Rhoda Grant
Scottish Labour · Scotland
“To correct the minister, I say that the agricultural funding was rolled up into the block grant rather than being Barnettised. The exact same amount of money is being received because of that. Stakeholders are concerned about the lack of detail in tiers 2 and 3 of the rural support plan.”
“It feels a little like groundhog day. South Uist and Barra face yet another chaotic holiday period. South Uist faces an 85 per cent cut in its ferry service during the Easter period. The First Minister knows that this community has suffered from cuts for years, and that has caused businesses to struggle.”
“We have given certainty about what the payments will look like between now and 2030. The funding has been Barnettised—it may well be rolled up into the block grant, but it has definitely been Barnettised. The funds from the United Kingdom Government have been frozen.”
“This will be my last speech in the Parliament, and it feels apt that it is about crofting, because the cross-party group on crofting was one of the first cross-party groups that I was involved in setting up, and it feels as though things have come full circle. It would be wrong of me, in my last speech, not to pay tribute to some people.”
“I thank Tim Eagle for his kind remarks. There will be a lot of thank yous in this contribution, because I also want to thank all those who helped us with our work on the bill, including Parliament staff on the committee and in the legislation team, as well as those who gave evidence to the committee and the bill team and the minister, for…”
“As MSPs, we should remember that we could achieve only a fraction of what we do were it not for those who work with us, so I thank them for their support. I also want to thank our Scottish Labour staff pool and the parliamentary staff who support us so well.”
The complete record
Every one of 428 lines we hold for Rhoda Grant, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 9.
“Limiting the future sale of that land will limit the desirability of that investment, and Ariane Burgess probably knows that running large estates costs a huge amount of money—something that the Government does not have.”
“The fact that those powers would then be devolved to the Scottish Government—to identify how they would be enforced in each management plan—would add an unhelpful and bureaucratic level of administration and complexity. I find Ariane Burgess’s amendment 15—which would, apparently, mean that land could be sold only to someone who lives in Scotland—strange. I am sure that Ms Burgess knows that the large foreign investment in Scottish landholdings has been hugely beneficial to Scotland. For example, we could argue that Anders Povlsen of Wildland and Danish companies in the Highlands have contributed to building up sustainable communities and, in the case of the latter, ensuring that the local community’s school is kept open, despite the fact that the local council wanted to close it.”
“In the bill as drafted, there is a fundamental flaw: the Government might want to buy landholdings and so would prohibit their sale on the basis that it is in its self-interest to do so. In my mind, frankly, that is not good practice. Amendments 44 and 45 are consequential to amendment 43. Amendments 129 and 261, in the name of Rhoda Grant, would place huge obligations on landowners, including breaking up farms, transferring their energy resources to communities, giving up land for housing and creating new crofts, which may be outside crofting areas. All those obligations would make it virtually impossible for landowners to function and run their businesses. That would have an adverse effect on their ability to gain finance to carry out the projects that they wish to action.”
“Ariane Burgess’s amendment 15 seeks to do something similar, but it is the same as Mercedes Villalba’s amendment at stage 2, which was not supported by the Scottish Government. Although I support both amendments, I hope that the Scottish Government and the cabinet secretary will take into account the update to the amendment that Mercedes Villalba submitted and that they will now support it. I move amendment 115. Edward Mountain: My amendments in the group are to do with lifting the prohibition order. Amendment 43, if enacted, would add a general public interest ground. That would mean that ministers would have to lift the prohibition on the transfer of a large landholding if they deemed that it would not be in the public interest to continue to apply the prohibition.”
“Greater clarity is needed on the considerations that will shape the guidance underpinning land management plans, in order to more firmly centre the public interest in LMPs. This would make it more transparent from the outset for landowners, communities, the land and communities commissioner and the Scottish ministers the types of considerations that should underpin land management plans. Amendment 261, therefore, would require Scottish ministers to publish guidance on how landowners incorporate that into their land management plans. Amendment 115 is consequential to 129, and amendment 233 is consequential to amendment 261. I also support Mercedes Villalba’s amendments 76 and 76A, which seek to ensure that buyers of land also face a public interest test.”
“Amendment 129 would ensure that the public interest was at the forefront of land management plans. Acting in the public interest is a well- understood concept and should be at the very heart of this bill, but, sadly, it is missing. The public interest test also outweighs individual interests. Land management plans could be an effective tool for making Scotland’s land work in the public interest and, in some circumstances, lead to diversifying land ownership. Therefore, the bill needs to be strengthened. These amendments have taken on board discussions at stage 2 about the bill’s narrow focus on community sustainability. This is the policy goal as stated by Scottish Government, and amendment 129 reflects changes from stage 2 to incorporate some, but not all, of the public interest considerations relating to community sustainability.”
