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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“Members on these benches will have none of that. We will stand beside the families of Scotland, reducing poverty and making sure that there is opportunity for all in Scotland. Delayed Discharges (Audit Scotland Report) 2.”
“That is because the plans that I put in place are delivering benefits for real people in our society. When it comes to social security investment, this Government has invested in measures such as the Scottish child payment, which means that child poverty is falling in Scotland when it is rising in other parts of the United Kingdom. In Scotland, we have child poverty levels that are at 30-year lows, as a consequence of our intervention. I know that Mr Findlay does not care about child poverty. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Members! The First Minister: I know that the implications of Mr Findlay’s policies are the reduction of support for vulnerable people in our society and, as a consequence, more children would be subjected to poverty by the callous actions of the Conservative Party.”
“The First Minister: Since the start of this financial year, new out-patient waits of more than 52 weeks have fallen by 31 per cent. Since the start—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: First Minister, just a moment. I am conscious of the number of members who have advised me that they would like to put questions today. Their doing so will be made far more likely if we can hear one another. The First Minister: So that colleagues can hear my remarks: since the start of this financial year, new out-patient waits of more than 52 weeks have fallen by 31 per cent. Since the start of this financial year, in-patient and day-case waits of more than 52 weeks have fallen 28.6 per cent. Every single month, there are falls in the levels of those waiting lists.”
“John Swinney thinks that he can take more and more from workers and businesses and, at the same time, spend more and more on benefits. The SNP’s annual benefits bill of £7 billion is on course to reach £10 billion a year. State benefits are a vital safety net for those in need, but that bill is unaffordable, unfair and unsustainable. The only way that John Swinney can pay for it is by hiking taxes even more. However, there is another way. We believe that workers should keep more of their hard-earned money—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: —and that that will help to increase prosperity by growing the economy. John Swinney could cut people’s taxes by tackling the out-of-control benefits bill in the budget—but does he have the bravery to do so?”
“Of course, this Government recognised the need for that intervention in the national care service proposals, but the Conservatives and others would not support those proposals when they came to the Parliament. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Thank you—let us hear one another. The First Minister: The last thing that I will say to Mr Findlay about his tax cut proposals is that, yes, his proposals involve cutting tax, but they also involve cutting public spending by £1 billion—and he never answers the question about that. Russell Findlay: When it comes to the state of the NHS in Scotland under the SNP, John Swinney’s selective statistics do not cut it. Patients know the reality. They see the reality with their own eyes.”
“In some circumstances, they have fallen by 30 per cent since the start of the financial year, due to the plan and the resources that I have put in place. Long waits are coming down, just as I promised they would do, for patients the length and breadth of our country. The key point that I would make to Russell Findlay is that the investment that we are making in public services is delivering better outcomes for people in our country. The delayed discharge report from Audit Scotland today demonstrates that it is necessary for us to work collaboratively with local authorities to tackle that issue. The good work on that is highlighted in the Audit Scotland report.”
“Scots are forced, and not asked, to pay £1.7 billion extra a year through SNP income tax rises, yet they see a wasteful Government that is utterly incapable of fixing public services, which only get worse. As demonstrated once again today by the revelation that bed blocking costs the national health service up to £0.5 billion every year, the SNP’s list of costly failures is truly endless. Struggling workers, families and businesses all deserve a break. That is why we are calling on John Swinney to reduce the crippling financial burden by cutting income tax in next week’s budget. Will he do so? The First Minister: In relation to public services, recent data that came out on Tuesday demonstrates that, for the sixth month in a row, long waits in our national health service are falling.”
“Let us hear the First Minister. The First Minister: That is only possible because of the arrangements that I have put in place as First Minister. On the substantive point that Russell Findlay puts to me, the independent Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts show that most Scottish taxpayers are expected to pay less income tax this financial year—2025-26—than they would if they lived in the rest of the United Kingdom. I am happy to put that point on the record in the Parliament today. Russell Findlay: That got one clap. He has strengthened accountability by dishing out a get- out-of-jail-free card to all his SNP pals—that is one way of doing it. Taxes are too high in Scotland.”
“There are six questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 20294.2, in the name of Ivan McKee, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20294, in the name of Craig Hoy, on lowering bills for Scotland’s workers, 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. 17:12 Meeting suspended. 17:14 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the vote on amendment S6M-20294.2, in the name of Ivan McKee. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 20314, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on timetabling of a bill at stage 1. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 6 February 2026.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 17:11”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20313, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 13 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Ministerial Statement: Scottish Budget 2026-27 followed by Stage 1 Debate: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 14 January 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government followed by Ministerial Statement: A9 Dualling - Programme for 2035 Completion followed by Stage 1 Debate: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 15 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: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 4.10 pm Decision Time 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 followed by Members’ Business 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 5.00 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 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 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 (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 12 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.”
