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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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Official Report

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Showing 60 of 2,096,158 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,357. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 10 Jun 2026.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

That concludes decision time.18:01Members’ business will be published tomorrow, 11 June 2026, as soon as the text is available.The rest of this Official Report will be published progressively as soon as the text is available.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The result of the division on motion S7M-00294, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on an inquiry to restore public trust in Scottish politics, as amended, is: For 71, Against 50, Abstentions 0.Motion, as amended, agreed to,That the Parliament believes there is a need to restore publi...

Speaker unknown Chamber

ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)Ahmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab)Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP)Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP)Barratt, ...

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

Your vote has been recorded.

Joe Long (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lab Chamber

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to vote. I would have voted no.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

Your vote has been recorded.

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Jenny Gilruth) SNP Chamber

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

There will be a division.The vote is closed.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The final question is, that motion S7M-00294, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on an inquiry to restore public trust in Scottish politics, as amended, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The result of the division on amendment S7M-00294.3, in the name of Russell Findlay, is: For 53, Against 70, Abstentions 0.Amendment disagreed to.

Speaker unknown Chamber

ForAhmed, Irshad (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab)Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab)Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)Bannerman, Max (Highlands and Islands) (Reform)Baxter, Andrew (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (LD)Beresford, Senga (South Scotland) (Reform)Bibby, Neil...

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

There will be a division.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The next question is, that amendment S7M-00294.3, in the name of Russell Findlay, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00294, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on an inquiry to restore public trust in Scottish politics, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The result of the division on amendment S7M-00294.2, in the name of Ross Greer, is: For 70, Against 53, Abstentions 0.Amendment agreed to.

Speaker unknown Chamber

ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP)Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP)Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothi...

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

There will be a division.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The next question is, that amendment S7M-00294.2, in the name of Ross Greer, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00294, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on an inquiry to restore public trust in Scottish politics, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

The result of the division on amendment S7M-00294.1, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, is: For 55, Against 68, Abstentions 0.Amendment disagreed to.

Speaker unknown Chamber

ForAdam, George (Paisley) (SNP)Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)Anderson, Heather (Dundee City West) (SNP)Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley) (SNP)Barratt, David (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)Beattie, Colin (Midlothi...

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

We move to the vote on amendment S7M-00294.1, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, which seeks to amend motion S7M-00294, in the name of Anas Sarwar. Members should cast their votes now.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

There will be a division.There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system.17:53Meeting suspended.17:55On resuming—

The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber

There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business.I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Jamie Hepburn is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Ross Greer will fall.The first question is, that amendment S7M-00294.1, in the name of Jamie Hepbu...

Speaker unknown Chamber

The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber

Business Motion

The next item of business is consideration of business motion S7M-00301, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme.Motion moved,That the Parliament agrees—(a) the following programme of business—Tuesday 16 June 20262....

Speaker unknown Chamber

Business Motion

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

That concludes the debate on an inquiry to restore public trust in Scottish politics.

Jackie Baillie Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

The minister misunderstands and is clearly not listening. The people of Scotland are interested in those wider questions, but that is not what I am suggesting the inquiry should do. I have been very clear on that point.Let me go back to what Robin McAlpine had to say about dem...

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I find it interesting that, although Ms Baillie said that it is not for others to take an interest in the SNP’s internal affairs, she is now talking extensively about the appointment of a KC and the thin nature of our internal governance review. It seems that she is taking an ...

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

The key and absolute qualification for any First Minister of Scotland is that“that individual must be able to command the trust of the Parliament and the public.”—Official Report, 28 November 2001; c 4118.Those are not my words but those of John Swinney and, on that point, we ...

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

No, I do not, so let us move on.The point that I was going to make was one that I made earlier: it is important that, as an institution, we focus on matters that are of primary interest and of paramount importance to the people of Scotland. Instead of raising issues like this,...

Russell Findlay Con Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I remember how sleazy, arrogant and entitled Labour became when it dominated Scottish politics. Does the minister see that at all in his party?

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I will give way to Mr Findlay.

Russell Findlay Con Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Will the member give way?

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

: —that the SNP has won five elections in a row. It has earned the trust of the people for five elections in a row. It is just a matter of fact—there is no arrogance about it; it is just a reality.I think that it is important that we—

The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Please speak through the chair.

