Kenneth Gibson
No Party Affiliation · Scotland
“The next item of business is decision time. There are eight questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Amanda Bland is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Stephen Kerr will fall.”
“The next item of business is consideration of two Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S7M-00492, on committee membership, and S7M-00505, on membership of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.”
“The next item of business is general question time. Many members wish to ask supplementary questions, so, in order to get in as many members as possible, I prefer short and succinct questions, with answers to match. Artificial Intelligence Data Centres (Planning Guidance) 1.”
“There are seven questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Tom Arthur is agreed to, the amendments in the names of Daniel Johnson, Murdo Fraser and Willie Rennie will fall.”
“The next item of business is consideration of revised business motion S7M-00480, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, revising this week’s business programme. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button.”
“Speak through the chair, please. Tim Eagle: The Scottish Conservatives recognise that a strong economy is not some optional extra but the foundation on which everything else depends. I actually agree with Reform, and others, that it is all about the economy.”
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“Scotland’s prosperity depends on having a highly skilled workforce, enabling a globally competitive economy in sectors such as aerospace and the life sciences. Providing more science, technology, engineering and maths skills is an issue that was raised by Colleges Scotland at the Finance and Public Administration Committee only this morning. What steps is the First Minister’s Government taking to deliver the unfilled demand for 15,000 apprenticeship places that the Open University says that Scottish employers currently require? The First Minister: We are investing about £185 million each year, enabling 25,000 people to undertake modern apprenticeships each year. We will continue to support around 38,500 apprentices who are already in training as part of our wider programme.”
“With regard to the on-going negotiations, I am pleased that, in my meeting with them last week, Mr Gibson and colleagues Alasdair Allan and Jenni Minto, in their constituency capacity, were able to represent the strong views of their constituents but also recognise that negotiations, particularly on Ardrossan Harbour, are at a key stage. With regard to ensuring that we can invest in Ardrossan harbour, there is provision and support not only to purchase it but to do some of the initial work that is needed immediately. Having secured that additional funding for our ports and harbours, I find it deeply disappointing that the Labour Party, of all parties, did not vote to support the investment in our ferries, ports and harbours.”
“Can the cabinet secretary confirm that CMAL is working hard to ensure that Ardrossan harbour is purchased at a fair price for the Scottish taxpayer, while being proactive in engaging with community organisations such as save Ardrossan harbour and Arran for Ardrossan harbour? Will she also confirm that, without the 49.2 per cent increase—a whopping £78.2 million—in the ferry service’s capital budget, which was delivered by this Government this year, and which Labour did not vote for, the purchase and redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour would not be possible? Fiona Hyslop: We are investing not only in vessels but in our ports and harbours across Scotland, and Ardrossan is key in that respect.”
“The workers are critically important. Having met a number of apprentices, I know that there is significant interest in working in those jobs. There is huge demand, and we are committed to working with Skills Development Scotland, which oversees the apprenticeship programmes and administers funding, to ensure that Ayrshire College can play a key role in meeting the demand and ensuring that there is a pipeline in place.”
“Over the next five years, Ayrshire will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to consolidate and grow its globally competitive manufacturing footprint through XLCC in Hunterston and our aerospace industry at Prestwick, boosting Scotland’s wider supply chain. A highly skilled and motivated workforce will be key to the delivery of those objectives. How will the Scottish Government ensure that we have the skilled workforce that is essential to ensuring that those ambitions are realised in the numbers that are required? Kate Forbes: The member is absolutely right, and, a couple of weeks ago in the United Arab Emirates, I had the privilege of supporting XLCC as it pitched and showcased what it is trying to achieve, which demonstrates the international interest in the progress that it is making. We also talked about aerospace there.”
“For children who are aged under three, the picture is quite different, and how much they benefit from ELC is determined by crucial factors such as their family background; what age they start in ELC; the quality of services; and the balance between the hours that they spend in care at home and in ELC settings. I want to ensure that there is equity for all Scotland’s children, and I do not want to further entrench some of the inequalities that exist. I believe that our offer in Scotland does what I described.”
