Brian Whittle
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“As Jamie Halcro Johnston said, roads, rail networks and ferries—we keep coming back to ferries—are key to keeping those communities where they are and stopping migration away from them. The chamber will welcome the fact that this— eventually—is my last speech in this parliamentary session.”
“Speaking as somebody who got his first mobile phone—a brick of a thing—at the age of 32, I find that quite astonishing. It is important that pupils have the opportunity to put their phones down in school, but also important is what happens outside school.”
“As always, I want to introduce a slightly different approach to the subject and so I will talk about how we should develop health policy. We must start from the position that services should be available to our communities no matter where they are, whether they are urban, rural or on islands.”
“It is interesting that the girls attitudes survey carried out by Girlguiding UK in 2025 found that girls are restricting their online activity in order to protect themselves, with more than a third of respondents reporting that they avoid using certain apps and platforms in order to protect themselves.”
“It is a pleasure to follow Beatrice Wishart, who, as we all know, has been a real champion for her communities in the time that she has spent here.”
“That was an interesting question from Mr Harvie, as the Scottish Greens have spent the majority of this session of Parliament demonising our farmers and food producers.”
The complete record
Every one of 750 lines we hold for Brian Whittle, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 15.
“I will not ask the question that I was going to ask, because the bottom line is that the safety of patients is paramount. I am really concerned, cabinet secretary, that you cannot categorically tell us— The Presiding Officer: Always speak through the chair, please. Brian Whittle: —that the hospital is safe and that an audit has been done to ensure safety for the patients and staff who walk through its doors. Has an audit been done? Is the hospital safe? Neil Gray: I can say categorically that the hospital is safe. I have set out that the evidence that has been led to the public inquiry is a matter of public record. I will not second guess the conclusions of the public inquiry.”
“I move amendment S6M-20561.2, to insert at end: “; notes with concern the impact on patients, staff and others resulting from the ongoing questions about the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; calls on the Scottish Government to provide clear and explicit guarantees to the public that any issues raised by patients, families and whistleblowers are listened to and fully investigated; believes that the repeated lack of candour by both NHS boards and the Scottish Government in respect of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and other scandals is unacceptable; further believes that this lack of openness has placed a greater burden on patients, families and NHS staff and contributed to a growing loss of public trust, and calls, therefore, on Nicola Sturgeon to request to make a personal statement, with questions and answers, to the Scottish Parliament, given her role as Cabinet Secretary for Health and First Minister during the construction and opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.” 15:37”
“That would be gross dereliction of duty and it would let down those who have been so badly affected by these failings. The priority must be to restore confidence and trust for patients and staff alike. Silence will not cut it. We, on the Conservative benches, will not allow it.”
“Although the First Minister has criticised NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s culture, he may wish to remember that his Government sits at the top of the whole of Scotland’s healthcare system. If he wants to know how to change the NHS’s culture, maybe he should start by looking a bit closer to home. By avoiding scrutiny in the latest scandals and by wrapping as much as possible into the latest inquiry, the Scottish Government seems hellbent on ensuring that the election has passed—hiding behind saying, “Let’s wait for the inquiry”—before it needs to answer questions. We all speak about keeping politics out of health, but, by taking the stance that the Government has, it is dragging politics into health, because we cannot be expected to let these catastrophic failures go unquestioned.”
“Of course, if the Scottish Government or health boards have a defence for the failings, they should make that clear, but getting to the truth should not be harder than getting blood from a stone. Allowing years to go by and millions of pounds to be spent on investigations before admitting the truth only compounds the original failure. Mistakes can happen for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, those mistakes are impossible to see coming or are impossible to avoid. However, when they were seen coming, when they were avoidable and when there were consequences of poor decisions or poor planning, there must be accountability, responsibility and honesty. In any organisation, the culture flows from the top down.”
