Alison Johnstone
No Party Affiliation · Scotland
“We will use the same voting procedure as before. Members voted by secret ballot. The Presiding Officer: Voting in this round of the Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the counting of votes. Again, candidates may also observe the count.”
“I now invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.”
“The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is resumed. I have received four valid nominations for the position of Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominations and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to the chamber.”
“Ballot papers should be marked with an X before being folded and then placed in one of the ballot boxes provided at the rear of the chamber. At the end of each voting period, I shall invite any scrutineers that have been nominated by each candidate to monitor the counting of votes at the back of the chamber, which is where clerks will emp…”
“Members should remain in their seats until I invite them to collect their ballot paper from clerks at the back of the chamber. Members with surnames beginning with the letters A to F should collect their ballot papers from the desk on my left at the back of the chamber—the clerks there have their hands up.”
“15:29 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before. Members voted by secret ballot. The Presiding Officer: Voting in the third round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed.”
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“Mr Stewart, points of order should refer to whether proper parliamentary procedures have been followed. Kevin Stewart: I am coming to the parliamentary aspect of the issue, Presiding Officer. Despite promising on multiple occasions to publicly apologise to Ms Fleming once he found out about the issue, I note that Mr Sarwar has yet to do so. Blatant disinformation of that type undermines trust in politicians, our politics and this Parliament. Although you are not responsible for the output of members in a political space, Presiding Officer, I point out that fabricating quotes from members of the public has repercussions way beyond that political space and has serious potential for this very institution to be brought into disrepute.”
“Let us carry on with our business. Russell Findlay: Rachael Hamilton is entirely right—it would not even buy you a bag of peanuts. John Swinney’s budget might even have broken a world record, because a Scottish Government tax adviser says that it “may be the smallest tax cut in history”. Does John Swinney really think that his insulting tax cut will actually help Scotland’s struggling households?”
“Good morning. The first item of business is general question time. Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (Addition of Sex Characteristic) 1.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Football”
“Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Companies Act 2006 (Scottish public sector companies to be audited by the Auditor General for Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Official Statistics (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Cross-border Placement of Children (Requirements, Effect and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Economy and Fair Work Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, agrees to— (a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, and (b) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act. The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on five Parliamentary Bureau motions. As no member objects, the question is, that motions S6M-20425 to S6M-20428 and motion S6M-20429 be agreed to.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20389, in the name of Natalie Don-Innes, on the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20377, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to.”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Cross-border Placement of Children (Requirements, Effect and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Economy and Fair Work Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill.—[Graeme Dey], The Presiding Officer: The questions on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:41”
“The next item of business is consideration of five Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-20425 to S6M-20428, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M- 20429, on designation of a lead committee. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Companies Act 2006 (Scottish public sector companies to be audited by the Auditor General for Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Official Statistics (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 20424, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on an extension to a stage 1 timetable for a bill. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be extended to 6 February 2026.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:40”
“The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motions S6M-20421 and S6M-20422, on stage 1 timetables for bills, and S6M-20423, on a stage 2 timetable for a bill. I call Graeme Dey to move the motions, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 13 February 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 6 February 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 23 January 2026.—[Graeme Dey] Motions agreed to.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 20 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 9.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 21 January 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; Health and Social Care followed by Finance and Public Administration Committee Debate: Scottish Budget 2026-27 followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 22 January 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Social Justice and Housing followed by Stage 1 Debate: Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Tuesday 27 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 9.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 28 January 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 29 January 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Stage 1 Debate: Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 19 January 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20420, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. I call Graeme Dey to move the motion.”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-20377, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill. I call Natalie Don-Innes to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, agrees to— (a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, and (b) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act.—[Natalie Don-Innes] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Business Motions 17:39”
“Budget scrutiny is an on-going process and there will be further opportunities for members to undertake that. The Government will have heard the points that Mr Kerr has raised. It is essential that the Parliament always has the most accurate and helpful information to hand. As I say, Mr Kerr, your points are on the record and the Government will have heard them. Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill: Financial Resolution 17:38”
“There is a fine balance to be achieved between protecting the parliamentary process and rules and involving external experts in shaping proposals, so that what a bill does meets people’s expectations. I have reflected on the comments from members across the chamber and note that perhaps we did not get the balance right on this occasion, which we will learn from. However, since the bill was introduced, my officials and I have engaged extensively with everyone who has an interest, and we will continue to do so. I thank everyone who has shared their views, everyone who is delivering the Promise, and all the children and young people who have been involved in the process. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Point of Order 17:35”
“The children’s rights scheme sets out the Government’s position on the wider issues and the work to address that, and I have provided a fuller update on that today. Again, I make it clear that the Government wants all key legislation to be in scope, and we are working towards that. I acknowledge, looking back, that the Government took a cautious approach between the public consultation in 2023 and introducing the bill in June 2025. Members raised issues around engagement and, to be frank, the Government was perhaps too cautious. Perhaps we should have engaged with trusted partners and stakeholders more fully and more regularly while we were developing bill proposals.”
