Tag: Holyrood

Choudhury chairs Scottish Parliament roundtable to address “Language Loss in  Today’s World”

In anticipation of International Mother Language Day and the upcoming Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival 2025, a roundtable discussion on “Language Loss in Today’s  World” was hosted at the Scottish Parliament.

This panel discussion, chaired by Scottish  Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, was organised by the Bangladesh  Association Glasgow and brought together leading experts to address the pressing global  issue of language extinction. 

As globalisation accelerates, linguistic diversity is under threat, with many languages facing  the risk of extinction. This roundtable provided an essential platform to discuss the impact  of language loss and explore strategies to safeguard endangered languages.

The discussion  was driven by an esteemed panel of experts from academia, policy, and advocacy, including Dr. Antonella Sorace, Professor of Developmental Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh and founding director of Bilingualism Matters; Dr. Alison Phipps OBE, Professor of  Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Glasgow and UNESCO Chair in  Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts; Fhiona Mackay, Director of Scotland’s  National Centre for Languages; and Dr. Cristina Clopot, Policy Advice Officer of The Royal  Society of Edinburgh. 

This engaging discussion aimed to generate awareness and foster actionable solutions to  mitigate or prevent language extinction. The theme of language loss demonstrates the  global efforts of prevention.

This theme was present throughout the roundtable with Dr. Saif D Khan, trustee from the Bangladesh Association Glasgow, moderating an insightful  discussion focused on key examples of how the language loss is being prevented globally,  with a case study focus on Scots and Gaelic. 

Abdullah Al Wasif with Unityflow AI provided an insightful presentation on next-generation  speech recognition for underserved languages in enterprise.

This revealed that many  languages are fading due to limited digital and technological support, such as Gaelic, which  has been classified by UNESCO as “definitely endangered.”

Other languages that need  attention include Scots, which lacks digital integration; Sylheti and Bengali, spoken in  communities but under-represented; Polish and Romanian, spoken by large migrant groups  but underserved in voice technology.

By implementing data tools, it is possible to preserve  Scotland’s linguistic diversity and increase accessibility for public services for minority and  migrant languages. 

The insights from this session will contribute to broader conversations at the Bhasha  Glasgow Language Festival 2025, which launches on February 18, 2025, coinciding with  International Mother Language Day.

The President of Bangladesh Association Glasgow, Mr.  Ehtesham Hasnain, invited the roundtable participants to attend the upcoming events from  this year’s festival.

Commenting on the significance of the event, Choudhury stated, “Language is more than  just communication; it embodies culture, identity, and heritage. This discussion is a timely  call to action, ensuring that no language disappears without a fight.”

Coastal testimonies presented at Scottish Parliament

Scottish politicians have been urged to listen to ‘marginalised’ voices within coastal communities, as  part of a major multi-media touring exhibition showcased at the Scottish Parliament.

The Coastal  Testimonies project features over 60 portraits of people all around Scotland about their first-hand  experiences of Scotland’s inshore seas.

The exhibition has been commissioned and curated by the  Our Seas Coalition, an alliance of 140+ coastal businesses, community groups, fishermen’s  associations and environmental organisations who are campaigning for the environmental recovery  of Scotland’s coastal marine environment and the revival of sustainable inshore fisheries.

The  exhibition gives a voice to often marginalised and underrepresented perspectives, including a large  proportion of fishermen, with an aim to uncover the issues that go unnoticed in areas of Scotland  where the coast is not as engaged.

The exhibition also aims to give a platform to cultural knowledge  on the coastal ecosystems and communities throughout Scotland. The exhibition which has so far  toured venues in Stornoway, Eyemouth, Lochaline, Glasgow, Ullapool and Ardfern, arrives at  Holyrood as the Scottish Government publicly consults on its Inshore Fisheries Management  Improvement programme.  

The Coastal Testimonies project has so far gathered testimonies from all eleven Scottish marine  regions, including coastal businesses, marine conservationists, divers, commercial fishermen, sea  anglers, local politicians, scientists, community groups, and those with recreational interests. 

Portraits of each person are accompanied by a verbal testimony about their own connections to the  sea, including moving witness-style accounts of environmental changes and reflections on  sustainability and political decision-making.  