“I believe that there is general agreement among members across the chamber that, when it comes to health and social care, we should not play politics. However, that willingness to put petty politics aside has to be grounded in an acceptance that, where there is a need for genuine scrutiny and challenge, the Government—and, indeed, the national health service—will participate meaningfully in that scrutiny and in that debate. Time and again, when questions arise about a decision when a project does not go to plan or when a scandal rears its head, politicians, patients and the public all face the same brick wall. Then come the years of campaigning, which are met by everything from obfuscation to outright denial until, slowly, inch by creeping inch, the truth reveals itself. It should not be like that.”
“If the Scottish Government—as has been levelled at it—knew about, or was party to, the pressure that was brought to bear on a hospital to open without the audit that Shona Robison had said would take place, and which subsequently did not, just to help with an SNP election campaign, it, along with the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde board, is guilty of gross negligence leading directly to the tragic deaths that we have all heard about. I sincerely hope that that is not the case. That is why, given Nicola Sturgeon’s position as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing when building commenced, and given that she was First Minister when the hospital opened, we have to ask that she come to the chamber to give a statement and answer questions from colleagues, because Ms Sturgeon is uniquely placed to speak to the issue.”
“What is really concerning is that the timing of the opening has been brought into question just before an election. The silence and obfuscation from the Scottish Government only serves to feed the growing disquiet and lack of trust. At best, the Scottish Government is guilty of having a chronic lack of oversight or governance of the building and the delivery of such a significant construction. The worst-case scenario hardly bears thinking about.”
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, in its closing statement to the Scottish hospitals inquiry, said: “Pressure was applied to open the hospital on time and on budget, and it is now clear that the hospital opened too early. It was not ready.” Scottish Conservatives, as an Opposition party— and, to be frank, the Parliament—cannot, in all conscience, allow that statement to go by without comment or scrutiny. At the least, we would expect some urgent action. We know that, in 2015, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison, told the Health and Sport Committee categorically that an independent audit of the hospital would be completed before its opening. We also know that that did not happen. Who has the gravitas to put pressure on a hospital to open before safety checks are complete? That list cannot be long.”
“Brian Whittle: I shall stay seated. Jackie Baillie: Thank you. What the cabinet secretary described was not my question. I think that he is misinterpreting it. If he had paid attention to what was going on in the inquiry, he would know that the general rooms in the hospital have not been validated. Would you agree that it is his responsibility that the hospital should be safe? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Again, through the chair. I can give you the time back, Mr Whittle. Brian Whittle: At the end of the day, the buck stops with the Scottish Government—it runs that public service. I will choose my words carefully in this debate, but ministers should not mistake that caution for a lack of anger on my part or among members on the Conservative benches.”
“When we speak of this failure, the last thing that any of us should want is anyone to cancel an appointment or avoid seeking help because, in speaking about the issue, we have given the impression that it is too dangerous for them to go. On that point, I go back to the cabinet secretary’s response to Jackie Baillie. When she asked him a direct question—“Is the hospital now safe for patients?”—he was unable to answer it. How on earth can we expect patients to go to the hospital and feel safe? Neil Gray: I have no doubt that the hospital is safe. The question that I was asked by Jackie Baillie was on something different, which is subject to the terms of the inquiry. That is why I could not answer it in full detail. But, yes, the hospital is safe. Jackie Baillie: Would the member take an intervention from me?”
“I do not want to be speaking in this debate, because it has come about because of failure—a failure that has led to men, women and children dying unnecessarily in a building built and run by an organisation whose foundational purpose is to heal. I have to say how disappointed I am to see the lack of Scottish National Party Glasgow MSPs in the chamber. For the vast majority of patients who have visited the Queen Elizabeth university hospital, their care has been as excellent as any that the NHS is able to deliver, and the outcomes have been as good as they would be in any hospital in Scotland. The staff who work in the Queen Elizabeth campus are as diligent and professional as any in the NHS, and their hard work should not be diminished. The fact that there are broken parts does not mean that the whole is broken.”
