Official Report 242KB pdf
Back-bench Members
14:31
Sula Sgeir (Guga Harvesting)
Last week, the Public Petitions Committee took the decision to keep open petition PE2202, seeking to end the harvesting of guga from the island of Sula Sgeir in my constituency. Does the First Minister, like me, recognise and value the deep cultural significance of the taking of guga from Sula Sgeir? Can he confirm that the position of his Government remains that it does not intend to amend section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences to take gannets from Sula Sgeir?
Before I come to Mr MacKinnon’s question, I associate myself with the comments that the Presiding Officer made at the start of business this afternoon about the sad death of Cathie Craigie, who was a distinguished member of Parliament. I express my sympathy to her family and to her colleagues in the Labour Party and across the political spectrum. She was a generous and kind lady to work with in the Scottish Parliament, and I express my thanks for the work that she contributed to the Parliament.
In relation to Mr MacKinnon’s question, the Government has no intention of changing the provisions in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The issues that have been wrestled with by NatureScot are the consideration of scientific evidence. I understand and appreciate that there is quite a vigorous debate about that scientific evidence, but NatureScot has fulfilled my expectation that it would be open and transparent about the information that it had considered in coming to its conclusion.
It is important for me to state for the record that, although a decision was taken in relation to the guga hunt in 2026, that does not prohibit any application for subsequent years. I hope that that clarity assists Mr MacKinnon’s constituents, many of whom I know are troubled by the issue.
National Health Service Reorganisation (Accountability)
Thank you, Presiding Officer, and my apologies for earlier.
Considering that there is a public inquiry into the NHS Tayside practices that allowed Sam Eljamel to butcher patients over nearly 20 years and another public inquiry into NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Queen Elizabeth university hospital, can the First Minister explain how accountability and justice can be delivered despite a major reorganisation of NHS boards that will remove those entities?
The public inquiries will take their course and there is nothing about the reorganisation of the national health service, as proposed by the programme for government, that will interrupt or in any way inhibit the inquiries undertaking their full scrutiny. All issues that are relevant arising out of those inquiries into NHS Tayside or NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be handled, dealt with and responded to by the successor NHS institutions that arise from the Government’s reforms, if they are supported by Parliament.
Domestic Abuse Advocacy (Glasgow City Council)
A constituent who is a specialist domestic abuse advocacy worker with the advocacy, support, safety, information and services together—ASSIST—project, which is Glasgow City Council’s domestic abuse court advocacy service, has raised serious concerns with me about proposed changes to pay and grading that could result in her salary being reduced by around 23 per cent from April 2028. Given the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, what discussions will the First Minister have with Glasgow City Council to ensure that changes to the pay and grading of specialist front-line staff do not undermine the provision of vital support to victims of domestic abuse?
I want to separate two issues that Mr MacGregor raises in his question to me. The first relates to the pay and grading changes that have been taken forward by Glasgow City Council. Those are matters for Glasgow City Council to address as the employer of the individuals affected. I am aware of the points that Mr MacGregor raises on the specific implications for the ASSIST organisation, but, fundamentally, that issue is about the grading of staff and the pay that is allocated, which is a matter for the city council.
The other issue is about the sustained funding to advocacy organisations and organisations that have a responsibility to tackle violence against women and girls. As I set out in the programme for government two weeks ago, the Government is committed to ensuring that sustained funding is in place for those organisations. I will say more about that in the debate this afternoon.
Aortic Dissection
Lord Jim Wallace spent the final years of his life campaigning with the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, before sadly dying from the condition earlier this year. Aortic dissection kills more than 2,000 people every year across the UK, and that number is expected to double by 2050.
Greater awareness of the symptoms and a standardised pathway could improve prevention, treatment and aftercare, and it would save lives. Scotland has three specialist centres currently treating the condition, so we have a real opportunity to lead the way.
In memory of Jim Wallace, will the First Minister commit to publishing national guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of aortic dissection?
There are many ways in which we could pay tribute to the legacy and work of Jim Wallace, but Mr Harley puts an outstanding example on the parliamentary record, and I very much associate myself with his comments. He will know that I had the greatest of respect for Jim Wallace and his tremendous contribution to our public life.
