Clare Adamson
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“That concludes the debate. I wish members, their staff and everyone else who works on the parliamentary campus a wonderful recess. Meeting closed at 18:10. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting.”
“I am reminded again of my discussion with the family of the man on licence in the community. They reported that there is a broken community payback system and that hours have been wasted by a poorly managed scheme.”
“Home detention as part of a wider set of tools to manage a prison population does work, yet the number of prisoners on home detention curfew is lower now than it was 10 years ago. Between 2016 and 2018, an average of 288 prisoners were on home detention at any one time; during the same period ending in 2025, the average number was 87.”
“I call on the Scottish Government to do what Pauline McNeill described clearly and take the action that is needed to clear the backlog in the justice system. We need to reduce the number of people who are held on remand.”
“He committed an act of violence and punishment is appropriate, but we agree with the Scottish Government that to assume prison is a panacea for all crime is to simplify the most complex of issues. As my colleague from across the chamber emphasised today, the aim of our justice system is twofold: to punish and to rehabilitate.”
“We now move to closing speeches. I call Yi-pee—sorry, Yi-pei—Chou Turvey to speak for up to four minutes. 15:50 Yi-pei Chou Turvey: Do not worry, Deputy Presiding Officer—Yi and pei are both pronounced like EE, the phone company, if that makes it easier to remember.”
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“I make a final plea to the minister. The police are frustrated that, when they seize vehicles, a small fine is paid and the vehicle is then released back to the owner. If we could have stronger legislation for repeat offenders, that might help the situation. 18:14”
“Education and awareness raising are essential to help people understand the dangers of illegal modifications, reckless use and antisocial behaviour, and unsafe charging. Alongside that, enforcement must be robust. Those who put themselves or others at risk must be held accountable. We should look to the role of manufacturers, retailers and local authorities in ensuring that people have access to safe and legal e-bikes and e-scooters. I have worked extensively with the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland to look at how such measures can be implemented in our communities. E-bikes and e-scooters can absolutely be a positive addition to our transport system, but the dangers that are posed by illegal modifications, reckless riding, antisocial behaviour and battery- related fires cannot be ignored.”
“That is becoming increasingly common. For communities, it is destructive day-to-day behaviour that shapes how they see e-bikes and e-scooters. It reinforces how urgently we need to address the wider safety issue. In Scotland, the law is clear: e-bikes and e- scooters are already regulated in terms of their speed and power output and where they can be used. Police also have the authority to seize vehicles that are illegally modified or are being used dangerously. Recent enforcement activity shows that the unsafe modifications and reckless behaviour are not isolated incidents—they are widespread, and the risks are very real. We need a balanced approach. E-bikes and e- scooters offer convenience and real environmental benefits, but public safety must come first.”
“To illustrate the danger, I highlight that a recent police seizure recovered an e-bike that was capable of reaching 70mph. The issue is not only excessive speed. Illegally modified bikes pose a serious fire risk, particularly when they are being charged. There have already been fatalities in the United Kingdom that have been linked to fires that were started by e-bike and e-scooter batteries. The combination of extreme speed, instability and the risk of battery fires makes the bikes a very real public safety concern. Alongside the physical dangers, we cannot ignore the rise in antisocial behaviour that is associated with some e-bike and e-scooter use. Ms Webber excellently laid out some of the problems, such as riders weaving through pedestrians, ignoring traffic signals and using pavements and shared spaces irresponsibly.”
“I thank Sue Webber for bringing to the chamber this important debate on the dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters. As convener of the cross-party group on accident prevention and safety awareness, I stress that these vehicles are not only a concern for the people who ride them; they pose huge risks to pedestrians and other road users, and to anyone—including service dogs—sharing our roads and pavements. Safety has to come first. It is important to be clear from the outset that not all e-bikes are dangerous—many are safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. However, we are seeing a serious and growing problem with black-market and illegally modified e-bikes. Too often, e-bikes are fitted with cheap conversion kits that let them reach speeds far beyond what the manufacturers had ever intended.”
“I cannot imagine a loss such as Fraser and June experienced or how it affects you, with no chance that it will ever go away. As Elena Whitham said, bereavement care is supposed to be in place in all NHS boards, but there is evidence, as Fraser Morton’s case suggests, that that is not the case across Scotland. A couple of weeks ago, as it happens, I spoke to the Sands charity about the lack of bereavement services. My daughter is a midwife, and midwives often do not have the time to deliver the bereavement care that they are trained to provide.”
