Former Labour MSP for Central Fife
I rise to support Patricia Ferguson's motion, because it is important for the Parliament and for the people of Scotland. On David McLetchie's speech, it is with some disappointment and sadness that I say that never has so much rubbish been delivered in such a short space of time to this Parliament. I am disappointed with the Conservatives because, since 1997—and since 1999—they have...
I will not give way at this stage. It is important to say that such a link might have logic for the political and administrative convenience of the parties and for electoral convenience and administration, but that is where the case starts and finishes. The Parliament is working well, no matter some of the criticisms about its first 1,000 days. In policy, it is leading the United Kingdom. Its...
The statement is important and I sympathise with the Minister for Justice as he tackles the problems, some of which have been neglected for many years. The statement was about the public interest, public safety and having a modern, efficient and effective penal system in the 21st century. Against those criteria, I will pose two or three questions to the minister. I hope that members can unite...
I would like to say a few words at the conclusion of the debate on this bill. I would like to congratulate the Executive—Malcolm Chisholm and the new ministers—and Susan Deacon, the former Minister for Health and Community Care. I would also like to congratulate the Parliament, which has had the vision and courage to take the bill to this stage and which will now move on to its...
Sir David, thank you. Colleagues, I would like to make a personal statement to the Parliament. I acknowledge again today my mistakes in the matter of constituency office sublets and in the way in which I handled that matter. There is no need to go over the details again. What is important is that I take full personal responsibility. Others who worked with and for me have been criticised, but...
The Minister for Lifelong Learning and I left Edinburgh to fly to Helsinki via Brussels, and returned to Edinburgh via Copenhagen.
The information is as follows: First Minister Flight £746.20 Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Flight £746.20 Subsistence £21.95 Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister ...
I last met the Prime Minister on 30 October in Cardiff and we have no immediate plans to meet.
