Graeme Dey
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“As the First Minister set out in the chamber on 19 March, the Scottish Government has, since the start of 2024, answered more than 13,000 freedom of information requests, of which 95 per cent have been responded to on time. The Scottish Information Commissioner has raised compliance concerns about two of those cases.”
“Any other Government would be utterly ashamed, but this lot are brazen and think that they can get away with it. Does the minister understand that the Government’s behaviour on that case and so many others has led the public out there to tell me that they think that Scottish National Party ministers and the SNP Government are a bunch of c…”
“[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the minister. Graeme Dey: The Government has an excellent track record in responding to FOI requests.”
“The order responds to a European convention on human rights compliance issue that was identified in relation to voting rights for Scottish Parliament elections and which requires to be remedied ahead of the 2026 election.”
“That bill remains the only bill of this Parliament to have required a two-thirds supermajority in order to be passed and to have obtained that.”
“In moving the business motion on behalf of the bureau, I want briefly to provide members with context and a clear understanding of what adhering to it and avoiding the need for exceptional sittings of the kind that we have had today will require.”
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“On behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, I say to Gillian Mackay that her concerns are noted. I hope that, as a former business manager, she will appreciate that we had to balance a number of asks and pressures in coming to the schedule of business that we have arrived at, and some of those arose quite late in the day. We have to consider a number of pressures when scheduling business. People’s childcare and other responsibilities, particularly when it comes to extended sittings, are always something that we consider—if we are sighted on them, of course. However, Gillian Mackay has given us something else to think about in relation to the moving of business within established timings, and I am sure that the bureau will reflect on that.”
“After the week that we have had, I am delighted to do so. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 6.17 pm.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 18:17”
“5) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 2 February 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. Motion without Notice 18:17”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 3 February 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 1 Debate: Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill followed by Motion on Legislative Consent: Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – UK Legislation followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.55 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 4 February 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 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business followed by Motion on Reconsideration of a Bill: European Charter of Local Self- Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.40 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 5 February 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: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 1 Debate: Ecocide (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 10 February 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 7.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 11 February 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 Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 12 February 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Social Justice and Housing followed by Stage 1 Debate: Budget (Scotland) (No.”
“Amendment disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20611, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme, be agreed to.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (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) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (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) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on amendment S6M-20611.1, in the name of Ash Regan, is: For 28, Against 83, Abstentions 1.”
“The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment S6M-20611.1, in the name of Ash Regan, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20611, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme, 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. 18:14 Meeting suspended. 18:15 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We move to the division on amendment S6M-20611.1, in the name of Ash Regan, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20611, in the name of Graeme Dey. Members should cast their votes now.”
“As I noted, the bureau granted that. However, tonight, in challenging the business motion, Ash Regan not only wants even more time to be set aside but seeks to direct how the business of this Parliament should be ordered on Tuesday. At times, decisions taken by business managers can frustrate colleagues. However, I would hope that it is acknowledged that, when it comes to scheduling business, we do so fairly and equitably. Therefore, I ask members to support the business motion, which provides the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 with more than a fair hearing, and to reject the amendment.”
“The second came yesterday, when the committee convener asked for additional time next Tuesday to discuss the bill at stage 1 in the chamber. For the benefit of members, I should say that business managers agreed unanimously to extend the time allowed for that debate, which has now been extended by 40 minutes to two hours, as is covered by the business motion that is before us. I am surprised to hear the contribution of Pam Gosal because, I reiterate, that was a unanimous decision by the bureau. By any reasonable judgment, the bureau has been extremely accommodating, recognising the interests of members in the bill and the varying opinions on its merits. It seems, however, that reasonableness only cuts one way—at least when it comes to the member in charge of the bill. She, too, sought an extension to the time for debating the bill.”
“The bureau puts a great deal of thought into the scheduling of business. The challenges around accommodating all of the wide variety of business that has to be fitted into the closing weeks of this parliamentary session are acute—as demonstrated by the fact that four stage 1 proceedings are taking place next week, not to mention Opposition business. In making that work, we seek to treat all aspects of business appropriately and fairly and, wherever possible, accommodate the reasonable asks of our committees. In two instances in recent weeks, we have acceded to requests from the Criminal Justice Committee in relation to the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill. The first involved extending the stage 1 deadline by a fortnight in order to help committee members to agree their report.”
