Clare Haughey
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I note that the Deputy First Minister has confirmed that vape shops will be excluded from eligibility for relief from 1 April 2027, and I welcome that commitment. How will that contribute to the Scottish Government’s public health commitments and build on the progress that has been made on reducing the harm that vapes can cause?”
“That is exactly why we are taking action to ensure that vape shops contribute to the high street, recognising the growth of the sector in recent years, and also to ensure that rates relief aligns with our public health commitments, to answer the member’s point.”
“In the 1970s, the then- Labour Glasgow City Council proposed demolishing the People’s Palace building to put in a motorway—a potential work of historical vandalism of epic proportions.”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests: I hold a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Queen Elizabeth university hospital in Glasgow was recently ordered by Healthcare Improvement Scotland to make 26 improvements.”
“With that in mind, we always want to encourage women to access the care that they need. In my statement, I intimated that I quickly met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and, separately, Healthcare Improvement Scotland.”
“Being able to communicate your needs and have them be understood is fundamental to care. I also took the opportunity to engage with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which confirmed the proactive leadership and ownership by the chief executive and the board.”
The complete record
Every one of 404 lines we hold for Clare Haughey, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 9.
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its programme for government 2021-22 commitment to consult on the phasing out of farrowing crates. (S7O-00107)”
“That is exactly why we are taking action to ensure that vape shops contribute to the high street, recognising the growth of the sector in recent years, and also to ensure that rates relief aligns with our public health commitments, to answer the member’s point. That will sit alongside a range of other actions to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to vaping and other nicotine products, including the commitment to consult on the retail display of vapes and nicotine products within our first 100 days in government.”
“I note that the Deputy First Minister has confirmed that vape shops will be excluded from eligibility for relief from 1 April 2027, and I welcome that commitment. How will that contribute to the Scottish Government’s public health commitments and build on the progress that has been made on reducing the harm that vapes can cause? Jenny Gilruth: As Clare Haughey will be aware, in recent years, we have seen an increase in vaping in Scotland, and it is highest among those aged 16 to 24 years old. We have also seen an increase in the number of vaping shops opening on our high streets all over the country, selling products that cause addiction to nicotine and other health harms.”
“In the 1970s, the then- Labour Glasgow City Council proposed demolishing the People’s Palace building to put in a motorway—a potential work of historical vandalism of epic proportions. That was followed by decades of the Labour council not adequately investing in the building or the winter gardens, which allowed one of the most precious buildings in Glasgow to go to wrack and ruin. Therefore, I welcome the minister’s statement and commitment to forming a partnership group to ensure the survival of the People’s Palace.”
“Being able to communicate your needs and have them be understood is fundamental to care. I also took the opportunity to engage with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which confirmed the proactive leadership and ownership by the chief executive and the board. I assure Clare Haughey, so that she can reassure her constituents, that I and other ministers will follow through on that with further meetings. A range of options are available to us if the current progress does not continue.”
“With that in mind, we always want to encourage women to access the care that they need. In my statement, I intimated that I quickly met the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and, separately, Healthcare Improvement Scotland. That was my way to cross-check what the chief executive had relayed thoroughly to me about the progress that was being made with the published action plan, the additional investment in midwives and the work that was being done to engage with the workforce, address issues of culture and address access to interpretation services. I specifically raised access to interpretation with the chief executive, because I can imagine that, if English is not your first language, it must be frightening to be unable to communicate your needs.”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests: I hold a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Queen Elizabeth university hospital in Glasgow was recently ordered by Healthcare Improvement Scotland to make 26 improvements. Many of my Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituents access maternity care at or from the hospital. What reassurances can the cabinet secretary give my constituents that those improvements will be made and that their maternity care will be safe? Angela Constance: We must reassure women, especially those who are currently expecting a baby, that they should be confident in accessing care and that—in recognition that that is a special time but that it can be worrying—if things do not operate as planned, there will be absolute transparency around that.”