“The First Minister will be aware that the only islander on the board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd has not had his membership renewed. That is a snub to our island communities, which are left yet again with no islander on the board. What will the First Minister do to increase the number of islanders on the board and ensure that islanders are represented on boards that are crucial to island communities’ survival?”
“However, the only answer to the housing crisis is to build more homes—homes that are affordable for local people and which cannot be sold on as second homes and holiday homes. We all know what the debate is about. It is about placing the Conservatives to the right of Reform, but bringing forward debates that have no basis in reality is not the way to do it. It simply sows division and makes our country more dangerous. We all have responsibilities as politicians, and we should use this time in our Parliament wisely. 15:35”
“The Scottish Government’s lack of workforce planning is complicit in the challenges that our health boards are facing. The health boards should be training staff to work in the NHS and care service. We should not be poaching staff from other countries that invest in training. Although NHS Highland is trying to recruit from elsewhere, that has not been the answer to the problem. Frequently, it recruits, but those recruits cannot take up the posts because they cannot find somewhere to live. That is because all the homes have been bought as holiday homes for wealthy people who can afford two homes. Others are used as holiday lets and are often owned by people who have no connection whatsoever to those communities. There should be a ceiling on the number of second homes and holiday homes that any community is asked to support.”
“It is about a lack of investment from the previous Tory Government— and the Tories now have the brass neck to have lodged the debate. It is about the lack of investment from the SNP Government, which has squandered capital rather than invest in homes. There is no doubt that the SNP has fanned the flames of a housing emergency because of its failure to meet its house-building targets. That is especially the case in rural areas. On top of that, there are cuts to council funding and public services. Those are the real causes of the challenges that we are now facing. In the Highlands and Islands, we desperately need inward migration. The health service is recruiting from abroad. It has campaigns in Holland and is actively recruiting in Africa.”
“They have no recourse to public funds— Russell Findlay: Will the member take an intervention? Rhoda Grant: No, I do not have time. It seems to me that, when things go wrong, the first response of those who should be taking a share of the blame is to deflect and blame somebody else. Our grandparents fought wars to stop the rise of nationalism and discrimination. Surely it cannot be hard to see the parallels with what is happening today, where foreign nationals—and many people of colour—are being blamed for the crisis that we face. While our grandparents fought those wars, the people who were left at home provided asylum and refuge for those who were persecuted. Yes, there is a housing crisis, but it is not the fault of asylum seekers. It is the fault of Government decisions.”
“I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests: I own a share in a family home. This is a difficult debate, whose premise is absolutely wrong. It reeks of hypocrisy and opportunism. As Mark Griffin said, the Conservatives are using the debate for their own ends. It was the Conservatives who collapsed the asylum system and spent £700 million of taxpayers’ money to deport only four volunteers. Once again, they are trying to sow division and conflate illegal immigrants with asylum seekers and refugees, blaming those groups for draining public service coffers. In reality, those groups, such as foreign nationals who have been trafficked and abused or who are here without any legal status, are often left without help and with no safety net.”
“Additionally, sheepdogs can be very expensive to buy and train and are essential to farmers and crofters and the welfare of their animals. Decisions on adding aggravations need further consideration, and we welcome the ability to add them under the bill. This bill is limited, as are all members’ bills, but we believe that, accompanied by awareness- raising work, it can shine a light on the heartbreak caused by the theft of a dog. It will also give the police another tool in their armoury to deal with organised crime. Therefore, we will support the bill at stage 1. 16:00”
“Although we all agree that the bill cannot—and should not—deal with domestic abuse, it would be helpful if the minister could confirm that nothing in the bill would interfere with existing domestic abuse law and that coercive control is already covered in existing legislation. The bill introduces the aggravation of the theft of an assistance dog. That is extremely rare, but it is right that the bill recognises the impact of such a crime. However, the Government, in its response, refuses to consider other situations where such an aggravation might also be useful. That is unfortunate, because dogs are used to provide assistance in other ways. For example, the police use dogs, as do search and rescue services.”
