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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“The fault line in the system that is here—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. The First Minister: —is that Russell Findlay and the Tories, with their credentials as the nasty party of Scottish politics properly restored, are going after vulnerable people in our society. Well, my party is not going to do that. Russell Findlay: I remember the old John Swinney, who preached about being respectful in here. The mask has again slipped and he has gone back to the angry John Swinney who resorts to silly smears. He still does not get it. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. Russell Findlay: The party of gravy-bus grifters and camper-van capers mugs its own members and robs the taxpayers of Scotland. It has built a benefits system that shouts, “Free money here!” It is a charter for chancers.”
“Today, we can reveal another shocking fact. Under the SNP’s new benefits system, just three people have been convicted for fraud-related offences since 2022. Out of the almost 1 million people who claim benefits in Scotland, just three people have been convicted of such offences. That is unbelievable. On the basis of our evidence, does John Swinney agree that the SNP has, in effect, decriminalised benefit fraud in Scotland? The First Minister: I reiterate what I said in my answer to Mr Findlay’s second question: the system is working, because investigations take place when they are required. There is a robust assessment process in place. What Mr Findlay’s question is cover for is his desire to take benefits away from vulnerable people in our society.”
“The First Minister: Yes, I stand by those comments because I believe that to be the case. I cannot be the only person who is surprised that Russell Findlay has not managed to make a connection between the fact that an investigation is being made, which confirms the point that such activities are undertaken by Social Security Scotland, and the fact that the system is robust in that respect. By his own words—not for the first time—Russell Findlay destroys the arguments that he puts to me in the Parliament. Russell Findlay: Here is a reality check for John Swinney. Last year, my party revealed that Social Security Scotland had referred just 29 cases of potential fraud to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. On the basis of the level of fraud across the United Kingdom, that number should be in the thousands.”
“We are going to hear Mr Findlay. Russell Findlay: Anyone who is daft enough to trust the SNP with their cash needs to give their head a wobble. However, I am more interested in taxpayers’ money. That case illustrates so much that is wrong with the SNP’s benefits system. Thanks to The Scotsman newspaper, we know that Sally Donald may have claimed tens of thousands of pounds in adult disability payment to which she was not entitled. I have repeatedly challenged John Swinney over the SNP’s deliberately light-touch benefits system being wide open to abuse, but he is in denial. He told me: “if there is evidence of fraud, those issues are already addressed by the systems that Social Security Scotland has in place.”—[Official Report, 18 September 2025; c 11.] Does he stand by his claim that the system is strong enough to catch benefits cheats?”
“Good morning. The first item of business is general question time, which is the shortest question session of the week. Face-to-face Banking Services 1.”
“I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Jenny Gilruth is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Miles Briggs will fall. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“There are 11 questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Jenny Gilruth is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Miles Briggs will fall. The first question is, that amendment S6M- 20956.3, in the name of Jenny Gilruth, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20956, in the name of Willie Rennie, on judging the Scottish Government on its education record, 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. 17:18 Meeting suspended. 17:20 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the division on amendment S6M-20956.3, in the name of Jenny Gilruth.”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-20971, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) (Scottish Inshore Region) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved. 17:07”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20970, 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 10 March 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 11 March 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs followed by Ministerial Statement: Skye House: Progress and Assurance followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 8.00 pm Decision Time Thursday 12 March 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Ministerial Statement: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.25 pm Decision Time Tuesday 17 March 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 8.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 18 March 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time Thursday 19 March 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Questions 2.15 pm Portfolio Questions: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill followed by Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Motion: Amendments to the Scottish Parliament Salaries Scheme followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 6.20 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 9 March 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament after Portfolio Questions and before Decision Time and during Members’ Business on Wednesday 4 March 2026. The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20968, 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 Stephen Kerr be appointed as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party substitute on the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Accident and Emergency Services (Pressures)”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill be approved. The Presiding Officer: The European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill is approved. [Applause.] The next question is, that motion S6M-20966, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on suspension of standing orders, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that, for the purposes of consideration of the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, Rule 9.5.3A of Standing Orders is suspended. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20967, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on committee meeting times, be agreed to.”