“That work will continue and intensify, and we will do it in the full knowledge that any further such incidents off the back of last night’s incidents will cause significant concern to communities across Scotland. We—not only this Government, but, I hope, this Parliament—will not tolerate fear and alarm being caused and want to support people to live well in this country.”
“The scenes in Glasgow city centre and in other parts of Scotland—and, indeed, in Belfast—were truly shocking. Those scenes and all racism must be condemned by all parties in the chamber. Shame on those who choose not to do so. How will the Scottish Government reach out to and work with minority communities to reassure them that all measures will be taken to prevent such disgusting, racist behaviour from recurring and that Scotland is a welcoming place for all those who choose to live here? Neil Gray: In the first instance, those efforts are being led by Police Scotland in the work that it is doing to reassure communities across Scotland. Work is ongoing in Government to ensure that we are able to protect and enhance communities, including minority ethnic groups and religious communities, across Scotland.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to access the voting app. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Your vote has been recorded.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it will support Police Scotland and local authorities to tackle youth disorder over the summer months. (S7O-00014)”
“The chief executive of the Early Years Alliance described providers “being forced to bear the brunt of parents’ understandable disappointment” when the sector ran into capacity challenges. He set the blame for the lack of consultation and investment that was needed to make it work squarely at the door of the UK Government. It has always been a key plank of the Scottish Government’s childcare plans to ensure that the delivery of our priorities is supported by a sustainable, diverse and thriving sector. The development of new entitlements, such as those that we are talking about today, must and will be done hand in hand with existing providers, local authorities and parents and carers, conducted at a sustainable pace, mindful of the existing landscape and based on a robust evidence base.”
“Ultimately, the expansion was as successful as it has been because of the combined efforts of the Scottish Government, local government and the childcare sector. Infrastructure projects were completed, the ELC workforce was significantly expanded, and local authorities and PVI providers worked together to offer flexibility to families in time for the statutory implementation in August 2021. By that time, all eligible families were able to be offered funded places. That is a hugely significant achievement, particularly when so many capital projects were required to meet the level of need. By contrast, I was interested to follow conversations about the roll-out of an expansion to childcare in England.”
“I spoke to staff about projects relating to their mission to create a nurturing, rights-respecting environment for the children in their care. It is a wonderful environment with highly qualified and expert staff. The 1,140 hour expansion, including the construction of brand-new facilities such as those in my constituency, took place in an extremely difficult context—that of a global pandemic, Brexit and periods of historically high levels of inflation, which factors all undoubtedly had significant impacts on national Government, local government and the childcare sector as a whole. The Scottish Government took action to support the sector; for example, by providing more than £35 million of dedicated financial support during the pandemic and by providing 100 per cent rates relief to day nurseries.”
“I was the Minister for Children and Young People when the near doubling of funded early learning hours came into force, and the difference that that has made for families in my constituency and across Scotland is hard to overstate. For a start, if families still paid for those childcare hours, it would cost them more than £6,000 a year for each eligible child. In my Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituency, Scottish Government funding brought two brand-new purpose-built nurseries— Millburn ELC and Lightburn ELC. Like all the providers in my constituency, they sit right at the heart of the communities that they serve and provide high-quality learning environments. On my most recent visit to Lightburn ELC, it was a gloriously sunny day and children were making the most of the carefully planned and curated outdoor play resources.”
“Early years environments are where first friendships blossom, curiosity and independence are encouraged and developed, and opportunities to learn and grow are provided and nurtured. As children get older, school-age childcare can continue to provide a wide range of developmental benefits for children. Social and emotional learning can be enhanced through peer interaction, physical and mental wellbeing can be supported, and cognitive development can be boosted via enriching and stimulating activities. Of course, school-age childcare supports employment and the economy, and that secure and sustainable employment helps to lift families out of poverty.”