“That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 20 February 2026.—[Graeme Dey] Motions agreed to. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 21:56”
“Any member who wishes to speak to the motions should press their request-to-speak button. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 6 February 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 20 February 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 6 February 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill at stage 2 be completed by 20 February 2026.”
“However, the convener of the Criminal Justice Committee, which has done a power of work in considering the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, has written to the bureau today, seeking an extension of the time that is being allocated for the stage 1 proceedings, in order that its report can be fully explored. I have also received correspondence from the member in charge of the bill. The bureau has therefore agreed to reflect on the request for allocation of additional time for the stage 1 debate, with a view to my bringing back, on its behalf, a revised business motion at decision time tomorrow. The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motions S6M-20570, on a stage 1 timetable for a bill, and S6M-20571 to S6M-20574, on stage 2 timetables for bills.”
“As colleagues will know, the bureau must take a range of factors into account when scheduling business. In the context of next week’s business, which the motion covered, we have four members’ bills stage 1 proceedings to schedule. We are also alive, as we always are, to the concerns of members about late sittings, of which we have had two this week, with an extended decision time now to come tomorrow. The proposed business programme, among other things, sought to strike an equitable balance in relation to the various stage 1 proceedings.”
“I am certainly not going to be dragged into an argument as articulated by Rachael Hamilton in those terms. These are serious matters.”
“Does the minister not know that the Scottish ministers set the policy for the Scottish Prison Service, which delivers it? Female prisoners who are already victims of male violence and abuse are being retraumatised, silenced and gaslighted by this Government. Is the Government stalling on bringing forward a statement because the First Minister does not know what a woman is or because the Government is still working out the distinction between a mother taking her young son into a changing room and a violent rapist being housed with vulnerable female prisoners? Graeme Dey: I have laid out very clearly what is motivating the position that the Government has taken and I have explained the reasons for it. I do not think that there is anything further to add to that.”
“It is the Scottish Government’s long-held position that it is inappropriate for Scottish ministers to comment or engage in comments in respect of live litigation. That is the case in the chamber and in the media. The Scottish Government has an obligation to uphold the independence of the judiciary. We do not ever want the Government to be seen as interfering in the work of our independent courts. The court is the appropriate forum for such discussions, which ensures that proper respect is afforded to the judiciary and to litigants. Rachael Hamilton: The public deserve answers, not the Scottish National Party’s defensive drivel yet again. We have already had an answer from the Supreme Court on the definition of biological sex.”
“Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“We have a lot—[Interruption.] We have an awful lot of business to conduct this afternoon, including portfolio questions. The more time that we spend on this bit, the less time we will have on selecting supplementary questions. I call the minister. Graeme Dey: I had concluded, Presiding Officer. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that motion S6M-20599, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 14:05 Meeting suspended. 14:12 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-20599, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau.”
“The First Minister intends to update Parliament on the position of the crew, on communications with the UK Government and on the legal proceedings that have been heard in the Scottish courts this week—and, of course, to answer questions from members. I anticipate that those questions would engage subjects such as how the Scottish legal system was involved, the fact that the vessel was sitting in Scottish waters and the fact that 26 of the crew were taken ashore in Scotland. An element of those legal proceedings is still live, which will limit a part of what the First Minister is able to say. However, given the rapid pace of developments, our view is that the Parliament should be updated today. [Interruption.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: Members, let us hear the minister. [Interruption.] Mr Ross, let us hear the minister.”
“It is clear that self- awareness is not a gift that has been bestowed on Russell Findlay when he accuses anyone of grandstanding. The purpose of the amended business motion is to provide time for a statement by the First Minister to update the Scottish Parliament on the Bella 1. There has been, and there continues to be, significant public interest in the MV Bella 1, which is currently in the Moray Firth, in the wellbeing of the crew and in communications and information sharing between the Scottish and UK Governments. Over the past few days, there has been considerable activity in relation to the Bella 1, and it is therefore right that time is taken to update Parliament and to set out the timeline of that engagement.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that, during stage 3 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, debate on groups of amendments shall, subject to Rule 9.8.4A, be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated, those time limits being calculated from when the stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when a meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress: Groups 1 to 3: 1 hour 25 minutes Groups 4 to 5: 2 hours 55 minutes Groups 6 to 8: 5 hours Groups 9 to 11: 7 hours 15 minutes Groups 12 to 15: 8 hours 50 minutes Groups 16 to 19: 9 hours 50 minutes Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 14:31”
“I think I speak for the majority of those here when I express the view that I hope we will avoid any contributions of a similar length today or tomorrow, from either Mr Mountain or anyone else, but I have confidence that, in the chairing and handling of the stage 3 process, he, and all members, will be afforded the appropriate opportunity to have their say. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that motion S6M-20557, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a timetable for stage 3 consideration of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to.”
