Thursday, 9 January 2025
Good morning. The first item of business is general question time. In order that we can fit in as many questions as possible, I would be grateful for short and succinct questions and responses.
To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to taxi drivers in Glasgow to help them comply with the low-emission zone. (S6O-04177)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported calls from constituents to save local government services, in light of reports that some services across Banffshire and Buchan...
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform planning regulations to enable the construction of new nuclear power stations. (S6O-04179)
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to invest in front-line primary healthcare to support rural pharmacies. (S6O-04180)
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to strengthen Scotland’s ferry fleet over the coming year. (S6O-04181)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the impact of the increase in employer national insurance contributions on the public and third sectors in Scotland....
John Swinney said this week that, if his budget does not pass, we are playing “right into the hands of Elon Musk.” Yes, you heard that right. The Scottish...
In October, I warned of a winter crisis brewing in our national health service but, instead of taking action to develop a plan to keep patients and staff safe, the Scottish National Party buried...
I remind the chamber that, before being elected to this Parliament, I worked for eight years for the children’s charity Aberlour Child Care Trust. To ask the First Minister when...
To ask the First Minister, in light of recent freezing temperatures, whether he will provide an update on what steps the Scottish Government is taking to support low-income households with their...
To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is regarding the latest reported concerns on the use of Hikvision CCTV devices by local authorities in Scotland....
To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the effectiveness of the national planning framework 4 principles in creating sustainable places across Scotland that enhance human...
I know that the First Minister will be aware of the work of the cross-party group on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, having had regular supportive engagement with the group in his...
Devastated owners of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete-affected homes in Aberdeen face being out of pocket, out of their homes and out of options when Aberdeen City Council purchases their...
Yesterday, the National Autistic Society Scotland and Autistic Knowledge Development published a report on the embrace autism programme, which examines the benefits of having post-diagnostic...
Following the recent publication of Dr Jim Swire’s book on Lockerbie, and its subsequent serialisation on television, and given the resistance of the United Kingdom Government—even...
Yesterday, the illegal release of two lynx south of Aviemore was spotted by local gamekeepers. Gamekeepers then worked with the police and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to safely...
In committee evidence, National Galleries of Scotland stated that the lack of investment in its estate is increasing to “a critical level” the risk of a “catastrophic...
I welcome the launch of the public consultation on non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and I want to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to respond to it. Will the First...
I have been contacted by constituents who are concerned at reports that the national CJD research and surveillance unit, which is based in Edinburgh, might close in March. The unit has done...
The latest Bank of Scotland business barometer shows that business confidence in Scotland rose 13 per cent in December. What assessment has the First Minister made of the findings? Can he outline...
I ask members who are leaving the chamber and our visitors who are leaving the gallery to please do so quickly and quietly as we move on to the next item of business. Thank you for your...
Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time. As ever, I would appreciate succinct questions and answers, in order to get in as many members as possible.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will launch an independent review of the 2024 higher history exam, in light of reports that responses to a survey by the Scottish Association of the...
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that there is adequate childcare provision in island communities, including in the Orkney constituency. (S6O-04170)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the data from the pupil census supplementary statistics, which reportedly shows that the number of pupils with additional support needs in...
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve discipline in schools. (S6O-04172)
To ask the Scottish Government what role schools can play in ensuring that children develop lifelong physical literacy skills. (S6O-04173)
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle antisocial behaviour, and safeguard the welfare of girls, in schools. (S6O-04174)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress being made to improve the learning outcomes of pupils to prepare them for careers in the technology sector....
To ask the Scottish Government how the needs of pupils with additional support needs are taken into account in the procurement and replacement of the school estate. (S6O-04176)
There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Jeremy Balfour is agreed to, the amendment in the name...
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16034, in the name of Kaukab Stewart, on building a migration system that supports Scotland’s economy, public services and communities. I...
The Scottish Parliament is the national legislature of Scotland, located in Edinburgh. The Parliament consists of 129 members known as MSPs, elected for four-year terms; 73 represent individual geographical constituencies, and 56 are regional representatives.