“Deputy Presiding Officer, I welcome you to your new role, and I also welcome the cabinet secretary and the minister to their posts. As this is my first speech of this session, I also give my thanks to the people of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Halfway and Blantyre. This is the third time that they have elected me to this place, and it is an honour and a privilege to continue to serve my home community. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak in this important debate. We all know that a child’s earliest years are the most crucial for their development, and high-quality childcare can act as a critical catalyst to provide the cognitive stimulation, social interactions and emotional scaffolding needed during the formative years.”
“As I have said to members across the chamber, we are committed to monitoring the effectiveness of the first round, but I believe that it is important that we get that started by the end of June, so that we can provide that support to people across Scotland, as we promised in our document, “100 Days of a New SNP Government”. However, in addition to learning from past schemes, the new scheme will be evidence led, and we will ensure that we optimise the fund for its full five-year delivery. Another important point is the fact that it is a multiyear scheme, to provide reassurance to not just those who are looking to buy a home but developers and those in the private sector.”
“I am delighted to see the first homes fund progressing to deliver much- needed support to first-time buyers. The issue was certainly a hot topic in my Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituency during the election. Previously, the Government offered support in that area via the first home fund and the LIFT scheme. What lessons has the Government taken forward from those initiatives? Shirley-Anne Somerville: One important lesson led to the introduction of the property cap maximum of £300,000. The need to better target support to individuals who might not otherwise be able to purchase their first home was a key lesson that we learned.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to access the voting app. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Your vote will be recorded.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to access the voting app. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you. Your vote will be recorded.”
“I, Clare Joan Haughey, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”
“In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, there have been reductions in new out-patient waits of more than 52 weeks by 94.3 per cent for ear, nose and throat, 93.3 per cent for ophthalmology, 90 per cent for general surgery and 90 per cent for gynaecology since July 2025. In addition, there have been reductions in its in-patient and day- case waits of more than 52 weeks for paediatric surgery by 67 per cent, general surgery by 66 per cent, plastic surgery by 57 per cent and neurosurgery by 56 per cent. That is undeniable progress, thanks to the hard work of staff and the direction and funding given by this Scottish National”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests. Scotland’s biggest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has a key role to play in bringing down long waits locally and nationally. Will the cabinet secretary therefore outline the progress that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has made across key specialties and the progress that has been made overall as a board to ensure that nobody waits longer than a year for treatment? Neil Gray: Clare Haughey is absolutely correct. Waiting lists in Scotland continue to fall, with waits of more than 52 weeks reducing for eight months in a row. New out-patient waits of more than 52 weeks have more than halved since July last year.”
“The trend of bank closures, which ramped up during the Tories’ time in office, is continuing under the current UK Labour Government. It is imperative that vulnerable people and those who lack the means to bank over the internet are able to bank safely and securely and to seek financial advice and support. That has to be addressed by the UK Government. If it will not do that, the Scottish Government must be given the powers to do it. Before I conclude, I pay tribute to my friend and colleague Richard Lochhead, the Minister for Business and Employment, who will make his final speech in response to the debate. He has been here since the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament, in 1999, and he has made significant contributions to my party, to this Government and to the people of Scotland. I wish him well for the future. 18:29”
“The way that high street banks have abandoned their customers—and, indeed, abandoned towns and villages across Scotland over the years—has been shameful. I will continue to champion the presence of high street banks in my constituency, and the fight for Rutherglen’s Bank of Scotland branch continues. Ultimately, it is the United Kingdom Government at Westminster that holds the levers of power to regulate banks. Westminster Governments have it in their power and responsibility to intervene to prevent more closures, but, sadly, they have never done so. Yes, there are some legislative commitments that are intended to ensure that provision remains within a certain distance of a community, but that distance often does not factor in very practical considerations such as the availability of public transport.”
“Furthermore, not all banks are represented in local hubs, and when there is only one bank left in an area—which is the case for many Bank of Scotland branches—there may not be enough accounts held with other banks to sustain a hub that is open most days. That aside, the success and popularity of banking hubs such as the one in Cambuslang show us something very important. They completely refute the notions that high street banks have been trying to sell us: that all banking has moved online and that people do not value or wish to use local branches. That is simply not the case. As Age Scotland pointed out, 25 per cent of older adults in Scotland do not have internet access and 36 per cent do not have the skills or confidence to use the internet successfully.”