“We should not assume that they will always be there to employ people. We should not make those assumptions. Our economy is a precarious thing— it is a living thing. We cannot treat it the way that this Government treats it. A strong business base underpins employment. As Roz McCall said, it underpins community. It underpins public finances, too. A tax system that accelerates decline of the business base instead of supporting recovery represents not only bad economics but a fundamental failure of government. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate on stopping the Scottish Government’s business tax increases. Business Motions 17:10”
“Let us hear Mr Kerr. Stephen Kerr: Added to that is the blind ignorance of SNP ministers in relation to this matter. Very sadly, I am running out of time, although I have so much more to say. These debates need to be much longer, just for me to be able to wind up fully. I will say this, however. If we think that we can go on abusing Scotland’s businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and if we carry on thinking of them as some kind of fatted calf that, come every budget, will be slaughtered to justify some extraction of additional revenues for the public purse, we are making a huge mistake. If we do that, we are in danger of killing the goose that lays the golden egg. We should not assume that those businesses will always be there to open of a morning.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 9th Report, 2025 (Session 6), Complaint against Ash Regan MSP (SP Paper 945), and agrees to impose the sanction recommended in the report that Ash Regan MSP be excluded from all meetings of the Parliament and its committees for two sitting days, with those sitting days being the next Wednesday and the next Thursday following the agreement of this motion. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Anaerobic Digestion (Transition to Net Zero)”
“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) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20269, in the name of Martin Whitfield, is: For 84, Against 18, Abstentions 8.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20269, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's ninth report in 2025, in session 6, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (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) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-20269.1, in the name of Ash Regan, is: For 19, Against 88, Abstentions 6.”
“There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 18:04 Meeting suspended. 18:06 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S6M-20269.1, in the name of Ash Regan, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20269, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s ninth report in 2025, in session 6. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The Presiding Officer: The second question is, that motion S6M-20185, in the name of Jackson Carlaw, on behalf of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, on petition PE2018, on recognising the value of swimming pools and providing financial relief to help keep pools open, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes public petition PE2018 on helping to keep swimming pools and leisure centres open by providing financial investment for pools. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-20269.1, in the name of Ash Regan, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20269, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s ninth report in 2025, in session 6, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20208, in the name of Karen Adam, on behalf of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, on civil legal assistance in Scotland, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the findings and recommendations in the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee’s 3rd Report, 2025 (Session 6), Report on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee inquiry into Civil Legal Assistance in Scotland (SP Paper 858).”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20269, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s ninth report in 2025, in session 6. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 17:45”
“That concludes the debate on the motion lodged on behalf of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, on petition PE2018, to recognise the value of swimming pools and provide financial relief to help keep pools open. Complaint”
“The next item of business is a statement by Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 15:43”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20208, in the name of Karen Adam, on behalf of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, on civil legal assistance in Scotland. I would be grateful if members who wish to speak were to press their request-to-speak buttons. I call Karen Adam to speak to and move the motion on behalf of the committee. 14:27”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20312, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button now. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for— (a) Tuesday 6 January 2026— after followed by Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee Debate: Petition PE2018: Recognise the Value of Swimming Pools and Provide Financial Relief to Help Keep Pools Open insert followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 9th Report, 2025 (Session 6)—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Topical Question Time 14:04 Resident Doctors Industrial Action 1.”
“Good afternoon. Our first item of business is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leader today is the Rev David J M Coleman, environmental chaplain to the United Reformed Church.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that all relevant provisions of the Sentencing Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 2 September 2025, and subsequently amended, affecting changes which align the treatment of national security offenders with terrorist offenders under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993, so far as these matters alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Before we move on to members’ business, I wish all members a happy and peaceful Christmas. I extend good wishes on behalf of all members to all staff in the Parliament who support us throughout the year. [Applause.] Fishing and Coastal Communities 14:12”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20173, in the name of Siobhian Brown, on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20174, in the name of Angela Constance, which is a legislative consent motion on the Sentencing Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation, be agreed to.”
“I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 11.2.4 of standing orders, that decision time be brought forward to now. I invite the Minister for Parliamentary Business to move such a motion. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 2.10 pm.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 14:10”
“The Presiding Officer: I remind members that many members have an interest in putting a question today, and that they will be more likely to be able to do so if we can proceed and hear one another. Housing Emergency 2.”
“What Mr Findlay and his colleagues were proposing, how they behaved around those circumstances—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: It is really important that each and every member has the opportunity to speak when they are called to do so. I ask members to treat one another with courtesy and respect. The First Minister: I simply say to Mr Findlay that the proposition that was made by his colleague in September would have had no effect whatsoever in delivering a grooming inquiry. It would not have delivered for the victims who have suffered sexual abuse. This Government is taking the practical action to do that, and we will continue to do so.”
“What on earth will it take for John Swinney to sack any of his ministers? The First Minister: Mr Findlay used some pretty strong language in his question. He said “cynical, calculating, dishonest”. The amendment that Liam Kerr lodged to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill and the actions of the Conservative Party after it was defeated were cynical, calculating and dishonest. Mr Findlay knows full well that Liam Kerr’s amendment would not have delivered a grooming gangs inquiry. It would have delivered none of the action the Scottish Government is now taking, whether that is the actions of the four independent inspectorates, the actions of Police Scotland, or the work of the national childhood sexual abuse panel.”
