Meeting of the Parliament 20 January 2026
Douglas Ross is probably right, but I fear that it is too late to do that in this debate—we are so far down the track now. I hope that there is pragmatic partnership between SDS and others. I sense a change in that organisation, so I hope that it works pragmatically to make the transition as smooth as possible. I have been impressed by the personnel who have been appointed to the Funding Council to take forward the reforms. Some of the individuals are really talented and can make the best of this situation. As I said, going back might create even more uncertainty.
For all those reasons, and given the amendments that I have secured today, which will give employers and business a louder voice, we will reluctantly vote for the bill.
In the last couple of seconds of my speech, I want to thank the clerks and officials. The officials have been outstanding in giving good, sound advice. I also thank the SFC and the SDS, particularly the staff who have been through hell in the past few years; the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and the formidable Liz Cameron, who one should never cross too readily; and Universities Scotland, as well as a myriad of other organisations that have been excellent in providing advice.
I just hope that the bill works. It had better work, because we need to get the skills landscape right and we need to train people with the right skills for the economy. If we do not do that, the repercussions will be even greater.