Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 04 March 2021
Given the time available and the broad consensus that exists, I do not plan to speak for long or in any great detail. However, given the subject matter, it is important to put on the record, on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives, our support for the bill.
It is neither the time nor the place to go into the details of individual past incidents that have led us to today, but we must all recognise that the culture that was allowed to exist in our national Parliament—just as in many other parts of our society—was unacceptable and fell far below the standard required and expected. I am grateful to all those in the Parliament and in the committee who have worked hard to ensure that our procedures and processes are fit for purpose.
There is no room for complacency, but the changes represent a step forward. By extending the commissioner’s remit and removing the one-year time limit, the bill also allows for any concerns to be properly and independently investigated.
I urge all colleagues to support the changes, which are straightforward but much needed, at decision time.
15:41