John Finnie
Scottish Green Party
MSP for Highlands and Islands (Region) 2016 - present day
Independent
Former MSP for Highlands and Islands (Region) 2012 - 2016
Scottish National Party
Former MSP for Highlands and Islands (Region) 2011 - 2012
About John Finnie
Contact details
Contact online
Email: [email protected]
Committees
John is a member of 5 committees
Finance and Constitution Committee
Substitute Member
Justice Committee
Member
Justice Sub-Committee on Policing
Convener
Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee
Substitute Member
Cross-party groups
John is not a member of any cross-party groups
Parliamentary and Government Roles
John does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
John has 4 party roles
Party Spokesperson on Communities
Scottish Green Party
Party Spokesperson on Justice
Scottish Green Party
Party Spokesperson on Tourism
Scottish Green Party
Party Spokesperson on Transport
Scottish Green Party
Previous roles
John has had 8 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
06 October 2016 - 18 January 2018
Justice SubCommittee on Policing
Member
29 June 2016 - 29 September 2016
Finance Committee
Substitute Member
11 May 2016 - 15 June 2016
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
02 June 2014 - 23 March 2016
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
01 June 2011 - 23 March 2016
Equal Opportunities Committee
Member
13 March 2013 - 23 March 2016
Justice SubCommittee on Policing
Member
01 June 2011 - 23 March 2016
Justice Committee
Member
08 March 2013 - 04 April 2014
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
Register of interests
John's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for John Finnie. The date of their initial statement was 31 May 2016.
Remuneration and related undertaking
No registrable interests
Gifts
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Overseas visits
From 25 to 26 April 2015 I travelled to Berlin to address the Annual Conference for Palestinians in Europe on behalf of the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR). The cost of the visit, flights €312 and hotel €73 for a total of €385 (£271.71 using 24 June 2015 exchange rate) were met by the CEPR, an independent not-for-profit organisation established to promote dialogue and understanding between European, Palestinian and Arab parliamentarians and policy-makers (of Rue Montoyer 39, Brussels 1000, Belgium).
From 24 to 26 November 2016 I travelled to San Sebastian (Donostia) to address a conference, “Bases for a new model of Public Security in the Basque Country,” on behalf of Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu), as part of the Basque peace process. The cost of the visit was flights £400.87 and hotels of Parma Hotel, Donostia, €92 per night (one night) and two nights at the Carlton Hotel, Bilbao €120.3 per night. All these costs were met by Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu, a political coalition active in the Spanish autonomous communities of Basque Country and Navarre of EH Bildu Hondarribia, 20280 Hondarribia, Spain ) [Registered 14 December 2016]
From 24 to 26 November 2016 I travelled to San Sebastian (Donostia) to address a conference, “Bases for a new model of Public Security in the Basque Country,” on behalf of Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu), as part of the Basque peace process. The cost of the visit was flights £400.87 and hotels of Parma Hotel, Donostia, €92 per night (one night) and two nights at the Carlton Hotel, Bilbao €120.3 per night. All these costs were met by Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu, a political coalition active in the Spanish autonomous communities of Basque Country and Navarre of EH Bildu Hondarribia, 20280 Hondarribia, Spain ) [Registered 14 December 2016]
From 30 November to 4 December 2012 I visited Gaza in order to assess the social, economic, and political situation six years after the siege was initiated by Israel. The costs of the visit, £864.51, were met by the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), an independent not-for-profit organisation established to promote dialogue and understanding between European, Palestinian and Arab parliamentarians and policy-makers (of Rue Montoyer 39, Brussels 1000, Belgium).
From 24 to 26 November 2016 I travelled to San Sebastian (Donostia) to address a conference, “Bases for a new model of Public Security in the Basque Country,” on behalf of Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu), as part of the Basque peace process. The cost of the visit was flights £400.87 and hotels of Parma Hotel, Donostia, €92 per night (one night) and two nights at the Carlton Hotel, Bilbao €120.3 per night. All these costs were met by Euskal Herria Bildu (EH Bildu, a political coalition active in the Spanish autonomous communities of Basque Country and Navarre of EH Bildu Hondarribia, 20280 Hondarribia, Spain ) [Registered 14 December 2016]
From 30 November to 4 December 2012 I visited Gaza in order to assess the social, economic, and political situation six years after the siege was initiated by Israel. The costs of the visit, £864.51, were met by the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), an independent not-for-profit organisation established to promote dialogue and understanding between European, Palestinian and Arab parliamentarians and policy-makers (of Rue Montoyer 39, Brussels 1000, Belgium).
From 30 November to 4 December 2012 I visited Gaza in order to assess the social, economic, and political situation six years after the siege was initiated by Israel. The costs of the visit, £864.51, were met by the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), an independent not-for-profit organisation established to promote dialogue and understanding between European, Palestinian and Arab parliamentarians and policy-makers (of Rue Montoyer 39, Brussels 1000, Belgium).
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
On 27 November 2015 I became a member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
I am a member of Oxfam.
[Ceased interest removed from entry: 12 December 2019]
[Ceased interest removed from entry: 08 November 2017]
[Ceased interest removed from entry: 12 December 2019]
Since September 2013 I have been a Member of The Foundation of Hearts, a not-for-profit organisation to bring Heart of Midlothian Football Club into fan ownership.
