Chamber and committees

The spotlight project has been taken forward by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, which acts independently of the Government. At this stage, I do not have information on publication timescales, but research of that nature is an essential tool in deepening our understanding of the challenges and the lived experiences of Gypsy Traveller communities, so the Government will pay very close attention to the contents of that material when it becomes available to us.

I welcome Alexander Stewart’s comments on the apology that I have given to the Parliament and to the Gypsy Traveller community. The Government has been working to address the issue, and, in the course of my comments, I made reference to Christina McKelvie’s leadership on the issue. Christina engaged faithfully with the Gypsy Traveller community and raised those issues. We have now addressed them after the production of the research report, which I am glad that Alexander Stewart has welcomed.

As I indicated, the Government has offered an apology today. We will engage with the community further as part of encouraging and motivating a dialogue to address the injustices that have been experienced. The Minister for Equalities will take forward that dialogue with the Gypsy Traveller community in the period to come.

It is absolutely vital that the community is involved at every step of the way in that endeavour. The failures of the past happened because people were not listened to and not respected. They must be listened to and respected in the future, and that is what the Government will deliver.

Those are the issues that we now have to consider. The starting point for the dialogue is the apology that I have made today on behalf of the state. That is not the end of the process; it is the beginning of another part of the process, which we will take forward in dialogue with the community. As I have just explained to Rona Mackay, it will be an engaged process that involves the community at every step of the way.

Mr McMillan has highlighted some of the archival report’s truly disturbing contents. As he will be familiar with, the Government’s approach to the whole area of children’s policy is, as far as possible and in all circumstances, to act to keep families together when they face any form of challenge or difficulty. Therefore, to read in a report about a policy to essentially force parents and families to separate is deeply uncomfortable and disturbing, hence the importance of the apology that I have given in the Parliament today.

Mr McMillan’s question has highlighted one very clear example of the trauma that Gypsy Traveller communities have suffered. As part of on-going work through the various interventions that are set out in the action plan, we must support individuals so that they have the assistance to come to terms with that trauma. Listening to the community, understanding its needs and addressing those needs will lie at the heart of the Government’s response.

I acknowledge the importance that Elena Whitham attaches to the term “reconciliation” and I am glad that she has done so, because that is the route for us to have a process of healing with a community that has been badly damaged. I hope that the steps that the Government has taken today and the fact that I am here offering the apology on behalf of the state to the Gypsy Traveller community indicate the seriousness with which the Government considers the matter and the significance that it attaches to the need for it to be addressed.

In my constituency capacity, I have engaged with a number of the individuals whom Elena Whitham referred to. Roseanna and Shamus McPhee are constituents of mine, so I am directly familiar with the experiences that have been recounted, and I am grateful for their engagement on the question. I am determined to ensure that the approach to reconciliation can be built on the basis of the apology that has been offered today. That is the commitment that the Government offers to Parliament.

On the question of a parliamentary debate, Mr Greene will appreciate that commitments of that type are even above the pay grade of the First Minister, but I will ensure that the Minister for Parliamentary Business is well aware of that request, which the Parliamentary Bureau can discuss.

Mr Greene’s point is really important. We have to take a human rights-based approach to all these questions. That is the foundation for the respectful treatment of individuals in our society, and it lies at the heart of the Government statement that I have made in the Parliament today. The Parliament has endorsed a human rights-based approach to many aspects of our policies, and that should be reflected in the outlook and perspective of members of Parliament in how we respond to this challenge.

Mr Greene is absolutely right to highlight the fact that there remains a significant prevalence of prejudice in our society. That prejudice will take different forms, but it must all be confronted, because prejudice is unhealthy in our society. I give him my commitment that the Government will confront it on my behalf.

I welcome the comments that Paul O’Kane has put on the record and his acknowledgement of the shared obligation that we have on the matter.

As I indicated in my statement, it is right that those who hold office today act on behalf of the state in relation to failings and errors that happened long before our responsibilities started. I do that unreservedly in the Parliament today. I also associate myself with Paul O’Kane's comments about the contribution of other organisations, such as the Scottish Human Rights Commission, which have, of course, advanced many of these questions.

Mr O’Kane’s question raises the issue of cultural prejudice. We live in a society where we are wrestling with issues of prejudice in different forms and in different shapes, and we must be vigilant—Mr O’Kane knows the degree to which I am concerned about these issues—in confronting the sources of that prejudice. We are acknowledging historical prejudice, but there are versions of prejudice that are still prevalent in our society today.

The Government does not have immediate plans for a redress scheme, but, as I indicated in my response to Alexander Stewart, this will be the start of further dialogue with the community. I am keen to ensure that we follow up the apology with means of supporting the community and individuals within the community to overcome the damage that has been done in the past.

Today, the Scottish Government has published reports that highlight the injustice and prejudice that Gypsy Traveller individuals, families and communities have faced as a result of the historical policies and decisions colloquially known as the tinker experiments. Although those events pre-date this Parliament, it is important to recognise that the impacts of those policies are still felt today. I know that in the public gallery today are members of the communities impacted. I welcome them to the chamber and I applaud their tenacity in pursuing these issues over such a long period of time.

Since its inception, the Parliament has demonstrated its willingness to address uncomfortable and, for some, incredibly painful elements of our national story. My statement today is set in that context.

I invite Parliament to consider that only by confronting those difficult truths from our past are we able to move forward, learning from the mistakes of the past as we work towards a more just and equitable Scotland—a Scotland that truly honours and celebrates the rich culture of Gypsy Travellers.

