Stuart McMillan
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Can the cabinet secretary provide any details about when funding will be in place to replace the Port Glasgow health centre with a new health hub? Can she advise when there will be investment to improve the fabric of Inverclyde royal hospital?”
“Will the member give way? Mark Simpson: I would love to. Stuart McMillan: Reform’s policies are about taking money out of the public sector, but Mr Simpson is now asking for more money to be spent on throughcare support. Where is that money coming from? I am genuinely interested to know.”
“Millions of people globally are impacted by climate change today, and that will also be the case for future generations, as has already been touched upon by Sanne Dijkstra-Downie.”
“It is important that they are successful in delivering the heat that we all need, but the issue of their environmental impact is also vital. District heating systems play an important role in communities up and down the country, but they come in a range of scales. Are they operating effectively?”
“I touched on the CPA a minute ago, and the issue of AI data centres has been raised time and again at both international and regional conferences. We are not the only people who are talking about the issue. Helpfully, it is on the agenda for this year’s festival of politics.”
“I look forward to the contributions from MSPs in the open debate, which I am sure will help the committee’s discussions on Thursday, when we meet for the first time, and during the rest of the parliamentary session. I will touch briefly on three items, for wider consideration.”
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“That is because, according to Cancer Research UK, bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the United Kingdom after breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and bowel cancer. A report from Fight Bladder Cancer notes that: “survival for patients with bladder cancer has not improved over the last three decades, with certain groups affected by bladder cancer, including women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, experiencing poorer outcomes”. The report highlights other research, which states that: “Bladder cancer patients experience a high rate of recurrence, long and invasive surveillance and expensive treatment”. It notes that: “Patients also report worse overall experiences than most other common cancers”.”
“The signs and symptoms to look out for include blood in your wee, which is the most common symptom of bladder cancer; urinary infections that do not respond to antibiotics; pain when weeing; needing to wee frequently; tiredness; abdominal pain; weight loss; incontinence, and lower back pain. According to Fight Bladder Cancer’s website, very few people will experience all those symptoms, but that is why people should talk to their general practitioner if they experience any of them. Other, less serious conditions can have the same symptoms, too, but—again—that is why it is critical that people do not delay, and speak to their GP. My motion highlights the need to improve outcomes for patients with bladder cancer.”
“She highlighted the charity’s four main objectives: to support patients and their family and friends, and all people who are affected by bladder cancer; to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer so that it can be caught early; to campaign for and support research into bladder cancer; and to affect policy at the highest levels to bring about change in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to Fight Bladder Cancer, nearly 1,700 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year in Scotland, and the majority of them are over 60 years old. Worryingly, around 50 per cent of bladder cancer cases are preventable. That tells a huge story about the work that is required to highlight the symptoms of bladder cancer, so I want to take the opportunity to list them in order to raise awareness.”
“I thank colleagues from across the chamber for signing the motion so that we can have the debate. I also commend the work of Fight Bladder Cancer—a relatively small organisation that is dedicated to raising awareness of the symptoms of bladder cancer and the support that is available for those who are diagnosed with it. I first became aware of Fight Bladder Cancer shortly after the 2021 election, and I was delighted to host its first parliamentary reception in February 2023. That followed the organisation’s officially becoming registered as a charity in Scotland in July 2022. As I highlighted during my opening remarks at that event, Fight Bladder Cancer’s work was first brought to my attention by one of my constituents, Laura MacKenzie, as she is an ambassador for the charity.”
“Will the member take an intervention? Craig Hoy: No, I will not. I do not have time. By councils’ own admission, the SNP’s approach is crippling. It is forcing them to prioritise the needs of those from elsewhere when Scots struggle to get a roof over their heads. At the outset, I said that the debate would be uncomfortable for those in government and those who were recently in government. That means us recognising that the policy of housing asylum seekers—many of whom are, in reality, illegal immigrants—in hotels was the wrong decision.”
