Tag: Scottish Parliament

Labour’s handling of Foysol Choudhury MSP raises serious questions of Racism and Due Process

THE PUZZLING CASE OF FOYSOL CHOUDHURY

The administrative suspension and effective deselection of Scotland’s first Bangladeshi Muslim MSP—without a concluded investigation or formal complaint exposes troubling inconsistencies in Labour’s internal processes and raises wider concerns about Islamophobia and racial bias within the party.

The treatment of Foysol Chowdhury MSP by the Labour Party raises profound and troubling questions about fairness, due process, and whether institutional racism and Islamophobia continue to operate within the party (writes Cllr HABIB RAHMAN, Independent Councillor, Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne).

Foysol Chowdhury made history in 2021 when he became Scotland’s first Bangladeshi Muslim MSP. Since his election, he has served his constituents diligently, taken on multiple shadow cabinet roles, and built a strong reputation as a hard-working and effective parliamentarian.

Within the British Bangladeshi community across the UK, his political success was widely seen as a breakthrough moment—proof that politics could finally reflect the diversity of modern Britain.

Beyond politics, Foysol is a successful businessman, human rights campaigner, and philanthropist. He is also a devoted family man, married for over 30 years with two adult children.

In August 2025, Foysol underwent the standard reselection process for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. At a full members’ hustings held on 13 August, he received unanimous support and was democratically selected as Labour’s candidate for Edinburgh Northern.

What followed has been nothing short of a political and personal ordeal.

On 25 September 2025, Foysol was informed by email that he had been placed under “administrative suspension” by the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit (GLU) following an alleged serious conduct complaint. No details were provided. He was not told the nature of the allegation, when it was made, who made it, or even whether a formal complaint existed.

Almost immediately, media speculation erupted, falsely portraying Foysol as a sexual predator and suggesting allegations involving a female staff member.

This speculation was later publicly corrected by the GLU, which confirmed that reports of sexual misconduct were false and that the matter related instead to an allegation of bullying. By that point, however, the damage to Foysol’s reputation had already been done.

More than three months later, Foysol remains suspended. He has not been interviewed, asked for a statement, or given any meaningful opportunity to respond. His solicitors were informed by the GLU in November that the “assessment could not be completed unless the complainant decided to submit a formal complaint”.

This raises an extraordinary question: how can an elected representative be suspended indefinitely on the basis of a complaint that may not even formally exist?

Despite this unresolved situation, Scottish Labour proceeded as though Foysol no longer existed. In December 2025, party officials announced that applications had opened to “fill the vacancy” in Edinburgh Northern, using an all-women shortlist. This is despite the fact that Foysol had already been selected by members and no finding had been made against him.

A shortlist of three candidates was approved, with a hustings scheduled for January 2026. Notably, the shortlist contains no candidates of colour. For a party that routinely speaks about diversity and representation, this is deeply concerning.

I want to be absolutely clear on one point. Foysol Chowdhury is a friend. However, as a lifelong campaigner against bullying and harassment, I would be among the first to condemn him if he were found guilty of bullying or harassment of any kind. No one should be above accountability. But accountability requires evidence, due process, and fairness—not whispers, leaks, and indefinite suspension.

I also speak from personal experience. I left the Labour Party in January 2024 after repeatedly challenging Islamophobia and racism within its structures. I did so in the hope that the party would reflect, reform, and improve. Sadly, I see no evidence that this has happened. If anything, under the current leadership, the situation has worsened.

There is also a clear and troubling precedent that exposes a double standard. I submitted a formal complaint to the Labour Party on 8 March 2022 against a sitting Labour councillor. Despite this, that councillor—who is white—was permitted to remain on the ballot paper as a Labour candidate in the May 2022 local elections.

The GLU delayed imposing any administrative suspension until after the councillor had submitted their nomination papers to Newcastle City Council. Only then was a 12-month suspension imposed. That councillor went on to win the seat as a Labour candidate, served the suspension period, and later returned to the party.

This stands in stark contrast to the treatment of Foysol Choudhury—a Black Muslim MSP—who has been suspended without a concluded investigation, without a formal complaint, and effectively removed from selection.

What we are witnessing in Foysol Choudhury’s case is an effective deselection without investigation, a punishment without a verdict, and a complete abandonment of one of Labour’s most prominent minority representatives. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this case would have been handled very differently had Foysol not been a Bangladeshi Muslim man.

Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour increasingly appears detached from the principles of justice, equality, and solidarity it once claimed to uphold. The handling of this case by Scottish Labour and the GLU risks reinforcing the perception that the party is comfortable sidelining minority voices when they become inconvenient.

