John Swinney
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Since the report from several years ago was published, the Government has presided over the passage of legislation to rationalise that area of activity. Work is under way to transfer the responsibility for the funding of further education student support from the Scottish Funding Council to the Student Awards Agency Scotland.”
“I appreciate the urgency of the general policy elements of the question, because a number of applications are now being considered by planning authorities. My view is that, given the concerns that have been expressed by planning authorities, the Government has to be responsive to the issue.”
“For as long as we do not have a proper strategy on prison capacity, rehabilitation and clearing the court backlog, early release will be a revolving door, with people going in, coming out and going back into our prisons. Our justice system is in crisis, so we need a strategy.”
“I associate myself unreservedly Mr Cole-Hamilton’s comments about the feelings in the Muslim community. On Monday, I visited the Broomhouse mosque along with Simita Kumar and the Annandale Street mosque in Edinburgh with Ben Macpherson.”
“The development of further guidance will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the ruling by Lady Ross. Malcolm Offord: I thank the First Minister for his answer, which was more comprehensive than I expected.”
“I am a huge supporter of apprenticeship programmes. With foundation apprenticeships and graduate apprenticeships, the Government has brought forward important reforms that create new and successful pathways for young people. I am determined to make sure that every young person has that desirable pathway for their future.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,608 lines we hold for John Swinney, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 35 of 53.
“For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 47, Against 67, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 258 disagreed to. Amendment 259 moved—[Miles Briggs]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 259 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 25, Against 89, Abstentions 0.”
“Motion moved, That, under Rule 9.8.5A, the time limit be extended by up to 30 minutes.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. 18:30 Amendment 258 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 258 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“Amendment 81 disagreed to. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise members that, although we are making good progress, as I am sure that members are pleased to hear, we will shortly reach the next time limit and we have more groups of amendments still to debate. I am therefore minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 9.8.5A of standing orders, to propose that the time limit be extended by 30 minutes. I invite the cabinet secretary to move the motion. Jenny Gilruth: I move the motion. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I am terribly sorry, cabinet secretary, but the Minister for Parliamentary Business is trying to attract my attention. I ask the minister to move the motion. Jamie Hepburn: I was entirely relaxed, but I will move the motion again.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 25, Against 88, Abstentions 0.”
“Section 55—Regulation-making powers Amendment 80 moved—[Jenny Gilruth]—and agreed to. Amendments 256 and 257 not moved. Amendment 81 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 81 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“Amendments 55 and 56 not moved. Section 46—Necessary improvements: referral to Scottish Ministers Amendment 57 not moved. Section 47—Preliminary notice of enforcement action Amendments 58 to 63 not moved. Section 48—Enforcement direction Amendments 64 to 73 not moved. Section 49—Publication of documents Amendment 321 moved—[Jenny Gilruth]—and agreed to. Amendments 248 and 249 moved—[Pam Duncan-Glancy]—and agreed to. After section 50 Amendments 250 and 74 not moved. Section 54—Interpretation Amendment 251 not moved. Amendments 253, 252 and 254 not moved. Amendment 75 moved—[Jenny Gilruth]—and agreed to. Amendment 76 moved—[Miles Briggs]—and agreed to. Amendment 255 moved—[Pam Duncan- Glancy]—and agreed to. Amendments 77 to 79 moved—[Jenny Gilruth]—and agreed to.”
“I put to the Parliament—please bear with me and my voice—that I will call amendments 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73, all in the name of Stephen Kerr and all previously debated. I invite Stephen Kerr to move amendments 55 to 73 en bloc. Stephen Kerr: Not moved. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Stephen Kerr has indicated that he will not move amendments 55 to 73. It would be helpful if any member who wishes to move any of those amendments could indicate now. No member has so indicated. I therefore intend to read out the amendment numbers and confirm that they are not moved. I will do so at a pace that would allow any member to call out, at the relevant point, that they wish to move the amendment. I confirm for the record that the following amendments, in the name of Stephen Kerr, are not moved.”
