Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23762, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on the appointment of a junior Scottish minister. Members should note that the question on the motion will be put immediately after the debate.
Lewis Macdonald: The last member to speak in the open debate will be Annabelle Ewing. I am sorry, but we cannot hear Annabelle Ewing because there is a problem with the sound. As we have some time in hand, I will suspend for a few moments to see whether we can connect Annabelle Ewing. 16:30 Meeting suspended. 16:32 On resuming—
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is decision time. There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. The question is, that motion S5M-23707, in the name of John Swinney, on the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Redress for Survivors (Historical...
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a statement by Fiona Hyslop, providing an update on Burntisland Fabrications. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a statement by Ben Macpherson on supporting European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss citizens to stay in Scotland. The minister will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a statement by Joe FitzPatrick on drug deaths. The minister will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a stage 1 debate on motion S5M-23682, in the name of Humza Yousaf, on the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill. Members who wish to speak in the debate should press their request-to-speak buttons.
Lewis Macdonald: We move to the closing speeches.
Lewis Macdonald: Before we begin, I remind members of the social distancing protocols that are in place here in the chamber and across the campus, and to follow those at all times, in particular when you are entering and exiting the chamber. The next item of business is portfolio questions on transport, infrastructure and connectivity. Members who wish to ask supplementary questions should press their...
Lewis Macdonald: I am glad to speak in support of the bill as it nears completion of its progress through the Parliament. It is fair to say that there were times when such a positive outcome seemed a little less than certain. As convener of the Health and Sport Committee, I have had plenty of opportunities to consider the interaction of Government and Parliament over the past three years. This has, of course,...
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23629, in the name of Jamie Greene, on responding to parliamentary will and calls for clarity in education.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a Finance and Constitution Committee debate on motion S5M-23565, in the name of Bruce Crawford, on Parliament’s evolving scrutiny function. I ask all members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons now, and I invite Bruce Crawford to open the debate on behalf of the Finance and Constitution Committee.
Lewis Macdonald: Good afternoon. I remind members to observe the social distancing measures that are in place throughout the campus, in particular when they are entering or leaving the chamber.
Lewis Macdonald: As members have said, the Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill is a welcome and long-awaited development. Today’s debate has shown that there is broad support for its general principles. There is also consensus that the bill will need to be amended substantially if it is to achieve the desired results, and I am glad that the minister has acknowledged that so clearly today. Local councils already...
Lewis Macdonald: I remind members that social distancing measures are in place in the chamber and across Holyrood. I encourage members to follow those measures, as appropriate. The first item of business is portfolio question time. We begin with questions on communities and local government. In order to allow as many members as possible to speak, succinct questions and answers would be appreciated.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is an urgent question, which has been selected by the Presiding Officer. As a consequence, decision time will be somewhat later than originally planned, and members will be kept informed about that over the course of the afternoon.
Lewis Macdonald: T he next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23408, in the name of Ruth Maguire, on valuing the third sector. I invite Ruth Maguire, on behalf of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, to open the debate.
Lewis Macdonald: I call Gail Ross to wind up the debate on behalf of the Public Petitions Committee.
Lewis Macdonald: There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S5M-23408.1, in the name of Rachael Hamilton, which seeks to amend motion S5M-23408, in the name of Ruth Maguire, on valuing the third sector, be agreed to. Amendment agreed to.
Lewis Macdonald: The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23481, in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville, on making Scotland equally safe: marking the annual international day for the elimination of violence against women. I invite members who wish to take part in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.