Chamber and committees

You have probably already touched on my final question. How well do the disability-related benefits in Scotland reflect the human rights model of disability that is endorsed by international bodies? Lucy, you have touched on that already, but I am just throwing it out to the panel to see whether you want to expand on that.

Absolutely. We also face digital poverty.

That would be okay, Lorne, if you would not mind. Does anyone else want to come in on that one?

I am grateful to have secured the debate and to end the month of April by discussing testicular cancer awareness. I thank colleagues across parties for supporting my motion and for speaking in tonight’s debate. I hope that everyone will join me in welcoming to the gallery Ritchie Marshall and Jennifer Hardie from Cahonas Scotland. Members will know that Cahonas is Scotland’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity, but they may not know that it is based right next door to me in Clydebank.

Testicular cancer may not be the most talked-about form of cancer, but that does not make it any less important. That is why I feel that it is important to speak on the matter. Testicular cancer awareness month, which runs throughout April, takes place to highlight the disease and educate people about early detection and treatment. It is also a time for tackling common myths and encouraging self-checking.

The disease most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 45, with approximately 220 people in Scotland being diagnosed each year. If it is detected early, the cure rate is more than 95 per cent, so awareness of the key symptoms is vital. The symptoms to look out for are an ache or swelling in the testicle, or a dull ache, pain or heaviness in the scrotum. If you notice any of those symptoms, please see a doctor. Do not wait: testicular cancer does not wait, and neither should you.

I was keen to hold the debate after meeting Ritchie Marshall and Paul McCaffery from Cahonas. As I mentioned, the organisation is based in Clydebank and I know how much work it has done, so I am keen to highlight it in the Parliament. What struck me most about our conversations was how little attention that type of cancer has received. Unfortunately, far too many people do not know the signs or are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss them. Awareness is vital but, currently, most young people leave school without knowing how to self-check or what symptoms to look out for. I therefore call on the minister to address what further work can be done, working with Cahonas, to ensure that testicular cancer awareness can be further implemented at school level.

For context, Cahonas was set up in 2009 by founder and chief executive, Ritchie Marshall. Since that time, it has been at the forefront of men’s health education, working to break down stigma, encouraging early detection and ensuring that no one in Scotland faces testicular cancer alone. Cahonas has been driven by personal experience and is built on the belief that education and support save lives. I whole-heartedly agree about that.

I am always keen to show the good work that is happening in my constituency, and Cahonas is a great example. Its work has achieved international recognition. It offers various vital services, such as education sessions, which are led by its community engagement officer, Paul McCaffery, whose personal story brings real-life experience to the organisation’s messages.

Paul discovered a lump 10 years ago, after seeing one of the Cahonas self-check guides, which led him to his early diagnosis. He has since credited Cahonas for saving his life and is dedicated to helping others to do the same. It is an honourable cause, and I thank him for his work.

From international campaigns such as “Check yer bawballs”, which reached tens of millions of people worldwide, to care packages, peer support and even a podcast, Cahonas ensures that men have access to knowledge, tools and support to protect their health.

I will take a moment to tell the story of an individual who received a diagnosis of testicular cancer.

“When I first received my testicular cancer diagnosis, I felt completely alone and unsure of where to turn. Talking about my experience openly on the podcast not only helped me process those overwhelming emotions, but it also reminded me that there are others out there facing the same challenges.

Cahonas is doing incredible work, providing not just support but a sense of community for men who are going through similar diagnoses.

The podcast is a lifeline, offering valuable insights and a space where people can share their stories, learn from others and feel understood. I know firsthand how crucial that kind of support is, and I’m grateful that Cahonas continues to make such a difference in the lives of men like me.”

That touches on an important point. Awareness goes beyond the physical. It is also about mental health, emotional support and building a community in which no one feels that they must face cancer alone.

