Tag: Holyrood

Urgent action plan needed to tackle housing crisis, says Committee

A national action plan must be developed to tackle the housing emergency to avoid the risk the crisis “drifts on indefinitely”, according to a new report published by a Scottish Parliament Committee.

A year on from the official declaration of the national housing emergency by the Scottish Parliament, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee say a Housing Emergency Action Plan with clear milestones and outcomes would ensure progress towards ending the crisis can be properly assessed.

It is one of ten recommendations for the Scottish Government made in the Committee’s Housing Inquiry Report.

Other recommendations include, that the Scottish Government should:

  • As a matter of urgency, complete and implement its review of the affordable housing target (due summer 2024), provide an update on what progress has been made, and what the revised timescales are for completion
  • Provide clarity on whether its additional funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget will ensure that it meets its target of providing 110,000 affordable homes by 2030
  • Explore further the opportunities presented by increasing social investment in housing and in developing the capacity of the non-profit sector to obtain private finance

The Committee launched its inquiry last year, hearing from professionals working in the housing industry, local authorities, academics, homeless charities, tenants and landlords.

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Convener, Ariane Burgess MSP, said: “It’s now a year since the Scottish Parliament officially declared a national housing emergency and homelessness remains dangerously high in some areas where there is now a systemic failure in the ability of local authorities to meet their statutory duties.

“During this Inquiry, we heard that the housing emergency was years, even decades, in the making and was therefore both predictable and preventable.

“We can’t afford to be complacent. The Scottish Government must work with the wider housing sector to take urgent collective action to address the emergency and ensure all its departments and policies are having a measurable, clear and positive impact.”

The Committee also took evidence from the Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, including on the Scottish Government’s Housing 2040 strategy – and is calling for an implementation plan of that policy to be developed as a matter of urgency.

It also made a further recommendation that housing providers are given urgent clarity on the intended legal requirements for homes to meet net zero standards.

The Scottish Government is expected to respond to the report within two months.

housing-inquiry-reportDownload

Scotland’s housing emergency now impacting 2.3 million adults, Shelter Scotland warns

Over four in 10 adults in Scotland are now impacted by the housing emergency (42%), an increase of 800,000 in just four years (up six percentage points from 36% in 2021), our new research has revealed.

Marking one year since the Scottish Parliament officially declared a housing emergency, a new poll conducted by YouGov exposes the deepening scale of the emergency. It found that 2.3 million adults in Scotland (42 per cent) are struggling with the condition, security, suitability or affordability of their home, or have faced discrimination while trying to find one. *

This comes less than a year before the next Scottish Parliamentary election. Shelter Scotland warns that political leaders have so far failed to deliver meaningful solutions to address the worsening housing emergency.

As it launches its new strategy, Shelter Scotland is setting the goal of making next year’s Scottish election an election to end the housing emergency. The charity is calling on every voter in Scotland to join the fight for home and demand that politicians of all parties focus on building enough homes.

Shelter Scotland Director Alison Watson said: “It’s been a year since the Scottish Parliament declared a housing emergency. Since then, homelessness has gone up and social housebuilding has gone down.

“Last week the Scottish Government announced a Programme for Government with no plan to end the housing emergency. Instead, we had a Programme for Homelessness which says nothing about the 10,360 children are trapped in temporary accommodation which experts say exposes them to violence, vermin and isolation. This simply cannot continue into the next government.

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure home. But too many people in Scotland still live in fear — battling unaffordable rents, unsuitable housing, or outright discrimination.

“Today’s research reveals the harsh toll Scotland’s housing emergency has taken over the last four years – and it’s only getting worse.”

She added: “We want people to arm themselves with the knowledge of their housing rights. Scotland has some of the strongest housing legislation, but local authorities and the government need to comply to the law.

“This continued harm cannot be the norm. It’s time to say: enough is enough. The Scottish Government must urgently publish an updated housing emergency action plan. We need more social homes so the hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland no longer have to compromise their health, safety and education.”

Chelsea’s Story

Chelsea [33] has been in the homeless system since the start of 2023. After being placed in mould ridden temporary accommodation with her three children aged seven months, two, and eight years old, she had no choice but to leave it, fearing it was harming her children’s health.

She was placed in a hotel in the centre of Glasgow for a month where they had no cooking facilities and were cramped in one room.

Chelsea said: “It is a worry when I think about getting a forever home for my children. Whenever I speak to the housing officers, they keep telling me we’re in a housing emergency. People can’t carry on like this. Something has to give.”

Chelsea explained how her children were complaining of headaches and getting nose bleeds, which she worries was from the mould and damp conditions from the temporary accommodation.

“Me and my three children were placed into a hotel room in Glasgow’s city centre. It was horrendous! Three of us were living in just one room with no facilities.

“I had to wash baby bottles in the sink. There was nowhere to cook, no plates to eat food from, so every day we had to eat out. It is financially unstable. The council took our clothes to the laundrette but returned them still wet.

“The bed sheets were stained with blood. It was disgusting. We were in the middle of Glasgow and really felt unsafe.

