Tom Arthur
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I am advised that Transport Scotland officials responded to the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership in June 2023 to confirm that the outcome of its review of SWestrans’s Beattock and Moffat transport appraisal report was that a robust business case had not been made for a Beattock station to be progressed further in the developme…”
“David Kirkwood: Given the 2028 opening of the River Tweed trail—the long-distance path that will start in Moffat, the jewel of the south, and run 113 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed—and the probable extension of the Clydesdale way into Moffat a few years later, it is likely that more than 300,000 additional cyclists and walkers will visit the…”
“As the First Minister set out, the Scottish Government will invest in essential infrastructure across Scotland, including new train stations and ongoing electrification of our rail network.”
“First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets of our capital on Friday last week. There is no place for violence in the streets, homes, or communities of Scotland—whether it be race based, faith based or otherwise.”
“Scotland is a place that values hope, tolerance and solidarity—values that are shared both by people who were born here and by those who have privileged us by choosing to make Scotland their home. I hope that those values are shared by those who are fortunate enough to be in the chamber.”
“The Scottish Government had initially, on 15 June, lodged a legislative consent memorandum with the Parliament stating that we would not consent to the bill, due to the UK Government having not agreed to our proposals that it have appropriate regard to devolution.”
The complete record
Every one of 385 lines we hold for Tom Arthur, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 8.
“I am advised that Transport Scotland officials responded to the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership in June 2023 to confirm that the outcome of its review of SWestrans’s Beattock and Moffat transport appraisal report was that a robust business case had not been made for a Beattock station to be progressed further in the development process. Although I commend the work done by SWestrans, the action group and the local community. SWestrans’s own transport appraisal report clearly acknowledged, for example, that the option of a rail station at Beattock simply did not “stack up” from an economic perspective. I appreciate the member’s point.”
“David Kirkwood: Given the 2028 opening of the River Tweed trail—the long-distance path that will start in Moffat, the jewel of the south, and run 113 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed—and the probable extension of the Clydesdale way into Moffat a few years later, it is likely that more than 300,000 additional cyclists and walkers will visit the town annually, putting a huge strain on its ability to cope with road traffic. Will the minister work with me to urgently advance the Beattock Station Action Group’s plan to reopen what could be one of the busiest small stations on the network? Tom Arthur: I am aware of the member’s particular interest.”
“As the First Minister set out, the Scottish Government will invest in essential infrastructure across Scotland, including new train stations and ongoing electrification of our rail network. We will advance consideration of a new railway to Ellon, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, and are currently examining the case for a link from Tweedbank to Carlisle. We will also deliver a station at Winchburgh, as is set out in the 2026-27 budget. We are committed to improving Scotland’s rail network, as is clearly demonstrated by our delivery of a publicly owned, modernised rail service with improved reliability and accessibility.”
“Scotland is a place that values hope, tolerance and solidarity—values that are shared both by people who were born here and by those who have privileged us by choosing to make Scotland their home. I hope that those values are shared by those who are fortunate enough to be in the chamber. We must all come together to ensure that our values as a welcoming, tolerant and hopeful Scotland are protected. The Government will lead from the front to tackle all forms of violence, division, and prejudice.”
“First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets of our capital on Friday last week. There is no place for violence in the streets, homes, or communities of Scotland—whether it be race based, faith based or otherwise. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by that appalling act—not just the victims who are directly affected but the communities who are now anxious and worried that they could be next to experience hatred by virtue of who they are, where they were born or the faith that they practise. I thank and recognise Police Scotland for all the hard work that it does every day, and, in response to recent events, to make the people of Scotland feel safe and supported.”
