Responding to the First Minister’s comments on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland said: “I am disappointed that the First Minister will not be voting to progress Liam McArthur’s Bill.
“I know, and appreciate that he took the time to speak with dying people who are desperate for this choice, and to families who had watched someone suffer a painful death. I believe him when he says it was not an easy decision to reach.
“The sad truth is that if MSPs were to vote against extending safe and compassionate choice to dying Scots many more terminally ill people will suffer and the harm created by the blanket ban on assisted dying will persist.
“Doing nothing is the worst thing Parliament can do here. With people going to Switzerland, stopping eating and drinking and taking matters into their own hands its clear that assisted dying is happening in Scotland right now – but in unsafe, unregulated and unkind ways.
“I value the First Ministers comments that his vote is on a personal basis, and he does not seek to influence others decision on this.
“I am optimistic that Tuesday’s vote will bring a breakthrough for terminally ill Scots who are desperate for more choice. The mood of the Parliament seems to have caught up with the views of the vast majority of Scottish people – that it is time for a more compassionate and safe law.”
This week the First Minister John Swinney unveiled an earlier than usual Programme for Government covering the final year of this parliament ahead of Scottish elections in May 2026 (write Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE and EMMA CONGREVE).
The rationale for the Programme for Government is that it sets out the parliamentary programme for the year ahead. The FM said that this is being presented now to ensure a “year of delivery” in the run up to the election.
Since the last PfG, there have been a number of changes to this programme with some dropped (Misogyny Bill), some being substantially re-drafted ahead of being introduced (Heat in Buildings Bill) and others that are already going through Parliament being substantially scaled back (National Care Service Bill). As such, it makes sense for the government to be updating how it intends to make the best use of the scarce parliamentary time in the year ahead.
However, this also provides a convenient time to make some noise about the good things the government is doing in Scotland. The timing, shortly after was expected to be, and indeed was, a difficult week for Labour and Conservatives in elections in England, doesn’t feel entirely accidental. But enough of the politics – what was in the substance of what was discussed?
What were the top priorities?
The key themes of the programme for Government are growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, tackling the climate emergency and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services.
On the economy, the First Minister was keen to first set out the measures that the Scottish Government had pursued to reduce the cost of living for citizens in Scotland, in particular focussing on the decision to partially reinstate the winter fuel payment given it is now a devolved benefit. He also referenced global economic developments, and announced a new “Six Point Export Plan”, which will focus on unlocking target markets. It will be good to examine in the coming months how this lines up with previous efforts such as the Trading Nation Strategy.
The FM was keen to reiterate that eradicating child poverty was at the heart of the SG’s programme, and highlighted the impact that the Scottish Child Payment was directly having on child poverty. The modelling suggests that the measure reduces child poverty by 4 percentage points in 2025-26, which represents about 40,000 children in Scotland. Having said that, as we covered extensively recently, the SG have missed their interim statutory child poverty targets. If these statutory targets are to be met, the child payment will not be sufficient on its own.
Tackling the climate emergency did not feature prominently in the FM’s speech, but there is more in the document on this than was presented in the chamber. The removal of peak fares was presented as a cost of living measure, but is also discussed as a measure likely to support modal shift.
This announcement is interesting in the context of the Government ending the pilot of peak fare removal in September 2024, as (according to the government’s evaluation) it didn’t encourage enough modal shift to pay for itself, and generally helped out those from better off households, rather than those in the poorest households.
Finally, there was the section on public services, which had as the headlines the commitments on the health service that had been well-trailed, including an extra 100,000 GP appointments.
While this had been covered as dealing with the “lottery of the 8am call”, it would appear to be a more general commitment to increase capacity, which the government will hope will improve the way that people experience their interactions with primary care.
The Programme for Government’s claim that additional GP appointments will “address the root causes of ill health” appears to contradict much of the Scottish Government’s own public health messaging—as well as broader expert consensus—which emphasises the importance improving living conditions (also known as Primary Prevention) as the key to improving health outcomes, rather than relying on healthcare services alone. A new Population Health Framework is due to be published in the next month – we’ll have to wait and see how this all fits together.