The Labour Party must act urgently. Either there is a formal complaint that can be investigated promptly and fairly, or there is not. If there is no formal complaint, Foysol Choudhury should be reinstated immediately, his suspension lifted, and his democratic selection respected.

An unreserved apology is owed—not only to him, but to the communities who saw his election as a symbol of progress. Anything less will confirm the belief that Labour has failed one of its own—and in doing so, failed the values it claims to stand for.

Taken together, the evidence in this case leads to a deeply troubling conclusion: that racism and Islamophobia remain real, unresolved problems within the Labour Party’s internal culture and decision-making processes.

HABIB RAHMAN

Scottish public inquiries should have defined timescales and fixed budgets, says new Holyrood report

Scottish Ministers should set defined timescales and fixed budgets for public inquiries, says a new parliamentary report.

The recommendation is one of a raft of measures from Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee to improve the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries.

The committee’s report says inquiries are “over-stretched and poorly defined” and subject to limited financial control.

It also says there is a “lack of clarity and openness” on the decision-making process leading up to inquiries being established.

The report follows an eight-month investigation into the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries – the first time a Holyrood committee has examined the subject.

The cost of inquiries in Scotland alone has risen by £30 million this year to £258 million since 2007.

Impact on frontline services

The committee also highlights the impact on frontline services when staff and resources are redirected to an inquiry.

For example, a trial judge presides over 34 trials a year on average. If a judge is involved in an inquiry lasting years, it has an impact on the justice system.

The committee says its recommendations are practical and can be implemented quickly.

Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “Our investigation was prompted by increasing concern over the escalating cost of public inquiries.

“In practice, there is currently limited ability for Ministers to control expenditure and stop costs spiralling – or to stop an inquiry dragging on for years once it’s up and running.

“Our study of international models shows there are better alternatives for cost effectiveness and effective delivery. For example, Sweden normally requires its public inquiries to conclude within two years and within a set budget.

“We are also concerned at the impact on existing services if resources are redirected to inquiries that may last for years.

“We therefore recommend the Scottish Government amends its devolved Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007, to require a defined timescale and fixed budget at the start of every inquiry. Any subsequent justification for an extension should be brought before Parliament.

“In the longer term, the Scottish Government should work with the UK Government to update the Inquiries Act 2005 – which is reserved – to make this a primary legislation requirement.”

Practical actions, quickly

Mr Gibson added: “Our recommended package of measures is designed to strike the right balance. Retaining flexibility to meet the unique circumstances of individual inquiries, while strengthening financial controls and promoting fiscal sustainability.

“Our focus is on practical actions that can be implemented quickly within Scotland. It will benefit everyone – not only people seeking answers and justice, but taxpayers and everyone who uses public services.

“The Finance Committee urges the Scottish Government to act decisively on these recommendations to ensure Scotland’s public inquiry system is cost-effective, transparent and accountable.”

A summary of the committee’s recommendations is set out in Annexe B of the committee’s report.

The committee’s report covers themes including:

  • Limited transparency of government decision-making prior to inquiries being established
  • A lack of sufficient financial control of inquiries and the timeline for delivery
  • The rising cost and frequency of public inquiries in Scotland
  • The opportunity cost of public inquiries and the impact on frontline public services
  • The need for financial transparency and regular, consistent publication of costs – both cumulative and disaggregated
  • The need for clarity on the core purpose of an inquiry and its terms of reference
  • Views from relatives and families with experience of public inquiries
  • Judge-led inquiries – its impact on the courts and effective alternative models
  • International comparisons from Sweden, New Zealand and Australia
  • Implementing report findings – the lack of tracking and evaluation of the implementation of findings following an inquiry.

The committee’s report says its package of measures aim to:

  • increase transparency within the public inquiry system
  • promote consistency and openness in Scottish Government decision-making
  • provide greater support for inquiry teams
  • strengthen oversight and scrutiny, and importantly
  • improve cost-effectiveness and fiscal sustainability of the system.

Read the committee report

Criminal Justice Committee say the justice sector needs £400 million more

The justice sector is facing serious and complex challenges and without increased funding of £400 million (13%) in next year’s budget, the sector faces unacceptable cuts to services, say the Criminal Justice Committee.

The Committee has been gathering evidence as part of their pre-budget scrutiny 26/27. While acknowledging the budget pressures on the Scottish Government, the Committee say the evidence it has received is gravely concerning and that the justice sector has now reached a critical limit in its ability to deliver services without additional investment.

