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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“First Minister’s Question Time shall be a period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Tuesday, and another period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Thursday. General Question Time shall be a period of up to 25 minutes, normally each Tuesday, and another period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Thursday. Portfolio Question Time shall be a period of up to 60 minutes, normally each Wednesday.” (viii) in Rule 13.7.1, for the words “selected for answer” substitute “asked” (ix) in Rule 13.7. 9 paragraph (a) is suspended. (c) that the suspensions and variations of Rules set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this motion shall have effect from 29 May 2026 and remain in effect until 31 January 2027 or such earlier date as the Parliament may decide, on a motion by the committee established under Rule 6.4. Meeting closed at 17:29.”
“The requirements of these Rules, so far as they relate to questions being in writing and so far as they provide for lodging requirements, do not apply to First Minister’s Questions.” (v) in Rule 13.6A, insert after paragraph 3: “3A. After members have been notified that they have been selected and before the deadline for lodging questions under paragraph 4, members whose names are included in those selections may arrange with other such members to swap places and notify the Clerk accordingly. The Clerk shall ensure that information about any such swaps is published alongside the information notified to members under paragraph 5.” (vi) Rule 13.6B is suspended. (vii) for Rule 13.7.A1, substitute: “A1.”
“The Presiding Officer may call any of the following members to ask a question or questions during First Minister’s Question Time: (a) the leader of a political party represented by 5 or more members of the Parliament, or a representative of that leader (“a party leader”); (b) a representative of any group formed in accordance with Rule 5.2.2 (“a group representative”); (c) a member who is not a member of the Scottish Government or junior Scottish Minister and who is not a party leader or group representative (“a backbencher”). 2. At the first First Minister’s Question Time in each week, the Presiding Officer shall normally call only backbenchers to ask questions, and at the second such Question Time in each week, the Presiding Officer shall normally call only party leaders or group representatives to ask questions. 3.”
“Questions (other than First Minister’s Questions) shall be in writing and lodged with the Clerk.” (ii) after Rule 13.3.3, insert: “3A. Paragraph 3 (other than sub-paragraph (d)) applies to a First Minister’s Question as it applies to a question lodged under paragraph 2.” (iii) in Rule 13.3.4, delete “at First Minister’s Question Time (“a First Minister’s Question”),”; and (iv) for Rule 13.6, substitute: “Rule 13.6 First Minister’s Questions 1.”
“That the Parliament agrees— (a) under Rule 17.2.1(b) to suspend and vary standing orders as follows for the purpose of plenary debates and Decision Time— (i) in Rule 2.2.3, for “09:15 and 17:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday” substitute “09:15 and 18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 09:15 and 17.30 on Thursday”; (ii) in Rule 2.2.5, for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute: “(a) 17:30 on Monday or Thursday; (b) 18:00 on Tuesday; (ba) 18:00 on Wednesday where the Parliament has not taken a decision under paragraph 4;” (iii) in Rule 11.2.2, for “17:00” substitute “such time between 17:00 and 18:00 as the Presiding Officer may specify”; (b) under Rule 17.2.1(b) to suspend and vary standing orders as follows for the purpose of Oral Question Times— (i) for Rule 13.3.2 substitute: “2.”
“Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees, under Rule 17.2.1(b), to suspend and vary Rule 13.6 as follows, for the purpose of First Minister’s Question Time on Thursday 28 May 2026— (a) in paragraph A1, the words “may be lodged in writing in advance, or” are suspended, and for the word “1” there is substituted the word “3”; (b) in Rule 13.6, paragraphs 1 and 2 are suspended; (c) in paragraph 3, the words “In addition to questions selected in advance under paragraph 2” are suspended; and (d) in paragraph 4, the words “so long as that question is not one which has been selected in advance” are suspended.”
“The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on two Parliamentary Bureau motions unless any member objects. As no member objects, the question is, that motions S7M-00149 and S7M-00150, on suspension and variation of standing orders, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to.”
