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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“Can we have a question, please? Duncan Dunlop: What action will the First Minister’s Government take now to help those mothers and babies who are in need?”
“Following the convictions for the murders of John McNab and Kayden Moy—who was killed on Irvine beach, in my constituency, last summer—the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit has said that knife possession increased by 15 per cent among 11 to 15-year-olds between 2020 and 2025. What further measures will the Scottish Government take to tackle the rise in knife crime and to divert young people away from gang membership?”
“Under rule 11.10B.3 of standing orders, I have designated Irene Fleming, head of scrutiny, to carry out the function of supervising the vote. I have also designated Tracey White, head of legislation and parliamentary operations, as a substitute should Irene become unavailable. When there are two candidates, members should vote for either candidate or abstain. When there is a single candidate, members should vote “yes” or “no” or abstain. Polling stations are open from 2.30 pm until 7 pm this evening. The count will take place tomorrow at 9.30 am in committee room 5. Candidates and their scrutineers may monitor the count if they wish. I will announce the results at the start of business tomorrow.”
“The Presiding Officer: Craig Hoy’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Willie Rennie has been nominated as convener of the Transport Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Willie Rennie’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Fifteen out of 15 convenerships will be subject to secret ballots. I have also received two valid nominations for convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. The nominations are Jenni Minto and Emma Roddick. The election of candidates will be subject to election by secret ballot. Members may cast their votes in committee room 5, which is located outside the chamber on the first floor.”
“Bob Doris has been nominated as convener of the Public Service Reform Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Bob Doris’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Mark Ruskell has been nominated as convener of the Rural Affairs Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Mark Ruskell’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Craig Hoy has been nominated as convener of the Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted.”
“If any member objects to her election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Helen McDade’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Neil Bibby has been nominated as convener of the Public Audit Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Neil Bibby’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Paul Sweeney has been nominated as convener of the Public Petitions Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Paul Sweeney’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot.”
“The Presiding Officer: Katie Hagmann’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Patrick Harvie has been nominated as convener of the Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Patrick Harvie’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Clare Haughey has been nominated as convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee. If any member objects to her election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Clare Haughey’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Helen McDade has been nominated as convener of the Health, Care and Sport Committee.”
“Duncan Massey has been nominated as convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Duncan Massey’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Karen Adam has been nominated as convener of the Education and Gaelic Committee. If any member objects to her election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Karen Adam’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Katie Hagmann has been nominated as convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. If any member objects to her election as convener, please press your point-of- order button now. An objection was noted.”
“If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Stuart McMillan’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Alyn Smith has been nominated as convener of the Criminal Justice Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Alyn Smith’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot. Calum Kerr has been nominated as convener of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. If any member objects to his election as convener, please press your point-of-order button now. An objection was noted. The Presiding Officer: Calum Kerr’s election as convener will be subject to election by secret ballot.”
“Colleagues, we turn to the election of committee conveners. When more than one nomination for convener of a committee has been received, an election will be conducted by secret ballot. I will give you instructions on this shortly. When a single nomination has been received, the election of that member as convener of the committee will be confirmed if no other member objects to their election. As this is a secret ballot, anyone who wishes to object to the election of any candidate should press the point-of-order button on their console when I call out the candidate’s name. Doing so is very important, as it will mean that only I can see whether an objection has been made. I will now work my way through the names of the individual candidates. Stuart McMillan has been nominated as convener of the Climate Action Committee.”
“Outside the venue stood barriers, security checks and visible reminders of the threats that exist. Inside were children simply being children—learning, celebrating and looking confidently towards the future. However, I was left with a question: why should that feel extraordinary? Why should it feel remarkable that children can celebrate who they are without fear? Why should such an atmosphere be considered a miracle rather than the norm? What can we do to make that spirit a reality not only for Jews but for everyone—people of every faith and of none, and people who simply seek to live their lives with meaning, dignity and happiness? Perhaps that is the challenge that is before all of us. Nature is the miracle of the everyday. Our challenge is to turn the miracle of the extraordinary into the reality of the everyday.”
“I am delighted to report that Calderwood Lodge, Scotland’s only Jewish school, sent 10 primary 6 pupils and achieved second place in one of the competition’s categories, which is an outstanding accomplishment. Yet, the deeper purpose of the event was perhaps best expressed by the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Mirvis, when he said that it is to show that Jewish education is fun. That spirit was palpable. More than 1,000 children sang songs of hope and love, danced with unbridled joy, laughed freely and celebrated their identity with uninhibited pride. Children from different Jewish backgrounds, cultures, nationalities and traditions came together in an atmosphere of friendship, peace and hope. For me, that was an extraordinary experience—a miraculous moment.”
