Chamber and committees

I have heard reports of pupils moving schools due to persistent racist bullying. That can be especially difficult for families in rural areas, where alternatives are limited. In addition, the rise in anti-immigration rhetoric from some political parties might be emboldening parental attitudes that, in turn, influence young people and shape behaviour within school communities. Can the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is supporting both urban and rural secondary schools to embed effective anti-racism practice and to ensure that staff are equipped to respond swiftly and protect pupils who might be at risk?

I have heard reports of pupils moving schools due to persistent racist bullying. That can be especially difficult for families in rural areas, where alternatives are limited. In addition, the rise in anti-immigration rhetoric from some political parties might be emboldening parental attitudes that, in turn, influence young people and shape behaviour within school communities. Can the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is supporting both urban and rural secondary schools to embed effective anti-racism practice and to ensure that staff are equipped to respond swiftly and protect pupils who might be at risk?

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle racism in secondary schools. (S6O-05543)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle racism in secondary schools. (S6O-05543)

I have heard reports of pupils moving schools due to persistent racist bullying. That can be especially difficult for families in rural areas, where alternatives are limited. In addition, the rise in anti-immigration rhetoric from some political parties might be emboldening parental attitudes that, in turn, influence young people and shape behaviour within school communities. Can the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is supporting both urban and rural secondary schools to embed effective anti-racism practice and to ensure that staff are equipped to respond swiftly and protect pupils who might be at risk?

I welcome the opportunity to speak in recognition of eating disorders awareness week 2026, and I thank Elena Whitham for leading this important debate. I have led the debate myself in the past, and, as an MSP, I have spoken on the issue almost every year for the past 10 years.

Because I am a nurse and someone with a family member who is living with what I suspect is undiagnosed ARFID, these issues are not abstract to me; they are lived, felt and witnessed every day. I pay tribute to our former colleague Dennis Robertson whose daughter Caroline tragically died from an eating disorder. Dennis’s courage in sharing that loss transformed how the Parliament understands these conditions, and we honour that legacy today.

Eating disorders affect at least 100,000 people in Scotland, and many thousands more are impacted as carers, friends and families. The briefing from the eating disorder charity Beat makes it clear that, although prevalence has increased, recovery is possible, especially when people receive early and sustained support. I, too, welcome Alex Jones from Beat, and David, to the public gallery this evening. I have worked with Alex quite a lot in the past few years.

This year’s theme is community, and it could not be more fitting. Eating disorders thrive on isolation—they pull people away from routines, relationships and support networks. Carers, too, can feel overwhelmed or unsure of how best to help. Connection can break through that isolation and encourage people to seek help sooner.

I thank Beat and Alex Jones, who is the national lead for all the organisation’s work in Scotland. Beat’s compassionate advisors and clear information provide hope for so many. Its website could be—and for many, it already is—the first place that people turn to when they are frightened or unsure, as it helps folks to understand what is happening before symptoms escalate into crisis. It is free and accessible for people in crisis, and it is available 24/7. The presence of Beat in Scotland is stronger thanks to previous Scottish Government investment, including an additional £500,000 that was provided in 2021. That funding is effectively reaching more people.

Beat’s briefing outlines several clear and constructive asks—important next steps on a journey to which Scotland is committed. Continued implementation of the 2021 national review and the 2024 national specification remains essential. Those frameworks, which were developed with clinicians, people with lived experience and the Scottish Government, set out a strong foundation. Scotland leads the UK in this work, but momentum must be sustained to ensure that ambition becomes consistent practice and that progress continues into the next session of Parliament.

Equitable access to community and day treatment options across all health boards is crucial. Those approaches can match in-patient outcomes while keeping people close to home and reducing pressure on hospital beds. However, provision varies widely. Beat calls for targeted investment so that every area, including rural regions such as Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, can access effective, person-centred services. A renewed approach to mental health investment is vital. Demand has risen sharply since the pandemic, and Beat highlights the need for long-term funding to reflect that. Early intervention is where outcomes are strongest, but that requires stable, sustained resources.

We must protect people from the unintended harm that is caused by mandatory calorie labelling. Research shows that calorie counts can be distressing for many people in recovery. Future policy decisions should ensure that calorie information is available in ways that safeguard those at risk—for example, through opt-in rather than automatic display.

Beat also raises valid concerns about online harms, which is important. Those include pro-eating disorder content and the risks that are associated and linked with artificial intelligence. The organisation calls for stronger protections and robust signposting to support. Those points deserve consideration as part of our wider digital safety agenda.

I am conscious of the time, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I know that colleagues have been in the chamber for a long time already. To anyone who is listening today who is struggling, I say that you are not alone—Beat is here, your community is here and recovery is possible.

20:22

I welcome the opportunity to speak in recognition of eating disorders awareness week 2026, and I thank Elena Whitham for leading this important debate. I have led the debate myself in the past, and, as an MSP, I have spoken on the issue almost every year for the past 10 years.