It goes without saying that none of these issues can be solved in 12 months. And while they may be government priorities, we do not have the detail on delivery. A high-level document is not the place to be setting out the nuts and bolts of this, but the concern is that rather than sparing us the detail, the government lacks the enough of a grasp on the issue to solve it and has even less of a plan on how progress will be measured and evaluated.
For example, on GP appointments. How many GP services are unable to meet demand? Why are some having to operate restrictions on appointment booking and others are not? How will the government monitor whether additional resource allocated is making a difference? How is this compatible with some GPs currently not able to take on staff because of funding restrictions?
To be clear, allocating additional resources to a problem is not the same as delivering an improvement.
Fiscal pressures limit ambition
The PfG usually comes out a few months before the Scottish Budget meaning that pledges set out by the First Minister could then make their way into the budget process with money allocated and available for the start of the next financial year.
With the Scottish budget likely to be at least 6 months away, and the next financial year 11 months away, this PfG had to fit into the fiscal envelope already set. And this is an envelope already under pressure, with more potentially to come.
The Scottish Government has got less than it wanted from the UK Government to compensate for the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions, and this money will need to be found within existing budgets for 2025-26.
We are also yet to see the conclusion of pay deals for 2025-26, an issue that has seriously derailed government budgets in previous years; and there was no provision for the likely progression of staff on pay scales, which will add further pressure.
Unfortunately, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance has said today that the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which should normally kick off the year-round budgeting process (see here for more MTFS chat), has been delayed until the end of June. Shona Robison has said in a letter to the Scottish Fiscal Commission, released this afternoon, that it is due to the timing of the UK Spending Review. This has been known for some time and a further delay to the MTFS is disappointing.
What was missing?
As mentioned, the Heat in Buildings Bill is being revised and this involves taking out some of the more ambitious elements related to mandating replacement of domestic heating systems. Other, non-legislative but still PfG relevant, pledges around reducing car use have been dropped recently following an Audit Scotland report citing minimal progress towards its target.
The FM reiterated the government’s commitment to ending the two-child limit on benefits, but there was little extra detail on the delivery timetable for this given the repeated statements the FM has made on introducing this before April 2026 if possible.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is a Member’s Bill introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP on 27 March 2024.
The Committee has highlighted a number of areas which it says will require further consideration at Stage 2, should MSPs vote to approve the Bill at Stage 1.
Concerning those rights set out in the European Convention of Human Rights that may be affected by the Bill, the Committee notes that individual MSPs will need to consider a number of ‘important factors’ before deciding how to vote at Stage 1.
These include the extent to which the Bill strikes an appropriate balance between providing a right for terminally ill adults to access assisted dying and the requirement to protect vulnerable groups; and the likelihood that the Bill may be subject to a human rights based legal challenge that could result in eligibility for assisted dying being extended over time.
Should the Bill progress to Stage 2, the Committee says that creating an independent oversight mechanism or assigning responsibility to the Chief Medical Officer for monitoring its implementation could help to strengthen safeguards in the Bill and its compliance with human rights requirements.
The Committee concludes that the requirements that individuals must be at least 16 years of age and must have been ordinarily resident in Scotland for at least 12 months prior to making a request for assisted dying may require ‘further clarification’ should the Bill progress to Stage 2.
The Committee acknowledges that the definition of terminal illness in the Bill does not include a life expectancy timescale and that this would mean widening eligibility for assisted dying to include individuals who, although living with an illness or condition that is progressive and untreatable, may not be approaching death for a considerable period of time.
However, it also recognises that life expectancy can be very difficult to predict and that determining whether an individual does or does not meet the eligibility criterion of being terminally ill is ultimately better left to clinical judgement.
The Committee has also concluded that the issue of conscientious objection for healthcare workers will require further attention should the Bill progress to Stage 2, to ensure the relevant provisions of the Bill provide an appropriate level of legal clarity and certainty for all parties involved in the assisted dying process.
Concerns from those opposed to the Bill around the issue of coercion are highlighted in the report and the Committee welcomes Liam McArthur’s commitment to look at reviewing and updating guidance on coercion should the Bill be approved at Stage 1. The Committee emphasises the importance of comprehensive guidance to ensure health practitioners can assess coercion effectively and to allow the related offence created by the Bill to be appropriately policed.
