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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“We share your loss, and we hope that you find some comfort and encouragement in the many tributes to a life so very well lived. George’s manner of service—a unique combination of courtesy, humour and seriousness—was his mark. We will miss him, and we will remember him with deep affection and gratitude. 14:02”
“Dedicated to his local area, but internationalist in outlook, George’s life, service and influence as a journalist, a humanitarian leader and an elected representative reached far beyond these borders. George loved Scotland and the Scottish Parliament. He served the Parliament as he served in all his roles—with dignity, dedication and determination. He drove forward the completion of this building with tenacity and commitment. He was immensely proud of it, and he delighted in people being welcomed into their Parliament. As an MSP staff member, as an MSP and as Presiding Officer, he offered me friendly support. We are honoured today to welcome George’s wife Daphne, his daughter Morag and other members of his family to Parliament.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18531, in the name of John Swinney, on a motion of condolence following the death of George Reid. The Rt Hon Sir George Reid was held in high esteem by all, regardless of party and regardless of position. Elected Deputy Presiding Officer when the Parliament was established in 1999, George was then elected our second Presiding Officer in 2003—the only member of the Scottish Parliament to date to hold office as both a Deputy Presiding Officer and a Presiding Officer. George’s dedication to public service and caring for others was demonstrated throughout his life. He loved representing the people of Clackmannanshire, both as a member of Parliament and an MSP.”
“If anyone considers that the conduct of a member has not met the terms of the code, a complaint can be made. Complaints in relation to most matters covered by the code, including a complaint of this nature, would be initially investigated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland. Recommendations in relation to any complaints may come to the chamber in due course, so I must avoid any comment that might compromise that. However, complaints about the conduct of a member arising in their ministerial duties are dealt with under the Scottish ministerial code and are a matter for the First Minister. Thank you. We will allow a few moments for those in the chamber and in the gallery to clear before the next item of business. Wildfires”
“Please speak through the chair, Mr Ross. Douglas Ross: This is the point that I wish to make to the First Minister: I wonder whether he will make a statement and take the opportunity to say that he has a zero-tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers. I raised the matter yesterday afternoon with parliamentary officials. I notice that the Minister for Parliamentary Business is not in the chamber this afternoon. Therefore, will he be making a statement on the incident later today? The Presiding Officer: Comments addressed to the First Minister in the chamber are not a point of order. However, this is a very serious allegation, and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes. I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously.”
“Let us hear one another. The First Minister: It is not good enough to come here and talk about the soaring benefits bill and then not say whose benefits are going to be taken away. Members: The fraudsters. The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. The First Minister: I am certain that the Conservatives will want to do exactly what their London equivalents did: pursue and harass vulnerable people in our society. This Government will not go down that road. Alexander Dennis Ltd 2.”
“Good morning. The first item of business is general question time. Wildfire Management Practices (Independent Review) 1.”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-18883, in the name of Angela Constance, on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As the motion is to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 16:35 Meeting suspended. 16:38 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the division on motion S6M-18883, in the name of Angela Constance. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“New remit: To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, with the exception of matters relating to just transition; and on matters relating to land reform, natural resources and peatland, Scottish Land Commission, Crown Estate Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.—[Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 16:35”
“New remit: To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, and matters related to homelessness and rough sleeping, fuel poverty, and welfare and debt advice services within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Housing. Name of Committee: Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Remit: To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, with the exception of matters relating to just transition; and on matters relating to land reform, natural resources and peatland, Scottish Land Commission, Crown Estate Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.”
