Tag: Scottish Parliament

Impact of Brexit likely to intensify, says Holyrood committee

The Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has stated that the societal and economic impact of Brexit is likely to intensify as Scotland begins to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a legacy report published on Friday, the Committee says scrutiny of the UK’s evolving relationship with the EU should be an early and urgent priority for a successor Committee.

The report highlights that alignment with the EU regulatory regime will be a key scrutiny challenge going forward. Monitoring EU policy and legislative developments will be necessary to determine how aligned future Scottish Governments will remain with the EU. 

The Committee considers that Brexit has resulted in UK legislation re-shaping devolution and increased the complexity of the devolved settlement.

Evidence taken by the Committee in 2021 also reveals the substantial impact on key sectors of the economy due to the new trading relationship and this is likely to intensify in the coming months.

The combined impact of Brexit and Covid-19, the report says, has created significant challenges across the economy with the impact felt hardest by small and medium-sized businesses.

The report also highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on the cultural sector, specifically the viability of cultural venues and the need for a strategy to ensure they emerge sustainably from the pandemic. The Committee recognises the increased financial pressures facing the arts and recommends further monitoring to make sure funds are adequately supporting the sector.

The February 2021 announcement of an extra £9m for the Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund was welcomed but the Committee has stressed that more support is needed.

Another key area of scrutiny within the Committee’s culture remit was the Glasgow School of Art inquiry, which determined that the school did not specifically address the risk of fire to the Mackintosh building despite risks being identified.

The Committee understands work is ongoing by the Scottish Government to carry out a fire mitigation review of publicly-owned A listed buildings and recommends its successor seek an update on the progress of this work. 

The Committee repeated its call for the Scottish Government to establish a public inquiry with judicial powers into the 2014 and 2018 fires at the Glasgow School of Art.

Speaking as the report was published, Committee Convener Joan McAlpine MSP said: “The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has been a key area of focus for the Committee in Session Five.

“It has become abundantly clear that, although we have left the EU, there are still very real concerns and issues that will continue to affect Scotland in the years ahead.

“Moving into the post-Brexit reality, the Committee wants to see the Scottish Parliament and Government represented in the governance structures established by the new EU-UK relationship in order to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard, especially when it comes to the impact of the Agreement on devolution”.

Ms McAlpine added: “The 2014 and 2018 Glasgow School of Art fires were of significant concern to the Committee because of the global, architectural significance of the Mackintosh building.

“We urge the Scottish Government, once the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation has been completed, to undertake a public inquiry with judicial powers to understand what went wrong in Glasgow, explore the risks posed by fire to historic buildings and the ability of custodians to effectively manage properties to prevent such tragedies happening again in the future.”

Deputy Convener Claire Baker MSP said: “It is difficult to overstate the immense impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Scotland’s cultural sector.

“The Committee is acutely aware that this sector depends upon an extensive network of freelancers, many of whom could not access government support during the pandemic as they did not meet the eligibility criteria.

“Additional financial support announced by the Scottish Government in recent weeks is welcome, but it is clear that more needs to be done to support this important but vulnerable group.”

You can read the full report here.

People with sight loss urged to join lobby of election candidates

Over 8,500 blind and partially sighted people and their supporters across Scotland have been urged to join a concerted drive to contact their local candidates for the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The move comes after a year of lockdowns which sight loss charity RNIB Scotland says has exacerbated the issues that have made life more difficult for those with a visual impairment

It is linking people on its database to an online system that will let them quickly find and email the election candidates standing in their area.

“Covid highlighted some serious gaps in our services last year, gaps that were troubling enough in normal times but very alarming during a period of crisis,” said director James Adams.

“Vital information that sometimes wasn’t available initially in formats like audio and braille, access to online shopping, confusion over social distancing and guiding – not priorities for most people, perhaps, but absolutely essential to those who are blind and partially sighted.

“We want to mobilise our members and supporters to push their concerns onto the political agenda.”

In its own manifesto for the election, RNIB Scotland is calling for sight loss issues to be given more priority – not least a commitment that voting itself will be made more accessible for blind and partially people.

Research by RNIB last year found that only 13 per cent of one blind voters across the UK, and less than half of partially sighted voters (44 per cent), said they were able to vote independently and in private in the last General Election. A legal ruling in 2019 criticised existing arrangements for voters with sight loss as ‘a parody of the electoral process’.