Because I am a nurse and someone with a family member who is living with what I suspect is undiagnosed ARFID, these issues are not abstract to me; they are lived, felt and witnessed every day. I pay tribute to our former colleague Dennis Robertson whose daughter Caroline tragically died from an eating disorder. Dennis’s courage in sharing that loss transformed how the Parliament understands these conditions, and we honour that legacy today.

Eating disorders affect at least 100,000 people in Scotland, and many thousands more are impacted as carers, friends and families. The briefing from the eating disorder charity Beat makes it clear that, although prevalence has increased, recovery is possible, especially when people receive early and sustained support. I, too, welcome Alex Jones from Beat, and David, to the public gallery this evening. I have worked with Alex quite a lot in the past few years.

This year’s theme is community, and it could not be more fitting. Eating disorders thrive on isolation—they pull people away from routines, relationships and support networks. Carers, too, can feel overwhelmed or unsure of how best to help. Connection can break through that isolation and encourage people to seek help sooner.

I thank Beat and Alex Jones, who is the national lead for all the organisation’s work in Scotland. Beat’s compassionate advisors and clear information provide hope for so many. Its website could be—and for many, it already is—the first place that people turn to when they are frightened or unsure, as it helps folks to understand what is happening before symptoms escalate into crisis. It is free and accessible for people in crisis, and it is available 24/7. The presence of Beat in Scotland is stronger thanks to previous Scottish Government investment, including an additional £500,000 that was provided in 2021. That funding is effectively reaching more people.

Beat’s briefing outlines several clear and constructive asks—important next steps on a journey to which Scotland is committed. Continued implementation of the 2021 national review and the 2024 national specification remains essential. Those frameworks, which were developed with clinicians, people with lived experience and the Scottish Government, set out a strong foundation. Scotland leads the UK in this work, but momentum must be sustained to ensure that ambition becomes consistent practice and that progress continues into the next session of Parliament.

Equitable access to community and day treatment options across all health boards is crucial. Those approaches can match in-patient outcomes while keeping people close to home and reducing pressure on hospital beds. However, provision varies widely. Beat calls for targeted investment so that every area, including rural regions such as Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, can access effective, person-centred services. A renewed approach to mental health investment is vital. Demand has risen sharply since the pandemic, and Beat highlights the need for long-term funding to reflect that. Early intervention is where outcomes are strongest, but that requires stable, sustained resources.

We must protect people from the unintended harm that is caused by mandatory calorie labelling. Research shows that calorie counts can be distressing for many people in recovery. Future policy decisions should ensure that calorie information is available in ways that safeguard those at risk—for example, through opt-in rather than automatic display.

Beat also raises valid concerns about online harms, which is important. Those include pro-eating disorder content and the risks that are associated and linked with artificial intelligence. The organisation calls for stronger protections and robust signposting to support. Those points deserve consideration as part of our wider digital safety agenda.

I am conscious of the time, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I know that colleagues have been in the chamber for a long time already. To anyone who is listening today who is struggling, I say that you are not alone—Beat is here, your community is here and recovery is possible.

20:22

I welcome the opportunity to speak in recognition of eating disorders awareness week 2026, and I thank Elena Whitham for leading this important debate. I have led the debate myself in the past, and, as an MSP, I have spoken on the issue almost every year for the past 10 years.

Because I am a nurse and someone with a family member who is living with what I suspect is undiagnosed ARFID, these issues are not abstract to me; they are lived, felt and witnessed every day. I pay tribute to our former colleague Dennis Robertson whose daughter Caroline tragically died from an eating disorder. Dennis’s courage in sharing that loss transformed how the Parliament understands these conditions, and we honour that legacy today.

Eating disorders affect at least 100,000 people in Scotland, and many thousands more are impacted as carers, friends and families. The briefing from the eating disorder charity Beat makes it clear that, although prevalence has increased, recovery is possible, especially when people receive early and sustained support. I, too, welcome Alex Jones from Beat, and David, to the public gallery this evening. I have worked with Alex quite a lot in the past few years.

This year’s theme is community, and it could not be more fitting. Eating disorders thrive on isolation—they pull people away from routines, relationships and support networks. Carers, too, can feel overwhelmed or unsure of how best to help. Connection can break through that isolation and encourage people to seek help sooner.

I thank Beat and Alex Jones, who is the national lead for all the organisation’s work in Scotland. Beat’s compassionate advisors and clear information provide hope for so many. Its website could be—and for many, it already is—the first place that people turn to when they are frightened or unsure, as it helps folks to understand what is happening before symptoms escalate into crisis. It is free and accessible for people in crisis, and it is available 24/7. The presence of Beat in Scotland is stronger thanks to previous Scottish Government investment, including an additional £500,000 that was provided in 2021. That funding is effectively reaching more people.

Beat’s briefing outlines several clear and constructive asks—important next steps on a journey to which Scotland is committed. Continued implementation of the 2021 national review and the 2024 national specification remains essential. Those frameworks, which were developed with clinicians, people with lived experience and the Scottish Government, set out a strong foundation. Scotland leads the UK in this work, but momentum must be sustained to ensure that ambition becomes consistent practice and that progress continues into the next session of Parliament.