It is also about standing with those who are going through the treatment. Testicular cancer is not just a physical condition; it impacts identity, fertility, relationships and long-term mental health. Cahonas has created that wraparound support beyond the hospital ward, helping men to rebuild their lives and self-confidence. I would be interested to know whether better collaboration could be achieved to ensure that post-treatment services can be better supported.

Awareness starts with a conversation—with breaking down stigma and encouraging our friends and family to know that real strength is found in taking care of ourselves. We need to normalise open, honest conversations about men’s health. Having spaces in which men feel comfortable to ask questions and share concerns without shame is a core part of that.

To all those battling testicular cancer, I say, “You are not alone.” To those such as Paul who have come out the other side and used their platforms to help others, I say, “Thank you for your courage and determination.”

As we end testicular cancer awareness month, I thank members for attending the debate to help to raise awareness. Most of all, my sincere thanks go to Ritchie, Paul and everyone else who is involved with Cahonas. You have, truly, saved lives, and for that I am extremely grateful.

The pension age disability payment is opening for applications across the whole of Scotland this week, replacing the United Kingdom Government’s attendance allowance. What steps is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that older people in my constituency who are disabled, are terminally ill or have care needs get the money that they need to help them to look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity?

I am grateful for the chance to speak in what is an important debate.

“Cruelty is becoming a hallmark of the UK Government ... It is simply indefensible ... They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society ... These are reforms that could well have been delivered with a blue rosette.”

Those are not my words or quotes from the Scottish Government; they are from the National Education Union, the STUC and the disability charity Scope.

Those organisations are not alone in that thinking. I thank all the organisations that provided briefings for the debate—including Sight Scotland, Scottish Action for Mental Health, Citizens Advice Scotland and Carers Scotland, to name just a few. All of them detailed their extreme concerns and urged that the reforms be reconsidered.

A recent freedom of information request revealed that almost 90 per cent of those who currently receive the standard daily living component of PIP will be impacted by the UK Government cuts. That is appalling.

On 6 March, I brought a debate to discuss the reported intention of the Labour Government to go ahead with its punitive welfare reforms. At the time, so-called Scottish Labour MSPs in the chamber said that the debate was premature and pointless. However, we now see that it was on the knuckle. Disabled people demonstrate outside the offices of Anas Sarwar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Pauline McNeill and Paul Sweeney—but, for a change, there is silence from them. Instead of a change of direction, a Labour Government in Westminster is intent on making disabled people, children and pensioners pay for austerity.

The biggest lie of any election campaign is the one from Anas Sarwar, in June 2024, when he said:

“Read my lips—no austerity under Labour.”

What we see now is just austerity 2.0, and it is crystal clear that the Scottish Labour leader’s words count for absolutely nothing.

The UK Government’s impact analysis shows that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into poverty under the plans. The cuts are inhumane and cruel. That has been recognised by the leading disability charity, Scope, which has described them as “catastrophic”.

It is not the only organisation to feel that way. Citizens Advice Scotland has stated:

“These reforms will result in a reduction of £5 billion in social security expenditure by 2030. This will have enormous consequences and push more disabled people into poverty.”

Across the board, Scotland’s charities recognise that the decision puts funding for Scotland’s social security system at risk. Less funding for the UK PIP will reduce the amount that is available to the Scottish Government to spend on social security, irrespective of demand for adult disability payment and differing demographics in Scotland.

We now know that the Scottish Government has had confirmation from HM Treasury that, from 2026-27, there will be cuts to Scotland’s block grant as a result of the welfare cuts. Initial indications are that the changes will reduce by £408 million the block grant funding that Scotland will receive for social security benefits in 2029-30.

The Labour MSPs who are here today should stand up and call out their UK bosses. First, Labour kept the two-child cap, then it removed the winter fuel payment and abandoned the WASPI women, and now it is targeting disabled people. Children, the elderly, the disabled and low-income families have been left out in the cold by the Labour Party.

