Jamie Halcro Johnston
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“I know that colleagues from across the chamber will miss his consideration of and commitment to the issues that he was most passionate about. Beatrice Wishart, too, will be giving her last speech, and I particularly thank her for all her efforts on the CPG on islands, for making it the success that it has been and for the strong voice tha…”
“I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests as a partner in a farming business. I thank all those who have signed today’s motion, allowing me to bring the debate to the chamber.”
“Meanwhile, the ferries crisis continues, with the Scottish National Party Government coming face to face with the consequences of two decades of neglect, while islands and ferry-dependent communities pay the price.”
“There, too, costs for operators in the visitor economy are escalating, while the Government sees this as a good time to impose more regulation and more tax. In addition to economic woes, small rural communities are increasingly seeing services moved further away.”
“[Laughter.] However, I have served with John on committees, most recently the Finance and Public Administration Committee, and I know how diligent he has been in conducting the vital scrutiny required of MSPs. Last but not least, the cabinet secretary will be giving her last speech, too.”
“That has practical consequences—whether it is the young family facing another year of being unable to afford a permanent home for their children; the small business owner who seems to be sacrificing more than she gains, but who keeps going; the working person who is trying to make ends meet; or the older person on a fixed income who is af…”
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“Those traditional industries do not just keep the lights on; they are the lifeblood of island identity and a vital part of our island economies. However—if members will excuse the pun—it is not all plain sailing. The challenges are real and they hit hard. Lack of connectivity is a perennial headache. Ferries are lifelines for our island communities, but ageing fleets, with many vessels in urgent need of replacement, have led to increased unreliability and amended schedules. That is most devastating on the Caledonian MacBrayne network, which serves the west coast. It is sometimes hard to really bring home to people who do not live on the islands the fact that delays and cancellations are not just inconvenient; they disrupt supply chains, healthcare access and local businesses.”
“Fishing and farming have long been the backbone of many islands. In Shetland, where I was last week, the fishing fleet hauls in millions of pounds-worth of catch every year, while in Orkney, where I will be next week, our beef and lamb are prized across the United Kingdom. I say “our” because I am proud to be part of Orkney’s farming community, which puts such brilliant produce on tables across the country. The food and drink sector and the tourism sector are still big players. Distilleries on Islay, Jura and Raasay, to name but a few, produce whisky that is exported around the world and draws visitors globally. There are the wonders of Skara Brae in Orkney; the Callanish stones on Lewis and the Jarlshof in Shetland, which are world-renowned sites.”
“Without social media, misconceptions about our islands were perhaps more understandable then, but some remain today among the wider public and those in public life, That includes some politicians, who do not always fully comprehend some of the challenges of island life. Today, I will take members on a journey to Scotland’s island communities, which are scattered across the North Sea, the Atlantic and other areas. From Orkney and Shetland in the north to the Hebrides and Arran further south, and many more, these islands are more than just postcard scenery. They represent vibrant communities with unique economies and stubborn challenges, and some truly inspiring things are happening in those communities right now. Scotland’s inhabited islands, which are home to just over 100,000 people, rely on a mix of traditional and emerging industries.”
“I draw members’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which shows that I am a partner in a farming business in Orkney. I thank everybody who signed my motion, and I welcome all those in the public gallery— many of whom live and work in Scotland’s islands—who represent island businesses across a variety of sectors, both in traditional areas and in newer technologies. When I was young and at university in England, my friends used to ask me what living on a Scottish island was like. “Do you have roads?”, they asked. Well, yes. “Do you have supermarkets?” Yes, of course we do. “Do you have electricity?” Well, most of the time.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what ongoing assessment it is undertaking regarding the impact of the visitor levy. (S6O- 04495)”
“The salmon farming industry is of vital importance to our economy, and it is of particular importance to our rural and island communities. I hope that we can work together to ensure its continued success as a sustainable sector, operating within environmental limits and providing community benefit. 16:42”
“On welfare more broadly, we will undertake an analysis of options—statutory or otherwise—to understand how welfare standards can best be supported. I can see that my light is flashing, which indicates that the Presiding Officer would like me to draw to a close. I am sorry that I have not been able to address the myriad issues that have been raised during the debate. I again thank the committee for its work, and I thank members for their contributions to the debate. We have heard a wide range of views. Although I would not agree with every point that has been made on every issue, I am grateful for the consideration that has been given to these important matters. I reassure members that we are listening. Our response to the committee’s report sets out our planned actions.”
