Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 10 December 2019
10 Dec 2019 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Human Rights Defenders
I apologise to Mr Finnie, because I have been told that there is now something like five minutes in hand. Members can therefore intervene to their hearts’ content if they wish—you are all on alert. Otherwise, it is open speeches of four minutes, with time for interventions.
15:57In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-20192, in the name of Christina McKelvie, on reaffirming Scotland’s support for human rights defenders. ...
The Minister for Older People and Equalities (Christina McKelvie)
SNP
Today is human rights day. Each year, 10 December is celebrated around the world as the date in 1948 on which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a...
Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
I am grateful to have the opportunity to open on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives in today’s important debate reaffirming our support for human rights de...
Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Scottish Labour welcomes the debate and the chance to reflect on our progress on the human rights agenda, particularly given that the Labour Party has a prou...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I ask members to keep to their time. I am sorry to say that just before you speak, Mr Finnie. You have four minutes. 15:53
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green)
Green
I do not think that four minutes does the subject justice. I lend the Scottish Green Party’s support to the congratulation of the human rights defenders. In ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I apologise to Mr Finnie, because I have been told that there is now something like five minutes in hand. Members can therefore intervene to their hearts’ co...
Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
SNP
It is, of course, entirely correct that the Parliament highlights the international day of human rights defenders each year in December to reaffirm Scotland’...
Alexander Stewart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
I am delighted to contribute to today’s debate on reaffirming Scotland’s support for human rights defenders on international human rights day. Their efforts ...
Annabelle Ewing (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to have been called to speak in this timely debate on human rights defenders on international human rights day. Indeed, it was on 10 December 19...
Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to contribute to this debate, which reaffirms Scotland’s commitment to human rights as we reach the end of our second year of the Scottish Gover...
Mary Fee (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Enshrining and protecting human rights is one of the most important duties of an elected politician. We are duty bound to stand up and speak out for people w...
Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
Although it has been 21 years since its adoption by the UN General Assembly in 1998, the UN declaration on human rights defenders remains relatively unknown ...
Maurice Corry (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
Human rights defenders across the world show a level of courage and commitment that deserves to be recognised and supported, and I whole-heartedly do so in t...
Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
SNP
It is an honour to speak in this afternoon’s debate in recognition of the 21st anniversary of the international day of human rights defenders. This SNP Gover...
Ruth Maguire (Cunninghame South) (SNP)
SNP
I share our Government’s commitment to ensuring that Scotland is a modern and inclusive nation that protects, respects and realises internationally recognise...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani)
SNP
We move to the closing speeches. 16:37
David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
As we have heard, human rights defenders are on the front line of conflict. In fighting against human rights abuses, they put their lives and safety at risk ...
Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Con)
Con
This has largely been an enjoyable and interesting debate, which has built consensus across the chamber. There have been points when we have strayed from tha...
John Finnie
Green
The member makes a very valid point. Does he agree that some of the best people to provide criticism are our friends?
Oliver Mundell
Con
That is a very important point, and I absolutely accept that. Sometimes, when it comes to difficult matters, it is easier to listen to people with whom we ha...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I call Christina McKelvie to wind up the debate. Around 9 minutes will take us to a couple of minutes before 5 o’clock; that should be useful. 16:48
Christina McKelvie
SNP
I thank all members for their incredibly thoughtful contributions and for demonstrating a clearly held belief in and a shared commitment to human rights. We ...