“Amendment 53 disagreed to. Section 40—Other reports Amendment 54 not moved. Amendment 247 moved—[Pam Duncan- Glancy]—and agreed to. Section 43—Powers of entry and inspection The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call amendment 55, in the name of Stephen Kerr. Mr Kerr, do you wish to move or not move amendment 55? Stephen Kerr: If it would be helpful, Presiding Officer, I indicate that I do not intend to move amendment 55 or any of the large number of consecutive amendments in my name in group 12. If you wish to dispose of them en bloc, I would have no objection to that. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I suspend the meeting briefly while I consult with the clerks. 18:19 Meeting suspended. 18:21 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I thank Mr Kerr for his clarification.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 25, Against 66, Abstentions 22.”
“Amendment 52 disagreed to. Amendment 246 moved—[Ross Greer]—and agreed to. After section 39 Amendment 53 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 53 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 47, Against 66, Abstentions 0.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am afraid that my app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, First Minister. Your vote will be recorded. Jenny Gilruth: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Similarly, my app does not seem to have connected. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, cabinet secretary. Your vote was, in fact, recorded.”
“I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business.”
“As we look ahead, the Scottish Government is determined to maintain a strong leadership role in advocating for the rights of Gypsy Traveller individuals and in celebrating the rich history, culture and contribution of these communities. An apology is not the end of the conversation; it is, I hope, the beginning of a new conversation. We want to continue the dialogue and to work together to keep improving the lives of Gypsy Traveller individuals, families and communities in Scotland—that is the commitment that I make to the communities and to the Parliament today. Our duty is to address the errors of the past and to work for a better future. The Presiding Officer: The First Minister will now take questions on the issues that were raised in his statement.”
“I also pay tribute to our late colleague and former Minister for Equalities and Older People, Christina McKelvie. She fought tirelessly to address the inequality and injustice that Gypsy Traveller communities faced. I know that this apology today would be the recognition and the long-anticipated justice that she worked so hard to deliver for so many. I pay tribute to Christina McKelvie, who always listened to those who suffered injustice and acted to address that injustice. Our hope is that we now have a foundation on which to continue building trust and fostering renewed relationships with all those who have been impacted by historical policies.”
“The experiences that have been shared underline the need for systemic change, greater accountability and, crucially, a shift in attitudes at every level. We must do better. Recognising the harm that is caused by this prejudice is only the first step; it must be followed by meaningful action. That includes challenging stereotypes, confronting everyday discrimination and committing to long-term efforts that promote understanding, respect and equity for Gypsy Travellers. We have reached this moment due to the efforts of many people. Individuals in Gypsy Traveller communities have argued with care and tenacity for these injustices to be addressed. Some have not lived long enough to hear the words that I am sharing with the Parliament today. I pay tribute to their commitment to the pursuit of justice.”
“It is a testament to the collaborative work of national and local government, the dedication and tireless efforts of third sector organisations and, most of all, the determination of Gypsy Travellers to ensure better futures for their communities. Since the publication of our first “Gypsy/Travellers action plan”, the Scottish Government has taken specific actions to improve the lives of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland in key areas such as accommodation, tackling discrimination and improving representation and access to public services and education. Last year, we published an updated action plan, building on the successes that we have had to date. At the same time, we recognise that there is still much more work to be done.”
“We have now published a summary of the results of the consultation along with the archival research report, and we are keen to continue the conversation to find the best and most effective way forward. We also recognise that historical policies have affected individuals and groups differently with direct and indirect impacts. Those effects vary, based on multiple factors, and often carry intergenerational consequences. Understanding that complexity is crucial as we work toward collective progress on the issue. Improving the lives of our Gypsy Traveller communities is essential if we are to tackle deep- rooted inequalities and deliver a fairer Scotland. The progress that we have made since the events that are outlined in the report is significant.”
“That is why a short, initial community consultation was commissioned to engage with members of Gypsy Traveller communities impacted by historical policies. The Minister for Equalities attended one of those sessions in person, and I know that she was deeply moved by the powerful insights and experiences that were shared with such courage. We recognise that revisiting past trauma is never easy, and we are truly grateful for the generosity and openness shown by members of the community throughout this process. We are also aware that others might still wish to share their stories, and I want to reassure them that the Government is here to listen, whenever and however those individuals feel ready to explain their story.”
“The national event organised by the Scottish Government at Dynamic Earth last week highlighted the important work that is being carried out by many of our national and local partners to improve the lives of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland. It also celebrated the rich culture and heritage of those communities. I understand that the event was very well attended and very well received, and I warmly encourage members—indeed, anyone—to attend similar events in the future. We must all play our part in eradicating racism, inequality and injustice, and in building a better, fairer world where every person has the same opportunities and where everyone’s individual needs are recognised and met. We can achieve that only by working together in partnership, ensuring that communities are at the heart of our discussions.”