“The UK Government would not agree to that request, due to practicalities around the operation of the bill. However, since then, extensive productive engagement has taken place at both ministerial and official level. The UK Government has now given a political commitment that, should the bill’s transfer power be exercised in Scotland, it would “ordinarily consult” Scottish ministers. I met the minister Chris McDonald, from the Department for Business and Trade, and we had a very constructive discussion about the bill and our shared vision for a successful steel sector in Scotland and the rest of the”
“The Scottish Government had initially, on 15 June, lodged a legislative consent memorandum with the Parliament stating that we would not consent to the bill, due to the UK Government having not agreed to our proposals that it have appropriate regard to devolution. However, we have now changed our position on that, following a period of productive engagement with the UK Government. I will use my time in the debate to update members on how we have got to this point. The bill, as introduced, included no formal role for Scottish ministers. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport therefore wrote to the UK Government, requesting that the bill be amended to include a statutory consent requirement for the proposed exercise of the powers in respect of steel undertakings in Scotland, where the exercise was for a devolved purpose.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the legislative consent motion for the UK Government’s Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons on 14 May 2026. The bill empowers the UK Government to bring steel companies across the UK into public ownership if a public interest test is met, safeguarding long-term production capacity and securing steel’s role in critical sectors, including national infrastructure, defence and clean energy. Domestic production capability is essential not only for economic growth and jobs but for our national security and resilience. The Scottish Government therefore supports the overall intention of the bill.”
“With banking hubs, we have a model that has proven to be very effective, and I think that we all agree that we want it to grow and develop.”
“Over my time in elected office, there have been numerous instances of a bank branch closing in my constituency to the detriment of my constituents, so I recognise the important role that the branches play. There is broad agreement on that across Parliament. As a minister, I am committed to engaging constructively with members on such matters. Although we recognise the reserved nature of the issue, the Scottish Government is committed to engaging constructively. That is why we have made representations as part of the ongoing review process. I am committed to ensuring that all members have the opportunity to make representations to me, so that I can articulate that case to the UK Government. Beyond that, I am keen to work with members across the Parliament, in recognition of the fact that the issue impacts right across Scotland.”
“Finlay Carson: Given the recent closure of the last remaining bank in Kirkcudbrightshire, does the minister recognise that access to in-person banking services remains essential for many of my constituents, particularly older residents and smaller businesses, who rely on banking but do not have reliable digital access? The minister rightly said that the development of banking hubs is reserved. What support can the Scottish Government provide to ensure that banking hubs deliver a full range of face-to-face banking services, not just access to cash? What specific steps can it take to help to secure a hub or equivalent provision in areas such as Kirkcudbrightshire? Tom Arthur: I thank the member for his important question, which certainly reflects my experience as a constituency member.”
“Although regulation of financial services is reserved, Scottish Government ministers and officials regularly engage with the sector and the regulator on the issue. Officials have raised Scottish-specific concerns with the Financial Conduct Authority, including Scotland’s rural and remote geography, topography and demographics, as well as the methodology used by Link to assess communities and make decisions about banking hubs. We await the upcoming reviews by the FCA on access to cash and HM Treasury on access to banking services, which we will use to represent Scotland’s interests. We continue to urge all financial services providers to hear and address customer concerns.”
“Kim Schmulian: The minister will be aware that heavy goods vehicles have been directed to the M74, to the south of Glasgow, and that local residents are concerned about traffic congestion via the on-boarding and off-boarding ramps at Rutherglen and Cambuslang. Was there any liaison with Glasgow City Council regarding a traffic impact assessment? Tom Arthur: I do not have at hand the details to answer the member’s question, but I am happy to ask officials to write to the member, to provide her with an update.”
“The early public consultation on strategic options for the M8 Woodside viaducts permanent works project concluded on 25 March 2026. As part of the Scottish transport appraisal guidance process for identification and appraisal of transport interventions, three strategic approaches were presented: repair, replace and remove. Since then, engagement has continued— with key stakeholders including Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, community councils, the Road Haulage Association and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce—to inform the appraisal of potential options and associated costs. The work is ongoing and no final decisions have been taken.”
“That is important, which is why it is reflected in our commitment to extend across the whole of Scotland the £2 fare cap pilot that is currently in operation in the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and Shetland Transport Partnership areas.”
“I whole-heartedly embrace his comments on the transformative power of the Borders railway and I am pleased to hear the Scottish Government's ongoing commitment to that. Alongside that, bus services remain critical for many, but, with the cheapest online single fare costing £6.80 to go just from Peebles to Edinburgh, for example, does the minister recognise the pressing need for a price cap in rural areas such as the Borders, as those costs are currently unaffordable for many? Tom Arthur: I thank Mr Kerr for his further question and I recognise the points that he raises about the importance of connectivity, particularly around bus travel, and the need for affordable rural bus fares across the country.”
