Kirsten Oswald
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“David Barratt: Forensic sprays are just one of the tools available against the scourge of off-road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes. Those items are already illegal to use anywhere but on private land. However, they are sold openly and without disclaimers.”
“I am grateful to Pauline McNeill for asking that important question. A new strategy to prevent violence is being developed with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, which will be published later this year.”
“Pauline McNeill: This month, three teenagers were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy at Irvine beach last May. That is just one example. In that case, the superintendent, Graeme Gallie, said that “violent crime among young people is falling” but that “weapon carrying is on the rise.” That is the point that the Scottish Government needs to…”
“I confirm to David Barratt that forensic tagging sprays can invisibly and harmlessly mark a person, vehicle or property with a unique identification code.”
“Pauline McNeill: I am trying to get across a substantial point. I want to give the background— The Presiding Officer: I do not want the background; I want a question, please. Pauline McNeill: I have to get a chance to set the context, but, okay, I will ask the question.”
“We are all equally invested in making sure that the prevention focus that the Government has at the heart of its work is absolutely embedded in everything that we are doing in this place. I have spoken about the new strategy that is being developed. Obviously, we still have the existing strategy.”
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“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I had difficulty voting. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you. Your vote is recorded. You have started something. I call”
“We are all equally invested in making sure that the prevention focus that the Government has at the heart of its work is absolutely embedded in everything that we are doing in this place. I have spoken about the new strategy that is being developed. Obviously, we still have the existing strategy. I add that the vast majority of young people are not engaged in the behaviour that we are concerned about, but we need to have a focus on how we prevent it occurring. As I indicated earlier, the cabinet secretary has stated in the past week or so that he is willing to look at all options. That would include, if appropriate, a knife amnesty.”
“Pauline McNeill: I am trying to get across a substantial point. I want to give the background— The Presiding Officer: I do not want the background; I want a question, please. Pauline McNeill: I have to get a chance to set the context, but, okay, I will ask the question. Has the Government spoken to the legal profession, which has defended boys, about how we can take a different approach to explain to young people the implications for their lives? I am really asking the Scottish Government whether it might need to think about a refresh of its policy. Kirsten Oswald: I appreciate the importance that the member is placing on this issue. It is a matter of concern to all of us.”
“Pauline McNeill: This month, three teenagers were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy at Irvine beach last May. That is just one example. In that case, the superintendent, Graeme Gallie, said that “violent crime among young people is falling” but that “weapon carrying is on the rise.” That is the point that the Scottish Government needs to think about in its strategy. The superintendent also said: “We have through our stop and search activity noticed that weapon-carrying is on the increase, especially amongst teenagers.” Of course, we know that some teenagers carry a weapon because they want to feel safe. I have had some conversations with the legal profession— The Presiding Officer: Please ask a question. We are trying to get a lot of people in here, and the idea is to ask questions and get answers.”
“I am grateful to Pauline McNeill for asking that important question. A new strategy to prevent violence is being developed with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, which will be published later this year. The strategy will aim to preventing violence from happening in the first instance and will focus on reducing further harm in those instances when it occurs. The principles of the Scottish Government’s violence prevention framework remain embedded in our funded activity for 2026-27. We are providing more than £2 million this year to organisations to take forward a range of preventative actions, which means that support for that activity totals more than £8 million since 2023. Members may have heard the Cabinet Secretary for Justice note that he is willing to explore all options in that regard.”
“Unfortunately, progress so far has been limited, but we will continue to press for further action. That complements the work that Police Scotland is doing through its campaigns to improve awareness of where and how such vehicles can be used responsibly, alongside the steps that responsible retailers should be taking. I assure David Barratt that we will continue to press the UK Government to put the registration of off-road vehicles in place as part of managing safe and responsible use. Knife Crime Prevention Strategy 6.”
“David Barratt: Forensic sprays are just one of the tools available against the scourge of off-road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes. Those items are already illegal to use anywhere but on private land. However, they are sold openly and without disclaimers. Does the Scottish Government have the power to ban or further regulate the sale of off- road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes? Kirsten Oswald: I commend the Cowdenbeath community, who I know are working hard with the police, on their actions. On the point that David Barratt made, the regulation of the sale of those items is reserved. However, we have consistently pressed for greater engagement with the United Kingdom Government, so that we can work together to address this kind of vehicle-related crime. That includes calling for progress on the registration of off-road vehicles.”
