Chamber and committees

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the banking sector regarding how to ensure that communities do not lose access to banking services, in light of reports that Lloyds Banking Group plans to close 14 Bank of Scotland branches over the next two years. (S6T-02335)

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to improve access to support for pupils with additional support needs, including access to speech and language therapists. (S6O-04279)

Research shows that there are higher levels of disruptive behaviour among children who have been identified as having communication needs, while demand for speech and language services has increased since the pandemic. The most recent data shows that there is a 17 per cent vacancy rate for speech and language therapists, and that waiting times are reaching years.

Given the on-going issues with behaviour in schools, how is the Scottish Government increasing the supply of speech and language therapists?

I was recently contacted by a constituent who is on the waiting list for social housing with her 13-year-old daughter. They have been sharing a room and a bed for nine months, and by the time they are allocated housing, her daughter will be 16 years old. Does the First Minister think that that is in any way positive for their wellbeing? Will his Government finally step up with real action to end the housing emergency and unacceptable waiting times for social homes?

I welcome the funding for culture organisations that has been made possible by the UK Labour Government’s record budget settlement. I particularly welcome the funding of Edinburgh’s festivals, which attract millions of people to Scotland each year.

The culture sector should not be fighting for its survival. Festivals have struggled with standstill Government funding for years, which has stunted their growth. How is the Scottish Government supporting organisations to attract private or other sources of funding? How will the cabinet secretary ensure that the delays to multiyear funding, which caused so much uncertainty in the sector, will not be repeated?

In evidence to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, the director general of the National Galleries of Scotland stated that it was not able to afford the upkeep of its estate, putting the public and collections at risk. How will the cabinet secretary ensure that it is supported in the upkeep of our cultural infrastructure? It is a massive issue for us in Edinburgh.

I begin by congratulating Clare Adamson on securing the debate. Five years have passed since we left the EU. In a more uncertain world, our closest geographical neighbours must remain friends and collaborators. The motion and the members who have spoken so far have highlighted the on-going effects of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.

In November, I joined members including Clare Adamson in discussing the UK trade and co-operation agreement. During that debate, members largely agreed that the deal was not delivering. Issues faced by businesses in trading with Europe were raised, including inadequate support from the previous UK Government in the transition to new rules and the additional time and cost burden of export health certificates. Some businesses reported ceasing trade with Europe entirely. That is clearly not a welcome situation, and Governments should be taking steps to address it.

While those challenges are known, what is not known is the process for rejoining the European Union. The Brexit years were defined by their uncertainty. We should be looking forward and improving the deals that we have now, not reopening the Brexit debate and causing further turmoil. The Labour Government in Westminster was elected on a manifesto to renegotiate the Brexit deal and to make improvements for our businesses.

For example, the UK Government is committed to seeking a veterinary agreement with Europe, which, if adopted, could improve agricultural exports by 20 per cent, according to Aston University. An improvement in conditions for touring artists, who have suffered as a result of Brexit, could also be achieved. Scotland and Edinburgh in particular benefit from cultural exchanges, yet the Conservative Brexit deal made touring more complicated for artists. I am pleased that Lisa Nandy has recently reaffirmed her commitment to making touring easier; work is on-going with Europe on that front.

Devolved Governments also have a role to play. The Scottish Government has completed two test and learn exercises that involved international student exchanges, while the Welsh Government has introduced its Taith scheme, which has sent thousands of students abroad and deepened cultural ties. I return to my point that action can be taken today where Brexit has put up barriers.

The five years since Brexit have been globally challenging and uncertain. Our relationship with Europe remains one of our most important relationships. I am pleased that the UK Labour Government is looking to build a positive relationship with Europe and to renegotiate the Brexit deal so that it delivers for businesses and people. That will demonstrate that, rather than looking back and rehashing old debates, we can move forward.

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any implications for its provision of funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza, whether it will provide an update on what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding recent developments in Gaza. (S6O-04239)

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the returning of hostages should be welcome, but they will not undo the suffering that has been inflicted on the people of Gaza or the actions that Amnesty International said broke the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Does the minister agree that the ceasefire is not the end of the conflict and that diplomatic pressure on all parties is needed to deliver a free Palestine and regional peace, particularly following recent violence in the West Bank? Will the Scottish Government consider actions to prevent public money from going to organisations that have profited from the war?

I want to draw the committee’s attention to the fact that the very first time that I had to face the committee was to support a petition about swimming and to talk about why swimming is important. I had to face you all at that time and I raised quite a lot of points about why it is so important. It is also a health issue.

Sadly, that petition was closed. I can get in touch with the campaign group that lodged it and ask if it has any other suggestions. At the same time, I agree that it is important to hear from Scottish Swimming on what Neil Bibby and Fulton MacGregor said, as well as on the Scottish Government’s responses. I fully support the petition.