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of connectivity to the Scottish Borders. We continue to invest both in digital connectivity and in local and regional transport, in partnership with councils and transport authorities. That includes support through relevant grants for bus services and active travel. Rail connectivity was transformed with the opening of the Borders railway, and we continue to support Scottish Borders Council in its work to consider the benefits and challenges of extending the Borders railway, which is funded by up to £5 million each from the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments through the Borderlands deal. Calum Kerr: I thank the minister for that answer—today’s question time is turning into the Tom Arthur show.”
“I reassure the member and Parliament that the Government will carefully consider that correspondence and is committed to building on the positive engagement that has been undertaken to date with the campaign group through the A83 task force.”
“I believe that that would be hugely detrimental to the economy and communities of Argyll and Bute. Given his portfolio, the minister will appreciate those concerns, so I hope that he will support me in asking the cabinet secretary to meet the Rest and Be Thankful campaign group to discuss its proposals and understand the reasoning behind its preference for the medium- term option. Tom Arthur: I recognise the amount of work that Jenni Minto has undertaken to represent the interests of her constituents on the issue of the Rest and Be Thankful, and I thank her for raising awareness of those specific concerns. I am aware that the cabinet secretary has received correspondence from the campaign group that outlines its views on a permanent solution to the landslip challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful.”
“The Scottish Government is delivering a range of measures in the short, medium and long term to reduce the risk of impact of landslides on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Following the publication of draft orders, Transport Scotland continues to progress the proposed medium-term solution through the statutory authorisation process. Construction of the medium-term solution can only commence if approved under the relevant statutory authorisation process. Thereafter, a timetable for construction can be determined. Jenni Minto: As the minister might be aware, I organised a series of round-table meetings in September with local businesses, the community and national businesses, and concerns were raised about the use of the old military road for the duration of the construction period of the long-term solution.”
“It is my hope that, by strengthening our connectivity with European neighbours, we will be able to renew our relationships again. As for the question posed, I confirm to the member that work is continuing to assess the various options that are available to deliver that funding. We will work constructively with all interested parties regarding the introduction of an international ferry service. The Presiding Officer: Question 6 has not been lodged. A83 Rest and Be Thankful 7.”
“David Barratt: In order for Forth Ports and DFDS to progress that route, they require clarity on the waterborne freight grant scheme and the Government’s £3 million manifesto commitment towards the reopening of the ferry link. Funding from the United Kingdom Government has been strictly ring fenced. Will the minister confirm timescales for each funding stream, and will the Scottish Government constructively work with Forth Ports to ensure that funding is not unduly restricted? Tom Arthur: I want to assure the member that we greatly value the interest shown from business in the Government’s commitment to support the funding of ferry services from Scotland to Europe. That is particularly timely as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, which has led to significant economic harm for Scotland and the wider UK.”
“Although the Scottish Government is supportive of direct ferry services to Europe, decisions on the introduction of an international ferry service and the timing of that introduction are considerations for the commercial ferry operator and relevant port authorities. The Scottish Government has received an application for funding through the waterborne freight grant scheme, which is currently being assessed. The Scottish Government also amended the minimum requirements for the location of a border control post through the Official Controls (Location of Border Control Posts) (Scotland) Regulations 2026. That amendment provides flexibility for border control post requirements within green freeport zones.”
“Daniel Johnson is absolutely right to highlight the importance of cost effectiveness, but that has to be balanced with ensuring that the project can be delivered in a way that is cognisant of market capacity and ensures a minimum amount of disruption for road users. That balance is reflected in the process that the Scottish Government has undertaken.”
