Hansard

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Mar 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Cancer Pathway Review (Dumfries and Galloway)

On the issue of the reimbursement of patients’ travel expenses, will the Scottish Government consider reviewing the reimbursement of chronic pain patients who have been forced to travel to England and pay privately for pain relief because Scottish national health service pain ...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Mar 2021

Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. As we are going into recess for the election after today, can you advise on how the Scottish Government can be held to account on regulations? I am sure that you know that today the regulations on forced closure of churches in Scotland h...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

18 Mar 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · Statutory Right to Food

The First Minister might be aware that, last week, my bill proposal to enshrine the right to food into Scots law received enough cross-party support to proceed and has now been lodged. I take the opportunity to thank the members who supported my proposal. Although the pandemic...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

11 Mar 2021

Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I do not make this point of order lightly. I want to ask about parliamentary procedure under our standing orders. While I have been in the chamber today, I have seen a Tweet. It says: “It’s as if all Ms Smith wanted to do was make an...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

11 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill

I wonder what the cabinet secretary has to say about the fact that, in debating the hate crime bill, I am now being accused of hate crime and could expect to have the police at my door.

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I think that we are now quite clear about Mr Harvie’s views and motivations. I had remarks that I wanted to make, so I was not going to do this, but I will read out a tweet about last week’s international women’s day debate. The tweet said: “Oh there’s a bit of vicious transp...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I do not appreciate anyone in this chamber telling me that I do not understand something. It is not that I do not understand; I want to have clarity and I do not wish to be patronised.

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I am puzzled about that, and I hope that the cabinet secretary can enlighten me. We include cross-dressers in the bill but we do not include women. What happens if someone says that they did not know that someone was a trans woman and thought that they were a woman? Is that a ...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

It boils down to this: what is a reasonable person? Could the member perhaps answer that? It may be that an MSP is a reasonable person but they objected last week to speeches as being transphobic that other members thought were reasonable. That is the first thing. Would the pr...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

For clarity on that point, would your amendment mean that a woman could be sure that she would not be treated as being abusive or threatening solely for saying things such as the following: “There are two sexes, and people can’t change sex.” “A woman is an adult human female.”...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. It is unfortunate that, given the way in which the Parliament has to operate during the Covid pandemic, there is no way of intervening on members to clarify points. I do not hear anyone in the chamber saying anything about the membership...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Mar 2021

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I will make a short intervention in support of the amendments in group 1 that have been lodged by Johann Lamont. Over the past few weeks, members from across the chamber have spoken up against the growing inequalities that women in our society face; they have all expressed co...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

Members probably thought that I had spoken my last word. On the way down the hill today, I noticed that almost all the quotes on the Parliament’s wall are from men. There is only one quote from a woman. Perhaps the Parliament should consider that.

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

I am very glad that I took that intervention. Finally, I offer a special thank you to my mum, Moira, my sister, Siobhan, and my mother-in-law, Rita, for all their help, particularly with essential and much-valued childcare, which made it possible for me to be part of the Scot...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

Presiding Officer, can I take an intervention, or do you wish me to finish?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests, with regard to my Breastfeeding etc (Scotland) Bill and trade unions. The theme for international women’s day this year is, as we know, #ChooseToChallenge—to celebrate ...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

I hope that the cabinet secretary agrees that that should include challenging the systems in this Parliament, because we can see that younger women and, in particular, women with families feel that it is not as family friendly a workplace as it set out to be in 1999.

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · Energy Transition Funding

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The First Minister said earlier that the Parliament would debate the findings of the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints and James Hamilton’s report. However, the Parliament closes in three weeks. Will ...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

04 Mar 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · After-school Care Facilities (Reopening)

Now that more children are back at school, and the indication is that all children should return after Easter, when will all the after-school care facilities be permitted to start operating, given that they provide a vital service for working parents?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Feb 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · Places of Worship (Reopening)

In Parliament on Tuesday, the First Minister said that she hoped that communal worship would restart on 5 April, which is the day after Easter Sunday. However, she went on to suggest that it could happen a few days earlier, possibly in time for important religious festivals su...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Feb 2021

Citizens Advice Scotland

Like others, I congratulate Christine Grahame on securing the debate, and I join her in thanking all the CAB staff and volunteers, who are under enormous pressure during this on-going pandemic as the economic situation worsens. During this difficult time, it is impressive tha...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Feb 2021