“The Government has been investing in our social work workforce, and that speaks to the points that members have made about the wider work. I am confident that the actions that we are taking over and above the bill will, nevertheless, help to deliver on our, and the bill’s, aims. Mr Rennie talked about “crisis-driven care”, and I absolutely agree: I want prevention and not reaction, and the Government is working towards that. A number of members raised the issue of family group decision making, and I hope that I have provided appropriate assurance on that. Many members said that the provisions in the bill are not compatible with the UNCRC duty. The issue here is the scope of application of the 2024 act.”
“We have taken the lead from the “Hearings for Children” report and made provision for the member of a single-member panel to be a chairing member and to take certain decisions as a sole tribunal member. That is in line with the approach that is taken in other tribunals. However, we are mindful that there is a wide range of views on the subject. We have tried to keep appropriate safeguards in place, but given— again—the concern about and consideration of the points that have been raised, I am considering whether further safeguards could be put in place and how that could evolve. Some members touched on the social work workforce. Again, I will not go into too much detail, but members mentioned resources and the workforce specifically.”
“The 2030 deadline is achievable and gives independent fostering agencies time to adapt while providing certainty and reassurance for children, carers and local authorities. Overall, it is vital that we tackle profit from residential care in a sustainable way, without destabilising provision. Bill Kidd mentioned the definition of care experience. In the interests of time, I will not go into a huge amount of detail on that, but I hope to reassure members who have concerns that care- experienced people absolutely will be involved. That is exactly why we are taking a guidance- based approach in order to allow for co- production. On single-member panels, I heard the concerns coming through in committee and I have heard them again today.”
“I make it clear that, in making any decisions, the needs and the wellbeing of looked- after children will come before all other considerations. That is why we are taking the bill forward. I take on board the comments from Nicola Sturgeon and John Mason on those matters. The consultation responses, although they were generally supportive, confirm concerns that we have all heard from those across the sector that the changes need to be implemented carefully. That is why we are taking a gradual, staged approach, which takes into consideration the need to strike the right balance and tackle the difficulty of defining profit. I am looking to the moves that are being made in England and Wales. On Mr Greer’s points specifically, we are learning from the approach in Wales on supporting private providers to move to a not-for-profit model.”
“On the independence of advocacy providers, I absolutely hear the calls for a definition of independent advocacy, and I recognise the importance of advocacy, its role in ensuring that the views and wishes of care-experienced individuals are accurately represented and the need for it to be free from conflicts of interest. There is a lack of consensus about what constitutes independence, and I am considering how we provide further clarity on the independence of advocacy services. I have had a lot of interesting conversations with stakeholders about that aspect—including a very good meeting with Who Cares? Scotland on that exact point—as well as about wider considerations that have been mentioned today, such as when advocacy is offered and whom it is offered by. With regard to profit, I know that there is a level of uncertainty.”