“I know that the Scottish Government is setting up an advisory group on dog control and dog welfare, and I hope that that means that there will be better and more comprehensive legislation in the future and that the group does not become a talking shop. Something that needs further scrutiny and clarity is one of the defences under the bill, because it does not cover dog theft within a relationship that has broken down. That is understandable, because, like any joint property in a relationship, ownership needs to be negotiated. However, concerns were expressed about a pet dog being used to further perpetrate domestic abuse. The theft of a dog by an abusive partner can cause distress, which can also be used to exercise control over the victim.”
“A comprehensive Government bill that looks at all aspects of dog ownership and related crime is required, and it should cover other family pets such as cats, which can also be bred in atrocious conditions to meet demand. Pets are often illegally imported, leading to animals becoming unwell and requiring treatment. Again, that is a welfare concern. The trade in pets is so lucrative that it often attracts organised crime, so it needs to be taken seriously. Members’ bills are, by their very nature, restrictive, and can deal only with single issues; hence, we are getting a patchwork approach to dog welfare. Although I commend those who have lodged bills, I think that we need a better approach to the issues that they seek to tackle.”
“I acknowledge the work that Maurice Golden has put into the bill. Dog theft causes heartbreak for owners. Not only that, but it can be expensive to buy a dog—more so if the breed is fashionable, which makes the trade in dogs lucrative. Some might take a dog in the hope that a reward will be offered for its return or, more overtly, they might hold it for ransom. That causes real distress for owners and families. Pets are part of a household and their loss can be heartbreaking. The Parliament has considered several bills about dogs and their welfare, and all have been lodged by members, which shows the level of our constituents’ concern about the welfare of dogs.”
“With regard to Rhoda Grant’s point about community engagement, I have already said that NatureScot will be holding a series of summits across the country to identify specific areas where there are specific problems and to find solutions long before we get to the nesting season, so that we do not face the issue in relation to gestation. It is a case of preventing birds from nesting in such areas in the first place, rather than trying to take nests out after the nesting season has started. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise the chamber that 11 members seek to pose a question. I would like to take all 11, but we need succinct questions and succinct responses.”
“I have the seabirds count data, which shows the percentage change between 2000 and 2020-21. Black-headed gull numbers have gone down by 75 per cent, common gull numbers have gone down by 53 per cent, lesser black-backed gull numbers have gone down by 48 per cent, herring gull numbers have gone down by 44 per cent and great black-backed gull numbers have gone down by 63 per cent. Those are the figures for gulls in their natural environment. I absolutely accept that numbers have gone up in urban areas, for the reasons that I outlined in my statement. We have created areas that are safe for nesting and where there is a food source, which is exactly what the birds are looking for. The numbers of gulls in their natural habitat have declined as a result of overfishing, climate change and avian influenza.”
“Is the minister aware that the Joint Nature Conservation Committee has said that the national population estimates of herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls from the seabird 2000 census are considered unreliable because of the likely underestimation of roof-nesting gull numbers? Is he also aware that it takes NatureScot six weeks to approve a licence to remove eggs and nests but that the gestation period for the eggs is only four weeks? Those birds will have flown long before a licence is approved. We want to protect gulls in their natural environment, but there are genuine public safety concerns in urban areas, so will the minister work with communities, be more open minded and inclusive, hear the concerns that they have and take action that will keep people safe? Jim Fairlie: Rhoda Grant has raised a number of points.”
“I, too, wish that the summit had been more inclusive— Jim Fairlie: I cannot hear, Presiding Officer. Will you ask Conservative members to please be quiet? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Minister, I am in the chair, and I will deal with things. [Interruption.] I heard you, minister. Please sit down for a second, Ms Grant. I have already said to members that, if they want to have the opportunity to ask the questions that they really want to ask, we need to have some order. Under the standing orders of this Parliament, we need to show courtesy and respect. Rhoda Grant: I, too, wish that the summit had been more inclusive. For example, Councillor John Divers, who has been trying to find a solution to the problem in Elgin for years and who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, should have been involved.”
“Our firefighters are trained to respond to both those types of incident, but the change illustrates the need for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to be adaptable to such risks. That is why it is right that the fire service carefully considers how its services are delivered, to ensure that they are configured in the right way, and that it adapts to changing risks to remain effective and efficient, with firefighters in the right place at the right time. Not adapting and changing over time—”
“Although the number of house fires has reduced, there have been other incidents, and new risks have emerged. Katy Clark: Will the minister be addressing the concerning increases in response and call- handling times? Siobhian Brown: I will get to that. Climate change is contributing to warmer, drier conditions, which increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires. As I said yesterday, “Shifts in weather patterns, such as those that led to last week’s wildfire danger warning and this week’s yellow warning for rain, reinforce the climate challenges that we currently face.”—[Official Report, 30 September 2025; c 8.] With that has come a change in the risks to our communities, as incidents such as those of flooding and wildfires increase.”