“The banking hub in Cambuslang was an immediate success, quickly generating high levels of use and receiving excellent customer assessments for the services offered, which include dedicated times when customers can meet staff from their own bank, with staff from a different bank based there each weekday. It was great to welcome the Minister for Public Finance to the hub to see how it is benefiting the local community. Its success has been replicated elsewhere, and there are now 24 banking hubs in total across Scotland. However, a hub is not a like-for-like replacement for a bank branch. Banking inquiries that are more complicated than withdrawing cash, checking balances and paying bills need to take place on one of the days when a community banker is present.”
“Those challenges range from community groups struggling to bank the cash donations on which they rely to a lack of easy access to expert support with transferring money and understanding bank statements and support with fraud and disputing charges, as well as reduced levels of high street footfall affecting local businesses. I pay tribute to the dedication of Cambuslang community council, in my constituency, which successfully campaigned for Cambuslang to be included in the community access to cash pilot. One of the first two banking hubs in the country opened in the town in 2021.”
“That is very unfortunate, because although some of the issues are contextual, other issues are universal, which is another reason why I am pleased that this debate is being held today. I will have a meeting with Bank of Scotland next week to discuss the Rutherglen closure, at which I will present my petition and share the concerns that local residents, organisations and businesses have shared with me. I thank Age Scotland for providing MSPs with an excellent briefing note that perfectly summarises some of the challenges that people face when a branch closes.”
“That confirmation from Nationwide and Virgin Money is therefore welcome news, although it is little comfort to the people who have told me that they have held accounts for decades with Bank of Scotland—a bank that used to market itself as “A Friend for Life”. Within a few short weeks, nearly 700 people signed my petition against the Bank of Scotland closure, with many also popping into my constituency office, which is across the road from the branch, to share their views. Along with Scottish National Party colleagues who are also facing branch closures in their constituencies, I requested a meeting in Parliament with Bank of Scotland to discuss its decision making. Regretfully, however, the bank declined, saying that it would prefer to meet us individually.”
“Its doors are visible from my constituency office, and on one afternoon we counted 27 separate groups of people going through those doors within a 20-minute period. It turned out that the bank’s definition of a “personal customer” was very selective, so it was no surprise that the bank’s customers felt that the wool was being pulled over their eyes. I have met both Nationwide and Virgin Money in recent months, which both confirmed that they will maintain their Rutherglen branches until at least the start of 2030. During those meetings, it struck me how valuable staff find face-to-face contact with customers, especially more vulnerable customers, who are at increased risk of being targeted by scammers and fraudsters.”
“I have sought meetings with senior banking representatives and have relayed to them my constituents’ concerns. In particular, older people, disabled people, local businesses and organisations, charities and places of worship, and people with no access to the internet have told me that they really struggle without locally available banking services. When the news broke about the Bank of Scotland branch in Rutherglen facing closure, therefore, there was an understandable outpouring of public anger. At least part of that anger was due to our town’s previous experience with a bank in almost exactly the same location. Another bank, a few doors down from the Bank of Scotland, closed its branch in November 2024. That bank had published a document stating that “only 20 personal customers” used the branch each week.”
“I thank colleagues who signed my motion on the closure of Bank of Scotland branches so that the debate could be brought to the chamber. From Tain in the north to Castle Douglas in the south, 28 Bank of Scotland branches have been closed or are set to be closed this year. However, for many—probably most—of those communities, that is far from the start of the story. In my Rutherglen constituency, Burnside, Cambuslang and Blantyre have all lost their bank branches, and several banks in Rutherglen have closed their doors. Each time, I have worked with affected communities, met with and written to banks, organised petitions and stalls against proposed closures, raised awareness through social media, and highlighted closures in the chamber.”