Neil Gray, when he was the health secretary, met the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust and engaged in dialogue about the issues that Mr Harley raises. He makes a good point that, where conditions require a clear pathway, we must make sure that those pathways exist in Scotland. I am obviously very focused on making sure that, wherever people live in the country—I have rehearsed this point with some of Mr Harley’s colleagues in relation to other aspects of the health service—people can have access to that pathway.
We will give active consideration to the point that Mr Harley raises, and I will ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance, to engage further. She would be happy to meet Mr Harley and the trust to take forward those issues.
Urban Exploring (Dumfries Town Centre)
Over the summer, residents and business owners contacted me about a recent problem of young people clambering on the roofs of buildings in Dumfries town centre. Known as urban exploring, that dangerous trend, which is promoted via social media, is of concern to residents and could cost lives.
Will the First Minister join me and local police in highlighting the dangers and consequences of urban exploring, and will the Scottish Government commit to working with agencies, including Police Scotland, to tackle that life-threatening and concerning form of antisocial behaviour?
I understand the concern that Mr Hoy raises on behalf of his constituents. It is another example—I will say more about this in the debate this afternoon—of the dangerous practices and behaviours that can be legitimised, or aired, by social media.
I echo the concerns that Mr Hoy expresses, and I commit the Government to working with and supporting Police Scotland. I am certain that there will be good engagement with Police Scotland at a local level, but there will be a necessity for engagement with other public authorities, perhaps including Dumfries and Galloway Council, in relation to the education service in that community. There will be a wider application; I cannot imagine that it is only an issue in Dumfries. Mr Hoy raises a point on which it is important to capture public attention.
Violent Behaviour in Schools (Union Concerns)
Teaching unions warn that school support staff are not being supported to deal with increasing instances of violent behaviour by primary school pupils. Last year, the City of Edinburgh Council paid out more than £250,000 in damages to support staff. It has warned that, given the black hole of £650 million in local government finances left by Government underfunding, it does not have the resources to deal with the problem. What action will the First Minister take to ensure that teaching support staff are not left to face the issue alone?
The answer to those issues is to ensure that behaviour in our schools, whether it is encountered by teaching support staff, teaching staff or pupils, is appropriate and satisfactory. The Government has set out a range of measures over some time to ensure that behaviour issues are confronted in the school system. We are putting in place resources, supporting local authorities and working with professional associations and other trade unions to ensure that members of staff are supported at all times.
Katherine Sangster’s point about the importance of maintaining acceptable behaviour in our schools for the safety of everyone is one that I endorse unreservedly.
Kingsway Care Centre (Closure)
The First Minister will be aware that NHS Tayside plans to close Kingsway care centre in Dundee in only four months’ time, moving dementia assessment and treatment to Forfar and cutting the number of beds by 36 per cent. Vulnerable adults with psychosis, depression or other conditions will also have their care relocated.
What does the First Minister say to families and carers who might face multiple bus journeys—if suitable services even exist—to support elderly people with dementia simply to access care? Will the First Minister ensure that no changes proceed without proper consultation, a full equality impact assessment and clear evidence that there will be no detriment to patient care?
It is my expectation that, before NHS Tayside embarked on any such move, the implications for individual residents were taken into account in all the steps that were taken. For any patient whose care arrangements are being altered, an individual assessment has to be undertaken to ensure that their needs are properly taken into account. That is my expectation of NHS Tayside, and I will ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to make that point to the health board.
There are occasions when it is necessary to redesign services, which we must all accept. At some stage—I have dealt with this extensively in my constituency experience over the years—we have to face up to the need to modernise and change the way that we deliver services. As we set out in the programme for government, that can only be done in a patient-centred fashion that addresses each individual’s needs. That is my expectation in that case.
Energy Infrastructure (Planning Concerns)
Thursday’s high-pressure gas leak at the planned battery storage site in Cockenzie, East Lothian, has reinforced local concerns about major energy and digital infrastructure developments being located in close proximity to homes, schools and public spaces.
Although the incident was not caused by the battery installation itself but by work at the site, does it not highlight the need to review the national planning framework to ensure that such developments are directed to suitable locations and that the impact on existing communities is given greater weight in planning decisions?