The Committee’s report notes a number of competence-related issues involved with practical implementation of the Bill, were it to become law, which have also been recognised by Mr McArthur. Should the Bill progress beyond Stage 1, the Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to open dialogue with the UK Government in order to resolve these matters, to enable the Bill to take full legal effect.
Speaking on publication of the report, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee understands the strength of feeling about this Bill and that assisted dying is a complex and sensitive issue.
“We have considered this Bill and the issues related to it in great detail, hearing views from a variety of individuals and organisations, and from those both for and against assisted dying. Ultimately, our Committee believes the Stage 1 vote is a matter of conscience for each individual MSP and as a result has made no overall recommendation as to how they should vote on the general principles of the Bill.
“However, should the Bill progress to Stage 2, we have highlighted a number of areas which we feel will require further consideration before the Bill can become law. These include issues around human rights, coercion, eligibility criteria, provision of assistance, self-administration and conscientious objection for healthcare workers.
“We also recognise that there are particular complexities associated with those aspects of the Bill which extend beyond the limits of the powers currently devolved to the Scottish Parliament. If the Parliament approves the Bill at Stage 1, there will need to be an open and constructive dialogue between the Scottish and UK Governments to resolve these issues and to allow the Bill to take full legal effect.
The Convener added: “I’d like to thank all of the individuals and organisations who provided evidence to our Committee.
“Their considered and detailed responses have aided our scrutiny of this Bill and we hope our report can help inform Members as they decide whether to vote for or against the proposals at Stage 1.”
Other key findings in the report:
The Committee highlights the substantial evidence it has received on the importance of palliative care and expresses its hope that, irrespective of the outcome, the current debate will provide a catalyst for further improvements to be made to the quality and availability of palliative care services in Scotland.
The Committee calls for further consideration of issues around capacity should the Bill reach Stage 2. This includes the resource implications for medical services assessing the capacity of those requesting assisted dying; and ensuring the capacity of people with a mental disorder is assessed in a way that is fair and non-discriminatory, while also giving suitable protection for vulnerable individuals.
The Committee highlights concerns over the risk of “doctor shopping”, where an individual’s initial request for an assisted death is declined and they seek another medical practitioner’s assessment. Should the Bill progress to Stage 2, the Committee say it may be beneficial to explore further amendments to guard against “doctor shopping”, including creation of a central register of psychiatrists or an independent body or ethics committee to oversee, monitor and review medical practitioners’ decisions.
The Committee recognises the intention that, should the Bill become law, assisted dying would be delivered as an integrated part of existing healthcare services rather than a stand-alone service. At the same time, it emphasises the importance of monitoring the impact of the Bill on existing services. It also suggests that certain aspects of assisted dying might be better delivered on a stand-alone basis, in particular to ensure consistent access across the country.
The Committee also emphasises the need for a combination of further amendments at Stage 2 and detailed guidance on self-administration and provision of assistance as part of the assisted dying process to ensure absolute clarity and appropriate protection for all parties involved, should the Bill become law.
The Committee notes Mr McArthur’s willingness to explore further the possibility of creating an “opt-in” model of participation in assisted dying for health practitioners and says this warrants further debate should the Bill progress to Stage 2.
The Committee notes the potential inclusion of a sunset clause (meaning the legislation could not remain in force beyond a defined period without a further vote in the Parliament) may be the subject of further discussion, if the Bill progresses to Stage 2.
Responding to the report by the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland said: “I welcome the Committee’s report and the fact that MSPs will have a free vote on extending compassionate choice to dying people who need it most in the coming weeks. For too long the status quo – a blanket ban on assisted dying – has caused dying Scots anguish and desperation.
“In forcing people to travel abroad, stop eating and drinking or take matters into their own hands in it is lacking in both compassion and safety. The most dangerous thing Parliament could do here is nothing.
“I am pleased that the committee has noted from evidence provided that assisted dying can comfortably sit alongside palliative care and that where an assisted dying law based on terminal illness and mental capacity alone, such as the one proposed for Scotland, has been introduced there has never been a loosening of the eligibility criteria.