“What I really wanted to talk about was the grief of losing a child, especially in childbirth. One of my first-ever constituency cases involved a gentleman by the name of Fraser Morton and his partner, June. They lost Lucas in childbirth. The hospital said that he was stillborn; Fraser and June disagreed. They needed to know that Lucas had been there, even for the briefest of moments, and that they could register him and get a birth certificate. It was a fight, which included meetings with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and the chief medical officer, and a Health Improvement Scotland investigation, before it was accepted that there had been a failure of the NHS and that the neonatal unit had been 24 staff short. A couple of weeks ago, Fraser posted on social media that Lucas would have turned 10.”
“Brian Whittle: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. It is more than 12 years since we lost Todd Bennett—one of the great indestructibles. I still have his number on my phone, and I still have all his social media and his texts. Earlier this year, I lost somebody really close to me. I still have her number and all her social media and her messages. I have photographs and reminders that pop up in my social media—just when I feel safe, there is that jab in the stomach again. People say that time is a real healer and that we eventually get over our grief, but I do not think so. To me, when it comes to grief, we actually learn to carry it, and to accommodate it, but it is never away. How we accommodate that grief is, perhaps, what we are discussing, and where the role of bereavement care comes in.”
“Would the member take an intervention? Brian Whittle: Please. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Clare Adamson. Clare Adamson: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I had not intended to speak this evening, but listening to Elena Whitham made me think of an organisation in my constituency: the Miracle Foundation. It was founded by Mariam Tariq—who I nominated as my community champion this year—specifically because her family had suffered a bereavement from a tragic accident and she felt that there was no support for the children. Just a few years later, she is engaging with the NHS and with hospices, and is working really hard. I offer that as another example of the great work that is being done across our constituencies in Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you. I call Brian Whittle.”
“My apologies to the Parliament for being late today. To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the EU- UK trade and co-operation agreement on touring artists in Scotland, including any plans for discussion with the UK Government on this matter in advance of the forthcoming review of the agreement. (S6O-05233)”
“Although there will, of course, always be a need for some children to go into care, we want to provide the maximum support possible to families at the earliest point in time.”
“Will the minister set out what the Scottish Government is doing to reduce the need for children to access residential care? What progress has been made in that area? Natalie Don-Innes: Through programmes such as the whole family wellbeing fund, we are working to provide better support for families and to reduce the need for children to go into care. I see the outcomes of that work daily, including through my visits to Includem, Circle Scotland’s whole family support and the open kindergarten project, to name just a few examples. I have heard directly from families how important and transformative those services are, so I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. Children’s social work statistics report that the proportion of children in care in July 2024 was the lowest that it had been since 2005.”
“The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, in collaboration with others, published the population health framework in June, which is about taking a cross-Government and cross-sector approach to improving the key building blocks of healthcare. There are initial priorities in that document on embedding prevention into our systems. Three local authority areas have been established as Marmot places through the collaboration for health equity in Scotland. In response to the recommendations from the expert reference group on Covid-19 and ethnicity, we have taken targeted action to tackle the healthcare inequalities that are experienced by minority ethnic communities. That is built into the Government’s approach.”
“There are profound lessons to be learned from the impact of the pandemic on those with protected characteristics, health inequalities and those living in poverty. The evidence highlights unequal effects across different age groups and for those living with learning disabilities. There is also the issue of digital inclusion at such an important time. Can the cabinet secretary outline how such inequalities, including those linked to age or learning ability, will be addressed in future public health planning, based on the evidence that has emerged in the aftermath of the pandemic? Kate Forbes: For the reasons that Clare Adamson set out, improving health and reducing health inequalities across Scotland remains a clear ambition for the Government.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can confirm that the Tunnock’s wafers on my Loganair flight were suitably badged. 12:56”
“I welcome the excellent opportunity to strengthen the diagnosis capacity across the health service and ensure that patients are referred for investigation as quickly and early as possible. I think that there will be an opportunity for members to visit Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s pan can van outside the Scottish Parliament today. I commend Tunnock’s, a Scottish icon that I am sure is in all our thoughts, given Scotland’s wonderful performance the other night. Every year for pancreatic cancer day, Tunnock’s produces tea cakes with an iconic purple covering, and this is a rare opportunity to see those in action. I urge all members to support the incredible work of Pancreatic Cancer Action and Pancreatic Cancer UK in raising awareness of the disease.”