“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) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (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) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20934, in the name of Mark Ruskell, on the European Charter of Local Self- Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, is: For 108, Against 0, Abstentions 0.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: The Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill is passed. [Applause.] The next question is, that motion S6M-20934, in the name of Mark Ruskell, on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Members should cast their votes now.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (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) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20943, in the name of Siobhian Brown, on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, is: For 106, Against 0, Abstentions 0.”
“There are five questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20943, in the name of Siobhian Brown, on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As this is a motion to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. There will be a brief suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:01 Meeting suspended. 17:05 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the division on motion S6M-20943, in the name of Siobhian Brown, on the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. 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 Graeme Dey, the Minister for Parliamentary Business, to move such a motion.”
“That the Parliament agrees that Stephen Kerr be appointed as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party substitute on the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The questions on the motions will be put at decision time. Motion without Notice 17:00”
“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-20966, on suspension of standing orders, S6M-20967, on committee meeting times, and S6M-20968, on a committee substitute. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that, for the purposes of consideration of the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, Rule 9.5.3A of Standing Orders is suspended. That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament after Portfolio Questions and before Decision Time and during Members’ Business on Wednesday 4 March 2026.”
“That concludes the debate on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill at reconsideration stage. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:00”
“The next item of business is a statement by Fiona Hyslop on ferries and ports. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:35”
“Scottish Government officials and ministers have held regular discussions with the UK Government over the past few days. We have heard its position and discussed with it the importance of consular support for people from Scotland who are in the region. Middle East Conflict (Scottish Airports) 2.”
“With regard to the substantive question, cabinet secretary. Angus Robertson: As the First Minister has said, it is not clear that the actions taken by the United States and Israel were compatible with the international rules-based system. The Iranian regime is, of course, repugnant and repressive, but we all still have to operate within the law. The Prime Minister was correct not to be involved with the initial intervention. However, there is now a significant risk towards UK interests due to the fact that the Prime Minister has made UK bases available to the United States for defensive action. That demonstrates the severity of the situation and the risks that we now face. The international community must apply pressure to ensure that we seek a diplomatic solution and avoid further escalation.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20965, 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 revisions to the programme of business for— (a) Tuesday 3 March 2026— after followed by Topical Questions insert followed by Ministerial Statement: Ferries and Ports followed by Ministerial Statement: Ferguson Marine delete 5.00 pm Decision Time and insert 5.15 pm Decision Time (b) Thursday 5 March 2026— after followed by Appointment of Board Member to Environmental Standards Scotland insert followed by Financial Resolution: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill— [Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: I call Edward Mountain. 14:05”
“Reflection allows us to learn from the past so that we do not repeat the mistakes of history. I believe that the time has come for all of us— particularly world leaders—to pause and shift our focus from material development to spiritual development, because only through compassion, empathy and understanding can we hope to create a better future for all human beings. Thank you very much. Business Motion 14:04”
“No one truly wins in a war. Each of us has the potential to be compassionate. Compassion is the very essence of life itself, but it is not always easy. It demands that we treat all beings, human and non-human alike, with equal care and concern. When tragedy strikes, we may feel sorrow, but it often seems distant until it touches us personally. True compassion means feeling for and caring about everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches us that human values are essential for harmony within families, society, communities and nations. Even the smallest act of kindness can change the course of someone’s life, but negative actions leave scars that can last for generations, and they tear apart what we have worked so hard to build.”
“As a devoted follower of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, I firmly believe that compassion is key not only to personal happiness but to global peace. Compassion has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides and guide us towards a world where conflicts are resolved not through violence, fear, anger or greed, but through understanding, patience and kindness. At first glance, violence may seem like a solution. However, by creating destruction and division we create only more pain and suffering. Compassion, ethics and discipline are not weaknesses; they are our greatest strengths. Compassion, combined with those other qualities, gives us the courage to overcome fear. When we look beyond actions, we see suffering that is driven by anger, greed and ignorance, and we come to recognise that those who cause harm are also in pain.”