“Motion, as amended, agreed to, That the Parliament welcomes the emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election; further welcomes the Scottish Government’s clear commitment to eradicate child poverty, deliver a stronger NHS and public services, build a more prosperous economy and help people in the cost of living crisis and tackle climate change; recognises that the people of Scotland have returned the largest pro-independence majority ever elected to the Scottish Parliament; believes this majority affirms a clear mandate that decisions about Scotland’s future are best taken in Scotland and that mandate must be respected; calls on the UK Government to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence; agrees that the Parliament is at its best when it works together in pursuit of a country that can be confident in its future; believes that the most effective way in which to grow public support for Scottish independence and to meet the scale of the challenges currently facing Scotland is through more effective use of existing devolved powers; recognises that meeting the Scottish Government’s stated ambitions will require a significant escalation in action and ambition; notes that no one party holds a majority in the current parliamentary session, but that there is a clear majority for progressive values, and agrees that, if all progressive parties work constructively and collaboratively, Scotland can be a fairer, greener and kinder country where household costs are reduced, where wealth is distributed more equally and where climate and natural environment are protected.”
“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) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) 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) 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) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) 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) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) 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) 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) 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) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) 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) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S7M-00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, as amended, is: For 72, Against 55, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S7M-00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, as amended, be agreed to. Are we all agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Against 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) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) 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) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) 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) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) 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) 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) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) 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) 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) 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) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Abstentions Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S7M-0015.1, in the name of Alex Cole-Hamilton, is: For 9, Against 84, Abstentions 34.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S7M-00105.1, in the name of Alex Cole-Hamilton, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. Yi-pei Chou Turvey has a point of order. [Interruption.] I call Yi-pei Chou Turvey once again to make a point of order. We have no video or audio, so I am afraid that that vote will not be counted. I would suggest that it is always best to be in the chamber whenever possible.”
“For Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) 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) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (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) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) 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) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Abstentions Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) 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-00105.2, in the name of Russell Findlay, is: For 28, Against 89, Abstentions 11.”
“Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S7M-00105.2, in the name of Russell Findlay, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, 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) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) 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) 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) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Hagmann, Katie (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) 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) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) 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) 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) 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) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Against Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Briggs, Miles (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) 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) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) Hoy, Craig (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) Ross, Angela (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Schmulian, Kim (Glasgow) (Reform) Simpson, Graham (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Simpson, Mark (North East Scotland) (Reform) Smith, David (West Scotland) (Reform) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S7M-00105.3, in the name of Ross Greer, is: For 72, Against 56, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S7M-00105.3, in the name of Ross Greer, which seeks to amend motion S7M- 00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? [Interruption.] Waken up! [Laughter.] Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Fagan, Joe (South Scotland) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Long, Joe (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) MacKinnon, Donald (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Sangster, Katherine (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Young, Jenny (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Lab) Against 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) Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North) (SNP) 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) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) 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) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) 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) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) 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) 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) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Green) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) Manivannan, Q (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) 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) 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) 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) Slater, Lorna (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Smith, Alyn (Stirling) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stafford, Pauline (Bathgate) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thewliss, Alison (Glasgow Central) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Abstentions Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD) Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform) Bland, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Chou Turvey, Yi-pei (North East Scotland) (LD) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) Currie, Victor (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Dijkstra-Downie, Sanne (Edinburgh Northern) (LD) Dunlop, Duncan (South Scotland) (LD) Green, David (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (LD) Harley, Adam (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) Kerr, Thomas (Glasgow) (Reform) Kirkwood, David (South Scotland) (Reform) Langan, Jamie (South Scotland) (Reform) Lindsay, Amanda (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) MacCallum, Morven-May (Highlands and Islands) (LD) MacDougall, Julie (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Massey, Duncan (North East Scotland) (Reform) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McDade, Helen (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Offord, Malcolm (West Scotland) (Reform) Rennie, Willie (Fife North East) (LD) 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-00105.4, in the name of Anas Sarwar, is: For 17, Against 84, Abstentions 27.”
“There are six questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S7M- 00105.4, in the name of Anas Sarwar, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland, 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. 17:15 Meeting suspended. 17:19 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the division on amendment S7M-00105.4, in the name of Anas Sarwar. Please vote now.”
“(c) that the suspensions and variations of Rules set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this motion shall have effect from 29 May 2026 and remain in effect until 31 January 2027 or such earlier date as the Parliament may decide, on a motion by the committee established under Rule 6.4.— [Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:15”
“First Minister’s Question Time shall be a period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Tuesday, and another period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Thursday. General Question Time shall be a period of up to 25 minutes, normally each Tuesday, and another period of up to 30 minutes, normally each Thursday. Portfolio Question Time shall be a period of up to 60 minutes, normally each Wednesday.” (viii) in Rule 13.7.1, for the words “selected for answer” substitute “asked” (ix) in Rule 13.7. 9 paragraph (a) is suspended.”