“I confirm to David Barratt that forensic tagging sprays can invisibly and harmlessly mark a person, vehicle or property with a unique identification code. The use of such technology is an operational matter for the chief constable, but I confirm that it is being used in different parts of the country, including in the north- east division. He might be aware that it is also to be introduced in the Fife division. The technology can be used as a deterrent and a forensic aid. Police Scotland has commenced a comprehensive review of its use to consider the potential benefits for prevention, intervention and detection, as well as examining operational issues. The conclusions of that review are expected before the end of the year.”
“He is obviously very interested in the programme, so I am happy to discuss it with him further, and I invite him to engage on it. Having listened to feedback from stakeholders, we have redesigned the programme specifically to strengthen the links with local communities, which are so important. In the most recent phase of the programme, which started on 1 April this year, 35 of the 51 funded projects are neighbourhood focused, and they meet the local priorities identified through community planning partnerships. In Alan Brown’s area, projects such as the Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise play a critical role in engaging young people locally and building links with the broader community in East Ayrshire, which is so vital in the preventative space. Police Scotland 101 Service 10.”
“Alan Brown: The programme is important and potentially life saving for a lot of young individuals. However, in relation to historical spend, given that my constituency has some of the highest levels of deprivation and non-attendance at school across Scotland, I am worried that East Ayrshire has missed out on funding compared with comparator local authorities. How can we ensure that national companies that provide such services provide enough in East Ayrshire, including in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, to meet the level of need? How can we also ensure that more local companies deliver such services? Kirsten Oswald: I am grateful to Alan Brown for his continued interest in the matter. The cashback for communities programme is focused on delivering impact at the local level.”
“The cashback for communities programme is very important in supporting young people who are at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending. So far, there has been investment of £156 million, which has helped 1.4 million young people through projects in all local council areas, because the programme works across Scotland. We are investing £26 million in the current phase of the programme—phase 7—which runs to 2029. On the local focus of Alan Brown’s question, in East Ayrshire specifically, at least 150 young people are expected to benefit from four projects run by Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise, the National Autistic Society, the Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust Ltd and Youth Scotland. Investment in those projects will be backed by £2.27 million over the next three years.”
“Kirsten Oswald: I am grateful to Kate Campbell for the angle that she has taken with that question. I very much agree with her. Early intervention and prevention work is a very powerful tool in addressing antisocial behaviour and is a real priority. That is why we have increased by £6 million our funding commitment to the successful cashback for communities programme, which is now in phase 7. The programme targets children and young people who are most at risk of being drawn into crime and antisocial behaviour. That investment means that more young people in communities across Scotland who might be in danger of going down the wrong path will have safe spaces and suitable activities to help to combat boredom, frustration and isolation, all of which can contribute to antisocial behaviour.”
“I assure Kate Campbell that I am committed to taking robust action to address antisocial behaviour and to keep communities safe, including progressing stronger powers to enable the police to confiscate and retain e-bikes and e-scooters that are used antisocially or criminally and urging the United Kingdom Government to act on licensing off-road vehicles. Kate Campbell: Evidence shows that early intervention is the most efficient tool in tackling antisocial behaviour among young people. Does the cabinet secretary agree that investing in prevention should be a priority for the Government, particularly through youth services, youth work, peer mentoring and other support measures for young people, and particularly for those who might not have the role models that they need in their lives?”
“I recognise and share Kate Campbell’s concerns about antisocial behaviour involving the illegal use of e-bikes, particularly in cases in which individuals are engaged in criminality and concealing their identity. I encourage everyone to report such behaviour to Police Scotland so that it, with its local authority partners, is able to continue to deliver targeted action to focus on those issues. I am pleased that the chief constable has noted a 5 per cent decrease in reported antisocial behaviour incidents compared with last year.”
