Laura Mitchell
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I thank the cabinet secretary for her statement and I note her remarks on the Baird and ANCHOR in Grampian. Will she set out how the Government is supporting NHS Grampian to also invest in infrastructure at Dr Gray’s hospital?”
“As the motion sets out, STV North news is deeply valued, with only 4 per cent of viewers in the north of Scotland being supportive of the proposed cuts.”
“They deserve a news programme packed with first-class journalism—journalism that, for many years, has been provided to my Moray constituents by well- known and well-respected reporters such as Nicola McAlley and Iain Ramage, journalists who have taken great time and great care to know our communities.”
“I am grateful for the chance to speak in this important debate on the future of STV North. I commend my colleague Jack Middleton for leading the discussion.”
“When the UK Government threatened to close RAF Lossiemouth, when the Moray community came together to campaign for our maternity service and when people in Lossiemouth united after the collapse of the Lossie bridge, the team at STV North was there, just as those trusted reporters at STV North are there when severe weather hits, when busin…”
“Ofcom’s decision to rubber-stamp these unpopular central belt-focused plans is a travesty. As has already been said, the decision-making process is not only deeply flawed, but it ignores the strong views of the people in our unique corner of the world.”
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“I confirm that plans are being developed to establish a GP walk-in facility in Moray, which will help to improve access to services and reduce pressure on both general practice and A and”
“I thank the cabinet secretary for her statement and I note her remarks on the Baird and ANCHOR in Grampian. Will she set out how the Government is supporting NHS Grampian to also invest in infrastructure at Dr Gray’s hospital? Can she provide an update on plans to open Moray’s GP walk-in clinic, which will undoubtedly ease pressure on A and E and GP services in my constituency? Angela Constance: I recognise the importance of services at Dr Gray’s hospital and access to primary care for Laura Mitchell’s constituents. I reassure her that I will work closely with NHS Grampian to support investment across Moray, including strengthening the role of Dr Gray’s within that regional network of care.”
“Ofcom’s decision to rubber-stamp these unpopular central belt-focused plans is a travesty. As has already been said, the decision-making process is not only deeply flawed, but it ignores the strong views of the people in our unique corner of the world. It is not too late for Ofcom to admit that it has got this wrong, hold its hands up, reverse its decision and do the right thing, and to protect the future of quality local news coverage in the north of Scotland. 18:53”
“As the motion sets out, STV North news is deeply valued, with only 4 per cent of viewers in the north of Scotland being supportive of the proposed cuts. Like Jackie Dunbar, I am old enough that I grew up on the OG news in the north, “Grampian Tonight”, and I know the affection that my Moray constituents have for the presenters and reporters who have, over many years, beamed into their homes to tell their stories each night. Local news cannot simply be replaced by national coverage. Stories from the north of Scotland deserve to be told by people who know the north of Scotland. Opposition to STV’s plans comes from all quarters: viewers, trade unions, businesses and politicians. As Jack Middleton has pointed out, it is an issue that has united MSPs across the chamber, and that is no mean feat.”
“They deserve a news programme packed with first-class journalism—journalism that, for many years, has been provided to my Moray constituents by well- known and well-respected reporters such as Nicola McAlley and Iain Ramage, journalists who have taken great time and great care to know our communities. I hear all the time how people in rural communities such as Moray can often feel disconnected from national conversations. That is a key point. Cutting our regional news output means fewer opportunities for people across the north of Scotland to have their experiences, their culture and their way of life represented on screen, and to be part of the conversation. Decisions about the future of regional news in Scotland must recognise its unique public value.”
“When the UK Government threatened to close RAF Lossiemouth, when the Moray community came together to campaign for our maternity service and when people in Lossiemouth united after the collapse of the Lossie bridge, the team at STV North was there, just as those trusted reporters at STV North are there when severe weather hits, when businesses are innovating and creating jobs in our communities, and when our young people in schools are achieving great things. STV North is always there to tell our stories. The communities that I represent deserve to hear their dialect and to see their lives, concerns and successes reflected in the media.”
“I am grateful for the chance to speak in this important debate on the future of STV North. I commend my colleague Jack Middleton for leading the discussion. As other speakers have eloquently set out, for people in my Moray constituency and across the north of Scotland, STV North news is more than just a television programme, and that is what I will focus my remarks on today. STV North news tells the story of our communities. It puts a spotlight on local and regional issues and ensures that voices from across the north of Scotland are heard. In my constituency, STV North has been a powerful voice for our communities in the good times and the bad.”
