Liam McArthur
Scottish Liberal Democrats · Scotland
“I associate myself very much with the comments and requests of Kristopher Leask. This weekend sees the second Water Sound bluegrass festival take place in Burray, in my Orkney constituency. I therefore ask the cabinet secretary to offer congratulations to the organisers, Pete and Gail McAndrew, for getting the festival up and running.”
“I think that he said that it is taking place this weekend, in which case I hope that the weather holds up, as that could add something very special to a bluegrass festival.”
“I, too, thank the cabinet secretary for early sight of her statement, which obviously comes on the back of eye-watering rises in business rates earlier this year.”
“I have a constituent who, for the past nine years, has desperately sought treatment for swelling on his legs and groin that has progressively worsened and is now profoundly incapacitating. Having sought treatment in Scotland, it is clear that that is not available.”
“Jenny Gilruth: The Liberal Democrats engaged with us throughout the budget process last year and they were able to extract a number of things from the Government. I hope that other Opposition parties will learn from their good behaviour.”
“There are strengths in the current system but I accept that there are inherent challenges in relation to the issues presented by revaluation, for example, and the wider challenges that businesses are facing.”
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“Pauline McNeill was right to underline concerns that a remarkably low number of children have been recorded on the register of those at risk of sexual exploitation across Scotland in the past year. Can we really be confident that the system is reliably identifying those who require support? Police Scotland is certainly to be commended for its response to many of the reports of group- based child sexual exploitation and abuse that we have heard about. However, if we are to build a complete picture of the scale and nature of the problem in Scotland, independent scrutiny needs to be built into any review. As the NSPCC warns, Scotland lacks that clear understanding at present.”
“The investigations that were carried out in England and Wales by Professor Jay and Baroness Casey show that institutional failures of the police and other public agencies often prevented victims from coming forward to report abuse, delayed appropriate investigation and hindered the eventual prosecution of perpetrators. A subsequent failure to acknowledge those failings has since delayed access to justice for survivors. Concerns have also been raised about Police Scotland’s approach to data collection in relation to group-based child sexual exploitation. Questions remain as to whether the methods appropriately identify the risk factors in current and historical cases.”
“They have been let down by a lack of joined-up working between agencies and a failure of safeguarding, and the perpetrators have seldom faced justice. We have a duty to those young people to act. The motion appears to have been successful in prompting an overdue response from the Government. I welcome the news that Professor Alexis Jay has been appointed to carry out a review and hope that it will lead to wider investigation. Police Scotland has reviewed historic and on-going child sexual abuse in Scotland since 2013. The results of that will be integral to any associated inquiry. Although duplicating Police Scotland’s work serves nobody’s interests, the case for increased transparency and independent oversight is reasonable.”
“I thank Pauline McNeill and Labour for enabling this debate to happen. Some of the issues that we are discussing were touched on in yesterday’s debate on violence against women and girls, but it is good that we have an opportunity to focus specifically on this topic, which is certainly challenging. Group-based sexual exploitation of children, which involves targeting often incredibly vulnerable young people, subjecting them to horrific abuse and isolating them from support systems, is surely one of the most abhorrent crimes imaginable. We were all horrified by the experiences of Taylor, whose heart-breaking testimony shows that there are victims of group- based child sexual exploitation and abuse across Scotland, and for the most part, their stories go untold.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19977, in the name of Jackie Baillie, on crisis in social care. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 14:53”
“[Interruption.] Someone is laughing at the idea of protecting the integrity of devolution, but it is an important part of what we do, because it obliges ministers to take responsibility for the legal consequences of the choices that they make. In my view, that is the essence of good government. Amendment 14 restores the basic discipline of constitutional responsibility. It is reasonable and proportionate in this case, because, in the opinion of some legal minds, we are dealing with retrospective legislation that bumps up against the interpretation of the 1998 act. I urge members to support it. I move amendment 14.”