“We will respond in full, and we will take action wherever it is required to ensure that lessons are learned and patient safety is strengthened. I move amendment S6M-20561.1, to leave out from “condemns” to end and insert: “pays tribute to the brave patients, families and whistleblowers who have campaigned tirelessly for justice in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry; recognises the pain, trauma and grief faced by patients and their families at the heart of this inquiry, and notes that the inquiry was established in 2019 to ensure that every individual impacted is able to get the truth that they deserve; notes the fundamental importance of the independence of inquiries, which are enshrined in legislation, under the control of an independent chair, and which operate transparently, reaching conclusions that are not to be influenced by ministers or other vested interests, and agrees, therefore, that the independent Scottish Hospitals Inquiry Chair must be given the time and space to consider all the available evidence.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: I remind members that reacting to what is being said in the chamber is one thing, but I will not accept running commentaries on what is being said.”
“I have been crystal clear with NHS boards about my expectations of protections for whistleblowers—I have set that out repeatedly to Mr Kerr when he has questioned me on the matter—and I am clear that any further issues raised by patients, families and whistleblowers beyond the inquiry will be listened to. The final hearings have now concluded. We are at a critical point in the process. The families who have waited so long for answers deserve nothing less than a report that is careful, thorough and gets to the truth. However, we must not pre-empt the inquiry’s work, nor should we undermine its authority. When the report is published, Scottish ministers will consider its conclusions with the seriousness that they demand.”
“Taking that commitment to patient safety further, the Scottish Government has introduced a patient safety charter as an additional part of the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland Act 2023, taking into account the concerns and experiences that resulted in the proposals for Milly’s law. It is hugely important that the work of the commissioner leads to honesty, learning and improvement, and it is for that reason that the Government will support the Greens’ amendment today. We cannot support the Conservatives’ amendment, for the same reasons regarding political interference in the inquiries that I have set out in regard to Mr Sarwar’s motion. However, I give Mr Whittle my assurance again that this Government is absolutely committed to transparency.”
“In that regard, I asked Healthcare Improvement Scotland in March last year to conduct a further review of the progress made by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in meeting health and safety requirements and recommendations, as set out in the action plan from the Queen Elizabeth university hospital assurance of infection prevention and control inspection of June 2022. In addition, there was a focused inspection of the emergency department in July 2024 as part of the wider NHS GGC emergency department review, which resulted in a number of actions, which have also been addressed. HIS subsequently confirmed that it was reassured by the response to that review by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde—assurance that has continued through a series of further inspections.”
“All ministerial decision making connected to the project has already been made available at the request of the inquiry. Those documents have been supplemented by testimony from senior officials and from former and current ministers. If Lord Brodie considers that further information, clarification or testimony is required, the Government will provide it—I can confirm that unequivocally today. I turn to the substance of the Greens’ amendment. I am sympathetic to the focus that has been placed on ensuring patient confidence in safety.”
“Witnesses across the system—clinicians, engineers, managers, civil servants and ministers—have had their evidence examined. Serious and troubling issues have emerged, and I do not shy away from that. However, it is precisely because the issues are serious that it is so important that the inquiry is allowed to complete its work properly without interference or political direction. The Scottish Government has complied fully with the inquiry. We have provided all evidence relevant to its terms of reference that has been requested. That includes ministerial communications, briefings, submissions, minutes of meetings, Cabinet papers and records, from the earliest conception of the hospital programme through the development of the business case, the construction phase and the approvals that followed.”