“Since 2023, we have invested with NHS Grampian to support that return. In this financial year, there is a further £6.5 million of investment. Since 2024, NHS Grampian has made progress on obstetric day care and antenatal scanning services, and it is also performing elective daytime caesareans. Of course, there is further work to be done, which hinges on ongoing recruitment.”
“The cabinet secretary will be aware that it is now eight years since NHS Grampian downgraded maternity services at Dr Gray’s hospital. Restoration of a consultant-led service has been supported by the Scottish Government, and the project team is now undertaking the most challenging phase of work to recruit key clinicians to restore our full obstetric service. I welcome the reference to Elgin in the cabinet secretary’s statement. I ask that she confirm that the review will not impact the Scottish Government’s commitment to a consultant-led service in Moray and that the Government will do all that it can to support the project team as it continues its work to rebuild services at Dr Gray’s hospital. Angela Constance: As I said in my statement, we remain committed to supporting the return of obstetric maternity services to Dr Gray’s hospital.”
“According to the figures that we saw at the weekend, transmission charges could cost Scottish projects almost £1 billion up to 2030-31, whereas projects in England and Wales will be paid £435 million to connect. That policy, which Labour must review, is holding back our sector, and Laura Mitchell is quite right to be a champion for her communities on that. Aviation Fuel Supply 6.”
“Orkney and other communities across the Highlands and Islands will play a key role in Scotland’s renewable energy future. However, new projects in the region are being unfairly disadvantaged by Westminster’s transmission charging regime, which is costing Scottish renewable projects £1 billion. Does the minister agree that, if Labour ministers are serious about growing renewable energy in Scotland, they must scrap those unfair transmission charges immediately or get out of the way and give Scotland the power to control our own energy? Stephen Gethins: I absolutely agree with Laura Mitchell, who has already been a strong advocate in this Parliament for jobs and investment in her constituency. We have seen unfair penalisation through the current transmission network use of system—TNUOS—charges.”
“The First Minister’s renewed focus on growing Scotland’s economy and building on what the SNP has already delivered in government has been eloquently set out by Stuart McMillan and I am particularly interested in seeing how plans to empower regional economic partnerships will develop and how that will lead to strategic investment in rural communities such as mine. Creating the prosperous country that we all want to see would, of course, be considerably easier if this Parliament had the full economic levers of an independent country, but I know that this new Government will use the powers of this Parliament to drive forward its ambitious agenda for Scotland, to ensure that we are building an economy that can support strong public services and that, crucially, will be one that people feel works for them. 17:01”
“The economic opportunities of the transition to cleaner energy are enormous and, as has been set out by my local chamber of commerce in its ambitious business plan for Moray, our region wants to be at the heart of that. Not only do we have an abundance of natural resources on our doorstep, we have incredible expertise in our offshore and supply chain workforce. Many of my constituents have worked offshore for decades and have the skills that are required to make a huge contribution to the businesses of the future. It is therefore deeply regrettable that the UK Government’s hated energy profits levy continues to cost thousands of jobs per month in the north-east.”
“Despite the challenges, businesses in Moray have shown remarkable resilience and ambition. Businesses in my community want to invest, grow and create more jobs. In a challenging environment, business owners in Moray are working together to do just that. In that vein, I welcome the Government’s commitment to rebalance the non-domestic rates system. Although the relief that is on offer in Scotland is the most generous in the UK, many businesses feel that the current system deters them from growing and can be complex to navigate. Reviewing the system would be a boost for businesses, high streets and town centres up and down the country, and I look forward to discussing that with the Government in the weeks and months ahead. As well as facing challenges, Scotland has tremendous opportunities.”
“Inflation and energy costs are key drivers, but businesses across Moray tell me that so, too, are UK Government economic choices. The hike in employer national insurance contributions is a tax on jobs, and employers large and small are feeling the pain. Hostile immigration policies are leading to skills shortages in key sectors in my rural communities. The duty increases on Scotch whisky are a policy that specifically prevents investment and growth in Speyside, which is a region that I represent. Hospitality businesses are struggling to cope with the 20 per cent VAT rate, which Faith Houlding of Scribbles in my constituency has been campaigning hard on; she deserves great credit for that. I note that my colleague Alyn Smith has lodged a motion on the issue, and I hope that members from across the chamber will support it.”
