Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee

Meeting date: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Official Report 426KB pdf

Convener

Item 2 is the choosing of convener. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish National Party are eligible for nomination as convener, and I understand that Joe FitzPatrick is the party’s nominee.

Joe FitzPatrick was chosen as convener.

Congratulations, Joe.

I thank everyone for supporting my nomination to be convener and I look forward to working with all the members over the coming years. This is one of the most important committees in the Parliament. It has shown the benefits of devolution and, particularly during the previous parliamentary session in the difficult times of Covid, it showed the importance of engaging with the population. I was a member of the committee only towards the end of the previous session, but I think that Alexander Stewart was a member throughout it, so he is aware of the engagement that the committee undertook, which we should continue.

The committee’s remit has expanded, which is a good thing, although it means that we will have challenges in managing our time. I look forward to working with all the members in the years going forward.