“The main way in which we do that—council tax—is also by far the most broken and unfair element of our tax system. The SNP has been promising to reform council tax for nearly 20 years, and it is time that it got on with it. The council tax is based on property values from before the new Scottish Green leaders were even born. As a result, it is now completely broken. We would not tolerate most people paying the wrong rate of income tax, but that is exactly what has been allowed to happen for 34 years with council tax.”
“That is why independence is essential for our future. The financial forecasts that have been spoken about today are all under the current constitutional arrangements. Labour and the Conservatives have proved that they are not up to the job. That is why Scotland needs independence. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to closing speeches. I advise members that there is no time in hand and that therefore they should stick to their allotted speaking times. 15:40 Lorna Slater: I am glad that the Scottish Government amendment, which we intend to support, supports the taxation of wealth and mentions “a just transition”. I point out to Scottish Government colleagues that we have the power in Scotland to tax the single largest type of wealth: land and property.”
“That was because of austerity. The uncomfortable truth for Labour is that the same austerity hammered the people living in Scotland as well. Last year, Labour promised to cut fuel bills by £300. They have increased by nearly £200. Labour hammered employers with the national insurance contributions hike in its previous budget. Labour announced the cutting of the winter fuel payment, only to eventually roll back on it after outrage from the public. Labour went on an austerity journey with its welfare cuts that hurt those who need the help the most. Michael Marra: Will the member take an intervention? The Deputy Presiding Officer: The member is concluding. Stuart McMillan: Quite frankly, no matter which party’s Prime Minister resides in Downing Street, Scotland will always be hamstrung due to the limitations of devolution.”
“It is true that Labour inherited a mess, but we all know that it has a sufficient majority in the Commons to fix it. However, the 18 months of misery and chaos that we have had under Keir Starmer’s Government has done nothing at all to instil any confidence in Labour’s handling of the economy—or anything else, for that matter. Labour recognised that the country had had 14 years of austerity, which was clearly going to have an impact on public spending and delivery. Westminster austerity, whether Tory or Labour, does not stop at the border. It was made in Westminster for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. When in opposition, Labour’s Wes Streeting said something that we can all agree on: “all roads lead back to Westminster”. He uttered those comments while trying to defend Labour’s running of the NHS in Wales.”
“I am glad that the SNP Scottish Government rejected those Tory demands. Sadly, the financial carnage that the Tories created—this is yet another fact—left a mess of huge proportions, and the UK Government that took over from them was always going to have a lot on its plate. I even agreed with Anas Sarwar— which is not something that I often do—when he said last June: “I will not disagree when it comes to the carnage the Conservatives have imposed on this country, and the state of their public finances.” The position that the Labour Government was left in was pretty similar to the one that Labour left the Tories in 2010. I am sure that we all remember the note that Liam Byrne left for them, in which he said: “I am afraid there is no money.” I turn to Labour’s amendment.”
“In Scotland, that equated to a cut in public revenues of around £2.3 billion in 2023. Here is another fact. The short-lived Liz Truss- Kwasi Kwarteng mini-budget tanked the economy by taking out of it more than £40 billion. I am sure that we all remember the cheerleaders among the Scottish Tories urging the Scottish Government to follow Liz Truss’s lead. [Interruption.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: Please resume your seat, Mr McMillan. I will not have a cross- chamber conversation going on while a member has the floor. Please show some courtesy and respect, members. Stuart McMillan: I will repeat that point, just in case members could not hear it. We cannot forget about the cheerleaders among the Scottish Tories who urged the Scottish Government to follow Liz Truss’s budget.”
“I want to thank the Tories for bringing the debate to the chamber, because it highlights exactly why the union does not work for Scotland and why only independence can deliver a brighter future for the nation and everyone who lives here. Nothing at all will convince me of the case for the union. Economically, the UK is a basket case, from the financial crash and the lack of action against those who caused the problem in the first place to the fact—this is another fact—that Brexit is a disaster. Modelling by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research suggests that, in 2023, the UK economy was already 2.5 per cent smaller than it would have been if the UK has remained a member of the European Union, and it expects that figure to rise to 5.7 per cent by 2035.”
