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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“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is Deputy First Minister responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. Members who wish to ask a supplementary should press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. There is quite a bit of interest in supplementaries, so I make the usual appeal for brevity in questions and responses. Culture Sector (Contribution to Glasgow and West of Scotland Economy) 1.”
“Our amendment recognises that “free and fair trade is the most powerful engine for poverty reduction and global prosperity”, and that is what we want to see. Given the current global climate and the situation that we are in, we want to highlight the opportunities that are out there, but we are in a changing world, and we need to be alive to that. Fair trade is less about what we buy as consumers and more about who we are as a nation. I hope that this debate is an opportunity for Parliament to highlight that. Our amendment makes it clear that we, on the Conservative benches, are committed to the fair trade principles because fair trade is good for communities, individuals, the supply chain and our nation. 15:57”
“We have heard this afternoon about what more we need to do to achieve that. One of the long-standing criteria for a fair trade nation is that there must be widespread awareness of fair trade. We now have more awareness of its importance, but we need to ensure that younger generations are actively aware of what is happening. It is important we speak up for fair trade practices around the world, but it is also important that we highlight local and home-grown processes, as we heard from Murdo Fraser. Across Scotland, we have great examples of councils ensuring that local food producers are fully utilised, which reduces transport costs and helps to protect local jobs. However, that is still not standard practice throughout Scotland, and there are clear opportunities for the Scottish Government to show national leadership on the issue.”
“That remains a principle that I am happy to support. Although we can be proud of the work that has been done, much more needs to be done to ensure that Scotland and the United Kingdom are seen as world leaders on the issue, as we have heard. Scottish Fair Trade’s report highlights the “enormous effort” that will be needed to keep the fair trade movement going and enhance public awareness. We need to ensure that more people are aware of fair trade, including by embedding its importance in our education system. Many education authorities are already taking steps on the issue, and many schools take part in Fairtrade fortnight and attempt to purchase fair trade products. However, it is important that the Scottish Government looks for opportunities to ensure that fair trade principles become commonplace in Scottish classrooms.”
“Fair Trade Stirling’s work included setting up the Stirling skills centre in Malawi almost 15 years ago. The centre helps young people to develop the skills that they need to find work, and Malawi is a shining example of the potential benefits of fair trade. The Deputy Presiding Officer and I are co- conveners of the cross-party group on Malawi and regularly see the outstanding work on fair trade that is done there. The Scottish Fair Trade Forum, which was launched in 2007, has done much work on that. Back in 2018, I was pleased to be able to sign the international fair trade charter when the forum hosted the launch of that important agreement. The charter promises to use the vision and experience of over 250 organisations around the globe to help to reshape business and trade around the world.”
“I can give you the time back, Mr Stewart. Alexander Stewart: If everybody buys one coffee, that is a start. The public understand. As I have said before, we go to various events and have the option of using fair trade. If people take that up, that is a step in the right direction. In the past couple of decades, fair trade practices have become ingrained in communities across the country. Last year, in my Mid Scotland and Fife region, Fair Trade Stirling held its 20th anniversary event. The 20-year work of that group, combined with the efforts of Stirling Council, led to the city receiving fair trade status back in 2004. As other fair trade groups across Scotland have done, Fair Trade Stirling has taken part in many important projects to promote and facilitate fair practices around the world, and that should be commended and congratulated.”