“I will keep the committee updated. Another important topic that a number of members touched on was that of wrasse and cleaner fish more generally. Since the publication of the initial inquiry report in 2018, we have introduced a number of improvements, including mandatory measures to regulate the wrasse fishery. We are continuing to improve the evidence base on and the management of the fishery, and we have invested in research to continue to inform our decision making in an effort to protect the stocks. As I informed the committee when I appeared in front of it last November, we are currently undertaking a fisheries assessment, which includes a habitats regulations appraisal and appropriate assessment for the wild wrasse fishery. I will, of course, keep the committee updated on how that work is progressing.”
“That was clear from the evidence that the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee heard, as were the wider frustrations about it. I come back to the point that I have made throughout the debate: any regulation that we introduce must be proportionate. If I believed that there were issues in collecting data, I would not hesitate to consider them. However, I recognise that improvements could be made in how the existing data are presented and explained, so I will explore how that can be improved. We will work with partners to scope out how the Scotland’s Aquaculture website can be refreshed. That will include looking at the financing of that. We will progress that work over this year and into next year, but we anticipate that implementation—especially if we look to make changes to the website—might take longer than that.”
“The initial figures that Edward Mountain used were based on data from 2017 or 2018, I think. I am more than happy to follow up with him to make sure that we are using the appropriate figures. There is, and will continue to be, much work to do to address the challenges of our changing climate. Another key point that was touched on was about data transparency. I reiterate that more data is collected and published on salmon farming in Scotland than is published on salmon farming in any other jurisdiction, or on terrestrial farming sectors. I do not believe that it is necessary at this stage to mandate through legislation any further collections of mortality data. However, even though we publish a lot of data, I recognise that it is not necessarily easy for people to navigate.”
“It has standardised mortality recording across salmon farms and done work on medicines and their more effective use. That brings me back to a point that Edward Mountain made earlier and some of his assertions. Antibiotic use has dropped by 57 per cent, so I dispute Edward Mountain’s assertion that it is on the increase. Edward Mountain: I appreciate that the cabinet secretary is using the figures that are in front of her. I am using the figures that were produced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as quoted in the House of Commons. Those are the figures and the percentages that it uses. Will the cabinet secretary confirm that she disputes the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s figures that were used in the House of Commons? Mairi Gougeon: First, I want to make sure that we are not talking at cross-purposes.”
“The industry continues to invest in trying to address those challenges and adapt to them—as do we and our research institutions. I say that in direct response to the comments that were made by Rhoda Grant and Colin Smyth. The marine directorate has engaged with the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership to improve understanding of the effect of climate change on aquaculture. As I mentioned in an intervention, we are funding the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre. The centre has done more than 70 projects on a variety of topics, such as gill health and optimising fish nutrition, and it has leveraged overall funding of around £63 million via the farmed fish health framework. There have been studies to identify practical actions to help to address harmful algal blooms.”
“They are significant pieces of work that require collaboration, the building of relationships that I touched on earlier, resources and time. I have tried to be as transparent and clear as possible about realistic timescales for the work. I have offered to give an update to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in six months so that progress can be tracked against what we set out to do. However, there must be recognition of the significance of the work that is being done and that is still to be done. The issues around our changing climate were predominantly addressed by Ariane Burgess. I disagree with the member that climate change means that the sector’s days are numbered. There are new challenges from the changing climate.”
“The overall point that the member raises is important, and it was an important recommendation in the initial reports. I think that it is fair to say that some fish farms are in areas that they would not want to be in, and they would look to move. That is why the work of the consenting task group that I mentioned is important. It is about streamlining the consenting process. I hope that the next stages of that work will also look at that issue. If a fish farm were to move, it would still have to go through the same regulatory processes as it does right now. I think that that is appropriate. The work that we are driving forward will be critical in that area. I know that members would like to see action on everything everywhere all at once, but those are not small items simply to tick off.”
“We have seen the recent introduction of the sea lice framework; we have seen SEPA’s revised regulatory framework, which has been tightening the benthic standards, and has resulted in enhanced modelling and monitoring; we have had the Griggs review and the associated recommendations; and we have seen the work that is being driven forward by the consenting task group that I mentioned. Edward Mountain: One of the recommendations of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee’s report was to remove salmon farms away from routes of migratory salmon on the west coast. I can name one fish farm that has moved. Apart from the one at Loch Maree, can you name any more? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair, please. Mairi Gougeon: That is something that I would have to look at.”