“However, I make it clear that any reforms that would diminish the powers of Scottish ministers or the role of this Parliament would be unacceptable. Scotland’s railway must benefit at least as much from those reforms as is promised for England and Wales. In closing, I praise the Scottish Government for its bold and visionary decisions: taking the ScotRail franchise into public hands, investing in new rolling stock and removing peak fares. Those actions reflect the commitment to a railway that serves the people, not profit, and which is inclusive, sustainable and accountable. I want that journey to continue, and I want to ensure that Scotland’s railway remains a source of pride, progress and possibility for generations to come. 15:56”
“The investment of £12 billion, to which the cabinet secretary referred earlier, over the past 20 years has sustained and grown the network through value-for-money projects including the complete renewal of the Caledonian sleeper fleet and the electrification of key routes. I also welcome the progression of the new train fleet procurement, which will modernise the rolling stock and improve the passenger experience. The UK Government’s current proposals for rail reform draw heavily on the success of Scotland’s devolved model, which represents a recognition of what this Government has achieved. Paul Sweeney: Will the member give way on that point? Stuart McMillan: I am sorry, but I do not have time.”
“Although ScotRail has made great strides, it faces many long-standing issues. That is why I believe that it is time for Network Rail’s responsibilities to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Having one organisation responsible for both infrastructure and operations would allow for better co-ordination, faster decision making and more accountability. It would remove unnecessary barriers and enable a truly integrated approach to rail delivery in Scotland. We have already seen the benefits of devolution. Scotland’s railway has consistently delivered strong operational performance and high passenger satisfaction—among the best in these islands.”
“For a daily commuter from Gourock, that could mean an annual saving of nearly £1,200, which is a substantial benefit, especially in a cost of living crisis, as part of the SNP Government’s cost of living guarantee. However, having so many stations brings some challenges. The network’s open nature has led to antisocial behaviour issues, in the warmer months in particular, when youths travel to Inverclyde and Wemyss Bay to access the waterfront. I welcome the introduction of ScotRail’s travel safe teams on the Inverclyde lines, because their presence has helped to reduce incidents. However, it has not eliminated the incidents, and the teams need more assistance. I commend the British Transport Police for its continued efforts on the same issues. Its work is essential and deserves our full support, but it also needs more assistance.”
“It puts money back into my constituents’ pockets and makes rail travel more accessible and equitable. I will share some examples from Inverclyde: a journey from Wemyss Bay to Glasgow Central has dropped from £16.50 to £10.40, which is a saving of £6.10 or 37 per cent; from Gourock to Glasgow Central, the fare has dropped from £15.60 to £9.90, which is a saving of £5.70 or 36.5 per cent; a journey from Greenock Central to Glasgow now costs £9.10 instead of £14, which is a 35 per cent reduction; and from Port Glasgow, our busiest station, to Glasgow, the fare has gone down from £12.60 to £8.50, which is a saving of £4.10 or 32.5 per cent.”
“Gourock station, which has been redeveloped over the past 15 years, now offers a modern, welcoming gateway to the town. The development had been a long- running saga, but the SNP Government managed to unblock the logjam to make it happen. The new pedestrian crossing and lift at Port Glasgow station, which make it fully accessible for disabled passengers, are a testament to inclusive infrastructure. I pay tribute to my late council colleague Councillor Jim MacLeod, who tirelessly drove the campaign and helped secure the investment. His legacy is one of determination and service to the community. Over the past 20 years, we have also seen the class 314 trains replaced following the introduction of the class 385 trains. The scrapping of peak rail fares is not only impactful but practical.”
“In my Greenock and Inverclyde constituency, the benefits of rail investment are clear and deeply felt. That is not to say that there are no challenges, because there clearly are, but there have been benefits over that 20-year period. Inverclyde has the highest number of train stations per head of population of any local authority area in Scotland. It has 13 stations—14 if I count IBM Halt station, which is currently mothballed—which serve communities across the Gourock and Wemyss Bay lines. Those lines are vital arterial links for the constituency, as well as places outside Inverclyde. They support everything from daily commuting to tourism and leisure. Stations such as Wemyss Bay, which is regularly recognised as one of the UK’s finest, are not only functional but iconic.”