Anas Sarwar Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

It was the mindset that Murrell had.

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

It is not a mindset but a matter of fact—

Anas Sarwar Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

That is your mindset.

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

There are two things there. First, the public can be confident that the crime that has been perpetrated has been fully investigated and prosecuted and there is now a plea. I do not think that any of us is suggesting that there is a lack of confidence in that process—I certainl...

Willie Rennie LD Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

That is a very generous offer, but I will have to decline.The minister is talking about the SNP investigating itself. How does that improve the confidence of the public in the Government party in this country?

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I do not think that Mr Rennie is one of those SNP members, but maybe he wants to apply to join—we might let him come on board.I will give way one more time, to Mr Rennie.

Willie Rennie LD Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Will the minister give way?

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

That brings me to a point that I was going to make later, because it picks up on a point that Willie Rennie made—I see that Mr Rennie is now paying attention to me. He made the point that my party does not want to do anything in response to some of the issues that have arisen ...

Daniel Johnson Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

The minister does not want to accept questions coming from other parts of the chamber. Does he accept that questions are also coming from people who served his party, both in the NEC and in Parliaments? Those people are saying that blocks and obstructions were put in the way o...

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I will give way one more time.

Daniel Johnson Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Will the minister give way?

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

That was a wonderful pre-prepared line delivered tremendously well, Ms Lindsay. We look forward to much more of that.The past few weeks have been uncomfortable, difficult and very distressing for many of us—I will not pretend otherwise. No one would believe me if I did. Howeve...

Amanda Lindsay Reform Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

The only thing that I would say in response to that is that the SNP lecturing Reform on sleaze is like Lord Mandelson selling ethics lessons. No one is buying it.

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I say to Amanda Lindsay that I might take more seriously the notion that my party operated like a syndicate if her party was not one that had been formed as a private limited company that is owned by one individual. Let us just remember where we are all starting from. Interrup...

Amanda Lindsay Reform Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Yet, when it comes to holding one of its own to account for embezzling party funds, the urgency mysteriously disappears.Meanwhile, Scottish Labour, which called this debate, might want to reflect on its party’s sleazy history. After all, its hero, Lord Mandelson, was twice for...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Katy Clark) Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

The member must be heard.

Amanda Lindsay Reform Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Instead of full transparency, we have had silence, deflection and obstruction. The First Minister likes to lecture others about integrity, yet he still refuses to put country before party. If he truly believes in restoring public trust, he must stop hiding behind lawyers and f...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Katy Clark) Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

No, no, minister. The member does not have to take interventions.

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Amanda Lindsay Reform Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Forgive me, but I wish to make progress.

Jamie Hepburn SNP Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Will the member give way?

Amanda Lindsay (Central Scot and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I support this debate and back calls for a full parliamentary inquiry into the shocking embezzlement of party funds by Peter Murrell.The Scottish people deserve the truth. For years, the SNP has presented itself as a slick, professional political machine. In reality, it has op...

Patrick Harvie Green Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I think that Anas Sarwar would be horrified if a former or a current leader of a political party told its members how they should vote on a committee decision. Interruption. That is for committees to decide, and I am not going to instruct any—Interruption. Look at him laughing...

Anas Sarwar Lab Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

Mr Harvie says that committees in this Parliament could investigate certain prosecutions. To clarify, if a motion came to the justice committee, would his party support such an investigation by the justice committee?

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green Chamber

Public Trust in Scottish Politics

I beg your pardon, Presiding Officer. I was just discovering how much some speeches improve when I remove my hearing aids.Sadly, today, we have very much seen the debate that I expected. There has been some opportunistic partisanship dressed up as principled concern, and there...