“Will the cabinet secretary give way? Neil Gray: No, I will not. I am sorry, but I have given way for the final time. Lord Brodie has taken independent evidence as to the current situation with the hospital. The Government has also sought assurance from Healthcare Improvement Scotland as to the current safety of the hospital, and it has set out its consideration of the current safety of the hospital, which gives us assurance as to its safety. Lord Brodie and his team have led the inquiry in exactly the spirit that I have set out. The inquiry is not beholden to the Government, the health board or any political party. It is beholden only to the law, the evidence and the people affected by these events. Thousands of documents have been reviewed. Detailed technical evidence has been heard.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has had with ministerial colleagues regarding how to ensure that Scotland maximises the cultural legacy benefits of the 2026 summer of sport. (S6O-05421)”
“This is not about hiding behind the inquiry; it is about allowing the inquiry to carry out its business free from political interference. We established the public inquiry because we want to give the families at the centre of this answers to the legitimate questions that they have raised. Lord Brodie has the opportunity to call witnesses and garner evidence. We have fully co- operated with the inquiry and have been fully transparent in relation to all the requests for information to be supplied to the inquiry. It is important that Lord Brodie and the inquiry team are allowed the time and space to come to their conclusions, which we will respond to imminently. Licensed Premises (Non-domestic Rates) 2.”
“The continued obfuscation of the facts by this Government is leaving the confidence of patients, NHS staff and the public in the management of the NHS at an all-time low. Does the cabinet secretary not realise that, to rebuild trust, it is crucial that the Scottish Government and NHS boards are transparent and honest with the public? Transparency has been an issue in this place since I first arrived here, and the Scottish Government needs to learn that lesson. When will the Scottish Government and the cabinet secretary stop hiding behind endless inquiries and face up to the fact that there is a real culture problem in NHS management? Neil Gray: I hope that we all agree that the independence of public inquiries must be protected from any influence by politicians. I respect that independence.”
“Given the tragic results of the pressure that was applied, it is essential that, as someone who bears the ultimate responsibility for the Government’s actions at the time, Nicola Sturgeon must make a statement to the Parliament. I ask whether she has sought to make such a statement and, if so, whether you would be prepared to grant that request. Finally, would members have the opportunity to ask questions following such a statement, as was the case with Michael Matheson’s personal statement on 16 November 2023?”
“It was not ready.” The potential implications of that statement cannot be overstated, nor can we, as the Opposition—or, indeed, the Parliament—in all consciousness let that slide by unchallenged. I seek your guidance under rule 13.1 of the Parliament’s standing orders as to whether you would be minded to grant a personal statement to the chamber by a member in respect of the comments that were made by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Although she is no longer a member of the Government, Nicola Sturgeon was both the Cabinet Secretary for Health when construction of the hospital began and First Minister when it opened.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I rise to seek your guidance. We are all aware of the latest tragic situation that is under investigation at the Queen Elizabeth university hospital in Glasgow, where contaminated water has been identified as the likely cause of infection that led to the deaths of cancer patients. That is in addition to previously recognised failures, including infections that were caused by bird droppings in the ventilation system. In its closing statement to the Scottish hospitals inquiry, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Pressure was applied to open the hospital on time and on budget, and it is now clear the hospital opened too early.”
“However, the work that has been done on flow navigation is also important, as is the work that has been done by NHS 24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure that we call before we convey in order to reduce demand at the front door. We also have a record level of staffing in our NHS. Mr Whittle and I have discussed innovation at length on several occasions. The Scottish Government is investing to bring forward increased innovation and adoption of technology in the health service, and increased investment in digital is part of the budget that has been put before the Parliament for the health and social care system.”
“The system can change effectively only if we reduce the queues at the front door, increase the head count or help the NHS to work more efficiently. I argue that we should go for all three options. However, none of the targets will be met without a revolution in the deployment of significant artificial intelligence and technology, starting with a fully interoperable universal tech platform for the whole of the NHS. When will the cabinet secretary deliver on that key element for future healthcare? Neil Gray: To return to the point that Mr Rennie made, the NHS is not just redirecting patients from the front door. Suppressing demand by ensuring that people get the right care in the right place is important.”
“As I said in my response to Miles Briggs, everyone with whom I have engaged has been supportive of the practical learning that foundation apprenticeships deliver, but there is some disagreement about that name as a descriptor. That is why we have not included that name in the bill and why “work-based learning” is more appropriate and advantageous as a definition. That is why we are seeking to make the changes that I have outlined. Brian Whittle: Minister, you have not yet formally defined what you mean by “work-based learning”.”
