Willie Rennie
Scottish Liberal Democrats
MSP for North East Fife (Constituency) 2016 - present day
Former MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife (Region) 2011 - 2016
About Willie Rennie
Contact details
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 5804
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at local office
Unit G3
Granary Business Centre
Coal Road
Cupar
KY15 5YQ
Phone: 01334 656361
Text relay calls welcome.
Committees
Willie is a member of 1 committee
Cross-party groups
Willie is a member of 1 cross-party group
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Pakistan
Deputy Convener
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Willie does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
Willie has 3 party roles
Party Spokesperson on Communities
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Party Spokesperson on Economy
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Party Spokesperson on Education
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Previous roles
Willie has had 11 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
06 May 2021 - 27 August 2021
Party Spokesperson on Finance
Scottish Liberal Democrats
06 May 2021 - 27 August 2021
Party Spokesperson on the Constitution
Scottish Liberal Democrats
06 May 2021 - 27 August 2021
Party Spokesperson on Europe and External Relations
Scottish Liberal Democrats
06 May 2021 - 19 July 2021
Party Leader
Scottish Liberal Democrats
15 November 2017 - 04 May 2021
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
08 November 2016 - 25 September 2019
Equalities and Human Rights Committee
Substitute Member
08 November 2016 - 18 September 2019
Health and Sport Committee
Substitute Member
11 May 2016 - 17 May 2016
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
29 October 2014 - 23 March 2016
Devolution Further Powers Committee
Substitute Member
01 November 2012 - 29 October 2014
Referendum Scotland Bill Committee
Substitute Member
09 June 2011 - 01 May 2012
Scotland Bill Committee
Member
Register of interests
Willie'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 Willie Rennie. The date of their initial statement was 14 May 2021.
Remuneration and related undertaking
No registrable interests
Gifts
From 16 September 2013 to July 2015 I was in receipt of a donation of £18,000 per annum from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd (an organisation which funds political campaigns in the United Kingdom to promote democratic reform, civil liberties and social justice, of The Garden House, Water End, York, YO30 6WQ) for the services of a part-time researcher who worked in my office.
Overseas visits
From 25 to 28 November 2010 I visited Macedonia with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (of Artillery House, 11/19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT) to train politicians for democracy enhancement. Accommodation and travel costs of £1,300 were paid for by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (which supports the consolidation of democratic practices and institutions in developing democracies). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
From 16 to 20 December 2010 I visited Sri Lanka with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (of Artillery House, 11/19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT) to train politicians for democracy enhancement. Accommodation and travel costs of £1,700 were paid for by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (which supports the consolidation of democratic practices and institutions in developing democracies). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
From 19 to 23 February 2011 I visited Kurdistan with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (of Artillery House, 11/19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT) to train politicians for democracy enhancement. Accommodation and travel costs of approximately £1,500 were paid for by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (which supports the consolidation of democratic practices and institutions in developing democracies). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
From 25 February to 1 March 2007 I visited Washington DC to discuss the issues of UK/US defence trade, especially technology transfer issues, and UK/US defence policy. All travel and accommodation (approximately £2,500) was paid for by the UK Defence Forum (a non-partisan and not-for-profit organisation, of Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Regent Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3PF, which informs the defence, security and peace debate by enabling politicians, diplomats, senior members of the armed forces, public servants, defence professionals, academics and others to exchange information and views on the future challenges of Britain's defence). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
From 4 to 6 February 2011 I visited Montenegro with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (of Artillery House, 11/19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT) to train politicians for democracy enhancement. Accommodation and travel costs of approximately £1,300 were paid for by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (which supports the consolidation of democratic practices and institutions in developing democracies). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
From 24 to 28 May 2008 I visited Israel and the Palestinian Authority with the Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel (LDFI) (of PO Box 57769, London, NW11 1GF). Air travel, some ground travel within Israel and the West Bank and some hospitality, to a total estimated value of £1,200 was paid for by LDFI (which supports and promotes policies which lead to peace and security for Israel in the context of a comprehensive and lasting Middle East peace settlement). Accommodation costs of approximately £500 were paid for by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (of 9 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Kiryat Ben-Gurion, Jerusalem 91035). [Amended interest 23 September 2021, ceased interest 23 September 2021]
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
On 17 September 2021 I received an overnight stay and a meal from the Marine and Lawn Rusacks Hotel (of Pilmour Links, St Andrews, KY 169JQ). This was to mark the refurbishment of the hotel. The value of this was approximately £400 and I do not consider that this meets the prejudice test. [Registered 23 September 2021]
I am a Patron of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline.
