Chamber and committees

I have decided to publish the written case in the matter of my Reference under paragraph 34 of schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998 in relation to whether the question for a referendum on Scottish independence contained in the proposed Bill relates to reserved matters. The written case is available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/reference-to-the-supreme-court-publication-of-the-lord-advocates-written-case .

I will represent the Scottish Government’s interests at the hearing and will argue the case personally .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-09318 on 22 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-09318 on 22 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-09318 on 22 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Scottish Government officials and Ministers regularly engage with a range of stakeholders during the development of policies across all business areas, including the constitution. Engagement routinely covers a range of issues, including the potential impact of policy propositions.

Independent licensing (i.e. local) authorities already have powers under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to operate a variety of licensing schemes, including for example a late hours catering licence regime, if they so choose.

Draft National Planning Framework 4 (2021) proposed planning policy which would not support the clustering of some non-retail uses including hot food takeaways and permanently sited vans, where further provision would undermine the character and amenity of centres or the health and wellbeing of centres and their communities, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

The comments received through the Parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation processes for the Draft are being analysed, prior to laying a revised National Planning Framework 4 in the Scottish Parliament for approval in the autumn.

Officials met Unite the Union representatives on 13th July 2022 regarding the pay dispute with Marine Scotland seafarers and subsequently met Union representatives along with Nautilus International representatives on 19th July 2022 for pay negotiations.

As we set out in our 2021 Programme for Government we will – ‘deliver the recommendations of the Grouse Moor Management Review Group as a matter of urgency, including the licensing of grouse moors. Licensing or further regulation will cover the key areas identified in the review, including muirburn, wildlife control, the use of medicated grit and wildlife crime. Licensing will be supported by clear penalties to encourage compliance, as well as additional effort to detect wildlife crime’.

The Scottish Government has been working with SEPA on how best to address the recommendations of the SEPA report Preliminary environmental assessment of Flubendazole use in Scotland for parasitic worm control in Moorland Grouse.

SEPA are currently preparing to test particulate release of flubendazole from medicated grit. We will provide an update on the findings in due course.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-09318 on 22 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-09318 on 22 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .