George Adam
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The spirit of hope, optimism and belief has always been part of Scotland’s heart and Scotland’s story, which is why the motion feels so out of place in our chamber. Where Scotland sees hope, Reform sees grievance. Where Scotland sees opportunity, Reform sees division.”
“The tartan army have travelled in numbers, as they always do, and they have shown the world exactly what Scotland is all about. Scotland is good humoured, looks for friendship and shows respect to others and their culture—and is a wee bit gallus.”
“By the end, it reads like the ramblings of a very angry man sitting on his own in the corner of the pub, complaining about immigrants, about net zero, about equality, about young people and about Scotland—and eventually falling out with absolutely everyone else in the pub.”
“It is Nigel Farage—the same Nigel Farage who promised prosperity and delivered labour shortages, higher costs, barriers to trade and years of economic uncertainty— Malcolm Offord: Will the member take an intervention? George Adam:—and now he is back, demanding that Scotland trusts him again.”
“What Scotland needs is confidence in ourselves—confidence to build our communities and confidence in our ability to build a fair economy that works for everyone. We need confidence that our future is not bound up in the bitterness and division offered by Reform UK.”
“George Adam: His lordship’s argument is that it is slightly better than it is for somebody else next door. That is complete and utter nonsense. Presiding Officer, I used to be in the motor industry—if someone sold you a second-hand car that immediately burst into flames, you would not turn up and ask for a second one, would you?”
The complete record
Every one of 411 lines we hold for George Adam, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 9.
“Russia’s brutal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine rumbles on, displacing families, killing innocents and disrupting energy and trade routes across Europe while, in Palestine, the humanitarian tragedy deepens every day, with thousands dead, the infrastructure obliterated and no end in sight. Those are not isolated horror stories. They are seismic global crises that ripple through every household here in Scotland because we are not insulated from them; we, along with the rest of the world, are interconnected with them. Rising fuel costs in Renfrewshire and the inflation that is hitting local businesses in Paisley have an impact that is keenly felt by everyone.”
“They are not of our making, but they are very much affecting our people and our economy. Some of those people who are affected are those from the MS Society, some of whom who are here today because this is multiple sclerosis awareness week. Members will be glad to hear that Stacey Adam is not here this week—although she still has access to email and will be hassling them on issues. If you ask those from the MS Society what is affecting their members, they will talk about the brutal attack on their community’s benefits by the UK Labour Government. That is one problem, but it is not the only one that we are dealing with. Across the globe, the forces of chaos and aggression are tightening their grip as the people of Scotland look on in fear and trepidation.”
“Everyone has to start their speech in this debate by talking about today’s announcement about what is happening at Grangemouth. My heart and soul go out to the families involved, because I know what it is like to be in an industrial town and for the industry that people use to be destroyed and devastated by an uncaring UK Government. I know exactly how that feels, because that happened to us in Paisley. The scars will run deep for a while, and the people in those communities will remember what the UK Labour Government did to them. I am absolutely sick of hearing from Labour members how much of a difference will be made by the £200 million for the transition at Grangemouth, given today’s announcement. It is, at best, a fig leaf. I want to be absolutely clear: Scotland is feeling the shock waves of instability.”
““River City” is still here, which means that there is still time for the BBC to reconsider and for us to speak up and to stand by a production that has done more for Scotland’s culture and creative economy than we give it credit for. When “River City” goes, it will not be only a drama that disappears—another Scottish voice will be lost from the national conversation.”
“It is about keeping our creative talent here, in Scotland, instead of forcing those people to head south or abroad for work. Paul W Fleming, the general secretary of Equity, said: “Axing River City would have a devastating effect on acting and production roles for Scottish talent.” That is a worry. The BBC says that it wants to invest in shorter series of new drama across Scotland. That would be welcome, but shorter-running series do not offer the same continuity of employment, the same training ground or the same cultural resonance as a long-running show such as “River City”. This is not a simple matter of a change in format; it is a fundamental shift away from rooted, community- based storytelling.”
“However, it does not get the credit that it deserves for the important part that it plays in our cultural landscape. Now, the BBC says that it is time to wind up “River City”. It says that viewing habits have changed, and maybe they have: people are streaming, they are binge-watching and skipping adverts, although, of course, there are currently no adverts on the BBC. I get that, but the question that I am asking is, if “River City” is to go, what are we replacing it with? Where are our stories going to be told? Where are our actors, writers and crews going to go? This debate is about jobs—skilled jobs and on- going employment for production staff, set designers, costume departments and, of course, the actors and writers who have built careers on the show. It is about opportunity.”