“Whatever broad, negative message it sought to convey, it ultimately distilled into a single chilling accusation: “All Roads Lead to the Jews”. That was over the M8. Those words were not intended as a compliment to Scotland’s Jewish community; they were intended to intimidate and blame. Against that backdrop, it was no surprise that, when I attended the Etgar quiz in Wembley stadium last week, security was highly visible— police officers and security personnel were everywhere. The Etgar quiz is an interschool competition for primary 6 pupils. More than 1,000 children from 28 Jewish schools across the United Kingdom and parts of Europe compete in a celebration of Jewish learning and knowledge.”
“Our first item of business this afternoon is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leader today is Rabbi Moshe Rubin of Giffnock Newton Mearns synagogue, the Senior Rabbi to Scotland. Rabbi Moshe Rubin (Rabbi of Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue and Senior Rabbi to Scotland): Thank you, Presiding Officer. On behalf of the Scottish Jewish community, I wish you and all newly elected MSPs every success in your service to our beautiful country of Scotland. It is no secret that Jewish communities across the United Kingdom are facing increasing hostility. Many members of my community go about their daily lives looking over their shoulder, wondering when or where the next antisemitic incident may occur. Just two weeks ago, while travelling on the M8, I saw a large banner hanging over a flyover.”
“Members should cast their vote now. The vote is closed. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic (Màiri McAllan): On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not vote. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Your vote has been recorded.”
“There are six questions to be put as a result of today’s business. Members should note that, if the amendment in the name of Kim Schmulian is agreed to, the amendments in the names of Craig Hoy and Willie Rennie will fall. The first question is, that amendment S7M- 00249.2, in the name of Kim Schmulian, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00249, in the name of Jenny Gilruth, on wealth taxation for public services, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:07 Meeting suspended. 17:10 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S7M-00249.2, in the name of Kim Schmulian, which seeks to amend motion S7M- 00249, in the name of Jenny Gilruth, on wealth taxation for public services.”
“The next item of business is general question time. In order to get in as many members as possible—we are already nine minutes into the time for this item, which I will allow to run on for some minutes—I would like short and succinct questions, and answers to match. Vaping (Young People) 1.”
“Good afternoon, colleagues. The first item of business is consideration of four Parliamentary Bureau motions: S7M-00268, on a standing orders temporary rule change; S7M-00269, on the establishment of committees; S7M-00270, on names and remits of mandatory committees; and S7M-00273, on the election of committee conveners. I ask any member who wishes to speak to the motions to press their request-to-speak button. 13:30”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S7M-00228.1, in the name of Helen McDade, which seeks to amend motion S7M- 00228, in the name of Angela Constance, on investing, protecting and renewing Scotland’s national health service, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 16:53 Meeting suspended. 16:55 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S7M-00228.1, in the name of Helen McDade. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 11.2.4 of standing orders, that decision time be brought forward to now. I invite the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans to move the motion. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 4.52 pm.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 16:52”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S7M-00248, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 9 June 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by General Questions followed by First Minister’s Questions (Backbench Members) followed by Ministerial Statement: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statistics 2024 followed by Scottish Government Debate: Growing Scotland’s Economy followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 10 June 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Finance and Local Government, Parliamentary Business and Veterans; Public Service Reform, Europe, External Affairs and Energy followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 June 2026 1.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 1.30 pm General Questions 2.00 pm First Minister’s Questions (Party Leaders) followed by Ministerial Statement: Improving Maternity Services Across Scotland followed by Scottish Government Debate: Public Service Reform: Empowering Staff, Service Users and Local Communities followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Tuesday 16 June 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by General Questions followed by First Minister’s Questions (Backbench Members) followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 17 June 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Justice; Health and Care followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 18 June 2026 1.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 1.30 pm General Questions 2.00 pm First Minister’s Questions (Party Leaders) followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 8 June 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to.”
