General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 2 June 2026.
Collette Stevenson
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported extension of the administration process of East Kilbride shopping centre, whether it will provide an update on its discussions with local stakeholders. (S7O-00007)
Tom Arthur
Scottish National Party
East Kilbride shopping centre is an important economic asset that serves its local community through its wide range of shops, restaurants, offices, hotels and leisure facilities. My officials have spoken with the administrators, Interpath Advisory, which is working closely with key stakeholders, including South Lanarkshire Council, to realise the site’s master plan and to secure the best outcome for East Kilbride. I will remain updated on the situation as it progresses.
Collette Stevenson
Scottish National Party
The impacts of the news on the East Kilbride master plan and indeed on the local economy of the town are worrying for many of my constituents. Will the Minister outline how the Scottish Government is working to support the retail economy, particularly in towns such as East Kilbride where there is a shopping centre rather than a high street, and also to support culture and an affordable housing supply, given the links with those areas in development plans?
Tom Arthur
Scottish National Party
I recognise Collette Stevenson’s long-standing advocacy on behalf of her constituents regarding this issue. I assure her that the Scottish Government is committed to supporting the retail industry, and it will continue to engage directly with the sector to monitor the evolving impacts of the ongoing cost crisis. We will continue to work with the strategic housing leads in South Lanarkshire Council to deliver on their priorities.
We recognise that culture is important to Scotland’s prosperity and national identity, and we are offering a package of support to expand the reach and impact of cultural activities in communities. That includes funding the Camglen Buddies Leisure and Social Club in South Lanarkshire, which gives adults with additional support needs the opportunity to produce their own films.
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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