“One key thing to think about is that that budget will allow Police Scotland to look at front-line service delivery and to make key areas of transformation a priority, as it wishes to do. Some of the specifics that David Torrance might be particularly interested in include: funding of £3 million per year over the next three years to support Police Scotland’s successful work in targeting retail crime; an additional £2.7 million this year to support Police Scotland’s work in the detection and disruption of child sexual abuse and exploitation; and continued close work with the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to manage the police budget provision and ensure that sustainable and preventative policing is available.”
“David Torrance: As the prevalence and types of crime have evolved greatly in recent years, will the minister outline how the Scottish Government is supporting and investing in Police Scotland so that it can adapt to new challenges and keep our communities safe? Kirsten Oswald: I am grateful to David Torrance for looking at the issue through that lens. It is important that we recognise the challenges of different types of crime and Police Scotland’s important role in keeping our communities safe. That is why we are investing record funding in Police Scotland of more than £1.7 billion this year, which is an increase of £81.5 million, or 5 per cent, compared with the published autumn budget revision figure. That includes an uplift of £59 million in resource and £16.3 million in capital funding.”
“Police Scotland was able to establish its retail crime task force through an initial £3 million of additional funding that was provided by the Scottish Government. That work will continue, backed by annual Scottish Government funding of a further £3 million each year to 2029. Through the task force’s four-strand approach— to prevent, to pursue, to protect and to prepare—it is targeting repeat offenders of retail crime by using analytical data and intelligence to carry out proactive enforcement activities in the areas that are most heavily impacted. In the first year, that has resulted in more than 6,400 charges for retail crime, with the detection rate having risen to just under 51 per cent, compared with 49 per cent for the previous year.”
“Our focus must be on bringing communities together in response to difficult events.”
“Kirsten Oswald: I do not know the details that lie behind what the member referred to. If it is a live police matter, I will not be able to comment on it. The recent behaviour that we have seen presents a challenge and is a source of concern for people. In recognition of the challenges that communities face, we continue to work closely with Police Scotland to provide reassurance and to ensure that no one feels isolated or vulnerable. Police Scotland has established a community reassurance cell to engage with stakeholders and community representatives in order to respond to those concerns. Again, to be clear, violence must never be used to justify further division or to cause additional concern. My thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by recent distressing incidents.”
“This is a good opportunity for the member to do likewise and to distance himself from the remarks of Thomas Kerr, who has encouraged people to take part in so‑called protests on our streets. Mark Simpson: Many Scots are expressing concerns over issues such as social cohesion and wellbeing, including one of my constituents from Arbroath, who shared the following with me: “I want my daughters to grow up in a Scotland that is safe, cohesive, confident in its identity, and capable of helping genuine refugees while also protecting the interests and wellbeing of the people already living here.” Given that legitimate concern, and the impacts on areas such as public safety and justice, what specific steps is the Government taking to ensure that the issues that my constituent raises are addressed?”
“We work across Government portfolios, including with Police Scotland, local authorities and third sector organisations, to support inclusion and to work directly with communities to strengthen cohesion so that everyone feels safe and valued. There is a focus on that work following recent disorder on the streets, which will have increased fear and anxiety. The police will always respond appropriately to such disorder. That response is necessary only because of the recent behaviour of a small minority of citizens, underpinned by racism, hatred, and the intimidation of people and communities in our society. I thoroughly condemn such behaviour, as well as the actions of those who are stoking these sentiments and divisions.”
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“At col 124, para 3— Original text— Since the programme began in 2008, £158 million has been invested in supporting diversionary activities, supporting 1.4 million young people. Corrected text— Since the programme began in 2008, £156 million has been invested in supporting diversionary activities, supporting 1.4 million young people. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting. The most up-to-date version is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report Members and other meeting participants who wish to suggest corrections to their contributions should contact the Official Report.”
“The Government is, therefore, committed to supporting Police Scotland and other partners in the vital work that they do, including through the provision of record funding, and we are equally committed to preventative action. The Government will remain focused on delivering our manifesto commitments, delivering for victims and delivering secure, safe and stronger communities. I again thank Colin Beattie for bringing this important debate to the chamber, and I am grateful to all members for their contributions. Meeting closed at 18:23. Correction Kirsten Oswald has identified an error in her contribution and provided the following correction.”