“As the cabinet secretary set out, in recent times, households and businesses have lived through an unprecedented number of unprecedented events: 15 years of Tory austerity, Brexit, a global pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Liz Truss mini-budget and, now, events in the middle east. Liam Kerr: Businesses have also lived through the appalling SNP rates regime. The FSB says that the most recent rates revaluation has seen significant increases to bills and that it is urgent that the eligibility thresholds are revisited. Does Laura Mitchell agree? If so, will she urge the Government to do that? Laura Mitchell: If Liam Kerr would have a little patience, I will come on to non-domestic rates later in my remarks. As household costs have soared, so has the cost of doing business.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in the debate and to have the chance to share some reflections on the key economic challenges and opportunities in my constituency. Every member in the chamber will have had countless conversations with constituents who feel that the economy is just not working for them. Wages are not keeping up with inflation, energy costs in an energy-rich nation are soaring and home ownership is out of reach for far too many young people. People look around and see a UK economic model that is broken. The impact is felt by workers, public services and businesses in Moray and right across the country. The context is important.”
“That is a powerful example of what we are trying to achieve: locally delivered and inclusive provision that creates lasting impact.”
“That is absolutely central to our ambition because the legacy of the programme must extend far beyond this summer. I now turn to some examples of what that will look like in practice. Although plans are still being developed, we have some details about specific programmes. The Camanachd Association, working in partnership with Scottish Golf, will deliver a joint programme designed to increase participation in shinty and golf among young people in rural Scotland. The programme will provide free or subsidised holiday camps in rural communities, removing barriers such as cost, travel and equipment, and will, I hope, develop our next Scottish golfing star. It will focus on fun, inclusive and beginner-friendly activity while creating clear pathways into club sport and developing a local workforce of young coaches and volunteers.”
“Critically, those plans are not just about delivering activities but about building pathways from positive experience in summer programmes into what we hope will be sustained participation in school, community and club sport. That is because we know that one of the biggest challenges in sport is not about just getting people active but about helping people to stay active. The role of our national partners and governing bodies is equally important. Across those programmes, some of the plans that we have had sight of so far focus on inclusive access, partnership-based delivery, local place-based approaches, workforce development and long- term sustainability. Those programmes are designed not simply to deliver a one-off experience but to create lasting engagement, confidence and belonging.”
“I come from a community that absolutely loves to have an Orcadian strip the willow right along our seafront, which is now a beautiful promenade thanks to Scottish Government funding. Across the country, local authorities, leisure trusts, active schools networks, clubs and the third sector are working together to develop plans that reflect local need. Those plans include universal discounts on and free access to programmes; activities targeted at priority groups, including children living in property, those with additional support needs, young carers and care- experienced people; increased capacity and subsidised access; festivals, events and multisport opportunities; leadership pathways and employability opportunities for young people; and outreach into communities that are currently underrepresented.”
“The minister might be aware that many young people across Scotland, including pupils from Hopeman primary school in my constituency, will be taking part in the world cup day of dance next week. That initiative is inspired by the success of the men’s world cup team and promotes and celebrates Scottish country dance. Does the minister agree that we should do all that we can to support participation in, and celebration of, Scottish country dance in our schools? Maree Todd: Absolutely. It was not until I travelled to France as sports minister that I realised that only in Scotland do we learn the country dances that we carry through our lives and use at every opportunity for celebration. That is unique to Scotland and I think it is a fantastic thing and a great way to celebrate.”
“It is wholly disingenuous to talk about delays to capital projects without talking about the financial pressures that have been placed on the Scottish Government by fiscal and economic mismanagement at Westminster. On behalf of the new SNP Government, what is the cabinet secretary’s message for my Moray constituents, who are eagerly awaiting the dualling of the A9 and the A96? What benefits will those projects deliver for my region? Stephen Flynn: My message is simple and unequivocal—we will deliver on our manifesto commitments in relation to the A9 and we will dual the A96. Work has already begun and we will conclude it.”
