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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“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19504, in the name of Claire Baker, on non-fatal strangulation laws and intimate partner homicides. 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.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20235, in the name of Craig Hoy, on Scotland’s flood defences. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Motion debated, That the Parliament notes proposals for a number of flood defence schemes across Scotland, including in the South Scotland region; considers the impact and pressure caused by climate change on coastal and rural communities; recognises reported public concerns about the design and costs of flood defence projects, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government and local authorities to fully consult with local communities, partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders during the appraisal and consenting process. 17:29”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20295, in the name of Murdo Fraser, on stopping the Scottish Government’s business tax increases. 15:59”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20294, in the name of Craig Hoy, on lowering bills for Scotland’s workers. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:53”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the constitution secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the potential implications for Scotland’s relations with European Union member states of the United Kingdom rejoining the Erasmus programme. (S6O-05326)”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20174, in the name of Angela Constance, which is a legislative consent motion on the Sentencing Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation. 14:00”
“The next item of business is a debate on cybercrime on behalf of the Criminal Justice Committee. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 15:27”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20167, in the name of Maurice Golden, on the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Maurice Golden, the member in charge of the bill, to speak to and move the motion. 15:15”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendment, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, Scottish Parliament bill 58A—and the marshalled list. If there is a division, the division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes. The period of voting for the division will be 30 seconds. Members who wish to speak in the debate on amendment 1 should press their request-to-speak buttons or enter RTS in the chat function as soon as the amendment is called. Members should now refer to the marshalled list. Section 2—Theft of assistance dogs The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call amendment 1, in the name of”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, Multi-system solutions for meeting the needs of autistic people and people with ADHD in Scotland; notes the reported unprecedented increase in the number of people across Scotland, including in Edinburgh, seeking support for neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism; understands that, as of March 2025, over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults were waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment, and that this represents an increase of over 500% for children and 2,200% for adults since 2020; further understands that there is currently no standardised national pathway for diagnosis, treatment and support for NDCs, and that in the absence of appropriate services, individuals are being referred into general mental health pathways, not because they have a mental illness, but because there is nowhere else for them to go; believes that this is placing unsustainable pressure on Scotland’s mental health system; further believes that timely diagnosis and intervention for ADHD and autism can significantly improve quality of life, reduce suicide risk and prevent secondary mental illnesses; commends the work of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland in developing a comprehensive, value-based framework to address these challenges, and notes the view that simply expanding existing structures is not a sustainable solution, and that a multi-system and society-wide response is needed.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19319, in the name of Daniel Johnson, on welcoming the report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on support for neurodevelopmental conditions. The debate will be concluded without any question being put, and I ask members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland national football team on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognises that this marks Scotland’s first appearance at the tournament in 28 years and represents a significant moment for Scottish sport; commends the team on its thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park, which secured qualification; acknowledges the quality and determination shown throughout the match, including Scott McTominay’s early goal from an overhead kick, Lawrence Shankland’s restoration of Scotland’s lead in the second half, and the dramatic stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, which sealed the result; further acknowledges the contribution of head coach, Steve Clarke, and all the staff supporting the national side; pays tribute to the Tartan Army for its passionate and positive backing of the team at home and abroad; notes the wider social, cultural and sporting benefits that participation in major international events can bring to communities across Scotland; wishes the national team every success as preparations begin for the 2026 World Cup finals; notes the pride that this achievement has brought to communities across Clackmannanshire and Stirling, and recognises the work of local clubs and volunteers in supporting grassroots football.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19823, in the name of Keith Brown, on Scotland national football team qualifies for the 2026 FIFA world cup. 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.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20056, in the name of Alexander Stewart, on controlling the rising benefits bill in Scotland. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:48”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20050, in the name of Graeme Dey, on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons. 16:38”
“Mr Bibby, you need to conclude. Neil Bibby: —by awarding it future Scottish Government ferry work to safeguard Scotland’s iconic shipbuilding industry. If the Scottish Government does not provide certainty— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Bibby. Neil Bibby: —and show confidence in the yard, why should anyone else? 16:16”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises that 9 December 2025 is the 70th anniversary of the designation of Cumbernauld as Scotland’s third new town under the terms of the New Towns Act 1946, having been identified as a suitable location in the Clyde Valley Regional Plan; understands that this is a significant moment in the history of the town; recognises that the area designated included the existing villages of Cumbernauld and Condorrat, with the first part of the new town to be built being in the Kildrum area of the town to provide accommodation for workers at the nearby Burroughs factory; recalls that the inaugural ceremony for the new town was in June 1957, where the sod was cut at Kildrum Farm; appreciates the great sense of community that exists in Cumbernauld through its wide range of organisations and bodies that do great work to promote the town and support its residents; thanks all those who are involved in promoting the 70th anniversary, and wishes all those who live and work in Cumbernauld the best for the occasion and the future.”
