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Donate to our crowdfunderRichard Lyle: I am sorry, but I do not have time. As a member of the committee, I believe that we should listen to the views of Guide Dogs Scotland with regard to loading and unloading. I am sure that the issue will be resolved during the next stage, following discussion with Guide Dogs Scotland. I will raise a final issue, in respect of which I declare an interest as the convener of the cross-party group...
Richard Lyle: My name is not Richard Yule; it is Richard Lyle.
Richard Lyle: For the avoidance of doubt, will the cabinet secretary reiterate what percentage capital uplift there is for the police in the Scottish budget this year? Will he also remind the Parliament which parties voted against that increase?
Richard Lyle: Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our age, and Scotland’s international leadership on climate change means that our plans must be ambitious, credible and affordable. That is exactly what the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill delivers. The bill is set against a backdrop of Scotland being a world leader in tackling climate change and on the...
Richard Lyle: No. I do not have time. By 2030, Scotland will have cut emissions by two thirds and, unlike other nations, we will not use carbon offsetting—whereby other countries would be paid to cut emissions for us—to achieve our goal. We have a moral responsibility to fight climate change, but Scotland’s academic and engineering expertise, coupled with our outstanding natural resources, mean that...
Richard Lyle: Under six minutes; that is five minutes. I welcome the opportunity to debate progressing towards a fairer Scotland for disabled people. For me, the subject touches on the most crucial aspect of the debate on our country and its future. What type of Scotland do we wish to shape and mould? What type of Scotland do I want my grandchildren to grow up in? The answer to those questions is clear. I...
Richard Lyle: I thank Maurice Corry for bringing the important issue of financial scam prevention to a members’ business debate, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute. We face a great problem: many of our citizens and senior citizens are vulnerable to the danger of financial scamming. We need to take appropriate measures to minimise the effect of scamming on people’s lives and to make progress...
Richard Lyle: 5. To ask the Scottish Government how it is accommodating ethnic groups that have applied to be included in the census for the first time in 2021. (S5O-03014)
Richard Lyle: I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which shows that I am the convener of the cross-party group on the Scottish Showmen’s Guild. Over the past few years, I have been working with the Showmen’s Guild to ensure that the next census includes a section for showpeople. Showpeople are not Travellers or Gypsies; they are a distinct ethnic group. Census officials...
Richard Lyle: Never! I don’t believe it!
Richard Lyle: I start by declaring that I, too, have a bus pass, but I do not look that age, do I?
Richard Lyle: I do not believe it either. I want to state clearly that I believe that there is a great opportunity in respect of public transportation by bus, but we must be in no doubt that it is a mode of transport that faces difficulties and requires solutions. The number of public transport journeys by bus has gone down and continues to decrease. We must consider ways of reversing that trend. I, and my...
Richard Lyle: No. This issue must be addressed in an efficient and responsible manner. That is why the SNP Government spends up to £273 million on bus public transport. We have increased spending on it by £18 million over the past two years. The Labour Party, which has not even presented budget options, has the cheek to tell us that we are doing nothing to solve the problem. It is time that Labour...
Richard Lyle: 8. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage companies to establish more apprenticeships. (S5O-03004)
Richard Lyle: I compliment the minister on his drive for more modern apprentices. I note the new target of more than 29,000 that the Scottish Government has set for next year. Last week, I visited Saltire heating systems in Bellshill. It is taking on apprentices and now has 30, which is nearly 12 per cent of its workforce. I hope that other firms will follow its lead. As people retire, we need more...
Richard Lyle: What is the cost?
Richard Lyle: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this Scottish Government debate on the fair work action plan. My campaign for election as the constituency MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill focused on jobs, jobs, jobs. I recognised the absolute need to work in support of an environment in my local area that created jobs, brought in investment and delivered opportunities to develop skills for our...
Richard Lyle: No, I do not have time. The SNP Government is not one for resting on its laurels, and more can and will be done. I note that there are plans to collaborate with the fair work convention to organise and host an international fair work summit in 2019-20. The summit “will showcase Scotland’s approach to Fair Work on an international stage, making connections across the Fair Work movement in...
Richard Lyle: Calm down.
Richard Lyle: Can the First Minister give an indication of what proportion of any delays are linked to Network Rail? Does she agree that it is high time that Opposition members joined in the call for the full devolution of Scotland’s railways?