“When, as in this instance, ministers legislate retrospectively, and when they interact with the complexities and technical aspects of the issues that we are discussing, it has in the minds of many—including Murdo Fraser, who said as much yesterday evening—an impact on section 29 of the 1998 act, and it is important that the Government responds to those concerns. That is not a burden; it is a safeguard, and it is necessary, because the Government’s track record shows that it cannot be relied on to observe those safeguards voluntarily in the use of its own powers. 15:45 The amendment is not ideological in any way. It is a constitutional amendment. It strengthens Parliament’s hand. That is exactly what we are here to do in holding the executive to account. It improves scrutiny, and it protects the integrity of devolution.”
“We have seen legislation delayed, redrafted or sometimes completely abandoned by ministers who—in my view and, I am sure, in the view of others—have been motivated more by political grievance than by good governance and who have often been prepared to stand up, stare in the face of legal reality and deny its existence. We have seen the Government treat those statutory limits exactly how it treats every other safeguard on its power—that is, without seriousness. It brings us back to the discussion about the power of this Parliament to hold the executive to account. Without any parliamentary discipline to speak of, the Government will inevitably breach the respect that should exist between the executive and the Parliament. Amendment 14 insists on a different standard.”
“So, when ministers introduce legislation that pushes at the boundaries of that constitutional propriety, or which breaches them—as we have seen with the SNP Government time and again— the costs, which run into the tens if not hundreds of millions of pounds, inevitably fall on the public. In this case, they fall on councils and businesses. They have an undermining effect on this Parliament’s authority; indeed, the Parliament has a reputation, particularly in the past few years, for passing flawed legislation. We have to live with the consequences of the decisions that we are making now, and which we have made in relation to other bills. We have seen bills and acts of this Parliament struck down by the courts.”
“As a devolved Parliament, we are—rightly—required to operate within, and comply with, the conditions that define and constrain that devolved power, which are laid out in the 1998 act. In recent years, there have been repeated examples of legislation being introduced without proper regard for those limits. Sometimes, those pieces of legislation have been a performative act on the part of this Government in order to create constitutional rammies. The 1998 act is not an optional reference text— it is the legal foundation on which this Parliament rests. It defines what we do and, just as important, what we cannot do. In respect of the competence of the Parliament, the act is very clear.”
“Speak through the chair, please. Stephen Kerr: I am addressing the issue in the context of the additional information that would clarify the situation—namely, the legal advice. However, Martin Whitfield is right that the amendment calls for a statement. Under my amendment 14, the Government should be prepared to make such a statement once some time has passed and there has been consideration by the Scottish Government and the wider judicial system. I do not think that there is anything intrusive or burdensome about what I am seeking; it is in response to the genuinely and thoroughly argued position that Murdo Fraser presented to the Parliament last night. We are talking about matters that relate to the statutory limits of devolved competence.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19891, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak button now or as soon as possible. 17:24”
“Whether a provision of a bill that is agreed by the Parliament is within the Parliament’s legislative competence can be definitively determined only by the court. I hope that that is of some help to Mr Fraser and to other members.”
“I thank Mr Fraser for advance notice of his point of order. As he said, the Presiding Officer has provided a more detailed response to the letter that he sent her. For the benefit of Mr Fraser and other members, I observe that the Presiding Officer takes a view on the legislative competence of each bill at its introduction. Her statement is informed by robust advice and forms part of the information that is before the Parliament to assist with the scrutiny of a bill. On Mr Fraser’s last point, members may raise issues that are of interest to them, including matters that are relevant to legislative competence, as part of the debate, if they wish to do so. The Scotland Act 1998 provides for further checks after a bill has been passed.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19894, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, on backing oil and gas. I invite members wishing to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now. I call Douglas Lumsden to speak to and move the motion. You have up to seven minutes, Mr Lumsden. 14:54”
“The next portfolio is health and social care. I advise members that there is an incredible amount of interest in supplementary questions. With the best will in the world, I will not be able to bring in everybody who wants to ask a question. However, I will get more in if the questions are brief and the responses likewise. NHS Ayrshire and Arran (Financial Sustainability) 1.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the first portfolio is rural affairs, land reform and islands. Scottish Economic Link Licence 1.”