“New remit: To consider and report on matters relating to local government and planning falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, matters within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, with the exception of matters related to homelessness and rough sleeping, fuel poverty, and welfare and debt advice services; and matters relating to local government boundaries, local governance review and democratic renewal. Name of Committee: Social Justice and Social Security Committee Remit: To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice excluding matters relating to housing and tenants’ rights.”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-18923, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on committee remits. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the remits of committees— Name of Committee: Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Remit: To consider and report on matters relating to local government and planning falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, matters relating to housing and tenants’ rights within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, and matters relating to local government boundaries, local governance review and democratic renewal.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-18921, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 23 September 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Housing (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 24 September 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 Stage 3 Proceedings: Housing (Scotland) Bill followed by Scottish Government Debate: Improving Literacy in Scotland’s Schools followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 25 September 2025 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 Ministerial Statement: One Scotland, Many Voices: A Shared Future followed by Stage 1 Debate: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Tuesday 30 September 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) 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 1 October 2025 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; Health and Social Care followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 2 October 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: Social Justice and Housing followed by Stage 1 Debate: Dog Theft (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 22 September 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.—[Jamie Hepburn] 16:25”
“That concludes the debate on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. Business Motion 17:25”
“There are no questions to be put as a result of today’s business. Meeting closed at 20:48. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“Section 2—Functions The Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on the victims charter. Amendment 4, in the name of Jamie Greene, is grouped with amendments 5, 9 and 28.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have before them the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, SP bill 26A—the marshalled list of amendments 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 buttons 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.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, during stage 3 of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, debate on groups of amendments shall, subject to Rule 9.8.4A, be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated, those time limits being calculated from when the stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when a meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress: Groups 1 to 4: 50 minutes Groups 5 to 7: 1 hour 50 minutes Groups 8 to 10: 2 hours 35 minutes Groups 11 to 13: 3 hours 35 minutes Groups 14 to 16: 4 hours 20 minutes Groups 17 to 19: 5 hours 10 minutes Groups 20 to 22: 6 hours.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 14:23”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-18901, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a timetable for stage 3 consideration of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.”
“We have a long afternoon. I would be grateful if members would speak when they are called and not otherwise. Nursing Courses (Decline in Student Numbers) 2.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for— (a) Tuesday 16 September 2025— delete 10.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business and insert 8.35 pm Decision Time (b) Wednesday 17 September 2025— delete followed by Stage 1 Debate: Leases (Automatic Continuation etc.) (Scotland) Bill and insert followed by Ministerial Statement: Alexander Dennis Limited followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill delete 5.00 pm Decision Time and insert 4.20 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Topical Question Time 14:04 Nuclear Energy (Jobs) 1.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-18918, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, 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.”
“Resilience is not about avoiding the storm; it is about pushing through, despite the challenges. You will come out a winner on the other side. Business Motion 14:04”
“I—we—can delegate responsibility. However, accountability is where the buck stops, and, in my case, it had set up residence in the form of type 1 diabetes. I was not responsible for my diagnosis, but I am accountable for how I respond to it. I am not responsible for every mistake, but I am accountable for applying every lesson learned. My accountability is important, because the challenges will just keep coming. There is no respite—every day is still a school day. The world can still feel relentless, but my focus remains resolute. Your adversity might be very different from mine, but remember: you do not need perfect conditions to achieve something extraordinary. You just need the courage to be accountable—to own the outcome regardless of circumstances.”
“There were days when my blood glucose levels just crashed without reasonable cause, leaving me shaking and struggling to stand, let alone train. There were nights when I lay awake with anxiety, questioning my sanity. By the time I arrived in Germany for the Invictus games, in September 2023, I had learned enough to bring it all together. I stood on that podium with a gold medal around my neck not because the road got easier, but because I refused to step off it. Here is the thing: resilience is not glamorous. It is not a motivational poster. It is showing up when quitting feels easier. It is stepping forward when the world pushes you back. I learned an important truth from my challenges: the world does not get easier; I have to get better at dealing with it. I could have relied more on doctors, teammates, coaches and my family.”