“Since I spoke in last year’s members’ business debate, another 900 people in Scotland will have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and many of them will be subject to delays and variation in care. I have been working closely with representatives of Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to ensure that the new national hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer pathway covers referral, diagnosis and treatment. It is vital to ensure that no patient slips through the cracks. As part of that, the national centre for sustainable delivery will commence work on an optimal diagnostic pathway for HPB cancers, which is expected to be completed by 2026.”
“Each of those projects is a vital step towards earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, saving lives. However, research alone is not enough. Pancreatic cancer research receives only 3 per cent of the UK’s total cancer research funding, despite being on track to become the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the coming years, overtaking breast cancer. That imbalance and delay in progress is costing lives, and we urgently need a UK-wide commitment to achieve substantial improvements in survival rates for cancers with the poorest outcomes, including pancreatic, brain, liver, lung, oesophageal and stomach cancer. That must be achieved by the end of the decade. We wait for the progress that new research will undoubtedly bring, but we must not lose sight of the patients who are facing cancer right now.”
“The study will advance to its second phase in the new year, which will see about 40 hospitals across the United Kingdom, including some here in Scotland, take part in a national trial. If successful, that simple test could transform the way in which people are referred for assessment, allowing the disease to be caught at a stage at which treatment is still possible. We are also seeing pioneering work from researchers across Scotland. At the University of Glasgow, Professor Nigel Jamieson is leading a project to identify which pancreatic cysts are most likely to turn cancerous. That could allow early intervention for those who are most at risk. Other UK studies are developing blood and urine tests and tools to identify new-onset diabetes that can signal the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer.”
“We know that progress is possible, and we must have better outcomes. It is encouraging that research into early detection of pancreatic cancer is showing progress and has the potential to shift the dial towards earlier diagnosis during the next few years. That is because of organisations such as Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action, which fund research and are working to help doctors in primary care detect the disease earlier. One such project is the volatile organic compound assessment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—known as VAPOR—study, led by Professor George Hanna at Imperial College London. His team is developing a breath test for use in GP surgeries to rapidly identify patients with pancreatic cancer. Early results indicate that the test accurately detects the disease at its earliest stages.”
“Half of those diagnosed die within three months, eight in 10 are diagnosed too late for life- saving treatment and only seven in every 100 survive beyond five years. I know that it has touched members since our previous debate, as it has touched all of us over the years. On world pancreatic cancer day, it is crucial that we remember that those numbers represent families that will never be the same and lives that are cut painfully short. The central problem that we face is that of late detection. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague—back pain, indigestion, weight loss and jaundice—and are often viewed as non-urgent in primary care settings. Nine in 10 patients visit their general practitioner multiple times before being diagnosed. However, by that time, the cancer is often too advanced for surgery or other life-saving treatments.”
“I thank everyone who supported the motion recognising pancreatic cancer awareness month and world pancreatic cancer day, which is today for 2025, and all the members who took part in the photo call in the garden lobby a few weeks ago. I hope that members of Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland are with us today on this important occasion. Although this might be the last pancreatic cancer debate in this parliamentary session, I trust that it will not be the last that we have in the Parliament, as we have established this regular debate as an important moment when we look at the impact of this incredibly devastating cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. Each year, just under 900 people in Scotland are diagnosed, and the statistics remain stark.”
“We see the global south suffering from climate change. The threat to our existence is existential. We know that COP30 is looking at those issues, and we hope that a strong and good way forward will come out of the conference. However, we must have the power to control what we do, so that we can play our part as individuals, as a country, as a European partner and as a member of the world community, because this is an existential threat. It is the biggest threat that is facing us. 15:44”
“I appreciate that it is not relevant to the amendment that the Conservatives have lodged and that it is not necessarily relevant to the motion that the Green Party has put forward, but it is relevant to the SNP’s amendment. The judgment about that is for me, as chair, and I will not be heckled into changing that decision. I also encourage members on the Conservative benches not to provide a running commentary throughout the speech. Clare Adamson: Thank you, Presiding Officer. We face an existential threat: a climate disaster. COP30 is happening right now, and we know that we have already failed to meet the targets that would keep the rise in global temperatures below a 1.5°C increase. We are seeing weather events across the world that are devastating communities—many of which are in countries that, at some point, Britain has exploited.”