“If any local authorities want to write to me on the matter—some already have—I will respond to them in detail. The concept of foundation apprenticeships will continue, but that name is not in the bill. Brian Whittle: I was in the chamber to hear what the minister said. He said that councils and other organisations can speak to him about the matter, but why has he not spoken to them before this point? They are concerned about the renaming of foundation apprenticeships, because they have no problem with that name whatsoever. Why are we changing something that is not broken? Ben Macpherson: For the record, I note that I have engaged with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the issue and that I have had other conversations about it.”
“Ben Macpherson: I appreciate that we did not have a chance to engage before stage 3 because of the late lodging of his amendments, but I would have been very pleased to have met Brian Whittle on these matters. In case Brian Whittle did not hear my responses to Miles Briggs and other members, I want to make it absolutely clear again that everything that is currently delivered under foundation apprenticeships can be delivered under the new “work-based learning” definition. There will be no change and no detriment. We are seeking to put apprenticeships on a statutory footing, and the bill will provide parity of esteem and increase the opportunities for apprenticeships to grow and develop. I make it absolutely clear that we are not diminishing the offer of apprenticeships, including foundation apprenticeships.”
“Their fear is that, without amendment, the bill risks foundation apprenticeships by removing them from the apprenticeship family and reclassifying them as “work-based learning” courses that have yet to be formally defined. When a student disengages, we lose their potential. Although getting a modern apprenticeship is a fantastic goal for a 16-year-old who has lost faith in the classroom, jumping straight into full-time employment can be a leap too far for those students, because they often lack the soft skills, resilience and confidence that experience can inspire. I have spoken to teachers, and we are talking about pupils who have disengaged from school.”
“I apologise to you, Presiding Officer, and to everyone in the chamber, for missing the start of the group. Three groups were swiftly gone through after I went for a comfort break, and I find myself in the position of speaking to my amendments after the minister has replied to them, which is quite a novel thing to happen. I lodged my amendments on the back of speaking to many councils, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers, which is the membership network for public sector and local government professionals, and the employer-led Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board.”
“The issue with the water supply has been going on for a number of years, and the hospital cannot function without its water supply. What has changed to make the water supply safe, and what has been put in place to make sure that those who are in hospital remain safe? Neil Gray: As I set out in response to the question from Mr Whittle’s colleague Dr Gulhane, all hospital sites—Queen Elizabeth university hospital included—have a comprehensive system of clinical oversight and patient safety monitoring, and no information has been reported through that governance process that questions the hospital’s safety. These are matters that require the attention of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and all health boards in ensuring the safe and effective operation of their sites.”
“What I can guarantee is that I will not be an MSP or a minister in 2028, so I am keen for Scotland to qualify because I will have a lot more time on my hands to go back to Hampden park—or other stadia, depending on how the team progresses through the tournament, if it qualifies. It will be a really exciting time for all members in the chamber, for fans across Scotland and for the whole country. I thank members for their contributions to the debate and I commend the bill to the Parliament. The Deputy Presiding Officer: On that optimistic note, I conclude the debate on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill”
“A lot of the themes that members mentioned chime with that. The Government and the football associations are committing £45 million for a social impact fund to support benefits to communities across the UK and Ireland; Scotland will have a share of that, too. Against the backdrop of Scotland’s qualifying for the 2026 world cup, which will take place in the next few months, and the sense of excitement for that, we also look forward to 2028 and to Euro 2028 being held here in Scotland. I cannot guarantee that Scotland will be in that tournament, but I have high expectations.”
“We have between now and the championship for other schools to have more associations with charities if they, too, want to take advantage of that exception. It is important to make that point. The purpose of the bill is to make sure that Scotland can host Euro 2028 and unlock all the wider benefits. We are committed to extending those benefits right across the country. Many members mentioned the importance of legacy— we want to ensure that that happens and that we leave a positive legacy for local communities, not only in Glasgow but across the whole country. We are working closely with VisitScotland and others on the tourism benefits and to ensure that Euro 2028 supports our environmental ambitions, from sustainable travel—which Patrick Harvie mentioned—to circular economy principles in line with UEFA’s sustainability strategy.”