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Committee

Criminal Justice Committee 01 June 2022

01 Jun 2022 · S6 · Criminal Justice Committee

Item of business

Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2

Nicoll, Audrey SNP Aberdeen South and North Kincardine Watch on SPTV

I wish you a very good morning. Welcome to the 18th meeting in 2022 of the Criminal Justice Committee. We have received no apologies. We have two main items of business today: completion of stage 2 of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, and consideration of a number of Scottish statutory instruments. Before we move on to amendments to the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, I remind members that we need to complete our stage 2 scrutiny before the deadline next Wednesday, 8 June. Although I am keen for members to fully debate and scrutinise the remaining amendments, I intend that we will complete stage 2 today. If necessary, I will run the meeting until 1.45 pm. I am anxious to avoid that, but if we do not manage to get to the SSIs today, we will need to rearrange consideration at an additional meeting for members and the minister early next week. Agenda item 1 is to recommence our stage 2 consideration of the bill where we stopped last week, which was at amendment 80 to section 10. I ask members to refer to their copy of the bill, the marshalled list of amendments and the groupings of amendments. I welcome back the Minister for Community Safety, Ash Regan, and her officials. I remind the officials that they are there to assist the minister during the stage 2 debate and are not permitted to participate in the debate. For that reason, members should not direct questions to them. Section 10—Grant of fireworks licence subject to conditions

In the same item of business

The Convener (Audrey Nicoll) SNP

I wish you a very good morning. Welcome to the 18th meeting in 2022 of the Criminal Justice Committee. We have received no apologies. We have two main items...

The Convener SNP

Amendment 81, in the name of Jamie Greene, is grouped with amendments 82 and 83.

Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con) Con

Good morning. We have a lot to get through today. The amendments in this small group are technical ones that seek to improve the licensing scheme, should it...

The Minister for Community Safety (Ash Regan) SNP

The amendments in group 11 make provisions relating to the format of a fireworks licence. In particular, they set out entitlement to a paper licence and spec...

Jamie Greene Con

I thank the minister for that response. The reassurance that has been given, with her accepting the point, is helpful and appreciated. For that reason, I wil...

The Convener SNP

I call Jamie Greene to move amendment 82, which has already been debated with amendment 81.

Jamie Greene Con

Can I have clarification of the difference between withdrawing and not moving an amendment?

Seán Wixted (Clerk)

If a member is content not to move an amendment, they do not have to—it will not be debated. If an amendment is moved, it must be debated by the committee, a...

The Convener SNP

Amendment 84, in the name of Jamie Greene, is in a group on its own.

Jamie Greene Con

Amendment 84 is quite self-explanatory—unusually for an amendment—and is based on the premise of an appeals process. It says: “The Scottish Ministers must p...

Amendment 84 would require the Scottish ministers to provide information about how to appeal a decision to refuse a licence application, attach a condition t...

The Convener SNP

Jamie, do you want to wind up or press or withdraw amendment 84?

Jamie Greene Con

I thank the minister for the offer. I am happy to kick off the morning on a consensual note and agree to work with the minister and her team ahead of stage 3...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 86 be agreed to. Are we all agreed? Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division. For Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con) Against Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) MacG...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 2, Against 6, Abstentions 0. Amendment 86 disagreed to. Section 15 agreed to. Section 16—False or altered licences and ...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 20 be agreed to. Are we all agreed? Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division. For Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 6, Against 2, Abstentions 0. Amendment 20 agreed to. Amendment 21 moved—Ash Regan—and agreed to. Section 18, as amended...

The Convener SNP

The question is, that amendment 89 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No.

The Convener SNP

There will be a division. For Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con) McNeill, Paul...

The Convener SNP

The result of the division is: For 4, Against 4, Abstentions 0. There is an equality of votes. Therefore, as convener, I shall use my casting vote to vote a...

The Convener SNP

Amendment 90, in the name of Jamie Greene, is grouped with amendments 56, 129 and 57.

Jamie Greene Con

I have two amendments in this group and Colette Stevenson has the other two, which I will come on to. My two amendments are on post-legislative scrutiny, w...

Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride) (SNP) SNP

I am pleased to propose amendments 56 and 57, having raised the issue of post-legislative scrutiny of the bill alongside my colleagues on the Criminal Justic...

Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) SNP

I support Collette Stevenson’s amendments 56 and 57 for the reasons that she has just outlined, which I will not repeat. I do not think that Jamie Greene’s ...

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab

I thank Jamie Greene and Collette Stevenson for their amendments, which are critical. They all align with the committee’s stage 1 report, in which we all exp...

Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) SNP

I speak in support of amendments 56 and 57, in the name of Collette Stevenson, which are a fair reflection of where the committee got to in its discussion of...

Ash Regan SNP

I thank Ms Stevenson for meeting me to discuss her amendments. I welcome the detail that she has given in highlighting the importance of post-legislative scr...

Pauline McNeill Lab

I talked about the licensing scheme, which Jamie Greene’s amendment 90 refers to.