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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“She sponsored the wear it pink campaign in Parliament for many years and said how privileged she felt to be able to use her platform as an MSP to boost the work of others. She expressed her gratitude to all the organisations that provided her with invaluable support as she went through her own treatment for breast cancer. The flags at Holyrood fly at half mast today as a mark of respect for Christina. A book of condolence for members to sign will be available after First Minister’s question time. We will honour Christina fully in Parliament in the days to come.”
“Colleagues, I am so deeply saddened by the death of our dear parliamentary colleague Christina McKelvie MSP. On behalf of all at the Scottish Parliament, I offer my most sincere condolences to Christina’s partner, our friend and colleague Keith Brown MSP. To Christina’s family and many friends, I say that our entire Parliament—members, staff and all who work in this building—grieves with you. Christina was a determined and passionate campaigner for social justice and an engaging parliamentarian. I remember her warm welcome when I arrived as a newly elected MSP in 2011. It meant a lot. Christina served the Parliament as a committee convener and the Government as a minister under three First Ministers.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Land Reform (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 Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-16942, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument, 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) 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) 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) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (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) 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) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] 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) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McKelvie, Christina (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] 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) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) 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) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) 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) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) 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) 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) Greene, Jamie (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) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (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-16960, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, is: For 90, Against 30, Abstentions 0.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-16960, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“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) 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) 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) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (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) 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) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] 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) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McKelvie, Christina (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] 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) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) 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) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) 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) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) 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) 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) Greene, Jamie (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) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (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) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-16892, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, is: For 91, Against 29, Abstentions 0.”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-16892, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:40 Meeting suspended. 17:42 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the vote on motion S6M-16892, in the name of Mairi Gougeon. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-16942, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument. I ask the minister, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (Treatment of Qualifications Scotland as Specified Authority) Order 2025 [draft] be approved.—[Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: I call Miles Briggs. You have up to three minutes, Mr Briggs. 17:31”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 1 April 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Ministerial Statement: Tackling Fuel Poverty in Scotland: Periodic Report 2021-2024 followed by Stage 1 Debate: Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Data (Use and Access) Bill - UK Legislation followed by Appointment of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 2 April 2025 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; Health and Social Care followed by Ministerial Statement: Heat in Buildings Bill followed by Ministerial Statement: The Impact of the UK Government’s Spring Statement on Scotland followed by Scottish Government Debate: The Impact of the UK Government’s Spring Statement on Scotland followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 3 April 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 followed by Ministerial Statement: Project Willow - Unlocking Grangemouth’s Potential followed by Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, and Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: The Aarhus Convention and Access to Environmental Justice followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 22 April 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 23 April 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 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 24 April 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 Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Debate: Inquiry into Framework Legislation and Henry VIII Powers 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 31 March 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 consideration of motion S6M-16941, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. I call Jamie Hepburn to move the motion.”
“The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-16960, in the name of Shona Robison, on a financial resolution for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. I call Mairi Gougeon to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Land Reform (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.—[Mairi Gougeon] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Business Motion 17:31”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 16923.1, in the name of Murdo Fraser, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16923, in the name of Angus Robertson, on “Scotland—a fair trade nation”, 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. 17:05 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S6M-16923.1, in the name of Murdo Fraser, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16923, in the name of Angus Robertson, on “Scotland—a fair trade nation”. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“I thank Mr Lumsden for his point of order. I will look into the issues that he has raised and will respond as quickly as possible. Decision Time 17:02”
“The next item of business is a statement by Paul McLennan on the Scottish Government’s response to the Grenfell tower inquiry phase 2 report. 14:30”
“It is easy to get so caught up in the difficulties and problems that we face, particularly during this changing and challenging world of ours, that we lose sight of the wonder and beauty of the individuals that you, the church and all faith communities, seek to serve. They are our greatest resource. Be assured of my continuing prayers. Topical Question Time 14:03 Rape and Serious Assault Victims (Provision of Court Transcripts) 1.”
“I have witnessed local people putting the three Bs into action, often with little recognition and little news coverage. I could be here all afternoon if I spoke about the open hearts, open minds and open doors that we all recognise and take pride in. The great commandment to love our neighbour is something we all recognise. Scotland has a long history of welcoming our neighbours, including refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainians seeking a safe place—the list is endless. Caring for the poor and the marginalised is central to the worlds of faith and politics, which I do not see as separate entities, as I will say at the parliamentary service in Canongate church tomorrow. Members, do not underestimate the role you play in supporting the people within your constituencies.”