“Let us not forget that that is Scotland’s voice, and the voice of the many different communities that we have. I am not speaking about “River City” in the past tense, because it is still filming and telling its stories, and it is still giving a platform to Scottish voices and talent. However, we are told that, in 2026, all of that will come to an end. My question is, why? “River City” has been a constant on our screens for more than two decades. It is a Scottish production, made in Scotland by Scottish crews and with Scottish actors, and it is rooted in the rhythms of our lives, our culture and our humour. It mirrors the people of Scotland as well, although that might be quite concerning when you look at some of the stories, right enough.”
“I thank Neil Bibby for bringing this debate to Parliament. Initially, I was not going to speak in it, but, after speaking to Mr Bibby at the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee today, I managed to get into a bit of a rage about what is happening—I have managed that down to a wee bit of a rammy at the moment. There is a snobbery when it comes to soap operas in general in our cultural landscape, but particularly with regard to “River City”, because it speaks in my voice. That same snobbery can be seen in this place, because I have been criticised by members of the public for the way that I speak in Parliament. However, this is my voice—this is the way that I speak and the way that my community speaks. That is what is important about a show such as “River City”.”
“There is much that we can learn from him that is very relevant to today’s debate.”
“Where do I start and how do I summarise the international situation in four minutes? A good starting point is probably to do what our First Minister did and take a moment to reflect on the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis. I am not a religious man, but I know full well the strength and comfort that many of my constituents in Paisley and people right across Scotland draw from their faith. Throughout my time as Paisley’s MSP, I have been able to work closely with our local Catholic community, and I know just how much Pope Francis meant to them, to the diocese of Paisley and to the wider community. Today, my thoughts are very much with them as we all mark the loss of a humble and compassionate man—a man whose values of peace, dignity and kindness spoke far beyond any single faith or border.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you very much, Mr Adam. We move to the open debate, and I call Miles Briggs 13:06”
“The transition support, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service application guidance and the continued support even after pupils have left school make the programme a model for how we should deliver education in Scotland. I am proud to see the UWS, which is a key institution in Paisley, leading the way in widening access to higher education. This is what a fairer Scotland looks like—a place where a young person’s potential matters more than their postcode, where talent is nurtured, not wasted, and where programmes such as the UWS foundation academy help to deliver the Scottish Government’s vision of a truly inclusive education system. I urge colleagues across the chamber to support and champion initiatives such as this, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the chance to fulfil their potential.”
“It breaks down barriers and gives them the belief that higher education is for them.” That is life changing. That is what widening access is all about. This is a model for Scotland and it is a model that should be used in other areas, too. The UWS foundation academy is an example of how universities can work hand in hand with schools and communities to deliver meaningful change. It is no surprise that the programme was nominated for the widening participation initiative of the year at the 2024 Times Higher Education awards. It is not just about access; it is about ensuring that young people thrive when they get there.”
“In our town, the impact of the foundation academy is already being felt. Some 29 pupils from Castlehead high school and 17 from Gleniffer high school are engaged in this year’s cohort. Those young people are gaining invaluable insights into fields such as forensic science, sports science, engineering, nursing and many other disciplines that are crucial to Scotland’s future workforce. [Interruption.] I am quite happy to start again for the benefit of the audience that has now come into the public gallery, Presiding Officer. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I think that you should just save the best bits for last. George Adam: A teacher at Castlehead high school summed it up best: “For some of our pupils, this programme is the difference between going to university or not going.”
“That is tangible progress in tackling educational inequality, and it demonstrates the UWS delivering the Scottish Government’s widening access strategy. The Scottish Government has made widening access to higher education a key priority, aiming to ensure that, by 2030, at least 20 per cent of university entrants come from Scotland’s most deprived backgrounds. The UWS foundation academy is directly contributing to that goal. By delivering a flexible and inclusive approach, the UWS is ensuring that young people from all backgrounds, including those who might be the first in their family to consider university, feel supported in making that step. The programme gives them the confidence, experience and qualifications that they need to succeed in life. This is a positive Paisley story.”
