Dawn Black
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Ensuring that Scotland’s communities remain safe places to live in is absolutely crucial, which is why we must invest in early intervention to target those who are at risk of engaging in crime. Can the minister advise how that is reflected as a priority in the Scottish Government’s approach to tackling knife crime?”
“Education programmes on the danger and unacceptability of carrying a knife, such as YouthLink Scotland’s No Knives, Better Lives initiative, have provided information to hundreds of front-line practitioners who are particularly engaged with young people.”
“Every child’s day should start with a nutritious meal. We know that that benefits their learning experience and that wraparound care aims to accommodate parents’ working hours. Will the cabinet secretary outline the role of breakfast clubs in supporting Scotland’s families amid the cost of living crisis?”
“Despite Scotland’s vast energy resources, energy policy remains reserved to the UK Government, meaning that the benefits of our energy wealth are not felt by the Scottish people. What assessment has the minister made of that lack of control and the impact on Scotland’s economy, fuel security and natural environment?”
“The high rates of inflation in recent years, which are thanks to Westminster economic mismanagement, have had a huge knock-on effect on the Scottish budget. Does the minister agree that that makes a clear case for the block grant in Scotland to be inflation proofed, to prevent the erosion of Scotland’s funding?”
“The fact that the block grant remains linked to the UK Government’s spending decisions means that Scotland’s funding can increase or decrease regardless of Scotland’s needs and priorities. I repeat that we are playing the game with both hands tied behind our back.”
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“Introducing phone-free classrooms will provide greater consistency across Scotland, but will the cabinet secretary say more on what exemptions might be made to the national ban, particularly for pupils with additional support needs, disabilities, medical conditions or caring responsibilities who need access to technology? Màiri McAllan: I am pleased to note that the guidance that my colleague the former education secretary developed had exemptions at its heart. The guidance provided a strong statement of intent, but it explicitly included exemptions to take into account instances in which phones will be needed. There are medical exemptions and exemptions for young carers, and there is also an exemption for staff-led learning activity on digital devices.”
“I say before I start that my first concern is for the people of Angus North and Mearns and for the people of Scotland. I, Dawn Suzanne Thorndycraft Black, 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.”