Decision Time

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 4 May 2023.

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Photo of Christine Grahame Christine Grahame Scottish National Party

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am terribly sorry to return to something that I raised last week, but I seek your guidance. Once again, at decision time we have only three Conservative members in the chamber. I wonder whether you would consider looking at the issue of attendance at Parliament in person rather than remotely, unless there is good reason for it.

Photo of Alison Johnstone Alison Johnstone Green

I thank you. Ms Grahame will be aware, as are all members, that the facility exists whereby members can exercise their vote remotely. That is a matter for members.

There is one question to be put as a result of today’s business. I encourage members to refresh their apps on their devices.

Photo of Edward Mountain Edward Mountain Conservative

On a point of order, Presiding Officer.

I was one of the people who was keen on members being able to make virtual contributions and to carry out virtual voting. I believe that the point of order that Christine Grahame has now raised twice goes against the principle of what this Parliament stands for and what it is trying to achieve, and is no more than a political cheap shot at people who are not attending Parliament in person. Can you give me further guidance on whether continued points of order on the topic are appropriate or—[

Interruption

.]

The Presiding Officer:

Excuse me, members. Members! I will hear Mr Mountain. I regard that interruption as discourteous, disrespectful and unhelpful. Mr Mountain, I would be grateful if you could please repeat your last point.

Photo of Edward Mountain Edward Mountain Conservative

I cannot comprehend why members find it difficult to see why some members want to contribute remotely, especially considering that some have a long way to travel and have other things to do, but have followed the debate all afternoon, as I have. I find it discourteous of Christine Grahame to continue to raise those points of order, when the Parliament agreed as a whole to allow remote voting and remote participation. I wonder whether you can give me guidance on the matter, Presiding Officer.

The Presiding Officer:

Thank you. I reiterate that the remote voting facility exists and that it is wholly within the gift of members to decide from where they will participate and from where they will vote.

I would be grateful if members could ensure that they have refreshed their devices following the earlier vote.

The question is, that motion S6M-08810, in the name of Tom Arthur, on the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Bill, be agreed to. Members should cast their votes now.

Division number 4 Decision Time

Aye: 111 MSPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

The Presiding Officer:

The result of the division on motion S6M-08810, in the name of Tom Arthur, is: For 111, Against 0, Abstentions 0.

Motion agreed to,

That the Parliament agrees that the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Bill be passed.

[

Applause

.]

Meeting closed at 17:02.