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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.18

The minister is aware of projects in my region that hope to make use of the rural and islands housing fund to develop new homes, including in island communities where two homes can have the same impact as dozens elsewhere. Can he speak to the availability of the fund and the support that is available to local housing providers to make use of it in the coming months and years?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26011

Portfolio Question Time

The minister is aware of projects in my region that hope to make use of the rural and islands housing fund to develop new homes, including in island communities where two homes can have the same impact as dozens elsewhere. Can he speak to the availability of the fund and the support that is available to local housing providers to make use of it in the coming months and years?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.19

Please answer as briefly as possible, minister.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

Please answer as briefly as possible, minister.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.20

Supported by our rural and islands housing action plan, we remain committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 10 per cent will be in rural and island communities. As well as considerable mainstream investment, support is also available through the demand-led £30 million rural and islands housing fund and the £25 million rural affordable homes for key workers fund. Between April 2016 and March 2023, we helped to deliver more than 10,000 homes in rural and islands areas and have invested more than £839 million.

Paul McLennan

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26005

Portfolio Question Time

Supported by our rural and islands housing action plan, we remain committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 10 per cent will be in rural and island communities. As well as considerable mainstream investment, support is also available through the demand-led £30 million rural and islands housing fund and the £25 million rural affordable homes for key workers fund. Between April 2016 and March 2023, we helped to deliver more than 10,000 homes in rural and islands areas and have invested more than £839 million.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.22

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment the ministerial task force on population has made of the reported population increase in Edinburgh and the south-east, including any proposals that it has made to address this, since it was established in June 2019. (S6O-03703)

3. Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25494

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment the ministerial task force on population has made of the reported population increase in Edinburgh and the south-east, including any proposals that it has made to address this, since it was established in June 2019. (S6O-03703)

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.23

The Scottish Government’s population strategy, which was published in 2021, includes a more balanced work strand that focuses on ensuring that our population is sustainably distributed. That work strand recognises the pressures of both population growth and depopulation. Last year, our ministerial population task force considered exploratory research to expand our evidence base with regard to the drivers and challenges of population growth, the findings of which will inform future policy development. We continue to work closely with local authorities. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities are members of the population programme board and jointly chair the local government population round table.

The Minister for Equalities (Kaukab Stewart)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26014

Portfolio Question Time

The Scottish Government’s population strategy, which was published in 2021, includes a more balanced work strand that focuses on ensuring that our population is sustainably distributed. That work strand recognises the pressures of both population growth and depopulation. Last year, our ministerial population task force considered exploratory research to expand our evidence base with regard to the drivers and challenges of population growth, the findings of which will inform future policy development. We continue to work closely with local authorities. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities are members of the population programme board and jointly chair the local government population round table.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.24

We are seeing a historic shift in population in Scotland—from west to east. By 2040, Lothian councils are set to see the largest percentage increase in our populations, and Midlothian is projected to see an increase of more than 30 per cent in its population. Therefore, the Scottish Government and public bodies need to plan now for the increased pressures that our public services will face. As I said, 84 per cent of Scottish population growth is due to be based in my region over the next 10 years, so it is time for ministers to understand that we need to plan for that population growth and development. Will the minister agree to take forward a cross-party summit with MSPs and public bodies, so that we can look now at the future challenges and opportunities that will face public services across the Lothian region?

Miles Briggs

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25494

Portfolio Question Time

We are seeing a historic shift in population in Scotland—from west to east. By 2040, Lothian councils are set to see the largest percentage increase in our populations, and Midlothian is projected to see an increase of more than 30 per cent in its population. Therefore, the Scottish Government and public bodies need to plan now for the increased pressures that our public services will face. As I said, 84 per cent of Scottish population growth is due to be based in my region over the next 10 years, so it is time for ministers to understand that we need to plan for that population growth and development. Will the minister agree to take forward a cross-party summit with MSPs and public bodies, so that we can look now at the future challenges and opportunities that will face public services across the Lothian region?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.25

Work is on-going. We take the issue very seriously and our population programme considers the challenges of population growth, as I mentioned. It has been a key consideration for the population round table, which, as I said, is jointly chaired by the Scottish Government, COSLA and representatives from all local authorities. I would be happy to meet Mr Briggs to discuss the issues that he raises in more detail. The ministerial task force will continue to consider taking appropriate steps to address those challenges, in collaboration with key partners such as local authorities.

Kaukab Stewart

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26014

Portfolio Question Time

Work is on-going. We take the issue very seriously and our population programme considers the challenges of population growth, as I mentioned. It has been a key consideration for the population round table, which, as I said, is jointly chaired by the Scottish Government, COSLA and representatives from all local authorities. I would be happy to meet Mr Briggs to discuss the issues that he raises in more detail. The ministerial task force will continue to consider taking appropriate steps to address those challenges, in collaboration with key partners such as local authorities.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.26

The huge population growth in Edinburgh is having an effect on both rent and house purchase prices. Given that population growth, is the Scottish Government taking specific actions to address the issue in Edinburgh? Can priority be given to Edinburgh in relation to the £600 million of funding that is provided for affordable housing in the programme for government?

Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25523

Portfolio Question Time

The huge population growth in Edinburgh is having an effect on both rent and house purchase prices. Given that population growth, is the Scottish Government taking specific actions to address the issue in Edinburgh? Can priority be given to Edinburgh in relation to the £600 million of funding that is provided for affordable housing in the programme for government?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.27

Our affordable housing supply programme investment in Edinburgh has been at a record level over the first three years of the parliamentary session, at £160 million. The allocation for the city of Edinburgh for this financial year is £34.9 million. Nationally, efforts to boost affordable housing supply by acquiring properties to bring into use for affordable housing and to help to reduce homelessness have been given an uplift of £80 million over the next two years. We have allocated a further £14.8 million to Edinburgh, raising the allocation to the city this year to more than £49 million. We recognise the City of Edinburgh Council’s strong track record of affordable housing delivery and we continue to work very closely with it to maximise affordable housing.

Kaukab Stewart

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26014

Portfolio Question Time

Our affordable housing supply programme investment in Edinburgh has been at a record level over the first three years of the parliamentary session, at £160 million. The allocation for the city of Edinburgh for this financial year is £34.9 million. Nationally, efforts to boost affordable housing supply by acquiring properties to bring into use for affordable housing and to help to reduce homelessness have been given an uplift of £80 million over the next two years. We have allocated a further £14.8 million to Edinburgh, raising the allocation to the city this year to more than £49 million. We recognise the City of Edinburgh Council’s strong track record of affordable housing delivery and we continue to work very closely with it to maximise affordable housing.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.29

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its pre-budget fiscal update on 3 September, what the potential impact will be of its “review and reprofile of recruitment” at Social Security Scotland on the agency’s provision of front-line services to clients. (S6O-03704)

4. Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26010

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its pre-budget fiscal update on 3 September, what the potential impact will be of its “review and reprofile of recruitment” at Social Security Scotland on the agency’s provision of front-line services to clients. (S6O-03704)

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.30

The Scottish Government requested all public bodies to identify savings options to balance the 2024-25 Scottish budget. The review and reprofiling of recruitment in Social Security Scotland has protected and prioritised the provision of critical front-line services to clients, which remains the agency’s and the Government’s top priority.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice (Shirley-Anne Somerville)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

The Scottish Government requested all public bodies to identify savings options to balance the 2024-25 Scottish budget. The review and reprofiling of recruitment in Social Security Scotland has protected and prioritised the provision of critical front-line services to clients, which remains the agency’s and the Government’s top priority.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.31

The cabinet secretary will recognise that the most recent workforce statistics have shown that, following the growth of staffing in Social Security Scotland, those figures have largely stabilised at approximately 3,800. We also know that, despite that, there have been on-going issues with service provision, long processing times, long call waiting times and complexities in the system. Those issues have been well debated in the chamber. Will the cabinet secretary confirm that the decision will not have a detrimental impact on the progress that is being made?

Paul O’Kane

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26010

Portfolio Question Time

The cabinet secretary will recognise that the most recent workforce statistics have shown that, following the growth of staffing in Social Security Scotland, those figures have largely stabilised at approximately 3,800. We also know that, despite that, there have been on-going issues with service provision, long processing times, long call waiting times and complexities in the system. Those issues have been well debated in the chamber. Will the cabinet secretary confirm that the decision will not have a detrimental impact on the progress that is being made?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.32

I am happy to give that reassurance to Paul O’Kane. The agency has reassessed its staffing requirements across the year to ensure that it fills the vacancies at the right time. The updated recruitment plans take account of the seasonal peaks in benefit delivery and the additional staff who are required to deliver pension-age disability payment. I assure Paul O’Kane that I, the chief executive and everyone working at the agency are absolutely determined to maintain the performance levels. He is quite right to point out that call waiting times and processing times for some benefits were too long. We have seen improvements there, and we are determined that things will stay that way.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

I am happy to give that reassurance to Paul O’Kane. The agency has reassessed its staffing requirements across the year to ensure that it fills the vacancies at the right time. The updated recruitment plans take account of the seasonal peaks in benefit delivery and the additional staff who are required to deliver pension-age disability payment. I assure Paul O’Kane that I, the chief executive and everyone working at the agency are absolutely determined to maintain the performance levels. He is quite right to point out that call waiting times and processing times for some benefits were too long. We have seen improvements there, and we are determined that things will stay that way.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.33

With regard to the front-line provision of services by Social Security Scotland, will the cabinet secretary advise whether the need to mitigate Labour’s bedroom tax and benefit cap is taking away resources that could be spent on further enhancing social security provision in Scotland?

Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26006

Portfolio Question Time

With regard to the front-line provision of services by Social Security Scotland, will the cabinet secretary advise whether the need to mitigate Labour’s bedroom tax and benefit cap is taking away resources that could be spent on further enhancing social security provision in Scotland?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.34

The member raises a very important point. She will know that the Scottish Government is spending around £134 million this year mitigating the United Kingdom Government’s welfare package, which totals £1.2 billion since 2013. There are many ways in which the Scottish Government would like to spend that money. For example, this year’s mitigation alone would pay for 2,000 teachers or band 5 nurses. That demonstrates the difference that it could make to education, the national health service or other anti-poverty measures, including those delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

The member raises a very important point. She will know that the Scottish Government is spending around £134 million this year mitigating the United Kingdom Government’s welfare package, which totals £1.2 billion since 2013. There are many ways in which the Scottish Government would like to spend that money. For example, this year’s mitigation alone would pay for 2,000 teachers or band 5 nurses. That demonstrates the difference that it could make to education, the national health service or other anti-poverty measures, including those delivered by Social Security Scotland.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.36

To ask the Scottish Government what impact its national mission to tackle child poverty is having in the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency. (S6O-03705)

5. Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13968

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what impact its national mission to tackle child poverty is having in the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency. (S6O-03705)

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.37

We are providing a range of support that will benefit families in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and across Scotland, including the investment in our game-changing Scottish child payment, early learning and childcare, and free bus travel for under-22s. Between February 2021 and this year, our Scottish child payment has been made more than 157,000 times, which has been worth more than £22 million to low-income families in East Ayrshire. East Ayrshire will also be part of one of the five new fairer futures partnerships, which will include Kilmarnock, which is a key area of focus. That will ensure that services are integrated to help families where and when they need it.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice (Shirley-Anne Somerville)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

We are providing a range of support that will benefit families in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and across Scotland, including the investment in our game-changing Scottish child payment, early learning and childcare, and free bus travel for under-22s. Between February 2021 and this year, our Scottish child payment has been made more than 157,000 times, which has been worth more than £22 million to low-income families in East Ayrshire. East Ayrshire will also be part of one of the five new fairer futures partnerships, which will include Kilmarnock, which is a key area of focus. That will ensure that services are integrated to help families where and when they need it.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.38

Further to those figures, nearly 9,000 children in East Ayrshire are getting help from the Scottish National Party Government to keep them out of poverty. More than 100,000 payments totalling £13 million make a big difference. Contrast that with the attacks by the Tories that have been continued by Labour, that are meant to keep in place the two-child benefit cap, which will mean thousands more children living in poverty who could have been freed from it. Nearly 10 years on from our country’s vote on independence, does the cabinet secretary agree that Scotland and Scotland’s children cannot put up with the damage that is caused by the union any more? Will she continue to work hard to lift children out of poverty with every means at her disposal?

Willie Coffey

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13968

Portfolio Question Time

Further to those figures, nearly 9,000 children in East Ayrshire are getting help from the Scottish National Party Government to keep them out of poverty. More than 100,000 payments totalling £13 million make a big difference. Contrast that with the attacks by the Tories that have been continued by Labour, that are meant to keep in place the two-child benefit cap, which will mean thousands more children living in poverty who could have been freed from it. Nearly 10 years on from our country’s vote on independence, does the cabinet secretary agree that Scotland and Scotland’s children cannot put up with the damage that is caused by the union any more? Will she continue to work hard to lift children out of poverty with every means at her disposal?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.39

Mr Coffey is quite right to point to the work that the Government continues to do against poverty—particularly to eradicate children’s poverty—and to the limitations of the current devolution settlement. He would also be right to point out that, according to data published by the End Child Poverty coalition in December 2023, more than one in 10 families in East Ayrshire are impacted by the two-child limit, with families losing up to £3,455 each year for every affected child. That was the Tory United Kingdom Government’s policy. That is now the Labour UK Government’s policy. Mr Coffey is quite right that, with independence, there would be no such policy under the SNP.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

Mr Coffey is quite right to point to the work that the Government continues to do against poverty—particularly to eradicate children’s poverty—and to the limitations of the current devolution settlement. He would also be right to point out that, according to data published by the End Child Poverty coalition in December 2023, more than one in 10 families in East Ayrshire are impacted by the two-child limit, with families losing up to £3,455 each year for every affected child. That was the Tory United Kingdom Government’s policy. That is now the Labour UK Government’s policy. Mr Coffey is quite right that, with independence, there would be no such policy under the SNP.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.41

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the impact of its housing adaptation policy. (S6O-03706)

6. The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the impact of its housing adaptation policy. (S6O-03706)

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.42

The Scottish Government has not had any recent discussions with Fife Council regarding its housing adaptation policy. However, we are taking forward a review of the policy and delivery arrangements of the current housing adaptation systems, and we will seek views from councils and other stakeholders. I expect to receive initial recommendations on how best to improve and streamline the system and maximise the impact of investment before the end of 2024.