“The carbon border adjustment mechanism that is about to come in will see every exporter in Scotland hit with a charge for the carbon that they use in their production processes, and we no longer have a place at the top table to enter into negotiations about that. Liam Kerr: That does not address the motion. Douglas Lumsden: What does that have to do with the motion? Clare Adamson: Again, that is left in the hands of Westminster politicians, who have failed to use the resources of this country— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Ms Adamson, please resume your seat for a second. I am not going to be told by members on any bench whether something is relevant. I will judge whether what Ms Adamson is saying is relevant to the amendment that the Government has lodged.”
“Meanwhile—although, of course, I have constituents who have concerns about the climate—I see constituents who went through a transition in the 1980s, when the Tories did away with the mines and steelworks and did nothing just about it. I see people who cannot put food on the table, who cannot afford their fuel and electricity bills and who live in a country that is one of the most unequal in Europe and the world, where the profits have never been used to benefit the people of Scotland. That is why this debate can go nowhere at this stage, because what we need is the power to control those issues. We want to be at the heart of Europe.”
“We are talking about fuel this afternoon, and the fossil fuel industry in particular, but we are really talking about power and where power lies. We know that, even if we pass this motion this afternoon, the decisions about Scotland’s resources, Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s opportunities will not be made in Scotland. That is simply wrong. We have seen how, for years, Westminster has failed to use the resources of Scotland to benefit the people of Scotland. In the 1980s, the SNP ran an “All of the fuel, none of the power” campaign and, unfortunately, nothing has changed since then. Norway’s oil fund was mentioned earlier. It is worth trillions of pounds and is used to benefit the citizens of Norway.”
“Along with the broader measures, firework control zones are an important tool that can be used to help keep communities safe and to support cultural and behavioural change to address the misuse of fireworks. I encourage all local authorities to consider the introduction of firework control zones. I believe that there is a strong appetite for that in communities across Scotland—for example, I know that there is a petition with more than 1,600 signatures for the introduction of such zones in Ayr. The Scottish Government will support local authorities that wish to implement firework control zones.”
“I, too, welcome the fact that there seems to have been less antisocial behaviour this year. Does the minister hope that the first firework control zones being put in place will encourage other local authorities to use the powers that they have been given to consider the introduction of such bans? It is clear that communities such as mine in Motherwell and Wishaw are requesting them. Siobhian Brown: Yes, absolutely. As I said, firework control zones have been in place for the past two bonfire nights. The designation of a zone is a local decision, based on local circumstances, and local authorities are responsible for their introduction and use. Through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, we have given local authorities additional powers to tackle the misuse of fireworks in response to local community needs.”
“People who are living with secondary breast cancer and their families deserve to be seen, counted and supported. Accurate data, timely access to treatments and specialist care are all essential in achieving that. We have to work together to improve the situation, in particular with regard to data collection and consistency across health boards. I pay tribute to everyone who is in the public gallery, whose voices have been heard today—it is so brave and important that you have come to speak to us, and I thank you very much for doing so. 17:38”
“We miss her deeply, and we miss her compassion, energy and unwavering belief in a Scotland where no one should be left behind. I am very honoured to have taken up the mantle of hosting the wear it pink event in the Parliament on behalf of Breast Cancer Now. It was at that event this year that I was able to talk to several women who were living with secondary breast cancer, and I heard their plea that more needs to be done to understand and support those who are living with the condition in Scotland. Along with better data, access to the right treatments is critical. Genomic testing can determine eligibility for new targeted therapies, helping to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Expanding access to those tests across Scotland will ensure that patients can benefit from the treatments that are best suited to them.”
“Around 1,000 people in Scotland die from breast cancer each year, almost all of them from secondary breast cancer. The impact reaches far beyond the individual, touching families, friends and communities. I hope that members do not mind me saying that I am just off the phone to my sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and who was attending the hospital with the thought that she might have had a secondary breast cancer. Fortunately for our family and for her, that was not the case. I also want to speak about a person who is close to all our hearts: Christina McKelvie, who was a friend and a passionate advocate for women’s health, for fairness and for dignity in care. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of those who are often overlooked were brought to the forefront in the Parliament.”