“The requirements of these Rules, so far as they relate to questions being in writing and so far as they provide for lodging requirements, do not apply to First Minister’s Questions.” (v) in Rule 13.6A, insert after paragraph 3: “3A. After members have been notified that they have been selected and before the deadline for lodging questions under paragraph 4, members whose names are included in those selections may arrange with other such members to swap places and notify the Clerk accordingly. The Clerk shall ensure that information about any such swaps is published alongside the information notified to members under paragraph 5.” (vi) Rule 13.6B is suspended. (vii) for Rule 13.7.A1, substitute: “A1.”
“The Presiding Officer may call any of the following members to ask a question or questions during First Minister’s Question Time: (a) the leader of a political party represented by 5 or more members of the Parliament, or a representative of that leader (“a party leader”); (b) a representative of any group formed in accordance with Rule 5.2.2 (“a group representative”); (c) a member who is not a member of the Scottish Government or junior Scottish Minister and who is not a party leader or group representative (“a backbencher”). 2. At the first First Minister’s Question Time in each week, the Presiding Officer shall normally call only backbenchers to ask questions, and at the second such Question Time in each week, the Presiding Officer shall normally call only party leaders or group representatives to ask questions. 3.”
“Questions (other than First Minister’s Questions) shall be in writing and lodged with the Clerk.” (ii) after Rule 13.3.3, insert: “3A. Paragraph 3 (other than sub-paragraph (d)) applies to a First Minister’s Question as it applies to a question lodged under paragraph 2.” (iii) in Rule 13.3.4, delete “at First Minister’s Question Time (“a First Minister’s Question”),”; and (iv) for Rule 13.6, substitute: “Rule 13.6 First Minister’s Questions 1.”
“That the Parliament agrees— (a) under Rule 17.2.1(b) to suspend and vary standing orders as follows for the purpose of plenary debates and Decision Time— (i) in Rule 2.2.3, for “09:15 and 17:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday” substitute “09:15 and 18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 09:15 and 17.30 on Thursday”; (ii) in Rule 2.2.5, for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute: “(a) 17:30 on Monday or Thursday; (b) 18:00 on Tuesday; (ba) 18:00 on Wednesday where the Parliament has not taken a decision under paragraph 4;” (iii) in Rule 11.2.2, for “17:00” substitute “such time between 17:00 and 18:00 as the Presiding Officer may specify”; (b) under Rule 17.2.1(b) to suspend and vary standing orders as follows for the purpose of Oral Question Times— (i) for Rule 13.3.2 substitute: “2.”
“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-00149 and S7M-00150, on suspension and variation of standing orders. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees, under Rule 17.2.1(b), to suspend and vary Rule 13.6 as follows, for the purpose of First Minister’s Question Time on Thursday 28 May 2026— (a) in paragraph A1, the words “may be lodged in writing in advance, or” are suspended, and for the word “1” there is substituted the word “3”; (b) in Rule 13.6, paragraphs 1 and 2 are suspended; (c) in paragraph 3, the words “In addition to questions selected in advance under paragraph 2” are suspended; and (d) in paragraph 4, the words “so long as that question is not one which has been selected in advance” are suspended.”
“Reputationally, in order to respect the role of the courts, the principle of comity and the separation of powers, I expect members not to comment on Mr Murrell’s sentencing—that is, how long he should be sentenced for et cetera. Members who wish to speak should press their buttons now and, if chosen, should ask short, succinct questions, with answers to match. Public Confidence in Political Institutions 1.”
“The next item of business is an urgent question in relation to Peter Murrell. As Mr Murrell has still not been sentenced—the hearing is scheduled for 23 June—the case remains active for contempt of court purposes and the sub judice rule is engaged. However, given that Mr Murrell has pled guilty, there will be no jury trial evidence, and sentencing will be overseen by a judge. The risk of prejudice to the proceedings and contempt of court as a result of commentary in Parliament is significantly reduced. Therefore, given public interest in the matter and the low risk of contempt, I exercise my discretion to allow the question and permit discussion in the chamber.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament welcomes the emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election; further welcomes the Scottish Government’s clear commitment to eradicate child poverty, deliver a stronger NHS and public services, build a more prosperous economy and help people in the cost of living crisis and tackle climate change; recognises that the people of Scotland have returned the largest pro-independence majority ever elected to the Scottish Parliament; believes this majority affirms a clear mandate that decisions about Scotland’s future are best taken in Scotland and that mandate must be respected; calls on the UK Government to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence, and agrees that the Parliament is at its best when it works together in pursuit of a country that can be confident in its future.—[John Swinney] 14:19”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S7M- 00105, in the name of John Swinney, on being ambitious for Scotland. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to- speak button, and I call John Swinney to move the motion.”