“The Government says that it is protecting wild salmon but it refuses to penalise the industry in relation to sea lice numbers or escapes or to stop new farms on migratory routes. We cannot allow this destruction to continue. If we care about the future of Scotland’s seas and if we want to protect our coastal communities and to preserve our natural heritage, we must act now. That is why I am calling on the Government to introduce an immediate pause on fish farm expansion. A pause sends the message to the industry, our export partners and the people of Scotland that we will not sacrifice our seas for corporate profits. Future generations will judge us on what we do now. Will we be remembered as the ones who ignored the warnings or as the ones who took action? This is our moment. Let us make the right choice. 16:15”
“It would give us the breathing room to put in place effective environmental and welfare standards. It would allow existing farms to catch up with the higher standards of newer farms. It would ensure that Scotland’s natural resources are protected for future generations. Let us be honest that the Government has been far too slow. Of the 65 recommendations that the REC Committee made, only a fraction have been implemented. We have called for action on those recommendations and more, and yet the Government still asks for more time. It evades responsibility and asks us to trust the industry to act in the best interests of our salmon and our seas. However, we have seen the millions of dead fish, the environmental harm and, most recently, the industry’s appeals against sea lice limits— none of which gives us confidence or trust.”
“The Government’s response is to say that “analytical work is required to understand ... sites with ‘persistent high mortality’ ”. Why has that work not been done? That level of mortality would never be tolerated in any other farming sector, so why are we tolerating it in our salmon farms and our seas? Some claim that a pause would hurt jobs, but let us look at the reality—I hope that Fergus Ewing is paying attention. According to fish farm production survey data from 1990 to 2023, salmon farming has directly created just 253 new full-time jobs in the Highlands and Islands since 1990. Meanwhile, the environmental damage that it causes takes jobs in marine tourism and wild fisheries away from our communities. A temporary pause would be a measured and responsible step.”
“We have a duty to apply the precautionary principle, which demands action in the face of uncertainty to prevent potential catastrophic harm. Despite overwhelming evidence of environmental damage, the Government continues to allow expansion, and that is reckless. The Government says that the precautionary principle can be applied flexibly, which is wrong. The numbers tell the story. The proportion of fish that die in salmon farms has more than tripled in the past decade. Compared with previous rates of 7 per cent, the most recent figures are not a cause for celebration. At some sites, the rate is catastrophic. More than 86 per cent of salmon at one farm died in the previous cycle and the figure was 82 per cent at another farm, with no consequences or action being taken afterwards.”
“Their future is in the balance. Sea lice spread from farms to wild fish and weaken them, which is why we called for no more farms to be placed on migratory routes. Without urgent action, we could lose this iconic species from our rivers for ever. From our inquiry, it is clear that the industry has failed to meet environmental and welfare benchmarks. Voluntary improvements are inadequate and have been far too slow. Existing regulations are toothless. A pause would be our chance to implement stronger, enforceable protections and species-specific guidance that brings us in line with what other nations did long ago. Finlay Carson: Will the member give us an example of where the Scottish salmon industry has failed to abide by the environmental legislation that is in place? Ariane Burgess: Let me be clear about environmental standards.”
“16:09 Ariane Burgess: Imagine a future where people look back and say, “They made the right choice. They protected Scotland’s seas, wildlife and coastal communities.” That future is still within our reach, but only if we act now. The expansion of Scotland’s salmon farming industry must be paused. I reiterate that this is not about ending salmon farming; it is about pressing pause in order to tighten regulations for existing farms, safeguard the environment and preserve the international reputation of our farmed salmon. Right now, intensive salmon farming is damaging our marine ecosystems. Pollution, sea bed degradation and unchecked sea lice infestations are destroying biodiversity. If we allow the expansion to continue, the damage may become irreversible. Scotland’s wild salmon populations are already in crisis.”
“That really highlighted that this is not an industry that will change practices unless it is forced to. I hope that colleagues can hear that I have given this a lot of thought, and I appreciate that there is great disagreement on many of the points that I have outlined. With hand on heart, I can say that I feel that there needs to be more urgency from the Government, regulators and industry to get things up to scratch. I want to get behind Scottish food and drink, and I do not want to have hesitations. There are strong recommendations in the committee’s report, and I hope that they serve as a catalyst for progress and that another committee does not meet in another five years, confused about how few have been heeded. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to closing speeches.”