The Minister for Housing (Paul McLennan)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26005

Portfolio Question Time

The Scottish Government has not had any recent discussions with Fife Council regarding its housing adaptation policy. However, we are taking forward a review of the policy and delivery arrangements of the current housing adaptation systems, and we will seek views from councils and other stakeholders. I expect to receive initial recommendations on how best to improve and streamline the system and maximise the impact of investment before the end of 2024.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.43

I thank the minister for his answer, but it is important for him to know what is happening on the ground. The fact of the matter is that far too many of my constituents wait far too long for even the most basic adaptations to be made to their homes by Fife Council. That means that some cannot wash themselves properly. Some cannot even access a toilet and need to use a commode—in some cases, for years. Does the minister agree that that is simply unacceptable in 21st-century Scotland? Will he now take up this breach of people’s right to dignity with the chief executive of Fife Council, with a view to the council sorting out that continuing shambles once and for all?

Annabelle Ewing

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Portfolio Question Time

I thank the minister for his answer, but it is important for him to know what is happening on the ground. The fact of the matter is that far too many of my constituents wait far too long for even the most basic adaptations to be made to their homes by Fife Council. That means that some cannot wash themselves properly. Some cannot even access a toilet and need to use a commode—in some cases, for years. Does the minister agree that that is simply unacceptable in 21st-century Scotland? Will he now take up this breach of people’s right to dignity with the chief executive of Fife Council, with a view to the council sorting out that continuing shambles once and for all?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.44

Adaptations make an important contribution to supporting older people and disabled people to live safely, and the member is right to raise those points. Of course they need to be comfortable and independent at home. I note that some of her constituents are waiting for adaptations for their homes. My housing officials will discuss the matter with Fife Council and get back to the member.

Paul McLennan

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26005

Portfolio Question Time

Adaptations make an important contribution to supporting older people and disabled people to live safely, and the member is right to raise those points. Of course they need to be comfortable and independent at home. I note that some of her constituents are waiting for adaptations for their homes. My housing officials will discuss the matter with Fife Council and get back to the member.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.45

I will take a brief supplementary question from Foysol Choudhury, on the basis that it is about Fife Council.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

I will take a brief supplementary question from Foysol Choudhury, on the basis that it is about Fife Council.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.46

In July, I was contacted by Andrea, who cares for her two disabled daughters. Her home requires adaptations, but it is not large enough for the daughters’ wheelchair or the specific bed that is recommended by the physiotherapist. Andrea’s housing association will not extend the house and has no suitable homes available. Another housing association refuses to fit dropped showers. How is the Scottish Government working to ensure that housing associations and local authorities uphold their duties to provide essential adaptations, including beds?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25990

Portfolio Question Time

In July, I was contacted by Andrea, who cares for her two disabled daughters. Her home requires adaptations, but it is not large enough for the daughters’ wheelchair or the specific bed that is recommended by the physiotherapist. Andrea’s housing association will not extend the house and has no suitable homes available. Another housing association refuses to fit dropped showers. How is the Scottish Government working to ensure that housing associations and local authorities uphold their duties to provide essential adaptations, including beds?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.47

I am not sure that that was about Fife Council but the minister may wish to respond as far as he can.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

I am not sure that that was about Fife Council but the minister may wish to respond as far as he can.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.48

If the member writes to me, I will be happy to pick that up for him and will get officials to contact him.

Paul McLennan

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26005

Portfolio Question Time

If the member writes to me, I will be happy to pick that up for him and will get officials to contact him.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.50

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any impact on the administration of Scottish social security benefits, what information it holds on the percentage of pensioners in Scotland who have not claimed pension credit for which they are eligible. (S6O-03707)

7. Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25985

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any impact on the administration of Scottish social security benefits, what information it holds on the percentage of pensioners in Scotland who have not claimed pension credit for which they are eligible. (S6O-03707)

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.51

As pension credit is reserved to the United Kingdom Government, we are reliant on Department for Work and Pensions statistics for take-up rates. The latest that are available cover the financial year 2021-22 and show that the take-up rate of pension credit overall in Great Britain is 63 per cent. However, they do not show rates for countries or regions. Approximately 125,136 households receive pension credit in Scotland, which suggests that around 75,000 households in Scotland are eligible for pension credit but do not receive it.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice (Shirley-Anne Somerville)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

As pension credit is reserved to the United Kingdom Government, we are reliant on Department for Work and Pensions statistics for take-up rates. The latest that are available cover the financial year 2021-22 and show that the take-up rate of pension credit overall in Great Britain is 63 per cent. However, they do not show rates for countries or regions. Approximately 125,136 households receive pension credit in Scotland, which suggests that around 75,000 households in Scotland are eligible for pension credit but do not receive it.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.52

Given that the estimates show that thousands of families who are entitled to receive pension credit have not claimed that benefit, and with Labour MPs at Westminster voting this week to remove the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners, what more can the Scottish Government do to increase benefit uptake and ensure that our eligible pensioners receive the support that they so desperately need this winter?

Karen Adam

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25985

Portfolio Question Time

Given that the estimates show that thousands of families who are entitled to receive pension credit have not claimed that benefit, and with Labour MPs at Westminster voting this week to remove the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners, what more can the Scottish Government do to increase benefit uptake and ensure that our eligible pensioners receive the support that they so desperately need this winter?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.53

The decision on the winter fuel payment originated with the UK Government, so it is imperative that it should undertake a benefit take-up campaign. I have asked the Secretary of State to do so, urgently. Scottish Government officials are working with the DWP and stakeholders to promote pension credit take-up, despite the fact that that benefit is solely reserved. Our welfare advice services, supported by Scottish Government investment, are also working closely with people who might be entitled to benefits—devolved or reserved—but who have not yet applied. Those efforts include increasing awareness and take-up assistance to support people who are struggling financially. That is why we have committed to investing more than £20 million for the provision of free income maximisation support and welfare and debt advice services in 2024-25.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

The decision on the winter fuel payment originated with the UK Government, so it is imperative that it should undertake a benefit take-up campaign. I have asked the Secretary of State to do so, urgently. Scottish Government officials are working with the DWP and stakeholders to promote pension credit take-up, despite the fact that that benefit is solely reserved. Our welfare advice services, supported by Scottish Government investment, are also working closely with people who might be entitled to benefits—devolved or reserved—but who have not yet applied. Those efforts include increasing awareness and take-up assistance to support people who are struggling financially. That is why we have committed to investing more than £20 million for the provision of free income maximisation support and welfare and debt advice services in 2024-25.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.55

To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates it will cost to fund the minimum income guarantee scheme proposed in the “Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report”. (S6O-03708)

8. Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26000

Portfolio Question Time

To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates it will cost to fund the minimum income guarantee scheme proposed in the “Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report”. (S6O-03708)

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.56

The independent minimum income guarantee expert group’s interim report set out important principles for its work, and the group is currently undertaking further development to consider costs and delivery. Given that the Scottish Government has not yet received a final report, we are not in a position to make any cost estimates. We remain ambitious in looking at innovative ways to tackle poverty and inequality, so we look forward to receiving the recommendations later this year. I take this opportunity to thank the cross-party strategy group, which includes Miles Briggs, for its continued support of that work.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice (Shirley-Anne Somerville)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

The independent minimum income guarantee expert group’s interim report set out important principles for its work, and the group is currently undertaking further development to consider costs and delivery. Given that the Scottish Government has not yet received a final report, we are not in a position to make any cost estimates. We remain ambitious in looking at innovative ways to tackle poverty and inequality, so we look forward to receiving the recommendations later this year. I take this opportunity to thank the cross-party strategy group, which includes Miles Briggs, for its continued support of that work.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.57

According to the Scottish Government, under a minimum income guarantee, “everyone in Scotland” would have a minimum income regardless of their circumstances. The Institute for Public Policy Research has suggested that that could come at a cost of £7 billion per year. Given that the Scottish Government cannot put lunch on the table for primary 6 and 7 pupils, and is set to rob pensioners of the money to heat their homes, should the minister not now level with the public, and should she not be cautious of the costs and the complexity of any such scheme and focus instead on a growth-based economy with a fair and focused welfare system at its heart?

Craig Hoy

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26000

Portfolio Question Time

According to the Scottish Government, under a minimum income guarantee, “everyone in Scotland” would have a minimum income regardless of their circumstances. The Institute for Public Policy Research has suggested that that could come at a cost of £7 billion per year. Given that the Scottish Government cannot put lunch on the table for primary 6 and 7 pupils, and is set to rob pensioners of the money to heat their homes, should the minister not now level with the public, and should she not be cautious of the costs and the complexity of any such scheme and focus instead on a growth-based economy with a fair and focused welfare system at its heart?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.58

What I am aware of is the costs—and the benefits, of which there are none—of the £1.2 billion that this Government is paying for 14 years of austerity to mitigate some of the UK Government’s welfare policies, which have now been adopted by UK Labour. I make no apology for the fact that this Government will continue to look at innovative ways of tackling poverty. Mr Hoy might be happy to leave those people behind, but I am not.

Shirley-Anne Somerville

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14100

Portfolio Question Time

What I am aware of is the costs—and the benefits, of which there are none—of the £1.2 billion that this Government is paying for 14 years of austerity to mitigate some of the UK Government’s welfare policies, which have now been adopted by UK Labour. I make no apology for the fact that this Government will continue to look at innovative ways of tackling poverty. Mr Hoy might be happy to leave those people behind, but I am not.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.3.59

That concludes portfolio questions on social justice. There will be a brief pause before the next item of business, to allow front benches to change.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Portfolio Question Time

That concludes portfolio questions on social justice. There will be a brief pause before the next item of business, to allow front benches to change.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.1

The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on the national mission to reduce deaths and improve the lives of people impacted by drugs and alcohol. As the cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, there should be no interruptions or interventions.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on the national mission to reduce deaths and improve the lives of people impacted by drugs and alcohol. As the cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement, there should be no interruptions or interventions.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.2