“17:36 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: One or two members are still having difficulties with the voting app, but those members can make a point of order. Everyone else, please vote now. The vote is closed. The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Jenny Gilruth): On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Your vote is recorded. Thank you.”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S7M- 00208.1, in the name of Jackie Baillie, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00208, in the name of Maree Todd, on summer of sport, be agreed to. Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S7M-00208.3, in the name of Gillian Mackay, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00208, in the name of Maree Todd, on summer of sport, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: We are not agreed—I knew that this summer of love could not continue for much longer—and will therefore move to a division. We will suspend for a moment or two to allow access to the digital voting system. 17:33 Meeting suspended.”
“We will try to speed up in this question session. That is important because I have been told that we have more questions for the First Minister than ever before in the history of this Parliament, which means that not everyone’s question will be taken. Members who wish to ask a question should press their request-to-speak buttons. STV News (North-East Scotland)”
“The next item of business is general question time. Before I take the first question, I wish to clarify that, as in the previous session, members who have a general question also have a supplementary question. Other members can also press their request-to-speak button should they wish to ask a supplementary to a particular general question. The fact that a member has been selected to ask a general question does not preclude that member from asking a supplementary to another general question or, indeed, putting a question to the First Minister later this afternoon. Sheriffhall Roundabout 1.”
“That need not detain you here, but it has become a reminder not to talk all the time and instead to find time to listen, and to do so consciously, actively, willingly and humbly. Good listening will go a long way towards finding what the best idea actually might be. It might be found in obvious places, but it might instead be found in an unexpected voice. Let the best idea win, and let us be listening out for it. General Question Time 14:04”
“When we were too busy talking about ourselves and our own bright ideas, we occasionally missed the other side of communication, and that is the listening bit. There is an art to speaking well, especially in public, and all of you know that. We are here to try to convince others that we have something worth considering—something that we think could promote the common good. However, the corollary of that is that we also need to develop the art of listening. A friend of mine liked to say, “Best idea wins.” Of course, he said that because he was sure that he had the best ideas. Okay, the best idea wins, but we will not know what the best idea is if we are not listening as well as speaking. In my own church, we have recently been trying to remedy that listening deficit. The remedy has various names, one of which is “synodality”.”
“Everyone had the right to speak, but not everyone was really being heard, not least because once people had made their own speeches, they started to drift home, especially as the evening wore on. That was not a failure of organisation or a failure of the right to speak, but when others went on and on, the right to speak meant that some speakers did not get the right to be heard. I should add quickly that I am describing not any institution in the United Kingdom, but rather part of my experience while burning the midnight oil as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York. There was important work to be done and we all took it seriously, but the right to speak occasionally overcame the right to be heard. That was a pity and—dare I say it—a shame, too.”
“The first item of business this afternoon is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. The Most Rev Leo Cushley (Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh): Thank you, Presiding Officer. First of all, many congratulations to you and to the members of the new Parliament. I am confident that all Scots wish you well, and we hope that your work will build up the fabric of our society and promote the common good among us all. A long time ago, in a very different incarnation, I spent a lot of time going to meetings that required a lot of reading, a lot of speech making in public and a lot of taking important decisions and positions. Nearly 200 people in the room had the right to speak, which was fine, except that it meant that some speeches were being delivered after midnight.”
“Thank you for advising Parliament. That has been noted. Meeting closed at 17:21. Correction Stephen Gethins has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction”
“Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic (Màiri McAllan): On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not connect to the voting app. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Your vote will be recorded. Thank you.”
“There are six questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Daniel Johnson is agreed to, the amendments in the names of Duncan Massey and Liam McArthur will fall. The question is, that amendment S7M-00159.2, in the name of Daniel Johnson, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00159, in the name of Stephen Gethins, entitled “It’s Scotland’s energy”, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:06 Meeting suspended. 17:10 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the vote on amendment S7M-00159.2, in the name of Daniel Johnson, which seeks to amend motion S7M- 00159, in the name of Stephen Gethins, entitled “It’s Scotland’s energy”.”
“Wind up, please. Murdo Fraser: As Liam Kerr said, where is the sense in importing Norwegian oil and gas from the North Sea basin when we could be producing it ourselves and benefiting from having the jobs here? That is the Conservative approach. That is how we cut bills and support jobs. That is the point that is made in Liam Kerr’s amendment, and members should support it. The Presiding Officer: I call Patrick Harvie. 16:39”
“Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we move to party leaders’ questions, I remind back-bench members who wish to ask a question to press their request-to-speak button when Alex Cole-Hamilton rises to speak. Please do not start your question with “To ask the First Minister”. “First Minister,” or some other beginning is fine. Back benchers will have one question, in order to let in as many members as possible, so there will be no supplementary questions for back benchers. We move to leaders’ questions. Scottish National Party (Culture) 1.”