Local Government Funding

I have a registered interest related to funding provided by Unison for my member’s bill, the Breastfeeding etc (Scotland) Bill. I am pleased to be speaking in the debate, in one of the last contributions that I will make in the chamber after serving as an MSP for 22 years. I...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

18 Feb 2021

Men’s Sheds Movement

As other members have done, I thank Maurice Corry for securing the debate. Since arriving in Scotland, men’s sheds have been started up in many of our communities. We have heard about some of them from members. Men’s sheds played a very important role in the lives of the men ...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Feb 2021

First Minister’s Question Time · National Child Payment

My question is a supplementary to question 5 from Sandra White. Scottish Labour welcomes the introduction of the national child payment, albeit that its introduction will be later than we would have wanted. We know that the payment will make a difference to many families and ...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

16 Feb 2021

Covid-19

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Earlier, in response to my question, the First Minister said that places of worship “are not closed.” However, the regulations state very clearly that they are closed for communal worship and private prayer and are allowed to open only f...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

16 Feb 2021

Covid-19

In her statement, the First Minister invited people to email her, and I do not want to put anyone off doing that. However, I wrote to her at the start of the year about the closure of places of worship, explaining the importance of communal worship for spiritual, social and p...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

11 Feb 2021

Covid-19 Pandemic (Economic Impact on Women)

Like others, I thank Gillian Martin for bringing the debate to the chamber. I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests recording that I am an unremunerated director of McQuick Ltd and a member of Unite the union. There is no doubt that the impact of the...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

11 Feb 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Performance Framework (Environment)

In 2019, it was reported that only 43 per cent of those in Scotland’s most deprived areas visited the outdoors at least once a week, whereas the figure was 66 per cent in the least deprived areas. That is possibly partly because of the lack of pleasant outdoor facilities in ex...

6. Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

11 Feb 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Performance Framework (Environment)

To ask the Scottish Government what importance it places on access to clean air and environmentally friendly spaces within the national performance framework. (S5O-05006)

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Feb 2021

Scottish Parliament (Assistance for Political Parties) Bill: Stage 3

When, as the convener said, we debated in the chamber early last year the SPPA Committee’s proposal to lodge a committee bill on Short money, I welcomed the clarification that it would bring to the functions of the Parliament and the Scottish Government. I commend the work of ...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

19 Jan 2021

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I welcome the Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s support for the incorporation of UNCRC into Scots law, which is long overdue, and its work on the stage 1 report. I also congratulate and thank the children and young people, and all the campaigners, who have worked tireles...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Dec 2020

First Minister’s Question Time · Retail Staff (Covid Vaccinations)

I have been made aware by a constituent that a major retail company is refusing to give eligible front-line staff time off for their Covid vaccine appointments. I will not publicly name the company, because the staff are worried about getting into trouble by alerting us to tha...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

16 Dec 2020

Scottish Parliamentary Standards (Sexual Harassment and Complaints Process) Bill: Stage 1

The debate has been a positive one with thoughtful contributions, starting with that of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee convener, Bill Kidd, through to that of Rona Mackay. It is a privilege to be elected to serve as an MSP. As we all know, it is a...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Dec 2020

First Minister's Question Time · Pfizer Vaccine (Public Information) (Autoimmune Disorders and Allergies)

As the First Minister mentioned earlier today, the roll-out of the vaccine this week is great news. Obviously, at the moment, only a limited number of doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available, but can the First Minister advise when a public information campaign is likely to s...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

09 Dec 2020

Economy

Can the minister tell us when applications will open for taxi drivers?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

09 Dec 2020

Education

I declare my membership of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. I start by thanking our teachers and everyone who works in our schools for supporting our young people in formal education during these difficult times. We should recognise that staff and pupils are under g...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2020

International Whole Grain Day

That is a very unfair question, but I would probably have to go with butter. Given the content of the debate, we maybe need to rethink that. One serving of popcorn in fact contains about 8 per cent of the daily iron requirement, with lesser amounts of calcium, copper, magnesi...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2020

International Whole Grain Day

I thank Stewart Stevenson for lodging this motion on an important matter of public health. The old adage that you are what you eat is very true. For example, my personal health and interest in thyroid disorders has shown me that a gluten-free diet can make a big difference to ...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2020

International Whole Grain Day

Will Stewart Stevenson join with me in assuring people who are listening to the debate that they can also have gluten-free wholegrain products?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2020