“We have listened carefully, and extra protection was put into the bill at stage 2 to ensure that those protections cannot be changed by regulation. We have taken that seriously. Stephen Kerr mentioned the exemption for charities from the ticket touting provisions. There is, indeed, an exception for charities, which must be registered charities. In his opening speech, Stephen Kerr said that the definition should be widened. Of course, we have to know the definition of a charity, which is why it is official registered charities that are subject to the exemption. In relation to schools, as I said to the committee, there are hundreds of schools in Scotland that already have an association with charities.”
“I will quickly touch on a few issues. Neil Bibby and other members mentioned the importance of the tournament being accessible to people, particularly in regard to the pricing of tickets. It is probably worth saying that more than 40 per cent of tickets will be in the most affordable category and that there will be no dynamic pricing. UEFA will provide the official resale platform. We are paying close attention to that issue. I also note that 80 per cent of all tickets will be available to fans of participating teams and the general public. Patrick Harvie mentioned civil liberties, which has been a feature as we have taken the bill through the Parliament. I know that he and other members welcome the safeguards that are in the bill.”
“We all want it to be a big success, and we have to work together for that purpose. I thank the Opposition spokespeople for their constructive engagement, and I thank my colleagues on the committee. I thank the bill team and the policy team in the Scottish Government. I have been in the Government for 17 years and I want to note that they are among the best teams that I have worked with. We should not forget the work that is done behind the scenes by Scottish Government officials—not by ministers, but officials, although ministers play a role, too, of course—to bring major events to Scotland. We are very successful at doing that, and a lot of our success is down to the hard work, dedication and passion of Scottish Government officials, who do not always get recognition for that but who work really hard behind the scenes.”
“When something is in the national interest and all the parties come together, it is very powerful, and issues such as this set a good example. Given all the challenges that Scotland and our country face, as well as all the global challenges, perhaps it is more important than ever that we come together when there is opportunity for consensus and to work together in the national interest. We have certainly done that for Euro 2028. Neil Bibby: I agree about the need for consensus on such important issues of national interest. There is a need to acknowledge that co- operation between the Scottish Government, other devolved Administrations and the UK Government is equally important to benefit all of us across the UK. Richard Lochhead: That is an important point. A tournament is taking place across these islands and Ireland.”
“I was raised a 45- minute walk away from Hampden park, so I went to a lot of home matches for Scotland throughout the 1980s. I saw some of Scotland’s heroes, such as Kenny Dalglish, Gordon Strachan, Davie Cooper, Charlie Nicholas and too many others to mention. Obviously, I am not as old as Stephen Kerr, so I did not have the opportunity to see Jim Baxter, although I have, of course, seen the video many times of his keepie-ups during Scotland’s famous 1967 victory over the world champions. This is an opportunity for me to thank others. I thank members for their thoughtful contributions and their constructive approach to the debate. I could not agree more with Alex Rowley about how good it is to have consensus.”
“Looking forward to major events, let us not forget that Scotland is part of a joint bid for the 2035 FIFA women’s world cup. The debate follows hot on the heels of a couple of related events. Most importantly, last night, we had George Adam’s debate on football. Many members from across the chamber spoke about the value of football to Scotland. Members spoke about how it brings local communities together. Alex Rowley used the opportunity to talk about the value of football to our communities, how it is part of our national culture and important to our economy, and how it supports mental health and many other good causes the length and breadth of Scotland. In today’s debate, there has been quite a lot of nostalgia among members.”
“Let us maximise the opportunity that hosting major events brings to Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: For the record, your list missed out the international island games, which was hosted by Orkney last year. I call the minister to wind up the debate. 16:44 Richard Lochhead: I am sure that, just recently, I noticed a picture on social media of our Deputy Presiding Officer in a Scotland top. I am disappointed that he is not wearing it for the debate, but perhaps that would not have been appropriate. I know that he is a fan, and it is good to have him chairing the proceedings as we discuss the men’s football team. I commend the comments that have been made about the women’s football team and the rise that it has experienced in recent years.”