“I ask members of the public who have been visiting their Parliament to leave the chamber quickly and quietly as we are now moving to the next item of business. I thank them in advance for their co-operation. The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19607, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on the 70th anniversary of Cumbernauld as a new town. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to speak to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19980, in the name of Pauline McNeill, on transparency in tackling group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Pauline McNeill to speak to and move the motion. 16:01”
“The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. Alcohol and Tobacco Duty (Devolution of Powers) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises 3 December 2025 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is a day that has been established by the UN to promote the rights and wellbeing of disabled people in all aspects of life; acknowledges that this year’s theme is ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, which highlights that, when societies remove barriers and create equal opportunities, everyone benefits; commends the contributions that disabled people make to Scotland’s communities, economy, culture and public life; recognises the continuing barriers that they face, including in employment, education, transport and access to public services; supports the work of disabled people’s organisations, advocacy groups and charities across Scotland that campaign for equality and human rights, and notes the Parliament’s commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive Scotland, in which everyone can participate fully and thrive, including through events such as the upcoming Disability Summit, which is set to take place at the Parliament, and online, on 21 February 2026.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19557, in the name of Pam Duncan-Glancy, on the international day of persons with disabilities. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19970, in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville, on uniting local and national efforts across sectors to end violence against women and girls. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:54”
“That concludes the urgent question. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business. Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 17:32”
“The next item of business is portfolio question time, and the portfolio is social justice and housing. Question 1 has been withdrawn. Women Against State Pension Inequality (Compensation) 2.”
“The next item of business is Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body question time. Contractors (Employment Terms and Conditions) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes proposals from Glasgow City Council to introduce an at-city-boundary congestion charge and a toll on using the Clyde Tunnel; recognises that at a meeting of the local authority’s Economy, Housing, Transport and Regeneration City Policy Committee on 19 August 2025, it was confirmed that the council would continue to investigate the possibility of putting in place the congestion charge and tolling the tunnel; understands that, if a congestion charge was introduced, it would result in motorists from other local authority areas, including the neighbouring East Renfrewshire, being charged each time that they drive into the city, for reasons such as work, healthcare and education; acknowledges that motorists would also be subject to a further charge if they pass through the Clyde Tunnel in the event that a toll is put in place, and notes the view that, as these plans from Glasgow City Council could have a widespread impact on motorists, and particularly if other local authorities responded by introducing equivalent congestion charges, it is appropriate for Scotland's national parliament to debate the proposals.”
“I ask guests who are leaving the chamber and the gallery, who have been most welcome to attend our Parliament—it is your Parliament—to do so quickly and quietly because we are about to move on to the next item of business and we need some quiet for that. Thank you for your co- operation. The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19510, in the name of Jackson Carlaw, on Glasgow City Council’s plans for an at-city-boundary congestion charge and a toll on using the Clyde tunnel. 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.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes with deep concern the figures on what it sees as the unacceptable waiting times at NHS Scotland gender identity clinics (GIC), which were published by Public Health Scotland on 28 October 2025; further notes in particular that Scotland’s largest GIC, the Sandyford in Glasgow, which serves eight NHS boards covering nearly half of Scotland’s population, is reportedly overwhelmed, with around 4,000 people on its waiting list and fewer than 50 first appointments per year as of March 2025; shares the concern of Scottish Trans that “the most hopeful estimate is that you would wait 80 years for a first appointment” and that “without drastic action, most people on the waiting list will never be seen”; believes that the strategic action framework for 2022-24 for the improvement of NHS gender identity services, which was published in 2021, has failed to deliver its aims, which included piloting new gender identity services to reduce waiting times and improve trans people’s experiences, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to urgently set out a plan of action to ensure that trans people in Glasgow and throughout Scotland are able to access the services they need.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19675, in the name of Patrick Harvie, on unacceptable waiting times for accessing gender identity clinics. 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.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19895, in the name of Craig Hoy, on growing Scotland’s economy. I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak button. I call Craig Hoy to speak to and move the motion. 16:02”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any economic benefits of the growth of aquaculture in Scotland. (S6O-05193)”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19890, in the name of Graeme Dey, on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill: emergency bill motion. I remind members that, as per rule 11.3.1(h) of standing orders, the question on the motion will be put immediately after the debate. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak button. I call the minister, Graeme Dey, to speak to and move the motion. 16:31”
“For that reason, the Greens will support the bill at the stage 1 vote later this evening. 16:07”
“In this respect, it is an important decision in Northern Ireland and beyond—especially where considerable reliance is based on the existence of opt-outs ... This is arguably true of the law on collective worship in schools in most, if not all, of the nations of the UK.” The bill is disappointing in many ways. At the first opportunity, the Scottish Government has chosen to draft the legislation to be out of scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. The bill will not implement the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, and it suggests that UNCRC compliance might be optional. However, we can remedy those issues at stage 2 and beyond. We will have a lot of work to do to ensure that the bill measures up but it is possible to do that work.”