“However, based on the feedback that I have received through the bill process, I assure members that I am considering how we can further extend the rights of babies and children ahead of stage 2. On children’s services planning and the role of IJBs, we know that children’s and adults’ services go hand in hand. The wellbeing of one often depends on the other. We know that many children enter care due to parental mental health or substance misuse issues. I think that the bill will greatly improve the connection between children’s and adults’ services and help to facilitate the delivery of preventative whole-family support at a local level.”
“That includes exploring whether changes to policy, guidance or legislation could help to ensure that families are better supported to understand, access and navigate the help that is available to them. I will respond to some—although probably not all—of the issues that have been raised. I will start with babies and our youngest children, for whom safeguarding and protection are, I agree, absolutely key. I have heard about the NSPCC’s concerns directly from it and from other members. The provisions in the bill are not stand-alone developments; they are an interconnected package that will deliver better, more personalised experiences, safer, swifter journeys and surer decisions.”
“I highlighted some of those issues in my opening remarks, and I reiterate that I have listened to the views of all members and will continue to reflect on how best to address them. One key issue on which I appreciate that the bill is largely silent, which Mr Briggs just referred to, is kinship care. Kinship care now represents the most common placement for looked-after children in Scotland, and kinship carers have consistently told us that the support system is unclear and extremely complex to navigate. I have listened carefully to the evidence that was taken during stage 1, and I am considering what further steps we could take to improve clarity, consistency and access to support for kinship families.”
“I call the minister to wind up the debate. You have up to eight minutes, minister. 17:26 Natalie Don-Innes: I thank members for their helpful and constructive contributions to today’s debate. It is clear that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill matters to many MSPs, just as it matters to many stakeholder organisations. The points raised in the Education, Children and Young People Committee’s stage 1 report and in this afternoon’s debate reflect the extent and scale of the interest in the bill’s proposals and in the Promise more generally. I hope that I have conveyed the fact that I remain very mindful of the apparent gaps in the bill’s measures, which children, young people and adults who are or have been in care, along with members and others, have told us that they would like to be addressed.”
“The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20416, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on the suspension of standing orders, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:03 Meeting suspended. 17:06 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-20416, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on suspension of standing orders. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20388, in the name of Jim Fairlie, on the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20169, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule (a) 9.12.3 and (b) 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:02”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-20416, on the suspension of standing orders. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, for the purposes of consideration of the second supplementary legislative consent memorandum on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, Rules 9B.3.5 and 9B.3.6 of Standing Orders are suspended.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-20417, on the designation of a lead committee. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20415, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. I call Graeme Dey to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for Thursday 15 January 2026— after 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport insert followed by Ministerial Statement: Additional Support for Learning Review after followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill insert followed by Motion on Legislative Consent: Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill – UK Legislation followed by Standing Order Rule Changes – Lodging Deadlines for Public Bills delete 4.10 pm Decision Time and insert 5.30 pm Decision Time—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to.”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-20169, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill. I call Jim Fairlie to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule (a) 9.12.3 and (b) 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act.—[Jim Fairlie] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Business Motion 17:01”
“The next item of business is a statement by Shona Robison on the Scottish budget 2026-27. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:20”
“Please always speak through the chair. Edward Mountain: Sorry. Fiona Hyslop: To answer simply, it is for the CalMac board to make those decisions, as it did. Regarding employment contracts, Mr Mountain will know that different people in different employment will have different arrangements in any situation where there would be a severance payment. The payment did not come to ministers for approval; that was not required at the time because the payment was, at that point, below £95,000. It was the accrual of another £12,000 in holiday pay that took the payment over that amount, and that is the information that should have come to me. I am not satisfied about that, which is why it is quite appropriate for the permanent secretary to examine the issue.”
“Those who live in these parishes, your constituents, will be looking to this Parliament for action that confirms your rhetoric, justice that underlines your principles and compassion that demonstrates your humanity. May God grant each of you the grace to be a wise builder. Topical Question Time 14:04 CalMac Ferries Chief Executive (Severance Package) 1.”