“The Scottish National Party Government increased the provision of free childcare from 412 hours a year under Labour to 1,140 hours now. Can the minister explain, however, the logic in providing childcare for non-working parents of two- year-olds, who clearly have more time to spend with their children than do parents who work? It is a disincentive for them to move into or stay in the workforce, and only 59 per cent of non-working parents currently take up the offer of a place. Natalie Don-Innes: As I said in my response to Mr Whitfield, I appreciate that costs on families are increasing at the current time, and I want to do what we can to support them, as I appreciate that childcare costs are an issue in that regard. In Scotland, our offer is for all families with children, and specifically for children who are living in poverty.”
“To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to conclude negotiations with Peel Ports regarding the purchase of Ardrossan harbour. (S6T-02475)”
“That involves ensuring that we have adequate capacity in the prison estate but that we also take measures to shift the balance of criminal justice, where it is safe to do so, to enable individuals to have different approaches to remedy as a result of criminal justice cases, rather than simply the option of incarceration.”
“In November 2022, when flat cash funding was proposed for the Scottish Prison Service, Katy Clark said: “The most basic functions of our criminal justice system and prison service are under threat because of these cuts ... A properly supported criminal justice system is fundamental to our democracy—but these dangerous and disastrous cuts threaten its very existence.” Today, in her initial question, she complained that too much is being spent on our Prison Service. Does the First Minister agree that that type of opportunistic nonsense simply discredits the Labour Party, and that Scotland’s Prison Service deserves much better? The Presiding Officer: First Minister, your answer should be only on matters for which you are responsible. The First Minister: The Government is working carefully to ensure that we have a sustainable prison estate.”
“Their strong community bonds and stunning natural environments create an unparalleled quality of life. By supporting such communities, we can ensure that future generations of islanders can continue to thrive, thereby preserving the unique heritage and spirit of our islands for years and years to come. 18:46”
“Arran Development Trust is building—and has almost completed—18 affordable homes, with a £1,512,000 grant from the Scottish Government. As part of the carbon-neutral islands project, Cumbrae has already delivered substantial results, including a 330 per cent increase in rooftop solar energy generating capacity and £600,000 in energy efficiencies. Cumbrae Community Development Company continues to enhance the island’s appeal through community-driven projects such as the regeneration of Millport town hall. Its efforts are focused on improving local amenities and creating vibrant spaces that benefit both residents and visitors. Scotland’s islands have an incredible amount to offer. It is no surprise that they are consistently identified as being among our happiest communities and the best places in which to grow old or raise children.”
“The delivery of seven new small vessels through phase 1 of the small vessel replacement programme will benefit the island through the cascading of existing ferries, with a new vessel for Cumbrae expected thereafter. An update on that would be appreciated. Despite the challenges, our islands are home to remarkable innovation and ambition, with businesses, social enterprises and volunteers leading the way. Distilleries in Lochranza and Lagg produce whiskies that are celebrated internationally. Arran Dairies ice cream and Taste of Arran are high-quality produce brands that are recognised from Brodick to Houston, Texas. Auchrannie is a testament to the success of community-focused business models. As Scotland’s first employee-owned resort, it provides an exceptional service while ensuring that its success is shared with the local community.”
“Ardrossan’s harbour is far superior to Troon’s, not least for its public transport links, and local communities need certainty over Ardrossan harbour's long-term future. Although I very much welcomed the cabinet secretary’s announcement, made 43 days ago, that the Scottish Government will work to bring the port into public ownership, we need to see results sooner rather than later. So far, we have no indication of when the seemingly open-ended discussions with Peel Ports will conclude or who is negotiating on behalf of the Government. I trust that the minister will advise members of that in his summing-up speech. Although the journey time from Cumbrae to Largs is only 10 minutes, the island is only one engine fault away from hours-long queues.”
“On vessel deployment, there have been instances this year of the MV Glen Sannox being the sole vessel serving Arran from Ayrshire. As the ship cannot yet sail from Ardrossan, it sails from Troon, turning what should be a 55-minute journey into one lasting 80 minutes and reducing the number of possible return trips per day from five to three. Troon harbour’s facilities are as poor as its accessibility. It is difficult for islanders and day trippers to travel to that part of the mainland and back in one day for appointments or a meaningful visit. The people of Arran look forward to the return of the MV Caledonian Isles and the restoration of services from Ardrossan, which it is hoped will happen later this month.”