“That means many people who are living with the disease are not fully captured in the data sets. We live in a world of data now. Artificial intelligence is taking over the whole planet, and our health services have to do better at collecting the data that is important for scientific research in order to improve the lives of people with breast cancer and secondary breast cancer. Having the data is essential, as it helps to ensure that people have access to the treatment, support and specialist care that they need. Without that data, we cannot fully understand the impact of secondary breast cancer, or why and how it happens, plan services effectively or ensure access to innovative treatments—as Emma Harper mentioned—that rely on genomic testing.”
“I am wearing my secondary cancer pin this evening to mark the particular circumstances of those who are diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. It is a group of people who are too often unseen, living with secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer. Secondary breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. It can develop months, or even years, after an initial diagnosis. Although it is currently incurable, it is treatable, and with the right care, people can live well for longer. It is estimated that 4,202 people in Scotland were living with the condition at the end of 2023. However, we count only those whose first diagnosis was metastatic; the figure does not include people whose cancer returned after a primary diagnosis.”
“I will close with the words of Kemi Badenoch: “We are in the absurd situation where our country is leaving vital resources untapped while neighbours such as Norway extract them from the same seabed.” Doing that is madness. 17:13”
“There is lots that could be said, but I am already over my time so I will not continue, except to say that I have now lived long enough to see the day when Fergus Ewing proclaimed himself in this Parliament to be a Green. I feel incredibly privileged to have been in the chamber to hear that. However, I also know that he speaks inordinate common sense on this subject, as he does on many others. His comments are based on economic fact. I ask all members to consider that, particularly as we look ahead to tomorrow’s debate on the future of Rosebank. That will be a very interesting debate. No doubt, though, as is the way of the Scottish Parliament, the motion will be amended out of sight by the SNP and Green majority.”
“Does Mr Kerr listen to “The Life Scientific” on BBC Radio 4? It had a prominent climate expert, Pierre Friedlingstein, on today, who explained that this is not a matter of economics; it is a matter of survival. He said that if we do not do more to tackle the climate crisis and our use of carbon, we will all pay the price. Stephen Kerr: We will not do that at the price of tens of thousands of jobs, or at the price of making our country poorer. No parliamentarian here should be arguing for that kind of pathway forward, because it is nonsensical. There have been plans and strategies and promises of jobs in the renewables sector until our ears bleed. None of that happens, because we are in denial about economic reality when we refuse to see things as they really are and, instead, transpose some fantasy.”
“Following our stage 1 scrutiny, the committee supports the general principles of the bill. I look forward to hearing the perspectives and contributions of colleagues in today’s debate. I reiterate my thanks to those who were involved in the stage 1 process, particularly my committee colleagues who might be slightly more excited about the Euros than I am. Nonetheless, this will be a great opportunity for Scotland, so we should all look forward to the Euros, and I again wish Scotland the very best. 15:12”
“We took considerable time over the issue, and our report asked the Scottish Government to clarify “what criteria must be met to qualify such a risk as ‘real and substantial’”. I thank the Scottish Government for setting out the basis for the criteria in its response to our report. We also considered the bill’s potential human rights impacts relating to the restrictions on ambush marketing. We stated that “a clear distinction must be drawn between activity with a commercial purpose, where restrictions may be justified, and activity with a social or political purpose”— such as protests— “where restrictions are not justified”. We recommended that “the Scottish Government should work with Glasgow City Council to monitor and report on any human rights impacts arising from the Bill’s provisions”.”
“Our report asks the council to clarify how guidance will be communicated and how impacts on street traders will be minimised. We also asked UEFA to clarify what assessments it had undertaken of the potential impact of the restrictions on street traders. In response, UEFA stated that it is keen for local businesses to feel the benefits of hosting the championship. We also sought clarity on the bill’s enforcement provisions, particularly the power for a police constable to enter and search a place—though not a house—without permission or a warrant if they believe that there is a real and substantial risk that delay in seeking a warrant would defeat the purpose of taking action.”
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s confirmation that, providing that the seller does not intend to profit from the transaction, that will not be an offence. Our report raised concerns regarding the potential impact on street traders of the bill’s street-trading restrictions, as all hosting authorities will be required to undertake a range of measures during the championships, including taking all reasonable measures to prohibit, restrict and prevent unauthorised street trading. We asked the Government what further engagement it will undertake with street traders ahead of the tournament. The bill also requires Glasgow City Council to offer alternative arrangements to affected street traders and to provide guidance on the restrictions.”