“The case against greyhound racing has never been stronger, and the international consensus to end the suffering of these dogs is now unstoppable. Just yesterday, Wales voted to ban greyhound racing. Scotland cannot be left behind. The bill would end greyhound racing on all tracks in Scotland, licensed or unlicensed. It would protect these beautiful dogs from the inherent harms of greyhound racing. I appeal to all members in the Parliament to vote for the bill at decision time tonight. I am greatly honoured to move the motion. I move, That the Parliament agrees that the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill be passed. 15:07”
“Some argue that the last remaining racetrack in Scotland, which is unlicensed, is an exception—a harmless hobby enterprise—but Thornton racetrack in Fife is no different from any other track in the UK. The dogs face the same risks, just with less oversight. There are those who want to see a resurgence of greyhound racing in Scotland. The owner of the Thornton track has stated that, if it were not for the campaign for the bill, he would be expanding and televising races to betting shops around the UK. There would be more dogs racing in more races, more dogs injured and more dogs killed. The public do not want to see that. More than two thirds of people in Scotland want to see an end to greyhound racing. A spectacle that was invented 100 years ago is now becoming socially unacceptable. Our values have changed; times have changed.”
“I congratulate Mark Ruskell on bringing the bill to this stage in the Parliament. Should it pass, it will be groundbreaking legislation on protecting animal welfare and will improve the lives of many greyhounds. Does he agree that the ban on greyhound racing will save the lives of dogs and reduce injuries? Mark Ruskell: Yes, absolutely. I thank Clare Haughey for her relentless support for the bill, which comes from a position of experience, because the Shawfield stadium is in her constituency, and she has listened to and seen the evidence first hand. I agree with her that the only way forward is to make racing a greyhound a stand-alone offence in law.”
“If assisted dying is going to be advertised, patient information must be available, if it is requested. In my view, that should include signposting to suicide prevention organisations and charities. People must know that there is somewhere else that they can turn to and that all options are open to them if they request assisted dying. I want the bill to contain every possible safeguard. It must be clear about who, where, why and how. It must include details on everything; it must not leave the details to regulations. As MSPs, we must be confident that we have done everything possible to make the bill as safe as possible.”
“The young man’s mother died just a few years ago, and I had kept in very close contact with her. The horrendous and devastating impact of the young man’s death on her still haunts me. We must do everything that we can to avoid the prospect of suicide having an impact on anyone’s life. If the bill is passed, I do not want there to be any hint, suggestion or muddling of the messages in relation to suicide prevention, because we would be legislating for suicide in particular circumstances. Amendment 247 would make it clear that we must do more to promote suicide prevention and provide support for those in crisis. I am reminded of the years and years that it took for campaigners to secure safeguarding warnings attached to advertising on gambling and smoking products, for example. Let us get the bill right at the outset.”
“I know that the Government does a lot of work on suicide prevention, but, in my view, we should be doing more—we should be doing everything that we can to prevent suicide. I talk from personal experience. Many years ago, when I was a much younger man, I lost a dear and close friend to suicide, in circumstances that I find extremely painful to talk about even now. There was no advance warning. We were not aware of any suicidal intent. There was no history of depression or mental illness. There was no indication that that would happen. It came completely out of the blue and was utterly shocking. I saw the impact that that young man’s suicide had on his family and friends, who were all utterly devastated. That horror remained with them for the rest of their lives.”
“I am finding the language that Murdo Fraser is using deeply offensive, and I say that as someone who will vote against the bill. He should, please, be careful about the language that he uses. Suicide is a very difficult issue to discuss, as he said, but what we are discussing is not suicide. Murdo Fraser: I gently say to Clare Haughey that the legal reality is that the bill would allow, for the first time in our history, individuals to help another individual to commit suicide. Let me explain my thinking on the subject. Every suicide is a tragedy. It is an enormous tragedy for the life lost, and it is a huge tragedy for those left behind, who often wonder what more they might have done to prevent the tragic loss of life. Suicide is the biggest cause of death among young men in Scotland today. It is a huge societal problem.”