“They host unique and vibrant communities that embody a strong sense of togetherness, where people grow up, grow old and build their lives. That is not without its challenges, though. We need real improvements in lifeline ferry services. Arran and Cumbrae are more integrated with the mainland than many other islands are, but that is rarely recognised as it should be. For example, free interisland ferry travel was introduced for young people in Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, but not in North Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute or the Highlands. For young islanders travelling from Brodick to Ardrossan, Millport to Largs and Iona to Mull, ferry routes are more akin to mainland bus ones, and such travel takes place wholly within their respective council areas. There is no fairness in only partially rolling out that policy.”
“I congratulate Jamie Halcro Johnston on securing the debate and sponsoring this evening’s islands showcase event. I am privileged to represent three inhabited islands. Arran’s stunning scenery, with its mountains, forests, waterfalls and beaches, and its unique geology have led to its being dubbed “Scotland in miniature”. Across Lamlash Bay, Holy Isle has a spiritual heritage dating from the 6th century and is now owned by a Tibetan Buddhist community. Last but not least is Cumbrae, on which lies Millport, which has consistently been named one of Scotland’s most charming towns. Arran’s and Cumbrae’s natural beauty, abundant outdoor activities and rich cultural heritage draw in many thousands of visitors each year. However, our islands are far more than picturesque landscapes and visit destinations.”
“It is clearer than ever that Scotland must become an independent nation or we will pay the price. 17:16”
“Former Labour MSP Neil Findlay accused the Prime Minister of “Betraying Labour’s proud history” and laying “waste to any claim of moral principle.” That is, no doubt, why 19 of Labour’s group of 22 MSPs werenae here for the start of this debate. I note that Carol Mochan is now here—she has turned up recently. She said: “We cannot balance the books on the backs of people who require benefits just to have a passable standard of living.” Still the condemnation goes on and, meanwhile, GDP per capita continues to fall. Labour is undermining Scotland’s economy and public services with cuts that are aimed at impacting the most vulnerable. If— The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude. Kenneth Gibson: If Labour wants to be the party of social justice rather than an instrument of calculated indifference, it must abandon its punitive cuts.”
“Germany amended its constitutionally enshrined rules to increase defence spending while simultaneously establishing a €500 billion infrastructure fund and the European Union has relaxed its fiscal regulations to enable member states to strengthen defence capabilities without resorting to cuts but, no, Rachel Reeves sticks to her fiscal rules as if they are tablets of stone. Sadly, Labour in Scotland remains subservient to Mr Starmer even as internal dissent grows. Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, denounced the UK Government’s welfare cuts as an act of inhumanity that will “impoverish” disabled people.”
“The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says that 7.2 million UK households already struggle to afford basic necessities, and that figure will rise. The Resolution Foundation estimates that the UK’s poorest 10 per cent will be £500 worse off annually by the time the Labour Government’s term ends. The director of the Child Poverty Action Group, John Dickie, says: “Stealth cuts to UK social security bring neither stability nor security to struggling families. They will push children into poverty across the UK, undermining the progress on child poverty being made in Scotland”. That brings me to the question on everybody’s lips. Is austerity truly necessary? Other nations will grow their defence budgets without imposing callous measures on their citizens.”
“A transition fund is to be established and consulted on, but there is no budget for it and the UK Government has no idea of the level at which it will be set. What a mess. Further uncertainty emerged on Monday when the BBC revealed that the Department for Work and Pensions faces a shortfall of 2,100 work coaches, leaving 400,000 individuals without the employment support to which they are entitled now. How will folk whose benefits are being cut be supported into work? The only certainty is that the cuts will drive at least 300,000 people—including 50,000 children— into poverty. The spring budget has drawn widespread condemnation from charities and organisations that champion the most disadvantaged in our society. I am well aware that Labour has body swerved those comments so far this afternoon.”
“UK ministers claim that people who are affected will be supported through a £1 billion disability employment package, yet Britain’s economic watchdog will not release its employment forecasts until late October. MPs are being asked to endorse disability benefit cuts without any substantive analysis of how many of those who are affected can realistically secure employment. The Office for Budget Responsibility was completely unsighted on those developments and it has highlighted the absence of detailed policy frameworks or impact assessments. Prior to the announcement, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, was apparently unaware of the impact that the spring statement would have on her department and on the millions of people who rely on it.”
