Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes the longstanding proposal to give the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) its own-initiative powers; understands that such powers would allow the SPSO to investigate matters in the public interest without first requiring an individual complaint; believes that this could help identify systemic failings, improve accessibility by giving a voice to people who might be unable or unwilling to complain, as well as support earlier intervention before problems become more widespread; notes the evidence from other jurisdictions, including Wales and Northern Ireland, suggesting that own-initiative investigations can help raise the profile of significant public service issues and drive systemic improvement; further notes that the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's (SPCB) Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee recommended an enhanced SPSO with the power to conduct own-initiative investigations in the public interest; considers that this approach would support public service reform by strengthening existing accountability mechanisms rather than creating additional bodies; considers that this change could deliver greater value for public money by helping to prevent systemic failures arising in future, and calls on the Scottish Government, the SPCB and relevant parliamentary committees to work together to bring forward these proposals to modernise the SPSO’s powers accordingly.

As an amendment to motion S7M-00309 in the name of Ivan McKee (Public Service Reform: Empowering Staff, Service Users and Local Communities), insert at end “; agrees that any programme of public sector reform must be worker-led; believes that public service reform must incorporate community wealth building principles, including procurement reform, to ensure that more public money is spent locally; agrees that public bodies and organisations receiving public funding must adhere to fair work principles, and that public bodies should have clear duties to protect the environment, build resilience to climate change and uphold human rights and that public sector reform should be accompanied by a greater devolution of powers to Scotland.”

That the Parliament recognises that wool is integral to the economy, landscape and cultural heritage of Scotland; further recognises that wool production and use touches many different sectors including agriculture, construction, skills, culture and heritage, small business, and tourism; understands that wool is an important sustainable fibre and part of a circular economy; acknowledges what it sees as the challenges being faced by wool producers and users, including loss of scouring and processing infrastructure, competition from imports and risks of losing vital skills as workers age; considers that there are significant opportunities, in relation to wool, to support rural businesses, innovation and brand Scotland, and notes the belief that a comprehensive Wool Strategy for Scotland would encourage new opportunities for collaborative working and practical outcomes across industry sectors, including in the Edinburgh Central constituency.

That the Parliament congratulates Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) Women on winning the Scottish Women’s Premier League; recognises the outstanding leadership of manager, Eva Olid, and her staff in guiding the team to this historic achievement; commends the dedication, talent and determination of the players and coaching staff throughout the season; acknowledges the continued growth in the club’s fan base across Edinburgh and beyond, demonstrating the increasing support for women’s football; celebrates the positive impact that this success has in inspiring girls and women to participate in sport at all levels, and wishes the club continued success in future domestic and European competitions.

That the Parliament congratulates and recognises the success of the Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) men’s first team on taking the league title to a final-day decider following a well-fought and nail-biting season; understands that this would have seen Hearts win the league for the first time since 1959–60; commiserates with the fans and the club on the heartbreaking loss; recognises the commitment and effort shown by the players, coaching staff and supporters throughout the season, and wishes the club, its supporters and all associated with the team every success for the next season, both domestically and competing in European competitions.

That the Parliament congratulates The James Young High School on achieving the Gold LGBT Charter; recognises the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff in achieving this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland, and welcomes the training and the review of policies, practice and resources, which aim to ensure that the school goes beyond meeting legislative needs and is as inclusive as it can be for pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

That the Parliament is concerned by the recent decision by Girlguiding UK to ban trans girls and young women from joining its groups; notes that this change follows a Supreme Court ruling on the interpretation of sex in equality law, but believes that this policy undermines the principles of inclusion and equality that Girlguiding has upheld for many years; recognises what it sees as the harm that this decision will cause to trans young people and their families, as highlighted by organisations such as TransActual; notes that Girlguiding has stated that it made this decision “with a heavy heart”, and calls on the organisation to reconsider what it considers this exclusionary approach and work with stakeholders to ensure that all young people, regardless of their gender identity, can access opportunities for friendship, adventure and personal development.

That the Parliament welcomes the latest findings from the Restoration Forth Project, which has involved the relocation of nearly 47,000 European flat oysters from Loch Ryan to the Firth of Forth since 2023; notes that the oysters are thriving, with an average survival rate of 88%; further notes that this marks the first verified presence of oysters in the Firth of Forth since 1957; recognises the vital role that oysters play in laying the groundwork for a healthier marine ecosystem and a brighter future for Scotland’s seas; commends the efforts of Heriot-Watt University, the Marine Conservation Society, volunteers and local communities in delivering this success, and believes that this work significantly contributes to Scotland’s ocean recovery and wider environmental commitments.

As an amendment to motion S6M-19895 in the name of Craig Hoy (Growing Scotland’s Economy), leave out from first "believes" to end and insert "calls on the UK Government to deliver a budget that supports a fairer, greener economy for Scotland by introducing an annual wealth tax on the wealthiest 1% of households in the UK, raising between £70 billion and £130 billion a year, to invest in communities, public services and climate action across Scotland, including reducing the cost of energy and other essentials for those who are struggling with the cost of living and inflation."