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Showing 60 of 2,403,668 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,086. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Jun 2026.
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
That concludes the debate. I wish members, their staff and everyone else who works on the parliamentary campus a wonderful recess.Meeting closed at 18:10.
Alison Thewliss SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
Paul Sweeney makes a very good point, because the issue is wrapped up in our post-industrial legacy. The fact that there are such abandoned factories and that the people who enter them—whether for urban exploration or whatever else—do not understand the risks that they are exp...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
As a member of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, I welcome the news on the proposed legislation, which is very welcome. Indeed, it is something that has been long hoped for.Does the minister share my concern about the fact that the former Cape Marinite factory in ...
Alison Thewliss SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I hope to be able to introduce the bill by the end of the year, but the member will appreciate that parliamentary timescales prevent me from giving a specific date at the moment. She is correct in saying that justice delayed is justice denied. I hope that all members, as well ...
Marie McNair SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I am delighted to hear it. I welcome today’s announcement on the time bar issue, which I know will be well received by asbestos sufferers and campaigners. Does the minister accept that, on this issue, justice delayed is justice denied? Can she tell us how quickly the Governmen...
The Minister for Community Care (Alison Thewliss) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I thank my colleague Marie McNair for bringing this debate to the chamber, which she has now done for a fifth year. I also thank all members—both those who spoke and those who were not able to speak today—for their presence and thoughtful contributions. As Carol Mochan mention...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I invite the minister to close the debate.17:58
Heather Anderson (Dundee City West) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I, too, thank Marie McNair for securing the debate and bringing this important motion to the chamber today.I start by stressing how important it is that we continue to raise awareness of mesothelioma. I do not have a family member who contracted the disease, but I saw a poster...
Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I thank Marie McNair for bringing this important debate to the chamber and I welcome action mesothelioma day 2026, which will be marked on 3 July.I am pleased, in the years that I have been in Parliament, to have played my part in joining Marie McNair and other members to rais...
Colm Merrick (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to today’s debate, which marks action mesothelioma day 2026. I understand that it is a long-standing tradition to mark the date each year in the Scottish Parliament, so I thank Marie McNair for continuing the tradition and highlighting t...
Helen McDade (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I apologise for joining the debate slightly late.I am speaking mainly on behalf of Julie MacDougall, but I have an interest in the matter because both of my grandfathers were miners and died of lung disease, although I did not know either of them, because they died so long ago...
Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Lab Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I congratulate Marie McNair on bringing the motion to the chamber for debate and on her consistent championing of the cause.Asbestos was finally completely banned in 1999, the same year that the Parliament was established. Although it might therefore be tempting to associate i...
Pauline Stafford (Bathgate) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
I thank Marie McNair for her long-standing commitment to the cause of action on mesothelioma and for bringing this important debate to the chamber ahead of action mesothelioma day 2026.I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in the debate, as I have a close relative in E...
Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
This is the fifth year that I have managed to secure a debate to mark mesothelioma day. My determination to secure truth and justice for asbestos victims and their families will never wane. I thank those members who have supported my motion and those who are speaking in today’...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Action Mesothelioma Day 2026
Our final item of business is a debate on motion S7M-00343, in the name of Marie McNair, on action mesothelioma day 2026. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.Motion debated,That the Parliament recognises Action Mesothelioma Day 2026, which will be marke...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
That concludes decision time.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
Unless any member objects, I propose to ask a single question on two Parliamentary Bureau motions.The question is, that motion S7M-00492, on committee membership, and motion S7M-00505, on membership of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, in...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next question is, that motion S7M-00455, in the name of Stephen Kerr, on the Scottish Commission for Public Audit, be agreed to.Motion agreed to,That the Parliament agrees to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s proposal to appoint Miles Briggs, Michael Marra, Jenni...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The result of the division on motion S7M-00469, in the name of Neil Gray, on achieving a sustainable prison population, as amended, is: For 89, Against 31, Abstentions 0.Motion, as amended, agreed to,That the Parliament recognises the scale and complexity of the current prison...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
There will be a division.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
Well done.The next question is, that motion S7M-00469, in the name of Neil Gray, on achieving a sustainable prison population, as amended, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next question is, that amendment S7M-00469.4, in the name of Yi-pei Chou Turvey, be agreed to.Amendment agreed to.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The result of the division on amendment S7M-00469.5, in the name of Stephen Kerr, is: For 26, Against 78, Abstentions 15.Amendment disagreed to.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
