Official Report 225KB pdf
Back-bench Members
14:32
Men’s Football (World Cup)
Thanks to the First Minister’s decision to call a bank holiday for Scotland’s first world cup game in almost 28 years, my constituents were able to watch one of our own—Lewis Ferguson, who was raised in the village of Quarter and trained by Hamilton Accies—help to deliver our first world cup win in 36 years, without worrying about the recovery on Monday.
Could the First Minister tell the Parliament what his visit to America achieved for Scotland and how he intends to build on our men’s team making history and get people across the nation to take up our national sport, particularly after we win the world cup?
I appreciate the ambition.
I express the warmest congratulations of everyone in the Scottish Parliament and, indeed, the whole of our country on the outstanding performance of Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, the Scotland team and the tartan army, who were an absolute credit to our country in the United States at the weekend. [Applause].
It was a particular pleasure to see our fans making such a positive impression in Boston and capturing the city’s imagination and interest. On Friday evening, the governor of Massachusetts and the mayor of Boston both indicated to me their joy in what the fans had brought to the city. On Saturday, I was, like everyone else, able to witness our team’s success as it won against Haiti, which augurs well for the remainder of the world cup campaign.
In response to Mr Kerr’s question, the success of and the capturing of the country’s imagination by the weekend’s sporting events helped to reinforce sport’s importance in our society. The Government has announced a variety of initiatives to encourage a summer of sport, which includes support for the world cup fund to support young boys and girls to follow their sporting dreams, and £275,000 of funding to support the work that is delivered across the country by Street Soccer Scotland. The summer of sport contains a number of other welcome initiatives to encourage sporting participation in the country.
After the weekend, we should all take stock and be very grateful for the tremendous inspiration offered by the Scotland national team and the tartan army, who are a credit to our country.
Health and Social Care Partnerships (Budgets)
Thanks to Scottish National Party cuts, health and social care partnerships across Scotland face a £0.5 billion gap in their budgets this year. In Renfrewshire, if nothing changes, the disability resource centre in Paisley will close, the autism connections programme will be cut back and day centres for adults with learning disabilities will be merged. Those are vital services, and Friday is decision day. What are my vulnerable neighbours and their families meant to do if the cuts go ahead?
In the Government’s budget for the current financial year, we put in place increased financial support for the health service and for local government, and the health and social care budgets, to which Mr Bibby referred, come from those two increased budgets.
I understand and appreciate the significance of all the projects that Mr Bibby mentioned, but we rely on health and social care partnerships to take considered decisions about the delivery of services within localities. Mr Bibby has put on the record his point about the importance of supporting services for the vulnerable, and the Government increased the budgets for health and local government to enable such support to be provided.
Mr Bibby’s question highlights the need for reform in how we deliver care and support at the local level, and the Parliament has an opportunity to engage to address together some of the important questions that he has put to me. The Government will set out proposals on the reform of health and social care in our communities to ensure that people’s needs are met. I look forward to engaging in constructive discussion with people such as Mr Bibby, because, if we want to deliver for the vulnerable in our society, we all have to prepare to take tough decisions to ensure that services meet the needs of people in our communities.
University of Dundee (Job Losses)
This morning, I was dismayed to learn that the principal of the University of Dundee has gone ahead with an announcement of a further £20 million of cuts, which would require up to 200 more job losses at the university. The impact that that is having on staff at the university and our town cannot be overstated. I am particularly concerned that the university has, in my view, failed to adequately engage with trade unions, despite significant public funding having been provided to prevent further job losses. Does the First Minister share my deep concern on behalf of my constituents, and will he provide an update on the Scottish Government’s engagement with the university’s leadership?
As a member who represents a constituency that adjoins the city of Dundee, I have local interests in the matter, but I will answer the question as the First Minister.
The University of Dundee’s announcement this morning of a consultation on further job cuts is extremely disappointing. Heather Anderson is absolutely right that public funding is involved, and the utilisation of those public funds must be compliant with the conditions that were associated with the section 25 direction that was given by ministers previously.