“The timings provided are the result of detailed work conducted by Parliament staff, and business managers were of the view that the timings strike the right balance between allowing the proper airing of amendments and going beyond that. It is, of course, for the chair—and we should all respect the authority of the chair—to determine how each group of amendments, and indeed the entire stage 3 process, is conducted. On the accuracy of the predicted timings and of the time offered, I draw the member’s attention to last week’s stage 3 business, when the predicted timings were accurate almost to the minute and, indeed, also catered for one of his colleagues taking 17 minutes to make a single spoken contribution.”
“I genuinely offer Katy Clark the assurance that the matter is being worked on at pace. I hope that she would also accept that there is a real need to be extremely careful to ensure that the information— which will be released—does not inadvertently provide jigsaw identification of any of the individuals. I am sure that, if the Government was to commit a contempt of court, it would be criticised by members for doing so. I hope that reasonable- minded members will recognise the need to exercise care in fulfilling the commitment that we have given to release the information. The Presiding Officer: Several members have pressed their request-to-speak buttons. Concise questions and responses would be appreciated.”
“I am sure that Katy Clark would understand the need to look very carefully at the information that is released, for reasons of which she is well aware. Katy Clark: The Information Commissioner has never before reported a public authority to the Court of Session for non-compliance, which means that the legal action that is now being taken against the Scottish Government is unprecedented. He is clear that, if there is a jigsaw identification issue, ministers have the opportunity to make that case. Has the Scottish Government made that case? Has it responded to the applicant to explain the position? Will the minister provide the Parliament with a timetable—a date when the information will be published? Graeme Dey: I would be reluctant to provide a date, because I am sure that, if that date slipped by a day, we would be criticised for it.”
“Ministers failed to comply with the 15 January deadline and then failed to comply with another deadline on 22 January—only notifying the Information Commissioner of that decision just minutes before the deadline. The Information Commissioner is clear that he is asking the Scottish Government not to break the law but to comply with it. Does the minister believe that the Scottish Government’s actions so far have been in compliance with freedom of information law? Graeme Dey: The Scottish Government has a responsibility to act responsibly. I recognise the point that Katy Clark has made, but I draw her attention to the fact that Scottish Government officials wrote to the Information Commissioner on both 16 and 22 January to confirm that the Scottish Government will comply with the decision as soon as is practically possible.”
“The First Minister has made it clear that the Scottish Government will comply with the Information Commissioner’s decision on the case as soon as possible. Court orders make it clear that those who complain of sexual assault must have their identities protected. We cannot release information that would breach those court orders, as it would amount to contempt of court. Accelerated work—I stress that it is accelerated—is under way to consider each document for release. The assessment is complex, given the need to avoid jigsaw identification. Katy Clark: The freedom of information request was made in October 2024. Following both a review and an investigation, the Information Commissioner ruled that the Scottish Government had wrongfully withheld information and that that information should be released by 15 January.”
“I understand the interest in the subject, but today’s business has been agreed by the Parliamentary Bureau and we will sit until 9 o’clock this evening. I point out to Mr Ross that there are other means through which to request a statement or an urgent question, or whatever he sees fit to pursue. Motion agreed to. Topical Question Time 14:06 Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Patient Infections) 1.”
“Presiding Officer, recognising that this may well be the last time that we do this in the current session of Parliament, given the way that things are shaping up, I move, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 5.14 pm. Motion agreed to. Decision Time 17:14”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 6 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: Civil Legal Assistance in Scotland followed by Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee Debate: Petition PE2018: Recognise the Value of Swimming Pools and Provide Financial Relief to Help Keep Pools Open followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 7 January 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 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 8 January 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Stage 1 Debate: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 13 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Ministerial Statement: Scottish Budget 2026-27 followed by Stage 1 Debate: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Financial Resolution: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 14 January 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 1 Debate: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 15 January 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: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 5 January 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.”