“This afternoon, I am going to talk about the three Bs. My theme for the year is building together—not bricks and mortar, but building people together. The next B that I am going to mention is barriers, and breaking barriers. Too often, our society focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common. My final B is budget. There are limited financial resources, but if they are used wisely, we can break down barriers and we can build communities. However, the greatest resource that we have is the people whom we are called to serve. Over the past 10 months, I have travelled the length and breadth of Scotland and have been amazed at the good news stories that are out there. Communities, groups and individuals are caring for others.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Right Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The Right Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson (Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland): Presiding Officer, thank you for the invitation to speak and lead this brief time of reflection. I bring with me the good news and the good wishes of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and also a word of thanks for the way that you support the faith communities and so many other groups, charities and organisations around the country—it is much appreciated. Many of us grew up hearing about and learning the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic—I wonder who thought all those words began with the letter R.”
“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”
“There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that motion S6M-16852, in the name of Finlay Carson, on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, on salmon farming in Scotland, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s 1st Report, 2025 (Session 6), Follow- up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland (SP Paper 720). The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:04. 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.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16852, in the name of Finlay Carson, on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, on salmon farming in Scotland. I would be grateful if members who wish to speak in the debate were to press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:58”
“If the Government had not intervened and I had not taken actions when the yard faced difficulties, there would be people today who would not have had a livelihood for the best part of a decade. I know that that does not concern Russell Findlay much, because he represents a party that destroyed the industrial base of Scotland. That is what happened under the awful leadership of Conservative Governments in the United Kingdom. This Government is working with the workforce to make sure that we can secure the future of the yard. At the heart of Russell Findlay’s question is a complete contradiction because, on the one hand, he has accused the Government of rigging a process in the past—”
“Let us hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: That all began with the contract that John Swinney personally approved 10 years ago. It was rushed through for one purpose, which was to promote the interests of the SNP—not the interests of islanders or taxpayers. The evidence shows that the entire process was rigged and that rules were repeatedly broken. There was not even a bog-standard financial guarantee to protect taxpayers. John Swinney personally signed off a process that was not just flawed but corrupt. Members: Oh! The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: After 10 years, Ferguson’s is still dealing with the fallout. Does John Swinney accept that his actions a decade ago are causing Scottish shipyards to lose contracts to eastern Europe today? The First Minister: No, I do not accept that in any way, shape or form.”
“There are seven questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that amendment S6M-16845.2, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16845, in the name of Claire Baker, on reforming Scotland’s west coast ferries, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a brief suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:20 Meeting suspended. 17:22 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S6M-16845.2, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, which seeks to amend motion S6M- 16845, in the name of Claire Baker. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.— [Jamie Hepburn] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time, which we will come to momentarily. Decision Time 17:20”
“The next item of business is consideration of five Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-16857 to S6M-16860, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and S6M-16861, on the designation of a lead committee. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Community Care (Personal Care and Nursing Care) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security (Up- rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security Up- rating (Scotland) Order 2025 [draft] be approved.”
“The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M- 16856, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on a stage 2 timetable. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Education (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 9 May 2025.—[Jamie Hepburn] Motion agreed to. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:18”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-16855, 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 25 March 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Ministerial Statement: Scottish Government Response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report followed by Scottish Government Debate: Scotland - A Fair Trade Nation followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 26 March 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 Ministerial Statement: Secure Accommodation in Scotland - Capacity followed by Stage 1 Debate: Land Reform (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Land Reform (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Approval of SSIs (if required) 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 27 March 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: Net Zero and Energy, and Transport followed by Ministerial Statement: Response to Fatal Accident Inquiries (Deaths in Custody) followed by Stage 1 Debate: Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time Tuesday 1 April 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Stage 1 Debate: Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 2 April 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 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 3 April 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 followed by Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: The Aarhus Convention and Access to Environmental Justice 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 24 March 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.”