“By the end, I felt that doing any less would be irresponsible, both for the animals that we are discussing and for the industry itself. That is why, after debating every detail of the recommendations running up to it, I could not put my name to the final section of the report, which stated that the committee did not feel that a moratorium was justified. I hope that I am wrong, and I hope that I will come back with the committee next year astounded by the positive progress that has been made. I will be happy to have a red face, and I will approach any new evidence next year with an open mind. I agree with Edward Mountain on the Salmon Scotland letter that responded to the inquiry. The tone was one of indignation and even offence at being scrutinised at all.”
“My understanding of the treatment of cleaner fish on salmon farms suggests an even graver situation, and data and welfare standards for those fish are desperately needed. Concerns were raised about the impact of salmon farming on wild wrasse populations, which is also deeply worrying. It is never easy to go against the grain, and I felt a lot of pressure to just say, “Let them get on with it,” because the industry brings in money and jobs and there is a view that we must let it keep on growing without question. However, we do not have to do that, and the industry should be as sustainable as it is possible for it to be. As the inquiry went on, I felt more and more strongly that there was justification for a pause in expansion until issues around mortality, welfare and the use of cleaner fish and other lice treatments were sorted out.”
“I enjoyed feeding the salmon and watching them leap, but I could not tell members what their welfare standard was. Pinned up on the wall in the barge on the Dunstaffnage farm was a copy of the welfare standards for farmed animals. Those who are familiar will know that many of those standards are not relevant to fish, and it was painfully clear that there is no consensus on fish welfare. Professor Lynne Sneddon’s evidence on the pain and distress of salmon that are subjected to various lice treatments in particular was very helpful. I highlight her comments to the Scottish Government as a great place to start if we are looking to create welfare standards, which I sincerely believe that we should. I look forward to further information on that in the next year.”
“I can give Emma Roddick the time back. Emma Roddick: I think that there is disagreement on the question of being offshore or onshore and on the distance that is most suitable for salmon farms but, overall, more thought needs to be put into how we use marine areas. It is clear that some places are already warmer than others. Given climate change, we should be thinking about the best place to have salmon farms. On welfare standards for salmon, despite people on both sides of the debate being pressed, it was very difficult to come to conclusions about what a happy fish looks and acts like. Before visiting the farms, I spoke to animal welfare campaigners and asked them what to look out for, but it was not really possible for visiting MSPs to know, from just standing at the side of the pen, what the fish’s experience was.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that there is adequate access to support in schools for children with additional support needs in island areas, including the Orkney Islands constituency. (S6O-04467)”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes the recent reports of Professor Alexis Jay and Action for Children, and the charity’s service provision, which highlight the issue of criminal exploitation of children; considers that the testimony from exploited young people, Action for Children staff who support these young people, and other professionals connected with this work have described the harrowing and shocking experiences that children have encountered; understands that this issue hides in plain sight and that criminal exploitation of children can take place anywhere across Scotland, including in the Falkirk West constituency, and can happen to anyone; believes that these reports offer an opportunity to raise awareness of this important topic with members of the public, parliamentarians and decision makers, while also creating the chance to explore solutions to tackling this form of child abuse, and notes the belief that, in doing so, society can help to meet the aims and vision of The Promise, ensuring that Scotland does become the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up, where they feel loved, safe, respected and able to realise their full potential.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16434, in the name of Michael Matheson, on awareness of criminal exploitation of children. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16844, in the name of Mark Griffin, on children’s rights and temporary accommodation. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 15:59”
“That concludes the debate. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business, to allow front benches to change. Temporary Accommodation (Children’s Rights)”
“The next portfolio is justice and home affairs. Again, if members wish to ask a supplementary question, they should press their request-to-speak button during the relevant question. There is quite a bit of interest for supplementary questions in this portfolio, so brevity in those questions and responses would be welcome. Police Officers (Mental Health Support) 1.”
