42 Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs, as well as the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to put fans first; further notes the view that the voices of supporters should be heard by decision makers and amplified within the Scottish Parliament, and notes the belief that those running the national game should listen to the calls from the Scottish Supporters Collective and many fans across the country and cap away football ticket prices at £25.”
“I point out, given the lateness of the hour and the fact that other receptions are not able to start until we finish, that I expect members to keep their time, which is seven minutes for the opening speech, four minutes for the speeches in the open debate and seven minutes for the minister to respond. Just to let members know, I have a button that can help to enforce that. With that, I call Gillian Mackay to open the debate—up to seven minutes, please.”
“I ask those members who are leaving the chamber to do so now, and do so quietly, because we now move to the next item of business. The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20769—[Interruption.] I ask members to leave the chamber quietly, please. The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20769, in the name of Gillian Mackay, on recognising the contribution that football clubs and their fans make to society. 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 now.”
“As members will be aware, the Presiding Officer is required under standing orders to decide whether or not, in her view, any provision of a bill relates to a protected subject matter—that is, whether it modifies the electoral system and franchise for Scottish parliamentary elections. In the Presiding Officer’s view, no provision of the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill relates to a protected subject matter; therefore, the bill does not require a supermajority to be passed at stage 3. The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20860, in the name of Shona Robison, on the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill at stage 3. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government to open the debate. 15:59”
“The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on protecting children from harm. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 15:26”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on support provided to the Mossmorran workforce, following the early closure of the ExxonMobil Fife ethylene plant. (S6O- 05547)”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20904, in the name of Graham Simpson, on the Scottish Parliament (Recall of Members) Bill at stage 3. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request- to-speak buttons, and I call Graham Simpson, the member in charge of the bill, to speak to and move the motion. 17:28”
“The question is, that amendment 38 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. As this will be the first division of stage 3, I suspend the meeting for about five minutes to allow members to access the digital voting system. 14:53 Meeting suspended. 14:58 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: We will proceed with the division on amendment 38. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20844, in the name of Shona Robison, on the Scottish income tax rate resolution 2026-27. 16:13”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20820, in the name of Mark Ruskell, on a joint transition fund for Mossmorran. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak button. 16:01”
“The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. Libraries 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, which runs from 23 February to 1 March; understands that the theme for the week is “Community”, to highlight that, while eating disorders can be isolating for those experiencing them and the people supporting them, there is value in connecting with others who have shared experiences; notes that the eating disorder charity, Beat, estimates that 1.25 million people across the UK, and 100,000 people in Scotland, have an eating disorder; recognises that data suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; acknowledges the comprehensive recommendations set out in the 2021 National Review of Eating Disorder Services, and notes the view that, while work is being carried out by organisations such as Beat to increase peer support and training services, further measures are required to address this growing issue.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20319, in the name of Elena Whitham, on eating disorders awareness week 2026. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“Surely, below 16 they should be able to opt out of religious observance. Stephen Kerr: Actually, John Mason makes my point for me—16 is not an arbitrary number. In Scots law, it marks a recognised threshold of legal capacity—”
“The bill now creates a process by which, if a pupil objects, the parental request must not be given effect. That is not simply consultation; it is determinative. In such circumstances, Parliament must be precise about thresholds. Amendment 2 clarifies that it is a “pupil 16 years of age or older” whose position carries that determinative weight. John Mason: Will the member give way? Maggie Chapman: Will the member give way? Stephen Kerr: I give way to John Mason. John Mason: Speaking—it is interesting to note—as one religious member to another, does the member not think that 16 is a bit on the high side? I would have accepted it if he had said that the threshold should be at secondary 1 stage or maybe somewhere in between, but 16? We allow young people at 16 to do a lot of things.”