“Please conclude, minister. Paul McLennan: I am happy to meet Mr Griffin and Mr Whitfield to discuss the point about the UNCRC. The Housing (Scotland) Bill will strengthen protections for households from potential harm that could be caused by living in social rented properties. 17:02”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 16839.2, in the name of Tim Eagle, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16839, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on protecting and growing Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector, 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 digital voting. 17:03 Meeting suspended. 17:06 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment S6M-16839.2, in the name of Tim Eagle, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16839, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on protecting and growing Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“The Presiding Officer: For clarity, Mr Ross, every member who spoke in the debate received their allocated time. The time that was used up in topical questions might have been extra time in the debate, if you understand. However, all members received the allocated time per member that was agreed in advance. The time that members were allowed was not shortened but was as expected. The flexibility in a debate is impacted if earlier items of business continue. I hope that that is helpful. Decision Time 17:02”
“The Presiding Officer: Our business is agreed by the Parliament—and has been agreed in this instance. There is usually some flex in a debate; that means that the time that is scheduled for the debate is as the debate management timeline would have it. Where the Parliament has agreed a specific decision time, it is very important that that is adhered to wherever possible. Douglas Ross: Further to my point of order, just for clarity and not to question your ruling, Presiding Officer, the Parliamentary Bureau allocated a certain amount of time for the debate. Because the debate started later, we members had less time. Can decision time not be postponed slightly, to allow the full allocation that the business bureau had given for the debate?”
“That concludes the debate on protecting and growing Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector. It is time to move to the next item of business. Douglas Ross: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The debate that has just concluded started at 2.32 this afternoon. It was due to start 12 minutes earlier, at 2.20. I welcome the fact that three topical questions were selected, and there was a discussion on that. However, having started 12 minutes later, we still concluded bang on 5 o’clock, and, throughout this afternoon’s debate, members have said that they were not able to take interventions because there was no time in hand. When a debate of such importance starts later, is there no latitude for decision time to be at, potentially, a quarter past 5 rather than 5 o’clock, so that we can have a proper debate?”
“We can and should do more to market and celebrate that natural larder, as well as our famed world-class produce. Reimagining the future using the tools that we had in the past to build the sector, collaborating and working with all the elements of the food and drink industry to optimise the opportunities that are before us, and being imaginative and ambitious are all things that this Government will do to ensure that we have a future that is bursting with ideas, innovation and ambition for those who want to be a part of it. When we do that collectively, the momentum will become unstoppable and will benefit all the people of Scotland.”
“If the agriculture budgets are slashed in England and Wales, what will happen to the block grant allocations? What will the repercussions be up here? This Government will send the strongest possible message and reassurance that we recognise and value the resilient agricultural sector. We will do so because it is the bedrock of the food and drink sector, which feeds us, generates economic growth and employs hundreds of thousands of people. It helps us to achieve our nature restoration and emissions reduction targets. It is our vehicle for managing and maintaining the architecture of our landscape, which—I am repeating this, but it bears repeating—is a magnet for the world to come and enjoy. In the natural environment in which we harvest venison and game, it helps us to reinstate some of the magnificent landscapes that we are blessed with.”
“Minister, may I interrupt you for a moment? I am aware that there is quite a lot of noise in the chamber. I would be grateful if colleagues who are coming in and so on could do so quietly. Jim Fairlie: I was in full flow there, Presiding Officer. [Laughter.] Perhaps there is a lack of confidence because farmers are watching a UK Government completely abandon any pretence that it cares what happens to farmers in England and Wales as it takes a wrecking ball to the systems of support for farmers down there. I get that agriculture is devolved, but what message does it send to farmers when they are targeted for inheritance tax, which will impact on the smooth transition of family farms and the viability of those businesses that feed our country?”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16839, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on protecting and growing Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak buttons. 14:32”
“As members might expect, there is great interest in today’s questions. In order to get in as many members as possible, concise questions and responses would be appreciated.”
“I was privileged to conduct their wedding ceremony in front of patients and staff, who John described as his extended family. That is just one of many stories that I could share with you. As people engage with the services offered by Marie Curie, that can prove to be a life-changing experience in so many different ways, both today and into the future. Thank you for your time. Point of”
“A verse in the Bible reminds us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and although we are not a faith-based organisation, this principle of aiming to treat everyone with compassion is key in all that we do. John came to us to have the symptoms of his illness managed. He was experiencing physical and emotional distress. Whilst the medical team worked on his physical symptoms, other professionals worked on his emotional ones. It transpired that John felt that he had missed the opportunity to marry the love of his life. He wanted to give her security, which would be better provided for her if they were married. Working together as a team, a week later, John was standing in the Marie Curie hospice quiet room, waiting for his bride to arrive.”
