Thursday, 30 January 2025
Good morning. The first item of business is general question time.
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on relaxing any conservation area restrictions that prevent the installation of solar panels and other energy-saving initiatives. (S6O-04266)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last discussed plans to reduce corridor care and the use of temporary escalation spaces with national health service boards. (S6O-04267)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its stated commitment to end charges for non-residential care by the end of the current parliamentary session. (S6O-04268)
To ask the Scottish Government how it protects the environment and the interests of local communities regarding the construction of battery storage plants within rural settings. (S6O-04269)
To ask the Scottish Government whether feasibility studies and development expenditure for ports and harbours will be eligible for funding as part of the investment in maintaining and improving...
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Transport Scotland regarding safety measures at the Shawhead flyover on the A725 in Coatbridge. (S6O-04271)
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the public and private sector to develop carbon literacy skills. (S6O-04272)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that Falkirk Council is to consider a motion calling for immediate action by the Scottish Government to support the Grangemouth...
From day 1, we told the Scottish National Party that Humza Yousaf’s national health service recovery plan would not help patients. That was back in 2021, but only now are Humza...
This week, the Scottish National Party attempted to launch yet another NHS recovery plan. Having been in charge of Scotland’s NHS for 18 years, it has lost touch with reality and all...
To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet. (S6F-03751)
To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is to the recent CBI report, which reportedly suggests that businesses are preparing to “cut staff and raise...
To ask the First Minister whether he will join His Majesty the King and other world leaders in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz extermination camp and offer his...
To ask the First Minister, in light of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, “UK Poverty 2025”, whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government’s actions to tackle...
Recent research from Pro Bono Economics has found that disability benefits improve people’s health and wellbeing and are more positive than costly for the economy. Meanwhile, the United...
Will the First Minister join me in condemning what has been the third data breach by NHS Tayside of patient confidentiality in the Sam Eljamel case, which has further undermined the trust of...
The First Minister will be aware of reports regarding the sudden death of Demi Hannaway in May 2021. Demi’s parents are calling for an examination into her death, which was recorded as...
This week marks the fifth anniversary of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research highlighted the slump in trade with...
The Scottish Retail Consortium reports that theft has reached record levels, costing businesses £170 million last year, and that violence towards shop workers is on the rise, with an average...
I was recently contacted by a constituent who is on the waiting list for social housing with her 13-year-old daughter. They have been sharing a room and a bed for nine months, and by the time...
Given the vital importance to the Highlands and Islands of access in order to export our fine malt whiskies, our high-quality salmon and shellfish and many other products, will the Scottish...
Today, the Auditor General and the Accounts Commission have said that the Scottish Government has made “minimal progress” on its target to reduce car usage by 2030 and that the target...
The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-16275, in the name of Gillian Martin, on appointment of board members to the board of Environmental Standards Scotland. I call Alasdair...
Good afternoon. The next item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time, and the portfolio today is education and skills. As ever, I would appreciate succinct questions, with...
To ask the Scottish Government how it is engaging with local authorities to enable supply teachers to work in and across a number of different local authority areas. (S6O-04274)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the education secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to improve access to books for, and encourage reading by, children and...
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported concerns raised by Colleges Scotland that the role of colleges is being damaged by relentlessly falling budgets. (S6O-04276)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Forces Children Scotland. (S6O-04277)
To ask the Scottish Government how it is collaborating with third sector organisations regarding the provision of mental health, wellbeing and emotional support in schools. (S6O-04278)
To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to improve access to support for pupils with additional support needs, including access to speech and language therapists. (S6O-04279)
To ask the Scottish Government how schools promote an understanding of, and respect for, religious diversity. (S6O-04280)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with Borders College. (S6O-04281)
The next item of business is a statement by Angus Robertson on Creative Scotland multiyear funding. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no...
I encourage people who are leaving the public gallery to do so as quickly and as quietly as possible. The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16148,...
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16239, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on behalf of the Finance and Public Administration Committee, on the Scottish budget 2025-26. I invite...
There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-16239, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on behalf of the Finance and...
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.