“Already, since launching in 2022, the initiative has supported more than 2,300 students from 34 schools across 10 local authorities, including—right at the centre of the universe, in Paisley—pupils from Castlehead high school and Gleniffer high school, who are also benefiting from the programme. The programme is free for schools, ensuring that financial constraints are no longer a barrier. It provides a structured pathway into university for pupils in secondary 5 and 6, helping them to gain academic confidence, experience university-level learning and—crucially—earn a Scottish credit and qualifications framework level 7 credit that can be used as an alternative to a higher B grade when applying to the UWS.”
“I mention the fantastic work of the University of the West of Scotland at any opportunity, and today I want to talk about an initiative that is changing lives across the west of Scotland and in Paisley in particular—the UWS foundation academy. We all know that education is the great enabler. It opens doors, creates opportunities and empowers young people to shape their lives and futures. However, for too many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, those doors have been closed. That is why programmes such as the UWS foundation academy are vital, because they break down barriers, raise aspirations and deliver on the Scottish Government’s commitment to widening access to higher education. The impact of the UWS foundation academy is incredible.”
“Currently, the Education, Children and Young People Committee has among its members Willie Rennie, who is an alumnus of Paisley’s seat of higher education, and, before that, it had Evelyn Tweed, who graduated from there as well—the Parliament’s education committee has had its very own Paisley mafia. If the public had been allowed back into the gallery, I would be able to see my wife Stacey, who also graduated as one of Paisley’s finest. During her time, the institution was known as Paisley tech, then Paisley college, and she finally graduated from the University of Paisley. My close friend and office manager David McCartney also graduated from the UWS.”
“We live in extremely challenging times—we hear that all the time in this place—but it has always been thus, and it is how we deal with that adversity and challenge that is the key. As most members know, I have been a member of our various education committees, in their many guises, for most of my time in the Scottish Parliament. My reason for being on that committee is that I want to make a difference to the lives of young people in my town. Education is a key component in that, and I am lucky to represent a town that has a progressive, forward-thinking educational establishment that is trying to do just that, and to change young people’s lives. The University of the West of Scotland has influenced the Scottish Parliament, as there are members, past and present, who have been educated in Paisley at the institution in its many guises.”
“The lengths that this—[Interruption.] Sorry? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Your microphone is on, but, a little like mine, it does not seem to be very loud. George Adam: It seems to be on now. This place will go to some lengths to ensure that the people of Paisley do not have their voice heard in Scotland’s Parliament, but that is what I will ensure happens, after that wee test of the alarm system. It is not often that I get to talk about much of the good work that happens in Paisley—okay, Presiding Officer, I admit that I do that at any opportunity. That is because, from the very beginning of my time as Paisley’s MSP, I have always wanted to talk about positive Paisley and to talk up all the good things that affect the good buddies of my home town.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. This normally never happens to me. My computer failed to connect to the award-winning platform. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Adam. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“It is okay for us to talk about this here, but we must lead by example. Sport is a multibillion-pound market, and I can guarantee that the two biggest German manufacturers no longer produce in Germany and that the major American manufacturers do not currently produce in America. Everything is made very cheaply and sold at massive profit, but manufacturers must give something back to the people who are producing their goods. As someone who has seen the impact of fair trade, both locally and around Scotland, from Rainbow Turtle in Paisley to here in the Parliament, I know that we can meet the challenge and I know that Scotland can become a beacon of fairness and justice in a world that desperately needs both. 15:51”
“We stand with producers in Malawi, Rwanda and beyond and recognise that fairness in trade is not only about economics but about dignity, human rights and a better future. Let us be clear: Scotland’s status as a fair trade nation is not a trophy to be admired from afar but a challenge to keep pushing and improving and to keep making trade work for people and not just for profit. Much of what has been said in today’s debate has shown the way for us to do that and it has shown that we must work together. I keep coming back to the fact that we should look at key markets and at sporting goods in particular. We should look at how organisations such as local authorities, which may have sport and leisure facilities, could kit out those who work for them with more ethical goods.”
“Sporting goods and sportswear are massive markets, but, for years, the main manufacturers have been criticised for how they go about getting their goods to market, whether that be with regard to the almost slave wages of people in certain parts of the world or how manufacturers ensure that third-party suppliers have an ethical background. I note that it is a massive market that people outside the Parliament probably engage with regularly. It is down to our football and sporting clubs to lead the way. Work has been done on that, but it is an important issue that we need to take further. Let us not forget the wider context. At a time when the UK Government has chosen to cut international aid, Scotland is taking a different path.”