“On a per kilometre basis, the latest sections will come in at around £20 million per kilometre, compared with £6.4 million per kilometre, adjusted for inflation, for the Kincraig to Dalraddy section. Looking internationally, I note that the Faroese Government has built tunnels—new roads under the sea—for £10 million per kilometre. Does the minister agree that it is vitally important that we have cost-effective delivery of infrastructure for economic growth? What lessons is the Scottish Government seeking to learn from international best practice, such as the Faroese example? Tom Arthur: The Scottish Government is always open to learning from best practice internationally.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035. The programme is estimated to cost £3.97 billion at April 2025 prices. When adjusted for inflation, that is broadly similar to the £3.7 billion at April 2023 prices that was reported in December 2023 and below the original estimate of £3 billion at 2008 prices. The 2026 delivery plan will see the proportion of dual carriageway between Perth and Inverness increase to 50 per cent by the end of 2030, 67 per cent by the end of 2032, 91 per cent by the end of 2034, and 100 per cent by the end of 2035. Daniel Johnson: The latest tenders are clearly welcome, as they give some clarity about the completion of the A9, albeit some 28 years after it was originally promised. However, the costs require some examination.”
“By investing in our places, we are investing in people, opportunity and long-term prosperity. I am confident that, together, we will continue to build stronger, more resilient communities across Scotland.”
“The group will bring together key partners, including Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow Life, Museums Galleries Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, alongside wider sectoral expertise, to work collaboratively with Glasgow City Council in progressing the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and winter gardens. The partnership group will facilitate the sharing of expertise, support the achievement of value for money for the public purse and seek to agree a viable and deliverable funding package, including appropriate match- funding arrangements. Investing in Our Union Street and the People’s Palace demonstrates our clear commitment to regeneration that is locally led, nationally supported and focused on delivering real change.”
“It is clear that the renewed People’s Palace will play a pivotal placemaking role in one of Glasgow’s most deprived neighbourhoods. However, the grade-A listed museum is now at risk of permanent closure, and we must ensure that that does not happen. That is why I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government will establish a partnership group to support the redevelopment of the People’s Palace, recognising its status as a building of national cultural and historic significance and its role in the regeneration of Glasgow’s east end.”
“It will reimagine the People’s Palace to create one of the world’s most socially engaged and internationally significant local museums. The restoration project will also demonstrate the benefits of reusing and adapting historic buildings to ensure that they can thrive again and support the wellbeing of Scotland’s people and the economy. A significantly improved and accessible cultural venue will also make the local area a better place to live and will support local businesses and jobs. It will create new employment opportunities during the redevelopment and beyond. The project aims to build on the success of the redeveloped Burrell Collection, which generated more than £21 million in economic value in its first year of reopening, and almost £25 million in its second year.”
“I turn to the People’s Palace and winter gardens project, which aims to save a cornerstone of Glasgow’s cultural heritage. The People’s Palace opened in 1898 at the iconic Glasgow Green, with a pioneering vision to create a cultural, educational and recreational community space for the working- class residents of the east end. At the heart of the People’s Palace redevelopment project is an ambitious vision for the local communities in the east end of Glasgow. The project will use a community-led approach to create a museum by the people, for the people. Inclusion, access and participation will be increased through that approach, and the project will focus on local and national priorities including supporting learning, wellbeing, skills development and net zero.”
“Together, those efforts are helping to revitalise Union Street and breathe new life into Aberdeen’s city centre. They reflect a town centre first approach that we are committed to supporting across Scotland. The work of Our Union Street is something that others can look to and learn from. Presiding Officer, the additional investment in Our Union Street is about more than physical change. It also sends a clear message that Aberdeen city centre is open for business and committed to attracting investment, talent and new enterprises. It is about supporting communities, strengthening the local economy and fostering a strong sense of place. Our Union Street has already played a key role in that progress and I look forward to seeing what more can be achieved.”
“My officials have already met the Our Union Street team and Aberdeen City Council to discuss delivery of the commitment, and we will ensure that the additional funding builds on existing investment and momentum in revitalising the city centre. Crucially, the project can complement further action led by the Aberdeen Inspired business improvement district, which is another key player in driving the economic and cultural vibrancy of Aberdeen city centre through initiatives such as the Nuart Aberdeen art festival and the biannual Aberdeen restaurant weeks. In parallel, initiatives such as the award-winning upper floors project, which is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council and the Aberdeen Inspired BID, are addressing long-standing challenges by converting underused upper floor spaces into homes, workplaces and creative hubs.”