The Scottish Funding Council has looked at the University of Dundee’s proposals and, in its assessment, believes that the university has complied with the funding conditions. However, ministers have not been assured on the details, and we will require to see them, as the direction came from ministers. We have to be careful about the accountabilities, because the University of Dundee is an independent institution and the Scottish Funding Council acts independently. However, on this particular issue, a ministerial direction, using powers in section 25 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005, directs how the funding can be used. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic has spoken to the university’s principal, its chair of court and the Funding Council about those issues, and the Government will continue to engage with them.
I give Heather Anderson the assurance that the Government attaches the greatest priority to meaningful and effective dialogue with members of staff, who, I recognise, will be feeling deeply alarmed by the announcements that were made by the university. The Government’s conditions require there to be substantive engagement with staff and trade unions, and the Government will ensure that that is the case.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (Payments)
When the call comes, coastguard rescue officers drop everything, leaving work, family and home to help to save lives. I am sure that the First Minister shares my concerns about proposals from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to remove payments for emergency call-outs and training. Will he join MSPs from across the Parliament in calling on the United Kingdom Government and the MCA to think again? What action will he take to highlight the vital role that coastguard rescue officers play in keeping our communities safe?
I am grateful to Mr Baxter for raising such an important issue, which arises out of a recent court decision that has resulted in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency withdrawing payments to individuals who volunteer as part of the coastguard service. Mr Baxter is absolutely right about the significant dependence that we have on individuals volunteering. The removal of payments, as opposed to the payment of expenses, is a significant factor to be wrestled with by volunteers in the coastguard team.
I will happily write to United Kingdom Government ministers on this question. It is an entirely reserved issue, as Mr Baxter correctly sets out. In setting out our view, I will say that Mr Baxter has raised the matter with me in the Parliament and that the issue commands support across the political spectrum. I will reflect that in the communication to the MCA.
Unless we get shorter questions and shorter answers, we will get through a lot fewer questions than we did last week.
Council Tax Debt
Research from the GMB trade union has found that more than 1 million people in Scotland are now affected by council tax debt arrears, with almost 250,000 threatened with court action last year. Will the Scottish Government consider reforms to debt collection processes similar to the reforms that were announced for England by the United Kingdom Government and those that have already been implemented in Wales?
The Government has more extensive support in place for council tax payments, as council tax benefit exists in Scotland whereas it does not exist in other parts of the United Kingdom, which is because of policy decisions taken by this Government. We are providing practical support to people in the payment of their council tax bills.
We have written off a certain amount of council tax debt, but council tax payments are obviously essential to support the delivery of local services. I will explore what other measures can be taken to ensure that advice and support are available to people so that they can pay council tax. I stress that many people are eligible for council tax benefit in Scotland, but not in other parts of the UK.
Motability Scheme
Changes made by the United Kingdom Government mean that the Motability scheme’s annual allowable mileage is reducing from 20,000 miles to 10,000 miles; critically, excess mileage charges are going up fivefold to 25p per mile. One of my constituents has been in contact with me to say that she is concerned that she cannot afford a lease for a new car, which is a lifeline service.
Although the 1 July deadline does not apply in Scotland, will the First Minister outline when proposals were announced for the agreement for the service in Scotland? What can be done to offset another Westminster attack on the disabled?
Mr Brown raises a significant issue, particularly for Motability car users in rural Scotland, where distance issues will be far more extensive than in more urban communities. The changes were made by the United Kingdom Government as a consequence of changes to tax exemptions in the November budget last year, which were implemented and taken forward by the UK Labour Government. As Mr Brown quite correctly says, that erodes the rights of disabled people. The 1 July 2026 commencement date that was announced by Motability for its changes in the rest of the UK will not apply in Scotland. However, other changes might be required.
I will ensure that relevant ministers are in dialogue with Motability and with Mr Brown to ensure that the legitimate concerns that he raises with me are properly pursued to protect users in Scotland, particularly those in rural areas.
Human Rights (Refugees and Migrants)
Will the First Minister join me in celebrating the contribution of refugees and migrants to communities across Scotland? Can he provide an update on when his Government will introduce the long-awaited Scottish human rights bill, so that the freedoms of new Scots are protected?
The Government is working on the proposed human rights legislation, which we will bring forward when it is fully developed. It is complex legislation, and it will require substantive dialogue with the Parliament.