“Let us hear one another. Those who are in the gallery would like to hear. The First Minister: I am satisfied with the steps that have been taken to deal with the matter. Russell Findlay: The scandal—and it is a scandal—shows the very worst of the SNP. It is a cynical, calculating, dishonest and devious Government that always chooses short-term political fixes and convenience. It is never about doing what is right for victims. It is always about doing what is right for the SNP. Angela Constance’s evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee yesterday was shambolic and indefensible. The justice secretary has confirmed beyond any doubt that she broke the ministerial code by refusing to admit her mistake at the earliest opportunity. Angela Constance misled the public, the Parliament and grooming gang victims.”
“As no member has objected, the final question is, that motions S6M-20201 and S6M-20202, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M-20203, on committee membership, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Food Safety Act 1990 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2019 and the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Modifications) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that— Gillian Mackay be appointed to replace Patrick Harvie as a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee; and Patrick Harvie be appointed to replace Ross Greer as a member of the Finance and Public Administration Committee. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time.”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20172, in the name of Shona Robison, on a motion on legislative consent for the Pension Schemes Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Pension Schemes Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 5 June 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to clauses 1 (Asset pool companies), 2 (Asset management) and 5 (Scheme manager governance reviews) of Chapter 1 of Part 1, so far as these matters alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. The Presiding Officer: If no member objects, I propose to ask a single question on three Parliamentary Bureau motions.”
“That the Parliament agrees that— Gillian Mackay be appointed to replace Patrick Harvie as a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee; and Patrick Harvie be appointed to replace Ross Greer as a member of the Finance and Public Administration Committee.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:38”
“The next item of business is consideration of three Parliamentary Bureau motions: motions S6M- 20201 and S6M-20202, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M-20203, on committee membership. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motions. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Food Safety Act 1990 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2019 and the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Modifications) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20200, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on the timetabling of a bill at stage 1. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button now. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 23 January 2026.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: I call Pauline McNeill. [Interruption.] It appears that the member unintentionally pressed her button. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 23 January 2026. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:38”
“Of course, a member of the Scottish Government can seek to make a statement to the Parliament, and I confirm that, at this moment, that request has not been made.”
“There were several points, which I will seek to address. I will begin by saying that anything that is said in proceedings of the Parliament or in committee is recorded in the Official Report, so any statement of the Parliament can be used to correct the record. As members are aware, and as Mr Ross referred to, a mechanism exists whereby a member can seek to correct any inaccuracy on their part within 20 days of publication of the relevant proceedings. That time limit exists because Official Reports are then finalised and they cannot be changed again. Other ways of ensuring that a correction is made widely known include writing to me and copying the correspondence to all business managers and any members who are not represented in the Parliamentary Bureau, and placing a copy of the correction in the Scottish Parliament information centre.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20199, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 6 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: Civil Legal Assistance in Scotland followed by Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee Debate: Petition PE2018: Recognise the Value of Swimming Pools and Provide Financial Relief to Help Keep Pools Open followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 7 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 Conservative and Unionist Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 8 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: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 13 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Ministerial Statement: Scottish Budget 2026-27 followed by Stage 1 Debate: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 14 January 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government followed by Stage 1 Debate: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 15 January 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Prostitution (Offences and Support) (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 5 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] 17:18”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-20172, in the name of Shona Robison, on legislative consent for the Pension Schemes Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Pension Schemes Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 5 June 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to clauses 1 (Asset pool companies), 2 (Asset management) and 5 (Scheme manager governance reviews) of Chapter 1 of Part 1, so far as these matters alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament.—[Shona Robison] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Business Motion 17:18”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill is passed. [Applause.] That concludes decision time. Aphasia Awareness”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) 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) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20138, in the name of Liz Smith, is: For 120, Against 0, Abstentions 1.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill is passed. [Applause.] The next question is, that motion S6M-20138, in the name of Liz Smith, on the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As it is a motion to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. Members should cast their votes now.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) 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) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20167, in the name of Maurice Golden, is: For 119, Against 2, Abstentions 0.”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20167, in the name of Maurice Golden, on the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As it is a motion to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20135, in the name of Russell Findlay, on a motion of no confidence. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request- to-speak button. I call Russell Findlay to speak to and move the motion. 14:31”
“Just like the questions— or lack of—that Sue Webber has ever asked on speed limits, the Conservatives are missing in action.”
“The partnership includes Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which have to deal with the deaths on our roads, and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. We all work together to drive forward improvements on our roads. That should be the focus of our attention. On the A9, is Ms Webber not aware that work is already happening on the third section? Work on the fourth section is already commencing, and we are procuring for the fifth section. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the cabinet secretary. Fiona Hyslop: If Ms Webber wants to look at our figures on maintenance and improvements, in 2023-24, £633 million was spent, and, last year, £872 million was spent. When we put forward budgets that include money to improve our road maintenance and trunk roads, as well as funding for the A9, guess what?”