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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“Section 7—Meaning of regulatory functions The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on regulatory functions, complaints and so on. Amendment 116, in the name of Paul O’Kane, is grouped with amendments 129 and 139 to 141.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2— Scottish Parliament bill 25A—the marshalled list, the supplement to the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes for the first division at stage 3. The period of voting for the first division will be 45 seconds. Thereafter, I will allow a voting period of one minute for the first division after a debate. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak button, or enter RTS if they are joining us remotely, as soon as possible after I call the group. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-17585, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on the stage 3 timetable for the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. [Interruption.] I do not think that Mr Hepburn’s microphone was on. Can we try one more time, this time with your card in the console?”
“In this parliamentary session, we have so far allocated £1.63 billion of funding through our heat in buildings schemes, which includes committed spend of more than £575 million for energy-efficient and clean projects. We are not having to wait for a bill in order to deliver action. I did not realise that there was doubt about that bill being put to the Parliament in the next parliamentary year, but it will happen in that time.”
“As the cabinet secretary knows, the key to reducing emissions will be reducing heat emissions. We still do not have a date for the redrafted heat in buildings bill. Given that the Parliament has been asked to pass emergency or expedited legislation on issues such as climate change and prisoner release, which we can all agree is not ideal for the scrutiny process, what assurances can the cabinet secretary give that the Parliament will have sufficient time to scrutinise that key piece of legislation? Gillian Martin: Dr Allan has said on the record that the heat in buildings bill will be going through the Parliament in the next parliamentary year. Before we have that bill in place, it is also important to mention what we have done in this space.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17539, in the name of Angus Robertson, on Scotland in today’s Europe. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 14:59”
“The next item of business is a statement by Natalie Don-Innes on secure care and the wider care system. The minister will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:29”
“To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has undertaken with the education sector in island communities, such as Orkney, which are reportedly seeing increasing pressures around funding and staff retention, particularly in relation to the provision of additional support for learning. (S6O-04667)”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Marine Conservation Society 2024 report, State of our Beaches, which compiles data gathered through the organisation’s year-round citizen science initiative, Beachwatch; acknowledges that Beachwatch was launched in 1994; believes that it provides one of the most detailed datasets on marine litter across the whole of the UK; applauds the 4,000 volunteers who attended beach cleans across Scotland in 2024, including in the Cunninghame North constituency, which represents a 25% increase in volunteers compared to 2023; notes that they removed over 10,000 kg of litter from Scotland’s beaches in 2024, consisting of around 527,000 separate items; expresses concern that, on average, 204 items of litter were found for every 100 metres across Scotland’s beaches, which represents a 7.2% increase on 2023 and is higher than the UK-wide average of 170 items per 100 metres; understands that 22,000 wet wipes were found on Scotland’s beaches in 2024, and that drinks-related litter was recorded on 95% of surveyed beaches; acknowledges that marine litter not only harms what it sees as Scotland’s beautiful coastline, but can also damage marine habitats; notes the view that reducing marine litter will require not only behavioural changes, but also a range of policy changes, including the introduction of circular economy measures and the phasing-out of single-use plastic items, and further notes calls for the Scottish Government to continue its work alongside key stakeholders to drive down marine litter across Scotland’s beaches.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16920, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on the Marine Conservation Society’s “State of our beaches” 2024 report. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17525, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, on protecting Scotland’s oil and gas industry. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 16:35”
“The next item of business is a statement by Maree Todd on the impact of UK Government decisions on Scotland’s social care sector. The minister will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:51”
“That includes stopping people from becoming perpetrators of acquisitive crime, bringing perpetrators to justice, with a focus on repeat offenders and organised criminals, and strengthening collective protection against retail crime. Non-crime Hate Incidents (Recording) 3.”
“Through the chair, please. Sue Webber: The Scottish Retail Consortium told me that, last year, retailers across the United Kingdom spent £1.8 billion on crime prevention measures in stores, with the Scottish equivalent being around £145 million. The minister mentioned an investment of £3 million. With shoplifting up 89 per cent since 2020 and up 18 per cent in the past year, does the minister really believe that the Government is doing enough to stop retail crime? Siobhian Brown: The Scottish Government recognises the distress that is caused to victims of crime and fully supports the activity to reduce that harm. Police Scotland has published an action plan that aims to provide a visible and measurable impact on retail crime.”
“The next portfolio questions are on justice and home affairs. I remind colleagues that there is next to no additional time across the afternoon. There is a lot of demand for supplementary questions, so I will require brevity in questions and responses. Financial and Economic Abuse (Support for Women) 1.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. I advise members that there is a lot of interest in asking supplementary questions. There is next to no time available across the afternoon, so supplementary questions will need to be brief, as will the answers. Live Music Industry 1.”