“As Richard Leonard pointed out, the Public Audit Committee is also considering the matter that Mr Kerr highlights. I have great respect—— seemingly more so than Mr Kerr—for the committee process; I think that it is the engine room of the Parliament. We have not one but two parliamentary processes under way, and, given the pressure on parliamentary business, I would not be inclined to schedule the item that Mr Kerr is seeking. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that motion S6M-20199 be agreed to.”
“I think that that supports the point that I have made. Given the genuine engagement that the Minister for Public Finance has undertaken on the matter, and given the pressures facing the business schedule, a statement on the topic will not be scheduled at this time. As I said, however, Ivan McKee will engage directly with Fergus Ewing and others post recess, in advance of the budget. Turning to Mr Kerr, I am not clear whether his latest demand, while challenging the business programme, is for a statement or a debate. However, I point to the fact that he serves on the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, which has been looking closely at the matter that he raised and which will—as I understand it—provide further opportunities for him to progress it.”
“However, an increase in rateable values of up to 300 per cent, as we have seen, is even more of a pressure on businesses. We might not see those businesses operating into the spring, so we need to put them before us. Graeme Dey: I have already identified the importance that Ivan McKee places on the matter. However, I point out to Rachael Hamilton that we constantly hear from members, particularly on her side of the chamber, about late sittings and then they come back to Parliament and demand that more be added to the programme. [Interruption.] I think that Kevin Stewart’s comments were heard by members. The business motion that is before us includes committee and Opposition debates in the first week of January, and, across the first two weeks, there are four stage 1 debates and a stage 3 debate.”
“On a more general point, members are all too aware of the pressure on the parliamentary business schedule, although that may not always be apparent, judging by the volume of additional asks for statements and debates that land on my desk weekly. A significant volume of bills—both Scottish Government bills and members’ bills—are still being considered, and those proceedings must be prioritised for chamber time. In addition, standing orders require that a certain amount of chamber time is allocated to committees and to Opposition parties. Taking all of that together, it is clear that, following recess, there will be little—if any—time for additional activity led by the Scottish Government. Rachael Hamilton: I recognise that the Parliament is under huge pressure with legislative requirements.”
“The Scottish Government very much recognises the importance of the self-catering accommodation sector, and the hospitality sector more broadly, to Scotland’s economy. The valuation of all non-domestic property is a matter for the Scottish Assessors Association, which is independent of central and local government. However, the Minister for Public Finance is absolutely alive to the issues that Mr Ewing raises and will be meeting stakeholders to discuss the matter—in fact, he met the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers today. I know that Mr Ewing has highlighted those issues to ministers, as he has repeated. The Minister for Public Finance will respond directly and will be happy to meet Mr Ewing and others following the recess. Of course, non-domestic rates and reliefs will be announced at the Scottish budget on 13 January.”
“Those include the establishment of the National Energy System Operator, which the Scottish Government jointly commissions, alongside the Welsh and UK Governments, to produce a strategic spatial energy plan. The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy will also be providing evidence to the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on 14 January about a number of petitions, including the request to publish an energy strategy.”
“Although the member is entitled to raise the matter by this means, it is disappointing, to say the least, that his suggestion for debate has not been raised with me through the normal bureau process and that we are debating an amendment to the business motion. Many members will see that for what it is. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear one another. Graeme Dey: On the substance of his ask, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy recently sent a letter to the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee to provide an update on the Scottish Government’s energy strategy and just transition plan. The letter outlined that there have been significant changes in the energy sector since the draft energy strategy was published.”
“As the commissioner highlighted, work remains to be done, and we cannot—we will not—allow ourselves to become complacent. Uptake of the general practice armed forces and veterans recognition scheme remains unacceptably low, and it is vital that it improves to ensure that as many veterans and armed forces families receive the understanding and tailored care that they deserve in primary healthcare settings.”
“I take this opportunity to thank the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Susie Hamilton, who is in the gallery today, for all of her hard work over the past three years, and for continuing to hold us to account for delivering our support to the veterans community. A few months ago, the commissioner published her latest progress report, summarising our delivery against the recommendations that she and her predecessors had set out for us. I was delighted that, for the first time, we had no red assessments regarding progress against all the recommendations, which, at times during my tenure as veterans minister, has seemed as aspirational as Scotland reaching the world cup finals. However, both of those goals have been achieved—and in the same year.”