“Phase 7 sees 51 projects across the country delivering youth work, employability and skills. I would also note that a broad range of youth work is going on in Midlothian, too; again, I hope that that is helpful to Colin Beattie. [Kirsten Oswald has corrected this contribution. See end of report.] I accept that an effective system must exist to deal with people in conflict with the law. Young people and youth justice have featured prominently in our discussion today. I am clear on the impact of antisocial behaviour on victims and communities, including local businesses across Scotland—I heard Kate Nevens’s points about those who are particularly affected.”
“As Duncan Dunlop said, there is a role for those in this chamber to conduct themselves in a way that provides a positive influence. The cashback for communities programme is important and has been successful. By investing a record £26 million from April 2026 to March 2029, we are helping to steer young people away from harm and, as Andrew Baxter suggested, towards more positive destinations. That is also happening in Midlothian, and I hope that it is helpful to mention to Colin Beattie that five projects are running there. Phase 7 of cashback for communities builds on a strong track record, and I want to thank all of the people delivering that work in every local authority. Since the programme began in 2008, £158 million has been invested in supporting diversionary activities, supporting 1.4 million young people.”
“The Government is also taking forward at pace work across manifesto commitments. For instance, on the seizure of e-bikes and e-scooters, which a number of members have highlighted, officials are working with Police Scotland to address the antisocial use of those vehicles, while recognising the constraints in that respect, such as the fact that vehicle registration remains a reserved matter. I do recognise that members, quite rightly, do not wish to demonise young people; indeed, Colin Beattie talked about that, as did a number of other members. Antisocial behaviour comes not only from young people—it is quite true that most of them do not engage in antisocial behaviour—but our focus must be on diverting those who are at risk towards more positive paths.”
“I am heartened by the possibilities of social impact investment as a new approach to bringing together partners in order to deliver vital preventative action. I thought, too, that Kate Nevens’s comments on the impact of new approaches on different groups of people were relevant in that regard. We are committed to providing a £200,000 kick-starter fund to develop proposals for social impact partnerships, focusing on early intervention and justice and beginning with reducing reoffending and creating safe spaces for young people in order to divert them from antisocial behaviour. Michelle Campbell’s intervention on Liam Kerr was insightful, and the interaction between them on that point was important. I am happy to speak to either of them about the issue and, of course, to any other member about the issues that they have raised.”
“I would point out to Colin Beattie that I understand that, in Midlothian, there is Scottish Government- funded activity on the summer of sport theme, which ties together some of the concerns that he raised. I should also say that the collaborative approach being taken between Police Scotland, councils and partners at large, working together to target antisocial behaviour problems in communities, has been particularly important, and I reassure members that this Government will continue to equip the police and work with local partners to tackle antisocial behaviour, in line with our manifesto and our focus on all of our communities in Scotland. I was interested in some of the things that Katherine Sangster was saying about social impact partnerships.”
“In that respect, I want to record my agreement with Duncan Dunlop on the great value of youth organisations. I would also note the points made by Dawn Black and Carol Mochan about social issues, the roots of difficulties and problems— alcohol misuse, for instance—and the importance of prevention and support. I should also mention the independent working group on antisocial behaviour. The Scottish Government has taken forward work that falls under five themes, all of which have been progressed. I will look further at that work, and I am keen to hear from members about ideas for future activity. I hope that members feel that I have touched on a number of the issues that they have raised.”
“It is an issue that is of interest to people. I also want to touch on Katherine Sangster’s points on firework control zones. It was a useful point to raise, particularly with regard to community work, which is very much an example of prevention being brought to the fore. Colin Beattie, Liam Kerr, Katherine Sangster and others mentioned retail crime. The impact on business is of serious concern; we recognise the disruption and harm that such crime—and related antisocial behaviour—causes to businesses and communities and, as a result, we have made an additional £3 million available in 2026-27 for Police Scotland specifically to help tackle it. I also note that Colin Beattie raised the issue of schools and standards of behaviour in his speech, and I do want to talk about youth-related programmes, which I hope will be helpful.”