“My bill sets out strict eligibility criteria and processes for multiple assessments, including specialist referrals if necessary. It contains what I believe are appropriate safeguards that balance this tightly controlled option and access, and it includes requirements on data gathering, reporting and review to ensure proper oversight. To access assistance, a person must be aged 16 or over, be resident and have lived in Scotland for at least 12 months and be registered with a general practitioner in Scotland. Assessment would be required by at least two doctors acting independently of each other, who would need to be satisfied that the individual had a terminal illness, was sufficiently mentally capable and was acting on their own free will without being coerced or pressured.”
“It is a choice that, for so long, so many of our constituents have asked us to provide clearly and safely in Scots law and a choice that they see is now available to more than 300 million people, and rising, around the world. No two assisted dying laws are the same, but the model that I am proposing reflects one that is legally available across Australia, in New Zealand and in many US states. Closer to home, assisted dying has recently been legislated for in the Isle of Man, it is being progressed in Jersey, and it is currently being debated at Westminster, where a bill applying to England and Wales will have its third reading in the House of Commons on Friday. We can learn from that international experience, but we need to get the detail right, reflecting our circumstances, legal framework and health and care arrangements.”
“However, whatever views colleagues may have, I am so grateful that those discussions have never been anything other than respectful and considered. I am confident that this afternoon’s debate will be conducted in the same measured and respectful manner, doing justice to the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue, but also reflecting the fact that, whatever our respective views on whether to allow for a choice of an assisted death, we all come from the same place of wanting to reduce suffering and protect the vulnerable. What will the bill do? As I said, it will allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults in Scotland a choice to be provided with assistance to end their life and avoid a potentially painful and distressing death.”
“I thank the committees, and particularly the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, which I know was inundated with written and oral evidence, but which worked its way through that and has come forward with a detailed, thorough and balanced report. It is owed a debt of gratitude. Colleagues around the chamber, too, have been generous in taking time to speak to me over the past four years. I have come to recognise the look of mild terror in the eyes of colleagues when I saunter into the canteen or the coffee lounge, as it suddenly becomes clear that a short chat on assisted dying is now unavoidable. It is, I think, no coincidence that invitations to parties have rather dried up over the past four years.”
“I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests as well as to the detailed declaration that I made to the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee when giving evidence. My thanks also go to the non-Government bills unit, along with my apologies for only belatedly coming to the realisation that it is a hidden gem in the way that this Parliament operates. I thank all the stakeholder groups and individuals, both here and overseas in jurisdictions where assisted dying laws are operating safely and successfully, who have spared time to share with me their thoughts, insights and expertise. There are too many to mention, but all have been invaluable in informing my understanding of assisted dying and end-of-life care more widely.”
“If you remain unpersuaded at stage 3, you are free to vote the bill down, but it is surely not tenable for Parliament to say once again that this is all too difficult and to refuse to undertake the work required to find out whether a bill that commands majority support and public confidence can be agreed to. Before turning to the substance of what is and what is not in my bill, I want to recognise the contributions of some of those who have helped to get it to this point. My staff, past and present, have performed heroics over the past four years, doing much of the heavy lifting, and the campaign groups Dignity in Dying, Friends at the End and the Humanist Society Scotland have been magnificent in their support.”
“However, if you accept that the current ban on assisted dying results in too many bad deaths, which traumatise patients as well as the families and friends left behind, if you recognise that legal uncertainty is placing patients, families and medics in an invidious position and if you believe in the principle of allowing dying Scots more choice of and control over the way in which they die, you must, even if you feel that my bill needs to be amended and have its safeguards strengthened, vote to allow Parliament the opportunity to consider amendments.”
“It is their voices, needs and interests that must be at the centre of this debate, at the heart of our considerations and at the forefront of our minds as we come to vote this evening. I know that there are colleagues across the chamber who feel conflicted, are wrestling with many profound, complex and sensitive issues and are anxious not to be seen to make the wrong decision. That is entirely understandable. However, the decision that we have been asked to make here is not on the final bill but on the general principles of a potential change in the law and on whether Parliament should be given more time to see whether it can agree on a bill that commands majority support. I say this to members: if you simply believe, on the basis of faith or for any other reason, that change should not happen, I regret but respect that.”