Everyone in Scotland can participate in this #CoastalTestimonies project, by contributing a testimony  of their own on the Our Seas website www.ourseas.scot. 

A parliamentary reception featuring the exhibition was hosted by Rhoda Grant MSP and attended by  politicians from all major parties, including acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP.  Copies of ‘Coastal Testimonies – Speaking up for Scotland’s seas’ were distributed to all 129 MSPs.  

Speaking on behalf of the Our Seas Coalition at the Scottish Parliament, Alasdair Hughson, scallop  diver and chair of the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation said: “We need clear plans that  acknowledge the public benefits and support for protecting our seas and safeguarding sustainable  inshore fishing.

“This means urging government action and effective parliamentary scrutiny to make  sure that such plans are implemented. This is why I implore our MSPs to take some time to read  through the testimonies and consider the power of the voices within our own communities.

“There is  bravery in these testimonies. It’s difficult to speak up. We must change. We are looking for you to  make these changes and decisions for our future generations.”

Sponsor of the Coastal Testimonies event at Scottish Parliament, Rhoda Grant MSP said: “Community-led marine management leads to fair resource allocation and sustainability, and there’s  many ways to help communities become involved and more active.

“There are groups of  organizations…that we can learn from that are currently leading the way on this. Nobody wants to see fish numbers dwindle and habitats degraded, and equally, nobody wants to see livelihoods at risk  with people leaving their communities due to a lack of opportunity.” 

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This exhibition showcases life at the water’s  edge through striking photographs and moving testimonies, celebrating the interconnected roles of  fishers, scientists, artists, and local communities in shaping Scotland’s coastal heritage.

“Fishing is an integral part of life in many of our coastal communities, and we all want a sustainable Scottish fishing  industry; one with space to thrive alongside other users of the sea, and one that can fully capitalise  on a healthy marine environment and improving fish stocks.

“Yet, we must also acknowledge that our  seas are under pressure, placing unprecedented demands on marine ecosystems and the  communities that depend on them. Challenges such as climate change and pressure from human  activities calls for collective action, and they remind us that the responsibility to protect and enhance  our seas lies with all of us.” 

Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury attended the event, emphasising: “The current consultation for the National Marine Plan 2 needs to be comprehensive and the Scottish  Government should not remove key sectors like fisheries.

“We need to protect our shores, from  Portobello to Cramond.”

Hayley Wolcott, Coordinator of the Our Seas Coalition said: “The primary focus of the Coastal  Testimonies project is to promote a better understanding of inshore environmental and fisheries  issues through the collection of personal accounts and inspire greater dialogue and action within  communities.”  

“The testimonies speak for themselves and are now empowering people within their communities to  speak up, share their first-hand experiences and talk with each other about how to safeguard their  precious interconnections with our seas.

“We encourage anyone to get involved, be it a community organisation or local business, you can host an event or contribute a testimony of your own. Please  get in touch.” 

Practical guidance for equal participation and representation of women published by the Scottish Parliament

New guidance that aims to improve equal participation and representation of women in parliaments around the world has today been published by the Scottish Parliament.

The development of Gender Sensitising Parliaments: A Practical Guide was led by academics from the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sarah Childs, Personal Chair of Politics and Gender, and Professor Meryl Kenny, Professor of Gender and Politics.

The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, commissioned an audit, with participation from a cross-party group of MSPs and external experts, to assess its own progress towards being gender sensitive.

The audit reported that, while the Parliament had made good progress, the equal representation of women was not yet embedded.

The Scottish Parliament Audit, A Parliament for All, recommended a package of changes that were designed to strengthen equal representation and participation of women and the mainstreaming of gender equality across the Parliament’s work, which the Scottish Parliament is working towards implementing.

The development of a Practical Guide was one of the recommendations in the Audit.

The new Guide outlines core principles and practices of a gender sensitive parliament and sets out a six-step process to evaluate and enhance gender sensitivity in parliaments.

It also highlights the importance of a broad understanding of gender sensitivity, enthusiastic leadership, collaborative ethos, robust research, and institutional support in working towards equal participation and representation in parliaments.