In coming to any decision about the location of facilities, there has to be an assessment of all relevant factors in each locality and an open and rigorous assessment of any implications that might be felt by the local community as a consequence. That is an essential requirement in all our planning policies. The national planning framework sets out at a strategic level the approach that is taken in relation to the delineation of land for particular uses and the specific considerations that have to be borne in mind when progressing any development. All those matters are considered in the planning process.
I reiterate one other point, which is that, whenever work is undertaken at any site, the importance of public safety and the safety of the workforce that is involved is paramount. That requires interaction with the Health and Safety Executive’s regulatory powers, which should be applied in all appropriate circumstances.
Cardiff Agreement (Constitutional Future)
Yesterday, First Ministers across these islands met in Cardiff to sign a memorandum of understanding that our nations should have the right to decide our own constitutional future. Last week, the United Kingdom Prime Minister also agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence. Given that, what is the next step in the First Minister’s plan to build on the Cardiff agreement?
Yesterday was a welcome opportunity for me to meet the First Ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland on the important point that Mr Kerr raises—that the people of this country should be free to decide their own constitutional future. I welcome the comments that the Prime Minister made in the House of Commons last Wednesday when he recognised the centrality of that principle. It is a fundamental point of self-determination, and I was glad to have the opportunity to reinforce that point yesterday.
As for the next steps that I intend to take, I made it clear yesterday that, during this parliamentary session, I want Scotland to have the opportunity to decide on our constitutional future through a referendum on independence. I will make sure that the efforts of my office—and those of Government—are put into ensuring that that is the case and that the people of Scotland are free to decide their own future by 2031.
Regional Aviation (Highlands and Islands)
The First Minister has long recognised the importance of flight connections to communities in the Highlands and Islands, and I was glad to see the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport call a regional aviation stakeholder meeting. However, given that the cabinet secretary is not attending the meeting, which he called, to hear directly from stakeholders in the Highlands and Islands, will the First Minister attend in his place?
The cabinet secretary has already intervened on flight issues, and I am very pleased with the outcome that he has managed to secure, in order to sustain a number of services that are being taken forward.
In relation to the forum, the discussion involves representatives of the Government—all the information that is aired will be fed back to ministers, and ministers will take the appropriate decisions in response to those questions.
I take this opportunity to reinforce the importance that I attach to flight connections to our island communities, and I know that that point is reinforced by the work of the cabinet secretary.
Cardiovascular Health (Women)
Tomorrow, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland launches its new women’s health plan. Given that women are 50 per cent more likely than men to receive an initial misdiagnosis following a heart attack and continue to experience poorer cardiovascular outcomes, what action is the Scottish Government taking, through phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s women’s health plan, to improve women’s cardiovascular health and build on existing commitments to reduce those inequalities?
First, I recognise the important work that Jenni Minto did, in her time as a minister, to advance the women’s health plan. As she will be aware, phase 2 of the women’s health plan aims to address the inequalities that affect the health of all women and girls in Scotland.
The cardiovascular disease risk factors programme has a dedicated women’s health workstream that is focused on reducing lifetime cardiovascular risk in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Support and resources have been developed with a variety of third sector partners to ensure that they meet the needs of women. Early findings from testing sites suggest that the pathway of care is functioning well. In addition, training has been delivered in the national health service to improve awareness among healthcare professionals of the interaction between women’s reproductive health and future cardiovascular risk.
Residential Care Placements (Highlands)
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which states that I am a councillor with Highland Council.
The First Minister will possibly have seen the story of Sophie McNab, a young girl from Inverness who is in need of residential care. Sophie has been placed in Annan, some 230 miles from her home and her family. Her case is not unique. There are currently 26 Highland children living far from home in Dumfries and Galloway, North Lanarkshire, West Lothian and elsewhere. Why? Because there is not suitable provision for them in Highland. Does the First Minister agree that children being separated from their families in that way is unacceptable? Will his Government bring them home?
I agree with the fundamental point that Morven-May MacCallum made in the conclusion of her question—that it is best for children to be supported in their own family circumstances if doing so would be safe and sustainable and that, if it would not be, they should be supported as close to home as possible. That is an inherent element of the Promise, to which the Government is absolutely committed.
