Hansard

Lloyd Melville SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Planned Housing Growth (Primary Care Service Demand)

In growing communities such as Monifieth, the issue is often not the approval for the houses but the lag before the health services adjust to the new population. I appreciate what the cabinet secretary said, but will the Scottish Government look at how the data on housing cons...

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care (Angela Constance) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Planned Housing Growth (Primary Care Service Demand)

Integration authorities, which include representatives of NHS boards and local authorities, are responsible for the strategic planning and investment in the delivery of integrated adult health and social care services in their areas. Therefore, integration authorities and not ...

Lloyd Melville (Angus South) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Planned Housing Growth (Primary Care Service Demand)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that national health service boards take account of planned housing growth when assessing future demand for general practitioner, dental and other primary care services. (S7O-00079)

Maree Todd SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

I recognise the issues that Donald MacKinnon describes, not least because I, too, represent the area that he represents and I come from a rural part of the Highlands.We are working hard to improve the identification of those patients who would benefit from thrombectomy. The is...

Donald MacKinnon (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

In my constituency of Na h-Eileanan an Iar, patients must travel to the mainland to access thrombectomy services. The procedure is time sensitive, so early intervention is critical. However, weather, the availability of aircraft and other factors can influence how quickly pati...

Maree Todd SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

We have already provided funding for thrombectomy nurses in spoke sites to maximise the access to thrombectomy. NHS Dumfries and Galloway received £115,936 in 2025-26. Evidence from stroke services suggests that those hyperacute stroke nursing roles are already having a positi...

Finlay Carson Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

Each year, more than 11,000 people have a stroke, yet only 2 per cent of them receive a thrombectomy—the very treatment that could prevent lifelong disability. Right now, there is a clear and unacceptable inequality across the service, and my constituents in Galloway and West ...

The Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs (Maree Todd) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

We want people to be able to access thrombectomy treatment across Scotland, no matter where they live. That is why, in our election manifesto, we committed to providing a further £25 million, on top of the more than £51 million that we have already invested, to deliver a 24/7 ...

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Thrombectomy Service

To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made towards delivering a fully operational 24/7 thrombectomy service with national coverage, including how the service will reach rural Scotland. (S7O-00078)

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time

The next portfolio is health and care. I remind members who wish to ask a supplementary question to press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

That concludes justice portfolio questions.

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

The data that I have before me, from March 2026, shows that the average wait time was 7 minutes, 52 seconds. While they are on hold for non-emergency calls, people are given alternative routes through which they can report issues. Katy Clark suggests that people are giving up ...

Katy Clark (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

According to the latest survey in May, the average time to answer a 101 call was 10 minutes and 3 seconds, and the longest wait time was 1 hour and 33 minutes. We know from the debate on the matter in the previous session that many callers give up long before that. Does the ca...

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

Clare Haughey is absolutely right. We need to bring people with us and give them the flexibility to get in touch with services as they need them and in a way that meets their needs. The Scottish Government is fully supportive of Police Scotland’s efforts to ensure that a resil...

Clare Haughey SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

I regularly hear from constituents who feel that waiting times for speaking to a call handler can be lengthy. I appreciate that the online service is also available, but many of my constituents, particularly older constituents, tell me that they do not have access to or do not...

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Neil Gray) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

Decisions on how resources are deployed, including the operation of contact, command and control—C3—services, are rightly matters for the chief constable, which reflects the operational independence of policing. Police Scotland has been very clear that 101 is a non-emergency n...

Clare Haughey (Rutherglen and Cambuslang) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Police Scotland 101 Service

To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to Police Scotland to improve the 101 service. (S7O-00077)

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Cashback for Communities (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley)

I am grateful to Alan Brown for his continued interest in the matter. The cashback for communities programme is focused on delivering impact at the local level. He is obviously very interested in the programme, so I am happy to discuss it with him further, and I invite him to ...

Alan Brown SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Cashback for Communities (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley)

The programme is important and potentially life saving for a lot of young individuals. However, in relation to historical spend, given that my constituency has some of the highest levels of deprivation and non-attendance at school across Scotland, I am worried that East Ayrshi...

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Cashback for Communities (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley)

The cashback for communities programme is very important in supporting young people who are at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending. So far, there has been investment of £156 million, which has helped 1.4 million young people through project...

Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Cashback for Communities (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley)

To ask the Scottish Government how the cashback for communities programme is supporting projects and young people in the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency during its phase 7. (S7O-00076)

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I am grateful to Pauline McNeill for providing such a local focus on the issue. The police take a serious and considered view on the matter. We remain committed to doing everything that we can to support them in enforcement, and we are absolutely open to further action.The pol...

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I agree with the minister that there is a challenge, because seized e-bikes have been found to be capable of going at up to 70mph, which is far above the 15.5mph legal limit. Many e-bikes have been modified and lack proper brakes for high speeds, which has led to the police ca...

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I am grateful to Alyn Smith for highlighting the issue and for his focus on his local area. It is important that we consider the matter in the round, but one of the key issues to focus on is vehicle licensing, which is a reserved matter. In the previous parliamentary session, ...

Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I am very drawn to the minister’s response on the misuse of e-bikes and e-scooters. We need to look at licensing seriously, and I am aware that work on that is in the very early stages. I regret to say that such misuse is an issue in Stirling. I make the offer that, if the min...

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I am grateful to Kate Campbell for the angle that she has taken with that question. I very much agree with her. Early intervention and prevention work is a very powerful tool in addressing antisocial behaviour and is a real priority. That is why we have increased by £6 million...

Kate Campbell SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

Evidence shows that early intervention is the most efficient tool in tackling antisocial behaviour among young people. Does the cabinet secretary agree that investing in prevention should be a priority for the Government, particularly through youth services, youth work, peer m...

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

I recognise and share Kate Campbell’s concerns about antisocial behaviour involving the illegal use of e-bikes, particularly in cases in which individuals are engaged in criminality and concealing their identity. I encourage everyone to report such behaviour to Police Scotland...

Kate Campbell (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour and Public Safety Concern

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the reported rise in antisocial behaviour, particularly involving people wearing masks and using electric bikes, and the increase in the level of concern over public safety for many people in communities across Sc...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

Question 7 has been withdrawn.

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

I appreciate Mr Kerr’s question. The Scottish Government recognises the distress that is caused by crime, whether it be retail crime or other forms of crime. The victims are very much in our thoughts, which is why we fully support activity to reduce that harm.I point Mr Kerr t...

Stephen Kerr (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

The minister must be aware that there has been a 128 per cent increase in shoplifting in the past four years, and that the figure has not even been fully reported. Does she acknowledge that many retailers believe that in Scotland we have a culture of impunity around shopliftin...

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

I am grateful to David Torrance for looking at the issue through that lens. It is important that we recognise the challenges of different types of crime and Police Scotland’s important role in keeping our communities safe. That is why we are investing record funding in Police ...

David Torrance SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

As the prevalence and types of crime have evolved greatly in recent years, will the minister outline how the Scottish Government is supporting and investing in Police Scotland so that it can adapt to new challenges and keep our communities safe?

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

Police Scotland was able to establish its retail crime task force through an initial £3 million of additional funding that was provided by the Scottish Government. That work will continue, backed by annual Scottish Government funding of a further £3 million each year to 2029.T...

David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Retail Crime Task Force

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work carried out by the retail crime task force. (S7O-00073)

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Social Impact Investment

Colm Merrick is absolutely right that we have an exciting opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in investing upstream to deliver better outcomes downstream. We are providing the £200,000 kickstarter fund this year to develop a new £10 million social impact investment fund, ...

Colm Merrick SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Social Impact Investment

The potential of social impact investment is huge but, at this stage, there is obviously a need for further research and development. Can the cabinet secretary therefore say how the Scottish Government will utilise the latest research and evidence that are available from bodie...

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Neil Gray) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Social Impact Investment

The social impact partnership model is an innovative way of using investment from local and national businesses in projects for community benefit, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for people by offering payment by results. That is a new concept for Scotland, so we wil...

Colm Merrick (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Social Impact Investment

To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for social impact investment in the current parliamentary session. (S7O-00072)

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Firefighters (Scottish Ambulance Service Support)

The SFRS is continuing to recruit whole-time and on-call firefighters to ensure that full crews can meet demand and that the right resources are in the right place at the right time.Currently, the SFRS has 70 trainee firefighters going through initial training and is recruitin...