“I welcome the chance to speak in support of the motion, which marks a significant milestone in Scotland’s transport history. Twenty years ago, the devolution of executive powers over rail funding, specification and strategy gave Scotland some of the tools to shape its own railway. Today, we celebrate not only that landmark decision but the tangible progress that has been made. Over the past two decades, Scotland’s railway has undergone a transformation, some of which we have heard about today. We have seen the electrification of more than 570km of track, the opening of 30 new stations and a 20 per cent increase in ScotRail passenger numbers. Those achievements are not only technical or operational; they represent a commitment to connectivity, sustainability and public service.”
“We are also renewing the partnership delivery framework, in collaboration with COSLA and ADPs, to ensure that governance and planning structures are robust, consistent and responsive to local needs. Inverclyde ADP’s experience and leadership will be vital in shaping that work.”
“I welcome the opportunity to attend the upcoming recovery round table to hear directly from local agencies, stakeholders and people with lived and living experience. Local accountability and strong partnerships are absolutely key to driving meaningful change and ensuring that services meet the needs of the community. It is vital that we listen to those who are working on the ground and learn from the excellent work that is being done to support recovery and reduce harm. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with all alcohol and drug partnerships, including Inverclyde ADP, to maintain a direct, open and on-going dialogue to strengthen local delivery.”
“I remind members that I am the chair of Moving On Inverclyde, a local recovery service. The 13 per cent reduction in drug misuse deaths across Scotland is welcome, but I am deeply concerned that Inverclyde once again has one of the highest drug misuse death rates in the country. I welcome the fact that the minister will attend my recovery round-table meeting later in the month. In advance of that meeting, will the minister advise members how the Scottish Government is working with grass-roots organisations and local partnerships, such as Inverclyde alcohol and drug partnership? Maree Todd: I share the member’s concern about the persistently high rate of drug misuse deaths in Inverclyde.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the energy secretary has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding how Scotland’s energy policy and natural resources could support the establishment of new data centres in the country. (S6O-04891)”
“The proposed bill is important to many people across Scotland and we are firmly committed to ensuring that the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people are respected, protected and championed. We have made a clear commitment that the work will continue and that the next steps will be for us to publish draft provisions, with the benefit of the consultation evidence informing our refined proposals. We are currently progressing that work, which is being informed by discussions with the three bill advisory panels, which include representation from people with lived experience, stakeholders and practitioners.”
“The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has launched an inquiry into ADHD and autism pathways and support. I warmly welcome that, because many of my constituents have contacted me about the issue. However, that has led to constituents asking what that means for the learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill that the Scottish Government has committed to. Can the minister provide an assurance that that legislation is still being worked on and that the additional inquiry highlights how seriously the Parliament views improving the systems to help neurodivergent people of all ages to get the support that they need? Tom Arthur: I welcome the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s inquiry and assure Stuart McMillan that the Government’s commitment to developing the LDAN bill has not changed.”
“I echo his calls for individuals who are affected to make the appropriate contact with their supplier urgently and to alert advice services and Ofgem if they have any remaining issues to address. I am glad that we have some respite, but it has taken far too long to get here.”
“The First Minister will be aware of the recent announcement that the RTS switch-off is to be phased out and has been delayed. That is welcome, as the experience of many of my constituents has been far from positive, with some making appointments, only to have the engineers not turn up or to have the appointments cancelled at short notice. Will the First Minister join me in calling on anyone who has an RTS meter to contact their energy supplier as soon as possible and, if they have any issues, to contact their MSP or an advice service such as Advice Direct Scotland or Age Scotland for support? The First Minister: I agree with Mr McMillan that it has taken far too long to resolve the issue.”
“Amendment 209 disagreed to. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Amendment 210, in the name of Miles Briggs, was already debated with amendment 204. I call Miles Briggs to move or not move amendment 210.”