“If we are going to formalise a process by which some pupils are withdrawn from religious observance, the statute must guarantee that those pupils are not educationally sidelined. The bill currently protects against disadvantage in terms of secular instruction, but it does not explicitly guarantee purposeful alternative activity during the period of withdrawal. Amendment 1, therefore, would place a clear statutory duty on the authority or managers to provide “suitable and purposeful educational activity”. Amendments 2 to 4 turn to the question of maturity and capacity. Proposed new section 9A, as drafted, states that a “pupil is to be presumed to be capable of forming a view unless the contrary is shown.” In abstract terms, that sounds child centred; in practical terms, it places schools in a difficult and potentially adversarial position.”
“The new section 9A that the bill proposes to insert into the 1980 act establishes a formal process once a parent requests withdrawal from religious observance. That framework is now set out clearly in the bill as amended at stage 2. It requires operators to inform the pupil and invite their views and, if the pupil objects, to refuse the parental request. That is a significant constitutional and educational shift—it alters the balance between parental authority, institutional responsibility and the child’s developing autonomy. My amendments in this group seek not to undo that framework, but to ensure that it is workable, legally coherent and fair in its consequences. Amendment 1 addresses an issue that should concern every member of the Parliament: what actually happens to the child once withdrawal takes place?”
“Amendment 6 disagreed to. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 2 is on process following receipt of parental withdrawal request. Amendment 1, in the name of Stephen Kerr, is grouped with amendments 2 to 5 and 19. I point out that, if amendment 19 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 20, which is to be debated in the group on a pupil’s right to withdraw from religious observance, due to pre-emption. Stephen Kerr: For clarification, what I said to Maggie Chapman in the context of my remarks was that applying a secular analytical framework to something that is not designed to function in that way is not a small drafting point; it is a conceptual mistake, which is my polite way of saying that I do not think that it is understood. Group 2 is at the heart of how the legislation will operate in practice.”
“For Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (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) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (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) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) 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) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) 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) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment 6 is: For 14, Against 102, Abstentions 0.”
“The question is, that amendment 6 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. As this is the first division at stage 3, I will suspend the meeting for about five minutes to allow members to access the digital voting system. 16:16 Meeting suspended. 16:22 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: We will now proceed with the division on amendment 6. Members should cast their votes now. Jenny Gilruth: On a point of order, Presiding Officer, my app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Gilruth. Your vote will be recorded.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20720, in the name of Shona Robison, on the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill at stage 1. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 15:25”
“The next item of business is a statement by Angela Constance on the sentencing and penal policy commission. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement; therefore, there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:52”
“Good afternoon. The next item of business is portfolio question time, and the portfolio this afternoon is social justice and housing. Question 1 has been withdrawn. Homelessness Prevention Pilots 2.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20730, in the name of Pauline McNeill, on community policing. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 16:01”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is rural affairs, land reform and islands. Salmon Numbers (Rivers) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the essential role of renewable energy in meeting Scotland’s net zero targets; acknowledges what it considers is the significant growth of onshore wind farms, transmission infrastructure and energy storage developments across rural Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway; notes the reported concerns raised by local communities regarding the cumulative impact of large-scale developments on landscapes, biodiversity and rural economies; understands that many of these developments are advanced through planning mechanisms that limit local authority capacity and community input, including applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989; notes the belief that a balanced approach is needed that supports Scotland’s climate ambitions while ensuring that rural communities are active partners in shaping the future of their regions; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to publish a clear and inclusive national energy strategy that provides guidance on cumulative impact, community benefit and transmission infrastructure, and notes the calls for reform of the planning system to strengthen transparency, local engagement and democratic accountability in energy infrastructure decisions, which ensures that all parts of Scotland benefit fairly and sustainably from the transition to net zero.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20100, in the name of Finlay Carson, on the essential role of renewable energy in meeting net zero targets. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20717, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to please press their request-to- speak button. 15:46”
“We support amendments 25 to 27 in Lorna Slater’s name, because they seek to bring the consultation requirements for community wealth building action plans into line with the consultation requirements for the community wealth building statement. Amendment 26 will mean that the Scottish ministers and local authorities must consult social enterprises as part of preparing their respective community wealth building statement and action plans. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Murdo Fraser to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 16. Murdo Fraser: I have nothing to add. I press amendment 16. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 16 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”