“Almost four years since I announced my intention to introduce a bill to allow terminally ill, competent adults the choice of an assisted death, Parliament finally has the opportunity to debate and vote on the general principles of that bill. I confess that I do not recall having felt this nervous since I gave my maiden speech in 2007, not because this will be—by some margin—the longest contribution that I have ever made in the chamber during my 18 years as an MSP, although that is a thought, but because I know how much the bill matters to those dying Scots and their families who are desperate to see the law changed to allow more choice, compassion and dignity at the end of life.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17457, in the name of John Swinney, on commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe day. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to push their request- to-speak button. 15:28”
“The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on relationships and behaviour in schools. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:55”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time, and the portfolio is social justice. I advise members that there is quite a bit of interest in supplementary questions, so brevity in questions and responses would be appreciated. Disabled People (Support) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament understands that local authorities have a statutory duty to provide out-of-school and holiday care for children classified as “in need”, which includes those who are disabled; is concerned by reports that many families of children with additional support needs are unable to find out-of-school care during holiday periods, including in Dundee and its surrounding areas; believes that the struggle to balance care-giving with employment can lead to routines being disrupted and is a cause of significant distress to families; further believes that reductions to local authority and third-sector organisations’ budgets have contributed to these issues, and notes the view that the Scottish Government and local authorities should take action to ensure that families of children with additional support needs do not face another summer of uncertainty and disruption.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16503, in the name of Michael Marra, on wraparound care for children with additional support needs. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to introduce a cruise ship levy, including the option for local authorities to apply a “point of entry” levy. (S6O- 04630)”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes that 12 to 18 May 2025 is Mental Health Awareness Week; welcomes the work of the Mental Health Foundation in driving this annual campaign across the country to raise awareness, and improve education and campaigning, to ensure that no one is deprived of the opportunity for good mental health because of who they are, the community they come from or where they live; recognises what it sees as the relevance of this year’s theme of “Community” in emphasising that being part of a safe, positive community is vital for people’s mental health and wellbeing; supports the idea that people thrive when they have a strong connection with other people and supportive communities that remind them that they are not alone; notes with concern reports that those living with a mental illness in Scotland continue to be left behind, despite targeted interventions by the Scottish Government and others, and still have a shorter life expectancy than the rest of the population; understands that waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services remain too long and that access to psychological services is increasingly difficult; considers that the reported closure of autism assessment services around Scotland by health and social care partnerships has left many without access to a diagnosis; notes the belief that addressing poor mental health is something that needs to be done as a society, within communities and as individuals, and commends all who make this week possible.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17320, in the name of Roz McCall, on mental health awareness week 2025. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I invite Roz McCall to open the debate.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is that amendment S6M-17437.3, in the name of Lorna Slater, which seeks to amend motion S6M- 17437, in the name of Kate Forbes, on programme for government—building the best future for Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My voting app did not work. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: We will ensure that that is recorded. For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) 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) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (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) 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, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (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) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) 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) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] 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) (Alba) 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) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-17437.2, in the name of Paul O’Kane, is: For 48, Against 68, Abstentions 0.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17437, in the name of Kate Forbes, on the programme for government— building the best future for Scotland. 14:50”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is rural affairs, land reform and islands. I remind members that we are tight for time throughout the afternoon. A number of members want to ask supplementary questions, so answers will need to be as brief as possible. Inheritance Tax (Farmers) 1.”
“As recently as February, the First Minister made a speech describing hydrogen heating as a “shining example of how Scotland is leading the way in finding solutions to tackle climate change.” He said that it was “ a clear signal of the path that we must take.” That is absurd. Most of those in the gas industry who have been pushing that nonsense have started to give up on it. The idea is that it is a trial or a proof of concept, but the question is not whether using hydrogen for heating would work. Of course it would work, just as flushing your toilet with sparkling mineral water would work, but it would never be a sensible thing to do.”
“I can give you the time back, Mr Harvie. Daniel Johnson: I very much agree with Patrick Harvie, who is setting out why we need to consider the issue carefully. If he is right about the physics, there is a point to be made about consumption and chemistry, in that hydrogen is one small atom, whereas natural gas is a one-to-two-chain carbon molecule. The energy density is different—it is a different gas. Would he agree with that point? Patrick Harvie: Absolutely. The size of the molecule, compared to the atom, also factors into the infrastructure, because leakage would be significant if we do not replace some of the infrastructure.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes World Asthma Day 2025, which takes place on 6 May; recognises that the theme for World Asthma Day 2025 is “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL”, which is set by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA); understands that around 360,000 people are living with asthma in Scotland, including 72,000 children, and that it is the most common respiratory condition impacting people of all ages; notes the support for efforts to improve asthma diagnosis and treatment, including receiving the basic elements of asthma care, which are an annual review, inhaler technique check and written action plan; regrets, however, that only 24% of people with asthma reported receiving all three basic elements, according to Asthma + Lung UK’s Life with a Lung Condition survey; notes that new asthma guidelines were launched in 2024 by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and British Thoracic Society (BTS); understands that 2023 saw the highest number of asthma deaths recorded in Scotland in over 30 years, and notes the support for the campaigns and advocacy from charities such as Asthma + Lung UK Scotland to improve asthma prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care across the country, including in the South Scotland region.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17073, in the name of Emma Harper, on world asthma day 2025. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Members who wish to participate should press their request-to-speak buttons now.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17360, in the name of Tim Eagle, on protecting Scotland’s fishing industry. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons as soon as possible. 16:30”
“Finlay Carson: Is it true that the minister would rather see a reduction of 10mph on routes such as the A75 Euroroute than the Government doing the right thing and investing in that road to make it a dual carriageway? Jim Fairlie: I dismiss the point that the member makes. I have stated the point behind the review, and that is the basis on which we will be working. Scotland has one of the most comprehensive public charging networks in the UK. We have reached our target of 6,000 public charge points two years early, and we have more rapid public charging points per head of population than any other part of the UK except the south-east—”
“Jim Fairlie: Unlike the Conservatives, we are awaiting the outcome of the national speed management review public consultation before proposing any changes. The review is complete, but it has not yet reported. The public consultation had more than 19,500 responses and there were more than 26 public engagement sessions, so we will wait for the outcome of that review before we make any decisions. I urge members on the Conservative side of the chamber to consider that point as we go forward. This is not a war on motorists—it is a responsible Government action to protect lives, improve journey time reliability and future proof our transport network— Finlay Carson: Will the minister give way? Jim Fairlie: Very quickly. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Finlay Carson, briefly.”