“I lost more than a quarter of my body weight inside two weeks, and it turned out that I was only days from death. The doctors diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes. They recommended that I consider quitting, accepting that the dream was over. It felt like the world was against me at every turn. Then I had an epiphany. If the challenges would not stop, I would need unwavering focus. That meant that the target could no longer be about recovery. The significance of the goal had to match the scale of the challenge, so the choice was to go big or stay at home. It was gold or nothing. I needed that target to keep me focused, because I was learning about this new, life- threatening condition through trial and error. Let me tell you, it was mostly error. I had more than 40 blood tests a day and countless insulin injections.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leader today is David Jarvis of Speaking SBC. David Jarvis (Speaking SBC): Three years ago, I faced one of my biggest challenges— medical discharge from the British Army. After multiple injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, the life that I had known for two decades was gone. I was in a dark place mentally. A year later, thanks to an array of veterans charities, I was heading for the Invictus games. I had purpose again, and direction. My training was not just about sport; it was about recovery. Three months before the games, however, I became seriously ill. My body, which I thought I knew well, had suddenly become unpredictable.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-18795.1, in the name of Daniel Johnson, which seeks to amend motion S6M-18795, in the name of Kate Forbes, on supporting Scottish exports in response to global uncertainty, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (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) 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) 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) 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) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) 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) (Lab) 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) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (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) 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) 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) 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) 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) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Alba) 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) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) 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) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-18795.3, in the name of Murdo Fraser, is: For 26, Against 88, Abstentions 0.”
“We come to the vote on amendment S6M- 18795.3, in the name of Murdo Fraser, which seeks to amend motion S6M-18795, in the name of Kate Forbes, on supporting Scottish exports in response to global uncertainty. Members should cast their votes now.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Murdo Fraser is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Daniel Johnson will fall. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 18795.3, in the name of Murdo Fraser, which seeks to amend motion S6M-18795, in the name of Kate Forbes, on supporting Scottish exports in response to global uncertainty, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:01 Meeting suspended. 17:04 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Murdo Fraser is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Daniel Johnson will fall.”
“The First Minister: Mr Sarwar challenges me about the record of my Government. I am very proud of that record and defend it. On Thursday last week, I said to Parliament, in response to a question from Mr Greer, that if anyone wanted an idea of what a Labour Government would look like, they need only look at the chaos in London. That was on Thursday, before we got to Friday, with the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister and chaos added to chaos, and the beautiful and unjust moment of the sacking of Ian Murray as the Secretary of State for Scotland. How on earth can Labour challenge me on my record when a Labour Government is presiding over a shambles in Westminster? The Labour Party has nothing to offer Scotland. This Government is delivering for the people and we are going to carry on doing exactly that. Israel 3.”
“Anas Sarwar: John Swinney is not living in the real world. The SNP’s record on justice is nothing short of criminal, and it is no wonder that communities across Scotland feel abandoned. Police want action just as much as victims, but the truth is that they are just another victim of SNP incompetence. Under the SNP, there are 800 fewer police officers on the streets and police station after police station has been closed. The bill for Glasgow’s new prison has soared 10 times over to £1 billion and violent crime is on the rise. It is no wonder that he is running a million miles away from his own record. John Swinney’s SNP Government has failed workers, failed businesses and failed the police. Why is John Swinney allowing a tiny minority to make life difficult for Scotland’s hard-working majority?”
“The Government has also put in resources to work with the retail sector to tackle the issue of retail crime. In addition to all of that, the Government is working to ensure that we have an effective police presence in every community in Scotland so that these issues are addressed. If he is not prepared to vote for the Government’s budget, Mr Sarwar is not in any position whatsoever to come to the chamber and complain about any other issues. This Government is determined to work with different organisations in Scotland to protect the public in a country in which crime is at one of its lowest levels in 40 years. [Interruption.] I will say that again, with all the heckling: crime in Scotland is at one of its lowest levels in 40 years. That is because of investment by this Government, which the Labour Party failed to support.”
“The situation is so bad that businesses in Edinburgh have had to form a ShopWatch scheme to try to investigate crimes against their own businesses. Victims of crime are being forced to investigate offences that were perpetrated against them. Is that really the best that we can do, all while so many crimes go unreported? The Retailers Against Crime director, Maxine Fraser, has described the situation as being “out of control”. Will John Swinney admit that, like with so many other issues, he has given up on keeping Scotland’s communities safe? The First Minister: In the budget that Mr Sarwar never voted for, this Government put in record investment of £1.64 billion for policing, enabling us to deliver police services across the length and breadth of the country.”
