Chamber and committees

NFU Scotland has warned that the United Kingdom Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax for agricultural land might impact on food security by preventing the next generation of farmers, including some of our tenant farmers, from taking over family farms. What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact of the UK Government’s inheritance tax changes?

It is good to hear from the cabinet secretary that our grit stocks are high. The Tories seem to think that the Scottish Government should spend more money on grit, even when we do not need it, which is par for the course, given the Tories’ track record on budgeting. Will the cabinet secretary assure us that we would be able to purchase more grit if it was needed and that mechanisms are in place to do so?

One of the less obvious groups that benefit from free bus travel in Scotland is disabled folk. Where they need support, free travel is also available for their companion or carer. How many disabled people and their companions or carers have enjoyed free bus travel in the past year, thanks to the Scottish National Party Government?

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted yes.

I am honoured to have been asked by Ruth Maguire to lead her members’ business debate today, as she is unable to be here. The following are Ruth’s words and not mine, but I totally associate myself with them.

Freedom of expression is not just a right. It is the foundation of a fair and open society. I am grateful to colleagues across the chamber who attended the event last night and are here today, standing in solidarity with those who are punished for exercising their right to free speech. On 15 November each year, PEN International and PEN centres around the world mark the day of the imprisoned writer and stand in solidarity with at-risk and imprisoned writers around the globe. It is a moment to call for all imprisoned writers to be released and all at-risk writers to be protected.

Globally, too many writers are in prison—journalists, novelists, poets, essayists, translators, publishers, editors, playwrights, cartoonists, bloggers and social media writers. Writers are threatened, attacked or murdered for their work. The call to stand up for freedom of expression is now more desperate than ever. Too many are silenced simply for speaking out—their voices are being suppressed in an effort to control truth and limit freedom. I am sure that colleagues will agree that freedom of expression and debate is essential to a healthy democracy. However, as authoritarianism broadens its arms globally, it is vital that we call on Governments worldwide to ensure that individuals can express themselves without fear of retribution.

The Reporters Without Borders annual world press freedom index, which measures the state of press freedom in 180 countries, records that, worldwide, 578 journalists are currently detained, and 49 have been killed since January this year. That is a worrying trend of suppression and silencing across the globe.

This year, Scottish PEN is highlighting the case of Eman Alhaj Ali, a 22-year-old Gaza-based journalist, writer and translator from Al-Maghazi refugee camp. Her byline appears in many online publications, including Al Jazeera news. Eman has endured six wars, been displaced at least seven times, and lost her home, her university and countless loved ones. Even now, with her safety and that of her family at risk, Eman bravely continues to provide disturbing updates on the situation in Palestine. Her unwavering determination to continue writing and to highlight to the world the horrific scenes in Gaza serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of truth and of a free press.

Tragically, Eman’s story is not unique. There has been a significant rise in the number of female writers who are subjected to suppression, imprisonment and increased violence. Although, globally, the average proportion of writers in detention who are women is around 15 per cent, approximately a third of jailed writers in Russia and Israel are female.

We all know the effect on human lives of the on-going Israeli incursion into Palestine, but writers and journalists are becoming increasingly targeted by military forces. More than 130 journalists have been killed since the start of the conflict—and online campaigns are targeting individual journalists, making Israel one of the top 10 countries of concern for writers in 2024, alongside China, Iran and Russia. That is shameful for the lawmakers of Israel, and a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure that those who are responsible for suppression are held accountable.

Writers everywhere inform the public. They speak out for the marginalised, interrogate power, challenge censorship and speak the words that others need to hear. When they are censored, imprisoned, attacked or murdered, the world loses vital voices that strengthen democracy everywhere. On the day of the imprisoned writer, we all need to read the words that others have tried to silence, and show that censorship or imprisonment cannot silence the voices of writers.

I just wanted to know that for clarification. If the bill passes, does that mean that you will have to provide more kits because there will be more young people coming, or do you think that you will manage with what you currently have?

The bill is proposing that the residential outdoor education course should be at least four overnight stays and five days but that that does not need to be consecutive. Should it be consecutive or not? I put that to all the witnesses, starting with Phil Thompson.

Good morning. If the bill were passed today in its current form, what would the practical challenges be for you in terms of implementing the bill? If you had a magic wand, what changes would you make?

Or move schools.

Tara Lillis, do you have anything to add to that?