“Good afternoon, colleagues. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. As ever, members who wish to ask a supplementary question should press their request-to-speak button during the relevant question. International Development Fund Impact (Partner Countries) 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament commends the work of MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank; notes that it is a charitable organisation, which was founded in 2015 to preserve and promote the legacy of Brownsbank Cottage in the Peebleshire Hills near Biggar, South Lanarkshire; understands that Brownsbank Cottage is an A-listed building, most notably remembered as the former home of the renowned poet, Christopher Murray Grieve, who was better known by his pen-name, Hugh MacDiarmid; further understands that the charity works to restore and upgrade the cottage, to conserve its contents, to promote the works of Hugh MacDiarmid nationally and internationally, to re-establish the Brownsbank Writing Fellowship for writers in residence to work from the cottage and to generate educational and community creative involvement, as well as promote literary tourism; recognises that Hugh MacDiarmid stood as a significant Scottish poet, journalist, essayist and political figure, and believes that he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Scottish writers of the 20th century, making a profound and lasting impact on Scottish culture and politics; acknowledges that MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank has, to date, been supported by the Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, SSE Renewables Community Investment Programme, the William Grant Foundation and generous donations from the public, but that further support is urgently required; notes that distinguished past occupants of Brownsbank include the award-winning author and publisher, Matthew Fitt, and James Robertson, the inaugural Scottish Parliament Writer in Residence and author of the Booker Prize-nominated, The Testament of Gideon Mack; believes that Brownsbank Cottage has made an indelible imprint on Scottish cultural heritage and that its preservation, with immediate works required, is a cultural priority; commends the board of trustees and volunteers of MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank on what it sees as their tireless efforts to protect and promote this historical Scottish landmark; notes the view that the protection and development of Scotland’s literary heritage is vital to the nation’s cultural health, identity and confidence, and further notes the calls for the Scottish and UK governments to assist with the restoration of Brownsbank Cottage, to preserve this historic and national treasure.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16290, in the name of Clare Adamson, on MacDiarmid’s Brownsbank cottage: a Scottish cultural treasure. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“I move amendment S6M-16839.2, to leave out from “notes the new” to end and insert: “recognises the need to rapidly deliver key infrastructure projects to aid the movement of goods and services, particularly in remote and rural communities; notes that further exploration of gene-editing technology should be undertaken in order to improve plant resilience and domestic food security; believes that the failed implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme, the further review of restrictions on marketing and sponsorship of alcoholic products, and the failure to fully pass on rates relief to all of Scotland’s hospitality operators has driven up costs and created uncertainty for food and drink businesses; welcomes the commitment by food and drink businesses to enhance self-regulation; notes the risk from tariffs, and calls on both of Scotland’s governments to do all that they can to protect businesses and consumers from their impact.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Rhoda Grant to speak to and move amendment S6M- 16839.1.”
“There is much to shout about and to be proud about in supporting Scottish food and drink, but there is also much to be done to further support this vital Scottish industry, from its primary producers to global corporations. My thanks to all those who work in this vital sector across our Scottish communities, and here’s to a successful year ahead.”
“My Scottish Conservative colleagues and I stand with the food and drink industry. In 2024, we promised to increase the UK-wide farming budget by £1 billion to allow farmers to spend more money on domestic food production. We would extend the seasonal worker visa scheme for agricultural labourers and support a review of the skilled workers visa for the fishing sector. We would look to strike the right balance between conservation and food security and support new entrants getting into farming and fishing to ensure our food security for generations. We would work for and with businesses, knowing the importance of supporting our valuable private sector.”
“I do not believe one way or t’other, Mr Carson, and I ask you to always speak through the chair. Tim Eagle—I can give you the time back. Tim Eagle: I always like to show that the Scottish Government is dragging its feet—and certainly, on things such as agricultural policy, it has been. I agree that, if we are looking towards the future in an uncertain world, gene editing is a good option for us, and the Government should be actively looking at it. Countries around the world are looking at it. It is a much safer method, and we should be doing it. I hope that we all want to see a thriving, successful food and drink sector. In the uncertain world that we live in, we must be ready to fight for our producers. The risks of tariffs have never been so high, and diplomacy is acutely important at this time.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16777, in the name of Neil Gray, on the adoption of innovation in health and social care. 15:22”
“The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on the Scottish hospitals inquiry’s report on the Royal hospital for children and young people and the department of clinical neurosciences in Edinburgh. As the cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, there should be no interruptions or interventions. 14:53”
“Good afternoon. The next item of business is portfolio questions on social justice. I remind members who wish to ask a supplementary question to press their request-to- speak buttons during the relevant question. Temporary Accommodation Standards Framework 1.”