While Labour imposes more damage and austerity and threatens the vulnerable, the SNP will stand up for those who need support, by investing a record £6.9 billion in devolved benefits in 2025-26, which will assist disabled people and help low-income families with living costs, and by reinstating winter heating support to pensioners.

By going even further than the Tories with devastating cuts to disabled people, Labour has embarked on a total betrayal of the promises that it made to voters. The Labour Party simply cannot be trusted. Will Anas Sarwar remain silent on this matter?

My colleagues in the SNP and I will stand up for the most vulnerable in our society, and the SNP will continue to prioritise dignity, fairness and respect, in contrast to the Labour Party, which pushes on with its values of humiliation, injustice and disrespect.

The issue that we are discussing is a matter of urgency, and the decision must be reversed now. As it is quite clear that Scotland continues to be an afterthought for successive Labour Governments, it is more urgent than ever that Scotland becomes an independent country, so that we have the full powers that are needed to tackle poverty and create a fairer and more equal society for Scotland.

I am grateful for the chance to speak in what is an important debate.

“cruelty is becoming a hallmark of this”

UK

“government. It is simply indefensible.”

“They are choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society.”

“These are reforms that could well have been delivered with a blue rosette.”

Those are not my words or quotes from the Scottish Government; they are from the National Education Union, the STUC and the disability charity Scope.

Those organisations are not alone in that thinking. I thank all the organisations that provided briefings for the debate—including Sight Scotland, Scottish Action for Mental Health, Citizens Advice Scotland and Carers Scotland, to name just a few. All of them detailed their extreme concerns and urged that the reforms be reconsidered.

A recent freedom of information request revealed that almost 90 per cent of those who currently receive the standard daily living component of PIP will be impacted by the UK Government cuts. That is appalling.

On 6 March, I brought a debate to discuss the reported intention of the Labour Government to go ahead with its punitive welfare reforms. At the time, so-called Scottish Labour MSPs in the chamber said that the debate was premature and pointless. However, we now see that it was on the knuckle. Disabled people demonstrate outside the offices of Anas Sarwar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Pauline McNeill and Paul Sweeney—but, for a change, there is silence from them. Instead of a change of direction, a Labour Government in Westminster is intent on making disabled people, children and pensioners pay for austerity.

The biggest lie of any election campaign is the one from Anas Sarwar, in June 2024, when he said:

“Read my lips—no austerity under Labour.”

What we see now is just austerity 2.0, and it is crystal clear that the Scottish Labour leader’s words count for absolutely nothing.

The UK Government’s impact analysis shows that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into poverty under the plans. The cuts are inhumane and cruel. That has been recognised by the leading disability charity, Scope, which has described them as “catastrophic”.

It is not the only organisation to feel that way. Citizens Advice Scotland has stated:

“These reforms will result in a reduction of £5 billion in social security expenditure by 2030. This will have enormous consequences and push more disabled people into poverty.”

Across the board, Scotland’s charities recognise that the decision puts funding for Scotland’s social security system at risk. Less funding for the UK PIP will reduce the amount that is available to the Scottish Government to spend on social security, irrespective of demand for adult disability payment and differing demographics in Scotland.

We now know that the Scottish Government has had confirmation from HM Treasury that, from 2026-27, there will be cuts to Scotland’s block grant as a result of the welfare cuts. Initial indications are that the changes will reduce by £408 million the block grant funding that Scotland will receive for social security benefits in 2029-30.

The Labour MSPs who are here today should stand up and call out their UK bosses. First, Labour kept the two-child cap, then it removed the winter fuel payment and abandoned the WASPI women, and now it is targeting disabled people. Children, the elderly, the disabled and low-income families have been left out in the cold by the Labour Party.

While Labour imposes more damage and austerity and threatens the vulnerable, the SNP will stand up for those who need support, by investing a record £6.9 billion in devolved benefits in 2025-26, which will assist disabled people and help low-income families with living costs, and by reinstating winter heating support to pensioners.