“Now the most vulnerable people— thousands of disabled individuals—face brutal cuts while Labour in Scotland takes the fifth. Under Labour, individuals who are unable to wash half their body, cook a meal, use the toilet unaided or dress themselves independently will be denied PIP unless they suffer from an additional limiting condition. We are talking about 800,000 people. A further 370,000 who receive PIP will have it removed, and 3.2 million disabled people will lose an average of £1,720 a year. The core justification for those measures lies in the claims that they will generate £8.1 billion in annual savings by 2029-30 and will incentivise workforce participation. Scotland will see year-on- year welfare cuts increase, reaching £455 million, and £430 million in resource cuts by 2029-30.”
“One wonders whether the latest in the succession of regressive fiscal measures that Labour in Scotland has been compelled to passively accept is beginning to take its toll. Those measures go from the removal of winter fuel payments from 85 per cent of pensioners to the dismissal of the women against state pension inequality—the WASPI women—and the backtracking on the promise to reduce household fuel bills by £300 a year. Labour in Government has depressed business confidence and raised employer national insurance contributions, which impact three times more on lower paid workers than on the highest paid. In North Ayrshire, more than half of this year’s council tax increase is a direct result of the increase in employer national insurance contributions.”
“[Interruption.] Only three of you even bothered to turn up for this debate, Mr Marra. That is how important you regard your own spring statement as being. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Please speak through the chair, Mr Gibson. Michael Marra: I know how much regard the member has for Paul Johnson at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Does he agree with Paul Johnson that the spring statement does not represent austerity in any way? Kenneth Gibson: No. I am sorry, but I actually agree with Labour MPs such as Debbie Abrahams, who said, “there are alternative, more compassionate ways to balance the books rather than on the back of sick and disabled people”, and Richard Burgon, who said: “This Statement contains cruel attacks on disabled people. The Government is taking the easy option of cutting support for millions of vulnerable people”.”
“In March 2015, Rachel Reeves MP, who is now Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “We are not the party of people on benefits. We don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, the party to represent those who are out of work.” She added that she had “robust” policies to ensure that spending would reduce. A decade later, she has been true to her word—not that Labour said so in last year’s election campaign. Anas Sarwar’s once defiant, now hollow, proclamation “Read my lips: no austerity under Labour”, casts a long shadow over the chamber today. Last year, he vowed to stand up to Keir Starmer and to be Scotland’s voice at Westminster yet, following the UK spring statement—which was aptly dubbed “austerity 2.0” by Labour MP Zarah Sultana—with modest exceptions, the branch office here in the Scottish Parliament has been conspicuously silent.”
“They include good behaviour management and behaviour support teams, solution-orientated, restorative and nurture approaches, and programmes to help develop social, emotional and behavioural skills. It is important that those approaches to addressing behaviour focus on supporting a young person and addressing their needs in order to prevent recurrence. We have a highly skilled teaching workforce, who know the children in their classrooms best. However, to support schools, we are working with the Scottish advisory group on relationships and behaviour in schools on new guidance on consequences, which will be published in the coming weeks.”
“A primary school teacher in a neighbouring local authority told me that, after being sworn at and shouted at by a 10-year-old boy in front of the class, she had to respond—following guidance— by first apologising to him for saying something that might have caused offence. Does the cabinet secretary agree that overreliance on restorative approaches to physical and verbal abuse can exacerbate behavioural problems in our schools, undermining teachers and distressing staff and pupils alike? Will she advise us on what proven methods of behavioural control the Government recommends? Jenny Gilruth: I would be keen to hear more detail from Mr Gibson regarding the guidance that he speaks of. Our schools across the country can, and do, use a range of strategies and programmes every day to help improve relationships and behaviour.”
“Presiding Officer, I wish to convey my profound sadness at the untimely death of our brave and much-loved colleague Christina McKelvie. I send my heartfelt condolences to Keith and the family. She was truly a force of nature. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is to the United Kingdom Government’s spring statement. (S6F-03941)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be on discretionary funding in the current financial year of the international financial reporting standard 16 changes outlined in its spring budget revision. (S6O-04489)”
“Failing that, I trust that Scottish ministers will today commit to work with the sector, and with the UK Government if required, to identify legislative steps that can be taken to challenge this unwanted Clyde estuary tax. I thank my colleague Stuart McMillan once again for bringing the debate to the chamber. 17:22”
“It is my strong belief that the Clyde’s waters belong to the people of Scotland—as Stuart McMillan indicated—and not to corporate interests that are looking to squeeze money from those who enjoy and rely on those waters. In January, it was reported that the billionaire Whittaker family behind Peel Ports recently saw their earnings increase, despite a fall in profits at the group, with the family enjoying a dividend of £153.9 million, up from the previous year’s more modest £138.9 million. They do not need the Clyde estuary tax. The proposed levy is at any time—let alone at a time of record shareholder earnings—an unfair and ill-conceived imposition on the boating community’s activities, and it must be abandoned immediately.”
