Scottish National Party MSP for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect; I would have voted yes.
As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to ensure that objective?
In Scotland, our values are clear: they are about fairness, solidarity and opportunity for all. As an SNP MSP, I champion taking a progressive approach to funding the high-quality public services that define our nation. Why do we need to do that? We are facing rising demands on our NHS, our education system and our local communities, therefore we must have the courage to tax wealth...
Yes.
I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy. Just last week, the Confederation of British Industry published a report that highlighted the green jobs opportunities that exist in East Lothian, which is the third-biggest contributor in Scotland to the green economy. Renewables are the future, both in Scotland and in East...
I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible. There is a balance to be struck here, which involves looking at fairer taxation, what we want to spend the money on and the fiscal framework within which we currently operate. I will touch on that later. There is...
Earlier, we heard Shirley-Anne Somerville make the point that welfare cuts would come from the Tories. However, their approach is not one that I would support. I go back to my key point. Making tax cuts now would also cut our block grant now, which in turn would mean cuts to our public services now, while Labour’s rise in employer national insurance contributions is damaging...
Scotland’s NHS is one of our greatest achievements. In East Lothian, the service looks after our families every single day. Whether through the outstanding care at the East Lothian community hospital in Haddington; our local GP practices in North Berwick, Dunbar or Prestonpans; or specialist treatment at the Edinburgh royal infirmary, the NHS is a safety net that we all rely on. ...