“We have set out in our response to the committee where we will take action within the next 12 months and where we expect to deliver other key strands of work as we prioritise those key actions. I have to take issue with some of the claims that we have not made progress since the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee’s initial report. I expect to be held to account in the chamber, but I would say that significant progress has been made. I do not think that there has been much cognisance of the amount of work that has gone into addressing some of the key challenges that were identified in the initial reports. On the issues around sea lice that were addressed in the reports at that time, I note that sea lice levels are now the lowest that they have ever been.”
“Our response to the committee’s report, alongside our “Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture”, sets out how we will support the development of the sector to continue to operate within environmental limits and deliver social and economic benefits for Scotland. I turn to some of the key points that were raised during the debate. I understand the issues around the delivery of the recommendations and the criticisms that I have heard across the chamber in relation to that. We are committed to working with the sector and other stakeholders to realise improvements in performance as rapidly as is practically possible, but we are mindful of the complexity of the issues that are under discussion and, of course, of the resources that are available to us to do that.”
“It is quite clear from the debate that the value of aquaculture is recognised—that has been widely acknowledged by MSPs across the chamber. We all value the really important role that it plays in supporting employment. As I mentioned in my opening remarks, it supports 2,300 direct jobs and there are more than 10,000 roles more broadly in the supply chain, many of which are skilled and provide average annual incomes that are well above national and regional averages. We also value the £324 million in gross value added by the salmon sector to the Scottish economy and the £1.1 billion that the sector was worth at the farm gate—those are the figures from 2023. That is why the Government continues to support the sustainable development of salmon farming in Scotland.”
“First, I reiterate my thanks to the committee for its work and to all the organisations and stakeholders who gave their time and evidence to support that process and the debate this afternoon. As I said earlier, the salmon farming sector attracts many and varied stakeholder opinions. Although the sector is rightly scrutinised and held to account, it is important that that scrutiny leads to the kind of open and respectful dialogue that is rooted in clear evidence. In our response to the committee’s report, we have committed to a number of actions that will, I hope, build the necessary transparency and accessibility of data and will also examine more closely some of the assumptions that have been made about the sector.”
“However, in protecting all that, we need to ensure that it is conducted using the highest possible standards, and that there is a focus on honesty, openness and transparency. We cannot afford the successor committee in the next session of the Parliament to find itself in the same position as this session’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, and having to launch an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s failure to implement its predecessor committee’s recommendations. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call the cabinet secretary. You have a fairly generous seven minutes. 16:31 Mairi Gougeon: I have been taking copious notes throughout the debate because of the number of issues that have been raised, and I will try to work through them as effectively as I can.”
“In those communities there are often not a lot of opportunities, and the industry can provide well-paid jobs that it is important that we support. This has been an important debate about an important report. As I said, it has been a passionate debate at times, and I think that the inquiry has also been impassioned, on occasion, although it has also featured a number of measured and knowledgeable contributions. However, the report will mean nothing if the Scottish Government does not act on it. We all—well, nearly all of us—recognise the importance of the salmon farming industry. We recognise the money that it brings in and the jobs and livelihoods that it supports in our communities.”
“I think that the report makes clear the committee’s position on that issue. As always, Fergus Ewing gave a— Edward Mountain: Rumbustious. Jamie Halcro Johnston: Edward Mountain is heckling me with “rumbustious”, but I think that we should say “impassioned”, as Mr Ewing gave an impassioned defence of an industry that we all absolutely value, and spoke of its contribution to Scotland’s economy and the investment that the sector has made over the past few years in seeking the improvements that have been mentioned. I was delighted to hear talk of wine bar revolutionaries again, although I am sure that Ariane Burgess was less so. Mr Ewing made a serious point about the importance of the sector and the risk of depopulation.”
“Back in 2018, when we had the debate on the moratorium, the implications of it were discussed. However, given that we once again have a parliamentary committee coming to the conclusion that a moratorium should be considered if progress is not made, surely the implications of that option should be looked at by that committee or others. Does Jamie Halcro Johnston believe that a piece of work to look at the full implications of a moratorium should be done, or will we just keep coming back to the moratorium discussion without fully going through those implications? Jamie Halcro Johnston: I thank the member for that intervention and welcome the question, but I will say that I am not a member or substitute member of the committee, and that the issue that he raises is for the committee to decide.”
“Cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon asserted that the Scottish Government has taken the report and the recommendations seriously, but we are here today because of failures to act in full on the previous report—the proof of the pudding will, very much, be in the eating, regarding whether the latest report goes the same way. Rhoda Grant talked about the closure of two sites in Skye, which is in the region that we both represent, due to planning decisions. I am afraid that planning decisions and the slowness of getting them through is a challenge that is faced by a number of businesses, particularly in our Highlands and Islands region. Ariane Burgess called for a pause, but in the answer that she gave him, she was unable to provide any evidence to Finlay Carson on how the Greens actually came to that position. Colin Smyth: That is a fair point.”
“If the Government is, as he has said, a true friend of the sector, it will want the industry to do well—as we all do—and will recognise the value of the jobs and the contribution that the sector makes to the economy. Pretending that nothing is wrong is not the way forward. He said, as others have, that mortality rates are still too high and that the action that is needed has not been taken. He also called for openness, transparency and improvement, and he warned that “the industry is in the last-chance saloon” in respect of the need to deliver on the recommendations of the RAI Committee. I will turn to some other contributions.”
“Tim Eagle also highlighted the impact on wild salmon and the worrying reductions in wild salmon catches in Scotland’s rivers. That is a real concern, given the importance of salmon fishing to so many communities across Scotland, including many that are served by the great salmon rivers of the Highlands. Tim Eagle also highlighted the role of wrasse as a cleaner fish, as others did, and the mortality rates of captured wrasse. He raised concerns about the impact of fishing on wild stocks, the lack of assessment of wild stocks before now—while recognising that such assessment will now happen—and the lack of data on mortality. Lack of data is clearly an issue that seems to have concerned a number of members today. Edward Mountain, who was involved in the original inquiry in 2018, was right.”
“What is clear from a number of contributions today is that this cannot be another report that Scottish National Party ministers profess to welcome, then file away and fail to act on. The Scottish Government must listen to the new recommendations from the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and take them forward with an urgency that it has, so far, failed to show. The RAI Committee convener, Finlay Carson, highlighted the committee’s calls for Scottish ministers to ensure that regulators are given new powers to limit or halt production at sites where there are persistently high mortality rates, and for ministers to work with the industry to set the criteria for those restrictions. He also highlighted concerns over the interaction between farmed and wild salmon, as did Tim Eagle.”
“We have heard that progress has been made on some issues, but I suggest that the majority opinion, and certainly the opinion of the committee, is that—to quote the convener of the committee, Finlay Carson— “in most areas, the sector still has a way to go in realising the ambitions” that that report set out, and that “It is evident that changes to regulation and enforcement of the industry have not been taken forward with the urgency that was called for in 2018.” Mortality rates continue to be one of the stand- out concerns for many members, as does the impact of farms on the natural environment and on wild salmon numbers. The Scottish Government has many questions to answer, including about why it has failed to implement the previous recommendations, which would have led to real improvements in the industry.”
“However, as we have heard today, the industry and Government face a number of challenges, which they must overcome. They include the significant natural and environmental challenges that members across the chamber have rightly highlighted.”
“I thank the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee for all its work on the follow-up inquiry, and its clerks for putting together this latest report on Scotland’s salmon farming industry. I also thank all the organisations that provided briefings and insight for this afternoon’s debate. Salmon farming takes place across the region that I represent. As others, including Fergus Ewing, have said, it is an important industry for the Highlands and Islands. One is never far from a salmon farm in the waters of Scapa Flow, which my home in Orkney overlooks and is home to a number of farms. As other members have highlighted, the industry makes a considerable contribution to Scotland’s economy and an important contribution to many local economies, where other employment and opportunities can be limited.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that schools in the Highlands and Islands are safe learning environments for pupils and staff. (S6O-04466)”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I now call the minister, Jim Fairlie, to respond to the debate on behalf of the Scottish Government. 16:50”
“Jamie Halcro Johnston: Before I conclude, it would be remiss of me not to mention some of the fantastic drinks producers in my region. Speyside is the home of the single malt, but decent drams can be found across the Highlands and Islands, including Highland Park and Scapa in Orkney, as well as Isle of Raasay, and there are new distilleries such as the one in Ardnamurchan. I am proud to be, in some small way, part of Scotland’s food and drink production line. Scotland is blessed with land and seas that make us the home of some of the world’s best produce, but we must not be complacent. That must be nurtured and supported, which means that both the UK and Scottish Governments must not only listen to industry concerns but act on them as well.”
