To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding cross-border machinery theft in rural areas, including the Scottish Borders. (S6O-03902)

The Scottish Government regularly engages with the UK Government on a range of issues. The theft of equipment can have severe consequences for farming communities and can put livelihoods at risk. The Scottish Government works with partners through the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, known as SPARC, which is chaired by Police Scotland, to provide a robust multi-agency approach to rural crime and to support activity at a local level. Police Scotland and SPARC are keen to ensure that Scotland does not offer organised criminals a safe haven, and Police Scotland has undertaken cross-border operations with forces in northern England with the aim of preventing rural crime, including machinery theft, by organised crime groups.

I thank the minister for that answer. Thefts of quad bikes, farm machinery, trailers and GPS trackers continue to hit rural communities, such as those in the Borders. Last September, the minister kindly assured me that the Scottish Government was looking closely at the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which was passed at Westminster. Since the election of a Labour Government, however, there has been no firm commitment to share the consultation responses, which would allow me to advance my proposals for a bill in Scotland. I am sure that the minister recognises the urgent need for action. Will she work with me to support my proposals for a rural theft bill in Scotland?

I very much appreciate that Ms Hamilton has asked a number of questions in that vein, given the increasing cost of rural crime—in particular, the impact of machinery being stolen or damaged. The link between rural crime and organised crime is very well established.

I have asked my officials to consider the implications for Scotland of the private members’ bill that was passed at Westminster last year, and what options are available to Scottish ministers. I can advise the member that although the Home Office is currently drafting regulations with respect to that bill, it is not yet in a position to say when those will be introduced. Nevertheless, I will ensure that I and my officials follow up on that important matter.