“A club, a local authority and sportscotland clubbed together to buy 15 hours of professional help for the club, at a cost of £3,000. We were able to measure the outcome of that programme. We know that 3,000 more athletes and 300 more coaches and administrators were brought into the sport because of it. That is the kind of legacy that we need to focus on. We need to look at how we work with commercial partners to pull money and opportunities together. Sport has become very expensive, and that is especially the case with football. If we think about the cost of hiring football pitches, we are pricing our kids out of the sport. My ask of the Government is that we should consider what we mean by the legacy of the major championships that we are hosting, both commercially and socially.”
“I was at the 2014 Commonwealth games every day, and Glasgow was ablaze with sunshine. The world must think that Glasgow is quite close to the Caribbean, because the temperature was in the 20s every day, except for the day that Usain Bolt ran, when there was a deluge. There was an amazing atmosphere. However, we did not do particularly well post the games. I do not think that sport has moved on in the way that it should have done and we have not grasped the huge commercial and other opportunities in the way that we should have. In 2014, I was doing a little bit of work for one of the companies that was doing the information technology integration, and I helped it to develop its legacy programme. Legacy does not mean buying tickets for kids to watch events. We ran what was called the club together programme, which focused on athletics.”
“In general, we are in broad agreement across the chamber on those things, despite some of the amendments not being included in the final bill. The main issues on which we require more discussion and clarity are the potential laws on the designation and powers of an enforcement officer and concerns about what would be acceptable in defining the use of reasonable force. The additional powers that are being granted to enforcement officers through amendments have been the subject of discussion. The commercial rights of UEFA have been discussed significantly. I know that we have to consider them, but there is a level of unease around that, as has been highlighted by many members in the chamber. The main thing that I want to talk about is the need to grasp the legacy from major championships, which we have not been good at.”
“I have to mention the very welcome tartan army, which travels across Europe and the world and which has a fantastic reputation. I do not know whether the world is ready to come to Scotland and be hosted by the tartan army; they ain’t seen nothing yet. I add my thanks to the minister and his team for the positive way that he has collaborated and communicated with MSPs and their teams about the bill. If that were always the case in the Parliament, perhaps we would get much more done. In essence, the main discussions have been about dealing with and defining ticket touting; charitable exemptions and selling tickets at auction, which my colleague and friend Stephen Kerr wanted to speak a fair amount about; street trading in the vicinity of the venue; and advertising bans.”
“I rise with a feeling of déjà vu, having once again listened to George Adam talk about football and St Mirren. For the second day running, I am obliged to mention to Mr Adam that I used to coach his beloved St Mirren. I know that that puts him in a bit of a dilemma. It is a real pleasure to speak in a debate that has such a positive message for Scotland and Scottish sport. We are quite expert at delivering international sporting events and the required legislation and policy, having previously hosted the Euro 2020 championships and the 2014 Commonwealth games, as many members in the chamber have mentioned. We will also be hosting the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth games; the Tour de France is coming; and we have hosted many world and European championships across many sports. It feels to me as though we are going round again.”
“Let us partner sport clubs, including football clubs, to ensure that we maximise the potential legacy for our communities, because we have not been particularly good at that in previous years. I thank George Adam for allowing me to talk sport one more time. 18:23”
“School sport has declined, along with access to sport, at the same time as the number of fast food outlets has exploded. The cost of obesity to the Scottish economy now stands at £5 billion, with a mental health bill of £4.5 billion. We need to take sport much more seriously and ensure that support is available, whether that be for school sport, community sport or professional football. As I said, football clubs are perceived by many to have money in their coffers. That can be far from the truth, and I would like there to be co- investment in community projects that are associated with football clubs, efficient use of funds and encouragement of clubs to continue to invest in their communities. We have a wonderful summer of sport ahead.”