The RNIB Scotland manifesto also calls for emotional support for people first diagnosed with sight loss, more specialist teachers in schools, disability benefits that better recognise the needs of blind and partially sighted people, and support in finding employment.

The charity wants an assurance, too, that the new post-covid emphasis on ‘active travel’ – which could see the legalisation of rented e-scooters – doesn’t infringe on the rights of people with disabilities to go safely outdoors.

“After the shock that was covid in 2020 we need to make our society safer and more resilient,” said Mr Adams. “But let’s grab this opportunity to make it fairer, too. Covid gave us all a sense of what it’s like to feel more vulnerable and unsure, more dependent on each other.

“Scotland should plan for more than just a return to yesterday in 2021 but aim towards a better tomorrow. Let’s make sure that the society and structures that we do at last come back to are open and inclusive for everyone.”

* The RNIB Helpline can be called on 0303 123 9999. The RNIB Scotland website is at www.rnib.org.uk/scotland.

UNCRC: New law on human rights makes government accountable to Scotland’s children

Incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law finally gives children real power to hold the government to account, says the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. 

The country became the first part of the UK to vote to enshrine the UNCRC into domestic law after the Scottish Parliament passed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill last night.  

Bruce Adamson, the Commissioner, warned the government and decision-makers that there is now no hiding place when it comes to upholding children’s rights. 

He said: “Incorporating the UNCRC into Scots law is the most important thing we can do to protect and promote the rights of children and young people. 

“People in power can no longer ignore or conveniently forget about children’s rights. If they do, children and young people can challenge and will have a meaningful system of redress when things go wrong. 

“There’s no question this will improve life for all children, but those who will feel the biggest impact are children whose rights are most at risk – children living in poverty, disabled children, young carers, those who have experience of the care system, children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. 

Bruce Adamson 1 SA : Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland – Bruce Adamson Picture by Stewart Attwood All images © Stewart Attwood Photography 2020. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission. No Syndication Permitted.

“Their rights will be at the centre of every policy, law, or budgetary decision from now on. This will lead to significant change in things like addressing poverty and supporting mental health which children themselves have identified as priorities. It will also mean better support for families. 

“This law gives children power – they will be consulted and listened to. Children and young people, as well as other campaigners, have fought tirelessly for incorporation for many decades, and today is testament to their determination. The government and decision-makers should know that all eyes are on them and children won’t hesitate to hold them to account.”  

MSPs voted unanimously for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill to become law, meaning public authorities will have to comply with children’s rights. The Bill will commence six months from Royal Assent, signalling a culture shift that has the potential to transform children’s lives in Scotland.

A £2.1 million programme over three years will help public authorities implement the legislation. This will include funding for guidance and training to help public authorities prepare for implementation. Work will also be done to empower children to claim their rights.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This is a landmark Bill which is the most significant piece of legislation since devolution, delivering a revolution in children’s rights. That is a major cause for celebration.

“The Bill will deliver the highest protection possible for children’s rights across Scotland within the powers of this Parliament and ensure that a rights-respecting approach is at the heart of our recovery from the pandemic.  

“Parliament passing this Bill means that Scotland stands amongst a small number of nations like Norway, Belgium and Finland, and I hope our action today will encourage other countries to follow suit.

“But it does not represent the end of the journey in making children’s rights real.  It is now incumbent upon us all to ensure the Bill’s ambitions are translated into real-life improvements which transform the lives and life chances of our children and young people.”

Young human rights defenders have also praised the passing of incorporation of the UNCRC.  

Jonathan, a young adviser to the Commissioner, said: “Until now, if a young person had felt their rights were not being respected, it was quite difficult for them to complain and there was no legal obligation to respect their rights.

“But by putting it into law, it shows children that the government and local authorities and other public bodies will take them seriously and do care about their rights.” 

Fellow young adviser Abigail said: “Incorporation of the UNCRC will give young people a sense of security. They’ll now feel safe in the knowledge that their rights are in law. Incorporation is a way of children having their voices heard, they know that they will be listened to, and they know that they matter.”  

Since it was created by the Scottish Parliament 18 years ago, the office of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner has campaigned for incorporation of children’s rights. 

Scotland’s first Commissioner, Professor Kathleen Marshall, said: “There is still a job to be done in keeping governments to their promises.