“It’s had a horrific impact on my children, and I worry about the future impact on them. My son has significant neurodevelopmental issues; he has additional needs and he’s been out of school for three months. His school wouldn’t pay for a taxi from Glasgow city centre to his school. They wouldn’t facilitate him.

“The Government needs to do something. Something has to give. People are trapped and disabled children and women are suffering.”

“This is a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying Scots”

Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill clears first hurdle in Holyrood vote

The Scottish parliament has voted in favour of Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. MSPs backed the Bill in a Holyrood vote last night. A majority of MSPs (70) supported the Bill, with 56 voting against.

This marks a significant shift in support since 2015, the last time a Bill on assisted dying came before the Parliament, and reflects the overwhelming public support for the introduction of the choice.

In-depth polling has shown that more than three-quarters of the Scottish public believe that the law should change, with majority support in every constituency in the country.

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would make the choice of assisted dying legal for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, alongside excellent end-of-life care.

Last night’s vote brings safe and compassionate choice at the end of life closer than ever before for dying Scots, say jubilant campaigners.

Welcoming the result, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland , said: “This is a watershed moment for compassion. MSPs have today taken a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people. The Scottish Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views.

“Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that today our country has moved towards a safer and more compassionate law. So many people have stood up and spoken out about the harrowing suffering their loved ones endured as they died.  While this is too late for them, it is now an enduring part of their legacy and testament to their courage in calling for change.

“Liam Mc Arthur MSP has been an incredible advocate for dignity and choice at the end of life. He has led this debate with respect, compassion and integrity, and will do so as the Bill progresses through the following stages.

“Significant though this moment is, in the months ahead we will join him in working with MSP colleagues on the amending stages to ensure that a new law is as robust as it can possibly be.

“Today, MSPs have voted for choice, safety and compassion. They have expressed the will of the majority of Scottish people and have made history. Now we must make the choice of assisted dying a reality.”

Holyrood to debate Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill today

This week parliament will debate and vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill (writes Labour Lothians list MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY). 

In the run up to vote, I have endeavoured to engage with organisations both for and against the bill and hear the views of constituents. 

After having considered my position, I will be voting against the bill.

The bill uses a broad definition of terminal illness which would include people with disabilities and those with years to live.

This has been raised by constituents and disabled people’s groups as sending the message that their lives are less valuable and opening them to potential coercion. These concerns are compounded by experiences in other jurisdictions, which have seen the law widened following legal challenges.

I am also concerned that assisted dying would place undue pressure on terminally ill people to end their lives as to not be a burden on their families, and do not believe proposed safeguards protect against this. 

I understand some may be disappointed, this has been a difficult decision to make. 

In any case, our priority should be ensuring every person can access palliative care, and those with terminal illnesses are well supported. 

SUPPORTERS of law change on assisted dying from across Scotland have gathered outside the Scottish Parliament this morning in a powerful demonstration to show their support for Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Organised by Dignity in Dying Scotland, the event will bring together individuals living with terminal illnesses, bereaved families, and supporters of end-of-life choice. The demonstration will feature placards, and speeches, to demonstrate the groundswell of support for law change in Scotland and symbolise the lives affected by the current lack of assisted dying legislation.

The demonstration takes place on the same day MSPs will be voting at Stage 1 on the Bill, which would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to request assistance to end their lives, introducing oversight and regulation where none currently exists. Polling consistently shows overwhelming public support in Scotland for a change in the law, with 78% backing the proposal.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “It is the voices of dying Scots and those who have watched a loved one endure a harrowing death that are at the centre of this bill. Their message to MSPs is clear – it’s time to deliver compassion, safety and choice for people facing a bad death.

“This demonstration is about showing the human cost of the suffering caused by the current blanket ban on assisted dying —a cost that is simply too much for dying people, and their family and friends to bear.

“This Stage 1 vote could be a milestone moment  – putting comfort, choice and safety in place of pain and fear. We urge Parliament to listen to the voices of dying people and take this historic step.”

The demonstration will reassemble from 6pm to react to the outcome of the Stage 1 vote, expected around 7pm,

Dignity in Dying Scotland: Response to First Minister’s position on Assisted Dying Bill

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.”

Programme for Government: Fraser of Allander reaction

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.

Two key Bills that were shelved in the September PfG were the Human Rights Bill and the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity (LDAN) Bill. Neither have had a reprieve and we will need to wait till the manifestos to know if these remain priorities for the SNP to follow through on. 

Even the watered-down commitments made in the PfG to consult on the clauses on the LDAN Bill have not, as far as we know, been progressed.

Holyrood Committee makes no recommendation on the general principles of the Assisted Dying Bill

A Scottish Parliament Committee has decided to make no recommendation on the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee say the vote is a matter of conscience for each individual MSP.

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.”

Scottish Parliamentarians visit Mayfield and Easthouses

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 to convene gathering on strengthening democratic resilience

PROTECTING SCOTLAND’s VALUES

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.

Stuart Dobbin aims for Holyrood selection

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.”

Victory for For Women Scotland

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: