Meeting of the Parliament 05 February 2026 [Draft]
I do not recognise those numbers. I have been clear that I will work with businesses and with Mr Golden to look at what is possible.
However, I know that there are many who think that our approach is lacking in a different respect and who have said that the bill should be far more restrictive. That indicates the balance that I have sought to strike throughout the process: addressing the grave concerns that many people have about managing and minimising the risks of non-surgical procedures but, at the same time, minimising the effects on businesses. I commend the bill as the right way forward on an issue that clearly requires action.
I am also pleased to speak to part 2 of the bill, which includes amendments to the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011. Those amendments extend the right to request an interested person review and update the provisions on authorising cremations in Scotland when a death has occurred elsewhere in the United Kingdom. I thank the committee for supporting those changes and note its recognition of the benefits that the measures will bring.
Extending access to interested person reviews is an important step in strengthening public confidence and ensures that all relatives have the same opportunity to request a review when that would provide clarity or reassurance. We are also removing the requirement for medical reviewers to authorise cremations when the death took place in another part of the UK. Other UK nations already operate robust and reliable death certification systems. Recognising those processes avoids duplication, reduces delays for families and maintains appropriate safeguards.
I again thank the committee for its work on its report, and I thank everyone who gave evidence at stage 1. I look forward to hearing members’ views and encourage them to support the progress of the bill.
I move,
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.