Chamber and committees

Last week, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland’s first black professor, passionate advocate for equality, and my friend, passed away. Sir Geoff was not only a leader in science and human rights; he was a kind, wise man who inspired me and many others. He will be deeply missed. Will the First Minister join me in paying tribute to Sir Geoff, a giant of modern Scotland, and will he continue Sir Geoff’s legacy by helping to build a Scotland that is free from prejudice? [Applause.]

I agree with colleagues, but is there a way in which we can merge both petitions?

I have been contacted by constituents who share Mr Hoy’s concern about the issue. Councillors say that the policy regarding learning for sick children who attend independent schools is based on Scottish Government guidance, which places the duty for such tuition on independent schools. It is clear that there has been miscommunication. What effort is the Scottish Government making to inform parents, schools and health boards of that policy?

I thank Bill Kidd for bringing this important issue to the chamber.

Presiding Officer,

“Every day, we lose more ways to survive ... We’re not asking for proper housing or clothes or even meat. All we want is a loaf of bread to stop the children’s crying. Is that too much to ask?”

Those are the words of a mother in Gaza, reflecting on the birth of her son during a period of profound violence and instability. In his short life, he has known only conflict. Like countless others in Gaza, he is now enduring the devastating consequences of war, malnutrition, uncertainty and a daily struggle for survival.

Conditions in Gaza have been intolerable for months. Following the Israeli forces’ official blockade of the Gaza Strip and months more of drip-feeding aid to a population in desperate need, according to the World Food Programme, 470,000 people in Gaza—22 per cent of the population—face catastrophic hunger and 100 per cent of the territory is at risk of famine.

That is taking place while the threat of bombs looms over. We are now seeing the deeply concerning use of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticised by its former leader, who resigned rather than support its strategy, the United Nations agency and the humanitarian aid community for “weaponising aid” and going against the core principles of humanitarian support, including placing conditions on aid. The consequences of that have been deadly, with desperate Gazans shot and killed while attempting to access life-saving aid.

The UN says that 9,000 trucks-worth of aid are waiting to enter Gaza. Every one of those must be let in to avoid further humanitarian disaster. That is not just the right thing to do; it is Israel’s responsibility under international law and as part of the resolution that the International Court of Justice has issued. A ceasefire agreement is now, more than ever, a moral duty as a start to ending this horrific human suffering. The UK Government, as well as Governments worldwide, can increase the pressure to make that happen.

We have seen military strikes by Israel in Syria, in Lebanon and now in Iran. Debates like today’s are important in allowing us to put on the record and say, “Not in my name.” We can stand today and say that the UK and Scotland should be partners for peace in conflict, but we cannot be partners for peace while selling weapons where there is risk of war crimes. We cannot be partners for peace if we allow states to break international law without consequences. We cannot be partners for peace if we do not recognise the existence of a Palestinian state.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am having some issues with my app. I am not sure whether my vote registered.

Thank you.

It has been more than a year since my constituent was referred to a dermatologist. He does not know when he will be seen, and his skin condition and mental health are getting worse. In NHS Lothian, the number of people who are waiting for more than 52 weeks to see a dermatologist has doubled in the past year. Will the First Minister admit that his Government has lost control of waiting times for specialist care, and will he apologise to my constituent?

I begin by making it clear that migrants and migration have had a positive impact on Scotland. In my life and career, I have known many people who decided to build their lives in this country and now call it home. I have met and worked with organisations such as Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council—I draw attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests, as I chair that organisation—as well as Networking Key Services and Milan Senior Welfare Organisation here in Edinburgh, which support new Scots to integrate in and partake of their communities.

My family is a migrant family. We moved to the United Kingdom when I was very young. People who settle here work in our NHS and our universities and run businesses. Anyone who tries to claim that those with international heritage do not contribute or do not prioritise Scotland should be rejected. They do not represent my experience, and I know that they do not represent the views of Scots.

With all that in mind, it is important that our immigration system works for both Scotland and migrants. The previous Conservative Government took an approach that worked for neither. The health and care worker visa was a blunt instrument that put people at risk of exploitation and abuse, with harrowing reports of workers being placed into debt bondage and of others paying thousands to work at non-existent care homes. The UK Government’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has said that that caused avoidable harm and severe exploitation. Migration should never be about the right to exploit vulnerable people. We need a sustainable system that prevents that from happening.

I welcome the progress that is being made on a youth experience scheme as part of the reset with the European Union, as well as the return to Erasmus+. We know how important Erasmus+ is in promoting cultural exchange. A youth experience scheme would add to that while providing our economy with greater flexibility. I hope that the UK Government will also ensure that working class and underrepresented groups can access those schemes, so that their benefit is shared across society.

It should be said that migration is not a sticking plaster solution. It alone will not resolve many of the challenges that we face. It will not end the housing emergency, fix our broken planning system, or stop the rise in violent crime. Migration will be necessary for our future in many areas, but it is a tool and we must use it correctly—not as a replacement for a skills strategy, or to contribute to exploitation, but for growing our economy and attracting highly talented people.

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to ensure that schools are tackling racism and racist bullying. (S6O-04788)

I recently heard the story of Ekta Marwaha, who was forced to remove her daughter, Anisa, from school after months of racist bullying. The incident was reported and an apology was received from the bully, but records were not held, no follow-up work was done and the bullying continued.

There are many anti-racist toolkits, but can the cabinet secretary tell me how the Scottish Government is ensuring that they are put into practice? Will she meet me and Ekta to hear directly about the impact of racism on children?