“A number of SNP MSPs spoke about Brexit, but they refused to recognise the fact that the UK market is our most important market. If the SNP were to get its way, Scottish fishermen—who are vital and have been mentioned again and again— would be back in the common fisheries policy and under the control of Brussels. I do not think that that is something that the fishing industry wants. Richard Leonard gave another impassioned speech, which was mainly an attack on his own Government, which is always very enjoyable. It was interesting how few—in fact, I do not think any—Labour members mentioned the family farm tax. Emma Harper: Will the member accept an intervention? The Deputy Presiding Officer: The member is about to conclude.”
“They are often the shop front for many Scottish drinks products and they need support, not what Mr Hoy describes as a “creeping anti- alcohol agenda” from this SNP Government. I will briefly highlight the speech by Christine Grahame, who I think must be on commission for a number of her local businesses. It was not just Christine Grahame, as other SNP members— Christine Grahame: Will the member take an intervention? Jamie Halcro Johnston: I have not made my point yet. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The member will shortly be bringing his remarks to a close. Jamie Halcro Johnston: It is fine if Christine Grahame wants to clarify that she is not on commission. Christine Grahame: I just wanted to say: if only. Jamie Halcro Johnston: That was a valuable contribution from Christine Grahame. However, that brings us to a more serious point.”
“The sector faces challenges from new offshore wind farms, as well as the uncertainty from cloth-eared policy proposals, such as the SNP’s thankfully now-dumped highly protected marine areas. I urge people to go back and listen to Douglas Ross’s speech, as it highlighted the utter confusion in Scottish Labour ranks about English whisky—a confusion that was not improved or cleared up in any way by the speeches from Rhoda Grant or Daniel Johnson. Craig Hoy called for a “period of regulatory calm” and said that measures should be put in place to “incentivise investment”. I can only imagine how well that would be received by many of Scotland’s producers. As a stalwart supporter of Scotland’s beer and pub sector, Mr Hoy’s warnings that Scotland’s pubs are closing at a faster rate than elsewhere in the UK should worry us all.”
“He also mentioned the cuts to college places, which have been raised with me by a number of businesses that need skilled workers—particularly younger workers—if they are to grow. Those cuts work against that aim. Recognising that, and to feed a growing population—the world will not need less food; it will need more—I think that the opportunities for Scotland are clear. Tim Eagle was right to highlight and recognise the importance of gene editing and the role that it can play in improving disease resistance and drought tolerance and in helping to produce higher yields. Rachael Hamilton and my Highlands and Islands colleague Beatrice Wishart mentioned the pressure on our vital fishing sector and the challenges that are posed by increased spatial squeeze.”
“They are already subject to additional costs and regulatory burdens of short-term lets licensing, with the ill-thought-out visitor levy now hanging over their heads. The hospitality sector was forced to prepare for a deposit return scheme that the Scottish Government was unable to deliver, but not before the sector had to spend tens of millions of pounds preparing for it—money that is now unable to be used for future investment in businesses. I will turn to some of the speeches from other members. Tim Eagle rightly highlighted the impact of the SNP’s decision not to pass on business rates relief support to the hospitality sector, and how the lack of business rates support has stifled growth and investment.”
“However, there has also been some frustration with farming leaders, and I hope that they are also listening to the grass roots of our sector. It is not just rural affairs ministers who have been letting our communities down; across the Scottish Government, ministers have, time and again, been found wanting. Other members have mentioned the importance of vital infrastructure. The SNP’s mismanagement of our ferries network—a network that lurches from one crisis to another—severely impacts our food and drink sector, particularly those who are trying to get fresh produce, such as fresh fish, to market. Our amendment also highlights the importance of our tourism and hospitality sectors. Those sectors have repeatedly been hammered by the SNP.”
“That makes no sense. Pressures on the supply of red meat mean that cattle and sheep prices are currently good for those left standing, but how long will that last for? Although my farm is organic, I know of the pressures that rising fertiliser costs are causing for farmers, as well as increasing fuel prices, the cost of Labour’s rise in national insurance contributions and other rising costs. Many farmers feel that the Government, whether in Edinburgh or in London, is disconnected from what is happening in rural communities and the impacts of its policies. It is little wonder that confidence in Government is so low and that anger is growing across the sector. Farmers are frustrated. I have heard more militant language from farming colleagues than ever before. UK and Scottish Government ministers must listen.”
