Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 26 June 2024
26 Jun 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill
I want to continue. I might be able to take an intervention later.
For the first time, there will be a statutory duty to prepare a circular economy strategy and associated targets for Scotland that will embed circular thinking within Government and across future Administrations. We are all consumers, and we must play our part in reducing waste. That is why the bill is so far reaching—it impacts all of us, from the goods that we buy to what we put in our recycling bins.
Everyone in the country should experience a modern and easy-to-use recycling and waste service that helps them to do the right thing for the planet. The new powers in the bill will give ministers and local authorities the tools that they need to deliver that. That speaks to Mr Simpson’s point.
I will take Ms Boyack’s intervention now.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-13757, in the name of Gillian Martin, on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. As members wil...
The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy (Màiri McAllan)
SNP
For the purposes of rule 9.11 of standing orders, I advise the Parliament that His Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Circular Economy (Scot...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
We will move on to the debate. I invite members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. 17:16
The Minister for Climate Action (Gillian Martin)
SNP
I am delighted to open the stage 3 debate on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill. I will begin by thanking the many people who have helped us to get to thi...
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
In two or three years’ time, if we were to look at what difference the bill has made to anything, what would we notice?
Gillian Martin
SNP
It is my fervent hope that the bill will be a springboard for all the local waste collectors and managers throughout Scotland to come together to share best ...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
Will the minister give way?
Gillian Martin
SNP
I want to continue. I might be able to take an intervention later. For the first time, there will be a statutory duty to prepare a circular economy strategy...
Sarah Boyack
Lab
One thing that we debated at stage 2 was the impact of fines on householders, particularly those in tenements or shared properties. I notice that that issue ...
Gillian Martin
SNP
Very helpfully, Ms Boyack has set out what I probably would have said in response to her question. The measure is about repeat, persistent offenders—the type...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I must ask you to conclude, minister.
Gillian Martin
SNP
I am being asked to conclude, but I might be able to pick up some of the points that I have missed in my opening speech when I finish the debate. I move, T...
Maurice Golden (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
In the previous debate, the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Màiri McAllan, referenced climate activists in Malawi and appeared to suggest that Sco...
Gillian Martin
SNP
I am keen to have a tone of debate this afternoon that reflects my experience of working on the bill. I genuinely thought that I worked very constructively a...
Maurice Golden
Con
We are perhaps talking about two separate aspects. My feeling is one of frustration and deflation regarding the bill, but I would certainly regard myself and...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, start by thanking the committee, the clerks and all the organisations that worked tirelessly to get the legislation that we urgently need and the pro...
Gillian Martin
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Sarah Boyack
Lab
If it is brief, yes.
Gillian Martin
SNP
I recognise what the Welsh Government has achieved, but it is also important that the deliverers on the ground come back to us and say what they want to achi...
Sarah Boyack
Lab
As I understand it, it was a negotiation in Wales. In its analysis of the bill, the Finance and Public Administration Committee raised concerns about the pr...
Lorna Slater (Lothian) (Green)
Green
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill is an important one for the Scottish Greens, because of its significance in changing the shape of the economy in Scotlan...
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)
LD
As others have done, I thank the organisations and individuals who provided evidence and informed the scrutiny of the bill, and I acknowledge the Net Zero, E...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
We move to winding-up speeches. 17:42
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
I am very proud that the bill will be passed today. It has been a long time in the making. Covid delayed the introduction of a bill on the circular economy i...
Sarah Boyack
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Mark Ruskell
Green
I am a little short of time, so I will not, unless there is time in hand. I turn to the Green amendments. I am pleased that we made progress on ensuring tha...
Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
As other members have, I record my thanks to Scottish Parliament staff, particularly in the Scottish Parliament information centre, for supporting the Net Ze...
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
When considering a bill, it is always useful to have a look at what it is meant to achieve. To do so, we need look no further than the general principles, wh...
Monica Lennon
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Graham Simpson
Con
No—I have no time, I am afraid. The minister said that she thinks the one thing that the bill will lead to will be waste managers sharing best practice. Lorn...