The evidence gathered shows a sector under ever-increasing pressure with new and emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change adding to the stress on resources. The Committee is calling for dedicated funding to ensure justice bodies can tackle rising cyber threats and climate-driven challenges.

In particular, the Committee want to see investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who are on the front line of responding to climate change incidents.

Other budget pressures highlighted in the report include the additional costs in planning, and implementing new legislation enacted by the Parliament.

The Committee say there is an urgent need for the Scottish Government to move towards multi-year funding settlements for all justice sector bodies in Scotland to allow for longer term planning and more flexibility.

The Committee recommend that the Scottish Government works with the UK Government to see if a solution can be found which would allow both the Scottish Police Authority/Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service flexibility to manage their budgets through the use of a financial reserve, as they did before they became single nationwide services.

Furthermore, the Committee want the Scottish Government to look into the possibility of allowing the police and fire services to be given borrowing capacity, to give them more flexibility and an ability to better respond to urgent critical challenges.

Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “The scenario facing the justice sector is gravely concerning and without additional funding of £400 million it will face unacceptable cuts to frontline services.

“Our Committee acknowledge that there are no easy answers when it comes to the budget pressures the Government is facing. However, despite the best efforts of the justice sector to make efficiency savings over the last 10-15 years, it is clear that a crucial limit has now been reached in terms of funding and resources.

“Put simply, a flat cash settlement next year is not sufficient, and would lead to cuts and reductions to services which our Committee cannot accept.”

The Convener added: “We want to see additional funding of £400 million and multi-year funding settlements to help the sector in the short and long term.

“We also encourage the Scottish Government to look into giving the police and fire services the ability to borrow money and create financial reserves in order to give them more flexibility to deal with ongoing and urgent financial pressures.

“The Committee thanks witnesses from across the sector who have spoken so candidly on the pressures they face and the urgent need for increased funding.”

Boyack ‘extremely disappointed’ that future generations bill voted down by committee

Labour MSP for the Lothians, Sarah Boyack has expressed her disappointment that the committee has not endorsed her member’s bill.

The Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill aimed to embed legally defined definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing into law.

It would also have created a Future Generations Commissioner, modelled off the Welsh equivalent, that would have oversight powers to ensure that public bodies would have to consider the long-term implications of their actions.

The bill had been making its way through the Social Justice Committee at Holyrood as experts gave evidence regarding the bill.

The bill was first unveiled by Ms Boyack in 2023.

The SNP backed a wellbeing and sustainable development bill in their 2021 manifesto but came out against Ms Boyack’s bill earlier this year.

Commenting after the committee’s decision, Sarah Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed that my member’s bill has not been supported by the majority of the committee’s members.

“The bill would have ensured that Scotland focuses on implementing sustainable development and wellbeing policies and deliver the leadership, accountability, advice and guidance we urgently need.

“I want to thank all those who supported my proposed bill as it has raised the need for joined up action and implementation onto the Parliament’s agenda.

“It’s clear from reading the committee’s report that there is action which the Scottish Government needs to deliver.

“I still believe that my bill would complement and reinforce that action.”

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers lack clarity, says Holyrood committee

Plans to cap excessive profits made by residential care providers have not been fully thought through according to Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.

The finding is one of many from a new report that calls for significant changes to the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, which aims to improve the services and support provided to people in the children’s care system.

As part of the Promise, the Scottish Government committed to tackling excessive profit in residential care. Under the proposals, certain residential care providers would need to provide financial information about the operation of their services to help the Scottish Government understand the fees charged for placements and the final costs paid by local authorities.

The Committee understood the Government’s motivations for doing this but says the changes are underdeveloped. The Government failed to consult on the issue ahead of the Bill’s introduction and the Bill does not outline how the Government would define an excessive profit.

The Committee also raised its concerns about what impact this could have on a fragile market and whether this could lead to services closing or diversifying. More broadly, many key stakeholders felt they had not been fully engaged in the development of this Bill and told the Committee that the Bill’s provisions were the poorer for this.

The general principles of the Bill have been supported by the Committee, including proposals to extend aftercare and to offer life-long advocacy to care experienced children, young people and adults. However, the Committee is also clear that more information about how these would work practically will be required before the Bill becomes law.

