Meeting of the Parliament 24 June 2026 [Draft]
First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets of our capital on Friday last week. There is no place for violence in the streets, homes, or communities of Scotland—whether it be race based, faith based or otherwise. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by that appalling act—not just the victims who are directly affected but the communities who are now anxious and worried that they could be next to experience hatred by virtue of who they are, where they were born or the faith that they practise.
I thank and recognise Police Scotland for all the hard work that it does every day, and, in response to recent events, to make the people of Scotland feel safe and supported. Scotland is a place that values hope, tolerance and solidarity—values that are shared both by people who were born here and by those who have privileged us by choosing to make Scotland their home.
I hope that those values are shared by those who are fortunate enough to be in the chamber. We must all come together to ensure that our values as a welcoming, tolerant and hopeful Scotland are protected. The Government will lead from the front to tackle all forms of violence, division, and prejudice.