“The next item of business is a statement by John Swinney on being ambitious for Scotland. The statement will be followed by a debate, and there should be no interventions or interruptions to the First Minister. 14:03”
“Jesus told his followers, “Only do to others what you would want them to do to you.” That can be reworded as, “Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you.” Many people need our help these days: people who are ill, those who cannot work, homeless people, workers whose income does not feed their families, and so on. As you make your decisions here in the Parliament, remember those who need your help. Please also consider the people who live at the edges of our nation, socially and geographically. God bless you all in your service for the people of this nation. Thank you for listening. Ambitious for Scotland”
“Some of my people lived on islands where the ferry comes only three or four days a week, less often in winter and not at all if the weather is bad or if the ferry is broken. It is a very different life from living in a town or city. Please remember the many people in our nation who live in such communities. Here in the Parliament, you also face issues that are new to you. You will not always have someone to tell you what to do. Your assistants and advisers might offer advice, but it is you who must decide. Take time to consider what is best for your constituents and for the nation. What can you do to improve the lives of the people you represent? Who can help you to achieve those goals?”
“We had to use the components and systems that were already available to produce something new that would improve on previous products. Some designs succeeded; some did not. Such resourcefulness served me well as I then trained to be a church minister. I served as minister in two rural parishes on the edges of mainland Scotland, one in the far north and the next on the west coast. I retired just over 18 months ago and came back to live in Edinburgh, close to my family. People who live in such small rural communities, like those who live in my two parishes, soon learn that they need each other. Everyone needs help in one way or another. You get to know most of the people who live in your community.”
“Our first item of business this afternoon is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Rev Stewart Goudie. The Rev Stewart Goudie (Church of Scotland): Good afternoon to you all. Presiding Officer, First Minister and all MSPs, I congratulate you on winning election or re-election to your roles in the Parliament. Thank you for putting yourselves forward to represent the members of your constituencies or regions and to serve the people of Scotland. I pray that you will know the wisdom, compassion and blessings of Jesus Christ as you serve in the Parliament. In my first career as an electronics designer, I served five different employers, which were all in or around the Edinburgh area. We tackled design projects that had never been attempted previously. No one could tell us how to do it.”
“Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“Meeting closed at 15:35. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting. The most up-to-date version is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report Members and other meeting participants who wish to suggest corrections to their contributions should contact the Official Report. Official Report Email: official.report@parliament.scot Room T2.20 Telephone: 0131 348 5447 Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP The deadline for corrections to this edition is 20 working days after the date of publication.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S7M-00106, in the name of Tom Arthur, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees the following programme of business— Tuesday 26 May 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by First Minister’s Statement: Ambitious for Scotland followed by Scottish Government Debate: Ambitious for Scotland followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 27 May 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Ministerial Statement: First Homes Fund followed by Scottish Government Debate: Expanding Childcare followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Thursday 28 May 2026 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Scottish Government Debate: It’s Scotland’s Energy followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time—[Jamie Hepburn.] Motion agreed to.”
“Under rule 8.17 of standing orders, any member may “question whether proper procedures have been or are being followed by making a point of order.” I and my deputies expect members to identify the relevant procedure that is of concern at the beginning of any point of order. We will not allow valuable chamber time to be used up on matters that are clearly not points of order. Colleagues, many issues have still to be deliberated over, agreed and brought forward, and in that I seek the help of all members. We want this Parliament to be more impactful and effective, so please feel free to discuss with me or my deputies your ideas, as some members have already done. Business Motion 15:34”
“Members’ business will be debated each day after decision time. The need to have cross-party support for a debate will reduce from having members from three parties out of five, as in the previous session of Parliament, to two out of six in this one. I am keen that events and meetings of cross-party groups can take place during members’ business debates. When plenary is delayed, it is wrong to have people who might have travelled from across Scotland or beyond waiting at visitor services for ages because perhaps a dozen members are involved in a members’ business debate. This is a Parliament for all Scotland, after all, and visitors need to be considered. Finally, I want to touch on points of order.”
