Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises that ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees are irreplaceable natural assets, which are critical to addressing the nature and climate emergencies, protecting biodiversity and storing carbon; understands that while ancient woodland covers only one to two percent of Scotland’s landmass, more than two thirds of it is in poor ecological condition and 12.5% has been lost entirely in the last 40 years; welcomes what it views as policy improvements in recent years, including enhanced protection within National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) for ancient woodland, namely Policy 6, and the introduction of a framework for statutory nature restoration targets and better deer management in the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026; notes the view of Woodland Trust Scotland that, despite these welcome policy developments, Scotland’s ancient woods and ancient and veteran trees remain vulnerable to ongoing loss, degradation, and fragmentation caused by development pressures, unsustainable grazing, invasive species and climate impacts; understands that individual ancient and veteran trees, including those in the Central Scotland and Lothians West region, currently lack robust, dedicated statutory protection equivalent to protected structures or historical monuments, and believes that deliberate damage to or destruction of what remains of Scotland’s ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees is intolerable on any grounds.

As an amendment to S7M-01177 in the name of Patrick Harvie (Hyperscale Data Centres), leave out from "agrees" to end and insert "recognises the importance of data centres to Scotland’s digital economy; notes however growing concerns regarding the cumulative impacts of hyperscale developments on energy demand, water resources, agricultural land and local communities; believes that greater certainty is needed for communities, planning authorities and investors alike, and calls on the Scottish Government to urgently publish national guidance defining what constitutes a green data centre, setting clear environmental standards and prioritising development on appropriate brownfield and industrial sites."

That the Parliament notes with concern proposals for hyperscale AI data centres across the Central Scotland and Lothian West region, including at Ravenscraig, Larbert, Newhouse and West Calder, and near communities affected by the proposed AI Growth Zone at Chapelhall; understands that such developments may rely on diesel generators to support 24/7 operation; further understands that there are concerns over potential nitrogen oxide emissions; recognises that there are community concerns about the cumulative impact on air quality, emissions, green space and energy costs; regrets that National Planning Framework 4 does not define “green data centres”, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to issue urgent guidance on the term, including in relation to the use of gas and diesel power and the air quality standards that should apply.

As an amendment to motion S7M-00367 in the name of Stephen Flynn (Affordable Bus Fares), insert at end "; believes that any such legislation should aim to streamline the process of introducing franchising, and calls on the Scottish Government to speed up its work on introducing multi-modal smart ticketing across Scotland. 

That the Parliament agrees that the Scottish Parliament (Recall of Members) Bill be passed.

That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill.

As an amendment to motion S6M-19252 in the name of Russell Findlay (Stopping Illegal Immigration and Recognising its Impact on Housing), insert at end "; believes that the Scottish Government’s suspension of local connection rules has placed unsustainable pressure on housing and public services in certain communities; notes that Scotland faces a housing emergency exacerbated by poor planning, underinvestment and a failure to meet housebuilding targets; calls for a homelessness policy that ensures that support is targeted towards those with lawful residence and genuine need, and urges the Scottish Government to prioritise housing delivery, restore local connection criteria and ensure that immigration policy does not undermine the availability of homes for citizens in Scotland."

As an amendment to motion S6M-17399 in the name of Gillian Martin (Scotland’s Hydrogen Future), insert at end ", and further calls on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government on developing plans for hydrogen to be part of Scotland’s energy mix, and to set out how it can play a role in transport and heating."

As an amendment to motion S6M-14652 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Timetable for Consideration), leave out "31 October" and insert "7 November".