I associate myself entirely with Holly Bruce’s comments on the welcome to refugees. Scotland has always been and, certainly under my leadership, will always be a welcoming and inclusive country.
On the streets of Glasgow at the weekend, there was quite a contrast between the many thousands of peaceful individuals setting out their welcome to refugees and a limited number of balaclava-wearing individuals doing Nazi salutes—on the streets of our country. I could not condemn those individuals and their behaviour more strongly today in this Parliament. This is a welcoming country and the behaviour of the far right has no place on our streets.
Defence Priorities (North Sea)
Offshore Energies UK has warned that North Sea energy infrastructure should be designated critical national infrastructure and, as such, should be guarded by the navy and air force to protect against potential Russian attacks. The Westminster United Kingdom Government has failed for years to properly invest in adequate defence provision in our North Sea, leaving our energy infrastructure vulnerable. Does the First Minister agree that it is urgent that additional defence investment is directed towards the North Sea as a priority? Will he join me in calling on the Westminster Government to do so?
There has obviously been a great deal of debate on the issue in the past few days, subsequent to the resignation of the Secretary of State for Defence. The point that Dawn Black puts to me is important, because we have huge maritime interests around the coastline of Scotland, which, in my view, are not adequately protected due to the disproportionate investment that is made by the UK Government in weapons of mass destruction that the UK cannot now adequately support while maintaining our defence footprint to protect the vital interests and infrastructure that Dawn Black refers to.
A shift is required in UK priorities to protect our coastline and to make sure that, to the north of Scotland, we have some capability to stand up to the threats that we face from Russia under the Putin regime; those threats require us to reshape our defence priorities. A greater investment in conventional maritime defence forces and the removal of our commitment to nuclear weapons would be a far more sensible defence strategy for this country.
Rare Diseases (PANS-PANDAS)
My constituent Hugo is nine years old. Following a case of strep throat, he developed severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, tics and hallucinations and had significant weight loss. He was eventually diagnosed with the autoimmune condition PANS-PANDAS—paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. Today, Hugo is doing much better, but only after his family spent more than £6,000 to enable him to see a private specialist in London.
Sadly, Hugo’s experience is not unique. Families across Scotland have been forced to seek private treatment because PANS-PANDAS is not recognised in national health service clinical guidance. Does the First Minister agree that no parent in Scotland should be forced to pay thousands of pounds just to make their child well? Will his Government take steps to ensure that PANS-PANDAS is properly recognised in NHS guidance?
I am sorry to hear about the circumstances that Mr Harley raises about his constituent Hugo. The condition he describes will come into the category of rare diseases, because, as Mr Harley referred to, relatively few cases will exist. The Government has measures in place through the rare disease action plan, which tries to address the very issues that Mr Harley raises with me by identifying what steps we can take within a very broad national health service to ensure that the needs of absolutely everybody and their specialist requirements are met.
I will ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care to engage directly about this constituency case and see whether any further action can be taken. I reassure Mr Harley that, on the general question, the Government is focusing on trying to ensure that rare diseases are properly and fully appreciated in the NHS.
High Streets (Empty Units)
I refer to my entry in the register of members’ interests, in that I am a sitting councillor on Angus Council.
In recent days, the BBC has highlighted the long-standing issues with empty units on Arbroath high street, which is a key priority for my constituents. What steps is the Scottish Government taking to support Scotland’s high streets, including that in Arbroath, so that they can remain the thriving hearts of our communities?
One of the steps that we have taken is to devolve empty property relief to local authorities, with a concurrent transfer of £105 million each year to local government. Further, to incentivise the reoccupation of empty non-domestic properties, eligible properties may claim 100 per cent fresh start relief for up to 12 months. We are determined that, alongside the steps that are in place, which will benefit many of the businesses or properties to which Mr Melville refers, those businesses will be eligible for the small business bonus scheme. The Government is supporting regeneration in town centres, with more than £50 million committed in the 2026-27 budget. I hope that those measures will be effective and successful in supporting the work that Mr Melville is taking forward to support development in Arbroath.