“How do I minister to those whose reality means that they are lonely today—or terrified, weary, stuck or seeking purpose? Like you, the church has a role in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, offering practical help and bringing hope into dark situations. A lot of words are spoken in this chamber and in the committee rooms—and in churches. Ideas get teased out, discernment is sought and plans are made. Those we serve need much more than our words, however, for they will be forgotten in the first storm. They need action, solid foundations and lived-out principles. Churches in your constituencies need to heed Jesus’s warning and live out his mandate to care for the marginalised, the weak and the overlooked—and challenge those who are comfortable.”
“Our actions need to back up our words. Upon what foundation are we building our lives? It must be robust, for anything flimsy will simply fall with the first storm. Choose to be a wise, rather than foolish, builder. Jesus’s short parable has significant challenge. The work of the Scottish Parliament for 2026 has already begun. It is an election year, and you will all be very busy. Your constituents have expectations about your availability, your engagement and your visibility. For some, their basic existence may hinge on the decisions that this Parliament makes, the laws it enacts, the justice it pursues, the budget it agrees, the compassion it demonstrates and its mandate for service. What a responsibility! What a privilege. In my parish, I, too, hold the tension of responsibility and privilege.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Rev Julie Moody, minister at Milton of Campsie parish church. The Rev Julie Moody (Milton of Campsie Parish Church): Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament and guests, good afternoon and thank you for this opportunity to lead your time for reflection. Jesus was a master storyteller, drawing people into deep truths by using everyday images. He once told a story of two builders: one who chose the easy option, one of convenience and speedy results, over the alternative, chosen by the other, of a more laborious approach, with deep foundations. When the storm came, only one house survived, thus illustrating Jesus’s question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” We find that in Luke, chapter 6.”
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“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:05. 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.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill, agrees to— (a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, (b) any tax imposed in consequence of the Act in relation to which Rule 9.12.3B(a) of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies, and (c) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20291, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution on the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill, be agreed to.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-19533, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) 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) 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) 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) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) 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) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) 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) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Against Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) 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) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20285, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, is: For 65, Against 54, Abstentions 0.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20285, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:01 Meeting suspended. 17:04 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-20285, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-20291, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution on the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:01”
“Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill: Financial Resolution 17:00”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-19533, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill, agrees to— (a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, (b) any tax imposed in consequence of the Act in relation to which Rule 9.12.3B(a) of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies, and (c) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act.—[Ivan McKee] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time.”
“Then, when it has to raise that money and put those plans in place, it can come back with a better proposal—one that is well founded, well rounded and consulted on, that is developed and that can meet the challenge, so that we can deal with cladding remediation appropriately. The Presiding Officer: We have a little extra time remaining. I call Craig Hoy. 16:41”
“That gives a clear indication of the serious misgivings that the committee had about the viability of the levy in its current form. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact on the housing market, which is fragile at the moment. In the—frankly—shambolic denouement of this parliamentary session, we have 24 bills left to process in 11 weeks. I suggest to the Government that it may wish to reflect on whether this is one bill that could be set aside. In the light of the report from the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the views that have been shared, not only from the sector but across the Parliament, the Government might reflect on whether there is a better way to get on with spending the money that it has to deal with the cladding situation.”
“You do have some time. Michael Marra: There are different circumstances in different areas. We know that affordability is absolutely key and we must make sure that there is a proper sensitivity analysis. I ask the minister whether, in his closing speech, he would commit to making sure that it is an independent analysis that is done properly and that takes account of the regional variability across Scotland. Doing that would speak to Stuart McMillan’s concern that he wants to see that nuanced and varied analysis across the country so that we can understand properly what would happen if the SNP were to decide to progress with the bill. Michelle Thomson told us that it was a highly unusual step for the Finance and Public Administration Committee to make no recommendation on the general principles of the bill.”