“I know what the member is saying about rural areas, which she mentioned to me yesterday, but, under the service delivery review, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service needs to keep evaluating its services as time progresses. The single service has allowed for the delivery of additional specialist resources that serve the whole of Scotland, such as the water rescue capability, which is being rolled out to 20 fire stations. In 2013, there were 357 fire stations in Scotland; today, there are 356—only one fewer. In that time, the risks that our country faces have changed, and it is right that we make sure that we are ready to respond to any new challenges. Over the past 10 years, there has been a 20 per cent reduction in the number of house fires. The overall number of incidents that are attended by the SFRS continues to fall.”
“I join the minister in paying tribute to our firefighters, who do a wonderful job. However, in regions such as mine—the Highlands and Islands—less than 10 per cent of fire stations are fully staffed. Those people have not disappeared—it was not that there was duplication of jobs. Many fire stations cannot put out a crew to deal with a fire. Siobhian Brown: The bill that became the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 was supported by Labour at the time. The reduction in the number of firefighters is primarily a result of the establishment of the single national service, which reduced the duplication in the eight regional services.”
“Ms Grant, given that the minister cannot now recall your question, he will probably wish to agree to write to you—and, indeed, all members—to say what his answer would have been if he had remembered the question. Minister, do you undertake to do that? Jim Fairlie: I am happy to answer the question if the member— The Deputy Presiding Officer: No, we do not go back and repeat questions, minister. Will you respond to the chamber with your answer in writing? Jim Fairlie:”
“In committee this morning, we heard from fishing stakeholders who said that everyone knows the value of oil and gas and the renewables industries, but that decision makers often forget about the economic value of fishing. We need to plot the areas where fishing occurs and factor that in when we are planning for new developments. We desperately need a spatial plan for our seas. When will the Scottish Government bring that forward? Jim Fairlie: I am not privy to conversations that took place this morning. I am sorry, but I have completely forgotten the question that Rhoda Grant asked—I was reading something. Could she ask it again? The Deputy Presiding Officer: No, we do not go backwards, I am afraid.”
“That is also why it is important that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is undertaking a service delivery review, the full public consultation for which just closed a couple of weeks ago. That is considering how we can prepare for a safer Scotland as we move into the future.”
“The minister will know that fewer than 10 per cent of fire stations in the Highlands and Islands have full teams of firefighters. They also lack equipment for wildfire management, such as all-terrain vehicles and leaf blowers, and they do not have decontamination facilities. When will the fire service in rural Scotland be staffed and equipped to deal with wildfire and to protect our rural communities? Siobhian Brown: Because of the increase in wildfires this year and the concerns that have been raised, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity and I are holding the summit in October so that we can explore how rural areas can be better prepared for wildfires.”
“Neil Gray: The reason why I am here setting out the statement is that there was a request from parties in the Parliamentary Bureau for there to be a statement providing an update. The fundamental change happened last summer when the model that was deployed by NHS Highland was updated off the back of the tragic incidents that took place in Skye, also last summer. The Government has provided NHS Highland with support to undertake necessary recruitment, for example of advanced nurse practitioners; support the training that is taking place for all staff on the Portree site; and ensure the co-ordination that is being delivered by the new director for urgent care services, which will all help to ensure that the sustainable service that Rhoda Grant rightly asked for can be maintained.”
“Those steps have already been made, yet nothing has changed, and there is no new action outlined in today’s statement that gives confidence that there will be any change. The cabinet secretary himself admits that seven years is already far too long to wait, yet it will be at least eight years before the changes that he has talked about materialise—that is, if they materialise. The posts have been filled before, only to have applicants pull out because they cannot find a home in Skye. The key workers housing fund has been available for three years, yet it has not been used in Portree, and it only has two years left to run. What has changed that will make these promises a reality? When will the people of north Skye have a health service that they can rely on? Is this just another pre-election promise with no hope of delivery?”