International Whole Grain Day

Will the member take an intervention?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2020

Portfolio Question Time · Older People (Services in Pandemic)

Christina McKelvie may be aware of reported figures stating that the number of women dying at home with dementia has risen sharply this year—by 75 per cent. Does the minister agree that that is because of pressure on health pathways, as stated by health data analysts? Will she...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Nov 2020

Supply and Demand for Medicines

I thank the Health and Sport Committee for its report, and I thank the committee clerks and others for their work and contributions. In a short debate, there is no time to address fully the many issues in the report or the Scottish Government’s astonishing response. The Gover...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Coronavirus (Scotland’s Strategic Approach)

Are members and their staff allowed to travel here from level 3 and 4 areas without breaking the law? I hear cries of, “There’s been an email”, but some of us have been participating in a very important debate. It would be extremely helpful if you could clarify that, Presiding...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Coronavirus (Scotland’s Strategic Approach)

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. During his speech, Richard Lyle said that, because his area is going into level 4, he will be working at home for the next three weeks. Can you clarify the travel law in that regard for members, Presiding Officer? Are members and their s...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Coronavirus (Scotland’s Strategic Approach)

I remind members of my registered interest as a trade unionist. The Government is introducing significant regulatory changes and it is right that they should be discussed by the Parliament. However, the Parliament cannot stop the Government introducing the changes, because th...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Coronavirus (Scotland’s Strategic Approach)

Labour would support and agree with much of what Patrick Harvie has said. However, does he understand that, the minute we make something criminal, with criminal sanctions attached to it, we make people into criminals? That is the problem. Actually, the travel ban regulations a...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Coronavirus (Scotland’s Strategic Approach)

Given that the travel ban that criminalises people comes into force tomorrow night at 6 o’clock, could Donald Cameron tell us what other opportunity the Parliament will have to vote against it?

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Portfolio Question Time · Cuban Government (Discussions)

I am pleased that that meeting took place. However, is the minister aware of the support of many people in Scotland for awarding a Nobel peace prize to Cuban health workers who selflessly help countries around the world—including in Lombardy in Italy, which was badly affected ...

1. Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

19 Nov 2020

Portfolio Question Time · Cuban Government (Discussions)

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Cuban Government. (S5O-04769)

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Nov 2020

First Minister’s Question Time · Burntisland Fabrications

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The First Minister said earlier that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman, will provide information on care home visitor testing soon. However, we knew that, because the health secretary had already announced that on...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Nov 2020

First Minister’s Question Time · Christmas (Four-nations Arrangements)

Earlier, the First Minister mentioned Christmas, which is not only an important Christian feast but a national holiday celebration for people of all religions and none. They want to make plans, especially in Central Scotland where extreme measures have been in place for many w...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Interruption. Once the groans die down, I will make my point of order. Before we turn to the vote on the motion, can we clarify that, although the cabinet secretary talked about Parliament broadly agreeing, we are noting the Government’...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

Despite the First Minister somehow laughing about that, we all want to see the Government and wider society succeed in the fight against the virus, but members of the Parliament must be able to hold the Scottish Government to account, to publicly scrutinise its decisions and a...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

We were given sight of the First Minister’s proposal, but we did not comment on whether we wanted a motion that said “note”. We wanted a question-and-answer session today and a debate tomorrow, when we all would have had more time to digest what she had put in front of us. Tha...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

If the First Minister wants to intervene again, Presiding Officer, I am happy to let her do so, as long as you give me the time back. I think that we should have had a question-and-answer session today.

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

Maybe that will help to make the public more aware, because it is obvious that they are still confused. I do not know whether infections are still increasing in hospitality settings given that many of those have been closed. We need answers on that. From listening to my cons...

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

In starting any speech on the subject of Covid-19, we must remember all those who have died and send our condolences to their families. Many people are also suffering from long Covid, and although the majority of them might fully recover, it is certainly not a virus that anyon...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

I note what Alison Johnstone said. I therefore wonder whether she might be able to tell me why the Green Party did not support the idea of having a statement with questions today, followed by a debate with a vote tomorrow, in order to have better scrutiny this week of the fram...

Elaine Smith Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

Does the member agree with Bishop John Keenan who said about Christmas that it is important to give people hope?

Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber

27 Oct 2020

Covid-19: Scotland’s Strategic Framework

Will the First Minister advise the Parliament whether it will be given the opportunity to scrutinise the regulations connected to the new framework before they are implemented?