“For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 22, Against 93, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 35 disagreed to. Amendments 207 and 208 not moved. Amendment 209 moved—[Pam Duncan- Glancy]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 209 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 25, Against 69, Abstentions 21.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app was not working, but it seems to be working now. It says that I voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Do you want to clarify, Mr McMillan? Stuart McMillan: Please record that I voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I will ensure that that is recorded, Mr McMillan.”
“Therefore, to read in a report about a policy to essentially force parents and families to separate is deeply uncomfortable and disturbing, hence the importance of the apology that I have given in the Parliament today. Mr McMillan’s question has highlighted one very clear example of the trauma that Gypsy Traveller communities have suffered. As part of on-going work through the various interventions that are set out in the action plan, we must support individuals so that they have the assistance to come to terms with that trauma. Listening to the community, understanding its needs and addressing those needs will lie at the heart of the Government’s response.”
“The report describes a forced and systematic initiative to remove Gypsy Traveller children from their families and communities. How will the Scottish Government ensure that Gypsy Traveller community members who were affected by that shameful period in their history are supported in getting closure and coming to terms with the ordeals that they suffered? The First Minister: Mr McMillan has highlighted some of the archival report’s truly disturbing contents. As he will be familiar with, the Government’s approach to the whole area of children’s policy is, as far as possible and in all circumstances, to act to keep families together when they face any form of challenge or difficulty.”
“To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its work to further the case for Scottish independence, what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government in relation to the Prime Minister’s reported comments that he does not believe that there will be another independence referendum during his Administration and that nobody is raising this with him as their first priority, in light of reports that recent polling shows support for independence at over 50 per cent. (S6O-04840)”
“It would be welcome if we could have a team approach to supporting the sector in Scotland that recognises where other responsibilities rest. It does not need to be this way. The UK Government could support our plans for a Scottish graduate visa, or it could provide consequential support for universities for employer national insurance contributions. We are stepping up for universities in Scotland. I urge Labour members in particular to consider what more their Westminster colleagues could be doing, too.”
“Despite claims made by Conservative and Labour members last week, Professor Gillies clearly outlines the impact of a number of policies implemented by past and previous UK Tory and Labour Governments, including restrictive immigration policies, national insurance rises and Brexit. What is the cabinet secretary's assessment of how those Westminster policies have done further damage to the University of Dundee? Jenny Gilruth: As I have just alluded to in my response to Ms Duncan-Glancy, the UK Government has a role to play here. It could help by recognising the impact of its policies that are damaging university finances, not just in Scotland but across the United Kingdom. Brexit, which I mentioned previously, national insurance rises and those immigration policies are all the responsibilities of another Government.”
“I express my gratitude to the Scottish Law Commission’s past and present members for their contribution to Scots law over six decades. Their work ensures that our legal framework evolves to meet modern needs and remains efficient, fair and just. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We now move to the open debate. I call Christine Grahame. 17:34”
“The high rate of implementation is testament to the commission’s ability to drive positive change through consensus and diligent research. This Friday, 13 June 2025, the commission will hold a conference at the University of Edinburgh, reflecting on “Law Reform: Shaping Society?” The keynote speaker, Lord Hodge, deputy president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, will be joined by Lady Wise, Dr Alisdair MacPherson, Professor James Lee and many other esteemed guests. I am sure that all of us in the chamber wish to extend our thanks to them. I hope that the event on Friday is a great success, and we can look forward to discussions on how legal reform continues to improve and shape our society. I am sure that we—certainly the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, but the Parliament as a whole—will have feedback from the event.”
“In addition, the Leases (Automatic Continuation etc) (Scotland) Bill is currently under review, and our committee recently signed off our stage 1 report on it. Although some of those bills are technical in nature, their real-world impacts should not be understated. The Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Bill was one bill that people in the legal fraternity were quite happy to talk to me about at various events in the Parliament that I attended over the years. They knew how important that legislation was and how it affected business operations. Likewise, succession law reform touches the lives of many, as it governs the distribution of estates after death. Beyond technical updates, the commission’s work has shaped areas such as family law and defamation, contributing to fundamental legal improvements for the public.”
