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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“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) 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) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) 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) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) 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) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) 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, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 31, Against 71, Abstentions 21.”
“17:05 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S6M-19970.2, in the name of Tess White, which seeks to amend motion S6M-19970, in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville, on uniting local and national efforts across sectors to end violence against women and girls. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is decision time. There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M-19970.2, in the name of Tess White, which seeks to amend motion S6M-19970, in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville, on uniting local and national efforts across sectors to end violence against women and girls, 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. 17:02 Meeting suspended.”
“That concludes the debate on uniting local and national efforts across sectors to end violence against women and girls. Decision Time 17:01”
“The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on the Commonwealth games in Glasgow in 2026. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:19”
“We are a group of fiercely passionate, disciplined and educated women, and we are ready to be at the forefront of inspiring the next generation. We are the Thistles and we are just getting started. Topical Question Time 14:02 Female Genital Mutilation 1.”
“As we prepare for the Commonwealth games, the Thistles want not only to deliver on the court and show our athletic prowess but to inspire the next generation and leave a legacy—to inspire others to chase their dreams. I know at first hand how powerful watching your role models in person can be. At Glasgow 2014, I was a spectator in the stands, having never competed for Scotland. However, I saw my dreams reflected back in the faces of my heroes and, two years later, I was taking to the court for my first cap. I hope that, next year, I will get my full circle moment of running out in front of a home crowd at the Hydro and leading my team. As the only team sport being showcased at Glasgow 2026, we are well aware of the responsibility that comes with that, but trust me— the future of Scottish sport is in safe hands with the Thistles.”
“We have also just hosted the Celtic cup, a celebration of home-grown talent, the Celtic nations and fierce competition from some African countries. However, these events were not just fixtures on a calendar; they were statements of intent. They showed that Scotland is ready—ready to compete, ready to inspire and ready to host the Commonwealth games with pride and passion. Beyond the scorelines of these recent competitions, although we did get some historic results, something much more powerful happened. The stands were full of young boys and girls who saw athletes who looked like them, spoke like them and wore the thistle with honour. They witnessed at first hand what can happen when we dream big and work hard.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Emily Nicholl, Scottish Thistles captain. Emily Nicholl (Scottish Thistles): Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon. As captain of the Scottish Thistles and a proud representative of Netball Scotland, I wanted to speak to you today to share how netball, and sport more broadly, has the power to shape lives, build resilience and inspire ambition across Scotland as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026. Very recently, in East Kilbride, the Scottish Thistles welcomed New Zealand’s Silver Ferns, who are ranked number 2 in the world. This was a historic moment that brought world-class netball to Scottish soil.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 18:16. Correction Gillian Martin has identified an error in her contribution and provided the following correction.”
“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) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) 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) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Lorna Slater] Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Against Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-19948, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill, is: For 84, Against 24, Abstentions 0.”
“The question is, that motion S6M-19948, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. As it is a motion to pass the bill at stage 3, the question must be decided by division. As there have been votes throughout the afternoon, I will allow a moment or two for members to refresh their voting apps. Members should cast their votes now.”
“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 and Veterans to move such a motion. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 6:13 pm.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 18:13”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19948, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. I would be grateful if members who wish to take part were to press their request-to-speak buttons now. 18:01”
“After section 1 The Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on a requirement for the Scottish ministers to meet costs. Amendment 1, in the name of Jeremy Balfour, is the only amendment in the group.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, Scottish Parliament bill 78A—the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes for the first division of stage 3. The period of voting for the first division will be 30 seconds. Thereafter, I will allow a voting period of one minute for the first division after a debate. Members who wish to speak in the debate on any group of amendments should press their request- to-speak button or enter RTS in the chat as soon as possible after the group has been called. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments.”
“Following consultation with the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans and business managers, I confirm that the deadline by which to lodge stage 3 amendments is 16:45. I also confirm that business will resume at 16:45, with Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body question time. I ask members to remove their cards from the voting consoles and to leave the chamber while the clerks prepare for stage 3 proceedings. This meeting of the Committee of the Whole Parliament is now closed. Meeting closed at 16:32. 16:45 On resuming— Meeting of the Parliament Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Question Time”
“Section 1—Non-domestic rates: liability of owners of unoccupied properties The Convener: Group 1 is on unoccupied properties: listed buildings. Amendment 1, in the name of Paul Sweeney, is grouped with amendments 2, 4, 5 and 6.”