“It is not my area of specialism, but if he can identify particular barriers and impediments to that happening, I am sure that the cabinet secretary would be interested to hear about them. Grangemouth Refinery 7.”
“I may come to regret saying this, but Brian Whittle is absolutely right— Brian Whittle: Now, now. Liam McArthur: I am regretting it already. He is right in drawing the link between educational attainment and physical and sporting activity, as well as the link between good mental health and good physical health. Does the minister accept that it is about not just the availability of sport and physical activity during the school day but the facilities that schools have that are accessed by young people and those of all ages in the community? Does he accept that more can be done to support local authorities in opening up access and removing obstacles to facilities that are used by sports clubs in communities such as Orkney? Graeme Dey: I may regret saying this, but I do not disagree with much of what Liam McArthur said. It is a fair point.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16573, in the name of Audrey Nicoll, on international women’s day 2025. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Motion debated, That the Parliament notes that International Women’s Day 2025 takes place on 8 March; notes that the theme for 2025, Accelerating Action, is in recognition of calls for increased momentum and urgency to address the barriers that women face, and notes those standing together in solidarity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency, across Scotland and around the world. 17:37”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16755, in the name of Russell Findlay, on protecting single-sex spaces in the public sector. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 14:49”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the first portfolio is rural affairs, land reform and islands. I remind members who wish to ask supplementary questions to press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. There is a lot of interest in asking supplementary questions, so I will require brevity in both questions and responses. Fishing Industry (Parliamentary Debates) 1.”
“The Scottish Conservatives will not apologise for advancing the argument for lower taxes, cheaper energy—I did not get to talk about nuclear energy, which I wish I had—and a Government that treats working people as more than easy targets for tax. Scotland cannot afford more of this socialist same. It is time to stand up for the people of Scotland. Our party will do so and we will end the relentless attack on the finances of households and businesses. 15:58”
“Please begin winding up, Mr Kerr. Liam Kerr: That is the energy minister who just received a letter from the Just Transition Commission warning her that there will be no jobs for the 400 workers at the Grangemouth refinery in the foreseeable years to come. That is the nature of the transition. If it is going to be just, these issues need to be addressed. It does not help when Labour burdens the oil and gas sector with further increases to the already high energy (oil and gas) profits levy, killing investment stone dead and risking thousands of jobs. I understand that I must now wind up, so I will simply say that, although there are many issues that we have covered in this debate, we have to get to the root causes of why our country is where it is. It is time for leadership.”
“There are no questions to put as a result of today’s business. That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:17. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament condemns the Labour UK administration for its reported intention to proceed with what it sees as punitive welfare reforms proposed under the previous Conservative administration; notes the calls on the UK Government to immediately reverse its plans, which, it considers, could seriously impact disabled people and increase financial insecurity in vulnerable households; further notes with alarm reports that, by 2029, over 450,000 disabled people and people with long-term conditions across the UK could be impacted as a result of the proposed reforms to Work Capability Assessment, with, it understands, many losing payments currently worth over £400 per month; is deeply concerned by what it sees as the callous language of UK Government ministers when discussing welfare reform, including the reported comment by the UK work and pensions secretary that some benefit claimants are “taking the mickey”; notes what it sees as the contrast between what it considers the demonisation of welfare recipients, under the UK Government, and the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to a devolved social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect; welcomes the reported investment of £1.3 billion above the UK block grant adjustment for social security expenditure in the draft Budget 2025-26, which reflects what it considers to be the social contract between the Scottish Government and the people of Scotland; understands that the Scottish Government is set to invest up to £210 million in measures to mitigate what it sees as UK Government austerity policies such as the so-called bedroom tax, benefit cap and cut to the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26, and notes the calls encouraging disadvantaged or low-income households across Scotland, including disabled and long-term ill people in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency, to check their eligibility for social security payments and to claim the support to which they are entitled.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16536, in the name of Marie McNair, on the impact of UK welfare reforms in Scotland. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I make a further plea to those who are leaving the public gallery to please do so as quietly as possible. I invite Marie McNair to open the debate.”