“The bill also provides enforcement powers, creates a criminal offence of obstructing enforcement officers in their duties, and requires that Glasgow City Council publish guidance and offer alternative trading arrangements to affected street traders. Our scrutiny considered the bill’s intentions and provisions, and our stage 1 report outlined several questions and recommendations regarding the bill. I thank the minister and his officials for their response to the committee’s report, which addresses those points. I also thank UEFA and UK & Ireland 2028 Ltd for providing their joint response to the report. I turn to the findings of our report regarding the bill’s provisions. On the ticket touting offence that is included in the bill, we sought clarity from the Scottish Government on whether reselling tickets at face value will be legal.”
“On behalf of my committee, I thank all those who provided evidence to the committee for their time and contributions. Of course, I pay tribute to the committee clerks, without whom the work could not have been completed. The Scottish Government states that the bill is intended to establish commercial rights protections that are in line with the requirements of UEFA ahead of hosting the Euro 2028 matches at Hampden park. The bill includes provision to ban certain commercial activities, such as the unauthorised resale of tickets above face value or with a view to making a profit, and unauthorised street trading and advertising within the championship event zone.”
“I associate myself with the minister’s comments regarding armistice day, and I back up his support for the Scottish team. It demonstrates the power of football that it can result in a round of applause across the chamber, as we do not often see united applause in this place. As the convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, I was glad to see the publication of the committee’s stage 1 report on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill. I thank my committee members and colleagues for their work in scrutinising the bill, as well as members of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee for their contribution to the scrutiny of the bill.”
“That process is continuing under the current UK Government, which has already put in place cuts for disabled people through universal credit, which, of course, continues to be reserved. In addition, there is talk about threats of changing the tax on Motability cars in the UK budget, which would impact people in Scotland. Disabled people in Scotland are greatly concerned that funding for the reserved section that remains in our social security system will be cut, which would put them at a disadvantage and could cause them extreme difficulties. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call”
“I am proud that, while Westminster Conservative Governments and Westminster Labour Governments clearly believe that cutting benefits for disabled people and carers is a vote winner, the SNP Scottish Government is leading by example and delivering a social security system that is based on dignity, fairness and respect. The delivery of such a system was supported unanimously by the Parliament. Ahead of the UK budget, will the cabinet secretary commit to continuing to do all that she can to protect the most vulnerable from further Westminster austerity? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I again point out that Stephen Kerr’s questions suggest that he and the Tories believe that we should take money away from disabled people, given that he seems to want cuts to be made to adult disability payment.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Global Climate Justice and Fair Climate Finance”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Office of the Clerk be closed on Wednesday 24 (am), Monday 29, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 December 2025. That the Parliament agrees— (a) for the purpose of the pre-election campaign period from 26 March to 8 April 2026 (inclusive), that the office of the clerk be closed from 26 March to 8 April 2026 (inclusive); (b) in respect of meetings of committees and sub- committees during the pre-election campaign period, that, in rule 12.3.3, the word “normally” in the second sentence be suspended; and (c) for the purpose of the lodging of written questions immediately prior to the pre-election campaign period, that rule 13.3.4A be suspended and replaced with— “The last day on which written questions may be lodged in the current session is Thursday 12 March 2026.” That the Parliament agrees, for the purposes of the pre- election campaign period from 26 March to 8 April 2026 (inclusive), the following parliamentary recess dates under Rule 2.3.1: 26 March to 8 April 2026 (inclusive).”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Early Release of Prisoners (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on four Parliamentary Bureau motions. As no member has objected, the question is, that motions S6M-19536, on approval of an SSI, motion S6M-19537, on the office of the clerk, S6M-19538, on campaign recess dates, and S6M-19539, on recess dates, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to. Motions agreed to. That the Parliament agrees that the Carer’s Assistance (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments, Revocation, Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Adamson. We will ensure that that is recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Patrick Harvie] Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Patrick Harvie] 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) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Maggie Chapman] Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Against Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) 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) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Abstentions Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-19535, in the name of Graeme Dey, on approval of an SSI, is: For 66, Against 51, Abstentions 5.”