“We must be united in unequivocally condemning all forms of hatred, discrimination and prejudice, particularly those that still cause members of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland to feel unsafe, unwelcome or marginalised in their daily lives or in the expression of their identity and way of life. This statement comes at a particularly important time. Every June, we celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month. Through celebration, education and raising awareness, the month plays a vital role in challenging prejudice, amplifying the voices of Gypsy Traveller and Roma communities and reshaping public understanding.”
“The trauma that that has caused to individuals, families and groups, including those who regard themselves as victims of the tinker experiments, is significant and lasting. So, as First Minister of Scotland, I want to say directly to Gypsy Traveller communities: the tinker experiments should not have happened. Those policies were wrong, and we recognise how much they are still hurting so many today. More than anything else, I want to say this: on behalf of Scotland, we are sorry. We have come a long way since the tinker experiments, but there is still much to do. We still see prejudice and ignorance today. Indeed, discrimination towards Gypsy Travellers is often described as “the last bastion of respectable racism.” It is not.”
“I invite Parliament to consider that only by confronting those difficult truths from our past are we able to move forward, learning from the mistakes of the past as we work towards a more just and equitable Scotland—a Scotland that truly honours and celebrates the rich culture of Gypsy Travellers. It falls to the Government to state, without ambiguity, that what happened to Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland was unacceptable. That starts with formally acknowledging and apologising for the harm caused by those actions. It is clear to the Government that stark prejudice and lack of cultural awareness led to a series of unfair and unjust policies. Those policies resulted in children being removed from families and in families being forced to live in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions.”
“Today, the Scottish Government has published reports that highlight the injustice and prejudice that Gypsy Traveller individuals, families and communities have faced as a result of the historical policies and decisions colloquially known as the tinker experiments. Although those events pre-date this Parliament, it is important to recognise that the impacts of those policies are still felt today. I know that in the public gallery today are members of the communities impacted. I welcome them to the chamber and I applaud their tenacity in pursuing these issues over such a long period of time. Since its inception, the Parliament has demonstrated its willingness to address uncomfortable and, for some, incredibly painful elements of our national story. My statement today is set in that context.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Swinney. We will ensure that your vote is recorded.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes First Minister’s question time. There will now be a short suspension to allow those leaving the chamber and the public gallery to do so. 12:45 Meeting suspended. 12:47 On resuming— Action Mesothelioma Day 2025”
“I cannot believe half of what has been put to me in that question. ScotRail is one of the best-performing rail networks in the United Kingdom, and its performance has improved since it was taken into public ownership by the Scottish Government. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. The First Minister: I will say those things again. ScotRail is one of the best-performing rail networks in the United Kingdom, and its performance has improved since it came into public ownership. We have just taken a decision to abolish peak rail fares in Scotland to encourage more people to use the train. Why can Mr Stewart not find something to welcome in the Scottish Parliament, rather than coming here with bogus information that runs down the rail network, which is actually performing very well?”
“Despite all the obstacles put in our way by a Labour United Kingdom Government that does not act in relation to growth and opportunity in our economy, the decisions of this SNP Government are delivering prosperity and opportunity for people in Scotland. That record on investment— 10 years in a row of being the most successful part of the United Kingdom for inward investment, outside of London—is a testament to the efforts of this Government.”
“The points that Michelle Thomson puts to the Parliament are absolutely valid. The warning from the CBI should not be ignored. When the decision was taken to apply employer national insurance contribution increases, I said that I thought that it was an illogical move, given the focus on growth in the United Kingdom Government’s agenda. I reiterate that point: employer national insurance contribution increases will stifle growth and they will inhibit our ability to grow the economy. The survey from the CBI comes in a week in which EY has confirmed that Scotland is the best- performing part of the United Kingdom for inward investment, outside London, for the 10th year in a row.”