I would like to update Parliament, following the most recent drug and alcohol death statistics for Scotland, which were published recently by National Records of Scotland. Importantly, I will outline the action that we are taking as part of the national mission to reduce harm and fatalities. Before I do, I hope that all colleagues will join me in wishing Christina McKelvie well in the treatment that she is receiving for cancer in her medical leave of absence. [Applause.] In 2023, tragically, we lost 1,172 lives to drugs and 1,277 lives to alcohol. Every single one of those lives lost is a profound tragedy; behind those stark statistics are children, parents and friends who have left behind families and loved ones grieving unimaginable losses. The NRS statistics show that 2023 was the second-lowest figure in six years for drug deaths. However, the rise of 12 per cent from 2022 is, of course, a heartbreaking disappointment and worry. I offer my sympathies to every person who is affected by the death of a loved one to drugs or alcohol. Those losses are shared by all of us and they serve as a reminder of the work that we still have ahead of us. Deprivation has a clear influence on the numbers of drug and alcohol deaths, with people in our most deprived areas being 15 times more likely to die from drug misuse than people in the least deprived areas and four and a half times more likely to die from alcohol misuse. That highlights that drug and alcohol dependency is not purely medical. It is deeply rooted in social determinants and structural inequalities. As in previous years, we continue to see a high level of polydrug use. Opiates continue to be the drug that is most commonly implicated in deaths. However, deaths where cocaine was implicated have increased. The increasing prevalence of cocaine, especially injected cocaine, presents new challenges for our services. We are also confronting a dangerously and continuously evolving drug landscape, with synthetic drugs increasingly infiltrating the market. Those highly toxic and potent substances elevate the risks of overdose and death, and their rapidly evolving composition makes regulation and enforcement exceedingly challenging. Public Health Scotland has recently issued public health alerts for nitazenes and xylazine through its rapid action drug alerts and response—RADAR—surveillance system. I urge colleagues to share those alerts and sign up to the RADAR reporting system. It remains essential that we continue the work of our national mission to prevent deaths, reduce harm and improve lives. That unwavering commitment is driven by the belief that change is possible and necessary. It is important to acknowledge the significant progress that has been made through the national mission. Our approach has been ambitious, and we have pushed beyond existing levels of service provision, focusing on harm reduction, improving treatment, supporting our workforce and taking a holistic, person-centred approach. Widening access to residential rehabilitation for people who use drugs and alcohol is a key part of our national mission. We have made £100 million available from 2021 to 2026 to ensure that 1,000 people receive public funding for their placement each year by 2026. We are on track to meet that target, with 938 publicly funded placements approved in 2023-24. We have also seen significant advances in harm reduction. Police Scotland is the first force in the United Kingdom to issue naloxone kits to all front-line officers, and it has now administered the life-saving drug more than 450 times. Public Health Scotland estimates that, by the end of 2023, take-home naloxone had been supplied to nearly three quarters of all people in Scotland who are at risk of an opioid overdose. Those are remarkable strides, and we will continue to push for more widespread access. The opening of Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility, scheduled for next month, is another significant milestone. The evidence-based initiative will provide a safe space for those who are most at risk of overdose and will serve as a model for other areas. On our 10 medication assisted treatment standards, the progress has been equally encouraging. By July 2024, 90 per cent of MAT standards 1 to 5 were fully implemented, and MAT standards 6 to 10 showed strong early progress, with 91 per cent provisionally green. Experiential feedback highlights improvements, fewer and shorter delays in accessing treatment, more choice being offered for opioid substitution therapy and an increased sense of care and support from workers. That reflects the heart of our mission, which is to ensure that people receive the help that they need when they need it. As we enter the delivery intensification phase of the national mission, we are putting in place a strategic framework to consider how we can carefully and collectively drive delivery and monitor progress. As the MAT standards benchmarking report of July 2024 showed, although we see tremendous progress in standards 1 to 5, we need to accelerate our efforts in areas such as psychosocial care and mental health support, which are critical components of treatment, especially for non-opiate substances. We are developing a national specification for drug and alcohol care services, which will go further than our previously planned treatment target. That will provide clarity on what treatment and recovery services should look like and will ensure that people have access to high-quality, stigma-free, trauma-informed services. Additionally, we are stepping up our response to the growing threat of synthetic drugs. Public Health Scotland is expanding its surveillance data to help us to respond more swiftly and to identify any sudden increases in the number of overdoses. We plan to establish public-use drug-checking facilities in Dundee, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and applications for the necessary Home Office licences are currently being processed. Those will be complemented by a national testing laboratory, located in and supported by the University of Dundee, to provide further confirmatory testing of samples. Further, when it comes to the wider health and social care landscape—the national care service, regulation, inspection and funding—we are looking beyond 2026. Recovery communities provide essential support, hope and a sense of purpose and belonging. During a recent visit to the Scottish Maritime Museum in West Dunbartonshire, I spoke to individuals who are benefiting from the Skylark IX Recovery Trust project, which is funded through the national mission Corra Foundation funds. Witnessing the dedication of the volunteers and staff, I was reminded of the widespread passion that fuels our efforts. The Skylark IX project is just one of 300 local and grass-roots projects that have been supported since the start of the mission. I thank the people who work on the front line, in the vital national health service, local partnership and third sector organisations, alongside the dozens of mutual aid and recovery communities who provide hope in such challenging circumstances. Their dedication is saving lives. I turn to our focus on the prevention of alcohol harm. The Scottish Government has taken steps in its world-leading minimum unit pricing policy, with the minimum price increasing to 65p per unit from 30 September. That is intended to ensure that the public health benefits of the policy—the hospitalisations averted and the lives saved—continue and, indeed, increase. InThe Lancet, international public health experts stated: “Policy makers can be confident that there are several hundred people with low income in Scotland who would have died as a result of alcohol, who are alive today as a result of minimum unit pricing.” However, we know that we need to do more to reduce harm. The earlier consultation on potential restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing, which closed in 2023, made it clear that there is a wide range of views. I know that our doctors and nurses, who see harm to health from alcohol misuse every day, want action to be taken on alcohol marketing. I have also listened to business and industry concerns. I take all those concerns seriously. We remain committed to progressing that work to ensure that it will have the greatest impact, particularly on children and young people who are exposed to alcohol advertising and marketing, while striking the right balance when it comes to potential effects on business and industry. We need a route to achieve that. It is clear that steps to reduce alcohol harm are vital to supporting good public health and to reducing alcohol-specific deaths. It is therefore vital that we are clear on the evidence that proposals would be effective, that action to reduce alcohol harm supports good public health and would reduce alcohol-specific deaths, and that the decisions that we take are led by evidence, balanced with the potential impact on the wider economy. Therefore, I will commission Public Health Scotland to carry out a review of the evidence on the range of options to reduce exposure to alcohol marketing in order to help us in that aim. That work is for the future. We are also taking action right now by ensuring that people with problematic alcohol use continue to receive the same quality of care as those with problematic drug use. I can therefore confirm that the forthcoming alcohol treatment guidelines will also provide support for alcohol treatment, similar to the medication assisted treatment standards for drugs. In addition, the publication of Public Health Scotland’s review of how alcohol brief interventions are delivered is imminent, and we will incorporate its recommendations into our national treatment specification for drug and alcohol treatment. We also continue to support innovative pilots, such as the managed alcohol programme and the primary care alcohol nurse outreach service, which has recently been embedded into mainstream services in the Glasgow city alcohol and drug partnership. We continue to strive to prevent deaths, reduce harm and improve lives, and we do that at a time of unprecedented and significant financial challenge. This Government has consistently warned of the challenge ahead with regard to our public finances, but we will continue to support people in services where they need it most. That is why, this year, the Government has made more than £150 million available to continue the progress that we have made as a result of the national mission. Three quarters of that funding is delivered through local alcohol and drug partnerships, which play a central role in delivery and responding to local need. It is essential that we continue to address the stark inequalities that exist in drug deaths, particularly in our most deprived areas. We must focus on prevention through education. We must also target the structural and social determinants of health. That will require increased collaboration across Government departments and statutory and third sector partners. It is clear that no single service can tackle the issue alone. No single intervention is or will be enough. Only by working together to deliver a range of harm reduction support opportunities can we create a Scotland where everyone has the support that they need. We must pull together, harness the incredible work that has already been done and drive forward with a shared sense of purpose.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care (Neil Gray)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I would like to update Parliament, following the most recent drug and alcohol death statistics for Scotland, which were published recently by National Records of Scotland. Importantly, I will outline the action that we are taking as part of the national mission to reduce harm and fatalities. Before I do, I hope that all colleagues will join me in wishing Christina McKelvie well in the treatment that she is receiving for cancer in her medical leave of absence. [Applause.] In 2023, tragically, we lost 1,172 lives to drugs and 1,277 lives to alcohol. Every single one of those lives lost is a profound tragedy; behind those stark statistics are children, parents and friends who have left behind families and loved ones grieving unimaginable losses. The NRS statistics show that 2023 was the second-lowest figure in six years for drug deaths. However, the rise of 12 per cent from 2022 is, of course, a heartbreaking disappointment and worry. I offer my sympathies to every person who is affected by the death of a loved one to drugs or alcohol. Those losses are shared by all of us and they serve as a reminder of the work that we still have ahead of us. Deprivation has a clear influence on the numbers of drug and alcohol deaths, with people in our most deprived areas being 15 times more likely to die from drug misuse than people in the least deprived areas and four and a half times more likely to die from alcohol misuse. That highlights that drug and alcohol dependency is not purely medical. It is deeply rooted in social determinants and structural inequalities. As in previous years, we continue to see a high level of polydrug use. Opiates continue to be the drug that is most commonly implicated in deaths. However, deaths where cocaine was implicated have increased. The increasing prevalence of cocaine, especially injected cocaine, presents new challenges for our services. We are also confronting a dangerously and continuously evolving drug landscape, with synthetic drugs increasingly infiltrating the market. Those highly toxic and potent substances elevate the risks of overdose and death, and their rapidly evolving composition makes regulation and enforcement exceedingly challenging. Public Health Scotland has recently issued public health alerts for nitazenes and xylazine through its rapid action drug alerts and response—RADAR—surveillance system. I urge colleagues to share those alerts and sign up to the RADAR reporting system. It remains essential that we continue the work of our national mission to prevent deaths, reduce harm and improve lives. That unwavering commitment is driven by the belief that change is possible and necessary. It is important to acknowledge the significant progress that has been made through the national mission. Our approach has been ambitious, and we have pushed beyond existing levels of service provision, focusing on harm reduction, improving treatment, supporting our workforce and taking a holistic, person-centred approach. Widening access to residential rehabilitation for people who use drugs and alcohol is a key part of our national mission. We have made £100 million available from 2021 to 2026 to ensure that 1,000 people receive public funding for their placement each year by 2026. We are on track to meet that target, with 938 publicly funded placements approved in 2023-24. We have also seen significant advances in harm reduction. Police Scotland is the first force in the United Kingdom to issue naloxone kits to all front-line officers, and it has now administered the life-saving drug more than 450 times. Public Health Scotland estimates that, by the end of 2023, take-home naloxone had been supplied to nearly three quarters of all people in Scotland who are at risk of an opioid overdose. Those are remarkable strides, and we will continue to push for more widespread access. The opening of Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility, scheduled for next month, is another significant milestone. The evidence-based initiative will provide a safe space for those who are most at risk of overdose and will serve as a model for other areas. On our 10 medication assisted treatment standards, the progress has been equally encouraging. By July 2024, 90 per cent of MAT standards 1 to 5 were fully implemented, and MAT standards 6 to 10 showed strong early progress, with 91 per cent provisionally green. Experiential feedback highlights improvements, fewer and shorter delays in accessing treatment, more choice being offered for opioid substitution therapy and an increased sense of care and support from workers. That reflects the heart of our mission, which is to ensure that people receive the help that they need when they need it. As we enter the delivery intensification phase of the national mission, we are putting in place a strategic framework to consider how we can carefully and collectively drive delivery and monitor progress. As the MAT standards benchmarking report of July 2024 showed, although we see tremendous progress in standards 1 to 5, we need to accelerate our efforts in areas such as psychosocial care and mental health support, which are critical components of treatment, especially for non-opiate substances. We are developing a national specification for drug and alcohol care services, which will go further than our previously planned treatment target. That will provide clarity on what treatment and recovery services should look like and will ensure that people have access to high-quality, stigma-free, trauma-informed services. Additionally, we are stepping up our response to the growing threat of synthetic drugs. Public Health Scotland is expanding its surveillance data to help us to respond more swiftly and to identify any sudden increases in the number of overdoses. We plan to establish public-use drug-checking facilities in Dundee, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and applications for the necessary Home Office licences are currently being processed. Those will be complemented by a national testing laboratory, located in and supported by the University of Dundee, to provide further confirmatory testing of samples. Further, when it comes to the wider health and social care landscape—the national care service, regulation, inspection and funding—we are looking beyond 2026. Recovery communities provide essential support, hope and a sense of purpose and belonging. During a recent visit to the Scottish Maritime Museum in West Dunbartonshire, I spoke to individuals who are benefiting from the Skylark IX Recovery Trust project, which is funded through the national mission Corra Foundation funds. Witnessing the dedication of the volunteers and staff, I was reminded of the widespread passion that fuels our efforts. The Skylark IX project is just one of 300 local and grass-roots projects that have been supported since the start of the mission. I thank the people who work on the front line, in the vital national health service, local partnership and third sector organisations, alongside the dozens of mutual aid and recovery communities who provide hope in such challenging circumstances. Their dedication is saving lives. I turn to our focus on the prevention of alcohol harm. The Scottish Government has taken steps in its world-leading minimum unit pricing policy, with the minimum price increasing to 65p per unit from 30 September. That is intended to ensure that the public health benefits of the policy—the hospitalisations averted and the lives saved—continue and, indeed, increase. InThe Lancet, international public health experts stated: “Policy makers can be confident that there are several hundred people with low income in Scotland who would have died as a result of alcohol, who are alive today as a result of minimum unit pricing.” However, we know that we need to do more to reduce harm. The earlier consultation on potential restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing, which closed in 2023, made it clear that there is a wide range of views. I know that our doctors and nurses, who see harm to health from alcohol misuse every day, want action to be taken on alcohol marketing. I have also listened to business and industry concerns. I take all those concerns seriously. We remain committed to progressing that work to ensure that it will have the greatest impact, particularly on children and young people who are exposed to alcohol advertising and marketing, while striking the right balance when it comes to potential effects on business and industry. We need a route to achieve that. It is clear that steps to reduce alcohol harm are vital to supporting good public health and to reducing alcohol-specific deaths. It is therefore vital that we are clear on the evidence that proposals would be effective, that action to reduce alcohol harm supports good public health and would reduce alcohol-specific deaths, and that the decisions that we take are led by evidence, balanced with the potential impact on the wider economy. Therefore, I will commission Public Health Scotland to carry out a review of the evidence on the range of options to reduce exposure to alcohol marketing in order to help us in that aim. That work is for the future. We are also taking action right now by ensuring that people with problematic alcohol use continue to receive the same quality of care as those with problematic drug use. I can therefore confirm that the forthcoming alcohol treatment guidelines will also provide support for alcohol treatment, similar to the medication assisted treatment standards for drugs. In addition, the publication of Public Health Scotland’s review of how alcohol brief interventions are delivered is imminent, and we will incorporate its recommendations into our national treatment specification for drug and alcohol treatment. We also continue to support innovative pilots, such as the managed alcohol programme and the primary care alcohol nurse outreach service, which has recently been embedded into mainstream services in the Glasgow city alcohol and drug partnership. We continue to strive to prevent deaths, reduce harm and improve lives, and we do that at a time of unprecedented and significant financial challenge. This Government has consistently warned of the challenge ahead with regard to our public finances, but we will continue to support people in services where they need it most. That is why, this year, the Government has made more than £150 million available to continue the progress that we have made as a result of the national mission. Three quarters of that funding is delivered through local alcohol and drug partnerships, which play a central role in delivery and responding to local need. It is essential that we continue to address the stark inequalities that exist in drug deaths, particularly in our most deprived areas. We must focus on prevention through education. We must also target the structural and social determinants of health. That will require increased collaboration across Government departments and statutory and third sector partners. It is clear that no single service can tackle the issue alone. No single intervention is or will be enough. Only by working together to deliver a range of harm reduction support opportunities can we create a Scotland where everyone has the support that they need. We must pull together, harness the incredible work that has already been done and drive forward with a shared sense of purpose.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.3

The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in his statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for that, after which we will need to move on to the next item of business. I encourage members who wish to ask a question to press their request-to-speak buttons if they have not already done so.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues raised in his statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for that, after which we will need to move on to the next item of business. I encourage members who wish to ask a question to press their request-to-speak buttons if they have not already done so.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.4

I thank the cabinet secretary for providing early sight of his statement. I, too, wish Christina McKelvie well and wish her a speedy recovery. This week’s harrowing statistics expose the total failure of the Scottish National Party to tackle this health crisis. It claims that significant progress has been made through its national mission, yet this week we learned that 1,172 people died from drug misuse in 2023, which represents an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year. In addition, this week’s provisional data revealed that there have already been 589 suspected drug deaths in the first six months of 2024. As that represents a 2 per cent drop from the same period in 2023, some might mistakenly claim that a corner has been turned, but the figure is up 5 per cent on 2022. Nothing is changing. The SNP came to power more than 17 years ago and, in that time, more than 33,000 Scots have lost their lives to drug or alcohol-related illnesses. That is a damning indictment of the SNP’s continued mismanagement. SNP politicians should hang their heads in shame, but, instead, they carry on, determined to prioritise decriminalisation and harm reduction over recovery. That is the wrong message. Where is the focus on recovery and rehabilitation? The SNP has no idea what it is doing. The University of Strathclyde’s Scottish health equity research unit confirms that there is a “critical gap” between the SNP’s understanding of inequalities—

Sue Webber (Lothian) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26017

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I thank the cabinet secretary for providing early sight of his statement. I, too, wish Christina McKelvie well and wish her a speedy recovery. This week’s harrowing statistics expose the total failure of the Scottish National Party to tackle this health crisis. It claims that significant progress has been made through its national mission, yet this week we learned that 1,172 people died from drug misuse in 2023, which represents an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year. In addition, this week’s provisional data revealed that there have already been 589 suspected drug deaths in the first six months of 2024. As that represents a 2 per cent drop from the same period in 2023, some might mistakenly claim that a corner has been turned, but the figure is up 5 per cent on 2022. Nothing is changing. The SNP came to power more than 17 years ago and, in that time, more than 33,000 Scots have lost their lives to drug or alcohol-related illnesses. That is a damning indictment of the SNP’s continued mismanagement. SNP politicians should hang their heads in shame, but, instead, they carry on, determined to prioritise decriminalisation and harm reduction over recovery. That is the wrong message. Where is the focus on recovery and rehabilitation? The SNP has no idea what it is doing. The University of Strathclyde’s Scottish health equity research unit confirms that there is a “critical gap” between the SNP’s understanding of inequalities—

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.5

I need a question, Ms Webber.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I need a question, Ms Webber.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.6

—and what works to tackle them. It is clear that the SNP’s strategies lack a rigorous evaluation of their effectiveness. Does the cabinet secretary really believe that the right level of response to learning that alcohol deaths are at their highest level for 15 years is to commission a review into adverts?