“The later start on a Thursday is to free up Thursday mornings fully for committees. General questions will increase from eight to 18 per week. There will be eight in a 25-minute session on Tuesdays, after time for reflection and before back bencher FMQs, and 10 in 30 minutes on Thursdays before leader FMQs. Portfolio questions will cover two topics in 30- minute sessions of 10 questions, each back to back, from 2 pm on Wednesdays, beginning the week after next. If members are selected for a portfolio question but do not consider that topic a priority, they can swap with any other member across the chamber. The total number of non-First Minister’s questions increasing from 32 to 38 per week, plus supplementaries, will enable greater scrutiny of ministers and, of course, a greater opportunity for ministers to shine.”
“Leader FMQs, debates and statements will have Labour and Reform alternate each week as to which party leads from the Opposition. For devilment, and to freshen things up, I might occasionally reverse the order with the Liberal Democrats opening, followed by the Conservatives and so on—we shall see. The week after next will have 30 minutes of FMQs on a Tuesday from back benchers and 30 minutes on a Thursday from party leaders. If back benchers let me know what questions they wish to ask in advance, I will be able to select more impactful questions, regardless of the lists submitted by whips. Some FMQs will still be chosen randomly from members who press their buttons. Once we are in our stride, in the week beginning 8 June, Parliament will meet from 2 pm to 5.30 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 1.30 pm to 5 pm on Thursdays.”
“I urge parties to be flexible in how their debating time is used, with the number of minutes that each speaker is given varying according to the interests and experience of individual members, rather than back benchers being shoehorned into identically sized time slots. I quite enjoy a boisterous chamber, within reason, but courtesy does not have to be thrown out the window, and I have little patience for heckling a minister while they are responding to a question that one has asked. From now on, no First Minister’s questions will be published in advance, and all will be taken from the floor. Next Thursday’s FMQs will be 45 minutes long, with questions from party leaders followed by back benchers. We will have three questions each from Labour, Reform and the Greens respectively, and two each from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.”
“It is crucial to examine what we do and why we do it, and to consider whether we need to do it better, if at all. I want to say how chamber working will be different going forward. From next week, time taken for interventions during speeches will automatically be added, to protect the time of speakers who most engage. I believe that that will encourage, embolden and build confidence and experience in members. Although time will be built into debates, it might mean that, on occasion, we run over by a few minutes. Interventions should be short and sharp, of course, and not mini-speeches in themselves.”
“The next item of business is on my proposals for the parliamentary week. Colleagues, as you know, I was elected on a mandate to shake up how we do things, make Government more accountable to Parliament, improve scrutiny and deliver more effectively for the people whom we represent. Parliament needs renewal and re-engagement with independent, innovative and open-minded leadership. That is of critical importance, and it is exactly what I will provide. The collegiate working that was anticipated in the 1990s, prior to devolution, has not fully transpired. The status quo is not an option, and I am keen to push at the boundaries of what is possible within my remit. We need to declutter and simplify how we work and make Parliament more efficient, topical and effective for the people we all represent.”
“The Presiding Officer: Members have agreed. The next item of business is—[Interruption.] Sorry, even though the decision is unanimous, I have been advised that we have to put the question to a vote. Members have 30 seconds to vote. All those in favour, yes—or no, as the case may be, but no one is going to vote no. One will gradually get used to these procedures, which we will try to streamline as time progresses. Members voted.”
“The next item of business is the election of six members for appointment to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. I have received six valid nominations for appointment, which I will announce in alphabetical order. The nominees are Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Stephen Kerr, Liam McArthur, Pauline McNeill and Graham Simpson. As the number of candidates is equal to the number of vacant positions on the SPCB, I invite members to agree that there be a single vote to elect all candidates. If any member objects to a single question being put, please say so now. The question is, that the following members be elected for appointment to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body: Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Stephen Kerr, Liam McArthur, Pauline McNeill and Graham Simpson. Are members agreed? Members: Yes.”
“Good afternoon, everyone. The first item of business is consideration of motions S7M-00108 and S7M-00109, in the name of John Swinney, on the appointment of Scottish ministers and junior Scottish ministers. I invite the First Minister to move the motions. After he has done so, I will invite each party to make a short contribution. Thereafter, I will ask the First Minister to reply. I also remind members that, under rule 11.3.1 of standing orders, the questions on the motions will be put immediately after the debate. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now, and I call John Swinney, the First Minister, to speak to and move the motions. 14:30”
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