Chamber and committees

I think the member for his questions—I will do my best to pick up on as many of them as I can.

I reinforce the point that this Government will talk about neighbours and human beings and take a human rights-embedded approach. Therefore, our focus is not on numbers; it is on making sure that we fulfil the needs of Scotland. We understand the pressures that are faced as a result of a failed immigration system that is being perpetuated by decisions that are made in the UK. The UK Government has enhanced and sped up the processing of applications, but it has not provided adequate funding to enable the move-on period.

We have had negotiations with the UK Government. As I said in my statement, the response has been disappointing.

Population figures consistently show that Scotland’s population and its working-age population are growing only because of positive net migration. The move to end international recruitment of care workers will be devastating for the care sectors in Scotland and the UK.

Scotland needs talented and committed people from across the world to be able to work across all sectors of the community without excessive barriers, but the UK Government’s white paper proposed changes to the immigration system that will only make it harder. Migration policies should support mobility, collaboration and innovation and must suitably reflect the skills requirements of all of the UK.

We require a tailored approach to migration to meet our distinct challenges. I call again on the UK Government to work with us to deliver that.

As I have stated, we, in the chamber, all have a responsibility to use our leadership and our language very carefully and respectfully. Meghan Gallacher has raised that incident before, and I responded to it. I accept that it is an appalling situation.

At this point, I would like to share the stories of young Pakistani girls who are getting attacked and racially abused on their way to school, and of old-age pensioners who are now too frightened to go out in various communities. We need to be very careful not to pit communities against themselves but to use our platforms to bring people together.

We are working with our partners, including the Scottish Refugee Council, local authorities and third sector partners, to challenge what is an increasingly stigmatising narrative and to find ways for communities to come together in respectful dialogue and shared understanding. We are also working with the Home Office to tackle the sources of misinformation and disinformation that perpetuate the harmful narratives.

I take this opportunity to make a point about the human condition. While none of us is perfect, unfortunately, and some people go into criminality, we must not divide or target people or blame entire communities for the actions of a few.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no.

I have listened very carefully to all the contributors in the debate. I will not be able to refer to everybody individually, but I will try to address as many of the points that were raised as I can.

The Scottish Government has consistently made it clear that it accepts the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v the Scottish ministers in relation to the definition of the term “woman” in the Equality Act 2010.

Since April, we have been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling. That work is on-going, and it is being co-ordinated by a senior-level, cross-Government working group that is convened by the permanent secretary.

Our approach is—

I cannot give a timescale for that. There are so many different areas that the judgment may or may not cover, and the work has to be done in a methodical way.

I was going on to address the point that our approach is focused on co-ordinating Government action in the context of legal complexity, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

I would also like to make it clear that the decision of the Supreme Court does not remove trans people’s protections from discrimination. That point was made explicitly by the Supreme Court in its judgment. We have been clear since the Supreme Court ruling that we accept that. We are taking forward the work that is necessary as a consequence of it. Every key area of Government that is or may be affected by the judgment is carrying out those assessments.

The Scottish Government has always said that we accept the ruling of the Supreme Court in its judgment—that is not a contentious issue, and we are working at pace to review and implement guidance as necessary. That is not in question.

The Presiding Officer will be well aware that I will not comment on any live litigation cases.

I will give some examples of the work that we have already done: we have updated the guidance on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 and we have amended the recruitment process for appointments to public bodies subject to the 2018 act. Through joint working with Police Scotland, we will publicly consult on the stop-and-search code of practice before the end of the year. The guidance on supporting transgender young people in schools is being reviewed, recognising that the EHRC is also reviewing the technical guidance for schools.

As I said, our approach is focused on ensuring accuracy and clarity, and avoiding unnecessary complexity or confusion at a time of heightened public debate.

We have, in fact, done that. I reminded myself of the fact that, in May, we published a note that was sent to all public bodies, and which made it very clear that public bodies should satisfy themselves that they are compliant with the law and that they are reviewing all the necessary guidance and policies. Other people also raised that point and implied that we had not offered that instruction, but we had.

I take the opportunity to remind the Parliament that equality for women and girls is a priority for this Government. I have heard very powerful testimonies this afternoon about why that is so important. I also remind Parliament that it is at the heart of our vision for a fair and prosperous Scotland for everybody.

As a Government, we are determined to deliver for women and girls and to address those inequalities where they arise.

Jackie Baillie rose—

Rachael Hamilton rose—