“With the incorporation, we have been given a fantastic new tool – bright, shining, and wanting to be used. Everyone has a part to play.” 

Director of Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) Juliet Harris said: “In passing this Bill, the Scottish Parliament is making a promise to children and young people that their human rights will be at the heart of every decision impacting children that Scotland makes.

“This historic moment will be celebrated by the countless children, young people and charities across Together’s membership who have worked so hard over the past decade to make this happen. This Bill is a significant step forward in ensuring Scotland is a great place to grow up – for today’s children and young people and for future generations.”

The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill

Notice of Scottish Parliament Election published

  • The Scottish Parliament Notice of Election has been published.
  • Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates wanting to stand in the election.
  • Additional hygiene and distancing measures will be in place on polling day for voter and staff safety
  • If voters do not want to go to a polling place to vote they have the option of voting by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote but this should be done as soon as possible.

Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Election.

The Notice of Election was published today for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies and the Lothian Region.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Wednesday 31 March.

The Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday, 6 May 2021, when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period.

“The forthcoming election will allow the city’s residents to have their say about the government of Scotland, and I urge all citizens to make sure they’re registered in plenty of time, think now about the way they’ll vote and then to use that vote on 6 May.

“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election in 2019 and even our recent by-election in Craigentinny/Duddingston when we had the same range of safety measures in place. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

At the UK Parliamentary Election in December 2019 turnout in the capital was high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight Monday 19 April, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Find out more about voter registration and the election, including the safety measures we’re taking to ensure polling stations are safe and covid secure, on the Council’s website.

International Women’s Day event will celebrate the role of Scottish Women during COVID-19

The frontline role of women across Scotland in dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is to be celebrated as part of a virtual event, to be held on International Women’s Day.

The event, being organised by the Scottish Women’s Convention and the Scottish Parliament will be held on Monday (8 March), in the Scottish Parliament’s ‘virtual chamber’.

The experiences of those working at the heart of tackling the pandemic, including Erin Moffat, a critical care nurse; Cynthia Osayamwen, a care assistant; Clare McInally, a trade unionist; Mary Boyd, a student nurse and Pam Duncan-Glancy, a disability, equality and human rights activist, will be heard.

Women of all ages, and from across Scotland are being invited to sign up for this free event and to listen to a line-up of interesting and engaging speakers, who have all played vital roles in the fight against coronavirus.

The event will be chaired by Linda Fabiani, Deputy Presiding Officer. She said: “Women have undoubtedly risen to the many challenges that Covid-19 has thrown at them, often juggling so many different priorities, at home, at work and in their communities.  I am delighted that this event will allow us a virtual platform from which to celebrate and recognise their many achievements.

“This annual event is usually held in our Debating Chamber, with hundreds of women joining us in person. Whilst we can’t do that this year, we will continue to help support women, acknowledging the challenges they face and their collective hopes and aspirations for the future.”

Other speakers addressing the event will include: 

• Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health, The University of Edinburgh;
• Elaine C Smith, one of Scotland’s best-known performers;
• Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour Party spokesperson on Economy & Fair Work;
• Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security & Older People;
• Alison Johnstone MSP, Co-leader of the Scottish Green Party;
• Caron Lindsay, Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Equalities.
• Margaret Mitchell MSP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety.

Those attending will also hear a pre-recorded video message from the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

Agnes Tolmie, Chair, Scottish Women’s Convention, said: “This year our event is being held online and this enables us as an organisation to reach out to more women than ever before bringing women together from different cultures and backgrounds across Scotland and Internationally to celebrate all of their achievements during the current Pandemic. 

“The SWC have been showcasing Women in Scotland’s contributions since January with daily nominations in the run up to this event and what it has highlighted is the far-ranging achievements of women during one of the most difficult periods in our history.  

“Women make up more than 50 per cent of the Scottish population and have been hardest hit by COVID but looking at the wonderful work Women in Scotland have been doing, we thought we should use our event to celebrate them. We look forward to an evening of inspiring and motivational contributions which highlight women achievements during this time”

Taking place on Monday (8 March 2021), from 6pm until 8pm, the event is free to attend and can be accessed as below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-2021-tickets

Report of the first Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland welcomed by Holyrood Parliament

The Scottish Parliament debated the report of Scotland’s first Citizens’ Assembly on Thursday 18 February.