“This week, the Confederation of British Industry revealed that 105,000 renewables jobs are contributing more than £10 billion to the Scottish economy. Reform would end that industry tomorrow, and the Tories inflicted a tax on Scotland’s energy that is costing 1,000 jobs per month. The First Minister knows that Scotland needs oil and gas supply chains and skills to deliver those renewables jobs, so what action is his Government taking to support our offshore industry and the renewables industry to drive forward Scotland’s economy?”
“It also means ensuring that we have the skilled workforce in our rural communities to deliver equitable access across the country. It means learning from organisations such as Flexible Childcare Services Scotland, which runs the excellent Strathisla children’s centre in my constituency. Every family deserves the support that they need to build a good life. If we get this right, the benefits will be enormous for Scotland’s children, for women, for families and for Scotland’s economy.”
“I am proud of the progress that has been made by the SNP in government, delivering on the 1,140 hours of provision that is fully funded, which has truly made a difference to households across the country. More than 7,700 young people in my constituency have benefited from that universal provision. Families have saved thousands of pounds. However, it is right that ministers have the ambition to go further, to expand the childcare offer to nine months, to deliver on wraparound care, to support families during the school holidays and to give parents more freedom to work if that is what they choose. As we progress with plans to widen our childcare offer, it is vital that we get it right. That means working alongside local authorities and private providers, without whom funded childcare would be undeliverable in constituencies such as mine.”
“We know that families are struggling with more month than money, and childcare costs are putting a real strain on many family budgets. In Moray, where annual pay is among the lowest of any local authority in Scotland, childcare is one of the biggest bills that many households face. For lots of families in my constituency, childcare costs will be as much as their mortgage or their rent. That is why affordable childcare matters. Flexibility matters, too, however. The nature of our local economy means that many parents work shifts, and the cabinet secretary is right to say that we need a system that fits around families, not the other way around.”
“We know that women still shoulder most of the caring responsibilities in our communities. Without affordable childcare for nine months and without after-school clubs and holiday provision, too many women will continue to lose earnings, lose opportunities or leave the workforce entirely. I have spoken to so many families in Moray whose experience is just that. The impact goes far beyond individual families. People who have businesses across Moray tell me that childcare is a major recruitment and retention issue for them. In the lead-up to the election, Moray Chamber of Commerce set out its ambitious plans and key asks to grow and diversify our local economy. That plan was clear. Expanding access to childcare provision is vital to growing Moray’s economy. As we have heard a lot today, childcare is a pressing cost of living issue.”
“Moray punches well above its weight in its contribution to Scotland’s economy. We are home to world-class manufacturers and iconic food and drink producers such as Johnstons of Elgin, Walker’s Shortbread and Baxters—and, of course, Speyside is the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. Our greatest strength is our people—resilient, community-minded, determined people who want to build a good life for their families. That is exactly what today’s debate is about: giving the people the support that they need to build that good life for their families. Investing in childcare is not just about childcare; it is an investment in our infrastructure and in our economy, and it is central to tackling some of Moray’s biggest challenges. Scotland’s gender pay gap sits at just under 10 per cent. In Moray, it is almost 15 per cent.”
“Throughout my campaign, people spoke to me of their deep affection for Richard, and many expressed sincere sadness at his decision to stand down, which is testament to the way in which he served the people of Moray over so many years. I also wish to recognise the late Margaret Ewing. Margaret was a passionate, determined and fierce advocate for her constituents and for Scotland’s cause. To follow in their footsteps is a privilege, and to represent the best constituency in Scotland is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I promised the good folk of Moray that I would be a strong voice for our community in the Parliament. Today, I will focus my contribution on how the SNP Government’s ambitious childcare plans—if we get them right—could be transformative for the young people, families and businesses that I am here to represent.”
“It is a privilege to stand here as the new MSP for Moray, the community that raised me and the place that I love. I will work every day to repay the trust that voters in Moray have placed in me. It is particularly special to be the first constituency MSP for Moray to have grown up in Moray. I hope that young people in Moray see that as proof that they belong here in this building. I of course wish to pay tribute to my predecessors. Richard Lochhead represented Moray for almost two decades. He served in the Parliament from 1999, and he served in government under four First Ministers. He was part of that historic first-ever SNP Cabinet.”
“I, Laura Mitchell, 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. I, Laura Mitchell, gie my depone, solemnly and sincerely, aat I wull be faithful and leal tae His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and ony fa come aifter him, accordin tae the laa.”