Alcohol Marketing (Young People)
With the world cup under way and the Commonwealth games due to take place here in Scotland over the summer, thousands of children and young people in Scotland are being exposed to alcohol marketing, in which alcohol branding is associated with national pride and with sport. What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact of such alcohol partnerships, given that there is clear evidence to suggest that the more often young people are exposed to alcohol marketing, the more likely they are start consuming alcohol at an early age?
One crucial part of that work is the Government’s engagement with stakeholders that are concerned about the issues that Carol Mochan raises. Another is the participation of the alcohol industry in taking responsible approaches to alcohol consumption and ensuring that that forms part of our wider discussions.
From my discussions with organisations such as the Scotch Whisky Association I know that they attach importance to being active participants in the promotion of that responsible message, so that individuals who are in any way, shape or form exposed to alcohol marking are able to make a considered judgment about the issues concerned with the consumption of alcohol.
Prisons (Capacity)
In last weekend’s Sunday Post, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice announced a significant shift away from custodial sentences, as part of the Government’s efforts to reduce Scotland’s prison population. Given the implications for victims, public safety and confidence in the justice system, why was that policy announced through a newspaper interview, rather than to the Parliament? Does the First Minister accept that the answer to prison overcrowding is to provide sufficient prison capacity and not to send fewer offenders to prison?
I am not sure that the article to which Mr Kerr refers was, in any way, a development of Government policy; I think it was a statement of Government policy. I am very attuned to the importance of the Government setting out its policy position to Parliament first, and that is exactly what we will do. However, it is important that ministers engage in interviews with representatives of the media, and I am sure that we would be criticised if we did not do that.
The Government must strike a balance by ensuring that the prison estate is safe for prisoners and staff but also that those who have committed significant and heinous crimes are incarcerated. Mr Kerr will be aware that we are currently seeing longer sentences being given because of the nature of the crimes being committed, and that that is driving the increased prison population. The Government has always taken an interest in—and made a policy priority of—ensuring that community justice plays a part in the approaches that we take. All those elements are part of the wider delivery of Government policy on justice.
Mounjaro (NHS Health Board Delays)
One of my constituents is unable to secure a national health service prescription for tirzepatide, which is better known as Mounjaro, for weight management, despite criteria approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in June 2024 indicating approval for restricted use, including in the circumstances that impact my constituent. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde does not yet include the treatment in its formulary for weight-management prescriptions and says that that work is ongoing. Does the First Minister agree that two years after SMC approval is simply too long to wait for health boards to add Mounjaro to their formularies so that prescribing it can be considered? What action can the Scottish Government take to tackle that delay by health boards?
Individual health boards must respond to judgments made by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. We want that to be undertaken on a timely basis to ensure that individuals can have access to treatments and that they can be deployed. I will ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care to explore the steps being taken by Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board, to ensure that the necessary urgency is being applied in that respect.
Whitesands Flood Defence Scheme
The First Minister recently visited the Whitesands in Dumfries, where, despite significant local opposition, work is under way on a controversial £70 million flood defence scheme. The community fears the impact on businesses and the environment and has concerns about soaring costs amid reports of insufficient Scottish Government flood defence funding.
Will the First Minister confirm that, in relation to this Scottish National Party Government-backed flood defence scheme, his Government will not move the goalposts by capping or delaying its £55 million contribution? Will he provide assurance that hard-pressed taxpayers in Dumfriesshire will not be asked to foot the bill if cycle 1 of the national flood fund runs dry or if the project experiences significant cost overruns?
The Whitesands flood defence scheme in Dumfries has been under consideration for many years and I accept that there are divided opinions about it. Equally, however, I have been in the Parliament for long enough to hear members for Dumfries come here to express concern and horror for their constituents when they are affected by the flooding that takes place at the Whitesands. I have considerable experience of flooding in my constituency and I know how terrible it is for members of the public.
I am not actually sure what Mr Hoy wants. Does he want to leave people vulnerable to flooding in their community? Is that what he wants? At some point, Mr Hoy, who is now the MSP for Dumfriesshire, has to decide whether he is acting to protect his constituents or just coming here to get another press release put out. It is not really how a responsible local member of Parliament should operate.