“I was particularly impressed by the efforts to work with local artists, including the graffiti grannies, a local street art group of over-60s that not only helps to tackle social isolation but has also reinvigorated neighbourhoods with local art. Our investment has supported innovative digital solutions in reimagining the city. In particular, the introduction of a smartphone app is helping people to engage with the city centre in new ways. Launched last month, the app acts as a guide to local events, gives users exclusive deals at independent shops and has interactive trails uncovering Aberdeen’s lesser-known history and heritage. Those practical interventions are making a real difference on the ground. Increased occupancy and footfall have helped to reinforce confidence in the city centre as a place to live, work and invest.”
“With support from our £400,000 of investment to date, the project has delivered tangible outcomes, including shop-front improvements, cleaning and maintenance, volunteer mobilisation and stronger partnership working with local organisations and businesses. The Our Union Street team has worked closely with landlords and agents to bring vacant units back into use. Simple interventions, such as cleaning empty premises, have helped to attract new tenants and have created opportunities for new hospitality and commercial activity. There have also been visible improvements to the street itself, including exhibits and makeovers of vacant units that have drawn people back into the centre.”
“Union Street has long been the heart of Aberdeen and, like many town and city centres, it has faced significant challenges in recent years. In response, in 2023, local businesses and communities came together to form Our Union Street, a volunteer-led movement aimed at tackling vacancies, improving the streetscape, supporting new businesses and rebuilding civic pride. A defining feature of that initiative has been its strong community engagement. More than 70 local groups were engaged with, more than 500 people attended a major public meeting, and more than 10,000 ideas were generated to help to shape the future of the street. Three years on, there has been a reduction in the number of vacant units.”
“Through our regeneration strategy and targeted investment programmes, we are supporting thriving places and regions, which are central to Scotland’s long-term economic success. That is reflected in our commitment of up to £52 million in the 2026-27 budget to accelerate regeneration across the country. I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government will provide up to an additional £600,000 for the Our Union Street campaign, building on our existing funding of £400,000. That will bring total investment of up to £1 million. That funding will complement wider Scottish Government investment in the north-east, including £125 million over 10 years through the Aberdeen city region deal and £13.4 million in regeneration capital investment since 2014.”
“I welcome the opportunity to update the Parliament on progress and further investment in two significant projects—Our Union Street in Aberdeen and the People’s Palace in Glasgow— both of which will support wider regeneration of their local communities. Our commitments on those projects, which were set out in our manifesto, form part of our commitments for our first 100 days. I will lead on the statement, in which I will reflect on both the Our Union Street project and—on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic—the People’s Palace commitment, which sits in the culture portfolio. Although the two projects are located in different cities, they both play an important role in driving place-based regeneration and supporting the physical, economic and social renewal of local communities.”
“The Federation of Small Businesses in particular has been very forthright in advocating on its behalf. All of us, in our roles as constituency and regional MSPs, will be able to identify many businesses in our town centres, villages and high streets that benefit from the SBBS. As Calum Kerr highlighted, it benefits around 100,000 businesses across Scotland. More broadly, we recognise that specific concerns have been raised about non-domestic rates by a range of sectors, particularly hospitality. We are committed to engaging constructively, and we will soon undertake a comprehensive review of non-domestic rates, which builds on our commitment to examine the impact and configuration of all our reliefs in advance of the next revaluation on 1 April 2029.”
“I also welcome the quick engagement after the election with the Confederation of British Industry and businesses by the First Minister, the cabinet secretary and the minister himself. I have recently been contacted by a constituent who has raised concerns about the interaction between recent property revaluations and the thresholds in the small business bonus scheme. The scheme has been fantastic in supporting our small businesses, with more than 100,000 properties benefiting from 100 per cent relief. What steps is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that there is fairness in the business rates system and that as many businesses as possible continue to benefit? Tom Arthur: I thank Calum Kerr for raising those matters pertaining to non-domestic rates. The small business bonus scheme has garnered much support in the business community.”
“Although the biggest levers for boosting economic growth remain reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government is creating conditions for growth and thriving businesses here in Scotland. We are streamlining regulatory processes for business while investing in skills, employability and housing, enabling firms to expand and create jobs. We back innovative and high-growth businesses through programmes such as Techscaler, supporting the creation and scaling of tech start-ups. Scotland remains the top United Kingdom foreign direct investment location outside of London, recently securing investments such as Ryanair’s £40 million investment at Prestwick airport, creating 450 jobs, and the £445 million Center Parcs investment in Hawick, supporting 1,300 jobs. Calum Kerr: I thank the minister for his comprehensive answer.”