Reflecting on the publication of the Guide, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, said: “I am delighted to see The Guide published and would like to express my gratitude to Professor Childs and Professor Kenny for their work.”

“Research shows that the strength of democracy is improved by having greater diversity in our parliaments. When a parliament better reflects the communities it serves, better decisions are made.

“This guidance includes lessons from our Gender Sensitive Audit, which itself was informed by ground-breaking work from organisations across the globe. I hope it is useful and look forward to hearing of other legislatures’ experiences as they work towards equal participation and representation.”

Professor Sarah Childs said: “More and more parliaments are undertaking gender sensitive audits. This can only be a good thing.

“This Guide provides lessons learned from the Scottish Parliament audit, which can help showcase why it matters, and how to undertake, a gender sensitive audit. We hope that it will encourage even more parliaments to embrace the principle and practices of gender sensitising parliaments.”

Professor Meryl Kenny said: ““Scotland is one of an increasing number of countries around the world committed to reforms that will gender sensitise its parliament.

“This Guide takes this ongoing work forward by sharing the Scottish Parliament’s experiences, and offering a practical route map to gender sensitising a parliament on the ground. A parliament that is inclusive of and responsive to women, in all their diversity, is a more representative and effective parliament.”

Gender Sensitising Parliaments A Practical GuideDownload

Residential Outdoor Education Bill backed by Holyrood Committee

A Bill that would allow all pupils in state and grant-aided schools to have at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school career has been supported by a Holyrood committee.

Following a vote, members of the Education, Children and Young People Committee agreed with the general principles of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill. However, the Committee unanimously agreed that concerns related to the costs, provision for pupils with additional support needs and the impact on teachers need to be resolved if the Bill is to become law.

The Bill was introduced by Liz Smith MSP against a backdrop of declining provision of residential outdoor education, with only a quarter of Scotland’s primary pupils and a third of secondary pupils having the chance to attend.

During evidence the Committee heard strong arguments for the Bill based on the “life-changing benefits” residentials have on pupils’ confidence and resilience. Several witnesses also spoke about the positive impact this can have on pupil-teacher relationships and attainment.

The Committee heard that residential outdoor education could be particularly beneficial to pupils from more deprived areas, however these pupils were often not able to go on trips as they were unaffordable for many parents.

The Committee identified several practical concerns that would need to be overcome though for the Bill to be delivered, with costs proving a significant barrier.

Estimates suggest delivering the Bill would cost the Scottish Government between £20 million and just over £40 million a year. However, in its report, the Committee says that national funding of residential outdoor education is a good example of preventative spend where the benefits are well documented.

The report also raises concerns about staffing, which currently is provided by teachers on a voluntary basis. While teachers were positive about their experiences, if residential education became statutory it might lead to a renegotiating of teachers’ terms and conditions, adding further barriers to delivering the Bill.

Douglas Ross MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee: “Throughout this inquiry we heard about the hugely positive impact that outdoor residential education can have on the development and attainment of children and young people.

“While we agree with the general principles of the Bill, there are financial challenges attached to the delivery of outdoor residential education that need to be overcome for it to become law.

“We want to see the Scottish Government and the Member who introduced the Bill, Liz Smith MSP, work together to resolve these.”

Scottish Government must provide fiscal and economic clarity, says Finance Committee

Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee says the Scottish Government must provide fiscal and economic clarity.

In a wide-ranging report on the Scottish Budget 2025-26 published today – ahead of two parliamentary debates on the Scottish budget – the committee emphasises the need for more detail on behavioural responses to tax policy, the impact of Employer National Insurance Contributions and rising social security spending.

The cross-party committee also highlights the need to help Scotland’s educational institutions and businesses drive investment and growth, while urging the Scottish Government to publish its over-due infrastructure plan and ‘hit the ground running’.

Repeated delays and unanswered concerns are indicative of a lack of medium and long-term financial planning, says the committee’s report.

Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “As the Scottish Government is aware, we are strongly of the view that more research is needed on behavioural responses to tax policy.

“We also set out in this report recommendations which we consider would help to support growth in earnings and revenues in Scotland.”