“Good afternoon. Our first item of business is time for reflection and our time for reflection leader today is Representative Tsering Yangkey. Representative Tsering Yangkey: Feasgar math. Tashi Delek. That is our traditional Tibetan greeting: a heartfelt expression symbolising good fortune, happiness and wellbeing. Honourable Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, and esteemed members of the Scottish Parliament, it is an honour to stand before you today. I am deeply grateful to the honourable MSP Ross Greer for nominating me and to the honourable Presiding Officer for granting me the opportunity to speak in this sacred temple of democracy. It is truly a privilege. I stand before you to talk about something that transcends borders, beliefs and time: compassion.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 17:39. This is the final edition of the Official Report of 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”
“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) 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) 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) (Ind) 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) 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) 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) 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) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) 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) Abstentions 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) 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) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (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) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20733, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the draft Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026, is: For 87, Against 0, Abstentions 25.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the findings and recommendations in the Criminal Justice Committee’s 1st Report, 2026 (Session 6), Inquiry into the harm caused by substance misuse in Scottish Prisons (SP Paper 956). The Presiding Officer: The final question is, that motion S6M-20733, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the draft Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026, 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. 17:35 Meeting suspended. 17:37 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-20733, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the draft Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026. Members should cast their votes now.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20893, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on behalf of the Finance and Public Administration Committee, on the cost-effectiveness of Scottish public inquiries, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the findings and recommendations in the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s 14th Report, 2025 (Session 6), Report on the Cost-effectiveness of Scottish Public Inquiries (SP Paper 943). The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20875, in the name of Audrey Nicoll, on behalf of the Criminal Justice Committee, on the substance misuse in prisons inquiry, be agreed to.”
“Thank you, Ms Thomson. I will certainly make sure that the relevant officials are in contact with you and that the matter is thoroughly investigated. Decision Time 17:34”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20733, in the name of Ivan McKee, on the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026. I would be grateful if members who wish to speak in the debate could press their request-to- speak button now. 16:57”
“Before we move to First Minister’s question time, I invite the First Minister to make some remarks to mark the fourth anniversary of the war against Ukraine. 12:02”
“Let us hear the minister. Siobhian Brown: We are in discussions with the programme to understand the impact, but we hope that funding can continue to be raised from other sources.”
“Football Clubs and their Fans (Contribution to Society)”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Budget (Scotland) (No. 5) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: If no member objects, I will put a single question on three Parliamentary Bureau motions. As no member objects, the question is, that motions S6M-20899 to S6M-20901, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time.”
“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) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) 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) 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) 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) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (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) 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) 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) 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) Against Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (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) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (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) 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) Abstentions Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20860, in the name of Shona Robison, on the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill at stage 3, is: For 66, Against 29, Abstentions 24.”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20860, in the name of Shona Robison, on the Budget (Scotland) (No 5) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As this is a motion to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. Members should cast their votes now.”
“The next item of business is consideration of three Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-20899 to S6M-20901, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The questions on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 18:47”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20898, 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 3 March 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill followed by Reconsideration Stage Proceedings: European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (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 4 March 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; Health and Social Care followed by Scottish Liberal Democrats Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 5 March 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister's Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Social Justice and Housing followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill followed by Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Debate: Climate Change Plan followed by Appointment of Board Member to Environmental Standards Scotland followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time Tuesday 10 March 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 10.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 11 March 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 7.30 pm Decision Time Thursday 12 March 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister's Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 2 March 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: I call Murdo Fraser to speak to and move amendment S6M-20898.1.”
“I remind members that legal proceedings are active, and that the sub judice rule applies. I will allow reference to the case for the purpose of asking and responding to questions on the handling of information. However, there should be no discussion of the specifics of the case. Lord Advocate (Information Sharing)”
“Time and again, it puts party before country—receiving tip-offs about court cases, circling the wagons to protect its own, blurring the lines between Government and party, colluding and covering up, and offering grieving families cash and trips to Disneyland rather than honesty and accountability. The First Minister: Smear, smear, smear. Michael Marra: That is absolutely the case, and the First Minister should be ashamed of it. The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. Michael Marra: The SNP does all of that because it is defending a record of failure: hundreds of thousands of Scots on NHS waiting lists, more than 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, ferries that do not sail, roads that do not get dualled, an education system that is going backwards and a justice system that is past breaking point.”