“The final item of business this evening is a members’ business debate on motion S6M- 18802, in the name of Michelle Thomson, on St Andrew’s day 2025. Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises that St Andrew’s Day is marked each year on 30 November; notes what it considers is the importance of these annual celebrations at a local, national and global level; highlights what it sees as the opportunities that celebrating St Andrew’s Day brings to the people of Scotland; believes that these include recognising national identity and cultural diversity, and cementing the country as one of the oldest nations in the international community; thanks the former MSP, Dennis Canavan, who, it considers, worked hard to gain cross-party agreement to make St Andrew’s Day a national holiday in Scotland through introducing a Member’s Bill, which, on 15 January 2007, became the St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007; acknowledges what it sees as the economic benefits that global recognition brings to Scotland through the culture, business, education, tourism and retail sectors, supported by the use of the Saltire as both the national flag and the “Brand Scotland” identifier of Scottish produce and marketing; understands that St Andrew is an internationally recognisable figure across faith communities and that, while he has been the patron saint of Scotland since the 14th century, Andrew is also a patron of many other countries, bringing together different nationalities, faiths and cultures; acknowledges the events hosted by the countries that identify St Andrew as their patron or that have a significant Scottish diaspora; commends all in Scotland who will celebrate St Andrew’s Day 2025 and recognises the importance of the national day, and notes the plans for future events being held across Scotland and other countries to strengthen cultural, trade and tourism connections with Scotland.”
“Even in the face of a Scottish Government that is retreating from that record, this Parliament must ensure that its reputation and responsibility are not compromised by legislation that falls short of our own ambition. 15:03”
“In short, the bill is not ready. It does not deliver the rights-based approach that Scotland is committed to, it does not reflect the weight of the evidence on RME, and it does not provide sufficient safeguards in part 2. For that reason, when it comes to the vote on the bill’s general principles, Labour will abstain. I cannot oppose the general principles because—to go back to the memorandum—the Scottish Government’s stated intention was to strengthen children’s rights. The bill does not do that, but it could be the vehicle that does. Therefore, Labour will abstain. This Parliament has a proud record of advancing children’s rights.”
“My greatest fear is that a vehicle is discovered that successfully moves to one side the ability of an individual—in this case, a young person—to bring a claim under the UNCRC, leaving them instead having to rely on bringing down an entire piece of legislation with regard to their rights. As soon as that vehicle is discovered, it could prove very attractive in some circumstances, and I am not prepared to endorse that message. The stage 1 report from the committee—again, I thank the committee members for their work— supports the principle of giving a child a voice, but only with substantial amendments to the bill. In the report, the committee expresses disappointment that the bill excludes itself from the scope of the UNCRC. The committee warns that the benefits of the bill may not outweigh the negatives if it stands as currently drafted.”
“The bill has the potential to restrict— Alex Cole-Hamilton: Does the member recognise, as I do, that the catch-all application in part 2 fatally undermines our attempts to successfully incorporate the UNCRC? Should there ever be a need to disapply the convention, we could just make that specific in legislation at that time. Martin Whitfield: I have a fear of there being a period of time where the situation is such that we have to explicitly disapply human rights, but I agree with the substance of the intervention. The Scottish Government wants to remove the rights of our children when compelled to do so by Scottish legislation. There is no potential end to that tunnel. I know that the cabinet secretary said that she can imagine it only ever being used once.”