It falls to the Government to state, without ambiguity, that what happened to Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland was unacceptable. That starts with formally acknowledging and apologising for the harm caused by those actions. It is clear to the Government that stark prejudice and lack of cultural awareness led to a series of unfair and unjust policies. Those policies resulted in children being removed from families and in families being forced to live in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions. The trauma that that has caused to individuals, families and groups, including those who regard themselves as victims of the tinker experiments, is significant and lasting.

So, as First Minister of Scotland, I want to say directly to Gypsy Traveller communities: the tinker experiments should not have happened. Those policies were wrong, and we recognise how much they are still hurting so many today. More than anything else, I want to say this: on behalf of Scotland, we are sorry.

We have come a long way since the tinker experiments, but there is still much to do. We still see prejudice and ignorance today. Indeed, discrimination towards Gypsy Travellers is often described as

“the last bastion of respectable racism.”

It is not.

We must be united in unequivocally condemning all forms of hatred, discrimination and prejudice, particularly those that still cause members of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland to feel unsafe, unwelcome or marginalised in their daily lives or in the expression of their identity and way of life.

This statement comes at a particularly important time. Every June, we celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month. Through celebration, education and raising awareness, the month plays a vital role in challenging prejudice, amplifying the voices of Gypsy Traveller and Roma communities and reshaping public understanding. The national event organised by the Scottish Government at Dynamic Earth last week highlighted the important work that is being carried out by many of our national and local partners to improve the lives of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland. It also celebrated the rich culture and heritage of those communities. I understand that the event was very well attended and very well received, and I warmly encourage members—indeed, anyone—to attend similar events in the future.

We must all play our part in eradicating racism, inequality and injustice, and in building a better, fairer world where every person has the same opportunities and where everyone’s individual needs are recognised and met. We can achieve that only by working together in partnership, ensuring that communities are at the heart of our discussions.

That is why a short, initial community consultation was commissioned to engage with members of Gypsy Traveller communities impacted by historical policies. The Minister for Equalities attended one of those sessions in person, and I know that she was deeply moved by the powerful insights and experiences that were shared with such courage.

We recognise that revisiting past trauma is never easy, and we are truly grateful for the generosity and openness shown by members of the community throughout this process. We are also aware that others might still wish to share their stories, and I want to reassure them that the Government is here to listen, whenever and however those individuals feel ready to explain their story.

We have now published a summary of the results of the consultation along with the archival research report, and we are keen to continue the conversation to find the best and most effective way forward.

We also recognise that historical policies have affected individuals and groups differently with direct and indirect impacts. Those effects vary, based on multiple factors, and often carry intergenerational consequences. Understanding that complexity is crucial as we work toward collective progress on the issue.

Improving the lives of our Gypsy Traveller communities is essential if we are to tackle deep-rooted inequalities and deliver a fairer Scotland. The progress that we have made since the events that are outlined in the report is significant. It is a testament to the collaborative work of national and local government, the dedication and tireless efforts of third sector organisations and, most of all, the determination of Gypsy Travellers to ensure better futures for their communities.

Since the publication of our first “Gypsy/Travellers action plan”, the Scottish Government has taken specific actions to improve the lives of Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland in key areas such as accommodation, tackling discrimination and improving representation and access to public services and education. Last year, we published an updated action plan, building on the successes that we have had to date.

At the same time, we recognise that there is still much more work to be done. The experiences that have been shared underline the need for systemic change, greater accountability and, crucially, a shift in attitudes at every level. We must do better.

Recognising the harm that is caused by this prejudice is only the first step; it must be followed by meaningful action. That includes challenging stereotypes, confronting everyday discrimination and committing to long-term efforts that promote understanding, respect and equity for Gypsy Travellers.

We have reached this moment due to the efforts of many people. Individuals in Gypsy Traveller communities have argued with care and tenacity for these injustices to be addressed. Some have not lived long enough to hear the words that I am sharing with the Parliament today. I pay tribute to their commitment to the pursuit of justice.

I also pay tribute to our late colleague and former Minister for Equalities and Older People, Christina McKelvie. She fought tirelessly to address the inequality and injustice that Gypsy Traveller communities faced. I know that this apology today would be the recognition and the long-anticipated justice that she worked so hard to deliver for so many. I pay tribute to Christina McKelvie, who always listened to those who suffered injustice and acted to address that injustice.

Our hope is that we now have a foundation on which to continue building trust and fostering renewed relationships with all those who have been impacted by historical policies. As we look ahead, the Scottish Government is determined to maintain a strong leadership role in advocating for the rights of Gypsy Traveller individuals and in celebrating the rich history, culture and contribution of these communities.

An apology is not the end of the conversation; it is, I hope, the beginning of a new conversation. We want to continue the dialogue and to work together to keep improving the lives of Gypsy Traveller individuals, families and communities in Scotland—that is the commitment that I make to the communities and to the Parliament today. Our duty is to address the errors of the past and to work for a better future.

I readily acknowledge Maggie Chapman’s points about the community’s determination and tenacity. We would not be here today had it not been for the community’s determination to ensure that those wrongs were addressed. We now need to move on and build on the actions that are already under way through the action plan in order to provide better lives and outcomes for Gypsy Traveller community members. That is what the Government will do.

Maggie Chapman raised the issue of other public institutions. The Government is responsible for some of those institutions, so it should be interpreted that my apology has been given on their behalf. However, I hope that other bodies that are not directly under my control will listen with care to what I have said to the Parliament today and act accordingly. I cannot direct them, but I hope that other bodies will take their lead from my acknowledgment of the importance of addressing the wrong that was inflicted on the Gypsy Traveller community. The process of righting it starts with apologising for the error in the first place.