Equitable access to community and day treatment options across all health boards is crucial. Those approaches can match in-patient outcomes while keeping people close to home and reducing pressure on hospital beds. However, provision varies widely. Beat calls for targeted investment so that every area, including rural regions such as Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, can access effective, person-centred services. A renewed approach to mental health investment is vital. Demand has risen sharply since the pandemic, and Beat highlights the need for long-term funding to reflect that. Early intervention is where outcomes are strongest, but that requires stable, sustained resources.

We must protect people from the unintended harm that is caused by mandatory calorie labelling. Research shows that calorie counts can be distressing for many people in recovery. Future policy decisions should ensure that calorie information is available in ways that safeguard those at risk—for example, through opt-in rather than automatic display.

Beat also raises valid concerns about online harms, which is important. Those include pro-eating disorder content and the risks that are associated and linked with artificial intelligence. The organisation calls for stronger protections and robust signposting to support. Those points deserve consideration as part of our wider digital safety agenda.

I am conscious of the time, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I know that colleagues have been in the chamber for a long time already. To anyone who is listening today who is struggling, I say that you are not alone—Beat is here, your community is here and recovery is possible.

20:22

I welcome the opportunity to speak in recognition of eating disorders awareness week 2026, and I thank Elena Whitham for leading this important debate. I have led the debate myself in the past, and, as an MSP, I have spoken on the issue almost every year for the past 10 years.

Because I am a nurse and someone with a family member who is living with what I suspect is undiagnosed ARFID, these issues are not abstract to me; they are lived, felt and witnessed every day. I pay tribute to our former colleague Dennis Robertson whose daughter Caroline tragically died from an eating disorder. Dennis’s courage in sharing that loss transformed how the Parliament understands these conditions, and we honour that legacy today.

Eating disorders affect at least 100,000 people in Scotland, and many thousands more are impacted as carers, friends and families. The briefing from the eating disorder charity Beat makes it clear that, although prevalence has increased, recovery is possible, especially when people receive early and sustained support. I, too, welcome Alex Jones from Beat, and David, to the public gallery this evening. I have worked with Alex quite a lot in the past few years.

This year’s theme is community, and it could not be more fitting. Eating disorders thrive on isolation—they pull people away from routines, relationships and support networks. Carers, too, can feel overwhelmed or unsure of how best to help. Connection can break through that isolation and encourage people to seek help sooner.

I thank Beat and Alex Jones, who is the national lead for all the organisation’s work in Scotland. Beat’s compassionate advisors and clear information provide hope for so many. Its website could be—and for many, it already is—the first place that people turn to when they are frightened or unsure, as it helps folks to understand what is happening before symptoms escalate into crisis. It is free and accessible for people in crisis, and it is available 24/7. The presence of Beat in Scotland is stronger thanks to previous Scottish Government investment, including an additional £500,000 that was provided in 2021. That funding is effectively reaching more people.

Beat’s briefing outlines several clear and constructive asks—important next steps on a journey to which Scotland is committed. Continued implementation of the 2021 national review and the 2024 national specification remains essential. Those frameworks, which were developed with clinicians, people with lived experience and the Scottish Government, set out a strong foundation. Scotland leads the UK in this work, but momentum must be sustained to ensure that ambition becomes consistent practice and that progress continues into the next session of Parliament.

Equitable access to community and day treatment options across all health boards is crucial. Those approaches can match in-patient outcomes while keeping people close to home and reducing pressure on hospital beds. However, provision varies widely. Beat calls for targeted investment so that every area, including rural regions such as Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, can access effective, person-centred services. A renewed approach to mental health investment is vital. Demand has risen sharply since the pandemic, and Beat highlights the need for long-term funding to reflect that. Early intervention is where outcomes are strongest, but that requires stable, sustained resources.

We must protect people from the unintended harm that is caused by mandatory calorie labelling. Research shows that calorie counts can be distressing for many people in recovery. Future policy decisions should ensure that calorie information is available in ways that safeguard those at risk—for example, through opt-in rather than automatic display.

Beat also raises valid concerns about online harms, which is important. Those include pro-eating disorder content and the risks that are associated and linked with artificial intelligence. The organisation calls for stronger protections and robust signposting to support. Those points deserve consideration as part of our wider digital safety agenda.

I am conscious of the time, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I know that colleagues have been in the chamber for a long time already. To anyone who is listening today who is struggling, I say that you are not alone—Beat is here, your community is here and recovery is possible.

20:22

Good morning to youse all. I want to pick up on the issues around regulations and business with regard to the good food nation plan. It is the first such plan. When the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health was before the committee previously, she said that it will change and evolve as science and nutritional advice, and evidence and research, allow us to make and recommend changes.

Public health is a huge concern for me, given the levels of obesity, and childhood obesity, in Scotland. We heard from Dave Thomson of the Food and Drink Federation about where calories have been removed from products. Members all know of my interest in ultra-processed food and ultra-high-processed food—calorie-dense food that is manufactured to be hyperpalatable so that people will consume 1,000 calories before they even think about being satiated.

I would like to hear comments from you about the good food nation plan and how it helps us to focus on the complexity of the food system in order to support the public health approach, with a balance that supports business as well.