Colin Beattie SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Firefighters (Scottish Ambulance Service Support)

It is vital that we recruit more firefighters. Will the cabinet secretary outline what measures are being taken to ensure that firefighter numbers are sufficient to meet the demand across Scotland?

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Neil Gray) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Firefighters (Scottish Ambulance Service Support)

I had an introductory meeting with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer and board chair on 4 June, when we discussed a variety of topics, including the concept of firefighters expanding the duties that they perform to do more to keep Scotland safe from harm.I agr...

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North) (SNP) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Firefighters (Scottish Ambulance Service Support)

To ask the Scottish Government what conversations it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the Scottish National Party’s 2026 manifesto commitment to expand the role of firefighters to support the Scottish Ambulance Service. (S7O-00071)

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

I will try to touch on the various elements of Kate Nevens’s question. There is ongoing work within Government to meet and engage constructively with a range of communities. Community cohesion and partnership working are vital to how we move forward.On police resources and fun...

Kate Nevens (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

I thank the minister for her thoughtful responses. My supplementary question very much follows on from those.Does the minister agree that the recent pressures on policing are far more a result of the actions of fascist and far-right groups than of the actions of anti-racist gr...

Kirsten Oswald SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

I do not know the details that lie behind what the member referred to. If it is a live police matter, I will not be able to comment on it.The recent behaviour that we have seen presents a challenge and is a source of concern for people. In recognition of the challenges that co...

Mark Simpson Reform Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

Many Scots are expressing concerns over issues such as social cohesion and wellbeing, including one of my constituents from Arbroath, who shared the following with me: “I want my daughters to grow up in a Scotland that is safe, cohesive, confident in its identity and capable o...

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

We work across Government portfolios, including with Police Scotland, local authorities and third sector organisations, to support inclusion and to work directly with communities to strengthen cohesion so that everyone feels safe and valued. There is a focus on that work follo...

Mark Simpson (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Community Cohesion

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported pressures on policing and the justice system, including the local effects of migration, what action it is taking to promote community cohesion across Scotland. (S7O-00070)

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

I reiterate that those decisions are operational matters for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The day shift duty system is not a new concept; it is already being operated in Livingston and at multiple other locations across the United Kingdom. There are challenges with on...

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

The proposals for Hawick and Helensburgh fire stations are essentially the same: a move to a day shift duty system while relying on on-call firefighters at night and at weekends. Attendance during on-call shifts drops off dramatically and leads to delays in crews attending inc...

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

The location of resources, along with shift patterns, is an operational matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The review does not propose any reduction in fire and rescue cover in Hawick. Indeed, two fire appliances will continue to be located in Hawick. The SFRS ha...

Rachael Hamilton Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

The proposals to downgrade Hawick fire station are simply unacceptable, and they have caused months of agony for residents and businesses across the Borders. I strongly believe that Hawick fire station should be a 24/7 service, to ensure public safety. My constituents in the B...

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Neil Gray) SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

I had an introductory meeting with the SFRS board chair and chief officer on 4 June, at which we discussed the overall objectives of the service delivery review and the consultation process that has been undertaken by the SFRS. I also met the SFRS deputy chief officer to discu...

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Hawick Fire Station

To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to discuss the future of Hawick fire station. (S7O-00069)

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Crime

I am happy to meet colleagues from across the Parliament to engage with ideas about how we can ensure that tools are available to our justice partners to make sure that communities across Scotland are kept safe. I reassure Mr Kerr—as I hope that he was reassured by my answer t...

Stephen Kerr (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Crime

The justice secretary knows that there is a total mismatch and inequality of arms between organised crime gangs that are operating in rural Scotland and the rural police presence. Ninety-two per cent of NFU Mutual agents are saying that rural crime is seriously disrupting farm...

Neil Gray SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Crime

The Scottish Government is investing record funding of more than £1.7 billion in 2026-27, and the chief constable confirmed at the Criminal Justice Committee that the budget allocation will allow her to maintain officer numbers at around 16,500.Police Scotland maintains that i...

Gary Bouse SNP Chamber

17 Jun 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Rural Crime

Yes, sometimes. “Blouse” is probably the main one.Can the cabinet secretary reassure my constituents that, despite the unique challenges of rural policing, the recruitment pipeline remains strong, allowing the chief constable to keep police numbers at around 16,500?