“They might want to remember that the farmers rally held outside this building only last year was not aimed at the Labour Government at all— although there was rightly a considerable focus on that disastrous Administration. It was focused on Scottish ministers and on what they needed to do to support the industry. The concerns that those farmers raised at the rally were entirely justified, because we now know that, rather than investing in our rural communities, the rural affairs, land reform and islands portfolio was the only part of the budget that faced a cut, as its funding was down by 3.1 per cent in real terms in 2025-26. Cattle numbers are dropping and we have a Government that wants to reduce overall red meat consumption. It is a Government that is working against the very interests of a vital sector—a world-leading sector.”
“It is a tax on rural and island Scotland, which needs more investment, not less. It is a betrayal of those communities. Every Labour MP and MSP who backs their family farm tax should be ashamed of themselves and ashamed of their failure to stand up for the communities that they are supposed to represent. I was pleased to join my colleague Tim Eagle in meeting the shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Victoria Atkins, last week and to hear her say unequivocally—with no ifs, no buts—that the next UK Conservative Government will end Labour’s family farm tax. SNP members should not get too comfortable.”
“I will start with one of the most pressing issues, which has been mentioned repeatedly. I have just highlighted Labour’s damaging family farm tax. I had hoped that Rhoda Grant and her Labour colleagues might come to the debate with a little more humility than in previous debates. Perhaps they might even have recognised and accepted the damage that their Government’s actions will cause to the rural communities that they are supposed to represent—but they did not. In fact, they hardly mentioned it at all. Daniel Johnson’s recent comments will highlight to Scotland’s rural communities how little they mean to the Labour Party. Let us be clear—every pound of additional tax that Labour takes from our farmers is money taken right out of rural communities. It is a barrier to investment.”
“I draw members’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests as a partner in a farming business. It is always important that time is given to debating Scotland’s food and drink sector, but rarely is it as important as it is now because, as my Scottish Conservative colleagues and other members across the chamber have rightly highlighted, there are real pressures on the sector. Our food and drink sector contributes millions of pounds to Scotland’s economy, and it supports tens of thousands of jobs right across the country, many of which are in the rural and island communities of my Highlands and Islands region. It is a vital sector for my region, often forming the backbone of local communities, but it is being let down by both of Scotland’s Governments.”
“In closing, I briefly acknowledge the science point about precision breeding and gene editing. I welcome the fact that that has been brought to the chamber, as it is an important issue that we need to have a clear-eyed look at. 16:42”
“Rhoda Grant made some important points about the issues that we need to tackle. How can we grow? In other parts of enterprise policy, we have the Techscaler network and a programme about how businesses and industries can grow. Where is the scaler network for food? We know that, because of the requirements for equipment and capital, growing a food business is much harder than growing a technology business. Likewise, what are our agencies doing? How are they working together to support that growth, enabling businesses to invest in equipment while dealing with complex supply chains and what is often the very challenging task of selling to the supermarkets? It is scale that we need if we want to deliver jobs and realise the benefit of Scotland’s food and drink exports for the whole population.”
“The member talks about the importance of exports, particularly food exports. Does he think that Labour’s family farm tax will improve or be detrimental to our exports and our farming communities? Daniel Johnson: Quite simply, tax loopholes that were enjoyed by the likes of Jeremy Clarkson had to be closed. I think that people need to be fair. I recognise the points about the impact and the transition, but transition arrangements are being put in place and there will be a period of time for people to pay that tax. However, when someone inherits a property, they should pay tax—that is my simple point. Looking internationally, Scotland has £8 billion of food exports but Ireland has €18 billion-worth, which is getting on for double that amount. That should be the scale we aim for. How do we achieve that?”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I remind members who have not yet pressed their request- to-speak buttons but who intend to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I call Douglas Lumsden to speak to and to move amendment S6M-16657.3. 15:21”
“I move, That the Parliament rejects the creation of new nuclear power plants in Scotland and the risk that they bring; believes that Scotland’s future is as a renewables powerhouse; further believes that the expansion of renewables should have a positive impact on household energy bills; notes the challenges and dangers of producing and managing hazardous radioactive nuclear waste products, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of the failure of a nuclear power plant; recognises that the development and operation of renewable power generation is faster, cheaper and safer than that of nuclear power, and welcomes that renewables would deliver higher employment than nuclear power for the development and production of equivalent levels of generated power.”
“Therefore, I ask Parliament to reject the creation of new nuclear power plants in Scotland and the risks that they bring, and to agree that Scotland’s future is as a renewables powerhouse that benefits the people of Scotland.”