On Employer National Insurance Contributions, Mr Gibson added: “The Committee is aware that the expected shortfall in UK funding for increased Employer National Insurance Contributions for the direct costs to the public sector will be significant and we ask what plans the Scottish Government has in place to meet these.”

Rising social security costs are of concern. He commented: “Given that the Scottish Government has not included any funding in the 2025-26 Budget to cover the lifting of the two-child cap, the Committee asks for details of where this funding will be found if it’s introduced early, as well as potential impacts on other areas of spend.

“The Committee also seeks greater transparency around the overall public sector pay bill.”

On growing the economy and capital spending, the convener said: “We look forward to receiving evidence from the Cabinet Secretary on the sustainability of higher education and work to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of the college sector to enable skills to match the needs of business and the economy.

“We note the creation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Investment and Economy to ‘help create a business environment that drives investment and growth.’

“The Committee ask the Scottish Government how it is maximising opportunities to enable Scotland’s universities and the high-performing sectors of the economy to be globally competitive.

“The significant increase in capital spending in 2025-26 allows the Scottish Government to restart paused capital projects and make some new commitments.

“We strongly urge the Scottish Government to prioritise its capital commitments to ensure it’s in the best possible position to ‘hit the ground running’ with infrastructure projects from the start of the next financial year.”

On delays to key strategic financial documents, Mr Gibson concluded: “Regarding delays in publishing key strategic financial documents, the committee repeatedly expressed concerns.  This is indicative of a wider problem where vital medium and longer-term financial planning within the Scottish Government is lacking.”

Read the full Report on the Scottish Budget 2025/26

Scottish Budget agreements secured

New funding agreed for bus fares, drug services and free school meals

Agreements have been reached separately with the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Green Party to support the SNP’s 2025-26 Budget.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced she will table amendments to the 2025-26 Budget Bill to allocate £16.7 million funding to:
• Bolster drug and alcohol services, including £1 million for specialist support for babies born addicted to drugs
• Begin a £2 bus fare cap pilot in one regional transport area
• Further strengthen support for hospices from £4 million to £5 million
• Increase Nature Restoration by £3 million to its highest ever level
• Invest in targeted support for the College sector and protect Corseford College
• Extend free school meal eligibility in S1-S3 in eight local authority areas for pupils in receipt of Scottish Child Payment
• Offer flexibility for Orkney Island Council in terms of capital and resource funding

Ms Robison said: “We are determined to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland – and that is why this Budget invests in public services and in eradicating child poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs.

“The First Minister was clear that we would bring forward a budget by Scotland for Scotland, and the negotiations we have taken forward have been in that spirit. These additional initiatives demonstrate the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.

“During every stage of this process the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have engaged in our discussions in a positive and constructive manner.

“Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a budget that will strengthen services and support our communities. With the agreements with these two parties now in place this will secure a majority in parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”

The Scottish Greens will support the forthcoming budget, following confirmation that the Scottish Government have agreed to the party’s proposals on record climate funding, the expansion of free school meals and trialling a £2 cap on bus fares.

As a result of proposals tabled by Scottish Green negotiators, the Government’s budget will now be changed to include the roll-out of free school meals to thousands more young people and a year-long regional trial of a £2 cap on bus fares.

Other Green proposals accepted include increasing funding for nature restoration to a record £26m, more free ferry travel for young island residents, free bus travel for asylum seekers and help for first time home buyers by increasing tax on the purchase of second/holiday homes.

Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said: ““The Scottish Greens put climate action, tackling child poverty, cheaper buses and ferries and funding for schools at the heart of our budget negotiations. We have delivered progress on all of these fronts, so our MSPs will be voting for the budget.

“No young person should be sitting in school hungry. As a result of our work, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now receive a free school meal. This will build on the success of expanding free school meals in primary schools, a policy delivered by the Scottish Greens a few years ago.

“Our Green MSPs have also secured a year-long regional trial where bus fares will be capped at £2, because we know the cost of public transport needs to come down. This also builds on the success of free bus travel for young people, another Scottish Green policy we made a reality.

“With climate chaos all around us, we have worked to deliver record funding for nature restoration and our environment. These Green projects are creating well-paid jobs in communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.