We work closely with local authorities. Morven-May MacCallum made the important point that, although there may be a number of children and young people in the Highlands and Islands who require that support, there may not be such provision in the individual locality. That is one reason why we must look to undertake the necessary regional work to make sure that there is provision that better meets the needs of individual young people.
Siobhian Brown, the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, would be happy to engage further on the specific problem in the Highlands that the member raises and to discuss it with the representatives of Highland Council who have responsibility in that area.
Genomic Testing (Cancer Treatment)
Last Monday, the Scottish Medicines Consortium approved two promising new drugs for metastatic breast cancer, which offer real hope for those who are suffering from the disease before it has progressed. In England, those drugs and the necessary genomic tests have been available for more than a year. However, increasingly, patients in Scotland cannot access the drugs because the genomic tests that establish whether someone is suitable to receive them are not routinely available through NHS Scotland.
That issue affects not only breast cancer treatment. Since 2021, at least 15 other cancer medicines have been restricted because of a lack of availability of testing. Can the First Minister provide an update on what interim solution will be put in place for patients who are looking to access those treatments? Does the First Minister agree that Scotland needs a sustainable, long-term model for genomic testing?
The availability of treatments is actively being explored by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care in relation to the outcome of the SMC’s consideration of the issue.
On the point about genomic testing, I was involved in a discussion last week on a separate issue—not in relation to breast cancer—in which we explored the strengthening of our capability for genomic testing, and I convey encouragement to Mr Briggs that good progress has been made. That conversation involved a briefing from the chief scientist for health, Dame Anna Dominiczak, who is leading significant work to advance in that area.
The specific issue is being explored, and significant progress is being made on the general issue of the testing and assessment arrangements. I will write to Mr Briggs with information, to address his interest and reassure him that progress is being made.
Community Safety (Armadale)
The events over the weekend in Armadale, in my constituency—with the death of a 35-year-old man, reportedly following a targeted attack and the suspected use of a firearm—have deeply shocked the community. My thoughts are with the man’s family and all those who are affected at this time.
I appreciate that the police investigation is ongoing. However, can the First Minister provide my constituents with reassurance that the Scottish Government and Police Scotland are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the community?
I was sorry to hear about the incident at the weekend and I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the issue. As Pauline Stafford indicates, there is a live police investigation. I am advised that, with the expertise that comes from its being the national police force of Scotland, Police Scotland has available all the necessary resources to explore and examine the case and to enable those issues to be addressed. I reassure Pauline Stafford and her constituents that issues of public safety are uppermost in Police Scotland’s consideration and in its reassuring of members of the public.
Men’s Health
This week, Movember published a comprehensive report that explored the leading causes of premature mortality among men in Scotland. “The Real Face of Men’s Health” shows that men born in Scotland currently have the lowest life expectancy of men in any United Kingdom nation—77.4 years—and that socioeconomic factors are contributing to significant disparities in men’s health across the country. Does the First Minister share my alarm at those findings? If so, what action will he take to improve outcomes for men’s health across every community in Scotland?
I am grateful to Mr McArthur for asking that question, because the report provides a timely reminder of some of the challenges that we face relating to men’s health and the need to improve outcomes relating to men’s health and wellbeing. The Government’s programme includes a heavy focus on shifting to early intervention and prevention. That means intervening on issues related to alcohol and drug use, and it means encouraging and supporting men to live healthier lifestyles so that they have the greatest capacity to deal with the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and poor mental wellbeing. The fundamental shift in our public services to early intervention and prevention is designed to address the important issues that Mr McArthur has raised.
Women Protestors (Glasgow Green)
Will the First Minister stop his Government smearing women who protested at Glasgow Green over the weekend as “far right” and instead tell us what he will do to address the failures on women’s safety that took those women there?
I will be leading a debate this afternoon on violence against women and girls, and I want to have an open and candid discussion of those important issues. However, I also say to Amanda Lindsay that I will never ever stop confronting the far right in this country.
Dundee and Angus College (Arbroath Campus)
Dundee and Angus College has ambitious plans for a new campus at Arbroath, which would be the biggest education and regeneration project in the town’s history. The Scottish National Party manifesto committed the Government to supporting Dundee and Angus College to renew its estate. Will the First Minister give an update on the work that is being undertaken with the Scottish Funding Council to drive that project forward?