“I reiterate the Supreme Court decision from last week. Judges ruled that collective worship in the north of Ireland that is not done in an “objective, critical, and pluralistic manner amounts to indoctrination” and is unlawful. I appreciate that the cabinet secretary has written to the committee to confirm that the context in the north of Ireland is different with regard to the law and religious education. That is true. However, that does not mean that the court case does not have implications for us here in Scotland. Professor Russell Sandberg, an expert in religion and the law, has said: “The Supreme Court decision is ... about the right to withdraw and whether opt-outs for parents can excuse teaching that is otherwise not human rights compliant.”
“Those groups have waited too long for watertight legislation that safeguards their rights. I turn to a couple of other issues that have been raised in the debate this afternoon. We have not heard much discussion on the potential that exists in the current system for othering and stigma. Nor have we heard much about how school staff can be better supported to ensure that the young people in their care can realise their rights. Indeed, the committee heard some troubling evidence of inappropriate behaviour in our schools. The Scottish Government does not have a clear handle on all of that. It has asserted that RO is “inclusive, subjective and pluralist”. However, it has no way of knowing that, because it has not done the research to gather evidence to back that up. I urge the Government to do so immediately to remedy that.”
“Surely, it would be better to have a clear process by which we can amend legislation so that it becomes consistent with convention rights—or, better, just to ensure that all bills that we pass are drafted to be consistent in the first place. The situation also has potentially huge implications for a future Scottish human rights bill. It risks setting a precedent whereby we enshrine rights then establish processes for public bodies to ignore them. I therefore ask members to carefully consider whether the decisions that we will make as the bill progresses will affect a future human rights bill. We cannot endorse a process that will create a mechanism to set aside human rights. Too many individuals and communities across Scotland currently struggle to realise their rights or frequently have their rights ignored.”
“It is therefore not clear why part 2 of the bill is needed at all. Why would the Parliament choose to pass legislation that was not compliant with the UNCRC? Furthermore, if any future conflicts arise, the Scottish Greens are not convinced that the provisions in part 2 are the best way of dealing with them—and they should certainly not be the default. If the convention is simply set aside every time that there is a conflict, what is the point of enshrining the convention into our laws in the first place? Witnesses told the committee that it sends entirely the wrong message to say that one of the first acts in implementing the UNCRC is to set up a system of carve-outs from it.”
“Those two positions are consistent with most of the evidence that we heard at committee and with the views of the majority of Scots. I turn to part 2 of the bill. Martin Whitfield, Alex Cole-Hamilton and others spoke to concerns that I share. I am very concerned that part 2 fundamentally undermines the principle of enshrining the UNCRC into Scots law, as this Parliament has voted to do twice—in 2021 and 2023. We must be clear about what part 2 does. In a bill that seeks to ensure that one of our laws is consistent with the UNCRC, it allows public officials to ignore the convention if it conflicts with any domestic Scottish law. The Scottish Government has been unable to say why that is necessary. It has already indicated that it is aware of no existing laws or policies that present a conflict with the convention.”