“From schools to libraries to social care to bin collections, our councils deliver the services we all depend on. We have worked with Scottish Green councillors to ensure that this year’s budget delivers a fair deal for local councils, including an end to the Council tax freeze.

“These changes secured by Scottish Green MSPs will lift more children out of poverty, reduce the cost of public transport, create good quality jobs, tackle the climate crisis and protect local services. That’s in stark contrast to Labour, who agreed to let the SNP’s budget pass without making any attempt to improve it. If you want action to help people and planet, voting Scottish Greens is the best way to deliver it.”

As a result of Scottish Green negotiations, this budget includes:

  • Making public transport cheaper: A year long regional trial of capping bus fares at £2 starting 1st January 2026, free bus travel for people seeking asylum and free inter-island ferry travel for young island residents
  • Action to tackle child poverty: The expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, starting with eight councils areas in August 2025.
  • Record climate action: A record £4.9bn of funding for climate action and nature restoration.
  • Progressive taxation to support public services: Increased tax on the purchase of second or holiday homes and moving forward with proposals for a Cruise Ship Levy, the consultation for which will launch in February
  • Protecting local services: A real-term funding increase for local councils, and progress on giving councils more direct power through a consultation on devolving Parking Charge Notices (parking fines)

Commenting on the deal, Scottish Lib Dems leader Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “We have today reached an agreement with the Scottish Government. There is a long list of policies and projects that we’ve won for our constituents, and for Scotland as a whole, and so we will be voting for the Budget.

“In a Parliament of minorities Scottish Liberal Democrats will always act responsibly and try to find common ground.

“As a result, Lib Dem priorities will now be backed by hundreds of millions worth of government investment. I am pleased that we have secured money for new drug and neonatal services. As a former youth worker I know how important it is to give children the best start in life and few have it tougher than babies who are born addicted to drugs.

“Alongside the long list of Lib Dem demands baked into the first draft of the budget, we have also secured additional money for new college programmes focused on care and offshore wind, more money for hospices, and backing for the young people attending Corseford College.

“Scottish Labour’s decision to abstain on the Scottish Budget confirmed once and for all that there would be no early election. This was always very unlikely and that’s why all along Scottish Liberal Democrats have sought to shape the budget to unpick some of the damage caused by years of SNP neglect.

“This budget shows that by backing the Liberal Democrats you get a local champion focused on the issues that matter the most.”

The Liberal Democrats said: “Lib Dem priorities will now be backed by hundreds of millions worth of government investment.

“Here is the long list of policies and projects that we’ve won for our constituents, and for Scotland as a whole:

Choudhury: “Edinburgh deserves  clean beaches, not sewage scandals” 

Newly revealed figures have highlighted the scale of sewage pollution in Scotland, with 165  spills recorded at the Seafield sewage treatment works in Edinburgh last year. These spills  resulted in partially treated sewage being discharged into the sea for a total of 890 hours,  raising serious concerns about environmental protection and public health. 

Managed by the French utility company Veolia under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI)  agreement with Scottish Water, Seafield is one of nine sewage sites operating under similar  contracts.

Across these facilities, more than 500 sewage overflows were reported in 2023,  amounting to a total of 3,500 hours of discharge. Major spillages were also recorded at  locations such as Newbridge, Blackburn, Whitburn, and East Calder. 

Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, has called for urgent action  to address the ageing infrastructure and improve oversight of sewage discharges. 

MSP Choudhury said: “The scale of sewage pollution in Scotland is unacceptable.  Communities across the country, including here in Edinburgh, deserve clean beaches, rivers,  and waterways.

“The current system is failing, and this must change.” 

Mr. Choudhury has seen the Seafield site become a source of concern for residents,  particularly after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a warning in July 2023 advising against swimming at Portobello Beach due to high bacteria levels.  

In May 2024, residents were encouraged to report odour and noise issues from Seafield via  the Leith Links Community Council’s online nuisance report form to ensure complaints are  sent directly to elected officials, including MSPs and councillors, to keep the pressure on to  address these longstanding problems. 