Sue Webber

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26017

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

—and what works to tackle them. It is clear that the SNP’s strategies lack a rigorous evaluation of their effectiveness. Does the cabinet secretary really believe that the right level of response to learning that alcohol deaths are at their highest level for 15 years is to commission a review into adverts?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.7

I thank Sue Webber for her contribution. I do not in any way shirk the responsibility that we have for the harrowing figures that are before us, and I absolutely do not deny the scale of the challenge that is before us. That is why I do not believe that any single intervention or single area of response is appropriate. We need to have a range of responses available to us, which is why we have been increasing the opportunity for support to be provided for recovery as well as for harm reduction. We can see from the statistics that are available from Police Scotland and alcohol and drug partnerships that the likes of naloxone have saved hundreds of lives. Therefore, rather than focusing on one area at the expense of another, we must ensure that we take a range of approaches, including on alcohol advertising. We know that we cannot continue in the way that we are going. We need to see improvement in our relationships with drugs and with alcohol.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I thank Sue Webber for her contribution. I do not in any way shirk the responsibility that we have for the harrowing figures that are before us, and I absolutely do not deny the scale of the challenge that is before us. That is why I do not believe that any single intervention or single area of response is appropriate. We need to have a range of responses available to us, which is why we have been increasing the opportunity for support to be provided for recovery as well as for harm reduction. We can see from the statistics that are available from Police Scotland and alcohol and drug partnerships that the likes of naloxone have saved hundreds of lives. Therefore, rather than focusing on one area at the expense of another, we must ensure that we take a range of approaches, including on alcohol advertising. We know that we cannot continue in the way that we are going. We need to see improvement in our relationships with drugs and with alcohol.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.8

I echo the best wishes that have been expressed to Christina McKelvie for successful treatment. I welcome the cabinet secretary’s visit to the Skylark IX Recovery Trust, as it does great work in my constituency. However, last year’s figure of 1,277 alcohol deaths is the highest number in the past 15 years, and it is a tragedy for each of the families affected. It is clear that what we are doing currently, for both drugs and alcohol, is not yet working. There is a suggestion that the Government’s priority is tackling drugs, and that that is eclipsing the efforts and resources that are needed to tackle alcohol problems. Those of us with long memories will recall the SNP’s cuts to alcohol and drug treatment services. Some £46 million was sliced out of the budget before the national mission was in place, and now we learn that there has been a 40 per cent decline in the number of people being referred to structured alcohol services. Will the cabinet secretary separate the alcohol and drugs funding streams so that there is transparency? If he is looking to raise revenue, what consideration has been given to a targeted levy to claw back the money that supermarkets will make from the increased revenue from minimum unit pricing for alcohol?

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13949

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I echo the best wishes that have been expressed to Christina McKelvie for successful treatment. I welcome the cabinet secretary’s visit to the Skylark IX Recovery Trust, as it does great work in my constituency. However, last year’s figure of 1,277 alcohol deaths is the highest number in the past 15 years, and it is a tragedy for each of the families affected. It is clear that what we are doing currently, for both drugs and alcohol, is not yet working. There is a suggestion that the Government’s priority is tackling drugs, and that that is eclipsing the efforts and resources that are needed to tackle alcohol problems. Those of us with long memories will recall the SNP’s cuts to alcohol and drug treatment services. Some £46 million was sliced out of the budget before the national mission was in place, and now we learn that there has been a 40 per cent decline in the number of people being referred to structured alcohol services. Will the cabinet secretary separate the alcohol and drugs funding streams so that there is transparency? If he is looking to raise revenue, what consideration has been given to a targeted levy to claw back the money that supermarkets will make from the increased revenue from minimum unit pricing for alcohol?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.9

First, I once again pay tribute to the incredible work that is being delivered through Skylark IX and by a range of community and grass-roots organisations across Scotland. Although it was incredibly harrowing to hear the stories of families who have been impacted by losing family members through problematic drug use and drug dependency, it filled me with great hope that the family members in particular focused on the impact that has been made in reducing stigma over recent years, and the impact that the national mission has had on people, with both those with drug dependency and their families feeling that there are services and support for them. I put on the record my thanks to them for that incredible work. On the investments that we are making into alcohol and drug partnerships, I hope that Jackie Baillie can take from the statement that I have just made that tackling alcohol and drugs is both a shared endeavour and an area of shared priority; it is not one over the other. Furthermore, I hope that the work that we are seeking to do on alcohol services is clear from my statement. Jackie Baillie will know that consideration has been given to whether a levy should be administered as a result of the increase in minimum unit pricing, and we will give further updates on that in due course.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

First, I once again pay tribute to the incredible work that is being delivered through Skylark IX and by a range of community and grass-roots organisations across Scotland. Although it was incredibly harrowing to hear the stories of families who have been impacted by losing family members through problematic drug use and drug dependency, it filled me with great hope that the family members in particular focused on the impact that has been made in reducing stigma over recent years, and the impact that the national mission has had on people, with both those with drug dependency and their families feeling that there are services and support for them. I put on the record my thanks to them for that incredible work. On the investments that we are making into alcohol and drug partnerships, I hope that Jackie Baillie can take from the statement that I have just made that tackling alcohol and drugs is both a shared endeavour and an area of shared priority; it is not one over the other. Furthermore, I hope that the work that we are seeking to do on alcohol services is clear from my statement. Jackie Baillie will know that consideration has been given to whether a levy should be administered as a result of the increase in minimum unit pricing, and we will give further updates on that in due course.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.10

As members might expect, there is a lot of interest in the issue. Therefore, we will have to have brief questions and brief responses wherever possible.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

As members might expect, there is a lot of interest in the issue. Therefore, we will have to have brief questions and brief responses wherever possible.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.11

There is absolutely no escaping the deep complexities that are associated with tackling drug and alcohol harm. I know that the cabinet secretary agrees that the commitment of those working in the sphere cannot be overstated. In his statement, the cabinet secretary made reference to the workforce. Through my engagement with local ADP services, I am aware that concerns exist about workforce planning, specifically in relation to the option of a national qualification and a national training plan. Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on the work that is being done to address those concerns, thereby ensuring that we develop a highly skilled workforce and secure improved retention?

Audrey Nicoll (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26009

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

There is absolutely no escaping the deep complexities that are associated with tackling drug and alcohol harm. I know that the cabinet secretary agrees that the commitment of those working in the sphere cannot be overstated. In his statement, the cabinet secretary made reference to the workforce. Through my engagement with local ADP services, I am aware that concerns exist about workforce planning, specifically in relation to the option of a national qualification and a national training plan. Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on the work that is being done to address those concerns, thereby ensuring that we develop a highly skilled workforce and secure improved retention?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.12

I thank Audrey Nicoll for her question and for the engagement that she has had with her local ADP services in the north-east. The Scottish Government’s drug and alcohol workforce action plan sets out the actions that we are taking to support improved workforce planning and to ensure that staff have the skills and knowledge that are required to deliver services. Specifically, the plan commits us to developing a learning pathway to communicate and signpost available training opportunities to the entire drug and alcohol workforce; to facilitate the development of competencies for workers who support people who use drugs and alcohol; to identify training opportunities; and to provide support for the development of continuous career development opportunities. Across Scotland, training providers provide high-quality education to learners at all levels in support of that. We will continue to fund national health service boards to support their work in that endeavour, too.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I thank Audrey Nicoll for her question and for the engagement that she has had with her local ADP services in the north-east. The Scottish Government’s drug and alcohol workforce action plan sets out the actions that we are taking to support improved workforce planning and to ensure that staff have the skills and knowledge that are required to deliver services. Specifically, the plan commits us to developing a learning pathway to communicate and signpost available training opportunities to the entire drug and alcohol workforce; to facilitate the development of competencies for workers who support people who use drugs and alcohol; to identify training opportunities; and to provide support for the development of continuous career development opportunities. Across Scotland, training providers provide high-quality education to learners at all levels in support of that. We will continue to fund national health service boards to support their work in that endeavour, too.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.13

I have to say that that was a very underwhelming statement on such a crucial issue. Sadly, it follows earlier statements that we have heard from the health team. Asked 10 times whether his Government had failed people who are suffering from drug abuse, the cabinet secretary refused to answer. Just this week, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health called the level of alcohol deaths “disappointing”. They are not “disappointing”; they are tragic, appalling—and avoidable, with the right policies. The cabinet secretary will know that my member’s bill, the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill, has been published and is in the public domain. Is there anything in that bill that he cannot support? If not, will he tell us today that SNP members will support the bill?

Douglas Ross (Highlands and Islands) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25531

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I have to say that that was a very underwhelming statement on such a crucial issue. Sadly, it follows earlier statements that we have heard from the health team. Asked 10 times whether his Government had failed people who are suffering from drug abuse, the cabinet secretary refused to answer. Just this week, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health called the level of alcohol deaths “disappointing”. They are not “disappointing”; they are tragic, appalling—and avoidable, with the right policies. The cabinet secretary will know that my member’s bill, the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill, has been published and is in the public domain. Is there anything in that bill that he cannot support? If not, will he tell us today that SNP members will support the bill?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.14

On Douglas Ross’s point about the stark figures that are before us, I said in my statement that I accept that those are unacceptable and tragic. I echo his words in that regard. There is no hiding from the fact that that is an appalling set of statistics—of course it is. That is why the Government has committed to engaging with Mr Ross on the measures in his bill. I do not believe that there is a single answer to the questions that are before us; we need to make progress in a multitude of areas. Mr Ross, the First Minister and I have a meeting coming up in order to discuss his bill. We will seek to progress further interventions on both the harm reduction and recovery aspects that I described in my statement. I believe that there is hope and that we will see a difference being made through working together in the way that Mr Ross suggests.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

On Douglas Ross’s point about the stark figures that are before us, I said in my statement that I accept that those are unacceptable and tragic. I echo his words in that regard. There is no hiding from the fact that that is an appalling set of statistics—of course it is. That is why the Government has committed to engaging with Mr Ross on the measures in his bill. I do not believe that there is a single answer to the questions that are before us; we need to make progress in a multitude of areas. Mr Ross, the First Minister and I have a meeting coming up in order to discuss his bill. We will seek to progress further interventions on both the harm reduction and recovery aspects that I described in my statement. I believe that there is hope and that we will see a difference being made through working together in the way that Mr Ross suggests.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.15

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests in that I am chair of Moving On Inverclyde, which is a recovery service in my local area. The cabinet secretary will be aware that Inverclyde has the third-highest level of drug deaths and the highest level of alcohol deaths in Scotland. Recently, I hosted a round-table meeting of third sector and public sector organisations to enable them to share information and understand the issues that my community faces. What consideration will the cabinet secretary give to ensuring that Inverclyde is classed as a priority area for funding and for creating new initiatives to support local organisations in saving the lives of people in my community?

Stuart McMillan (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14060

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests in that I am chair of Moving On Inverclyde, which is a recovery service in my local area. The cabinet secretary will be aware that Inverclyde has the third-highest level of drug deaths and the highest level of alcohol deaths in Scotland. Recently, I hosted a round-table meeting of third sector and public sector organisations to enable them to share information and understand the issues that my community faces. What consideration will the cabinet secretary give to ensuring that Inverclyde is classed as a priority area for funding and for creating new initiatives to support local organisations in saving the lives of people in my community?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.16

I thank Mr McMillan for all his work to help local partners in Inverclyde to rise to the challenges that people face there. I received incredibly good feedback from Alison Byrne about the round-table meeting that he organised. Although we recognise the innovative approach that is being taken, and the commitment that delivery partners in the area share, we also note the particular needs of people in Inverclyde. With those in mind, we are keen to ensure that all possible support is available to partners in that area, and that will be a major consideration in future planning. We need to ensure that support is available to people in all parts of Scotland. However, I point out that the distribution of national mission funding, adjusted through the NHS Scotland resource allocation committee—NRAC—formula, takes account of levels of deprivation and specific need.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I thank Mr McMillan for all his work to help local partners in Inverclyde to rise to the challenges that people face there. I received incredibly good feedback from Alison Byrne about the round-table meeting that he organised. Although we recognise the innovative approach that is being taken, and the commitment that delivery partners in the area share, we also note the particular needs of people in Inverclyde. With those in mind, we are keen to ensure that all possible support is available to partners in that area, and that will be a major consideration in future planning. We need to ensure that support is available to people in all parts of Scotland. However, I point out that the distribution of national mission funding, adjusted through the NHS Scotland resource allocation committee—NRAC—formula, takes account of levels of deprivation and specific need.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.17

The first overdose prevention centre in Scotland opened four years ago yesterday. Staffed by volunteers, it supervised around 1,000 injections and saved eight lives. Now, four years later, the state has finally caught up with the challenges that drug and alcohol issues present, but hundreds of people have died unnecessarily in the interim period. I welcome the opening of the new OPC in Glasgow next month, but can the cabinet secretary assure members that it will not simply involve a box-ticking exercise? Will the centre be progressed to 24-hour operation and full integration with the routes to rehabilitation and other support services that are so critical to people’s recovery? The first person who came to the OPC four years ago said, “I am sorry—I am not used to people treating me so nicely.” The core principles of our approach must be to ensure human dignity and to support people to access the pathways that they need if they are to survive.

Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25639

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

The first overdose prevention centre in Scotland opened four years ago yesterday. Staffed by volunteers, it supervised around 1,000 injections and saved eight lives. Now, four years later, the state has finally caught up with the challenges that drug and alcohol issues present, but hundreds of people have died unnecessarily in the interim period. I welcome the opening of the new OPC in Glasgow next month, but can the cabinet secretary assure members that it will not simply involve a box-ticking exercise? Will the centre be progressed to 24-hour operation and full integration with the routes to rehabilitation and other support services that are so critical to people’s recovery? The first person who came to the OPC four years ago said, “I am sorry—I am not used to people treating me so nicely.” The core principles of our approach must be to ensure human dignity and to support people to access the pathways that they need if they are to survive.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.18

I absolutely agree with Paul Sweeney. I pay tribute to the work that he has done in that area, along with other members, and to Peter Krykant, who led so much of the campaigning for the centre to take shape. Mr Sweeney is right to say that our approach should be to provide person-centred dignified support for people who have often experienced lifetimes of trauma and stigma. We must treat them with dignity and respect, in a way that reduces harm, saves lives and helps them on the path to recovery. I absolutely take on board Mr Sweeney’s questions about how we might further embed and expand such an approach. I will respond to him on those matters in due course.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I absolutely agree with Paul Sweeney. I pay tribute to the work that he has done in that area, along with other members, and to Peter Krykant, who led so much of the campaigning for the centre to take shape. Mr Sweeney is right to say that our approach should be to provide person-centred dignified support for people who have often experienced lifetimes of trauma and stigma. We must treat them with dignity and respect, in a way that reduces harm, saves lives and helps them on the path to recovery. I absolutely take on board Mr Sweeney’s questions about how we might further embed and expand such an approach. I will respond to him on those matters in due course.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.19

In our constituencies across Scotland, we are all aware of the countless unsung heroes and organisations that do so much to support people whose lives have been impacted by drugs and alcohol. Groups such as Men Matter Scotland in Drumchapel support 500 men per week on a variety of issues. Will the cabinet secretary join me in recognising and thanking those unsung heroes for their invaluable work? What support is the Scottish Government providing to such groups, in particular at this time of budget constraint?

Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14024

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

In our constituencies across Scotland, we are all aware of the countless unsung heroes and organisations that do so much to support people whose lives have been impacted by drugs and alcohol. Groups such as Men Matter Scotland in Drumchapel support 500 men per week on a variety of issues. Will the cabinet secretary join me in recognising and thanking those unsung heroes for their invaluable work? What support is the Scottish Government providing to such groups, in particular at this time of budget constraint?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.20

I echo Bill Kidd’s thanks to the Men Matter support network in Drumchapel. I firmly believe that the progress that we have made on the national mission would not have been possible without the work of our front-line workers and volunteers in statutory services, third sector organisations and grass-roots projects such as Men Matter. Their dedication provides hope in the darkest of times, and I thank them for their tireless efforts. Through the national mission Corra funds, we have distributed £13 million of funding this year to more than 300 projects across Scotland. The organisations that are delivering the projects are diverse—they range from small community groups to public sector bodies that, together, have supported nearly 34,000 people this year. As I said, I have had the privilege of attending one of those projects—Skylark—to see the positive impact that it has made on the lives of people with drug and alcohol dependency, their families and their local communities.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I echo Bill Kidd’s thanks to the Men Matter support network in Drumchapel. I firmly believe that the progress that we have made on the national mission would not have been possible without the work of our front-line workers and volunteers in statutory services, third sector organisations and grass-roots projects such as Men Matter. Their dedication provides hope in the darkest of times, and I thank them for their tireless efforts. Through the national mission Corra funds, we have distributed £13 million of funding this year to more than 300 projects across Scotland. The organisations that are delivering the projects are diverse—they range from small community groups to public sector bodies that, together, have supported nearly 34,000 people this year. As I said, I have had the privilege of attending one of those projects—Skylark—to see the positive impact that it has made on the lives of people with drug and alcohol dependency, their families and their local communities.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.21

I extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to every person who has been affected by these tragic deaths. Year after year, the figures offer a grim picture of the situation. Although I recognise the efforts that the cabinet secretary outlined to prevent deaths, they are clearly not enough. Alcohol harm in Scotland is a public health emergency and a human rights issue. The cabinet secretary referenced the earlier consultation on restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing, but no legislation was confirmed in last week’s programme for government. Many advocates criticised the lack of progress on that issue. Will the cabinet secretary confirm whether the Scottish Government is committed to introducing those measures in this parliamentary session? If not, what actions are being taken in that area?

Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25989

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to every person who has been affected by these tragic deaths. Year after year, the figures offer a grim picture of the situation. Although I recognise the efforts that the cabinet secretary outlined to prevent deaths, they are clearly not enough. Alcohol harm in Scotland is a public health emergency and a human rights issue. The cabinet secretary referenced the earlier consultation on restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing, but no legislation was confirmed in last week’s programme for government. Many advocates criticised the lack of progress on that issue. Will the cabinet secretary confirm whether the Scottish Government is committed to introducing those measures in this parliamentary session? If not, what actions are being taken in that area?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.22

I recognise Maggie Chapman’s interest and her long-standing work on advocating on this front. I set out in the statement the work that I will be commissioning Public Health Scotland to do to review the evidence—as we have seen through minimum unit pricing, it is important to lead such work on an evidential basis. Depending on what we see in the report that comes back from Public Health Scotland on that evidence, we will consult on what more steps we can take to reduce the impact of alcohol advertising and marketing. Our response has to be proportionate and based on evidence, and we are taking those steps to ensure that that is the case.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I recognise Maggie Chapman’s interest and her long-standing work on advocating on this front. I set out in the statement the work that I will be commissioning Public Health Scotland to do to review the evidence—as we have seen through minimum unit pricing, it is important to lead such work on an evidential basis. Depending on what we see in the report that comes back from Public Health Scotland on that evidence, we will consult on what more steps we can take to reduce the impact of alcohol advertising and marketing. Our response has to be proportionate and based on evidence, and we are taking those steps to ensure that that is the case.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.23

I am grateful to the Government for acquiescing to Liberal Democrat members’ requests for the statement this afternoon. I have been in Parliament for eight years and, in that time, the news on this topic has never been good; it is always getting worse—occasionally, it gets less bad, but here we are again. As we heard, next month, the new overdose prevention centre will finally become operational, and the UK Home Office has signalled that it may be willing to look at our evidence and roll out the approach across the UK. However, we cannot wait for the end of that pilot to start the preparatory work on rolling out those centres, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, will the cabinet secretary say how swiftly following the conclusion of that pilot we can roll out those centres across the country?

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25500

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I am grateful to the Government for acquiescing to Liberal Democrat members’ requests for the statement this afternoon. I have been in Parliament for eight years and, in that time, the news on this topic has never been good; it is always getting worse—occasionally, it gets less bad, but here we are again. As we heard, next month, the new overdose prevention centre will finally become operational, and the UK Home Office has signalled that it may be willing to look at our evidence and roll out the approach across the UK. However, we cannot wait for the end of that pilot to start the preparatory work on rolling out those centres, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, will the cabinet secretary say how swiftly following the conclusion of that pilot we can roll out those centres across the country?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.24

I recognise Mr Cole-Hamilton’s points and the efforts that he has made. The pilot’s value is obvious in terms of gathering the evidence, but we should not be looking at that in isolation, given the other work that is being done, which I hope will make a major difference. The testing centres that we hope to see in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow are potentially game changing, because of the new challenge that we are facing in relation to synthetic opioids and other substances that are coming into the market, such as nitazines and xylazine. Those substances pose a dangerous threat, as people literally do not know what they are taking or the quantities to take, so there is a huge risk of overdose. Alongside the safe consumption room pilot, those drug testing facilities have an opportunity to enhance the harm reduction that we want to see.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I recognise Mr Cole-Hamilton’s points and the efforts that he has made. The pilot’s value is obvious in terms of gathering the evidence, but we should not be looking at that in isolation, given the other work that is being done, which I hope will make a major difference. The testing centres that we hope to see in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow are potentially game changing, because of the new challenge that we are facing in relation to synthetic opioids and other substances that are coming into the market, such as nitazines and xylazine. Those substances pose a dangerous threat, as people literally do not know what they are taking or the quantities to take, so there is a huge risk of overdose. Alongside the safe consumption room pilot, those drug testing facilities have an opportunity to enhance the harm reduction that we want to see.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.25

The cabinet secretary spoke about alcohol and drug partnerships. Will he confirm that the Scottish Government has positive relationships with ADPs across the country, particularly in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, and say how their crucial work will continue to be supported and encouraged?

Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25511

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

The cabinet secretary spoke about alcohol and drug partnerships. Will he confirm that the Scottish Government has positive relationships with ADPs across the country, particularly in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, and say how their crucial work will continue to be supported and encouraged?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.26

Yes. There is a programme of regular engagement between Scottish Government officials and ADP co-ordinators that is in place to ensure vital regular information exchange and collaboration on policy development at the working level. Our partners in Public Health Scotland work closely with us to actively support local areas in their MAT implementation effort and, although she is currently undertaking leave, the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy is scheduled to meet local leaders across all localities to discuss progress on and improvement of partnership working and service delivery.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

Yes. There is a programme of regular engagement between Scottish Government officials and ADP co-ordinators that is in place to ensure vital regular information exchange and collaboration on policy development at the working level. Our partners in Public Health Scotland work closely with us to actively support local areas in their MAT implementation effort and, although she is currently undertaking leave, the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy is scheduled to meet local leaders across all localities to discuss progress on and improvement of partnership working and service delivery.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.27

I draw members’ attention to my declaration of interests, as I am a practising NHS general practitioner. Really, there is nothing new in the statement. It is simply a rehash of previous decisions that have clearly failed the people of Scotland, failed families and failed the record number of people who died due to alcohol and drugs this year. The facts are that alcohol treatment regimes work, and the SNP’s flagship MUP magic bullet has not been enough to stop alcohol deaths spiralling to a record 15-year high. Will the cabinet secretary increase funding to treatment centres? Will he take the opportunity to offer a genuine apology to the families of those who died—unlike Jenni Minto, in her pathetic and woefully inadequate response in her STV interview yesterday?

Sandesh Gulhane (Glasgow) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25999

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I draw members’ attention to my declaration of interests, as I am a practising NHS general practitioner. Really, there is nothing new in the statement. It is simply a rehash of previous decisions that have clearly failed the people of Scotland, failed families and failed the record number of people who died due to alcohol and drugs this year. The facts are that alcohol treatment regimes work, and the SNP’s flagship MUP magic bullet has not been enough to stop alcohol deaths spiralling to a record 15-year high. Will the cabinet secretary increase funding to treatment centres? Will he take the opportunity to offer a genuine apology to the families of those who died—unlike Jenni Minto, in her pathetic and woefully inadequate response in her STV interview yesterday?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.28

I thank Sandesh Gulhane for his question, although I do not think that personalising it in that way is helpful in addressing the very serious issue that is before us. The evidence is clear that minimum unit pricing has saved lives. The evaluation that was carried out by Public Health Scotland, which has been reviewed by the UK Statistics Authority and peer reviewed throughThe Lancet, has estimated that there has been a 13 per cent reduction in deaths as a result of minimum unit pricing. There is a particular impact in areas of higher deprivation, with the statistics clearly demonstrating the direct correlation between deprivation and alcohol and drug dependency. As I have stated—I agree with Sandesh Gulhane on this point—no one measure or intervention is going to be enough; we need a range. I will therefore continue to engage with him and his colleagues on further areas that we can explore in order to reduce harm, save lives and get people on the path to recovery.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I thank Sandesh Gulhane for his question, although I do not think that personalising it in that way is helpful in addressing the very serious issue that is before us. The evidence is clear that minimum unit pricing has saved lives. The evaluation that was carried out by Public Health Scotland, which has been reviewed by the UK Statistics Authority and peer reviewed throughThe Lancet, has estimated that there has been a 13 per cent reduction in deaths as a result of minimum unit pricing. There is a particular impact in areas of higher deprivation, with the statistics clearly demonstrating the direct correlation between deprivation and alcohol and drug dependency. As I have stated—I agree with Sandesh Gulhane on this point—no one measure or intervention is going to be enough; we need a range. I will therefore continue to engage with him and his colleagues on further areas that we can explore in order to reduce harm, save lives and get people on the path to recovery.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.29

A number of members still want to ask questions, and I want to get them all in, so questions will need to be brief, with answers as brief as possible.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

A number of members still want to ask questions, and I want to get them all in, so questions will need to be brief, with answers as brief as possible.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.30

Just like their relatives, the families of people who are affected by substance use experience stigma and isolation. They are often the first responders to their loved ones’ crises. The rights of those family members must be protected and upheld, and they should be empowered to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government and its partners are funding support and working to ensure that it is available and accessible everywhere in Scotland?

Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26013

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

Just like their relatives, the families of people who are affected by substance use experience stigma and isolation. They are often the first responders to their loved ones’ crises. The rights of those family members must be protected and upheld, and they should be empowered to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government and its partners are funding support and working to ensure that it is available and accessible everywhere in Scotland?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.31

Collette Stevenson is absolutely right. I have set out in response to other colleagues the first-person testimony that I have received from families about the reduction of stigma that has taken place and the greater awareness of services being available to those with alcohol or drug dependency and their families. Our families framework sets out how we will improve holistic support for families affected by drugs and alcohol, by taking a whole-family approach and ensuring that families receive support that is free from stigma and is trauma informed. The framework states that families should be involved in the development and delivery of services used by them and their loved ones, at both local and national levels. We are working with local areas to implement family-inclusive practice across alcohol and drug services. That framework is supported by investment totalling £6.5 million a year over the parliamentary session and by providing ADPs with an additional £3.5 million per year over the session to help implement the framework locally.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

Collette Stevenson is absolutely right. I have set out in response to other colleagues the first-person testimony that I have received from families about the reduction of stigma that has taken place and the greater awareness of services being available to those with alcohol or drug dependency and their families. Our families framework sets out how we will improve holistic support for families affected by drugs and alcohol, by taking a whole-family approach and ensuring that families receive support that is free from stigma and is trauma informed. The framework states that families should be involved in the development and delivery of services used by them and their loved ones, at both local and national levels. We are working with local areas to implement family-inclusive practice across alcohol and drug services. That framework is supported by investment totalling £6.5 million a year over the parliamentary session and by providing ADPs with an additional £3.5 million per year over the session to help implement the framework locally.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.32

I declare an interest as I led the team that produced the data that underpinned the work of the Dundee drugs commission in 2019. I am afraid that the Government’s account of progress on MAT standards does not tally with the experience of service reform on the ground in many parts of the country. For example, some of the most basic recommendations of the Dundee drugs commission from as far back as 2019 are yet to be fulfilled. Can the cabinet secretary tell me today when Constitution house in Dundee will be closed? If he cannot, will he endeavour to find out when that will happen? Is the cabinet secretary confident that MAT standards are now being delivered to such a high extent? Has their efficacy in dealing with the problem not been called into question?

Michael Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26003

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I declare an interest as I led the team that produced the data that underpinned the work of the Dundee drugs commission in 2019. I am afraid that the Government’s account of progress on MAT standards does not tally with the experience of service reform on the ground in many parts of the country. For example, some of the most basic recommendations of the Dundee drugs commission from as far back as 2019 are yet to be fulfilled. Can the cabinet secretary tell me today when Constitution house in Dundee will be closed? If he cannot, will he endeavour to find out when that will happen? Is the cabinet secretary confident that MAT standards are now being delivered to such a high extent? Has their efficacy in dealing with the problem not been called into question?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.33

I have pointed out a number of times that no one single intervention will make a difference. In my statement, I set out the progress that has been demonstrated on the implementation of MAT standards, and I would be more than happy to meet Mr Marra to discuss the experience that he is narrating from his region. I believe that the progress that has been made is important and demonstrable, but I would be more than happy to meet him to discuss the issues that he raises.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

I have pointed out a number of times that no one single intervention will make a difference. In my statement, I set out the progress that has been demonstrated on the implementation of MAT standards, and I would be more than happy to meet Mr Marra to discuss the experience that he is narrating from his region. I believe that the progress that has been made is important and demonstrable, but I would be more than happy to meet him to discuss the issues that he raises.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.34

What evidence will be available to the review that Public Health Scotland will undertake that was not made available to the previous review into alcohol marketing? Will the cabinet secretary be commissioning a new consultation? If so, what role will the alcohol industry play in that process?

Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26000

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

What evidence will be available to the review that Public Health Scotland will undertake that was not made available to the previous review into alcohol marketing? Will the cabinet secretary be commissioning a new consultation? If so, what role will the alcohol industry play in that process?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.35

The review that I will be commissioning Public Health Scotland to do will consider all the evidence that is available, both domestically and internationally, on the impact that alcohol advertising and marketing make. On the basis of the recommendations that come through the review and the evidence that is there, we will consult on any pragmatic and evidence-based measures that Public Health Scotland recommends would make a difference in reducing alcohol harm. I will continue to have conversations with businesses about the economic impact, to make sure that that is proportionate, based on the evidence that is available, and I will seek to work with them so that they lead on areas where they can help us to reduce alcohol harm. There is important work to do here to make sure that we reduce harm, save lives and see people into recovery.

Neil Gray

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25293

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

The review that I will be commissioning Public Health Scotland to do will consider all the evidence that is available, both domestically and internationally, on the impact that alcohol advertising and marketing make. On the basis of the recommendations that come through the review and the evidence that is there, we will consult on any pragmatic and evidence-based measures that Public Health Scotland recommends would make a difference in reducing alcohol harm. I will continue to have conversations with businesses about the economic impact, to make sure that that is proportionate, based on the evidence that is available, and I will seek to work with them so that they lead on areas where they can help us to reduce alcohol harm. There is important work to do here to make sure that we reduce harm, save lives and see people into recovery.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.4.36

That concludes questions on the statement. Before we move to the next item of business, there will be a brief pause to allow those on the front benches to change seats.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14046

Drugs and Alcohol (National Mission)

That concludes questions on the statement. Before we move to the next item of business, there will be a brief pause to allow those on the front benches to change seats.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.1

The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-14431, in the name of Kate Forbes, on the programme for government—growing Scotland’s green economy. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-14431, in the name of Kate Forbes, on the programme for government—growing Scotland’s green economy. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.2

I know that the whole Parliament is united in expressing its disappointment at Petroineos’s decision to cease refining at Grangemouth in 2025. It is deeply regrettable that, despite the collaborative efforts of the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments over two Administrations, Petroineos has chosen that course of action. Our first thoughts are, of course, with the workers. That is why we have immediately announced a package of measures to support Grangemouth and the wider local geography, with a targeted skills intervention for impacted workers, an enhanced Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal, and support for project willow, which is Petroineos’s cross-site study to examine future low-carbon options for the site. Today’s news also highlights the urgency of the just transition, which is why the publication of our “Green Industrial Strategy” is so timely. It is now even more important that we seize the opportunities of a net zero economy. The green industrial strategy has a clear and powerful mission: “to ensure that Scotland realises the maximum possible economic benefit from the opportunities created by the global transition to net zero.”

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic (Kate Forbes)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I know that the whole Parliament is united in expressing its disappointment at Petroineos’s decision to cease refining at Grangemouth in 2025. It is deeply regrettable that, despite the collaborative efforts of the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments over two Administrations, Petroineos has chosen that course of action. Our first thoughts are, of course, with the workers. That is why we have immediately announced a package of measures to support Grangemouth and the wider local geography, with a targeted skills intervention for impacted workers, an enhanced Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal, and support for project willow, which is Petroineos’s cross-site study to examine future low-carbon options for the site. Today’s news also highlights the urgency of the just transition, which is why the publication of our “Green Industrial Strategy” is so timely. It is now even more important that we seize the opportunities of a net zero economy. The green industrial strategy has a clear and powerful mission: “to ensure that Scotland realises the maximum possible economic benefit from the opportunities created by the global transition to net zero.”

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.3

Before the Deputy First Minister moves on from our industrial past, would she care to comment on the situation at Liberty Steel? I hear some very concerning reports about the future of that plant. Has the Deputy First Minister had discussions with Liberty Steel? If so, what were the outcomes?

Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25111

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Before the Deputy First Minister moves on from our industrial past, would she care to comment on the situation at Liberty Steel? I hear some very concerning reports about the future of that plant. Has the Deputy First Minister had discussions with Liberty Steel? If so, what were the outcomes?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.4

We are engaging on the basis of all of Scotland’s key industrial sites and key assets. We know that there are challenges across the economy. Our commitment to the workers at that site and indeed other sites that are key to the just transition remains, and that engagement is on-going. We want to make certain that the growth of the world’s net zero economy means good, well-paid jobs here in Scotland—jobs for today and jobs for future generations. That is not inevitable; it will not happen by accident. As I said, seizing the opportunities requires decisive action, and the green industrial strategy is decisive. It focuses on securing investment across Scotland in the critical national infrastructure that our new economy demands and in the ports, harbours and highly productive businesses that find their place in globally competitive supply chains.

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

We are engaging on the basis of all of Scotland’s key industrial sites and key assets. We know that there are challenges across the economy. Our commitment to the workers at that site and indeed other sites that are key to the just transition remains, and that engagement is on-going. We want to make certain that the growth of the world’s net zero economy means good, well-paid jobs here in Scotland—jobs for today and jobs for future generations. That is not inevitable; it will not happen by accident. As I said, seizing the opportunities requires decisive action, and the green industrial strategy is decisive. It focuses on securing investment across Scotland in the critical national infrastructure that our new economy demands and in the ports, harbours and highly productive businesses that find their place in globally competitive supply chains.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.5

The Deputy First Minister talks about good, well-paid jobs in Scotland. She may be aware of today’s announcement by Alexander Dennis that it could be shedding about 160 jobs. It is blaming the Scottish bus fund, which has funded more vehicles being produced in China than anywhere else—or certainly than in Scotland. Will she say something about that serious issue?

Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25535

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

The Deputy First Minister talks about good, well-paid jobs in Scotland. She may be aware of today’s announcement by Alexander Dennis that it could be shedding about 160 jobs. It is blaming the Scottish bus fund, which has funded more vehicles being produced in China than anywhere else—or certainly than in Scotland. Will she say something about that serious issue?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.6

That is an extremely important issue and it has received the attention of the First Minister as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. We must find ways of supporting businesses, while operating within subsidy control measures. There is no doubt about the significant importance of Alexander Dennis. I will get back to the subject at hand. We have choices to make now that will shape the future. In our green industrial strategy, we choose to make Scotland more prosperous for the next generation of Scots. We have chosen prosperity with a purpose—prosperity that is a vehicle to improve public services and a just transition to net zero that has fair work at its heart and leaves no one behind. The green industrial strategy is not the start of the journey: we have solid foundations on which to build. Since 2007, Scottish gross domestic product growth per head has been higher and our productivity growth has been more than double that of the United Kingdom. Our unemployment has been at near record lows for the past eight years. Although those feats are impressive, we are tethered to a UK economy that has stagnated. Most parties agree with that. Even if we do not have the full economic powers that independence would bring, there is still much that we can, and will, do to help Scotland to prosper. We face many challenges, from the pressures on our public finances, to the hurdles that we face to reach net zero by 2045. Those challenges are not insurmountable. The message is that they offer enormous opportunity. If we can create the conditions for long-term economic growth, the next generation of Scots will benefit. That is what our programme for government did last week. It identified the actions that we are taking to create an environment that enables development, investment and job creation. Investment now is critical if we are to transform and grow our economy. We are seeing evidence of that already. Last year, the Japanese company Sumitomo confirmed its decision to build a £350 million high-voltage-cable manufacturing plant at Nigg. It is estimated that the plant will create around 330 jobs and bring £350 million of inward investment into Scotland. The company could have gone anywhere, but it chose to come to Scotland and the Highlands. That is just one of many projects that have made Scotland the top-performing region outside London for attracting inward investment for the ninth year in a row.

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

That is an extremely important issue and it has received the attention of the First Minister as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. We must find ways of supporting businesses, while operating within subsidy control measures. There is no doubt about the significant importance of Alexander Dennis. I will get back to the subject at hand. We have choices to make now that will shape the future. In our green industrial strategy, we choose to make Scotland more prosperous for the next generation of Scots. We have chosen prosperity with a purpose—prosperity that is a vehicle to improve public services and a just transition to net zero that has fair work at its heart and leaves no one behind. The green industrial strategy is not the start of the journey: we have solid foundations on which to build. Since 2007, Scottish gross domestic product growth per head has been higher and our productivity growth has been more than double that of the United Kingdom. Our unemployment has been at near record lows for the past eight years. Although those feats are impressive, we are tethered to a UK economy that has stagnated. Most parties agree with that. Even if we do not have the full economic powers that independence would bring, there is still much that we can, and will, do to help Scotland to prosper. We face many challenges, from the pressures on our public finances, to the hurdles that we face to reach net zero by 2045. Those challenges are not insurmountable. The message is that they offer enormous opportunity. If we can create the conditions for long-term economic growth, the next generation of Scots will benefit. That is what our programme for government did last week. It identified the actions that we are taking to create an environment that enables development, investment and job creation. Investment now is critical if we are to transform and grow our economy. We are seeing evidence of that already. Last year, the Japanese company Sumitomo confirmed its decision to build a £350 million high-voltage-cable manufacturing plant at Nigg. It is estimated that the plant will create around 330 jobs and bring £350 million of inward investment into Scotland. The company could have gone anywhere, but it chose to come to Scotland and the Highlands. That is just one of many projects that have made Scotland the top-performing region outside London for attracting inward investment for the ninth year in a row.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.7

I appreciate the Deputy First Minister giving way. Industry members have said to me that a very large anchor contract with, for example, the Berwick Bank wind farm would provide a ballast within the supply chain and allow its development over a period of years. We know that there have been significant delays in sanctioning Berwick Bank. Could the Deputy First Minister give us any update as to when that might happen so that we can try to unlock the economic potential?

Michael Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26003

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I appreciate the Deputy First Minister giving way. Industry members have said to me that a very large anchor contract with, for example, the Berwick Bank wind farm would provide a ballast within the supply chain and allow its development over a period of years. We know that there have been significant delays in sanctioning Berwick Bank. Could the Deputy First Minister give us any update as to when that might happen so that we can try to unlock the economic potential?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.8

The member is experienced enough to know that that is a live application, so I will not comment on it, but I will comment on the principle. It is absolutely right that we want to build clusters where there is an activity that attracts more businesses to locate and invest in Scotland. That is what we are seeing near the Port of Cromarty Firth. On top of the £300 million of investment by the Quantum Capital Group, there is a further £100 million of joint investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank to put the Ardersier port at the forefront of Scotland’s energy transition and offshore wind capability. We hope that that will inevitably create more activity in the area. Just today, the Scottish National Investment Bank has announced a £20 million investment in ZeroAvia to bolster the aerospace supply chain and kick-start the market for hydrogen electric engines in Scotland. That is hugely exciting stuff. I make it clear to the chamber and to those who are listening that Scotland is open for investment and that we are open for business. We want to work with industry to capitalise on the opportunities that are in front of us and, where we agree on the way forward, to work constructively with the UK Government and its institutions, too. Businesses across the country have told me of the importance of speeding up our planning processes to unlock investment. That is why we have created a new planning hub to make quicker decisions on renewables and housing developments, and launched a planning apprenticeship programme to build a pipeline of skilled future planners. The planning hub will be based in the Improvement Service and will provide direct and immediate support to planning authorities. In this first year, it will focus on practical action to improve consenting for hydrogen developments, increasing capacity in the system and giving investors confidence. We are also bolstering our resourcing across planning and consenting teams to improve engagement and introduce better guidance, and, ultimately, to increase the pace at which we determine applications. We are creating a business environment in which Scottish entrepreneurs and innovators have the support that they require to take risks, to start up, and to diversify and expand. That includes maximising the impact of the Techscaler network, which already stands at more than 700 businesses, raising more than £70 million across them all since they joined the programme. We must not forget that Scotland’s greatest asset is, ultimately, our people. We know that the transition to net zero will continue to create demand for new skills, while our current businesses require a skilled workforce. That is why we are ensuring that workers in carbon-intensive industries can access the skills development that they need to seize new opportunities in growth sectors, and why we are supporting a range of initiatives through the just transition fund, such as the energy transition skills hub. We are also undertaking a significant reform of the skills and education system, a core aim of which is to make it more agile and more responsive to the skills requirements of Scotland’s economy. We are taking the lead on national skills planning and strengthening regional skills planning approaches. We are empowering people to join the workforce, taking important action to support women’s participation in the economy—for example, through policies on funded early learning and childcare—alongside tackling workplace inequalities through the fair work first approach in public sector funding. We have prioritised the actions that will deliver the underlying conditions to enable our economy to thrive and deliver in the net zero future that we all want to see. That also requires us to make substantial investment. The Scottish Government has limited borrowing powers for capital investment, and the strategy does not seek to compete with the scale of public investment, spending and subsidies attached to recent industrial strategies in the US or China or to the European green deal. We need a UK Government that recognises and keeps pace with the level of capital investment that is required for net zero. Labour, I believe, once pledged that it would invest an additional £28 billion a year, recognising the importance of that capital investment. Our strategy applies focus and sets a clear direction. It prioritises opportunity areas where Scotland has existing strengths and where those strengths are most likely to lead to growth, including our exports. We want to target those opportunities that have the potential to reach significant scale in terms of value, and create high-quality jobs and the capacity to unlock and enable other industries’ markets and opportunities, with growth at home and abroad. That strategy prioritises five key opportunity areas: wind; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; professional and financial services; hydrogen; and clean industries. Offshore wind is the single most important, and immediate, opportunity.