“We move to closing speeches. 16:01 Maggie Chapman: In closing for the Scottish Greens, I will deal with some of the issues that I did not address in opening. First, I thank my committee colleagues and our clerks, the Scottish Parliament information centre and the participation and communities team for thoughtful consideration of the bill at stage 1. I am very grateful to all who sent in their views or contributed in person to our evidence sessions. I also thank all those who sent detailed and informative briefings in advance of today’s debate. This seemingly small bill wrestles with some big questions. I have already made it clear that I will seek, at stage 2, to separate religious observance and RME and to introduce an independent right for any child to withdraw from RO.”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-18938, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I call Ivan McKee to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act.—[Ivan McKee] The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Covid-19 Inquiry Modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Report”
“The Scottish Government promised to bring forward a community wealth building act “to redirect wealth, control and” community “benefits to local economies”. It is my fear that the bill, in its current form, will do little to even measure that and will do nothing whatsoever to drive it. This bill does not rewire the economy—a property that Kevin Stewart claimed for it earlier. If the Government wills an end, the Government must also will the means to it—a point that both Katy Clark and Maurice Golden made in the debate We will vote for the bill in principle. We will seek to amend it. We will seek to co-operate with the Government in that task, because, in the end, it is in all of our interests to make this a community wealth building act worthy of the name. 16:10”
“Many of us in the Labour Party come from a radical, democratic and socialist tradition that finds its contemporary form in a community wealth building movement. It is of no surprise to me that two of the movement’s outstanding leaders— Matthew Brown in Preston; and Joe Cullinane in North Ayrshire, who Katy Clark spoke of—are, and have been, Labour Party municipal socialists. The Labour Party should never be about the promotion of market forces and excessive wealth accumulation. It should always be about people before profit and the more equal society. That is who we are and who we always should be. What we are witnessing with this bill is not just shallowness, moderation or timidity. What we are witnessing is an abject abdication of responsibility.”
“What I am talking about is community wealth building from the root up: a mosaic, not a monolith, and not a command economy but one that is decentralised and socially owned. I am talking about a democratic socialism that embraces municipal ownership, co-operative ownership, worker participation and worker ownership and control. I am bound to say that what the bill illustrates is the insufficiency of nationalism and a Scottish National Party Government that has long ago abandoned its radicalism. The bill should be a new path to those old ideals of co-operation, solidarity, democratic reform and of peace and prosperity, founded on principles that are rooted in a collective view of society.”
“What about supporting credit unions, some of which the Minister for Business and Employment and I met just yesterday, when they were lobbying Parliament? What about legislating to empower municipal, community and co-operative ownership of energy, as Lorna Slater said? What about our local government pension schemes, which are worth £60 billion? Are they not relevant public bodies? The Strathclyde pension scheme alone is valued at £28 billion, yet little of that is reinvested in the local economy and, even when it is, that is usually through financing vehicles that are themselves absentee multinational corporations or venture capitalists. What about the Scottish National Investment Bank? Should that public bank not have a statutory duty to support democratic forms of ownership in our economy?”
“16:05 Richard Leonard: For me, it is simple: we should have local economies where far more power rests in the hands of local workers and local communities and is not left in the hands of absentee directors in faraway boardrooms. We should have a redistribution of wealth and power. We should have a democratic alternative to extractive capital and neoliberal economics, because we have seen, over the past decade and a half, just how badly exposed to economic shocks we are. In the end, this is about political will and political priorities. By offering people hope out of despair and by offering a democratic renewal in the economy, in place of widespread discontent, we would be offering them an alternative to the politics of division and of the authoritarian right. There are some self-evident and conspicuous holes in the bill.”
“For example, I am interested in the status of local authorities’ common good registers, which need to be kept up to date. Are they? Are the things listed on those registers actually being used for the common good? Can we add more things to those registers? This bill at stage 1 legislates for only two things. One is to mandate that the Scottish Government create a community wealth building strategy, although not that it then has to follow it—but we will come to that. The other is to mandate that certain public bodies get around the table with local authorities to come up with community wealth action plans. Neither is a bad idea, and I look forward to working with all members at stages 2 and 3 of the bill to make them better. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Richard Leonard to close the debate on behalf of Scottish Labour.”
“It is very important that the development of community wealth action plans includes community trusts and existing democratic development organisations where they exist, because they are the ones that are already doing that work and have local knowledge and experience. I would like to see energy issues being called out explicitly in the bill. The generation of affordable, renewable energy is something that everyone in Scotland should have a stake in and benefit from—certainly those whose communities host renewable infrastructure; they should absolutely get material benefit from doing that. Another area that I am considering involves the creation and retention of community assets and how we support the transfer of unwanted public assets to communities to be used for the public good.”
“I ask the Scottish Government to reconsider the bill’s published intention and to make clear both the outcome that it is trying to achieve and how it will measure success and progress. As others have suggested during the debate, there is a need to agree on data collection and standards, metrics and targets. We need to understand where we are and where we are going, and we will need to see how effective those action plans are. I suggest to the minister that the approach taken in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 to co-design standards and targets might provide a process for him to follow. I would like the bill to mandate the creation of targets; for example, to have a certain percentage of co-operative businesses in a region or for a certain percentage of local authority money to be spent on local procurement.”