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The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-17398, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to the business programme. I call Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion.
17:01
This motion is to add a statement on the disappointing news that emerged this morning about the cessation of refining at Grangemouth. The statement comes on the back of a request that was made by the Conservatives; it was sent by their business manager to me at 11.33 am and then discussed at the Parliamentary Bureau at midday.
It was disappointing that Stephen Kerr felt the need to make a point of order ahead of topical questions that implied that the matter was somehow not under active consideration or, at least, ignored the fact that it was. Mr Kerr should have more faith in his business manager’s ability to bring matters forward in the usual and correct way. Mr Kerr should also have faith in the Parliament’s process to schedule things, such as this afternoon’s debate on supporting Scottish industry during turbulent economic times. I understand that many members took the time in that debate to raise their concerns about Grangemouth; I am unclear whether Mr Kerr availed himself of such an opportunity.
I had intended to schedule the statement for Thursday, because I recognise that tomorrow is an Opposition party business day. I like to try to ensure that, where that is the case, the Opposition has its day in Parliament. However, given Mr Kerr’s earlier remarks that he was very keen that we have the statement at the soonest opportunity, and given that it is his party’s business day tomorrow, I propose that we schedule the statement for tomorrow, which will result in a slightly later decision time of 5.40 pm.
I move,
That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for Wednesday 30 April 2025—
after
2.00 pm Portfolio Questions:
Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic;
Finance and Local Government
insert
followed by Ministerial Statement: The Cessation of Refining at Grangemouth
delete
5.10 pm Decision Time
and insert
5.40 pm Decision Time
Motion agreed to.
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