Mr Hoy will also realise that there are enormous challenges in construction projects just now because of external factors over which this Government has absolutely no control—principally, the construction price inflation that has arisen as a result of the war in Ukraine. Those are legitimate factors that we will work on in partnership with local authorities. What does not help is the constant haranguing from the miserabilists on the Conservative benches who just come here to complain and offer no solutions. It is no wonder that there are hardly any of them left.
Gas Boiler Systems (Optimisation)
Many homes in Scotland are still using gas boilers, which we know are very ineffective. There are many oversized boiler systems that have heat load issues and are not on the right settings. Will the First Minister consider doing something fairly simple in the short term and ensure that gas boiler systems are optimised in order to reduce carbon emissions and lower costs for people across Scotland?
Part of the Government’s approach in that respect is to move towards more sustainable heating solutions that will be good for the planet but also good for householders because they will involve lower costs. I agree with Angela Ross that we need to get to a situation where we have lower heating costs for householders. I have to say that I am not a world expert on the specifics of the configuration of gas boiler schemes, but I will have the issues explored. However, I say to Ms Ross that, in principle, the prevailing direction of Government policy is to encourage a move to more sustainable heating solutions, and good progress is being made on that. That will be reflected in the heat in buildings legislation that the Government will introduce.
Solar Farm Developments
On 7 April, I attended a community council meeting in Newarthill regarding the proposed solar farm development on the north field at Biggar Road. Residents raised concerns about its proximity to housing and the cumulative impact of further developments in the area, including a proposed data centre. There are also concerns that Oakes Energy has provided misleading information about the project and its local impact. Does the First Minister agree that Scotland needs a clear energy strategy to guide such developments? Does he agree that developers must engage openly and honestly with communities so that projects are developed with them rather than visited upon them?
I very much agree with Meghan Gallacher’s last point. Local dialogue on such projects is really important. I am conscious of a number of very sensitive projects. During First Minister’s question time the other week, a question was raised with me about an artificial intelligence data centre, and I am conscious of the concern that exists in local communities. The point that Meghan Gallacher makes about good, active and engaged local dialogue by developers is critical.
Such issues have to be considered as part of the wider energy generation measures that we take forward, and the Government has a clear policy direction to support and encourage the development of renewable energy in Scotland.
Fuel Duty
The Scotland chair of the Federation of Small Businesses has warned that the increases that there have been in fuel and energy prices hit small businesses
“particularly hard because they do not have the buying power to smooth out price bumps or hedge prices.”
The federation is
“calling on the UK Government to introduce a time-limited 5p cut to fuel duty while the higher prices remain.”
Does the First Minister agree that Westminster must act to protect businesses in Scotland? Can he provide any update on the Scottish Government’s engagement with the United Kingdom Government on the issue?
Ministers wrote to the United Kingdom Government about the proposed 5p increase in fuel duty that was due to take effect from September this year. Thankfully, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has indicated that that will not take its course. However, there remains the substantive issue that Martyn Day has raised, which is that many businesses and householders pay a very high cost for their energy in what is an energy-rich country. My view on all that is that we will receive much more benefit from Scotland’s energy bounty if Scotland’s energy is in Scotland’s hands.
Murray’s Initiative Women’s Service
As I stand in the chamber, the Sisters Against Cuts group in my region is pleading with the Government to step in and stop the proposed cuts to the Murray’s Initiative women’s service, which provides essential support to survivors of substance misuse and gender-based violence. Reportedly, service users fear what the future may hold. Does the First Minister agree that the loss of that service would also mean an immense loss to the protection of women and girls in Glasgow? Will he commit to exploring options for funding to retain those vital services?
I recognise the importance of services being provided to women and girls who are the victims of domestic and gender-based violence. Through the equally safe programme, the Government provides funding for a range of different projects around the country and supports local authorities to provide financial support to individual organisations.
I will explore the specifics of the case that Iris Duane has put to me, to ensure that any steps that the Government can take will be taken to ensure the provision of effective services that meet the needs of women and girls who go through the horror of experiencing domestic or gender-based violence.
That concludes First Minister’s question time. I apologise to the many members whose questions I was unable to take.
The next item of business is a statement by Tom Arthur on Scottish Government investment in Our Union Street and the People’s Palace. Before we commence, we will have a couple of minutes’ break to allow members on the front benches to change positions.
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