“I can give you the time back, Mr Whitfield. Martin Whitfield: I am very grateful, Presiding Officer. It is right to say that parents have the human right to parent. They have a responsibility for education, and much of that sits in part 1. As I hope the member will appreciate, I am concentrating on part 2 at this stage because of the coach and horses that it potentially drives through the protections that we have—protections that, in this case, relate to young people because of the definitions within the UNCRC. It also perhaps speaks to an incredibly dangerous attitude towards human rights that appears to be developing, along the lines of, “Human rights are fine when they’re fine, but if they cause us a problem, let’s find a way to ignore them.” That worries me.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19802, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. I invite members who wish to take part in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 15:00”
“However, I do not think that that takes away from the fact that a great deal of other developers are pressing on with their developments. Liam McArthur will have heard me say that I had discussions with Crown Estate Scotland, which was able to tell me that it already has interest in the CampionWind area. I mentioned in previous answers that the licensable CampionWind area was one of the most sought after in the initial round, so I have complete confidence that other companies that have not pivoted away from their renewables ambitions will be looking at that as an option now that Shell has released its licence back to Crown”
“My colleague Jamie Greene asked for this statement last week, following news of Shell handing back its lease. I do not disagree at all with the cabinet secretary about the importance of ScotWind, not least in relation to its economic potential for our country. However, Shell’s decision is a concern. What discussions have been had with Shell about the basis for its decision, and what discussions have been had with the winners of other leases to see whether Shell’s concerns are felt more widely? What action will the Government take on the back of that? Gillian Martin: I have had discussions with Shell. In recent months, Shell has made it clear that it is pivoting its business towards oil and gas. That is extremely regrettable. It is not for me to give Shell advice on commercial decisions, but it has made that unfortunate decision.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every November, and World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2025, which falls on 20 November; believes that, for decades, pancreatic cancer has been left behind; understands that it receives just 3% of the UK cancer research budget; considers that an increase in long- term investment in such research could transform persistent low survival rates; notes the view that there is an urgent need to improve early diagnosis and outcomes for people affected by the condition; considers that extremely low survival rates in Scotland exist largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to robust diagnostics and treatment resources; notes calls for further action to ensure that people at higher risk of cancer are identified earlier and consistently across the country; further notes the view that both the development of a centralised, nationwide case- finding programme is necessary to proactively identify high- risk people across multiple cancer types and that it is vital to ensure that the provisions of the Rare Cancers Bill are fully implemented, including the development of a national prospective observational cohort study for rare and less survivable cancers to support ongoing research; commends all of the charities and activist organisations, and their dedicated supporters, on what it sees as their relentless efforts to improve outcomes for people with this condition, and wishes everyone involved with Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day every success in raising awareness of this devastating disease.”
“I encourage those who are leaving the chamber and the public gallery to do so as quickly and quietly as possible as we move on to the next item of business, which is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19074, in the name of Clare Adamson, on pancreatic cancer awareness month and world pancreatic cancer day 2025. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes the reported ongoing challenges faced by rural communities, including those in Stranraer, Wigtownshire and across Dumfries and Galloway, in accessing timely and high-quality healthcare; believes that people in these areas often experience longer waits for GP appointments, hospital treatment and emergency services, compared with the national average; expresses particular concern about the reported current shortage of GPs in Wigtownshire, which is placing additional strain on practices and impacting patient care; acknowledges the additional pressures on NHS boards and staff in delivering care across large geographic areas; notes the view that every person, regardless of where they live, should have equal access to essential health services; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to set out clear plans to tackle rural health inequalities, including measures to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, including what it sees as much-needed midwives and dentists, address GP shortages, improve ambulance response times and expand diagnostic and treatment capacity in Galloway Community Hospital and other community health hubs, and notes the calls for both an increased provision of community beds and step-down facilities to reduce delayed discharge and enable care closer to home, and for the Scottish Government to work with communities to ensure that future health policy reflects the needs of rural Scotland.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19548, in the name of Finlay Carson, on the growing tide of on-going challenges facing rural communities. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19756, in the name of Daniel Johnson, on Scotland’s skills system. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I advise members that we have no time in hand whatsoever, so I will have to require members to stick to their allocated speaking time. 15:02”
“I remind members that they are permitted to ask for interventions, but it is up to the person on their feet whether they give way, and if they do not, that is not an invitation to shout the intervention from a sedentary position. 16:20”
“The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on winter preparedness and national planning priorities for health and social care. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:25”
“That is perhaps as far as I am able to advise on that aspect of the point of order. On the point about pursuing the matter further with the cabinet secretary, that is possible through business managers making requests of the Parliamentary Bureau in the normal way. I am sure that that would merit further discussion. There will be a brief pause before we move on to the next item of business to allow those on the front benches to change. Winter Preparedness (Health and Social Care)”