“I associate myself unreservedly with Mr Choudhury’s comments about Sir Geoff Palmer. Sir Geoff was a pioneer—that is how I described him on his death. He contributed enormously to making Scotland the country that it is today: the tolerant, inclusive and welcoming country that is epitomised by the approach and the values of Sir Geoff Palmer. Mr Choudhury described Sir Geoff as a kind, wise man. I utterly accept that. That is exactly the right description of him. We need more kindness and more wisdom in our society, and Sir Geoff Palmer embodied that. I take this opportunity to make clear to the Parliament my absolute commitment to making sure that Scotland is a tolerant, welcoming and inclusive country that Sir Geoff Palmer could be proud of. Economic”
“That is a very hard reality that the Parliament is going to have to come to terms with and which is troubling me enormously. I say two things to Mr Halcro Johnston. First, I appreciate the engagement that I had with members of the public in Portree on Saturday about the issue. Secondly, I reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the model that was designed by Lewis Ritchie and which I expect NHS Highland to implement. Professor Sir”
“As a matter of factual accuracy, I was in Portree on Saturday, and I met Eilidh Beaton there on Saturday. I heard about her experience, and it was a pleasure to meet her. I was able to express to Eilidh and to other members of the public who asked me about the issue that the commitments that I gave in this chamber on the delivery of the model that was designed by Lewis Ritchie will be fulfilled. I accept that there are challenges for NHS Highland in the practical delivery of that, often because of the availability of personnel to do it. It is part of a wider and deeper problem, which also relates to the point that I made to Mr Briggs a moment ago that we are being constrained in the delivery of our public services by the approach to immigration and the size of our working-age population.”
“The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice recently wrote to the UK Government to highlight a number of issues with the delivery of universal credit, including those caused by conditionality and sanctions. We are deeply concerned about the personal impact that the move to universal credit is having on individuals, and we will continue to work with the DWP to address all those concerns. The situation is indicative of the agenda that is being taken forward by the Labour Government, which is now trying to balance the books on the back of sacrificing the poor and the vulnerable in our society. I do not think that people in Scotland expected that of a Labour Government, but that is what they are getting. Urgent Care Services (Skye)”
“I assure Mr Gibson—he can convey this to his constituents, and I know that the transport secretary will do that in her discussions this afternoon—that the Government is absolutely focused on achieving a long-term solution for Ardrossan harbour, which, from the Government’s perspective, remains the key port for the connection to”
“On the road equivalent tariff point, the answer is that there are no such plans. The RET has been an essential part of the steps that we are taking to improve connectivity with the island communities, and it has played an essential part in lowering the cost of travel to our islands over a number of years. That was introduced by an SNP Government as part of that agenda. In relation to Ardrossan, I entirely understand Mr Gibson’s concern. This is a negotiation with a private organisation, Peel Ports, and any such negotiations take time. It has the focus and attention of ministers and of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. The transport secretary has made clear to the Parliament the steps that have been taken, and we will, of course, update the Parliament when the negotiation progresses.”
“That is exactly at the heart of the Government’s commitment, and I am pleased to reaffirm that today. Since 2019, there has been a 42 per cent increase in 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas entering university, which demonstrates the progress that has been made on widening access to our higher education institutions.”
“Yesterday, Glasgow Kelvin College, 40 per cent of whose learners are from the poorest areas, told the Education, Children and Young People Committee that it is having to turn away two in three people. The SNP’s managed decline of universities and colleges is leaving Scotland’s most disadvantaged pupils behind. Why is the First Minister’s Government stifling the potential of Scotland’s greatest asset—our young people? The First Minister: The most recent data that I have available shows that 16.7 per cent of full-time first-degree entrants come from Scotland’s most deprived areas, which is an increase on 16.3 per cent in the previous year. Since we embarked on the work to widen access, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that young people from the most deprived areas are able to access university courses.”
“The 2025-26 budget includes more than £1.1 billion of investment in teaching and research in Scotland’s universities in recognition of the hugely valuable contribution that our universities make. Pam Duncan-Glancy: Today’s report from the Royal Society of Edinburgh says: “there remain significant challenges in ensuring those undertaking initial education ... can access the right opportunities to fulfil personal aspirations as well as contribute to the future success of Scotland.” That challenge to fulfilling aspiration is laid bare in data that came out this week that shows that the gap in university attendance between the most and least deprived grew and that the proportion of young people from the poorest communities going into positive destinations fell.”