“For instance, Peel Ports Clydeport claims that the fee will contribute to covering the cost of dealing with accidents, despite that being the job of the marine accident investigation branch. At the November meeting of the cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism, which I attended alongside the convener, Stuart McMillan, and Clare Adamson, members of the leisure boating community and sector representatives convincingly expressed their concerns about Peel Ports’ proposal and its failure to engage with the CPG about its plans. One showed us a communication from Peel Ports suggesting that boats whose owners did not cough up would be boarded—that is piracy, no less.”
“The ostensible justification for the fee is that it will support the on-going management and upkeep of the port area under the provisions of the Clyde Port Authority Confirmation Order Act 1965 and the Harbours Act 1964, both as amended. The principle of a statutory harbour authority charging leisure vessels a reasonable fee for harbour dues when mooring is accepted normal practice within the more limited area of an actual harbour. However, in this case, imposing the fee on the 1,150 square kilometres of the entire Clyde estuary would go way beyond that, stretching from Glasgow’s Albert bridge all the way to the Isle of Arran. Boaters feel that Peel Ports has a monopoly over the entire cruising area but provides minimal benefit in return.”
“One constituent said: “This fee could in time become the deciding factor on whether to keep a boat on the Clyde or not with the knock- on economic impact on the tourism and marine industries.” Indeed, several small sailing clubs depend heavily on membership subscriptions to survive, and they could well struggle or close if members decide not to keep their boats in the water. Boaters say that they have not seen any valid reasons whatsoever for the fee and that they feel that Peel Ports is exploiting leisure boat owners as an easy source of income. Next Tuesday was to be the date for the introduction of the Clyde estuary tax. However, Peel Ports did not publish any reasoning for its introduction, why it is being imposed now and what services would be delivered to boaters from the resources obtained.”
“When it was first reported that Peel Ports planned to introduce a conservancy fee—or rather, a Clyde estuary tax—for leisure craft sailing in the Firth of Clyde, I was contacted by dozens of constituents, who expressed their outrage at the proposal. Those included sailing club members, hobby boaters and marina representatives. All rightly view the potential annual fee of £100 plus VAT as an unjustified and harmful imposition that will negatively impact leisure activities, tourism and the health and wellbeing of many—often elderly—boaters.”
“I congratulate my colleague Stuart McMillan on bringing this important matter to the chamber and on his work over nearly two decades in supporting the recreational boating industry The Clyde is important to the history and identity of the west of Scotland. Many Glaswegians fondly remember travelling “doon the watter” on Clyde steamers to visit or holiday in one of the many picturesque seaside towns such as Largs, Millport and Saltcoats, in my constituency. Since the mid-1800s, yachting has been very popular in the Firth of Clyde, when it became famous worldwide for its significant contribution to yacht building, with notable designers such as William Fyfe of Fairlie.”
“On the legal advice, there was extensive analysis and legal advice that indicated that a direct award of the small vessel replacement programme contract to Ferguson Marine could have introduced substantial risks, meaning that the yard did not have ships to build and our islanders did not have the ships that they need. That was not a risk that I thought was appropriate to introduce into the process. Hospital Equipment (Replacement) 2.”
“Can the Deputy First Minister confirm that the permanent secretary advised the Scottish Government that it would be illegal to make a direct award? That is certainly what he told the Finance and Public Administration Committee this morning. Can she also expand on what the seven small vessels will mean for our rural and island communities? Kate Forbes: The seven small vessels will be absolutely transformational for our island communities. How challenging it has been for those islanders has been well documented. They will supplement the six larger vessels that are due to come into service over these years. There is no doubt that they will be transformational. This is an important milestone, and we have to make sure that the procurement process is complete and that the boats are delivered.”