By going even further than the Tories with devastating cuts to disabled people, Labour has embarked on a total betrayal of the promises that it made to voters. The Labour Party simply cannot be trusted. Will Anas Sarwar remain silent on this matter?

My colleagues in the SNP and I will stand up for the most vulnerable in our society, and the SNP will continue to prioritise dignity, fairness and respect, in contrast to the Labour Party, which pushes on with its values of humiliation, injustice and disrespect.

The issue that we are discussing is a matter of urgency, and the decision must be reversed now. As it is quite clear that Scotland continues to be an afterthought for successive Labour Governments, it is more urgent than ever that Scotland becomes an independent country, so that we have the full powers that are needed to tackle poverty and create a fairer and more equal society for Scotland.

I speak as a member of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. I thank the many organisations for the helpful briefings that they provided.

It was a welcome opportunity for the committee to take evidence from environmental and legal professionals and from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety. As has been mentioned, the Aarhus convention is a UN treaty that requires states to provide access to justice to allow challenges in court of breaches of environmental law. The convention consists of three pillars: access to environmental information for any citizen, the right to public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters. Progress has been made, but we all recognise that much more needs to be done to ensure that Scotland and the rest of the UK are compliant with the convention.

The minister noted that the Aarhus convention compliance committee previously welcomed Scotland’s significant progress in 2018, and that work is on-going to strengthen compliance in the areas of concern that the ACCC identified in its most recent decision. One point of concern relates to whether the Scottish Government will repeal regulation 15 of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002, in particular because the joint interest test that is specified under the regulation makes it difficult to obtain legal aid for environmental cases, given that such cases usually impact more than one person. However, as recognised by Denise Swanson, Scottish Government head of civil courts and inquiries, regulation 15

“is a necessary control mechanism for the proper and consistent use of the legal aid fund. Repealing it in its entirety could well have consequences across other elements of legal aid provision.”

It was acknowledged that

“There is a problem to do with the juxtaposition of how the legal aid system, including regulation 15, operates at the moment, and how we meet the needs of environmental issues and environmental actions.”—[Official Report, Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, 12 November 2024; c 25, 26.]

However, there needs to be greater discussion about the correct way forward.

The Scottish Government recognises that reform is needed, and it is welcome to note that action has already been taken to address some of the concerns that were noted in the report.

Although we rightly acknowledge today that more can be done, it is important to speak about the significant steps that the Scottish Government has taken in relation to climate change, nature restoration and reaching net zero. In the 2025-26 budget, it is investing more than £90 million to protect, maintain and increase woodlands and peatlands. Additionally, by deploying capital funding of £150 million to continue to anchor our offshore wind supply chain in Scotland, we support jobs and push closer towards our net zero goals.

The Scottish Government is also building on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 by delivering £39.6 million to help Scotland’s transition to a circular economy, reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption. That includes funding for the banning of single-use vapes and funding for Zero Waste Scotland.

That is maybe something that the minister can cover later; I do not have that figure to hand. I am sorry about that—the member is laughing, but I do not have it.

The environmental challenges that we face are urgent—there is no denying that. That was made very clear to me this week, when the Kilpatrick hills in my constituency saw a second wildfire in two weeks, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued its third wildfire warning this year due to dry weather.

The damage that such fires can cause is significant, and they can harm wildlife, impact farms and pose a risk to the public. Those issues are, naturally, very worrying, so we must push for more action and ensure that we have strong legal protections and frameworks.

This is an extremely important matter, and we must work together to ensure that all levers are available to protect our environment.

Community link workers in my constituency provide a vital service to the most deprived communities. However, the Labour-led West Dunbartonshire Council has cut that service despite the council receiving the highest per-head-of-population settlement of any mainland local authority. The decision has, rightly, been criticised by many, including the GMB trade union. Will the cabinet secretary join me in condemning these Labour cuts and call for them to be reversed?