“The Scottish Government engages closely with the higher education sector on a variety of issues in relation to its financial sustainability. I know that the member, alongside other party spokespeople and the minister, met Universities Scotland last week and agreed on the need for cross-party collaboration to support a thriving and financially sustainable university sector. One of the key points in that discussion was the importance of protecting free tuition—a commitment that the Scottish National Party Government has made to ensure that students studying in Scotland do not incur the additional debt of up to £27,750 that they would incur if they happened to be educated at universities in England.”
“At 62.3 per cent in 2022, the overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, so significant progress has been made. Waste sector emissions were 73 per cent lower in 2023 than in 1990. Steps have been taken to address the issue, and I want to ensure that progress is made. That is exactly what ministers are focused on and what public bodies should be focused on, too.”
“Maurice Golden: The landfill ban has been more than a decade in the making, with an extra four-year delay already, yet Scotland is still not ready. The 2013 recycling targets remain unmet, even though recycling is the solution, in my view. Sadly, incineration has become the default for the Scottish Government. Next year, up to £75 million in landfill tax will be lost to the UK Treasury, £75 million in revenue will be lost from the Scottish Government, and tens of millions of pounds in cost will be lost, primarily to Scotland’s small and medium-sized enterprises. It is the ultimate farce. How is that failure to plan, invest or deliver standing up for Scotland? The First Minister: Incineration is not the default position.”
“I do not think that it is acceptable for a large amount of waste to be transported from Scotland to England. The landfill ban will be a significant step in reducing methane emissions in Scotland. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is around 28 times more potent in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Preparations have already been made for the ban coming into force and the vast majority of councils have solutions in place. In the run-up to the ban, I accept all partners’ efforts to continue to comply with it. I appreciate that challenges exist and I assure Mr Golden that we are working closely with the waste sector and exploring several options to ensure that we are reducing any environmental impacts as much as possible.”
“The Scottish Government will play its part in ensuring that we can progress to a final investment decision as soon as possible, because the project is central to the achievement of our objectives on climate, it will be a significant part of the just transition in Scotland, and it provides significant economic and climate opportunities for our country. It should be embraced by all concerned. It needs emphatic support from the UK Government, in particular.”
“Audrey Nicoll: After years of delays, the UK Government has finally announced some funding for Acorn, but it has failed to commit to a timetable or final investment decision on the project. That stands in stark contrast to Labour’s £22 billion for carbon capture in England and a swathe of costly nuclear projects. Given that Westminster has had 20 years to hammer out the detail of Acorn, does the First Minister agree that we must now see meaningful support and funding at pace? The First Minister: I agree with Audrey Nicoll; it is vital that we have urgent progress and support for the project. I welcome the announcement that was made last week.”
“It is welcome that the United Kingdom Government has at last listened to the calls of industry and the Scottish Government and has committed to funding the Acorn project to progress to a final investment decision. We are working closely with Acorn partners and the UK Government to understand the specifics of last week’s announcement and how we can best work together to build pace and momentum in the development phase to get a final investment decision on Acorn as soon as possible. To be clear, I firmly support the development of the Acorn project to advance our climate ambitions and create jobs and employment. We are discussing with Acorn what support will be required from the Scottish Government to progress the project further.”
“I make no apology to Mr Harvie or to anyone else about being absolutely focused on eradicating the scourge of child poverty in our society. It is a curse on our society, and we have to eradicate it. Acorn Project 4.”
“I appreciate that this is his last First Minister’s question time as co- convener of the Green Party, so saying all that to me might have been his last hurrah. One of my central priorities is the eradication of child poverty. It could not be clearer to people in Scotland that two very different directions are being pursued. The level of child poverty is falling in Scotland, whereas child poverty rates are going up in the rest of the United Kingdom. Under my leadership, we are taking action to remove the two-child limit—that has never been committed to before. That will help us to reduce child poverty, while the Labour Government’s action, through the welfare changes that were announced yesterday, will increase child poverty in Scotland.”
“In addition, only today, he has rejected advice from his independent climate experts. In place of the progressive green policies that the First Minister has walked away from, what is there? I genuinely struggle to think of a single signature policy that he has delivered in his year in the job that shows ambition and leadership. In the face of the threat from the far right, a steady-as- she-goes approach puts us on a course to disaster. Does the First Minister understand that people need to see real progress towards a fairer, greener Scotland and that failure to tackle inequality and injustice will benefit only the snake oil sellers on the far right? The First Minister: To be blunt, I could not disagree more with Mr Harvie.”