MSPs welcomed the Assembly’s shared vision and 60 recommendations for the country’s future, ahead of an action plan on the Assembly’s findings to be published by the next Scottish Government and a further debate to be held by the new Parliament following the election in May.

Parties were urged to take forward the Assembly’s work through manifesto pledges.

The debate can be viewed here.

The Assembly’s report was published last month. The vision and recommendations were agreed by an overwhelming consensus of members, and cover a wide range of areas including future citizens’ assemblies, incomes and poverty, tax and the economy, health and wellbeing, support for young people, sustainability and further powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Following the report’s publication, Assembly members met virtually to discuss their vision and recommendations with ministers from the Scottish Government, including the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs Michael Russell and a number of other ministers. 

Last week, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Futures Forum held an event convened by the Presiding Officer which brought together members of the Assembly, a political panel and a number of MSPs to discuss and consider the vision and recommendations of the Assembly ahead of the Parliamentary debate on Thursday. 

The report of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland can be read online at citizensassembly.scot

To accompany the report, a short film on the Vision and Recommendations agreed by the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland, and featuring the voices of members is here: 

Our Vision and Recommendations – YouTube

And a second one that considers the deliberative process is here:

Finding common ground through deliberation – YouTube

All of the materials including evidence from previous weekends, an interim report and range of supporting papers covering previous work and articles and videos about the impact of COVID-19, together with recordings of plenary sessions, are available on the Assembly website 

www.citizensassembly.scot 

Scotland has another Citizens’ Assembly underway. Scotland’s Climate Assembly is tackling the question: “How should Scotland change to tackle the climate emergency in an effective and fair way?” and will continue its work over the next few months.

Best wishes,

Citizens’ Assembly Secretariat

Salmond: At last … it’s time to talk

Former First Minister Alex Salmond will give evidence to the Committee on the Scottish Government’s Handling of Harassment Complaints at Holyrood this afternoon.

The Committee’s remit is to consider and report on the actions of the First Minister, Scottish Government officials and special advisers in dealing with complaints about Alex Salmond, former First Minister, considered under the Scottish Government’s “Handling of harassment complaints involving current or former ministers” procedure and actions in relation to the Scottish Ministerial Code.

In a formal submission to the committee, Mr Salmond maintains that senior members of the SNP colluded with civil servants in an orchestrated campaign to damage his reputation.

He also accuses First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of both misleading parliament and breaking the Ministerial Code. If this is proven, Ms Sturgeon would be expected to resign.

Ms Sturgeon yesterday dismissed Salmond’s claims as ‘a litany of nonsence’.

This is much more serious than a ‘he said, she said’ internal SNP stooshie: the allegations go right to the heart of Scotland’s democratic structures.

So the stakes couldn’t be higher. It remains to be seen whether today’s session will see us inch any closer to the truth …

Alex Salmond will NOT appear before Holyrood committee today

Former First Minister Alex Salmond will not now give evidence to today’s session of the inquiry into how the Scottish government handled complaints against him.

He was due to present his evidence to the committee this morning, but a Scottish Parliament spokesperson has confirmed that Mr Salmond’s legal advisers yesterday informed the committee he would not be attend unless his final submission was published in full.

Mr Salmond’s decision was brought about after The Scottish Parliament’s Parliamentrary Body withdrew his final submission from the Scottish Parliament website under pressure from The Crown Office, who expressed ‘grave concerns’ over it’s public presence – despite the fact that the Salmond testimony was published in The Spectator magazine some weeks ago.

The submission was later uploaded in a redacted form – but the removal of some sections would potentially hamper Mr Salmond’s ability to give full answers to committee questions which would be based on the redacted report.

The Crown Office’s role is severely criticised in the Salmond submission, in which he accuses a number of individuals and organisations of an orchestrated attempt to ‘damage my reputation and remove me from public life in Scotland’.

In his final submission, Mr Salmond says: “I leave it to others the question of what is, or is not, a conspiracy but am clear in my position that the evidence supports a deliberate, prolonged, malicious and concerted effort among a range of individuals within the Scottish Government and the SNP to damage my reputation, even to the extent of having me imprisoned.

“The individuals, for the avoidance of doubt: Peter Murrell (Chief Executive), Ian McCann (Compliance Officer) and Sue Riddick (Chief Operating Officer) of the SNP, together with Liz Llloyd, the First Minister’s Chief of Staff.

“There are others who, for legal reasons, I am not allowed to name.”