I am a Trustee of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. I receive no remuneration for this role.
I am Director of the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO).
From September 2011 to July 2012 I received research and administrative support from a Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) intern. The nominal cost to CARE of providing this intern fell below the threshold for registration.
I am a Patron of the International Fire and Rescue Association.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Willie Rennie 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: 29 June 2022
Covid-19 Recovery (Staff Shortages)
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD): "Following on from Jackie Dunbar’s question about the NHS, I am very concerned about the current state of primary care. Poor workforce planning means that Scotland is about 225 whole-time equivalent general practitioners short…
Chamber meeting date: 29 June 2022
Railway Station for Newburgh (STAG Appraisal)
6. Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD): "To ask the Scottish Government when it expects a decision to be reached on a railway station for Newburgh in Fife following the publication of the Newburgh and area Scottish transport appraisal guidance appraisal. (S6O-01297)"
Chamber meeting date: 29 June 2022
Salmon Scotland (Brexit)
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD): "I share the views that people have about the damage that has ben caused by Brexit, particularly to the seafood sector, including salmon. I have Pittenweem harbour in my constituency, and it is suffering because of it…
Chamber meeting date: 29 June 2022
Covid-19 Recovery (Staff Shortages)
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD): "Following on from Jackie Dunbar’s question about the NHS, I am very concerned about the current state of primary care. Poor workforce planning means that Scotland is about 225 whole-time equivalent general practitioners short…
Chamber meeting date: 29 June 2022
Child Poverty
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD): "The cabinet secretary contradicts herself: she said that the statement was not self-congratulatory and celebratory before asking Pam Duncan-Glancy for appreciation for the work that she has done. She needs to make up her mind…
Votes
How Willie Rennie has voted in Parliament
Find out how Willie Rennie has voted recently.
Business Programme
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 63 for, 47 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Passed
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Submitted by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Supported by: Paul Sweeney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 85 for, 25 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Business Programme
Submitted by: Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Dean Lockhart, Douglas Lumsden, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, Douglas Ross, Graham Simpson, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 47 for, 63 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Defeated
Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Supported by: Keith Brown
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 84 for, 0 against, 25 abstained, 20 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Submitted by: Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 25 for, 85 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Motions
Motions made by Willie Rennie in Parliament
Find out what motions Willie Rennie has submitted recently.
Written questions
Written questions Willie Rennie 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: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 13 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government how many P1 children have taken (a) one of or (b) both parts of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments since 20 September 2018, broken down by (i) school year and (ii) local authority."
Answered by: Shirley-Anne Somerville on 4 August 2022
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 5 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with those children and parents who benefit most from pupil equity funding to obtain their views on the decision to have police officers based in schools through the allocation of pupil equity funding, and what evidence it received from that engagement which indicates that having police…
Answered by: Shirley-Anne Somerville on 2 August 2022
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 1 August 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the type and level of resources that have been allocated over the last decade to the Police Scotland and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's investigation into the alleged use of Scottish airports by CIA rendition flights."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 1 August 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government what investigative steps regarding the Police Scotland and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's investigation into the alleged use of Scottish airports by CIA rendition flights, not including filing a request to the United States Senate for the unredacted report, have been taken over the last 10 years."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 1 August 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether Police Scotland (a) has asked for mutual aid from United States police authorities and (b) had access to UK intelligence reports or other relevant political files, as part of its investigation into the alleged use of Scottish airports by CIA rendition flights."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 29 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-06253 and S6W-05317 by Ivan McKee on 10 February and 27 January 2022 respectively, whether it will provide the information requested regarding what the precise technical purpose was of it owning the Dalzell steelworks for a short period; what specific benefits this provided to…
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 29 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-06253 by Ivan McKee on 10 February 2022, what each party required from the sale and purchase of the business that could not be achieved without the Scottish Government owning the steelworks for a short period of time."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 28 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not introduced an Armed Forces pupil premium to recognise any disruption faced by the children of service personnel and address any needs for additional mental health and/or pastoral support, in light of such a provision existing since 2011 for service families elsewhere in the UK."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 27 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will take any steps to prevent looted steel from Ukraine being used in Scotland."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Rennie, Willie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 28 June 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government how many people did not respond to the 2011 census and, of those, how many people received a fine for not doing so."
Answered by: Angus Robertson on 25 July 2022
See all of Willie Rennie's written questions submitted in Parliament