Colin Smyth
Scottish Labour
MSP for South Scotland (Region) 2016 - present day
About Colin Smyth
Contact details
Contact online
Email: [email protected]
Website: colinsmythmsp.com
X (previously known as Twitter): @colinsmythmsp
Facebook: Colin's facebook
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 6986
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at local office
17 Buccleuch Street
Dumfries
DG1 2AT
Phone: 01387 279205
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Committees
Colin is a member of 3 committees
Public Audit Committee
Substitute Member
Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee
Substitute Member
Cross-party groups
Colin is a member of 17 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Animal Welfare
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Beer and Pubs
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on China
Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Civil Nuclear Industry
Co-Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co-Operatives
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Fair Trade
Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Food
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Future of Football in Scotland
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Heart and Circulatory Diseases
Co-Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Japan
Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rural Policy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Scotch Whisky
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Tourism
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Visual Impairment
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wood Panel Industry
Deputy Convener
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Colin does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
Colin does not have any party roles
Previous roles
Colin has had 22 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
16 November 2023 - 31 January 2024
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
Member
01 February 2023 - 25 April 2023
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
Substitute Member
22 September 2021 - 25 April 2023
Finance and Public Administration Committee
Substitute Member
31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Economic Development
Scottish Labour
31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Rural Affairs
Scottish Labour
30 November 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Net Zero
Scottish Labour
30 November 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Energy
Scottish Labour
30 November 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Transport
Scottish Labour
29 September 2021 - 01 February 2023
Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Substitute Member
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on External Affairs
Scottish Labour
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on Constitution
Scottish Labour
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on Europe
Scottish Labour
28 June 2016 - 04 May 2021
Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
Substitute Member
09 January 2018 - 04 May 2021
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee
Member
19 December 2017 - 01 March 2021
Party Spokesperson on Telecommunications
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 01 March 2021
Party Spokesperson on Infrastructure
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 01 March 2021
Party Spokesperson on Transport
Scottish Labour
02 September 2019 - 01 March 2021
Party Spokesperson on Rural Economy
Scottish Labour
19 December 2017 - 04 October 2018
Party Spokesperson on Rural Economy
Scottish Labour
08 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Health and Sport Committee
Member
25 May 2016 - 19 December 2017
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Health
Scottish Labour
25 May 2016 - 19 December 2017
Chief Whip
Scottish Labour
Register of interests
Colin's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Colin Smyth. The date of their initial statement was 05 June 2021.
Remuneration and related undertaking
No registrable interests
Gifts
No registrable interests
Overseas visits
From 9 February to 13 February 2024 I visited California, USA, as part of a cross-party delegation of MSPs, meeting health professionals, family members of individuals who had used the state’s End of Life Options Act, Senators and representatives of organisations who provide information about the provisions of the Act. The costs of the visit, including travel, accommodation and meals amounted to £2,694 and were paid by the permissible donor Dignity in Dying (a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying, of 181 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2JT). [Registered 8 March 2024]
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
Until 31 May 2016 I was a volunteer coordinator at Parkinson’s UK, a charity organisation (of 215 Vauxhaull Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJ). I received remuneration of between £25,001 and £30,000 per annum and worked 35 hours per week. I do not believe this meets the prejudice test.
I am member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
I am a member of Unite the Union.
Until 4 May 2017, when I stood down, I was a senior councillor for Dumfries and Galloway Council (of English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DD). I worked approximately 20 hours per week and I received remuneration of between £20,001 and £25,000 per annum. I donated my salary to local and national good causes/charities. I do not believe this meets the prejudice test.
I am Chairperson of the Dumfries and Galloway Fairtrade Steering Group.
I am Chairperson of the Eastriggs Railway Station Action Group (ERSAG).
I am a member of GMB Union.
I am a member of the League Against Cruel Sports.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Colin Smyth has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 16 April 2024
Putting Langholm on the Map
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab): "I thank Oliver Mundell for lodging his motion. It is a welcome opportunity to shine a light on a town that is often forgotten but whose community drive, passion and achievements are an example to others…
Chamber meeting date: 28 March 2024
South Lanarkshire Care Homes (Closure)
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab): "This week, South Lanarkshire health and social care partnership voted to close two care homes, including McClymont House in Lanark, to help to plug a £33 million funding shortfall…
Chamber meeting date: 28 March 2024
Bus Services (Dumfries and Galloway)
4. Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to support the reversal of the reported reduction of bus services in Dumfries and Galloway. (S6O-03279)"
Chamber meeting date: 27 March 2024
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab): "The debate has shown that people get that we cannot dot every i and cross every t of a rural support scheme in primary legislation. We need flexibility to ensure that changes can be made when needed without having to revisit the primary legislation…
Chamber meeting date: 26 March 2024
Smoking and Vaping
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab): "I thank climate activist Laura Young and others, including the Daily Record, for their successful campaign to ban disposable vapes. However, as we know, refillable vapes will still be available…
Votes
How Colin Smyth has voted in Parliament
Find out how Colin Smyth has voted recently.
Business Programme
Submitted by: Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Alexander Burnett, Sharon Dowey, Russell Findlay, Pam Gosal, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Liam Kerr, Douglas Ross, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Result 53 for, 60 against, 5 abstained, 11 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Defeated
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Result 88 for, 28 against, 0 abstained, 13 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Repealing the Hate Crime Act
Submitted by: Russell Findlay, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, April 15, 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Result 64 for, 29 against, 25 abstained, 11 did not vote
MSP abstained
Vote Passed
Repealing the Hate Crime Act
Submitted by: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Supported by: Katy Clark
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Result 20 for, 97 against, 1 abstained, 11 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Defeated
Repealing the Hate Crime Act
Submitted by: Siobhian Brown, Ayr, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Supported by: Angela Constance
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Result 64 for, 49 against, 5 abstained, 11 did not vote
MSP voted against
Vote Passed
Motions
Motions made by Colin Smyth in Parliament
Find out what motions Colin Smyth has submitted recently.
Questions
Questions Colin Smyth has asked
These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 17 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support festivals in Dumfries and Galloway."
Taken in the Chamber on 24 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 2 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government in what month it will publish (a) its annual report in relation to the incentivisation of selective fishing gear and low impact techniques and (b) its response to the consultation on additional quota that closed on 11 January 2024."
Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 11 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the South West Scotland Regional Transport Partnership regarding P&O Ferries’ (a) passenger and (b) freight operations from Cairnryan Port since March 2022."
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 10 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what work it is undertaking to give greater representation to older people."
Taken in the Chamber on 18 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) Port of Cairnryan, (b) P&O Ferries and (c) Clyde Marine Recruitment regarding the application of the Fair Work Convention to ferry services between Cairnryan and Larne."
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 9 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can list the (a) full and (b) associate members of the Scottish Maritime Cluster Limited."
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 9 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list any payments that it has made to P&O Ferries since 17 March 2022 to date."
Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 9 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 22 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding Port of Cairnryan Ltd’s submission of company accounts for the year to 31 December 2022."
Answer expected on 22 April 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to support the reversal of the reported reduction of bus services in Dumfries and Galloway."
Taken in the Chamber on 28 March 2024
Asked by: Smyth, Colin, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 18 March 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported cyber attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway."
Taken in the Chamber on 19 March 2024