“Of the two options, the Government chose the regressive, not the progressive, way to raise more money from ENICs. Michael Marra: Lots of fine-tuning choices can be made. Mr Greer might be right that there are more progressive ways to apply parts of different taxes, and we continue to have those arguments. However, the idea that you just do not make such choices and therefore have less money for public services has been the SNP front bench’s approach—it asked for an additional £90 billion for spending but opposed £45 billion of revenue raisers. Frankly, that is incomprehensible and ludicrous. The reality is that the SNP will never take the bold choices that are needed to change this country for the better.”
“It is absolutely clear that the uplift in the amount of money that has come to the Scottish Government—we are talking about the allocation for today’s budget—has been considerable. Goodness only knows where we would be without it. Mr Greer said that he opposed the rise in employer national insurance contributions. I understand that the rise presents challenges for businesses across Scotland, but the money has to come from somewhere. Where does he suggest that it should come from? Ross Greer: The Labour Government faced two options when it came to employer national insurance contributions and it chose the option that increased the contribution of workers on lower wages. Why did it maintain the 2 per cent cap on ENICs for those who are on salaries above £50,000?”
“I get that there are people in the chamber who do not agree that we should have a redistributive budget, but that is what is in place. Analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility clearly shows that additional taxation has been introduced to produce the additional resources that the Scottish Government has benefited from. Keith Brown: Michael Marra earlier said that he respects independent authoritative agencies that comment on budgets. The OBR has said that Labour’s budget this year lays the groundwork for future years of austerity. Does the member agree with that? Michael Marra: I recall Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies talking about the Labour budget and saying clearly that under no interpretation could it be considered austerity.”
“The reality is that, instead of going forward by introducing an app on which people can book an appointment, we are going back to the 1950s and asking people to queue up for an appointment instead. It is absolutely the case that that is not progress but a move backwards. In his opening and closing speeches, Ross Greer talked about the UK context and the amount of money that has been provided to the Scottish Government—he called it “austerity”. Mr Greer should know that an additional £10.3 billion of funding for the Scottish Government’s budget clearly does not represent austerity. An additional £5.2 billion was provided in this budget year alone, which reflects a highly redistributive approach. Keith Brown: Will the member give way? Michael Marra: I will take the member’s intervention in a moment.”
“Today, reports have come in from across the country about the lack of clarity on the centres. When the cabinet secretary stood up at the start of the debate, she was unable to fairly represent what is happening with the service in Dundee. She said that the service would be open to people across the city, but that is simply not the case—it is restricted to existing patients registered at the health centre to which the service will be allocated. That comes against a backdrop of a 25 per cent cut in the number of GP surgeries in Dundee under this SNP Government. The number of registered patients in the remaining surgeries has increased by more than 40 per cent. That is the context in which a new queuing system for one surgery in Dundee has been introduced.”
“Last year, we had a budget that was held behind closed doors. The reality is that chaotic decision making by the Government, which means that civil servants spend the whole year fighting to hold on to the budget that they were allocated at the start of it, creates real problems in how Government works and in how money is allocated. Across Government departments, basic budgets are restricted in-year and things are promised but subsequently not delivered. Then there are the long-term trends. My colleague Jackie Baillie rightly pointed out that GP services have been downgraded from the 11 per cent that they previously commanded in the health budget to 7 per cent. GPs are furious at what we have now: an SNP electioneering gimmick about supposed walk-in centres. There is no clarity on how those will operate.”
“17:49 Michael Marra: It has been a feisty debate at times, but, throughout it, there has been no recognition whatever from members on the SNP benches—the back benches or the front benches—of the need for a change of direction. Members would expect me to say that there is such a need, but, when the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Fraser of Allander Institute are saying that the spectre of an inevitable emergency budget is on the horizon, that should be of concern to members on the Government benches. Those are authoritative and independent bodies that SNP ministers have often quoted over the years, so they should be concerned. Perhaps that has just become the norm and to be expected. We had three years of consecutive emergency budgets, and all the chaos that ensued, under this Government.”