Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 17 May 2023
17 May 2023 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Complaint
I do not dispute that an inadvertent breach took place, but what Parliament is being asked to vote on is a sanction. I would appreciate it if the committee’s convener could explain why the committee has departed so significantly from precedent with the sanction. In the cases of multiple members who are in the chamber today, previous breaches were found in relation to failing to declare a former employer and in relation to direct financial interests—gifts to the tune of thousands of pounds that had not been declared—and no sanction was issued. Can the convener explain why a sanction has been issued in this case? It is a serious departure from precedent.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-08946, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s ...
Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
As convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, I have the responsibility of lodging and speaking to motions seeking the Parliame...
Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Green)
Green
I do not dispute that an inadvertent breach took place, but what Parliament is being asked to vote on is a sanction. I would appreciate it if the committee’s...
Martin Whitfield
Lab
I will deal with that matter, as it is specifically dealt with the in the committee’s unanimous report, which has been published and can be read by members i...
Alexander Stewart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
As a member of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, I take the scrutiny and governance of Parliament and its members very seriously. ...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
We, as members of the Scottish Parliament, have the privilege of serving the people of Scotland. We must do that in their best interests and as transparently...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I seek your guidance on a general point. In my time in Parliament we have had several instances of standards recommen...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I thank Ms Grahame for her point of order. The convener addressed some of the points raised in Ms Grahame’s point of order, and pointed out that there is no ...
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
I thank members of the SPPA Committee and the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland for their consideration of this case. As a form...
Martin Whitfield
Lab
Will the member give way?
Mark Ruskell
Green
I would like to make progress in laying out our concerns, but I will give way to the committee convener.
Martin Whitfield
Lab
I am very grateful. As a point of clarification, does the member agree that the judgment of the individual member must always err on the side of being transp...
Mark Ruskell
Green
Indeed—but I have laid out the circumstances in which the case emerged and I do not believe that an incorrect judgment was made in that regard. Many members ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
You must conclude, Mr Ruskell.
Mark Ruskell
Green
We believe that those qualities are lacking in the recommendation today.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
That concludes the debate on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 10th report in 2023, session 6.