Choudhury said: “The Seafield Sewage Treatment Works has exposed local Leithers  to a series of appalling odour and sewage leaks. What impact does this have  on the local environment like the Water of Leith and the Forth?” 

“Scotland’s beaches and waterways are among our most  cherished natural assets. It’s not enough for operators to claim compliance with licenses— people deserve transparency and action to safeguard our environment and health.” 

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PFI CONTRACTS 

The Seafield plant and others like it are managed under PFI contracts, but MSP Choudhury has questioned whether this model delivers for communities. In the Highlands, a PFI sewage  plant has already been brought back under public control following the expiration of its  contract.

Foysul Choudhury continues to raise questions and engage with local communities to demand  greater accountability from operators and stronger action from the Scottish Government when it comes to polluting Scotland’s waterways. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

The PFI contract for Seafield is due to expire in 2029, at which point the plant will revert to  public control under Scottish Water. Mr. Choudhury hopes that this transition is used as an  opportunity to overhaul the system, upgrade facilities, and end the cycle of sewage spills  polluting Scotland’s rivers and beaches.

A spokesperson for Veolia responded: “We operate the Seafield Waste Water Treatment works in line with the SEPA licence conditions and everything that leaves the plant has been treated. 

“Even during significant rainfall, the works are designed and operated to ensure all wastewater goes through our screening, grit removal and settlement processes before being discharged. 

“We work with the local community, SEPA and Scottish Water to provide an effective service for residents and the environment and support continuous improvement works. We have a doors open policy where members of the public, councillors, MPs and MSPs can visit the site.”

At the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant, there is only one exit point of the plant with two outfalls. This is where final effluent (fully treated wastewater) leaves the facility.

In times of significant rainfall, contents from the settled storm overflow or settled primary overflow tanks would also be discharged from this point.

These discharges are licensed and only take place under significant rainfall events in full accordance with the site’s licence.. All discharges are treated to some extent and no raw sewage is discharged from the plant.

These should not be classed as “dumping events”. Storm discharges are continuously monitored, and the data shared with Scottish Water and SEPA

Veolia did operate a wastewater contract in the Highlands with Scottish Water and at the end of its contract period it transitioned back to Scottish Water as originally agreed after 25 years of successful service. This was not due to any inference of poor performance.

Veolia is required under the licence at Seafield to report data to SEPA and this has always been done in compliance with the licence.

As Veolia is a private company working with Scottish Water, our operations are sampled every day, which is more frequent than regulated water companies.

This is an additional level of scrutiny and gives greater assurances that we are compliant with our SEPA licence.

Scottish Hindu Foundation Parliamentary Reception

The Scottish Hindu Foundation, in partnership with Bob Doris MSP, successfully hosted a landmark Parliamentary Reception on Hinduphobia at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 21st January 2025.

The event chaired by Bob Doris MSP, held in Committee Room 5, brought together policymakers, community leaders, and members of the public to address the critical issue of Hinduphobia. 

Through insightful discussions and keynote speeches, the reception aimed to foster understanding and promote solutions to combat prejudice against the Hindu community in Scotland and beyond.

The First Minister John Swinney had congratulated The SHF on this achievement and had sent his apologies. However prominent Members of the Scottish Parliament, including Bob Doris MSP, Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP, Pam Gosal MBE MSP, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane MSP, Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP and former MP Martyn Day attended the event, lending their support to this vital cause.

Their presence underscored the cross-party commitment to addressing Hinduphobia and fostering an inclusive society.

In addition to MSPs, distinguished speakers and guests included Lt Cdr Robert Swift [Royal Navy], Else Kek, Operations Manager; for Interfaith Scotland, Harry Dunlop, Programme Manager for Interfaith Glasgow; and Sergeant Valerie Gray from Police Scotland. Each provided valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors and communities to combat discrimination and promote mutual understanding.

Bob Doris MSP, a vocal advocate for inclusivity, highlighted the need for collective action to build a harmonious society. The event featured expert perspectives, personal testimonies, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward inclusivity and respect. Guests praised the reception as a critical step in raising awareness and building bridges between communities. 

 The Scottish Hindu Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters of this important initiative. Together, the event underscored a shared commitment to fostering a society that values respect and dignity for all”. 