There will be a division.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next question is, that amendment S7M-00469.5, in the name of Stephen Kerr, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The result of the division on amendment S7M-00469.3, in the name of Maggie Chapman, is: For 16, Against 104, Abstentions 0.Amendment disagreed to.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
There will be a division.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next question is, that amendment S7M-00469.3, in the name of Maggie Chapman, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The result of the division on amendment S7M-00469.1, in the name of Amanda Bland, is: For 26, Against 94, Abstentions 0.Amendment disagreed to.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
I trust you. You do not need to show me the evidence.Thank you. Your vote is recorded.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care (Angela Constance) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
There will be a division.The vote is closed.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next question is, that amendment S7M-00469.1, in the name of Amanda Bland, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The result of the division on amendment S7M-00469.2, in the name of Pauline McNeill, is: For 65, Against 53, Abstentions 0.Amendment agreed to.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
Thank you. Your vote is recorded.
Kate Nevens (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My technology did not work. I would have voted yes.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
Thank you. Your vote is recorded.You have started something. I call Kate Nevens.
The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I had difficulty voting. I would have voted no.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
Thank you. Your vote is recorded.
Calum Kerr (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I do not think that my vote went through. I would have voted no.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
We come to the vote on amendment S7M-00469.2, in the name of Pauline McNeill. Members should cast their votes now.The vote is closed.Calum Kerr has just sneaked in with a point of order.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
There will be a division. First, we will halt to enable members to enter the voting system.17:13Meeting suspended.17:15On resuming—
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
The next item of business is decision time. There are eight questions to be put as a result of today’s business. I remind members that, if the amendment in the name of Amanda Bland is agreed to, the amendment in the name of Stephen Kerr will fall. If the amendment in the name ...
Speaker unknown Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Decision Time
17:12
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
The question on those motions will be put at decision time.
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
The next item of business is consideration of two Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S7M-00492, on committee membership, and S7M-00505, on membership of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the...
Speaker unknown Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
17:12
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Scottish Commission for Public Audit
The question on the motion will be put at decision time.
Stephen Kerr (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Scottish Commission for Public Audit
The Scottish Commission for Public Audit performs an important role in our system of public accountability. It does not examine the spending decisions of Government; instead, it oversees Audit Scotland, scrutinising Audit Scotland’s budget and helping to ensure that the organi...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Scottish Commission for Public Audit
The next item of business is consideration of motion S7M-00455, in the name of Stephen Kerr, on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, on membership of the Scottish Commission for Public Audit.17:10
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Point of Order
Thank you.
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Con Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Point of Order
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Despite Jenny Gilruth, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, declaring for me my entry in the register of members’ interests after her statement on non-domestic rates on Tuesday, I failed to do so myself. I feel that it...
Speaker unknown Chamber
25 Jun 2026
Point of Order
17:10
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
That concludes questions on NHS capital projects.
Angela Constance SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
In-depth work is continuing around the revenue-based funding model to enable the three pilot areas that I mentioned in my statement to proceed; that includes the project in Mr Barratt’s constituency. The focus is on a standardised approach so that we can make best use of publi...
David Barratt (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
I thank the cabinet secretary for her statement. I will pick up on investment in community health hubs and, specifically, the replacement of Lochgelly health centre. Can the cabinet secretary advise whether a decision will be made on the funding model—for example, the potentia...
Angela Constance SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
I agree with the member that there are always lessons to be learned in every journey travelled. I assure her that, in this instance, lessons will be learned. I am more than happy to meet staff and union representatives.In the interest of expediency and time, I will write to th...
Gillian Mackay (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Green) Green Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
There are lessons to be learned from this situation, but that will be of little comfort to the staff and patients who are dealing with an old hospital. Right now, it is 30°C in some parts of Monklands hospital, wall trims are held on with duct tape and there are historical iss...
Angela Constance SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
I recognise the importance of investment in facilities such as the new Port Glasgow health centre and of improvements to Inverclyde royal hospital. Planning work on a replacement health centre continues, and I will ensure that local members are kept up to date on that.The deci...
Stuart McMillan (Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP Chamber
25 Jun 2026
National Health Service Capital Projects
Can the cabinet secretary provide any details about when funding will be in place to replace the Port Glasgow health centre with a new health hub? Can she advise when there will be investment to improve the fabric of Inverclyde royal hospital?
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 24 June 2026 [Draft]