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

The member is experienced enough to know that that is a live application, so I will not comment on it, but I will comment on the principle. It is absolutely right that we want to build clusters where there is an activity that attracts more businesses to locate and invest in Scotland. That is what we are seeing near the Port of Cromarty Firth. On top of the £300 million of investment by the Quantum Capital Group, there is a further £100 million of joint investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank to put the Ardersier port at the forefront of Scotland’s energy transition and offshore wind capability. We hope that that will inevitably create more activity in the area. Just today, the Scottish National Investment Bank has announced a £20 million investment in ZeroAvia to bolster the aerospace supply chain and kick-start the market for hydrogen electric engines in Scotland. That is hugely exciting stuff. I make it clear to the chamber and to those who are listening that Scotland is open for investment and that we are open for business. We want to work with industry to capitalise on the opportunities that are in front of us and, where we agree on the way forward, to work constructively with the UK Government and its institutions, too. Businesses across the country have told me of the importance of speeding up our planning processes to unlock investment. That is why we have created a new planning hub to make quicker decisions on renewables and housing developments, and launched a planning apprenticeship programme to build a pipeline of skilled future planners. The planning hub will be based in the Improvement Service and will provide direct and immediate support to planning authorities. In this first year, it will focus on practical action to improve consenting for hydrogen developments, increasing capacity in the system and giving investors confidence. We are also bolstering our resourcing across planning and consenting teams to improve engagement and introduce better guidance, and, ultimately, to increase the pace at which we determine applications. We are creating a business environment in which Scottish entrepreneurs and innovators have the support that they require to take risks, to start up, and to diversify and expand. That includes maximising the impact of the Techscaler network, which already stands at more than 700 businesses, raising more than £70 million across them all since they joined the programme. We must not forget that Scotland’s greatest asset is, ultimately, our people. We know that the transition to net zero will continue to create demand for new skills, while our current businesses require a skilled workforce. That is why we are ensuring that workers in carbon-intensive industries can access the skills development that they need to seize new opportunities in growth sectors, and why we are supporting a range of initiatives through the just transition fund, such as the energy transition skills hub. We are also undertaking a significant reform of the skills and education system, a core aim of which is to make it more agile and more responsive to the skills requirements of Scotland’s economy. We are taking the lead on national skills planning and strengthening regional skills planning approaches. We are empowering people to join the workforce, taking important action to support women’s participation in the economy—for example, through policies on funded early learning and childcare—alongside tackling workplace inequalities through the fair work first approach in public sector funding. We have prioritised the actions that will deliver the underlying conditions to enable our economy to thrive and deliver in the net zero future that we all want to see. That also requires us to make substantial investment. The Scottish Government has limited borrowing powers for capital investment, and the strategy does not seek to compete with the scale of public investment, spending and subsidies attached to recent industrial strategies in the US or China or to the European green deal. We need a UK Government that recognises and keeps pace with the level of capital investment that is required for net zero. Labour, I believe, once pledged that it would invest an additional £28 billion a year, recognising the importance of that capital investment. Our strategy applies focus and sets a clear direction. It prioritises opportunity areas where Scotland has existing strengths and where those strengths are most likely to lead to growth, including our exports. We want to target those opportunities that have the potential to reach significant scale in terms of value, and create high-quality jobs and the capacity to unlock and enable other industries’ markets and opportunities, with growth at home and abroad. That strategy prioritises five key opportunity areas: wind; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; professional and financial services; hydrogen; and clean industries. Offshore wind is the single most important, and immediate, opportunity.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.9

On carbon capture, utilisation and storage, the Scottish Government announced £80 million of funding more than two years ago. We have had clarification that £2 million is going to be coming imminently. Is there a timescale for when the £80 million will be spent?

Douglas Lumsden (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

On carbon capture, utilisation and storage, the Scottish Government announced £80 million of funding more than two years ago. We have had clarification that £2 million is going to be coming imminently. Is there a timescale for when the £80 million will be spent?

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.10

When it is required. The member will know that we have been waiting for quite a long time on CCUS, and I am sure that he has an interest in seeing that work progress as quickly as possible. We are one of the best-placed nations in Europe to deploy CCUS, given our unrivalled access to vast CO2storage potential in the North Sea, but we urgently need the UK Government to make a final decision about the Acorn project; that is this Government’s focus. As I draw my comments to a close, I note that, in each of those five priority areas, we have the infrastructure, the talent and skills, and the enormous potential that we need. I appreciate that there will be slight differences of opinion across the chamber, which no doubt we will hear during the debate this afternoon. Nevertheless, the point still stands: we have unprecedented opportunity in front of us if we choose to take it. The Scottish Government cannot deliver all of the benefits of net zero on its own—it will require hard work. In “Green Industrial Strategy”, we have been clear about where we will focus our efforts and attention, and we hold out the hand of welcome to any investor, developer, business or workforce that wants to work with us in order to unlock the potential of those sectors and deliver prosperity to Scotland—prosperity with a purpose that will lead to resilient public services, tackle child poverty and enable us to meet our net zero targets. I move, That the Parliament recognises the actions outlined in the Programme for Government 2024-25 to grow the economy, eradicate child poverty, invest in Scotland’s public services, and tackle the climate and nature emergencies; welcomes the publication of the Green Industrial Strategy to ensure that Scotland and its communities benefit economically from the global transition to net zero, including the creation of good, well-paid jobs; acknowledges the need to translate Scotland’s strengths into competitive advantages in the global race; agrees that actions to promote investment, attract and develop a skilled workforce, support fair work and encourage innovation are essential for transforming Scotland’s economy, and recognises that, by laying out concrete actions to accelerate the transition to net zero and position the green economy for long-term success, the Green Industrial Strategy will help build internationally competitive clusters in sectors such as onshore and offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and green professional services.

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

When it is required. The member will know that we have been waiting for quite a long time on CCUS, and I am sure that he has an interest in seeing that work progress as quickly as possible. We are one of the best-placed nations in Europe to deploy CCUS, given our unrivalled access to vast CO2storage potential in the North Sea, but we urgently need the UK Government to make a final decision about the Acorn project; that is this Government’s focus. As I draw my comments to a close, I note that, in each of those five priority areas, we have the infrastructure, the talent and skills, and the enormous potential that we need. I appreciate that there will be slight differences of opinion across the chamber, which no doubt we will hear during the debate this afternoon. Nevertheless, the point still stands: we have unprecedented opportunity in front of us if we choose to take it. The Scottish Government cannot deliver all of the benefits of net zero on its own—it will require hard work. In “Green Industrial Strategy”, we have been clear about where we will focus our efforts and attention, and we hold out the hand of welcome to any investor, developer, business or workforce that wants to work with us in order to unlock the potential of those sectors and deliver prosperity to Scotland—prosperity with a purpose that will lead to resilient public services, tackle child poverty and enable us to meet our net zero targets. I move, That the Parliament recognises the actions outlined in the Programme for Government 2024-25 to grow the economy, eradicate child poverty, invest in Scotland’s public services, and tackle the climate and nature emergencies; welcomes the publication of the Green Industrial Strategy to ensure that Scotland and its communities benefit economically from the global transition to net zero, including the creation of good, well-paid jobs; acknowledges the need to translate Scotland’s strengths into competitive advantages in the global race; agrees that actions to promote investment, attract and develop a skilled workforce, support fair work and encourage innovation are essential for transforming Scotland’s economy, and recognises that, by laying out concrete actions to accelerate the transition to net zero and position the green economy for long-term success, the Green Industrial Strategy will help build internationally competitive clusters in sectors such as onshore and offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and green professional services.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.11

I call Douglas Lumsden to speak to and move amendment S6M-14431.2.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I call Douglas Lumsden to speak to and move amendment S6M-14431.2.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.12

I will start by sharing our concerns about the announcement on Grangemouth today; our thoughts are with all the workers and families that we have relied on for decades to keep the lights on and keep the country moving. Today’s debate was supposed to be about the programme for government and growing Scotland’s green economy. It was supposed to be an opportunity to focus on what the Scottish Government has achieved—or not achieved—over the past 17 years and what it plans to do to fix its mistakes over the next 18 months. Instead, we have a strategy document that was published yesterday, which focuses on a narrow part of our net zero ambition and misses out a huge tranche of policy work that the Parliament should be discussing. We should be discussing the fact that the devolved Scottish National Party Government has missed eight of its 12 net zero targets, and the fact that funding has been cut in key areas that would help us to achieve our net zero targets. Those key areas of policy impact every one of us and our constituents. The transport, net zero and just transition budget was cut by £29.3 million; the rail services budget was cut by £80 million; the just transition fund was cut by three quarters; and support for sustainable travel was cut by 60 per cent.

Douglas Lumsden (North East Scotland) (Con)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I will start by sharing our concerns about the announcement on Grangemouth today; our thoughts are with all the workers and families that we have relied on for decades to keep the lights on and keep the country moving. Today’s debate was supposed to be about the programme for government and growing Scotland’s green economy. It was supposed to be an opportunity to focus on what the Scottish Government has achieved—or not achieved—over the past 17 years and what it plans to do to fix its mistakes over the next 18 months. Instead, we have a strategy document that was published yesterday, which focuses on a narrow part of our net zero ambition and misses out a huge tranche of policy work that the Parliament should be discussing. We should be discussing the fact that the devolved Scottish National Party Government has missed eight of its 12 net zero targets, and the fact that funding has been cut in key areas that would help us to achieve our net zero targets. Those key areas of policy impact every one of us and our constituents. The transport, net zero and just transition budget was cut by £29.3 million; the rail services budget was cut by £80 million; the just transition fund was cut by three quarters; and support for sustainable travel was cut by 60 per cent.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.13

While Mr Lumsden is engaged in this period of reflection, does he want to touch on the fact that the UK Government subsidy change, from renewables obligation certificates—ROCs—to contracts for difference, happened at a key time for onshore wind, and that the UK Government could have helped the onshore wind industry to be even further ahead than it is now?

Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25523

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

While Mr Lumsden is engaged in this period of reflection, does he want to touch on the fact that the UK Government subsidy change, from renewables obligation certificates—ROCs—to contracts for difference, happened at a key time for onshore wind, and that the UK Government could have helped the onshore wind industry to be even further ahead than it is now?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.14

I am sure that mistakes were made in the past as growing industries came forward and that all Governments could look back and want to change how things were done. The future transport fund has been cut by 60 per cent; the green economy budget has been cut completely; the energy efficiency and decarbonisation budget has been cut by £9.3 million; and the energy transition budget has been cut by £33 million. I can see why the cabinet secretary would rather not talk about that today.

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I am sure that mistakes were made in the past as growing industries came forward and that all Governments could look back and want to change how things were done. The future transport fund has been cut by 60 per cent; the green economy budget has been cut completely; the energy efficiency and decarbonisation budget has been cut by £9.3 million; and the energy transition budget has been cut by £33 million. I can see why the cabinet secretary would rather not talk about that today.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.15

I appreciate that Douglas Lumsden and his colleagues will probably have to go through excessive negativity about Scotland’s economy, but can he rise to the opportunity that is presented by our transition to net zero and reflect on the fact that, since this is the ninth year in a row that we have attracted the most inward investment outside London, inward investors must see something in Scotland that he does not?

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I appreciate that Douglas Lumsden and his colleagues will probably have to go through excessive negativity about Scotland’s economy, but can he rise to the opportunity that is presented by our transition to net zero and reflect on the fact that, since this is the ninth year in a row that we have attracted the most inward investment outside London, inward investors must see something in Scotland that he does not?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.16

Of course there are opportunities, and I will come to them, but we need to ensure that we make the transition in the correct way. I have concerns about the impact of transition on some communities, and I will address them as I go forward. Yesterday, we saw the new strategy, although it would have been helpful if it had been available more than 24 hours before the debate. That would have given us more time to digest it and go through it, so that we could have had a better debate than we might have today. The strategy makes zero mention of our biggest energy industry—oil and gas—and that cements the industry’s concern that the Government is offering a cliff edge in terms of transition. There is no just transition to green energy without the inclusion of our oil and gas sector. While we continue to need oil and gas, we must work with the industry to produce it on these shores with high standards, lower transportation impact and costs, and support for our local industries, businesses and communities. The strategy is a slap in the face to those industries, and the exclusion of our largest energy industry is simply a disgrace. The oil and gas sector is working tirelessly to move towards net zero and is investing billions in technology and research to achieve those goals. It is committed to developing new industries, some of which are mentioned in the paper, but it recognises that, while we need oil and gas, it is best produced on these shores.

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Of course there are opportunities, and I will come to them, but we need to ensure that we make the transition in the correct way. I have concerns about the impact of transition on some communities, and I will address them as I go forward. Yesterday, we saw the new strategy, although it would have been helpful if it had been available more than 24 hours before the debate. That would have given us more time to digest it and go through it, so that we could have had a better debate than we might have today. The strategy makes zero mention of our biggest energy industry—oil and gas—and that cements the industry’s concern that the Government is offering a cliff edge in terms of transition. There is no just transition to green energy without the inclusion of our oil and gas sector. While we continue to need oil and gas, we must work with the industry to produce it on these shores with high standards, lower transportation impact and costs, and support for our local industries, businesses and communities. The strategy is a slap in the face to those industries, and the exclusion of our largest energy industry is simply a disgrace. The oil and gas sector is working tirelessly to move towards net zero and is investing billions in technology and research to achieve those goals. It is committed to developing new industries, some of which are mentioned in the paper, but it recognises that, while we need oil and gas, it is best produced on these shores.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.17

On a matter of pure fact, the member talked about the investment that the oil and gas industry is making tirelessly in the transition. Does he not acknowledge the fact that the oil and gas majors globally are still putting vastly more investment into more fossil fuel extraction than they are into renewables? They have been described by the United Nations as making, at best, a marginal contribution to global investment in renewables.

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/14006

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

On a matter of pure fact, the member talked about the investment that the oil and gas industry is making tirelessly in the transition. Does he not acknowledge the fact that the oil and gas majors globally are still putting vastly more investment into more fossil fuel extraction than they are into renewables? They have been described by the United Nations as making, at best, a marginal contribution to global investment in renewables.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.18

Once again, Patrick Harvie seems to ignore the fact that much of the investment in renewables is coming from profits from oil and gas. If we switch off the oil and gas industry, those profits will not be generated and we will not have the transition that we all want. He has his head in the sand once again over this. I do not know who the Scottish Government thinks will invest in new energy technology in the future. It is not going to be the chocolate industry; it is going to be the oil and gas industry. We need it to invest, and I am sure that the Government agrees with that. Some 93,000 jobs rely on the oil and gas sector. It is the biggest provider of energy in Scotland and one of our biggest industries, but it was not mentioned in the strategy document. That is utterly shameful of this Government, which is intent on taking the industry off a cliff edge by failing to listen to its concerns, focusing on the central belt and ignoring the needs of the north-east. In reading the strategy, one thing that struck me was the reliance on working with local government. I would be interested to hear from the cabinet secretary what discussions have been held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the development of the strategy, particularly around the proposed changes to the planning system and the delivery of local development plans—a key area of work for our local authority colleagues. The strategy states that land will be identified for affordable housing, but there is no detail about what that will mean for local authorities. Perhaps that can be covered in the cabinet secretary’s closing remarks.

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Once again, Patrick Harvie seems to ignore the fact that much of the investment in renewables is coming from profits from oil and gas. If we switch off the oil and gas industry, those profits will not be generated and we will not have the transition that we all want. He has his head in the sand once again over this. I do not know who the Scottish Government thinks will invest in new energy technology in the future. It is not going to be the chocolate industry; it is going to be the oil and gas industry. We need it to invest, and I am sure that the Government agrees with that. Some 93,000 jobs rely on the oil and gas sector. It is the biggest provider of energy in Scotland and one of our biggest industries, but it was not mentioned in the strategy document. That is utterly shameful of this Government, which is intent on taking the industry off a cliff edge by failing to listen to its concerns, focusing on the central belt and ignoring the needs of the north-east. In reading the strategy, one thing that struck me was the reliance on working with local government. I would be interested to hear from the cabinet secretary what discussions have been held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the development of the strategy, particularly around the proposed changes to the planning system and the delivery of local development plans—a key area of work for our local authority colleagues. The strategy states that land will be identified for affordable housing, but there is no detail about what that will mean for local authorities. Perhaps that can be covered in the cabinet secretary’s closing remarks.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.19

My intervention is in good faith. A lot of those actions have come out of engagement with local government. For example, when it comes to the planning hub or the masterplan consent areas, a lot of the ideas originated in the debates and discussions between the Scottish Government and local government. I hope that that gives the member some comfort, although I probably need to do some follow-up work by talking to local government post publication of the strategy.

Kate Forbes

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25504

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

My intervention is in good faith. A lot of those actions have come out of engagement with local government. For example, when it comes to the planning hub or the masterplan consent areas, a lot of the ideas originated in the debates and discussions between the Scottish Government and local government. I hope that that gives the member some comfort, although I probably need to do some follow-up work by talking to local government post publication of the strategy.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.20

I thank the Deputy First Minister; that is very helpful. There is much in the strategy, but I feel that it is lacking in detail and targets, and it misses so much. We would like to know when we are likely to see the energy strategy and just transition plan, the national marine plan and details on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which is framework legislation with little detail. We also want to know when carbon budgets will be produced and when electric vehicle charging points will be rolled out. I would also like to have more detail on hydrogen. I hope that Grangemouth will play a huge part in our hydrogen strategy going forward, especially after the news today. I would like to hear more about what we will do with the hydrogen when it is produced and how we will do it. I often get frustrated to hear that we can export hydrogen to other countries, because I think that we should be a bit more ambitious than that. Instead of exporting it to other countries for them to produce goods—

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I thank the Deputy First Minister; that is very helpful. There is much in the strategy, but I feel that it is lacking in detail and targets, and it misses so much. We would like to know when we are likely to see the energy strategy and just transition plan, the national marine plan and details on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which is framework legislation with little detail. We also want to know when carbon budgets will be produced and when electric vehicle charging points will be rolled out. I would also like to have more detail on hydrogen. I hope that Grangemouth will play a huge part in our hydrogen strategy going forward, especially after the news today. I would like to hear more about what we will do with the hydrogen when it is produced and how we will do it. I often get frustrated to hear that we can export hydrogen to other countries, because I think that we should be a bit more ambitious than that. Instead of exporting it to other countries for them to produce goods—

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.21

Will the member give way?

Kevin Stewart (Aberdeen Central) (SNP)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25114

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Will the member give way?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.22

Of course.

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Of course.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.23

I agree with Mr Lumsden that hydrogen should not be only for export, but one of the things that was holding back hydrogen production was the inability of the previous UK Government to deal with storage and transportation regulations on hydrogen. I hope that the new Labour Government will do something differently from the Tories. Does he agree with me?

Kevin Stewart

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25114

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I agree with Mr Lumsden that hydrogen should not be only for export, but one of the things that was holding back hydrogen production was the inability of the previous UK Government to deal with storage and transportation regulations on hydrogen. I hope that the new Labour Government will do something differently from the Tories. Does he agree with me?

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.24

Any way that we can improve the market for hydrogen would be a good thing. To go back to my point, if we are producing hydrogen, let us use it in this country to make things ourselves that can then be exported, and not just export the hydrogen itself. As for carbon capture, use and storage—about which I made an intervention earlier—I would have liked to see more detail on that. The Scottish National Party Government announced £80 million to support the Scottish cluster more than two years ago, but very little has been spent. I am a bit disappointed about the lack of detail on that in the strategy. To deliver an industrial strategy, we need to make sure that we have the correct infrastructure in place around Scotland. When will roads such as the A9 and A96 be dualled? Those are key projects for the north-east but they are lacking any timetable, detail or budgetary considerations. Yesterday, we debated ScotRail and the importance of rail as key to meeting our net zero targets when it comes to transport. Yet, the devolved SNP Government is doing everything that it can to push people off the trains and make them increasingly reliant on cars. The Scottish Conservatives continue to be the only voice in the Parliament sticking up for the oil and gas sector, appreciating its vital place in our move to net zero and green energy. We are committed to prioritising energy security through a balanced mix of energy sources that will ensure our energy security for decades to come. We want to see more people on our trains—

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Any way that we can improve the market for hydrogen would be a good thing. To go back to my point, if we are producing hydrogen, let us use it in this country to make things ourselves that can then be exported, and not just export the hydrogen itself. As for carbon capture, use and storage—about which I made an intervention earlier—I would have liked to see more detail on that. The Scottish National Party Government announced £80 million to support the Scottish cluster more than two years ago, but very little has been spent. I am a bit disappointed about the lack of detail on that in the strategy. To deliver an industrial strategy, we need to make sure that we have the correct infrastructure in place around Scotland. When will roads such as the A9 and A96 be dualled? Those are key projects for the north-east but they are lacking any timetable, detail or budgetary considerations. Yesterday, we debated ScotRail and the importance of rail as key to meeting our net zero targets when it comes to transport. Yet, the devolved SNP Government is doing everything that it can to push people off the trains and make them increasingly reliant on cars. The Scottish Conservatives continue to be the only voice in the Parliament sticking up for the oil and gas sector, appreciating its vital place in our move to net zero and green energy. We are committed to prioritising energy security through a balanced mix of energy sources that will ensure our energy security for decades to come. We want to see more people on our trains—

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.25

Mr Lumsden, I appreciate that you have been extremely generous in taking so many interventions, but you need to bring your remarks to a close and move your amendment.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

Mr Lumsden, I appreciate that you have been extremely generous in taking so many interventions, but you need to bring your remarks to a close and move your amendment.

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uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.26

I will come to a close soon. We support the development of renewable technologies to build Scotland as a powerhouse of renewable energies, but we want to do that in a way that takes communities with us and we are against the mass industrialisation of the north-east. We will take a close look at what changes will come on the planning side, and we back nuclear energy. I move amendment S6M-14431.2, to leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert: “is disappointed with the actions outlined in the Programme for Government 2024-25, as they fail to set out an ambitious plan to grow Scotland’s green economy and tackle the climate and nature emergencies; notes with disappointment the short time available to MSPs, industry experts and vital stakeholders to scrutinise the Green Industrial Strategy, which undermines the Scottish Parliament’s ability to hold the Scottish Government to account; expresses dissatisfaction with the Scottish Government in its failure to publish the delayed Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and its continued opposition to vital oil and gas extraction; condemns the UK Labour administration’s windfall tax, which risks 35,000 jobs and reduces the economic value of the oil and gas sector by £13 billion, and calls on the Scottish Government to deliver a jobs first transition and support the Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen.”

Douglas Lumsden

uk.org.publicwhip/person/26001

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I will come to a close soon. We support the development of renewable technologies to build Scotland as a powerhouse of renewable energies, but we want to do that in a way that takes communities with us and we are against the mass industrialisation of the north-east. We will take a close look at what changes will come on the planning side, and we back nuclear energy. I move amendment S6M-14431.2, to leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert: “is disappointed with the actions outlined in the Programme for Government 2024-25, as they fail to set out an ambitious plan to grow Scotland’s green economy and tackle the climate and nature emergencies; notes with disappointment the short time available to MSPs, industry experts and vital stakeholders to scrutinise the Green Industrial Strategy, which undermines the Scottish Parliament’s ability to hold the Scottish Government to account; expresses dissatisfaction with the Scottish Government in its failure to publish the delayed Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and its continued opposition to vital oil and gas extraction; condemns the UK Labour administration’s windfall tax, which risks 35,000 jobs and reduces the economic value of the oil and gas sector by £13 billion, and calls on the Scottish Government to deliver a jobs first transition and support the Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen.”

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.27

I call Sarah Boyack to speak to and move amendment S6M-14431.3.

The Deputy Presiding Officer

uk.org.publicwhip/person/25085

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I call Sarah Boyack to speak to and move amendment S6M-14431.3.

f2f34686-8f53-4bed-b6bf-9291971194fe

uk.org.publicwhip/spor/2024-09-12.5.28

I welcome the publication of the green industrial strategy, but I would have welcomed it more enthusiastically if it had arrived sooner so that I and other colleagues—never mind stakeholders—would have been able to properly scrutinise the report before today’s debate. It is worth reminding ministers that it was first announced in the programme for government in 2021, so we have been waiting a long time. The points made by Douglas Lumsden, with whom I do not always agree, were very accurate about the raft of cuts being made by the SNP Government, delaying the progress that we urgently need, on things such as the climate change adaptation programme, the energy strategy, the solar ambition for Scotland and the sectoral just transition plans. We need a joined-up approach if we are going to deliver on climate change and deliver the thousands of jobs that we urgently require. Had the strategy come out earlier, we could have got to work, but instead we are lagging behind and losing out on skills and resources, while the Scottish Government dithers and delays. If we look at what is in green industrial strategy, it still feels like a rushed job, even though it has been hanging around for three years. The Deputy First Minister mentioned the importance of a strategy for ensuring that our education and skills system is responsive to green economic priorities, but we still do not have that. Most of the plans outlined in the climate emergency skills action plan have never come to be, and the workers and our industries are still waiting for an offshore skills passport. I attended an excellent conference of the Energy Efficiency Association yesterday, and it was striking to see the extent to which we simply do not have the skills to refit our homes and buildings, which would make them energy efficient and more affordable to heat and power. The lack of support for the supply chains was stark, and that support is crucial if we are going to decarbonise our homes and buildings. The message that came across from all the businesses there was that they need that support now. We need more apprenticeships and more spaces in our colleges, and not just in a couple of cities—we need them right across the country, and we need them now. We need support for people who want to install solar heat and power systems and innovative battery storage and heating systems. The fact that Mitsubishi announced last week that it might cut 440 jobs in Livingston is due to a decline in product demand. That is deeply worrying, given that its product is one of the solutions. We are not seeing the action on supply chains that is urgently needed. In the past few weeks, we have also heard about the missed opportunities with the ScotWind contract, but the issue is not just about extracting the money and spending it to support supply chains. There has been a complete lack of conditionality with approvals and a lack of joined-up thinking that would get more renewables manufactured in Scotland—not just in recent years but over the past 17 years. I have had the privilege of seeing the work that is being done in the port of Leith, which will give us home-grown supply chains. Manufacturing renewables there would be a huge opportunity, and we cannot afford to miss it. It was good to see the work that is being done in Ardersier as well. There are companies that are prepared to invest, but we need more support for manufacturing. We cannot just keep relying on imports for key components. The problem with “Green Industrial Strategy” is that it is too vague. We see the same words peppered throughout the document: “support”, “explore”, “consider”. They are nice-sounding words but bear little connection to actual action and implementation. We have had 17 years of warm words, and that is not enough for a critical economic sector for our economy and to tackle our climate crisis.

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)

uk.org.publicwhip/person/13956

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy)

I welcome the publication of the green industrial strategy, but I would have welcomed it more enthusiastically if it had arrived sooner so that I and other colleagues—never mind stakeholders—would have been able to properly scrutinise the report before today’s debate. It is worth reminding ministers that it was first announced in the programme for government in 2021, so we have been waiting a long time. The points made by Douglas Lumsden, with whom I do not always agree, were very accurate about the raft of cuts being made by the SNP Government, delaying the progress that we urgently need, on things such as the climate change adaptation programme, the energy strategy, the solar ambition for Scotland and the sectoral just transition plans. We need a joined-up approach if we are going to deliver on climate change and deliver the thousands of jobs that we urgently require. Had the strategy come out earlier, we could have got to work, but instead we are lagging behind and losing out on skills and resources, while the Scottish Government dithers and delays. If we look at what is in green industrial strategy, it still feels like a rushed job, even though it has been hanging around for three years. The Deputy First Minister mentioned the importance of a strategy for ensuring that our education and skills system is responsive to green economic priorities, but we still do not have that. Most of the plans outlined in the climate emergency skills action plan have never come to be, and the workers and our industries are still waiting for an offshore skills passport. I attended an excellent conference of the Energy Efficiency Association yesterday, and it was striking to see the extent to which we simply do not have the skills to refit our homes and buildings, which would make them energy efficient and more affordable to heat and power. The lack of support for the supply chains was stark, and that support is crucial if we are going to decarbonise our homes and buildings. The message that came across from all the businesses there was that they need that support now. We need more apprenticeships and more spaces in our colleges, and not just in a couple of cities—we need them right across the country, and we need them now. We need support for people who want to install solar heat and power systems and innovative battery storage and heating systems. The fact that Mitsubishi announced last week that it might cut 440 jobs in Livingston is due to a decline in product demand. That is deeply worrying, given that its product is one of the solutions. We are not seeing the action on supply chains that is urgently needed. In the past few weeks, we have also heard about the missed opportunities with the ScotWind contract, but the issue is not just about extracting the money and spending it to support supply chains. There has been a complete lack of conditionality with approvals and a lack of joined-up thinking that would get more renewables manufactured in Scotland—not just in recent years but over the past 17 years. I have had the privilege of seeing the work that is being done in the port of Leith, which will give us home-grown supply chains. Manufacturing renewables there would be a huge opportunity, and we cannot afford to miss it. It was good to see the work that is being done in Ardersier as well. There are companies that are prepared to invest, but we need more support for manufacturing. We cannot just keep relying on imports for key components. The problem with “Green Industrial Strategy” is that it is too vague. We see the same words peppered throughout the document: “support”, “explore”, “consider”. They are nice-sounding words but bear little connection to actual action and implementation. We have had 17 years of warm words, and that is not enough for a critical economic sector for our economy and to tackle our climate crisis.