Chamber and committees

I totally understand the point that the member is trying to make, but I believe that there are too many flaws in the bill and that, if agreed to, the legislation could be widened. Therefore, I cannot support the bill.

Dr Mary Neal, from the University of Strathclyde, has argued that the bill contained many areas that were subject to potential “slippage” and that, irrespective of how tightly the law was felt to have been drafted, there was ultimately no way of preventing people from challenging it.

Although the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has remained neutral on the bill, it is exceptionally important for members to note that, on the point of a slippery slope, the committee stated:

“The Committee acknowledges that, should it become law, there may be a risk of the Bill being subject to human rights or other court challenges and that this could result in eligibility for assisted dying being extended over time.”

Others share that concern, and members will have seen those briefings. The fact that we are unable to guarantee that strict safeguards would be kept in place is a huge worry for me.

On a final point of concern, the definition of “terminal illness” in the bill is, in and of itself, rather broad. Many have noted that as a concern, including the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care, which said:

“The definition of ‘terminal illness’ in the Bill is not precise enough ... and could mean that people with years to live are deemed eligible”.

That will have a real impact. There is concern, then, that there would be potential for the definition to include a wide range of long-term conditions.

Liam McArthur and other supporters have the best intentions with the bill, viewing it as a way to ease suffering, but the legislation would open a door that we might not be able to close. We cannot, with any great certainty, guarantee that safeguards would be kept in place. That leads us down a very dangerous path of living in a society that devalues the lives of the most vulnerable. Therefore, I cannot support the principles of the bill, and I will vote accordingly.

Before I entered politics, I worked for 14 years as part of the nursing team at the St Margaret of Scotland hospice in Clydebank. It was an incredibly moving, but also immensely challenging, role. Caring for people at the end of their life is not an easy job by any means. However, it has instilled in me the fundamental belief that those at the end of their life deserve dignity and support. It instilled in me an understanding of the importance of compassionate and well-resourced palliative care. I want to see more focus and support being given to that.

Over the past year, I have met with constituents and stakeholders on both sides of the debate, listening carefully to their views. Although I respect constituents on both sides of the debate, I have decided that I cannot support the bill, for reasons that I will set out.

For many of the supporters of the proposal, it is about autonomy. However, regardless of any supported safeguards, the bill will have unintended consequences for society as a whole. As the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics stated:

“In an interactive society, making a choice about the value of a life ... means making a decision about the value of other lives.”

The bill would fundamentally change the relationship between patients and clinicians, influence culture and alter how we view ageing, illness and disability.

I believe that passing the bill would send a message that certain individuals’ lives are less valuable than others and that those individuals are considered a burden on society. That worry is articulated by disability organisations, which fear that the scope of the bill would quickly be expanded to include those with disabilities within the eligibility criteria—and with that can come coercion.

We risk creating an environment in which people feel pressure—however subtle—to choose death to spare others the burden of their care. If we look at other countries, such as Canada, we can see that health reports found that fear of being a burden and loneliness are high up among the top five reasons for people choosing medical assistance in dying.

I fully recognise that the bill focuses on

“mentally competent terminally ill eligible adults”,

but we fundamentally cannot guarantee with any certainty that the eligibility criteria will not be expanded in future years. We have seen that happen in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands, where safeguards have been relaxed, widening access to more groups of people.

During the recent wear a hat day event in the Parliament, I met two of my constituents, Don and Rachel McKie, who, sadly, lost their son to a glioblastoma in 2006. Since that time, they have raised more than £50,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity. They are such an inspiring family.

Less survivable cancers such as brain tumours can be difficult to diagnose, as, often, they present as non-specific conditions. What more can be done to raise awareness? Are there any plans to commit further investment to fund the essential research that is required?

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to improve outcomes for people with brain tumours. (S6O-04616)

Crafting Together, which is a social enterprise in my constituency of Clydebank and Milngavie, has done amazing work in providing employment opportunities for those with additional support needs, but more can still be done to improve the rates of employment. Can the cabinet secretary advise what action can be taken to improve employment rates for those with additional support needs? Would she be willing to come to Clydebank to meet Crafting Together to discuss what it has on offer?

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting social enterprises. (S6O-04577)

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.