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“The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on two Parliamentary Bureau motions unless any member objects. As no member objects, the final question is, that motions S7M-00152 and S7M-00153, on the office of the clerk and parliamentary recess dates, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that between 1 June 2026 and 31 January 2027, the Office of the Clerk will be open on all days except: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 September, 30 November, 24 December (pm) 25 and 28 December 2026, and 1 and 4 January 2027. That the Parliament agrees the following parliamentary recess dates under Rule 2.3.1: 27 June to 30 August 2026 (inclusive), 10 to 25 October 2026 (inclusive), 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 (inclusive). Meeting closed at 17:16.”
“Motion, as amended, agreed to, That the Parliament believes that every child deserves the best start in life and that a child's earliest years are crucial in their development; recognises the importance of high quality, accessible and affordable childcare in tackling poverty, supporting employment opportunities for parents, supporting child development and driving inclusive economic growth; further recognises that the Scottish Government needs to do more to reduce the costs of childcare for working parents, improve the flexibility of the childcare system, support childminders and give parents more choice and control over the childcare that works for their family; calls on it to set out a fully costed delivery plan and timeline for its commitment to extend year-round childcare support to every child from nine months old to the end of primary school, and further agrees that as a first step towards this expansion, the Scottish Government and COSLA must work together to ensure that cross-border placements are available across Scotland, that all children can access the current funded hours the week rather than term after the child's relevant birthday, and that the required flexibility in provision will only be achieved with proper workforce planning.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Black, Dawn (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Bonnar, Steven (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Bouse, Gary (Falkirk West) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Brown, Alan (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Bruce, Holly (Glasgow Southside) (Green) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Campbell, Kate (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) Campbell, Michelle (Renfrewshire North and Cardonald) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Day, Martyn (Falkirk East and Linlithgow) (SNP) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill) (SNP) Duane, Iris (Glasgow) (Green) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Flynn, Stephen (Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Con) Gethins, Stephen (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ghani, Zen (Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok) (SNP) Gibson, Patricia (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Goodlad, Hannah Mary (Shetland Islands) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie) (SNP) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Alex (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) Kerr, Calum (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kinross-O’Neill, Kayleigh (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Kumar, Simita (Edinburgh South Western) (SNP) Leask, Kristopher (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Linden, David (Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston) (SNP) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Cara (West Scotland) (Green) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Melville, Lloyd (Angus South) (SNP) Merrick, Colm (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Middleton, Jack (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mitchell, Laura (Moray) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Moodie, Laura (South Scotland) (Green) Nevens, Kate (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Oswald, Kirsten (Eastwood) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Roddick, Emma (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S7M-00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on expanding childcare, as amended, is: For 103, Against 16, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S7M-00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on expanding childcare, as amended, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Black, Dawn (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Bonnar, Steven (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Bouse, Gary (Falkirk West) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Brown, Alan (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Bruce, Holly (Glasgow Southside) (Green) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Campbell, Kate (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) Campbell, Michelle (Renfrewshire North and Cardonald) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Day, Martyn (Falkirk East and Linlithgow) (SNP) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill) (SNP) Duane, Iris (Glasgow) (Green) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Flynn, Stephen (Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Con) Gethins, Stephen (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ghani, Zen (Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok) (SNP) Gibson, Patricia (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Goodlad, Hannah Mary (Shetland Islands) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie) (SNP) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Alex (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) Kerr, Calum (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kinross-O’Neill, Kayleigh (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Kumar, Simita (Edinburgh South Western) (SNP) Leask, Kristopher (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Linden, David (Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston) (SNP) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Cara (West Scotland) (Green) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Melville, Lloyd (Angus South) (SNP) Merrick, Colm (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Middleton, Jack (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mitchell, Laura (Moray) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Moodie, Laura (South Scotland) (Green) Nevens, Kate (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Oswald, Kirsten (Eastwood) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Roddick, Emma (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S7M-00128.1, in the name of Maggie Chapman, is: For 104, Against 16, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S7M-00128.1, in the name of Maggie Chapman, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on expanding childcare, be agreed to. Are we agreed? We are agreed. [Interruption.] Members have to speak up. If I cannot hear you say no, it will be assumed that your vote goes the other way. On this occasion, I was unable to hear some members say no, but we will go to a vote. Members: Aw! The Presiding Officer: They have just got here, you know. We have all just got here. Without further ado, voting is open.