“There have already been nine referrals to the service in just a few short weeks, five of which were progressed to the multidisciplinary team. The issue of waiting times for serving personnel has also come to the fore recently. We are aware that such delays can affect operational readiness and continuity of care and, in some cases, can lead to medical discharge due to prolonged deployment ineligibility. I understand that that is an issue in Scotland as well as in England and Wales. To identify solutions that work within the context of the national health service in Scotland, my officials are engaged with Ministry of Defence counterparts and are exploring direct referral pathways from defence medical services to NHS services, to help to tackle issues, reduce delays and improve access.”
“As in previous years, alongside this debate, we have published our annual report, which details fully what we and our partners have done throughout the past year. The debate is intended as a welcome opportunity to highlight successes and the progress that has been made by that collaborative effort, and to offer members the chance to challenge us on where we can do more. In the time that I have available, I hope to cover as many aspects of all that as possible. This year, I was delighted to attend the launch of the veterans in-service injury network in Inverness. VISIN will provide independent expert clinical review of military service-related injuries that remain a concern despite treatment, either previous or current.”
“It is my pleasure to present the Scottish Government’s ninth annual update to the Parliament on our support for Scotland’s veterans and armed forces community. Before I reflect on the report, it is important to acknowledge what has brought us here today, which is our invaluable armed forces community, veterans, serving persons and their families, who should have access to the help, support and public services that they need, when they need them. The impact of service life for the vast majority of people is positive, but we know that some face unique difficulties and risks as a result of their time in the military. I know that, for older veterans, for example, accessibility of services and support can present particular challenges that demand that we think outside the box and consider innovative ways to support them.”
“The numbers that I have cited relating to the Scottish Government’s responsiveness to FOI requests—I could cite others—do not bear out the point that he has made. However, I undertake to look into the specific issue that he has raised and come back to him. Edinburgh (Support for Major Annual Cultural Events and Royal Visits) 3.”
“For example, after asking the Scottish Government numerous times the simple question of when the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy agreed to visit Japan, I was directed to Scottish Enterprise, a Government body. Scottish Enterprise was evasive and refused to answer the question, so I have had to appeal its response. I asked the question—to ascertain when Gillian Martin agreed to visit Japan—52 working days ago. Will the minister prove me wrong by providing an answer? Failure to do so will further prove that the Government has an evasive nature when it comes to the release of information. Graeme Dey: I do not accept the general premise that Edward Mountain has advanced.”
“The Scottish Government has received approximately 25,000 FOI requests during the current parliamentary session. Our records show that we have been notified by the Scottish Information Commissioner of approximately 310 appeal cases arising from those requests, which represents less than 1.5 per cent. The Scottish Government currently responds to more than 95 per cent of requests on time. That performance has been recognised by the commissioner and has been achieved against a backdrop of rising request numbers. The number rose from approximately 4,500 in 2022 to more than 5,500 in 2024, and that figure has already been surpassed for the current year. Edward Mountain: A lot of people feel that getting information from the Scottish Government is difficult.”
“The Presiding Officer: The next item of business is consideration of business motions S6M-19922 and S6M-19923, on stage 1 timetables for bills, and S6M-19924, on a stage 2 timetable for a bill. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 30 January 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 be completed by 16 January 2026. That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2 be completed by 5 December 2025.—[Graeme Dey] Motions agreed to. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 18:32”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 2 December 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Ministerial Statement: Commonwealth Games—Glasgow 2026 followed by Scottish Government Debate: All Together: Uniting Local and National Efforts, Across Sectors to End Violence Against Women and Girls followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 3 December 2025 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 4 December 2025 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Education, Children and Young People Committee Debate: Widening Access to Higher Education followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time Tuesday 9 December 2025 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Committee Business followed by Scottish Government Business followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 10 December 2025 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 11 December 2025 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Debate: British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 Inquiry followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 1 December 2025, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.”
“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) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) [Proxy vote cast by Michael Marra] Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against 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) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-19921, in the name of Graeme Dey, is: For 92, Against 26, Abstentions 0.”
“Graeme Dey: I will write to Pauline McNeill, having looked into that matter for her. The Presiding Officer: I clarify for members that this item of business is about members wishing to change forthcoming items of business. That should be the focus. The question is, that motion S6M-19921, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme, 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. 18:28 Meeting suspended. 18:30 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-19921, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Members should cast their votes now.”