“The commission’s proposals are thorough, thoughtful and widely supported by legal stakeholders. Crucially, the commission does not have a party-political stance. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee is very much a non-party-political committee, which cannot be said for all committees in the Parliament. I am pleased that members of the committee tend to approach the activities that we undertake without a party-political bias. Recent SLC bills that have been scrutinised by the committee and that are now law include the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Bill, which was about improving access to secured lending; the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Bill, which updated key legislation dating back to 1921; and the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, which modernised Victorian-era law.”
“The Government can refer areas of work for review, and projects can be undertaken jointly with the Law Commission for England and Wales and the Northern Ireland Law Commission, such as the recent work on self-driving cars, which culminated in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. Since 2013, part of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee’s remit has been to scrutinise specific Scottish Law Commission bills that comply with parliamentary rules. So far this session, we have led scrutiny on four such bills, and we anticipate a fifth before the end of the session: a bill on contracts, as announced in the programme for government. The committee has consistently been impressed by the commission’s diligence, research and consultative approach, notwithstanding some of our helpful recommendations in our stage 1 reports.”
“Today, we mark a significant milestone: 60 years since the Scottish Law Commission was established under the Law Commissions Act 1965. As Scotland’s law reform body, the commission’s mission, which is to simplify, modernise and improve Scots law, is essential. Outdated or unnecessarily complex laws lead to inefficiency, injustice and a legal system that does not serve the needs of ordinary people. The commission has continuously worked to address those challenges. As members will know, the commission operates through five-year work programmes that are approved by Scottish ministers. Those are informed by judges, lawyers, Government departments, interest groups and the general public. It is a collaborative effort that ensures that Scots law remains fit for purpose and is brought up to date.”
“Folk in the chamber will know that, within the past year or so, the Law Commission has moved its offices in Edinburgh from Causewayside up to Parliament house. It is very nice to welcome the commissioners and staff to the Scottish Parliament and to the public gallery. I also welcome Michael Clancy from the Law Society of Scotland, who is also in the public gallery. With regard to today’s debate, he sent me an email at the beginning of the week that said that the Law Society “congratulates the Scottish Law Commission on achieving such a milestone and also on all its significant work to reform the law of Scotland for the improvement of the lives of people in Scotland.” I thought that it would be useful to put that on the record, and I am sure that colleagues from the Scottish Law Commission will be pleased with those comments.”
“It is my great pleasure to open the debate, and I thank colleagues who signed the motion and those who will speak in the debate. I also welcome the commissioners and staff of the Scottish Law Commission who are in the public gallery. In particular, I acknowledge Lady Paton, the chair of the Scottish Law Commission. I lodged the motion as a member but, as colleagues will know, I convene the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. I think that it is fair to say that we have greatly enjoyed our engagement with the Scottish Law Commission during this parliamentary session and in the previous session. I am sure that the committee’s former convener, Graham Simpson, will also acknowledge that in his comments.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding multiyear funding settlements. (S6O-04783)”
“This is supposed to be a full-time job—and in the way that many members pursue it, it is, indeed, a full-time job.”
“I have listened very carefully to the debate so far, and I have listened to Mr Kerr’s comments. My point to Mr Kerr is that, following his logic, there is surely a responsibility on every member of the Parliament to act appropriately and, to use his word, take the Parliament seriously. There have been many occasions over the past number of months, such as Thursday afternoons, when many MSPs from some parties have left early to go home. I am one of the ones who are here on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and I would argue that every member should be in the Parliament, whether they take their place online or in the chamber, and actually participate in its work. Stephen Kerr: Stuart McMillan makes a very good point, and I cannot really add to what he has said.”
“It is important to note that RAAC is a UK-wide issue, so we would expect the UK Government to support a UK-wide approach. It is frustrating that, having created the circumstances in which we find ourselves, the UK Government is resisting our calls to address the challenges and make things right.”