I have been campaigning in opposition to fracking in Fife and Scotland since 2012, and today’s statement is very welcome. My understanding is that there are two issued licences in Scotland at the moment. How does the Government plan to manage those licences, and what does that mean…
Category Archives: In Parliament
Nursery Funding (Deferred Entry)
This is not the first time that the Parliament has debated the aims of the Give Them Time campaign, but it is the first time that we will have a vote on the proposal. I fully support the right of parents or carers to defer the start of school until their child is five and I will vote tonight for automatic entitlement…
Biodiversity
Will the cabinet secretary give an update on how the Scottish Government is working to tackle invasive species, which are the biggest driver of biodiversity loss across Scotland?
Mossmorran Petrochemical Plant (Flaring)
This year, more than 1,400 complaints have been made to SEPA about gas flaring at the plant, including from hundreds of people who are raising concerns about health. Although the ExxonMobil investment announced…
Supreme Courts Judgement (Response)
In interviews today, Boris Johnson has shown that he is prepared to act unlawfully not only once but twice, because he plans to ignore the Hilary Benn act. That is expected to lead to parts of Government and the civil service going on strike, in effect, which would be astonishing…
Common Frameworks
I thank the Finance and Constitution Committee for taking evidence and for preparing its thorough report. Our committees’ scrutiny work is vital in preparing Parliament for its work in the event of our leaving the EU, and in ensuring that Parliament is equipped to carry out its business…
Family Migration
As the cabinet secretary said, the announcement on the post-study work visa is welcome, and the cross-party effort in Scotland should be recognised. It is a small step in the right direction, but we need more. Scotland is facing serious demographic challenges and migration will play…
Burntisland Fabrications
Tourism & Hospitality (Employment Standards)
I welcome the announcement from both Governments about the city region deal and the £15 million for culture and tourism that the cabinet secretary referred to. The cabinet secretary will appreciate that tourism in Scotland relies heavily on European Union workers and that we will face challenges in that area in future years. Can she outline the work that is being done to promote tourism as a…
Citizens Assembly of Scotland
This afternoon’s debate gives members an opportunity to consider the citizens assembly in more detail. Although the remit was published in August and the memorandum of understanding was published earlier this week, opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny of the proposal has been limited…