First Minister’s Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 19 December 2024.
Jamie Greene
Conservative
I am sure that we are all looking forward to our festive break—I know that I certainly am—but it is fair to say that many people across Scotland find Christmas and new year to be a difficult time of year, particularly those who face social isolation, loneliness, grief, depression or illness. Unfortunately, at this time of year, we often see huge spikes in domestic violence, which is fuelled mostly by alcohol.
As well as paying tribute to the front-line blue-light workers, whom we all thank for their time and service, can we also pay tribute to the vast armies of volunteers in the third sector who, day in, day out, 24/7 and 365 days a year, will also be there to help people in times of need and trouble? As we look into 2025, will the First Minister commit his Government to supporting the third sector as best we can, given that its work very often starts when other public services end?
John Swinney
Scottish National Party
I happily associate myself with the remarks of Mr Greene, who has made a substantial contribution in the Parliament to the issues of mental wellbeing and support for individuals who are wrestling with social isolation and loneliness, and I commend him for doing that.
A whole range of third sector organisations provide invaluable support. As First Minister, I have the privilege of encountering and engaging with many of them. It is heartwarming to see the vital role that they perform in our society, and they will be doing so over the Christmas break, when many of us will be appreciating some time of respite.
I therefore associate myself very much with Mr Greene’s remarks. I assure him that the Government’s budget will be focused on supporting third sector organisations. They are a linchpin in the delivery of many of the interventions that we need to put in place to support the mental wellbeing of individuals. Obviously, the Parliament will consider those questions in the spring to make sure that we have that support in place for those organisations.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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violence occurring within the family