“We need to redouble our commitment to, and our solidarity for, a just and lasting peace. Like others, I stand united, as do the Scottish Liberal Democrats, with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! 17:41”
“I point to something else that has featured in contributions from colleagues: the position of Ukrainians who now find themselves in this country. The way in which Scots have opened their homes and their hearts to Ukrainians who have come to this country is right and very welcome. Ukrainians have made significant contributions to communities around the country, such as the one that I represent in Orkney, and to our country as a whole. However, that does not mask the tragic circumstances that led them to be here in the first place, and I think that it will be true that very many, or most, of them will wish to return home as soon as possible. Nevertheless, for as long as they are here, they are most welcome, and we need to continue to acknowledge the value of the contributions that they make to our country. These are dark days.”
“As I understand it, there is about £25 billion-worth of frozen assets in the UK, and action needs to be taken to release those funds to support the on-going efforts to support Ukraine. More widely, Europe has similar funds, which now need to be deployed to support the Ukrainian people. Lorna Slater was right to talk about the way in which the transatlantic alliance has now shifted. That has only underscored what a lot of us have, for some time, been suggesting is necessary: Europe needs to step up and play a more prominent role. That will include the increased defence spending that the Prime Minister announced, which I very much welcome. However, as other members have suggested, that is almost certainly just the first step in a trend that needs to continue into the future.”
“Stephen Kerr was absolutely right to talk about the inspirational Ukrainian response to that attack—the inspiration of the Ukrainian people, of the Ukrainian military and, in particular, of President Zelenskyy, who has shown such dignity throughout, especially in more recent times. Stephen Kerr and all other contributors to the debate have pointed to the need for continued military, economic and diplomatic support. That support will be manifested in many different ways. The issue of the assets that have been frozen for some time—to which Kenneth Gibson and others referred—now needs to be addressed in a different way, and with more urgency than there has been to date.”
“Those events have, undoubtedly, upended many of the certainties to which we were—perhaps naively—still clinging, but which now feel further away than ever. The global alliances on which we have come to rely in the post-war era now appear to be in peril like never before. I think back to Putin’s illegal invasion three years ago. It is important to draw a distinction between Vladimir Putin and the Russian people— it was Putin’s illegal invasion, built on his imperial ambitions. He was denied the lightning victory that he expected, and I think that he was not alone in having his predictions of what would happen confounded.”
“Like other members, I start by acknowledging not just Colin Beattie’s contribution in bringing the debate to the chamber but his efforts over the past three years or so, through the cross-party group on Ukraine, in coalescing unwavering cross-party support for Ukraine. I thank him very much for that. I welcome the consul general and our visitors in the public gallery. It would be remiss of me—I am sure that the consul general would agree—not to also pay tribute to the work of his predecessor, Andrii Kuslii, who formed very strong friendships with members across the Parliament and, in the most challenging of times, built the relationships on which that solidarity is now founded. Colin Beattie almost certainly lodged the motion ahead of recent events, which I think all of us have found so depressing and have made us feel despondent.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio question time, and the first portfolio is Deputy First Minister responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. I remind members that, if they wish to ask a supplementary question, they should press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. There is a lot of interest in asking supplementary questions for both this and the next portfolio, so I make the usual appeal for brevity in questions and responses. Businesses (Opportunities for Scaling Up) 1.”