“Climate change, economic instability and deepening global inequalities all make fair trade more important than it has ever been. That is why Scotland must continue to be a leader not just in words but in actions. The Scottish Government has shown its commitment through initiatives such as the climate justice fund, which ensures that those in the global south who are the least responsible for climate change are not the ones paying the highest price. However, we must go further. We must strengthen fair trade supply chains and support businesses that choose ethical sourcing and empower consumers to make informed choices. That brings me to an area in which a massive difference can be made.”
“That was more than about selling Fairtrade tea and coffee; it was about making ethical choices as a core part of how we operate as a community. When I came to the Parliament, I became the chair of the cross-party group on fair trade, and I had the honour of being at the heart of Scotland’s national effort to secure fair trade nation status for the first time. I saw at first hand the dedication of campaigners, businesses and community groups that worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. Now, more than a decade later, we continue to lead the way. Basically, I am saying that it was me who did it—I was involved in absolutely everything. I am only joking. It is not just about me; it is about everyone who gets involved in the campaign. We cannot take fair trade for granted. The world has changed, and so have the challenges that we face.”
“For more than two decades, Rainbow Turtle has been a cornerstone of our town’s retail landscape, offering fair trade goods and educating the public about ethical trade. The shop is not just a place to buy fairly sourced coffee or crafts; it is a symbol of Paisley’s commitment to doing business the right way. It has endured when many high street names have come and gone, showing that ethical retail can thrive in and support our community. As a Renfrewshire councillor, I was proud to take the fair trade mission further. We worked to ensure that Renfrewshire became a fair trade county—why stop at just one town when the entire region could follow? We engaged with local businesses, schools and faith groups to embed fair trade into everyday decisions.”
“Many years ago, the vision, commitment and determination of Provost John McDowall—a proud Paisley buddie, a Labour man and a St Mirren FC supporter; as Meatloaf said, two out of three ain’t bad—set us on the path to making Paisley a fair trade town. He recognised that, if we wanted to call ourselves a community that valued fairness and justice, we had to lead by example. Under his leadership, businesses, schools and local groups came together to back fair trade principles, ensuring that Paisley took its rightful place in the global movement for trade justice. However, this is not just about campaigns, meetings and certificates—it is also about action on the ground. A shining example of that is Rainbow Turtle, Paisley’s fair trade shop.”
“It is a privilege to speak in this debate on Scotland’s status as a fair trade nation, which is an achievement that represents our unwavering commitment to fairness, social justice and global solidarity. As we all know, Scotland first became a fair trade nation in 2013, and we reaffirm that commitment today. However, let us be clear that this status is not just a title; it is a reflection of our values and a promise to do the right thing for the people around the world who produce the goods that we rely on. For me, this is more than just a policy discussion; it is a journey that started all those years ago in the heart of the centre of the universe, if you wish—in Paisley. As members know, all roads lead to the great town of Paisley.”
“He sat there in a discussion with a world leader and said, “You don’t have the cards.” He was with someone whose people have been fighting for their lives and he talked about playing cards. That is a joke, and he is a joke as a president. I will follow the consul’s advice. If he says that this is a fight of light against darkness and good against evil, that is good enough for me and I will support Ukraine in everything it does in this good fight. 17:57”
“They took someone who is fighting the good fight, against a dictator, for the free world and created a theatre—a pantomime— in the Oval office. They diminished America and the office of the President of the United States, and we all felt a bit dirty afterwards. Why would they do that in diplomacy? Even if their narrative was correct, which I do not believe, they should not go into a room and say, “Don’t do that again. Here’s what we’re going to do.” No one should do that in front of the world’s press. What happened was done purely to humiliate and embarrass. I do not think that the American people will fall for that, because they still see Russia as the aggressor and many of Trump’s supporters will see Russia as the aggressor in that situation. I think that he will be found out.”
“When I asked him why he does that he said, “It’s the right thing to do.” That is very similar to what the Ukrainian consul told the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee last week. He said that the Ukrainian people have to stay positive all the time. He literally likened the war to light against darkness and good against evil. Some people think that we are using hyperbole when we talk in that way, but he is 100 per cent right. This issue, at this time, is a fight between good and evil and between right and wrong. There is no middle ground. We saw what happened with Trump and Vance last week. Incidentally, Stevie is quite annoyed about JD Vance saying that British soldiers have no idea how to fight a war when he was involved in quite a lot of skirmishes—he did not get his military cross for nothing.”