“I’ve spoken to countless terminally ill people who are desperate for the peace of mind that this Bill would bring, and to so many who have watched someone they love endure a terrible death and don’t wish anyone else to suffer in a similar way.
“I know that many will wish that these experiences were covered more fully in the report. The upcoming vote gives them all hope that needless suffering can be consigned to the past.
“As MSPs come to their own decision’s I urge them to listen to the experiences of their constituents, reflect on the evidence from countries like Australia and New Zealand and vote for more compassion, choice and safety.”
The Presiding Officer visited Mayfield and Easthouses in Lothian yesterday to meet local people to talk about their Scottish Parliament.
The Lothian visit is the last in a series of eight events across Scotland to mark the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
The aim of event is to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and to understand more about what they want from their Parliament in the future. It was also an opportunity to reflect on 25 years of devolution and the impact of the Parliament on local communities.
Yesterday’s event began with a visit to the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust. The Presiding Officer, joined by constituency and regional MSPs from the Lothian Region, met with service users, volunteers and staff in their pavilion and café in Mayfield Public Park before visiting their Hub and Pantry.
Following this there was an event at Mayfield and Easthouses Church Hall where the politicians met representatives from local groups and projects.
The visit ended in Mayfield Community Club where Nourish Scotland hosted a public diner lunch.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m looking forward to meeting local residents and listening to their thoughts on the Parliament and their hopes for its future.
“We have met people across the entire country to commemorate the Parliament’s 25th anniversary, and visited inspirational community projects, from Shetland to Hawick.
“I’m pleased we’ve partnered with local groups on this visit to Mayfield and Easthouses, and I’m sure we’ll have great discussions about how the Parliament can best represent people in Lothian. I’m also excited to hear more about the various community projects that are taking place here.
“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and it’s vital their voices are heard, to help shape the Parliament’s future.”
Sharon Hill from Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust said: “We are delighted to be facilitating the visit today.
“Being chosen for the final visit has been lovely for us. We are proud of the community and people we serve in Mayfield and Easthouses and are keen to engage with the Parliament to show them what is being done here and how we are fostering a sense of community pride through that work.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community and all the groups and organisations that are active within it to show what they do and how they can be best supported to be even better.”
Abigail McCall, Policy Officer at Nourish Scotland said: “We’re excited to host and join a lunch in Lothian. Food is always a good way to get people talking about the things that matter most to our everyday lives.
“For the past year, we’ve been travelling around Scotland talking with different communities about creating infrastructure for food – public diners – that mean our right to food can be protected and that people can have a hand in shaping their food environment.
“This public diner lunch is a great way to facilitate discussion around issues, but also potential solutions in the local area.”
First Minister John Swinney will convene a meeting to examine the resilience of Scotland’s democracy.
Political, faith and community leaders will be brought together to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system by examining root causes that might undermine shared values – now and in the future.
The gathering will be held on Wednesday (23 April) when the First Minister hopes to find agreement on a set of principles that can strengthen and protect the country’s democratic foundations.
The discussion will be centred on four key themes, each moderated by a civic leader:
Combating inequality and discrimination.
Tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment.
Enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions.
Strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation.
The First Minister said: “Government has a clear role to play in protecting the health of our democracy.
“Across the world, we can see democratic systems under pressure, with fundamental principles being challenged and, in some cases, actively undermined. Scotland is not immune, so we must ensure we are prepared.
“As First Minister, I want to bring people together to help shape our response to these threats, and make sure we work together to protect and strengthen the democratic values that underpin who we are as Scots.
“Bringing together political, faith and community leaders will enable a discussion about key issues such as tackling misinformation, strengthening trust in politics, combating electoral interference, and ensuring Scotland’s democracy delivers equality.
“It will provide the initial foundation that will ensure Scotland has united leadership on values and principles that can help guide us in this age of uncertainty.”
The Conservatives say they will not be attending the session, saying the meeting is nothing more than a talking shop. Reform UK, who do not currently have any Holyrood MSPs, have not been invited to participate in the discussion.