“Our new plan takes on further work and delivers new policies that will assist us to meet our final targets. It is backed by considerable investment, including the more than £111 million that is in the tackling child poverty fund and whole family support funding. In their totality, the actions in the plan will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty next year.”
“It is hugely encouraging to hear about the ambitious action that the SNP Government is taking through its delivery plan, and I welcome the breadth of the measures that have been detailed by the cabinet secretary. The First Minister has made it clear that ending child poverty is the Government’s number 1 mission. Will the cabinet secretary set out the Government’s progress and how the framework will drive further improvements? Shirley-Anne Somerville: Because of the Scottish Government’s actions, the proportion of children in Scotland who are living in relative poverty has reduced, with the 2023-24 rate being the lowest it has been in a decade. Rates of both relative and absolute child poverty were 9 percentage points lower than the UK average in 2023-24.”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests. As the First Minister referenced, it is worth Brian Whittle noting that Scotland continues to have a substantially lower private healthcare take-up rate than England. Unlike Labour and the Tories, the SNP is not accepting donations from private healthcare firms or listening to the likes of Tony Blair about how to carve out our NHS for privatisation. [Interruption.]”
“Drawing on the external expertise of national agencies and industry experts, the group will provide assurance that the Queen Elizabeth university hospital offers a safe environment for patients and staff. It is important to stress that staff groups and patient groups are also represented on that oversight group, which met for the first time yesterday. The safety and public confidence oversight group will report to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde board and to the chief operating officer of NHS Scotland, who will provide regular scrutiny and support and will ensure that ministers are regularly updated. Bus Services (Rural and Coastal Constituencies) 5.”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests. It is vital that staff and patients alike feel safe in our NHS estate. Can the cabinet secretary say how the recently announced oversight group will ensure that the board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde takes immediate steps to strengthen trust and patient confidence in the Queen Elizabeth university hospital? Neil Gray: Clare Haughey is absolutely right. That is why the new safety and public confidence oversight group will play a vital role in strengthening public and political confidence in the safety of the facilities and the environment in which services are delivered across the Queen Elizabeth university hospital and the Royal hospital for children.”
“Nobody in the Parliament wants people with eating disorders or similarly vulnerable people to be given drugs on the NHS to take their lives in Scotland, so I am certain that amendments that seek to promote strong data collection to improve the accountability of doctors will be welcomed. This afternoon, the point has been made several times that a huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of two medical practitioners. In my view, detailed and comprehensive recording is extremely desirable and important, not only to support those professionals to fulfil their role but for reasons of accountability and transparency.”
“I have been listening carefully to what Audrey Nicoll has said. Does she recognise that the situation in the jurisdictions that she is talking about—where people go “doctor shopping”, as she labelled it—is not the same as it is here because of our national health service? In those places abroad, the vast majority of access to doctors, medical care and hospital care is private, so it is much easier for people to go to different medical professionals to try to access whatever it is that they seek. Audrey Nicoll: Clare Haughey has raised a valid point, which I absolutely recognise. It is important to set the context of the discussion, given the differences in healthcare provision.”
“I have spoken with social workers about amendment 141, and I understand their concerns about not being too prescriptive or not being prescriptive enough. A lot of this is about making judgment calls. My amendments would simply add a step that provides an opportunity for people to notice when something else is going on or when there is coercion or influence that has not been picked up initially.”
“Poverty, loneliness, domestic abuse, bereavement, homelessness, breakdowns of relationships and feeling like a burden are not uncommon experiences for those who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Maggie Chapman: I am sympathetic to what Emma Roddick is attempting to do with amendment 141, but I have a question about the process and how the amendment would work. Amendment 141 refers to somebody who is looking for “assistance to end their own life if it is established that their request is influenced”. What would be the process for establishing such influence? Emma Roddick: Again, it would come down to having a conversation. People who regularly have such conversations are trained to understand the responses that they get as part of their work.”