Chamber and committees

First, I say that my thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Bayoh.

As the member highlighted, the inquiry is examining the immediate circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh’s death, the police handling of the case and the investigation into the death, and whether race was a factor. The inquiry can also make recommendations to prevent deaths in similar circumstances.

Counsel for the inquiry has confirmed that the question of whether Mr Bayoh’s race played a part will be examined at every stage. As it is a public inquiry and is independent of ministers, it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on the inquiry proceedings now that they have commenced.

As I have said previously, there is a bespoke working group, and the UK Government is currently reviewing the UK-wide batteries regulation. The Scottish Government is clear that battery energy storage is an essential component of the decarbonised electricity grid, and that we need bold action to tackle the climate emergency. Scotland has extensive renewable generation capabilities with which to accelerate our just transition to net zero.

I thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews, along with all our emergency services, for their sterling efforts in tackling the large and complex fire that broke out at the Enva recycling facility on Sunday. At its height, 10 appliances and 50 firefighters were at the scene. Thankfully, there were no casualties and, as of this morning, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that one fire appliance and one height appliance remain in attendance, with firefighters working to eliminate any remaining hot spots and dampen down.

As a precaution, early yesterday morning local residents were advised to remain indoors with windows and doors shut. That advice was lifted later yesterday morning. As part of a multi-agency response, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is actively engaged in the situation and is working closely with public sector partners, including Public Health Scotland and Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, to mitigate any potential impact on the surrounding community and environment.

I am pleased to say that there is no on-going risk to public safety and that the cause of the fire will be the subject of an immediate and thorough investigation, as would normally happen.

I share Mark Ruskell’s concerns. Since 2023, there have been 1,200 fires across the UK, which is an increase of 71 per cent from 2022; we have had four such fires in Scotland. I am in agreement with Mark Ruskell.

As I said to Paul O’Kane’s colleague Neil Bibby earlier, we will ensure that there is consultation and that information is put out in the public domain. Lessons can be learned. A working group was set up immediately with SEPA, the local health service and the SFRS, and we will continue to engage and let the community know what is happening.

I think that we will have to wait for the thorough investigation to be concluded before we make any commitments in that regard. For the member’s information, he might like to know that, along with other United Kingdom nations, the Scottish Government is reviewing the UK-wide batteries regulation, which applies to placing batteries on the market and to waste battery issues, including recycling.

We are considering the changes that are needed to provide an appropriate framework for the increasing number of electric vehicle batteries that are arising as waste and how they can best be managed in the UK market. That will include looking at opportunities for better regulation.

SEPA has confirmed that there were no compliance issues around the site that it was aware of. The site was deemed to be low risk, with no impact on amenity, and it is well managed. It deals only with waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Any constituents in the area who have any residue from the fire in their gardens should contact the local authority. I know that SEPA has a working group, and it will be liaising with the local authority and the SFRS.

Clare Adamson might be aware that the SFRS has in place a bespoke working group that focuses on the risks of lithium-ion batteries. Its findings will bolster our community safety messaging. The working group has been expanded to include a number of stakeholders and to assist in a number of workstreams, including the planning and consultation process for battery energy storage systems, which I hope will raise awareness of the issue among the public.

We support Police Scotland and local authorities to continue to invest in prevention, early intervention and diversionary activities to reduce antisocial behaviour. They have a wide range of powers and are best placed to lead on addressing those issues.

In addition, an independent working group on antisocial behaviour is currently examining our strategic approach to the issue and is undertaking widespread engagement in order to deliver its report later this year. We have also provided local authorities with more than £600 million of additional revenue funding, while Police Scotland has received an increase of £92.7 million, despite difficult financial circumstances that are due to United Kingdom Government austerity.

I would be more than happy to meet Mr O’Kane. The timescale for publication of the work is the end of this year. We have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour in retail areas, and we are working on that. The member might also be interested to know that I have been visiting local authorities and seeing initiatives that operate around the whole of Scotland. I am looking to implement those and to provide good guidance to local authorities.