“In dealing with amendments, members should have the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for five minutes for the first division of the afternoon. The period of voting for the first division will be 30 seconds. Thereafter, I will allow a voting period of one minute for the first division after a debate. Members who wish to speak in the debate on any group of amendments should press their request-to-speak button or enter RTS in the chat as soon as possible after the group has been called. The Parliament is required to indicate formally that it has considered and agreed to each section of the bill, so I will put a question on each section at the appropriate point. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments.”
“Good afternoon. I open this meeting of the Committee of the Whole Parliament to consider the Non- Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2. For the duration of these proceedings, I will be the convener of the committee. Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2”
“Let us hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: The same John Swinney then stood right there and delivered a budget that raised income tax.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-19894.4, in the name of Sarah Boyack, which seeks to amend motion S6M-19894, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, on backing oil and gas, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) 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) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (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) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) 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) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) 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) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] 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) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) 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) Abstentions Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-19894.3, in the name of Gillian Martin, is: For 58, Against 60, Abstentions 1.”
“There are eleven questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if amendment S6M-19894.3, in the name of Gillian Martin, is agreed to, amendment S6M-19894.4, in the name of Sarah Boyack, will fall. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 19894.3, in the name of Gillian Martin, which seeks to amend motion S6M-19894, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, on backing oil and gas, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“The next item of business is consideration of three Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-19925, S6M-19926 and S6M-19927, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Budget (Scotland) Act 2025 Amendment Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Cross-Border Public Procurement (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Public Procurement (Iraq Free Trade Agreement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved.— [Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 18:33”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-19921, 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 2 December 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Ministerial Statement: Commonwealth Games—Glasgow 2026 followed by Scottish Government Debate: All Together: Uniting Local and National Efforts, Across Sectors to End Violence Against Women and Girls followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 3 December 2025 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 4 December 2025 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 Education, Children and Young People Committee Debate: Widening Access to Higher Education followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 9 December 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Committee Business followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 10 December 2025 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government 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 11 December 2025 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 Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 Inquiry 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 1 December 2025, 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] 18:20”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-19928, in the name of Ivan McKee, on a financial resolution for the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (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 increase in the revenue from non-domestic rates in relation to which Rule 9.12.3B(b) 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. Business Motions 18:19”
“That concludes the debate on the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill. Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill: Financial Resolution 18:19”
“I received notification of the bill being within the Parliament at the beginning of November. I am not aware of the dates to which Mr Ross refers. The bill came into the building at that point for the usual pre-introduction checks. Douglas Ross: I was not clear: that would be the three-week period that the Government would have to inform you about a bill, which would take us to today. My question was, when the Government informed you of that, did it alert you, as I understand it informed Opposition parties, that it was aware of the error in August, or did it tell you about the true date, which was June? The Presiding Officer: I do not believe that such dates were discussed with me by the Government. That is not a point of order, Mr Ross, but we will continue with our business.”
“Yes, that is the normal practice, Mr Kerr. There is one speaker for the motion and one against, with any other members intervening as they wish. St Andrew’s Day 2025”
“There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that motion S6M-19866, in the name of Jenny Gilruth, on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“Motion moved, That, subject to the Parliament’s agreement that the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill be treated as an Emergency Bill, the Parliament agrees to consider the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill as follows— Stage 1 on Wednesday 26 November 2025; and, subject to the Parliament’s agreement of the general principles of the Bill, Stages 2 and 3 on Thursday 27 November 2025.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: I call Douglas Ross. 17:10”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-19916, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on the timetable and procedures for consideration of the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button now.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-19866, in the name of Jenny Gilruth, on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. I would be grateful if members who wish to take part in the debate were to press their request-to-speak buttons now. 14:27”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament during Members’ Business on Tuesday 25 November 2025.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Topical Question Time 14:06 Prostate Cancer Screening 1.”
“Business Motions 14:05 The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 19913, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revision to the programme of business for Tuesday 25 November 2025— after followed by Stage 1 Debate: Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill insert followed by Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill: Emergency Bill Motion—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 19913, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on committee meeting times.”
“They remind us that humanity is bound together, and that when one nation suffers, others can carry part of its burden. Each of you, as leaders, carries such a light. At times, it may seem small compared with the vastness of the challenges that are before us, but its impact is real: a word of encouragement; a just decision; a compassionate gesture. In winter, we notice how darkness arrives quickly. We also notice the stars, the lights along our streets and the warmth of community. In the same way, it is in times of trial that faith, hope and love shine most brightly. May we each nurture that light—within ourselves, in our communities and across nations. May it guide Scotland, Ukraine and our world toward justice, peace and unity.”