“The legislation that we are implementing aims to act as a deterrent to those acting unreasonably, and it includes the possibility of removing that privilege of free bus travel. It is recognised that people of all ages can engage in unacceptable behaviour. Liam Kerr: I appreciate that this is the minister’s first speech, but will she consider taking an intervention? Kirsten Oswald: I will, given that the member has asked. Liam Kerr: I am genuinely grateful. The minister mentioned free bus passes. Legislation to remove passes was passed in March, but it is subject to consultations and regulations being introduced. Can she give us a timeline on when that might happen? Kirsten Oswald: I appreciate the intervention. I am happy to take interventions, as it happens. I will happily write to Mr Kerr with further detail on that.”
“As Dawn Black emphasised, prevention is key, as are early intervention and effective responses. I want to assure members that continuing to work closely with justice partners to drive down reoffending, support rehabilitation and ensure safer communities is a key objective for me. To do that, we need collaboration with and between local authorities, Police Scotland, third sector organisations and, very importantly, the people who live in communities. I want to touch on some of the comments that have been made in the debate. Colin Beattie raised concerns about free bus passes, as did Liam Kerr. Of course, the vast majority of people who benefit from free bus travel do so responsibly, but where there has been, and is, antisocial behaviour, that is obviously of concern.”
“It is a real privilege to represent all of our Eastwood communities and to do so as the seat’s first Scottish National Party member. Of course, that is testament to an extraordinary local campaign, and I owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone who worked so hard. I would also like to put on record my appreciation of, and good wishes to, my predecessor, Jackson Carlaw. I have valued his thoughtful advice and the handover in recent weeks, and I know that members here will, as I do, want to thank him for all his work over many years and to wish him well. I also place on record my sincere thanks to my predecessor in this ministerial post, Siobhian Brown, for her dedication and very valuable work. When it comes to antisocial behaviour and crime, the Scottish Government’s approach is very clear.”
“I am very pleased to close the debate. I thank Colin Beattie for securing it, and I welcome the constructive contributions that have been made across the chamber this evening. As has been pointed out, this is an issue of broad interest. I am honoured to be the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, with responsibility for supporting victims, strengthening community safety and ensuring that prevention sits right at the heart of our approach. Therefore, this feels like an appropriate debate in which to make my first speech, as I am also the MSP for Eastwood. Presiding Officer, given that it is my first speech, I hope that you will allow me to make some brief remarks about Eastwood. It is a place like no other in Scotland, and it is diverse, energetic and community focused.”
“I will be happy to meet him and other members from across the chamber to hear from them and update them on progress. We very much understand the concerns. As Bob Doris mentioned, work and conversations are ongoing, including with the police. We are committed to increasing the police powers to confiscate and retain illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. We will continue the regular meeting process with Police Scotland and partners, and I am happy to write to Mr Doris with more details, if he would find that helpful.”
“In the previous parliamentary session, I met ministers on several occasions to raise concerns over the illegal use of such vehicles. I hope that we continue to have a similar relationship in this session. I was pleased to see the Scottish National Party manifesto commitment on the issue. There is an intended consultation to update the Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002, as mentioned by the minister. What stage is the consultation at? Does the minister agree that greater fines and greater powers in relation to retention and disposal must be actively considered as key deterrents to the antisocial behaviour that is impacting on the communities that I represent? Kirsten Oswald: I am grateful to Bob Doris for his continued interest in this issue.”
“The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland to ensure that we implement our manifesto commitment to increase the powers of the police to tackle antisocial and criminal use of illegal e- bikes and e-scooters. We are reviewing police vehicle seizure and disposal powers, including the retention period. I am committed to doing all that we can to support enforcement and I am open to further legislative action. Although the law is already clear that the police can seize non- compliant or unlicensed e-bikes and e-scooters on public roads, we want to do more to protect the public. Crucially, we continue to urge the United Kingdom Government to use its reserved powers regarding vehicle registration for those vehicles. Bob Doris: I welcome the minister to her place and thank her for that answer.”
“I, Kirsten Frances Oswald, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”