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Black, Dawn (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Bonnar, Steven (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Bouse, Gary (Falkirk West) (SNP) Brown, Alan (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Bruce, Holly (Glasgow Southside) (Green) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Campbell, Kate (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) Campbell, Michelle (Renfrewshire North and Cardonald) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Day, Martyn (Falkirk East and Linlithgow) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill) (SNP) Duane, Iris (Glasgow) (Green) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Flynn, Stephen (Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine) (SNP) Gethins, Stephen (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ghani, Zen (Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok) (SNP) Gibson, Patricia (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Goodlad, Hannah Mary (Shetland Islands) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Alex (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) Kerr, Calum (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Kinross-O’Neill, Kayleigh (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Kumar, Simita (Edinburgh South Western) (SNP) Leask, Kristopher (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Linden, David (Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston) (SNP) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Cara (West Scotland) (Green) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Melville, Lloyd (Angus South) (SNP) Merrick, Colm (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Middleton, Jack (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mitchell, Laura (Moray) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Moodie, Laura (South Scotland) (Green) Nevens, Kate (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Oswald, Kirsten (Eastwood) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) Abstentions Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Con) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S7M-00128.2, in the name of Katherine Sangster, is: For 84, Against 16, Abstentions 18.”
“There are six questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Katherine Sangster is agreed to, the amendments in the names of Meghan Gallacher and Willie Rennie will fall. The first question is, that amendment S7M- 00128.2, in the name of Katherine Sangster, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on expanding childcare, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:07 Meeting suspended. 17:10 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S7M-00128.2, in the name of Katherine Sangster, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is consideration of two Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motion S7M-00152, on the office of the clerk, and motion S7M-00153, on parliamentary recess dates. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that between 1 June 2026 and 31 January 2027, the Office of the Clerk will be open on all days except: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 September, 30 November, 24 December (pm) 25 and 28 December 2026, and 1 and 4 January 2027. That the Parliament agrees the following parliamentary recess dates under Rule 2.3.1: 27 June to 30 August 2026 (inclusive), 10 to 25 October 2026 (inclusive), 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 (inclusive).—[Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:07”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S7M-00151, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 2 June 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by General Questions followed by First Minister’s Questions (Backbench Members) followed by Ministerial Statement: Phone Free Classrooms followed by Scottish Government Debate: Summer of Sport followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time Wednesday 3 June 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Debate: Investing, Protecting and Renewing Scotland’s NHS followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Thursday 4 June 2026 1.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 1.30 pm General Questions 2.00 pm First Minister’s Questions (Party Leaders) followed by Scottish Government Debate: Wealth Taxation for Public Services followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 9 June 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by General Questions followed by First Minister’s Questions (Backbench Members) followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 10 June 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Finance and Local Government, Parliamentary Business and Veterans; Public Service Reform, Europe, External Affairs and Energy followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 June 2026 1.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 1.30 pm General Questions 2.00 pm First Minister’s Questions (Party Leaders) followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 8 June 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to.”
“I sincerely thank them and reiterate how much the Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise, who is also a working mammy, and I look forward to working with them.”
“Before we begin the debate and delve into the detail of what is an exciting expansion project, I have a few acknowledgments to make. First, I personally thank the highly qualified, professional and—I have to say—loving childminders who support me to be here today and to lead this work for the Government. I am sure that my wee Somhairle is out in the sun just now, learning through play and spending time with his pals. I also extend that personal thanks to all the early learning and childcare professionals who are doing that very job the length and breadth of Scotland. I saw some of that at first hand this morning when I visited Clovenstone primary school’s breakfast club, before attending the Hailesland early years centre.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S7M- 00128, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on expanding childcare. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now. I call Màiri McAllan to speak to and move the motion—13 minutes, please. 14:36 The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic (Màiri McAllan): I am delighted to open the debate for the Government on the important topic of early learning and childcare and the Government’s plans to transform provision in Scotland. The early emphasis that we are placing on the topic, and its centrality in our manifesto, will, I hope, underline to members the importance that the Government places both on the precious early years of a child’s life and on the need for high- quality childcare as a means of growing our economy.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is a statement by Shirley-Anne Somerville on the first homes fund. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:01”