“Of the 1,250 jobs lost, 729 were whole-time firefighters and a further 368 were retained operational firefighters. Those are direct cuts to front-line services. The £332.1 million resource budget for the SFRS in 2025-26 equates to a £56 million real- terms cut in the 12-year period since the service was formed. Sustained underinvestment is creating problems, with an £800 million capital backlog. We must be grateful to the gamekeepers and others who have come to the aid of the service, but we should not have to depend on the general public to prop it up. 13:10”
“I had confirmed that the SFRS has lost more than 1,200 firefighters since the SNP came to power in 2007. It is currently operating with a 29 per cent vacancy rate, so it is no wonder that the service is under so much pressure. Firefighters are asked to place themselves at risk without the necessary kit, and they are expected to work on hillsides with the same gear that they use to enter burning buildings. The physical stress puts this workforce at extreme risk. Since the creation of the SFRS on 1 April 2013, the service has suffered tens of millions of pounds’ worth of real-term cuts. The plain facts are that, since 2012-13, the year before it was created, to 2023-24, there has been a reduction of more than 1,250 firefighters in Scotland—the total workforce has reduced by more than a sixth in that time.”
“Understaffing has been so bad throughout the last period of wildfires that nearly all fire and rescue services in the most severely affected areas had to call up off-duty firefighters and ask them to work extra shifts. Fire engines sat in stations because there were not enough people to crew them in such circumstances. Fire Brigades Union members have worked to exhaustion. I have lodged a series of parliamentary questions seeking information on the current state of the service in the Highlands and Islands. I was alarmed to learn that, of the 125 on-call fire stations, there are only 10 with a full team—that is less than 10 per cent. In more rural areas of my constituency, that is exacerbated by many volunteers not working locally during the day, reducing the cover even further.”
“For years, the Fire Brigades Union has been raising the alarm. The Scottish Government has been warned that there must be proper plans in place to deal with wildfires and the necessary resources to support them. The increase in wildfires is due to climate change and changes in heather moor management, and we need urgent climate action if we are to properly protect life and property from wildfires. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service needs significant investment. That means more firefighters better equipped and trained, along with better planning, research and co-ordination. The head of the service, instead of fighting for proper investment for the service, has presided over, and in some cases, recommended, unprecedented cuts to front-line resources.”
“The longer the debate has gone on, the more we have heard that there is a role for the Scottish National Party Government to better facilitate an effective relationship whereby NatureScot and local authorities can work together to use all the tools that are at their disposal. Of course, that will need funding, and we know that local authorities have been underfunded for years. It is simply not right for NatureScot to pass on its responsibility. I hope that, in closing the debate, the minister will address how the Government could step in to ensure that all the organisations concerned can manage the danger that is caused by seagulls attacking people, because that is a public health issue. 13:09”
“As Emma Roddick mentioned, almost 20 years ago in Inverness, there was a sharp increase in gulls coming into the city, following the closure of a nearby landfill site. The council took measures to remove nests under licence, but it also considered other deterrents that were not deadly to birds, all of which helped. Putting together all the available tools and approaches alongside the licensed removal of nests does work, including using sonar and lasers and deploying birds of prey. All of those strategies will have to be considered if towns such as Elgin, Inverness and many others are to receive timely intervention.”
“The same constituent of mine who wrote to NatureScot was told to approach local government, because the issue was one for it to resolve. They were told that, rather than NatureScot removing seagulls’ eggs and nests, councils need to stop people dropping food in the street and littering, and they need to put in place better bins that gulls cannot get into. It seems that NatureScot is saying that it will not do anything because seagull numbers are falling. However, if it were so concerned about those falling numbers, its response would not be to advise people to remove food sources. It seems that it is really trying to ensure that somebody else takes action, and it is passing the buck. We cannot continue in that way, and we have to make sure that things change, because the issue presents a danger to the public.”
“That might be so in the birds’ normal habitat, but it does not feel as though it is the case in urban areas, where the danger that they cause to the public is increasing. Douglas Ross: We need to hear more from the Government on the crucial issue of approval of licences. Does Rhoda Grant agree that, in many cases where NatureScot rejects applications, the alternatives that it offers are simply unworkable? For example, it told people to use an umbrella to get into a store in Inverness that was suffering from the problem. It is not looking at reasonable alternatives. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Ms Grant, I can give you the time back for the intervention. Rhoda Grant: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I absolutely agree with Douglas Ross’s point.”
“I also remember hearing about how the kind operators of one food outlet offered to replace the lunches of schoolchildren when gulls had snatched their food from their hands. As we all know, such problems get worse when seagulls have chicks. They are good parents, and, as their young begin to fledge, they become even more protective. Anyone who inadvertently gets close to a fledgling chick is likely to be attacked, which can cause them injury and fear. One of my constituents contacted NatureScot about the issue. Its reply was that it would not grant a licence for nest and egg removal where gulls were simply creating a nuisance; it would do so only if there were a public health and safety issue. Even then, nest and egg removal would be done only as a last resort. NatureScot also said that gull numbers were in decline.”
