Richard Lyle: I note that the consultation included a proposal to remove the current legal requirement for candidates’ addresses to appear on ballot papers for local government elections. I have written to the ministers, asking whether they also intend to allow candidates to have their addresses withheld from publication on council websites and noticeboards on council premises, so as to protect...
Richard Lyle: My point was about a candidate that I know of, who was formerly abused by her husband. She was distraught when her new address was published by the council.
Richard Lyle: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate on social prescribing. I noted with interest the recommendations and findings of the Health and Sport Committee’s report. I am a bit puzzled: when we do a report, should we not also look at where we get the money to do the things that people have come out with this afternoon? Perhaps we should bring in that budget scrutiny in...
Richard Lyle: No, I will not. Physical activity, sport and social prescribing play a significant role in preventative care for health and wellbeing. The term “social prescribing” may be unfamiliar to many, but it has been around since the 1990s, at least. As we know, it is the alternative to a clinical intervention: a doctor can prescribe physical activity, volunteering, or a community activity, for...
Richard Lyle: Oh!
Richard Lyle: In light of the widespread criticism by Scottish industry and employers of the United Kingdom Government’s immigration proposals, will the First Minister outline what response UK ministers have made to proposals for a Scottish visa?
Richard Lyle: I agree that it is important that we continue to attract people to work in the tourism sector, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. [ Laughter .] What impact does the cabinet secretary think the UK Government’s new immigration plan will have on the tourism industry in Scotland—and the Highlands and Islands?
Richard Lyle: All of that begs the question of what the Tories are doing in England. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on justice. It provides an opportunity to consider what the Tories have said about policing in Scotland, and to shine a light on the SNP Government’s record of delivery of policing in Scotland. Indeed, the SNP Government has a record on policing that it can be proud...
Richard Lyle: Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on what plans the Scottish Government has to review the national litter strategy?
Richard Lyle: Scotland’s annual budget has fallen in real terms by 2.8 per cent over the past decade. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, when it comes to ensuring sufficient funding for local authorities, Tory members of the Scottish Parliament should join us in calling for that UK Government cut to be reversed? The hypocrisy of Tories in this Parliament is astounding.
Richard Lyle: Will the member take an intervention?
Richard Lyle: Does the member agree with me that the Tory party has severely cut councils in England? The cuts there are greater than the cuts that Scotland’s councils have had to suffer.
Richard Lyle: Hear, hear.
Richard Lyle: I am sorry, Presiding Officer.
Richard Lyle: I commend the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government on her statement. The £70 million food fund is especially welcome, but I am concerned that low-income families with schoolchildren, who will not be at school after Friday, might not be able to give them a hot meal each day. Previously, most councils ran programmes during the summer holidays so that children could get a...
Richard Lyle: 9. To ask the Scottish Government what advice is being given to women who are pregnant regarding the coronavirus, Covid-19. (S5O-04302)
Richard Lyle: A constituent of mine who is a teacher is now at home, as per Government advice. Are we advising other women who are pregnant to do likewise?
Richard Lyle: There are unconfirmed reports that Army units are setting up in Strathclyde park in my constituency. What discussions has the First Minister had with the armed forces high command in Scotland regarding the emergency, and will Army units be used during it?
Richard Lyle: I thank the minister for his tremendous work during this time. I know that the crisis will have a knock-on effect on Government bills and members’ bills. However, my proposed licensing of funfairs (Scotland) bill seeks to address a 38-year wrong, which was caused by the United Kingdom House of Commons in 1982. Will committee and chamber time be constantly reviewed in an attempt to...
Richard Lyle: M&D’s theme park in my constituency of Uddingston and Bellshill has gone into administration, causing 165 workers to lose their jobs. It seems that firms that are in administration cannot furlough workers. Unfortunately, as a result of coronavirus, some companies have had to go into administration, laying off their workers in the process. This is not an easy time to find a new job, and many...