“That money could be gotten, because it is from the Russian central bank and it is frozen; it is not from the Russian oligarchs and all their mates who have been on the take in Russia for the past 20- odd years. That could be done and dealt with quite easily. I will speak about someone I know, Stevie Blythe, a former soldier in the Black Watch who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and who got a military cross. He is not from Paisley; he is originally from Dundee but lives in Paisley. Stevie is now an ambulance driver. He takes ambulances over to Ukraine to drive them on the front lines and puts videos on his Facebook page to show us everything that is happening there. Stevie is a really close friend.”
“It was not about Scottish football referees or the video assistant referee system, which is a disgrace, but about the disgrace of JD Vance and President Trump and what they did to someone who has stood against Putin over the past three years. That shows how this has got into the psyche of everyone in the world. There are pivotal moments in history when what we—Scotland, the UK, Europe and the world—do is important. We need to be really careful. As I have mentioned to the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture before, there is €300 billion frozen from the Russian central bank in the EU. What Europe decides to do with that money in the future, and how we discuss that, is extremely important. At the end of the day, that has made a difference to an aggressor.”
“I was concerned for a moment, as my friend and colleague Colin Beattie seemed to struggle to move that motion. I thought that it was because he knew that I was next—in which case, all the nice things that I was about to say about him, including thanking him for the debate, would have been gone. However, I thank him for bringing the debate to the chamber and for finally standing up and moving the motion to extend the time for us to have it. When we get to this stage of the debate, all that I can talk about is the emotion and how I feel about the situation. A lot of people are asking themselves how they feel about the situation. I will give a perfect example. Members will be surprised to know that I was at St Mirren Park on Saturday to watch the football. At half time, the conversation was about what happened in the Oval office.”
“In the future, Grangemouth could be a hub for sustainable aviation fuel.”
“I believe that the UK Government is failing Scotland now, has failed us in the past and will continue to do so, but I am willing to work with anyone who can make a difference, because this is about people’s jobs and future financial stability. I will work with anyone, and I know that the Scottish Government thinks that way, too. When we hear about Oxford, Cambridge and London, it is highly concerning to me. I have heard it a million times before and, once again, investment is being taken away from Scotland as the UK Government focuses on down south. We need to focus on excellence up here in Scotland and what we can provide. Locally, Paisley international airport—known to others as Glasgow international airport—is one of the clearest examples of how we can move things forward.”
“The economic imbalance in the UK and the urgent need for Scotland’s vast potential to be recognised and fully supported are important for us all, whether in Paisley or in the rest of Scotland. Scotland’s economy is rich in innovation, industry and ingenuity, yet, time and again, Westminster neglects our contributions and stifles our opportunities. The UK Government continues to pour resources into the so-called golden triangle of Oxford, Cambridge and London, leaving Scotland as an afterthought. That has to change. The minister, Richard Lochhead, was right when he said that there is much uncertainty in the world, and it is my belief—I think it is also his belief—that now is the time for us to grab the opportunity. It is for us here in Scotland to make sure that Scotland does not miss the opportunities that are available.”
“Thank you, Presiding Officer. I am happy to stand here for nine minutes to talk about how the imbalance in our economy affects the people of Paisley and the people of Scotland in general. I say at the beginning that my politics are not the politics of grievance, as others have said. I get angry and disappointed because I have been in Parliament and in politics long enough to see that UK Governments come and go, promising the earth but never delivering for Scotland. We end up hearing about the golden triangle of Oxford, Cambridge and London and about other areas that get investment, but it never seems to be in our areas and in our communities. That is why our focus should be on Scotland. It is more about disappointment than about the politics of grievance. Today’s debate is on a matter of fundamental importance.”
“I met Ofcom and the BBC to stress that there is growing unease about certain decisions supporting certain commissions and the apparent lack of Scottish involvement in them. It has become problematic, which is why I have held those meetings. I know that it has been the subject of evidence sessions at committee, and I know that the BBC and Ofcom know that that questioning will continue. Local Authorities (Support for Arts and Culture) 3.”
“The BBC has described IMG Media, the production company behind more than 1,000 multi-hour episodes of Scottish-qualifying snooker programmes from the BBC, as a Scottish production company. IMG is based in Chiswick, west London. It rents a cupboard within BBC’s Pacific Quay base in Glasgow. Now, those thousands of hours of TV are regarded as Scottish. In a world where we cannot even see the Scottish national football team on national terrestrial television, what engagement has the cabinet secretary had with regard to the BBC defining such output as Scottish? Angus Robertson: I will answer in the same way as I have answered other colleagues who have shared a concern that I have, and that the Scottish Government has, that the letter and the spirit of the rules in terms of commissioning in Scotland should be upheld.”
