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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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2,355,091
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1999–2026
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Showing 60 of 2,355,091 contributions. Latest 30 days: 148. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 14 May 2026.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Everyone has now voted. Once again, I ask scrutineers and candidates to please go to the back of the chamber. The votes will be counted for the final time.In the final round of voting to elect a second Deputy Presiding Officer, the number of votes that were cast for each candi...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Ballot papers up the back. Please vote now.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
I declare that the election for the second Deputy Presiding Officer is now open. The voting procedures are the same as before.Members voted by secret ballot.The Presiding Officer:Voting in this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers,...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Voting for this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is now closed. I invite scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the count. Again, candidates may also observe the count.Colleagues, you will be delighted to know that we have a result. In this round o...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Okay, folks, you know the drill. Ballot papers are at the back of the chamber.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Good afternoon, everyone. I am glad that you are all with us once more. This will be the last voting session of the afternoon, you will be glad to know—before you can all depart the scene.I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer, and ...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is now resumed. I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominees and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to t...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Okay, folks. I have just been given some instructions about what will happen next. However, before that, I want to thank every member who has participated in this voting process. My belated congratulations to them if I have not already spoken to them about winning their own el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the third round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In this round of voting in the el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in this round of the Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the counting of votes. Again, candidates may also observe the count.In the second round of voting in the election of the Presiding Officer, the ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the first round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I now invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In the first round of voting ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
As previously announced, I have received four valid nominations. In alphabetical order, the nominees are: Kenneth Gibson, Clare Haughey, Liam McArthur and Stuart McMillan.The election shall proceed in accordance with rule 11.9 of standing orders. If no member receives an overa...
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone) Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is resumed. I have received four valid nominations for the position of Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominations and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to the chamb...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I wish to inform members that nominations for the position of Presiding Officer will open at 12.30 pm. Nomination forms can be collected from the parliamentary business team, which is situated in T1.03. Completed nomination forms should be returned to the parliamentary busines...
Kate Campbell (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Kate Rosa Campbell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Stephen Gethins (Dundee City East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stephen Patrick Gethins, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jenny Young (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenny Young, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Herd Torrance, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Maree Todd, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Maree Todd, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse gum bi mi d...
Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alison Thewliss, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Alison Thewliss, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse g...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul John Sweeney, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Collette Stevenson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline Stafford (Bathgate) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I pledge my allegiance to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Pauline Stafford, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Shirley-Anne Somerville (Dunfermline) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Shirley-Anne Somerville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
David Smith (West Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Haydn Smith, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alyn Edward Smith, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Lorna Slater (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Lorna Jane Slater, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Simpson (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Mark Simpson, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Graham Simpson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kim Schmulian (Glasgow) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kim Schmulian, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Katherine Sangster (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Katherine Blackstock Sangster, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In my heart, my allegiance is to the people of Scotland.I, Mark Ruskell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Angela Ross (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Angela Ross, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Emma Roddick (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation under protest in order to sit in this Parliament, where my allegiance will be to the people of Inverness and Nairn.I, Emma Roddick, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King...
Willie Rennie (Fife North East) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, William Cowan Rennie, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Kirsten Oswald (Eastwood) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kirsten Frances Oswald, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kate Nevens (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation to the sovereign people of Scotland and pledge that, in all my actions, the interests of the Scottish people shall be paramount over and above those of the monarchy.I, Kate Nevens, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be fait...
Laura Moodie (South Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My affirmation is to the sovereign people of Scotland, whose interests I will always serve before those of the monarchy.I, Laura Moodie, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs...
Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I believe that the people of this country should be citizens, not subjects, and my first allegiance is to them.I, Carol Ann Mochan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and ...
Laura Mitchell (Moray) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Laura Mitchell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.I, Laura Mitchell, gie my depone, solemnly and sincerely, aat I wull be faithful and...
Jenni Minto (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenni Minto, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jack Middleton (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I declare that my first loyalty will always be to the people of Scotland.I, Jack Middleton, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Colm Merrick (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Colm Merrick, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Lloyd Melville (Angus South) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Lloyd Alexander Melville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Pauline Mary McNeill, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Marie Alexandra McNair, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Stuart McMillan (Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stuart McMillan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Paul McLennan (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul Stewart McLennan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Ivan McKee (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Ivan McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Cara McKee (West Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Cara McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Helen McDade (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Helen McDade, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Liam Scott McArthur, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Màiri McAllan (Clydesdale) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Màiri Louise McAllan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Duncan Massey (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Duncan Massey, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Gillian Anne Martin, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Michael Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Michael Marra, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Q Manivannan (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make the affirmation for the people of Scotland and their care, my bonnie, bonnie home.I, Q Manivannan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In order to represent my constituents and serve the common good and the people of Scotland, I, Ben Macpherson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according...
Donald MacKinnon (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Donald MacKinnon, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.Tha mise Dòmhnall MacFhionghain, a’ mionnachadh gum bi mi dìleas agus fìor umhail do A Mhòrachd An Rìgh Teàrla...
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 17 November 2021

17 Nov 2021 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Road Infrastructure

The UK Government needs to show some respect for the devolution settlement.