Double-jobbing no more?

Draft regulations to be laid at Holyrood in autumn

Views are being sought on the implementation of the ban on MSPs from also serving as MPs or in the House of Lords.

Following the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill being passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in December, a consultation seeking views on the principles and practical issues of ending dual mandates has launched.

The consultation, which runs until 23 March, looks at issues such as grace periods once elected and salary or parliamentary limitations during this period.

The Bill places a duty on Scottish Ministers to bring forward regulations which prohibit MSPs from also serving in the House of Commons or the House of Lords, and may additionally prohibit MSPs from also serving as councillors.

The regulations will be laid in autumn 2025 so they are in place for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, and will be subject to scrutiny and a vote by MSPs.

Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn said: “Following the unanimous passage of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill in December, MSPs will be barred from also being an MP or Peer through regulations to be brought forward in autumn 2025.

“This consultation on the issue will allow political parties, local government and most importantly the public to comment on the details of how that will work in practice, ahead of the practice being ended before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.”

The consultation paper is available at Consultation on Dual Mandates

Public Health Emergency: People’s panel calls for action on drug related harms

A cultural change and “brave and bold action” are required to tackle a “public health emergency” created by drug use in Scotland, according to a report sent to MSPs by a people’s panel.

The panellists’ report recognises that progress has been made, but says that further action is needed. It calls for public campaigns to raise awareness of drug harm and drug use, recommends funding should be ring fenced and prioritised on prevention and seeks improvements in information shared between government agencies.

However, the introduction of the Naloxone programme to prevent fatal drug overdoses, and the opening of the safer drug consumption room, The Thistle, are welcomed in the report.

The panel’s report also calls for greater involvement of the third sector and people with lived experience. It concludes that a lack of urgency in responding to drug harm and use reinforces the stigma already associated with these issues.

The creation of the people’s panel, formed of 23 people, was requested by the Cross-Committee on tackling drug deaths and drug harms. Members of the Criminal Justice Committee, Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and Social Justice and Social Security Committee commissioned the panel to gather public views on the question, ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’. The panel met at the Parliament in October and November 2024.

Over the course of two weekends, members of the panel heard evidence from people with lived experience of drug harms, from academics and researchers, and from stakeholders who work in this area, before developing their report.

The panel’s report will help inform the cross-Committee’s scrutiny of matters related to reducing drug deaths and tackling problem drug use. It’s 19 recommendations cover rights and people’s lived experience, justice, access to treatment, care and support, prevention and harm reduction.

Panel Presentations Weekend 2Download

Mairi McIntosh, from the Highlands and Islands region, was one of the members of the People’s Panel. She said: “I found participating in the People’s Panel humbling.

“The team at the Scottish Parliament organised a diverse range of experts and worked hard to lay out the worrying and rapid escalation in drug related deaths and harms in Scotland. The wide range of speakers gave us great insight into the data and evidence about the complexity of the issue including the causes, impacts and ways they believed the Scottish government could help.

“Hearing from those such as Steph McCutcheon about having success with service users through the East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, matches up with what we heard from others about the importance not only of the third sector’s role in local based solutions but how it is imperative those with lived experiences are valued and involved in every stage of the planning and implementing of measures being taken.

“All the evidence we heard highlighted the urgency for action from the Scottish government to implement brave and lasting change. Change needed to seriously reduce the deaths, impacts of harms to individuals, their families and communities and the pressure this puts on health, care, police, justice, other services and the people who are working to help those suffering.

“I feel it would be a poor reflection on our country to allow this issue to further impact some of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

“I am hopeful that our report shows that as voices from across Scotland, representing different backgrounds and lives, some directly affected by the issues of drug harm and death and others not, that we want the Scottish government to acknowledge the causes and barriers like stigma and discrimination and realise that we cannot afford to not take bold action now.”

Reflecting on the publication of the panel’s findings Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “We would like to thank the panel for their focused and determined work in delivering this serious and well considered report.

“Our Committees look forward to thoroughly considering the panel’s findings and putting its report’s recommendations to the Scottish Government.”

Read the report

Read the Panel’s report

Report of the Peoples Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths in ScotlandDownload