Dundee and Angus College has ambitious plans, as Mr Melville highlighted, that will affect the city of Dundee and Arbroath. The Government has provided the Funding Council with £2 million for a first-wave group of colleges to develop business cases for transformational capital investment projects. Dundee and Angus College received £700,000 of additional funding from that money to help it to determine the best option for renewal. Through the work of the Funding Council, the Government will stay close to the project’s developments.
Motability Decision Appeals (Delays)
The First Minister will be aware of the 53 to 54 per cent success rate for Motability appeals, with tribunal cases often taking between 12 and 18 months. What representations will Scottish ministers make to their United Kingdom Government counterparts to try to reduce appeal delays that leave successful claimants without a Motability car for up to 18 months?
We have made representations to the UK Government on that important issue. When Motability cars are required by individuals—in many cases, that is the only way in which individuals are able to move within their communities—we want to ensure that individuals are supported in a timely fashion. Mr Day’s question will prompt me to ensure that the relevant minister makes further representations to the UK Government.
Hampden (Community Hub and Football Heritage Site)
The site of Scotland’s first national football ground, which is a vital community space, sits in my Glasgow Southside constituency. A group of neighbours known as First Hampden is fighting to keep the site as a community hub and a football heritage site that is open to all. Does the First Minister agree that that space should be protected and run by the community instead of being sold off to the highest bidder?
I am sympathetic to the issue that Holly Bruce has raised. I had better ensure that I give her an accurate answer on the relevant issues that are being wrestled with in relation to ownership and use, so I will write to her in due course with details of what the Government can do in that case.
Men’s Sheds
In his earlier response to Liam McArthur, the First Minister made reference to the importance of men’s health and, in particular, to the Movember report. I am sure that the First Minister will be aware that places such as men’s sheds are particularly important in shining a subtle, yet bright, light on those issues. I therefore press the First Minister to come to visit Shettleston Men’s Shed to see the importance of such community spaces in advocating on issues pertaining to men’s health.
I would be happy to visit the Shettleston Men’s Shed. I have visited a number of those ventures around the country—most recently, if memory serves me right, in Renfrew, in the constituency of my colleague Michelle Campbell—so I have constituency experience. Men’s sheds are very helpful in encouraging men to meet and perhaps to overcome some of the challenges that they face due to personal isolation. It is a tremendous movement that has made a welcome impact on the lives of men in Scotland. I am glad to hear that there is a vibrant organisation in Shettleston and look forward to finding the opportunity to visit with Mr Linden.
Gynaecology Waiting Times (Tayside)
The First Minister will be aware of the severe issues that women in Tayside face in accessing gynaecology services. NHS Tayside has told the Scottish Government that the number of women who are waiting for more than a year has reduced from 1,348 to 11, but those figures are simply not true and I have many constituents who have been waiting for multiple years. One constituent was told that she would wait for more than three years for a hysterectomy. She took out a loan and went private and she has never made it on to the waiting list as a result. Does the First Minister believe that those terrible waits in Tayside are acceptable?
I basically take the view that waiting times must be reduced wherever they are. Mr Marra raises an important point about gynaecology services in Tayside and I want to see those waiting times reduced. I will go away and look at the statistics that he has raised doubts about, because it is important that all those details are accurate.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care and I look at waiting list levels weekly, doing so by discipline and locality around the country. There is variation: in some parts of the country there is very good performance on waiting times in certain disciplines; in other parts of the country, in the same discipline, that is not the case. That was one of the issues raised by David Green a few weeks ago.
That is one reason why the Government is pursuing its national health service reform programme. We want to remove the obstructions that health board boundaries can sometimes put in the way of ensuring that the type of equity that Mr Marra seeks for his constituents can actually be delivered. I will look at those particular figures, but I assure Mr Marra that there is sustained interrogation, on a weekly basis, by the health secretary and me, of the steps that are being taken to reduce waiting lists and waiting times. He will understand from what I have said from this podium for some time that I attach the greatest of importance to that issue.
Thank you, First Minister. I apologise to the 28 backbench members I was unable to call today.
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