“If Westminster will not respect our Parliament, the people of Scotland deserve the chance to choose a different future—a future in which decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland by the people of Scotland. 16:05”
“In areas such as public health, in which Scotland has led the way with minimum alcohol unit pricing and free prescriptions, the act creates uncertainty as to whether we can continue to make such progressive choices. It is not just the Tories to blame. In opposition, Labour said that it would scrap the act, but now it refuses to do so. We in the SNP have fought tooth and nail against the act from day 1. We warned that it was a power grab and would damage devolution, and we were right. The Parliament is here because the people of Scotland demanded it, but, if Westminster can simply override our decisions as it likes, what kind of devolution is that? Let me be absolutely clear: the only way to fully protect the Parliament and ensure that Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands is through independence.”
“The Scottish Parliament and the Senedd in Wales refused consent for it, yet Westminster forced it through anyway. That is not co-operation or respect; it is Westminster deciding that Scotland’s voice does not matter. During Brexit, the Tories told us that they wanted to take back control, but now we see exactly what they meant, because it was not about giving power to people but about taking power away from the people of Scotland. The internal market act allows UK ministers, without our consent, to override decisions that have been made by this Parliament in devolved areas, which means that they can force policies on us whether we want them or not. They could undermine our food standards, environmental protections or even the way in which we support our businesses.”
“It will always be an honour for me to stand in this chamber and speak up for the people of Paisley and Scotland, but I do so today with deep concern, because the very powers of the Parliament— which, as the Deputy First Minister said, the people of Scotland voted for in 1997—are under attack. The internal market act is the biggest threat to devolution since the Parliament was reconvened. It is nothing short of a Westminster power grab and an attempt to roll back the hard gains of devolution. Many members remember those hard gains and what the fight was like to get this Parliament. The act is undemocratic, and it is undermining the democracy of the Scottish people. Let us be absolutely clear: the act was imposed on Scotland against our will.”
“There are those who want to disrupt the whole political system and those who run in fear of those who want to disrupt, which concerns and worries me. Much of today’s debate is about those who are running in fear of those who want to disrupt the political system. Brexit was an example of wanting to disrupt the political system. One thing will remain the same: I will represent the people of Paisley and speak up for them, as I always have. They want to hear about how the Parliament can be a part of the solution to all the problems and issues that they face in life.”
“I have been a member of the Parliament for a wee while. Things have changed, and I have changed a bit. My hair is a wee bit lighter than it was when I first came in. Christine Grahame has just said that at least I still have a full head of hair. My suits might also be a wee bit larger than they were when I first walked in. However, one thing that has not changed in my years as an MSP is the unionist parties’ attitude to the Scottish Parliament. Whether Labour or Tory, they make promises during an election and, the minute it is over, they revert to protecting the British state at all costs and not looking at any other ideas whatsoever. During the time that I have been here, I have seen debates change in the Parliament, Scotland and the rest of the world.”
“Scotland should be an independent country so that we can make those decisions here. The Deputy Presiding Officer: James Dornan joins us remotely. Food and Drink Sector (Support) 8.”
“Would it not be just as well to ask the Scottish Government to control the weather or the tide? Is it not the case that taxation is clearly reserved to Westminster under schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, which is a situation that the Scottish National Party has sought to fix, while Labour and the Tories have ignored it? Does the minister agree that, given the facts, the question is in bad faith, with the unionist parties pretending to champion rural Scotland, while Westminster neglects our farmers? Jim Fairlie: We will take every opportunity that we can to challenge the UK Government’s inheritance tax changes. We have consistently said that further tax powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, particularly when we have situations such as this. I absolutely agree with what George Adam has said.”
“I am interested in what the minister said in his statement and in what he said in response to the last question. How will consolidating funding streams for post-school education and skills development contribute to the Scottish Government’s mission to grow the economy? Graeme Dey: The issue, if one understands the landscape, is that, at the moment, the funding mechanism for apprenticeships sees very obvious funding provided by SDS through the SFC but additional funding provided in some instances through the SFC by way of college credits. It is not a transparent system. We need more transparency and agility so that we have the opportunity to better align what we are offering and providing with the needs of the economy. If we pull that together, we will get to the place that we are looking to get to.”