I am a member of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
[Ceased interest removed from entry: 12 December 2019]
I am a shareholder in Heart of Midlothian FC.
From 4 November to 7 November 2018, I visited Santander. The costs of the return flights (286.36 euros), hotel accommodation (166.50 euros) and some meals (30 euros) were met by the EHBildu Coalition, which is a leftist, Basque nationalist and pro-independence political coalition active in the Spanish autonomous communities of Basque Country and Navarre. In addition, the costs of some meals were met by the lawyers for the prosecution in the Cabacas trial (14 euros) and the Parliament of the Basque Autonomous Community (10.50 euros). [Registered 12 December 2018]
I am a member of the Retired Police Officers’ Association (Scotland) Highland and Islands Branch.
I am a member of Amnesty International.
I am a member of Médecins Sans Frontiéres.
I am a supporter of Save the Children.
I am a member of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
I am a member of Amnesty International.
I am a member of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
I am a member of Heart of Midlothian FC Supporters’ trust.
I am a member of Amnesty International.
Recent Activity
What was said
What John Finnie has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 24 March 2021
Greensill Capital UK (Administration)
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green): "I thank the cabinet secretary for his statement and for the Scottish Government’s active involvement in the smelter; I know that the cabinet secretary knows it well. The cabinet secretary was involved in the launch of a—Inaudible…
Chamber meeting date: 24 March 2021
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green): "Like others before me, I would like to thank everyone who has brought us to this point in the bill, and to congratulate Emma Harper, who has worked extremely hard over four years, as we have heard…
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee meeting date: 17 March 2021
Digital Connectivity
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green): "Good morning. You have covered a lot of ground already, minister. The word “irony” was used. Oh, the irony of a succession of three Conservative politicians haranguing you…
Chamber meeting date: 17 March 2021
Scotland’s Railway
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green): "I warmly welcome the cabinet secretary’s statement. We support the full devolution of rail powers. The cabinet secretary said that he would allow the trade unions to make representations…
Chamber meeting date: 17 March 2021
Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Bill
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green): "My thanks go to all the people who have brought us to this point…
Votes
How John Finnie has voted in Parliament
Find out how John Finnie has voted recently.
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Result 120 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 9 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Motion of No Confidence
Submitted by: Ruth Davidson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Thursday, March 4, 2021
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Bill Bowman, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Peter Chapman, Maurice Corry, Murdo Fraser, Maurice Golden, Jamie Greene, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Alison Harris, Liam Kerr, Gordon Lindhurst, Dean Lockhart, Tom Mason, Margaret Mitchell, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, John Scott, Graham Simpson, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Adam Tomkins, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Result 31 for, 65 against, 27 abstained, 6 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Neil Bibby, West Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Result 111 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 18 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Independent. Date lodged: Thursday, February 25, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Result 114 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 15 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
National Mission to Reduce Drug Deaths and Harms
Submitted by: Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Supported by: Donald Cameron
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, March 18, 2021
Result 43 for, 69 against, 1 abstained, 16 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Motions
Motions made by John Finnie in Parliament
Find out what motions John Finnie has submitted recently.
Written questions
Written questions John Finnie has submitted in Parliament
These are the questions that this MSP has asked the Scottish Government about its work. It also includes any answer to these questions.
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to mitigate any economic damage to the islands as a result of the operation of remote airport towers throughout the HIAL network."
Answered by: Michael Matheson on 23 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 5 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-35256 by Fergus Ewing on 4 March 2021, in light of the comment by the cabinet secretary that the "information required to estimate the total number of sea lice in salmon farms each year is not held by the Scottish Government and therefore we cannot provide such an estimate",…
Answered by: Fergus Ewing on 23 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 10 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to classify marine Special Protection Areas in Orkney waters, as recommended by the Scottish Natural Heritage and Joint Nature Conservation Committee report, ‘Final advice and recommendations on a network of proposed marine Special Protection Areas’, which was published on 6 December 2018."
Answered by: Ben Macpherson on 23 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation (a) it and (b) its agencies undertook prior to the lodging of the Red Rocks and Longay Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area Order 2021 in respect of each of the prohibited activities."
Answered by: Ben Macpherson on 22 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it had with affected commercial and industry bodies regarding the Red Rocks and Longay Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area Order 2021; what was discussed, and whether these meetings changed its proposals."
Answered by: Ben Macpherson on 22 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has in place to prevent damage by irresponsible tourists in the Highlands and Islands when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted."
Answered by: Fergus Ewing on 22 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence base it used to prohibit each activity in the Red Rocks and Longay Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area."
Answered by: Ben Macpherson on 22 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 11 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the roll-out of remote electronic monitoring equipment on Scottish inshore fishing vessels."
Answered by: Fergus Ewing on 19 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 3 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with Crown Estate Scotland regarding the potential impact on the ScotWind Leasing process of its greenports policy."
Answered by: Paul Wheelhouse on 16 March 2021
Asked by: Finnie, John, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 2 March 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it will take to address any concerns of coastal communities regarding damage to the marine environment from the further expansion of salmon farming before all the issues outlined in the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee's 2018 Report on the environmental impacts of salmon farming and…
Answered by: Fergus Ewing on 15 March 2021
See all of John Finnie's written questions submitted in Parliament