SNP Forth Ward councillor, Stuart Dobbin, has announced he has put his name forward to represent the new Edinburgh Northern constituency at the next Scottish Parliament election next May.
Having been living with his wife, Rosanna, in Inverleith for several years, he knows Northern Edinburgh very well.
As a local councillor he has represented Forth Ward since 2022, and before returning to Scotland worked internationally in business for over a quarter of a century.
As councillor, he is an active presence in the community and recognised by residents and third sector organisations as an energetic and active advocate for them.
He is proud of the success he has had in pressuring the council to change how they respond to tenants living in damp and mould-ridden homes. It shows how he can challenge institutions to achieve outcomes, in this case, that change peoples’ lives for the better and healthier.
Stuart said “This election is about Scotland’s place in the UK, in Europe and, ultimately, in the world. Our country faces challenges that are of a scale radically different to those we face locally.
“Having rid ourselves of the Tory government, we find a Labour Prime Minister who clearly treats Scotland with contempt and is doing nothing to protect our pensioners, the disabled or the workers at Grangemouth. All promises broken.
“I bring a wealth of professional and lived experience. I spent quarter of a century in leadership positions, living and working across Asia, engaging with commercial and government organisations and managing through some very tough times.
“I have proven my commitment and ability to represent my constituents, with the drive and energy to affect change within institutions, with the temperament and broad professional and lived experience that would make me an effective advocate to stand up in the Scottish Parliament to represent Edinburgh Northern and our national interests.”
UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex
Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.
“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.
“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”
SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement. ALBA Women’s Convener Kirsty Fraser said:“Since our inception, the ALBA Party have been steadfast in standing up for the sex-based rights of Women and Girls across Scotland.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Supreme Court which vindicates our longstanding position on this issue.
“Now is the time for our political leaders in Scotland to reflect on their actions over recent years and recognise that the rights of women merit some attention”
ALBA Party Depute Leader, Neale Hanvey said:“The UK Supreme Court judgement has clearly established in law the boundaries between protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act making clear that Sex in the Act pertains to biological natal sex.
“This judgement will reverberate around the world thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Marion, Trina and Susan of For Women Scotland.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgement. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.
“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.
“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.
“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”
LABOUR’S Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: ” We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.
“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges and sports clubs.
“Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”
Ms Phillipson’s remarks were followed by similar comments by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said on X this evening: “I’ve always called for the protection of single sex spaces on the basis of biological sex.
“This judgment gives clarity to women and service users about the protections in the Equality Act. The SNP Government must provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly to uphold dignity for all.”
In fact Sarwar voted IN FAVOUR of the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The official Scottish Parliament record shows that only two Labour MSPs – Carol Mochan and Claire Baker – voted against!
NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling:“NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.
“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry MP said before the judgement was announced: “Whatever way the judgement falls three extraordinary women will well and truly have cemented their right to be remembered alongside Scotland’s great feminists like Mary Burton, Elise Inglis, and Frances Wright.“
She added later: Today’s judgment is not about rolling back trans rights. It is a victory for grass roots activism because self-funding feminist and lesbian groups have fought the might of the state and won.”
Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).
The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.
The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.
As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.
Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”
She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”
Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:
Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.”
They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”
Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”
The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.
Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”
The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.
As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.
Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”
Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.
“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”
First Minister John Swinney led Parliament in a Motion of Condolence for Christina McKelvie MSP, who sadly died on 27 March.
Party leaders, government Ministers and MSPs from across the chamber joined the First Minister in paying tribute to Christina, in the presence of her family.
The First Minister said: “Every cause to which Christina devoted herself was underpinned by the core values that she held throughout her life – equalities, fairness and social justice.
“She was a lifelong campaigner on nuclear disarmament. A proud feminist. A staunch socialist, a committed Trade Unionist. A nationalist and an internationalist – deeply devoted to Scotland realising her potential as an independent nation at the heart of Europe.
“In all, Christina made every day count. Even in recent years, when facing her cancer diagnosis, Christina was still thinking of others. She publicly encouraged women to check themselves and to attend their screening appointments.
“She was so passionate about trying to improve the lives of others through her work as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol policy, that she was determined not to step back from her duties until she absolutely had to last summer.