“From our in-patient units to our community outreach, staff prepare to cope with any eventuality. Day and night, teams care for patients and their families by giving willingly of themselves where the need for support is greatest. Marie Curie services ensure that our patients receive the nursing and medical treatment they need in a caring, dignified environment, whether in the hospice or at home. From personalised medical and physical support to psychological, spiritual and emotional care, whatever the illness, at whatever stage of the journey, our aim is to help our patients live the best possible life, right to the end. However, we do not step away at that point but continue to support families in the months ahead through our bereavement service.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Carol Telfer, chaplain of Glasgow hospice, Marie Curie. Carol Telfer (Chaplain of Glasgow Hospice, Marie Curie): Thank you for this opportunity to speak. Marie Curie aims to be a beacon of support for those at the end of their lives, ensuring that they and their families receive the compassion, respect and care that they deserve. The Marie Curie great daffodil appeal takes place every March, marking a significant fundraising campaign to support the vital work of Marie Curie. It has grown to become one of the United Kingdom’s most widely recognised charity campaigns, deeply rooted in community participation. The daffodil pin is not just our symbol; it is recognised as a lifeline for many families and worn as an act of solidarity.”
“17:04 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on amendment S6M-16777.2, in the name of Paul Sweeney, which seeks to amend motion S6M- 16777, in the name of Neil Gray, on adoption of innovation in health and social care. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M-16777.1, in the name of Sandesh Gulhane, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16777, in the name of Neil Gray, on adoption of innovation in health and social care, be agreed to. Amendment agreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that amendment S6M-16777.2, in the name of Paul Sweeney, which seeks to amend motion S6M-16777, in the name of Neil Gray, on adoption of innovation in health and social care, 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.”
“The Conservatives inflicted 14 years of austerity on this country and busted the public finances with the stupid and reckless budget that Liz Truss presided over, which Russell Findlay wanted me to emulate, but he could not make a single suggestion about how to improve Scotland for the better. The more the people of Scotland look at the Scottish Conservatives, the more they will see a party that is toxic in everything that it says, that is interested only in running down this institution and that is a direct threat to Scottish self-government. I will be proud to lead a Government that addresses the real concerns of the people of Scotland and provides hope for the future for the people of Scotland as we trample past the Conservative Party in the years to come. National Security (Skills) 2.”
“The First Minister: Russell Findlay used the term “scraping the bottom of the barrel”. That is exactly what Russell Findlay has just done— [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Mr Hoy, you seem to be having particular difficulty in adhering to the standing orders of this Parliament. I will not ask again that you adhere to those standing orders. The First Minister: Russell Findlay has just scraped the bottom of the barrel with the type of toxic personality politics that has become the character of the Conservative Party in Scotland. There was not a single suggestion in that question or a single example of how Scotland could be improved.”
“She divided our country, betrayed women, broke her promises to pupils, launched a ferry with painted-on windows, raised taxes, alienated business and allowed drug deaths to spiral to the worst in Europe. Even on her life’s mission, she failed. Nicola Sturgeon tried to break up her great country, but we, the Scottish Conservatives, stopped her. Nicola Sturgeon will leave—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: Nicola Sturgeon will leave amid an on-going police investigation into the SNP’s finances, while John Swinney still backs her toxic politics to the hilt. Yesterday’s man is standing by yesterday’s woman. How can he ever change Scotland for the better when he has been at the heart of the problem for two decades?”
“The First Minister: We also introduced legislation to ensure that 50 per cent of non- executive members of boards of public bodies would be women. Nicola Sturgeon appointed the first-ever gender-balanced Cabinet. One of the other things that she did that I think was particularly important is that she led the campaign against the despicable rape clause that was presided over by the Conservative Government in London. Russell Findlay: John Swinney is scraping the barrel so much that he nicked Monica Lennon’s period products policy. It is because of Nicola Sturgeon that people in the real world have never felt more disconnected from this place and so disillusioned with it. By any honest assessment, Nicola Sturgeon has failed Scotland.”
“The First Minister: During Nicola Sturgeon’s term in office as the first female First Minister of Scotland—which I think is a moment of enormous significance for the country to have experienced— she led a Government that introduced the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, which makes psychological domestic abuse and controlling behaviour a crime. I am proud that this Government took that action to bring that legislation to the Parliament. We also took action to provide access to free period products in public spaces. Nicola Sturgeon introduced—[Interruption.] I do not know why Conservative members are laughing about all that. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the First Minister. [Interruption.] Colleagues, I remind all members of the need to abide by our standing orders.”
“Let us hear one another. Russell Findlay: —but her fixation on gender has become just as divisive as her nationalism. The first-ever female First Minister trampled on women’s rights. She could not even bring herself to admit that a double rapist was a man. For years, the Scottish National Party Government was distracted by that fringe obsession. Nicola Sturgeon focused on “they/them” instead of improving public services for everyone. Nicola Sturgeon is heading for the exit, but John Swinney is sticking with her toxic agenda. Now that she is quitting, should the SNP’s gender obsession not follow her out the door?”