“I thank Douglas Ross for the advance notice of that point of order. It is worth reflecting on the fact that an urgent question was selected earlier in the week, which, it is safe to say, was a result of the fact that the Presiding Officer deemed that question to be admissible under rule 7.5.1 of standing orders, and that, although there are issues of sub judice attached to the issue, the Presiding Officer was satisfied that the bar of contempt had not been reached by the nature of those questions. Although members should avoid any comment on the facts or the evidence of the individual case, opening up discussion around policy issues relating to the case was allowed. As a party to the case, it is for the Scottish Government to decide the level of detail that it wishes to go into in response to questions.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions, and the portfolio on this occasion is education and skills. I remind members who wish to ask a supplementary question to press their request-to- speak buttons during the relevant question. University Tuition Fees 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes the commitment from Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, on the economic importance of brewing and distilling in Scotland by seeking to raise £35 million to build a new Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD); understands the centre will be a new state-of-the-art version of the current International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), which it understands is a world leading educational establishment delivering undergraduate and graduate courses; notes that the CSBD will embrace the latest green technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring that the university continues to lead the world in securing a future for both industries; recognises what it sees as the legacy and impact of Heriot- Watt University on the industries of brewing and distilling for more than 120 years, establishing both industries as key economic drivers, and commends what it considers to be the first-class teaching, innovation and sustainable methods of working at the ICBD, which has contributed to the success of brewing and distilling not only in Scotland but across the continents of Europe, the Americas and Asia.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-18527, in the name of Gordon MacDonald, on the vision for a new centre for sustainable brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that motion S6M-19632, in the name of Mark Ruskell, on better bus services, as amended, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division, and members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (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) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) 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) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) 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) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (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) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) 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) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Maggie Chapman] Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-19632.2, in the name of Sue Webber, is: For 35, Against 83, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Sue Webber is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Claire Baker will fall—actually, that amendment has already fallen. The next question is, that amendment S6M- 19632.2, in the name of Sue Webber, which seeks to amend motion S6M-19632, in the name of Mark Ruskell, on better bus services, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr McArthur. I will ensure that that is recorded. For 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) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (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) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) 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, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (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) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (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) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Against Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (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) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Maggie Chapman] Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) 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) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-19632.3, in the name of Jim Fairlie, is: For 65, Against 34, Abstentions 19.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19637, in the name of Patrick Harvie, on the Rosebank oil and gas field. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak button now or as soon as possible. I advise members that there is no time in hand. 14:57”
“Other colleagues in other parts of the Government, including our education and child protection colleagues, are acutely aware of that, and the work on which they lead is also very focused on online harm. I very much accept the point of principle that the member makes and agree that it is beholden on all of us to do more against that increasing threat. Scottish Prison Service (Working Conditions) 5.”
“Following comments from the chief constable of Police Scotland about the rise in online harm that children are facing and the First Minister’s commitment to do everything in his power to tackle that, will the cabinet secretary support a new cross-sector coalition, which should include Children First Scotland, to urgently establish what more can be done within the powers of the Scottish Government? Angela Constance: We will certainly be very interested in that, and work on that has already begun. That is, in part, through my engagement with the serious organised crime task force, where we, among other things, discuss the changing and growing threat of online harm.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises that October 2025 is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; welcomes the raising of awareness of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, which, it understands, is an incurable disease that affects an estimated 61,000 people across the UK, including around 4,000 in Scotland; acknowledges that this condition occurs when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body; understands that it is one of the leading causes of death among women under 50 in the UK; believes with concern that many people are unaware of the condition and its symptoms, and that misconceptions persist around its nature and terminology; understands that Public Health Scotland does not currently collect comprehensive data on metastatic cancer, particularly in cases where it is a recurrence of primary breast cancer; notes commitments made in the Scottish Government’s 2016 strategy, Beating Cancer: Ambition and Action, and the 2023-2026 Cancer Action Plan, to progress data collection; further notes calls from charities such as Make 2nds Count and Breast Cancer Now for improved national data collection, better access to specialist care and increased investment in research and support services; commends the work of these organisations in supporting patients and families, raising awareness and advocating for change, and notes requests for the Scottish Government to ensure that the commitment to improve data collection on metastatic cancers is fulfilled by March 2026, and that people living with the condition are better supported, counted and empowered.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19043, in the name of Emma Harper, on supporting people living with secondary breast cancer in Scotland. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I had a similar problem—I could not connect. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr McArthur.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19614, in the name of Angela Constance, on a motion of legislative competence on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak button. 16:03”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19613, in the name of Richard Lochhead, on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak button. I invite the minister to speak to and move the motion. 14:57”