The Committee recognises the importance of children and young people being able to challenge any potential breaches to their rights via the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

As currently drafted, the Bill does not allow this to happen, as sections 1 and 2, which relate to aftercare, and section 10, which relates to a register for foster carers, amend legislation that pre-dates the Scottish Parliament. The Committee therefore urges the Scottish Government to explore how it might remedy this, as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

The Committee also called for further consideration around proposed changes to the Children’s Hearing System, recommending the Government consider:

  • retaining three member panels when substantive decisions are being made
  • clarifying the roles of specialist members at Children’s Hearings, who may have particular expertise in child services or healthcare
  • revisiting plans for post-referral discussions, to ensure they are more closely aligned with the recommendations of the ‘Hearings for Children’ report.

Douglas Ross MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said: “Every Member of the Committee agrees with the Promise made to Scotland’s care experienced children and young people, and as a result we unanimously support the general principles of this Bill.

“However, we are disappointed by the lack of clarity around some of the crucial provisions in this long-awaited Bill and what stakeholders told us about the lack of consultation they experienced ahead of the Bill’s introduction. This includes issues with proposals to tackle excess profits in residential care, which had not been properly consulted on and do not seem to be well thought through.

“We are now calling for substantial amendments to be made before the Bill becomes law. This is an opportunity to bring about real and lasting change for the care community and it is vital that the Government gets this right.”

The Bill also puts forward changes to children services planning, which aim to enhance collaborative working and join up planning across adult and children’s services. The Committee found that the rationale for these proposals was unconvincing and called for further explanation so that benefits, and any unintended consequences, of these changes are clearer.

Cladding levy Bill carries significant risk to Scotland’s housing market, says Holyrood’s Finance Committee

A Bill to raise funds towards Scotland’s cladding remediation programme carries “significant risk” to the housing market, says a parliamentary report published today.

Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee says it is “unconvinced” that the Scottish Government has fully considered the implications of the Bill on the nation’s ‘housing emergency’.

The committee has decided, therefore, to make no recommendation on the general principles of the Bill – a first time for this committee – and says it hopes the government will respond positively to its findings.

The committee is also calling on the government to carry out market ‘sensitivity analysis’ prior to deciding levy rates and reliefs, and to monitor the effect of the new tax on the housing sector.

Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “Our committee understands the Scottish Government’s intent behind this Bill, but we believe the introduction of the levy carries significant risk.

“We have concerns regarding its potential impact on the housing market, and on the delivery of houses in areas where the viability of building sites is already challenging.

“We are unconvinced that the government has fully considered the implications for its self-declared housing emergency when designing the policy approach for this levy. We also believe the policy design has been focussed on the arbitrary figure that the levy could raise, and not sufficiently focussed on developing a good, well-structured levy that is sustainable.

“On the basis of the evidence received, our committee makes no recommendation on the general principles of the Bill. We trust that the Scottish Government will respond positively to our recommendations to inform further discussion of the general principles during the Stage 1 debate in the chamber in January 2026.”

Calling for regular reports on the housing market impact, Mr Gibson said: “Our committee recommends that the reporting requirements in the Bill be strengthened, so that the government is required to report every three years on how the levy is working. That report should include an assessment of how the levy is impacting the Scottish housing market in practice.” 

Mr Gibson went on: “Our committee does not consider the levy to be fully reflective of the sensitivities of the housing market in Scotland.

“We therefore recommend the government undertakes a sensitivity analysis, to assess in more detail, the impact of the levy on the housing market – in particular on rural sites and on SME developers.

“The analysis should be published in time to inform the government’s decisions in setting levy rates and, where applicable, any reliefs, through secondary legislation.”

Other findings and recommendations:

  • there is a strong case for exempting remote rural areas from the scope of the levy. While recognising the challenges in developing an appropriate definition for remote rural developments, this should not be a barrier to introducing this important exemption.
  • the Bill should be amended to include a sunset clause to provide an opportunity to robustly review after 15 years how the levy is operating and for the Scottish Parliament to then decide whether the law should remain in place. This, we consider, should provide much-needed reassurance to the industry that the levy is not intended to become a permanent tax on housebuilding.
  • the committee is concerned about the potential for the levy to contribute to the loss of historic buildings in Scotland. It recommends the government considers a targeted broadening of this exemption for conversions, which will help to protect historic buildings that may otherwise remain abandoned.

Minister Ivan McKee announced in November 2025 that introduction of the levy rates will be pushed back by more than a year to April 2028.

The Stage 1 debate on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill is expected to be debated by Parliament in the new year.

Read the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill

Read the committee report

Community Land Scotland launches Holyrood elections manifesto

Diversifying landownership and strengthening community ownership and control is not just a fair approach; it is the key to putting Scotland’s future in the hands of its people and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future.