“However, he is absolutely right to highlight the catastrophic damage that Brexit has inflicted on not just the Scottish but the UK economy, and that, of course, the best future for Scotland is as an independent member of the”
“Alyn Smith: I thank the minister for his answer, but surely he shares my frustration that the UK finds itself between a rock and a hard place on CBAM and everything else, and that it has very little influence on how CBAM has come to be. Does he agree that Scotland’s best future is as an independent state within the European framework? Tom Arthur: I agree absolutely with Alyn Smith and welcome him bringing his tremendous experience and expertise to this chamber, given his previous roles. We are certainly committed to engaging constructively with the UK Government, and I will meet my UK ministerial counterpart in the coming weeks.”
“The Scottish Government supports the aim of the carbon border adjustment mechanisms, or CBAMs, to reduce carbon leakage. However, we recognise that the mechanisms, whether in the UK or the EU, present challenges for businesses. We have therefore met businesses in affected sectors to understand their concerns, which include compliance costs and competitive disadvantages in exporting to the EU, despite efforts to cut emissions. We have written to UK ministers to share the concerns and have consistently urged the UK Government to link UK and EU emissions trading schemes, which should provide EU CBAM exemptions for Scottish businesses.”
“We recognise that culture is important to Scotland’s prosperity and national identity, and we are offering a package of support to expand the reach and impact of cultural activities in communities. That includes funding the Camglen Buddies Leisure and Social Club in South Lanarkshire, which gives adults with additional support needs the opportunity to produce their own films. Capital Projects (Delays) 7.”
“Will the minister outline how the Scottish Government is working to support the retail economy, particularly in towns such as East Kilbride where there is a shopping centre rather than a high street, and also to support culture and an affordable housing supply, given the links with those areas in development plans? Tom Arthur: I recognise Collette Stevenson’s long-standing advocacy on behalf of her constituents regarding this issue. I assure her that the Scottish Government is committed to supporting the retail industry, and it will continue to engage directly with the sector to monitor the evolving impacts of the ongoing cost crisis. We will continue to work with the strategic housing leads in South Lanarkshire Council to deliver on their priorities.”
“East Kilbride shopping centre is an important economic asset that serves its local community through its wide range of shops, restaurants, offices, hotels and leisure facilities. My officials have spoken with the administrators, Interpath Advisory, which is working closely with key stakeholders, including South Lanarkshire Council, to realise the site’s master plan and to secure the best outcome for East Kilbride. I will remain updated on the situation as it progresses. Collette Stevenson: The impacts of the news on the East Kilbride master plan and indeed on the local economy of the town are worrying for many of my constituents.”
“My door is open, as it always is on such matters, to all members of the Parliament for deep, considered and thoughtful discussion on the policy.”
“However, in the light of the Government’s conversion of price controls, can he confirm whether my constituents in South Scotland who work day in, day out to put food on our plates will be allowed to keep the full value of their produce, or will they have to settle for an arbitrary sum decided by the Government? The Presiding Officer: Alas, you are only a minister, Tom. Tom Arthur: Jamie Langan raises a very important issue, which is the wellbeing, welfare and sustainability of those who provide the food that we put on our tables. I reassure him and other members of the Parliament that, in recognition of the significant interest that has been reflected in the number of written questions that I have received, I will engage thoroughly and comprehensively with all relevant stakeholders.”
“The Scottish Government supports a fair economy and recognises that, already, not all goods and services in the economy operate on an unregulated free market price basis. Prices are often regulated to affect wider externalities, such as societal or environmental harms, or to ensure a fair market price for industries or sectors with natural monopolies. Scotland faces a cost of living crisis that is disproportionately affecting vulnerable households and placing pressures on public services. Rising energy, food and housing costs have made it harder for people to maintain a reasonable standard of living. As a result, the Scottish Government is clear that it will take action, when necessary, to protect people and support those who are most impacted by the cost of living. Jamie Langan: I thank the cabinet secretary for his response.”