“Let us hear one another. The First Minister: This is another example of Mr Sarwar coming into the chamber, ramping up the rhetoric and failing to deliver on the reality for the people of our country. Anas Sarwar: John Swinney is living on another planet. He wants to focus on inputs when the reality is that shoplifting is up 124 per cent and that clear-up rates show that less than half of all shoplifting crimes are even solved. I spoke to shop workers in Glasgow yesterday. They told me that, after years of SNP police cuts, officers will now investigate an incident of shoplifting only if shop workers can give them the suspect’s name. If the shoplifter is not already known, there is almost no chance that they will even be investigated, let alone that the criminal will be caught.”
“There are nine questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Ivan McKee is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Michael Marra will fall. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 18779.3, in the name of Ivan McKee, which seeks to amend motion S6M-18779, in the name of Murdo Fraser, on improving Scotland’s finances, 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. 17:28 Meeting suspended. 17:30 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the vote on amendment S6M-18779.3, in the name of Ivan McKee. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“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 the motion. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 5.27 pm.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 17:27”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-18785, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument. I ask Shirley-Anne Somerville to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament recommends that the Social Security (Residence and Presence Requirements) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved.—[Shirley-Anne Somerville] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Motion without Notice 17:27”
“That the Parliament agrees that Foysol Choudhury be appointed to replace Rhoda Grant as the Scottish Labour Party substitute on the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee.—[Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Social Security (Residence and Presence Requirements) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [Draft] 17:27”
“The next item of business is consideration of two Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-18789 and S6M-18790, on committee substitutes. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that— Jackie Dunbar be appointed to replace Stephanie Callaghan as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee; Keith Brown be appointed to replace Stephanie Callaghan as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Public Audit Committee; and Alasdair Allan be appointed to replace Jackie Dunbar as the Scottish National Party substitute on the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-18788, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, which sets out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 16 September 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 17 September 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 Stage 1 Debate: Leases (Automatic Continuation etc.) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 18 September 2025 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 Motion of Condolence followed by Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Ministerial Statement: Improving Care on the Isle of Skye followed by SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate: SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.20 pm Decision Time Tuesday 23 September 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Housing (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 24 September 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 Stage 3 Debate: Housing (Scotland) Bill followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 25 September 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 Stage 1 Debate: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (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 15 September 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.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18771, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, on the legislative consent motion on the Bus Services (No 2) Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation. I would be grateful if members who wish to speak in the debate were to press their request-to-speak buttons now. 17:09”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-18763.3, in the name of Claire Baker, which seeks to amend motion S6M- 18763, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, on 20 years of Scotland’s railway providing a strong platform for the future, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) 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) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) 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) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] 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) 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) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) 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) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) 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) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (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) 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) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Abstentions Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-18763.1, in the name of Sue Webber, is: For 32, Against 80, Abstentions 1.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that if the amendment in the name of Sue Webber is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Claire Baker will fall. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 18763.1, in the name of Sue Webber, which seeks to amend motion S6M-18763, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, on 20 years of Scotland’s railway providing a strong platform for the future, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-18786, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to the business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) to the following revisions to the programme of business for Wednesday 10 September 2025— after followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Debate: Impact of Accommodating Asylum Seekers on Scottish Local Government insert followed by Motion on Legislative Consent: Bus Services (No. 2) Bill - UK Legislation delete 5.10 pm Decision Time and insert 5.40 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, Rules 9B.3.5 and 9B.3.6 of Standing Orders are suspended. The Presiding Officer: I call Douglas Lumsden. 17:09”
“The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on actions to support improved relationships and behaviour in schools. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:21”
“That concludes topical questions. I will allow a few moments for those on the front benches to reorganise themselves before we move to the next item of business. Relationships and Behaviour in Schools”
“This is a moment that will never come again but isn’t every moment like that. Four minutes isn’t very long when there’s so much to say and only 400 words to say it. Time is precious and these are urgent times. There is so much to do. I see, this is how it is for you. If you knew you only had 400 words to say today, you would choose them well, think carefully about the story you most want to tell, knowing words can cast a lasting spell to heal or harm. Reflection is a mirror that can help us see more clearly what we are and what we are here for. We are part of One Life, working together, expressing our differences without enmity, knowing our commonality. So we can live the best of our humanity. Topical Question Time 14:05 Vapes (Synthetic Drugs) 1.”