We will, of course, also continue to progress our maintenance programme to ensure the continued effectiveness and resilience of the roads.

We have adopted a focused and rigorously assessed approach to investing in our road network that balances the needs of our people with our climate ambitions, and we will continue to do so.

I move amendment S6M-02138.2, to leave out from “driving” to end and insert:

“, in the face of the climate emergency and the imperative to cut greenhouse gas emissions, as a nation, there is a need to encourage more people to use more sustainable travel options and reduce their car use; acknowledges the need to shift away from spending money on new road projects that encourage more people to drive, and instead focus resource on maintaining roads and improving safety; agrees that people need a realistic and affordable alternative in public transport and active travel, and notes that the Scottish Government will set out its plans for future investment in Scotland's transport network in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review.”

15:37  
References in this contribution

Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.

In the same item of business

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP
I remind members of the Covid-related measures that are in place. Face coverings should be worn when moving around the chamber and across the Holyrood campus...
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con) Con
Tom Arthur is a likeable chap. As a back bencher, he was affable and straight talking. However, during questions on the draft national planning framework las...
The Minister for Transport (Graeme Dey) SNP
Carry on.
Graham Simpson Con
“Carry on”, he says.
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
Could we have less chat between one member who is seated and one who is standing? If no intervention is taken, there is no intervention.
Graham Simpson Con
The minister does not wish to intervene, and the reason is that, although the SNP might agree with us that those roads and others need to be upgraded, they h...
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green
Speaking as a rural motorist, I find that the real cost to me is the cost of fixing my suspension or something else in my car after I have run over loads of ...
Graham Simpson Con
Investing in roads is what this is all about, and if we invested more in roads, Mr Ruskell would not have his car broken by potholes. The SNP might have bee...
The Minister for Transport (Graeme Dey) SNP
Graham Simpson’s speech was amusing and entertaining, but let us deal in facts. Just last week, Glasgow hosted the 26th United Nations climate change confere...
Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con
At the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s meeting on 31 August, when I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy about the Governmen...
Graeme Dey SNP
I will come to those projects later in my contribution. The Scottish Government is fully committed to meeting our ambitious climate targets, but that does n...
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con
Will the minister take an intervention?
Graeme Dey SNP
No—I need to make progress. The Scottish Government is also committed to delivering improvements for the north and the east of Scotland, along the A96 corri...
Graeme Dey SNP
Alongside that, we will carry out a transparent evidence-based review of the A96 corridor, which will report by the end of 2022. That is sensible good govern...
Liam Kerr Con
The minister’s party promised to dual the A96. Will he?
Graeme Dey SNP
The situation is very clear. The commitment remains to address those issues, and the dualling aspect is subject to the review. We remain committed to making...
Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Con
Will the minister take an intervention?
Graeme Dey SNP
I want to make progress. STPR2 will include recommendations for future investment in the Scottish road network over the next 20 years. Although the commitme...
Finlay Carson Con
Will the minister take an intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
The minister is in his final minute.
Graeme Dey SNP
May I take that intervention, Presiding Officer?
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
If it is very brief and you wind up in your allotted time.
Finlay Carson Con
Does the minister agree that the Scottish Government needs to put aside its petty and divisive position and work with the UK Government, particularly if the ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
That was not a brief intervention. I think that the minister has the gist. The minister should be brief.
Graeme Dey SNP
The UK Government needs to show some respect for the devolution settlement. We will, of course, also continue to progress our maintenance programme to ensur...
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab
Scottish Labour believes that key routes in Scotland must be upgraded to improve road safety, reduce journey times and support local and regional economies. ...
Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (LD) LD
I want to make three points on the importance of core connectivity between communities and the rest of Scotland; the safety of our roads and the need to main...
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green
I recognise the safety issues on the A9. Why, then, did Liberal Democrat MPs oppose the introduction of safety cameras on the A9?
Beatrice Wishart LD
Repairs and other improvements fall in line with the recommendations of the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland, which suggested that greater emphasis be ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
We move to the open debate. I advise members that there is no time in hand. If you take an intervention, it must be absorbed within your allotted time. 15:46