24 Jun 2026 · S7 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Data Centres (Cumulative Impact Assessment)
Martin, Gillian SNP Aberdeenshire East Watch on SPTV

The answer is, in general, yes. Data centres and developments that bring employment opportunities and investment to Scotland are welcome, but they must dovetail with our other national priorities. If the associated environmental impact does not meet our guidelines, that would clearly be a problem.

The applications themselves, and the types of technology that they use—for example, to limit water consumption and to partner with other companies that might act as off-takers for excess heat—could provide an almost closed-loop system.

We must look not only at the economic opportunities. We must also be mindful of where developments are located—there needs to be an economic benefit for the areas that they serve.

In the same item of business

Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) SNP
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out a cumulative impact assessment of the number of planning applications proposed for artificial in...
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs (Gillian Martin) SNP
Alan Brown will have heard my answers to previous questions on the issue of a cumulative assessment. We are taking a whole-system approach to understanding t...
Alan Brown SNP
Rufus AI data centre, which was proposed at Hurlford in my constituency, will use the equivalent power output of the United Kingdom’s largest wind farm, Whit...
Gillian Martin SNP
I am aware that local authorities and planning departments are calling for a little more clarity. In the AI strategy, we already committed to publishing guid...
Laura Moodie (South Scotland) (Green) Green
Six of the current proposed 24 data centres are in my region. The amount of detail for each one and the planning stage that they are at vary hugely. The very...
Gillian Martin SNP
I will be honest: I will not support a moratorium on that, because we feel that planning regulations are already in place for any development, whether it is ...
Adam Harley (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (LD) LD
I thank members for asking questions on this topic. There are plans to build one such data centre near Bishopbriggs in my constituency, and a number of local...
Gillian Martin SNP
It is essential that proper consultation is undertaken with residents, regardless of the development.There has been a lot of speculation on data centres, par...
Steven Bonnar (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) SNP
I thank the cabinet secretary for her previous and extensive answers on the topic. Will she outline how the Scottish Government will ensure that any future d...
Gillian Martin SNP
The answer is, in general, yes. Data centres and developments that bring employment opportunities and investment to Scotland are welcome, but they must dovet...
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform
We have a deluge of speculative applications for AI data centres across the country. We have heard already that the area that I represent, North Lanarkshire,...
Gillian Martin SNP
Graham Simpson is right that the UK Government announcing the AI growth zone in Lanarkshire has meant that there is an awful lot of speculation at the moment...
Julie MacDougall (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform
Last year, the UK Government announced plans to introduce AI growth zones, which would involve giving data centres a £24 per megawatt-hour discount in Scotla...
Gillian Martin SNP
As Julie MacDougall said, the AI growth zone is a UK Government initiative, and that initiative has resulted in speculation in the areas that were designated...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Katy Clark) Lab
A number of members have indicated that they wish to ask a question on this issue. I will take one further question, which will be from Claire Baker, althoug...
Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lab
The UK Government has updated its planning policy, and there is a clear strategic approach to where data centres are sited, which is what members are calling...
Gillian Martin SNP
Obviously, that question strays into Mr McKee’s domain. I will take some of the members’ questions on planning regulations to Mr McKee, and he will see in th...