Alex Salmond’s submission concludes: “The real cost to the Scottish people runs into many millions of pounds and yet no-one in this entire process has uttered the simple words which are necessary on occasions to renew and refresh democratic institutions – “I Resign”.

“The Committee now has the opportunity to address that position.”

Mr Salmond also accuses the First Minister of both breaching the Ministerial Code and of misleading parliament in her recollection of events. If this was proven to be the case, Ms Sturgeon would be expected to resign.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took to the airwaves on Monday evening, challenging Alex Salmond to prove there was a conspiracy against him and saying he has made claims “without a shred of evidence.”

The nine-person Holyrood committee will meet in private today to discuss how they can overcome the latest setback – their inquiry has been dogged by procedural issues and legal wrangling since it was set up in January 2019.

Mr Salmond has now offered to appear before the committee on Friday if the legal dispute over the written submission can be resolved.

Salmond submission published

Alex Salmond’s final submission to Wednesday’s committee inquiry has been published.

It’s quite a document, and on reading it you can understand why some people have done their damndest to make sure it never saw the light of day.

Take this, for example:

“I leave it to others the question of what is, or is not, a conspiracy but am clear in my position that the evidence supports a deliberate, prolonged, malicious and concerted effort among a range of individuals within the Scottish Government and the SNP to damage my reputation, even to the extent of having me imprisoned.

“The individuals, for the avoidance of doubt: Peter Murrell (Chief Executive), Ian McCann (Compliance Officer) and Sue Riddick (Chief Operating Officer) of the SNP, together with Liz Llloyd, the First Minister’s Chief of Staff.

There are others who, for legal reasons, I am not allowed to name.”

Should be quite an interesting session … !

Alex_Salmond_Final_SubmissionDownload

Citizens Panel: Scottish Government must set out its Covid-19 strategy

A panel of the public convened by the Scottish Parliament’s Covid-19 Committee has reported its findings to MSPs.

The 19-member panel, which broadly reflects the demographic make-up of Scotland, met over four Saturdays to consider the question ‘What priorities should shape the Scottish Government’s approach to COVID-19 restrictions and strategy in 2021’, hearing from experts to help inform its findings. 

Key conclusions in its report include: 

* The panel believes the Scottish Government should focus on stopping the spread of virus, ideally by pursuing an ‘elimination’ strategy. 

* The panel believes elimination would provide the fastest way back to ‘normal’, but also recognised that this needs maximum cooperation across UK, as well as accepting travel restrictions;

* If this is not possible, the panel recommends a ‘maximum suppression’ strategy should be adopted, with a reinvigorated Test and Protect to keep case numbers low once they have dropped. The panel concluded that by tackling the direct harm of the virus head on, other harms (economic, societal, other health problems) will also reduce;

* Priority should also be given to supporting a green recovery, young people’s economic opportunities, town centres, and continuing support for businesses; 

* The Scottish Government must therefore define what it is aiming to achieve and tell us what its strategy is moving forward. Key to understanding this is what it deems to be an acceptable level of infection in the population, so that it is clear what restrictions will be effective in 2021.

The panel also considered wider issues associated with the pandemic within its deliberations. It agreed:

* Previous lockdowns happened too slowly – resulting in longer lockdowns and more deaths;

* Communication and explaining strategies is key to public acceptance and understanding. This is most effective when scientists and clinicians can take centre stage;

* Globally, no one is safe until everyone is safe.

Members of the panel will give evidence to MSPs on the Covid-19 Committee about their report today (Thursday 18 February).

In the coming weeks, the report will also inform MSPs’ consideration of the possible extension of the emergency Coronavirus legislation, which is currently due to expire at the end of March.

Covid-19 Committee Convener, Donald Cameron MSP, said: “The Committee is very grateful to the members of the public and experts who gave their time to participate in deliberations. 

“The steps taken to counter this virus are so drastic they would have been unimaginable a year ago. It is therefore vital we gauge the public mood as we enter into the next phase of managing the pandemic.

“The considered priorities of this broadly representative group, who have looked at the issue with fresh eyes, will help inform us as we begin to look at the likely extension of the emergency powers, and work to ensure the efforts of Government are focused in the right place.

 “We are looking forward to hearing more from panel members, and testing their conclusions, at our next meeting.”

The panel was announced and first met on 16 January.

The full report and further information on the panel will be online here.