“Jim Fairlie: I will take interventions if I get time. Edward Mountain: Will the minister give way? Jim Fairlie: I will take interventions if I get time—right now, I want to get through these points, and I urge members to listen. Road safety is a key concern, and our aim is for Scotland to have the best safety performance in the world by 2030, yet in 2024, there were 167 road fatalities—an 8 per cent rise from 2023—and the early signs suggest that 2025 is following a similar trend. The evidence is clear that reducing the national speed limit on single carriageways by 10mph can reduce fatalities on those roads by 23 per cent and serious injuries by 18 per cent. That is a step that will save lives while maintaining journey times— Liam Kerr: Will the minister take an intervention? Come on.”
“I also recognise, and am thankful for, the investment that responsible businesses and vehicle owners have already made to continue to make LEZs work— Brian Whittle: Will the minister give way? Sue Webber: Will the minister give way? Jim Fairlie: As I said earlier, Glasgow has invested £500,000 of revenue from LEZs in tree planting and greening projects and in broader climate action. Liam Kerr: Will the minister give way? Jim Fairlie: At this point, I should applaud Kevin Stewart for hitting the Tory hypocrisy on the head on the LEZ in Aberdeen; I wonder where Mr Lumsden is right now. Road safety is a key concern, and our aim is for Scotland to have the best safety performance in the world by 2030, yet in 2024, there were 167 road fatalities— Finlay Carson: Will the minister take an intervention?”
“However, it is clear from members’ contributions that we agree on many things, including the provision of high-quality affordable transport options in order to reduce travel costs and take climate action, and the need to offer a sustainable and affordable alternative to private cars. I encourage continuous productive engagement among members in the chamber who are prepared to do that. It is widely accepted that LEZs are an effective and necessary tool to reduce pollution and, therefore, to protect public health— Liam Kerr: Will the minister give way? Jim Fairlie: The four cities involved, and the Government, can rightly be proud of the introduction of LEZs.”
“You need to conclude. Sarah Boyack: We need more joined-up thinking between public transport organisations, with more choices for people. That is not happening at the moment. 16:19 Jim Fairlie: I genuinely express my gratitude to members across the chamber for their valuable contributions and for the consensus on the work going forward, which I and the cabinet secretary are very happy to do. We have to accept that we are predominantly a rural and sparsely populated country. I recognise that opportunities to change the mode of transport in remote rural communities are limited. Switching to electric vehicles will be of higher importance in those areas than it is in the cities.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is Deputy First Minister responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. Members who wish to ask a supplementary question should press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. Question 1 has not been lodged. Social Enterprises 2.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout the month of April 2025; notes that this takes place to raise awareness about testicular cancer and educate people about early detection and treatment; understands that this disease most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 45, and that, if detected early, testicular cancer has more than a 95% cure rate; further understands that approximately 220 people in Scotland are diagnosed each year, with the most common symptoms being a lump or swelling in a testicle, or dull ache, pain or heaviness in the scrotum; recognises what it sees as the importance of this month in raising awareness of the symptoms, tackle common myths and encourage self-checking; commends the tireless work done by Scotland’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity, Cahonas Scotland, based in Clydebank, and thanks it for the significant work that it has done to raise awareness, from its “Check Yer Bawballs” campaign, which garnered significant media attention, to its educational talks and free resources, and for its work supporting men beyond diagnosis with cancer care packs, a podcast and peer support programme, and hopes for a productive and successful Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.”