That is why our first policy priority ahead of the 2026 election is to ask for 10% of Scotland to be community owned by the end of the Parliament delivered by a clear plan to significantly increase community landownership and reduce the concentration of private landownership in Scotland – including a Land Reform Bill with a meaningful Public Interest Test on all landownership and targeted taxation to deliver land reform outcomes.

Community landownership has repeatedly shown its value, giving people the ability to shape their local economies, create housing and jobs, restore nature and generate clean energy. But to unlock this potential at scale, it is essential that Scotland addresses its concentrated pattern of landownership and ensures a revitalised democracy rooted in communities themselves.

A new Land Reform Bill is a crucial mechanism to do that. Within this Bill, there needs to be a meaningful public interest test on large-scale landownership – a concept proposed by the Scottish Land Commission over the past five years, and which the Scottish Government had previously committed to with 72% of respondents strongly supporting the proposed measure within their consultation on this matter.

Combined with targeted taxation and a clear national plan to expand community ownership, these measures can shift the archaic status quo.

Reaching 10% community ownership is ambitious; but it is achievable, necessary and the clear next step to build a Scotland where land is owned and managed for the public good.

Read our manifesto in full 👉

Community-Land-Scotland-Manifesto-25-26Download

www.communitylandscotland.org.uk/resources/manifesto-25-26/

Holyrood to canvass public opinion on the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan

What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?

The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.

The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.

Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.

Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said: “Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.

“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.

“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?

“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”

Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.

Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.

Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election. 

Respond to the Your Priorities survey

Culture spending uplift helps sector stability, but may not be driving improved outcomes

Increased Scottish Government investment in culture has had a “positive impact” on confidence and stability in the sector but extra funding may to some degree be being used to help meet ongoing financial pressures, rather than necessarily generating improved cultural outcomes, according to a new report from Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

In a report published yesterday, the Committee recognises that “despite this welcome investment” the sector continues to face significant financial pressures, including increased employment costs such as employer National Insurance contributions, the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and Fair Work commitments.

In its report, published ahead of the Budget announcement in January, the Committee also shares concerns raised by arts and culture organisations that the Scottish Government funding increase may be being offset by funding reductions by local government.

Reiterating concerns

Throughout its pre-budget scrutiny, the Committee has considered evidence and the response of the Scottish Government, over the whole period of this session of Parliament, in order to build a longer-term view of culture funding decisions.

In its report, MSPs ask the Scottish Government to explain why it has not delivered 3-year funding settlements for the organisations it funds directly, despite a commitment in 2021 to do so.

That is one of a number of areas where the Committee is seeking clarity from the Scottish Government on the progress made in the last five years. Others include; a lack of strategic clarity in funding decisions and progress on collaboration with other Cabinet Secretaries to move forward on cross-portfolio working on funding for culture.

It also calls for details on progress made on a recommendation first given in 2022, that the Scottish Government urgently works towards alternative funding models for the sector, as well as for an urgent update on the establishment of a ‘Percentage for the Arts’ scheme and details as to what it would look like in practice.

The initiative was confirmed to be in its “initial stages” in 2022, but despite commitments to do so, the Scottish Government has not provided any further details to the Committee on the establishment of the scheme.

“Acute” skills shortage and infrastructure challenges

Further concerns raised in the report include a lack of skilled staff to maintain Scotland’s historic environment sector, with the Committee asking the Scottish Government how it is responding to this “acute” skills shortage.

It also asks key questions about whether the upcoming Spending Review will include plans to support the refurbishment, retrofitting and upkeep of cultural assets, as well as how the “substantial capital investment” required in the culture and heritage sector will be addressed to meet climate change and net zero ambitions.

Committee convener Clare Adamson said: “The Committee acknowledges the encouraging effect of the government’s pledge to boost funding for the culture sector, which has helped foster greater confidence and stability.

“Nonetheless, persistent financial challenges continue to pose serious difficulties for heritage and cultural organisations.

“We have listened carefully to the voices of those shaping and supporting Scotland’s cultural life and are mindful of the challenging economic context in which increased support has been made available.

“Our report outlines a series of recommendations for the Scottish Government.”

SP-culture-funding-reportDownload

Victims of the infected blood disaster to feature in new Scottish Parliament exhibit

The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.

Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.

It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.

The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.

Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.

She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.

Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.

Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.

The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.

Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.

“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”

Jryna Batters said: “The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.

“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”

Bruce Norval said: “I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.

“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.

“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.

“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.

“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”

Bill Wright OBE said: “The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.

“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.

“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.