“Jesus Christ, the light of the world, said: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness”. Other religions also speak of light as wisdom, compassion and truth. This reminds us that, even in the most difficult times, there is a way forward. For me, as a Ukrainian, that image carries special meaning. My people face the darkness of war, destruction and displacement, yet, even in such pain, the light of courage, solidarity and faith has not been extinguished. Families, communities and entire cities continue to choose life over despair. I would like to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude to Scotland and to the people of this land. Your welcome to Ukrainian families, your compassion for the displaced and your unwavering support in the face of injustice are rays of light that reach far beyond these shores.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Very Rev Dr Andriy Chornenko, vicar for Scotland of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London. The Very Rev Dr Andriy Chornenko (Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London): Good afternoon, Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament. Thank you for allowing me to share a few moments of reflection with you today. Human history, as well as our personal lives, is often marked by moments of darkness—times of fear, loss and struggle. Despite that, across faiths and cultures, we find the same conviction: light has the power to overcome darkness. Even a single flame can break through the heaviest night. In the Christian tradition, light is a symbol of hope, guidance and renewal.”
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“The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-19845, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on a committee substitute, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that Sue Webber be appointed to replace Annie Wells as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party substitute on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:02. 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.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-19802, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-18938, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) 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 next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau Motion S6M-19845, on a committee substitute. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that Sue Webber be appointed to replace Annie Wells as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party substitute on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:01”
“The next item of business is a statement by Kate Forbes on the publication of the United Kingdom Covid-19 inquiry module 2 report. The Deputy First Minister will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 16:26”
“We will set out what we have done and what practical assistance we are delivering, such as the measures to support new business ventures in Grangemouth and the transition funds that we have made available in the north-east of Scotland. Those measures recognise that Government has to be an active player in protecting industry and employees, and that is exactly what the Scottish Government will do. Covid-19 (Scottish Government Decisions) 2.”
“We will give him the votes to protect thousands of Scottish jobs, so is he prepared to do the right thing? The First Minister: The Scottish Government’s position is that any new oil and gas developments have to pass a climate compatibility assessment to ensure that they are consistent with the agenda that we have to take forward on net zero. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the First Minister. The First Minister: That is the position of the Scottish Government. Indeed, court judgments in the United Kingdom have reinforced that position, so it is now necessary for the UK Government to consider developments in that context.”
“The Scottish Government will do all that we can to support workers, and I appeal to the United Kingdom Government to take sympathetic policy decisions that will also help in that respect. Russell Findlay: That is just an evasive insult to the oil and gas workers. He is offering a sticking plaster for a shotgun wound. The SNP opposes Rosebank, it opposed Cambo and Jackdaw, and it supports a ban on any new North Sea development. John Swinney could change that now, so why does he not? He does not because he is worried that extremists in his party would unite with the Greens and he would lose a vote in this Parliament. Let me make him another offer— my party will support his Government to overturn its presumption against new developments.”
“That is a geological factor that we have to come to terms with. For example, we have set up the oil and gas transition training fund, which supports eligible workers with funding for training to build the skills required for the sustainable energy approaches of the future. We have also put in place the north- east and Moray just transition fund, which is about practical financial support to assist in that transition. Indeed, I was privileged to take part in the opening of the new skills hub, which took place in Aberdeen just a few weeks ago. The Government will take forward sustained support to assist in the management of the transition, which I recognise is a significant threat to companies and employees.”
“The Fraser of Allander Institute today released a new report that warns that “jobs, tax revenues and regional economies” are “at risk”. It says that skilled workers are leaving either the country or the industry altogether, and it estimates that the cost to our economy could reach £13 billion. Unless Labour and the SNP change course, Scotland’s world-leading oil and gas sector will be wiped out entirely, never to return. Does John Swinney at least accept that his Government’s hostility to oil and gas has contributed to this national emergency? The First Minister: The Scottish Government has put in place practical support to assist the communities that will inevitably be affected by the transition to net zero, particularly as the oil and gas sector in the North Sea, which is a mature basin, reduces.”
“I do not need to add my name to the letter that Russell Findlay is talking about, because the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government has already made those representations to the United Kingdom Government. We are at a pivotal moment in sustaining employment in Scotland’s economy as we ensure that we build up to our clean energy and renewables future. That requires the UK Government to heed the concerns that have been expressed by many people, including the Scottish Government, about the continuation of the energy profits levy, which was introduced by the Conservatives. Russell Findlay: The EPL must go, and both Governments must change direction. If they do not, the industry body, Offshore Energies UK, warns that 1,000 jobs will be lost every month until 2030. This is a national emergency.”