Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 25 February 2026 [Draft]
25 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Protecting Children from Harm
Claire Baker raises a hugely important point. To my mind, we will have to identify and respond to those issues through the terms of reference that we will develop with Professor Alexis Jay. We have heard media reports about a variety of issues in recent times. I am loth to raise any individual cases in the chamber—I would not do that as cabinet secretary. However, it is important that we have an understanding of the evidence base.
As I said in my statement, as the Education, Children and Young People Committee heard this morning, and as continues to be the case, the evidence base on this issue is disjointed in some areas, and the ways in which organisations record some of this type of behaviour and criminality is not consistent across the board. The work of the inspectorates is fundamental in that regard, but, in response to Claire Baker’s point, the terms of reference are also key. As I set out in my statement, the Scottish child abuse inquiry also has a locus with regard to historical cases, so we need to develop terms of reference that respect the Scottish child abuse inquiry and do not in any way overlap with its responsibilities. We will continue to work with Alexis Jay on that. I hope that that gives assurance on the points that Claire Baker has rightly raised.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on protecting children from harm. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her state...
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)
SNP
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The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues that were raised in her statement. I intend to allow about 20 minutes for questions, after which ...
Roz McCall (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
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The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
Always speak through the chair.
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
Roz McCall touched on a number of points, and I will try to cover each in turn.Ms McCall talked specifically about having faith in the process. Throughout my...
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I thank the national press for the advance sight of this announcement; it would have been preferable if we had heard it in the chamber first.Scottish Labour ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
Before I ask the cabinet secretary to respond, I will take up the first issue that Ms McNeill raised. It is, of course, the case that one should not read in ...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I will take Pauline McNeill’s points in turn, beginning with her question about expedited timescales. To confirm, the announcement that I have made today on ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
A number of members wish to ask questions, so we need succinct questions and answers to match.
Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con)
Con
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
It is fair to say that the evidence base on the issue continues to evolve. I have set out some of our work on the requirements for this to be an independent ...
Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
SNP
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
Inquiries are often held after an event. However, the cabinet secretary said in her statement that this inquiry will focus on the potential prevalence of gro...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
Claire Baker raises a hugely important point. To my mind, we will have to identify and respond to those issues through the terms of reference that we will de...
Jackie Dunbar (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP)
SNP
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)
Green
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)
LD
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
It is welcome that Professor Alexis Jay, with her considerable experience and expertise from leading the inquiry into child sexual abuse in England and Wales...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Meghan Gallacher (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Audrey Nicoll (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)
SNP
The specialist investigatory and intelligence role of Police Scotland is crucial to bringing perpetrators to account. Can the cabinet secretary provide an as...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
As Audrey Nicoll knows, Police Scotland has a well-established specialist capability in that area, including officers and staff who are specifically trained ...
John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind)
Ind
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I recognise the challenge in the points that Mr Mason raises. He will recognise, too, the limitations that are put on the Government by the Inquiries Act 200...