“Christina was a much-loved member of the SNP family, but it was of course her own family that brought her the greatest happiness in her life. Everyone who knew Christina and her partner – our parliamentary colleague and my Party’s Deputy Leader, Keith Brown – could see how much happiness that they have brought each other. She always spoke of her pride in her sons Jack and Lewis as they grew up. And more recently, Christina had the unbridled joy of becoming a Granny.
“I express my deepest sympathy, and that of the government, to all of Christina’s family and friends at their very personal loss.
“In Christina’s heart, there was room for all of us. She was one of the kindest and the most generous people I have ever met in my life. My government has lost an outstanding Minister. My party has lost one of its finest Parliamentarians. And many people – of all parties and of none – have lost a true friend.
“But I know that we will all feel the glow of Christina’s warmth for years to come.”
About Christina
Christina was born on 4 March 1968. She became an MSP in 2007 latterly representing Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from 2011.
She was Minister for Equalities from 2018 to 2023, when she became Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and was Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy from February 2024.
As an MSP she was Convener or the European and External Relations Committee and a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe between 2016 and 2018, and then Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee from September 2016 until she was appointed a Minister in 2018.
Christina was a long standing and active member of the SNP and was also a trade unionist with Unison during her time working in social work services in Glasgow.
The Scottish Parliament has opened an online book of condolence. Comments left online will be collated and sent to Christina’s family.
Edinburgh based VPZ recently took the streets surrounding Holyrood in a youth vaping awareness campaign to highlight concerns around super-size disposable vapes in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
A specially designed trailer sat outside the Scottish Parliament to shed light on the alarming rise of illicit ‘Big Puff’ vapes and its impact on youth vaping.
Alongside the trailer’s journey, there was a gathering of 20 that supported the campaign cause and raised awareness on the importance of the ban on those illicit devices.
The trailer featured two striking 1-tonne containers, one filled with legal 2ml vapes (35000 units) and the other packed with illicit, super-size disposable vapes (9000 units), showcasing the stark visual representation of the challenges the industry and policymakers could face if appropriate measures are not taken.
So-called ‘Big Puff’ vapes exploit a loophole in the vaping law that allows the sale of devices with greater liquid capacity than the legislated 2 ml.
By utilising an external plug-in tank of 10 ml, these vaping units effectively become a 12 ml product, which is 6 times more than the allowed vaping liquid in a disposable device. New devices are being approved by the MHRA weekly, some with more capacity than 12ml.
Despite being considered rechargeable, the super-size vape products are made with a low-quality battery, and an unchangeable coil which effectively makes them single use.
Greig Fowler, Director of VPZ – The Vaping Specialist, said: “We hope that our campaign has served as a wake-up call to policymakers and the public, as it’s crucial that MPs act now to address the dangers of these super-sized disposables before the UK finds itself in the midst of another youth and environmental crisis.
“VPZ is taking a stand against the dangers posed by the unregulated vaping products that threaten to undermine the forthcoming disposable ban in June. Our mission is to highlight the urgent need for action and collaboration to tackle these arising issues to the public.
“Dr Caroline Johnson outlined amendment NC9 which would bring this area into check, however, that was discussed and rejected following a vote. The problem needs addressed now and not in 12-18 months’ time when the Bill is passed.
“If we fail to respond decisively now, we risk further harm to young people, an environmental disaster, and undermining vaping’s role as a smoking cessation tool, which has helped millions to quit smoking.
“We must work together to strike the right balance, protecting smokers and ex-smokers while preventing further damage to public health and the environment.”
VPZ strongly supports most of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill measures to tackle youth access, including restriction of naming, packaging, and marketing.
However, VPZ believes that there should be a balanced regulatory approach to protect adult smokers looking to quit while effectively cracking down on illicit and unregulated products in order for the UK to reach its 2030 Smoke-Free goals.
VPZ has previously warned adult vapers that the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill could restrict some the favourite flavours that helped them quit smoking, potentially affecting around 3 million vapers and ex-smokers if passed.
VPZ has over 185 stores in the UK and has helped over 1 million smokers quit since it was established in 2012.