“I thank Douglas Ross for securing the debate. I pay tribute to the work of Councillors Sandy Keith and John Divers in Moray, who for many years have been wrestling with problems caused by seagulls in Elgin. We need to be clear that the birds are not acting maliciously; they are simply looking for food and trying to protect their young. Urban seagulls have been causing a major problem and often present a danger to the public. We have all witnessed them snatching food out of unsuspecting people’s hands, which can be dangerous. As the birds swoop and snatch, they can hurt people. That is a greater issue for older people and children, as those more vulnerable individuals can be knocked down and seriously injured. We have seen cases of people being injured or left bleeding after seagulls have swooped on them.”
“That does not alter the fact that the legislation provides the opportunity to improve animal welfare and discourage the illegal trade in animals. I therefore urge the Parliament to support it. 21:27”
“Jim Fairlie: I refute the fact that the Government has become defensive. I say to the member that what we are doing is laying out the facts as they happened for us as well as for the committee. Rhoda Grant: I do not believe that the facts that have been laid out explain why the LCM came so late to our committee. If we are to carry out our role as parliamentarians, we must scrutinise all legislation, no matter how well meaning. We need to find a better way of processing this type of legislation, to allow the Parliament to carry out that role properly. I hope that the Scottish Government will now take on board the committee’s concerns and take steps to deal with the matter, to ensure that it never happens again.”
“However, the UK bill will make it more difficult to illegally import animals and make the trade less lucrative, which is a positive outcome. That will help to improve animal welfare and protect buyers from purchasing animals that have not been bred properly and might have been subject to cruelty and neglect. Although the LCM is to be welcomed, there are concerns about the process surrounding it and the lack of time that we have had to deal with it, which has meant that the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee was not able to scrutinise the legislation. The Scottish Government, rather than providing an explanation of why that was or offering reassurance that it would ensure that it did not happen again, has become defensive and dismissive. Doubling down on that tonight is really not helpful.”
“Sadly, there is even more cost for buyers and more vet fees for sick animals. In the worst-case scenario, those pets might die because their illness cannot be treated. The Cats Protection briefing told us that 4 per cent of all cats that were purchased in a one-year period were bought from abroad, which possibly reflects the increase in demand for specific breeds. Although 4 per cent does not seem very much, it equates to 65,000 cats. In this Parliament, members’ bills are looking at dog sales and dog theft, indicating that the trade in dogs is problematic and attractive to criminals. All those bills are worthy, but, if we are being honest, the issue needs a more comprehensive approach than that piecemeal one. The Government should consider consolidating legislation to ensure that the law can deal with the illegal trade of pets.”
“The UK Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill proposes to make puppy and kitten smuggling more difficult by banning the import of puppies and kittens under six months, and it seeks to improve animal welfare by banning the import of cats and dogs that have been mutilated or that are heavily pregnant. It will also close loopholes and make it more difficult for illegal traders who pose as pet owners travelling with their animals to import animals. We have all heard stories of people being duped into buying pets that have been illegally imported. Those animals are seldom in good health, have not been inoculated and have often been removed from their mothers when they were too young. When a breed is sought after, those animals can be really expensive to buy, making it a lucrative trade for criminals.”
“[Interruption.] I hear members laughing, but the fundamental responsibility of the Scottish Government, in the first instance, is to give the Parliament the opportunity to consider the matter in the Scottish context.”
“I think that we are somewhat puzzled that the Welsh Parliament considered a legislative consent memorandum on the bill some time ago, but we in this Parliament were not given the same notice. The issue is not the content of the LCM; it is very much about the process and giving committees of this Parliament time to consider legislation properly. Jamie Hepburn: I recognise the importance of doing that and, as far as we can, we will always do that. On the point that the Senedd may have granted consent, I respectfully say that that is because it is considering the legislation in the Welsh context. We must consider its practical application in the Scottish context.”
“The minister will be aware that the MV Lord of the Isles was out of service again this week, leaving the people of South Uist without any ferry service—again. The Scottish Government announced a resilience fund. Will the people of South Uist, who are bearing costs for this week’s cancellation, be able to apply for compensation from that fund? Jim Fairlie: As Rhoda Grant has pointed out, there is a resilience fund, which is still in the process of being developed. As soon as a decision is made on how funding will be distributed, either the Cabinet Secretary for Transport or I will let her know.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on ensuring that 10 per cent of front-line national health service spending is on mental health services. (S6O-04784)”