“Even though the Scottish Government has stepped in and will reinstate a universal winter fuel payment for pensioner households in Scotland, it would still be advantageous if the UK Government did so in the rest of the UK, because that would allow block grant adjustments. We are mitigating many UK measures, and this is a new one. Mr Gibson is also right to point out the further increase in fuel bills. He points correctly to the fact that it takes all Governments to work to alleviate pensioner poverty. The Scottish Government will do what it can. It will mitigate where it can, but we need the UK Government to do similar things. Housing to 2040 (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) 6.”
“It is astonishing that Labour has the brass neck to talk about rising pensioner poverty after taking away up to £300 a year in winter fuel payments; failing to deliver £300 cuts to household energy bills and presiding over another nearly £300 rise in those bills; and after its betrayal of WASPI women, who are seeking pension justice. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, if Labour is serious about tackling pensioner poverty, it must reverse its cuts to winter fuel payments and honour its manifesto commitments to pensioners? Shirley-Anne Somerville: Mr Gibson raises an important point.”
“The UK Government must urgently commit to undertaking and publishing a full impact assessment of the impacts that the changes that it is making will have on farmers in Scotland. Scottish Food and Drink (Provenance) 5.”
“Last Friday, my colleague Willie Coffey and I met NFU Scotland members from North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire. Labour’s tax grab on family farms eclipses all other concerns that farmers have, and it is impossible to overstate their anxiety. Given that the Office for Budget Responsibility has said that it is “highly uncertain” that the measures will raise even the small sums that are forecast, what response has the minister had to the representations about scrapping the tax that he mentioned having made? Jim Fairlie: Responses have been tone deaf or we have been met with silence. Our position remains that the changes to inheritance tax should be paused and that an immediate review should be carried out.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how the proportion of ScotRail trains that were cancelled in 2023-24 compares with other rail operators across the United Kingdom. (S6O-04407)”
“Following Ukraine’s revolution of dignity, Russia seized Crimea and backed pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine—a conflict that began in 2014, and not 2015, as the US President ignorantly asserted. Can Europe afford to deter Russian aggression? More pertinently, can it afford not to? Russia’s economy is actually very weak. The International Monetary Fund says that Russia’s economy is smaller than that of Italy, Canada or Brazil. It is only three and a half times bigger than Ireland’s economy, much less than half of that of Germany and not even two thirds of that of the UK. Russia’s economy is only a fourteenth of Europe’s economy, with a quarter of its population and a tenth of the population of China—a country that has long cast envious eyes over”
“Few nations have suffered as Ukraine has since the beginning of the 20th century, with the ravages of world war one, occupation, revolution, pogroms, civil war, conflict with Poland, Bolshevik oppression, forced collectivisation, millions starved to death in the Holodomor, the Stalinist purges, Hitler’s onslaught, the Holocaust, an insurgency in the decade following the second world war, mass deportations to Siberia and the Russification of formerly majority Ukrainian communities, from the Kuban to Kursk. In 1991, after decades of Soviet stagnation, 92.4 per cent of Ukrainians voted for independence. However, in 2004, Russian meddling led to the near-fatal poisoning of presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko.”
“I congratulate my colleague Colin Beattie on securing this timely debate. America’s blunderbuss, broken-bottle-in-the- face approach to diplomacy has shocked the democratic world, as has its appeasement of Russia. Russia’s forces have committed countless atrocities, from Bucha to Mariupol, and it continues to bomb Ukraine indiscriminately and kidnap and Russify Ukrainian children. It is an aggressor set to be rewarded for its vicious, unprovoked invasion with land and trade. Peace, security, territorial integrity and Ukraine’s independence must be the aim, not a 21st-century equivalent of 1938 Czechoslovakia after it was shorn of the Sudetenland and left open to annexation.”
“My colleague, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, has called a number of times on the UK Government to increase investment in infrastructure. She will continue to make that case to ensure that we have the capital budget available to deliver our priorities for the people of”
“A sudden jump in capital resource without an increase in capacity is likely to feed construction inflation. However, the Scottish Fiscal Commission has made it clear that, in real terms, our capital allocation will flatline and, by 2029-30, will be lower than it was in 2022-23. Does the minister agree that, to deliver long-term investment and sustainable growth in infrastructure and the economy, available capital must grow consistently in real terms each year? Will he continue to make that case to the UK Government? Ivan McKee: I agree with Kenneth Gibson. That reinforces my earlier point that, after years of underinvestment by the UK Government, our capital funding must grow in real terms to deliver long-term investment and sustainable growth in infrastructure and the economy.”