Meeting of the Parliament 15 January 2015
I want to thank not only the blue-light services but all uniformed services for their contribution in providing emergency support and a 24/7 service across the board. Sometimes, however, we are guilty of taking the Scottish emergency services for granted. They are a credit to our country, and we should all be thankful for their hard work and commitment throughout the year, especially over the festive period, when it is sometimes necessary for people to work away from their families.
In my city of Glasgow, we have had our fair share of disasters. They unite us in sadness and grief and in heartfelt sympathy for those who are affected by such troubling events. The night of the bin lorry accident also unites us in support of the excellent job done by the emergency services, who worked tirelessly. In just a few minutes one afternoon, a scene of celebration and festive lights in George Square turned to disaster and despair. However, almost immediately, the first volunteers and our emergency services were on the scene attending and showing compassion, skill and dedication. I feel the pain and the burden carried in the hearts of those who have lost loved ones.
Members should note that our NHS is ready for Ebola and was ready to react to the Glasgow bin lorry accident and the helicopter crash. Those events revealed that Scotland has heroes in its emergency services, which are organised, well equipped and ready to react to any emergency.
I go further and thank all the charities that swing into action when there is a disaster or an emergency that needs their special skills. The charity Glasgow the Caring City was on hand when the Stockline plastics factory suffered a gas explosion that killed nine people and injured 33. Jointly with Glasgow Community Central Hall on Maryhill Road—another charity—it provided fresh water, blankets and one-to-one comfort to relatives and friends. After the Glasgow airport attack, Glasgow the Caring City once again provided similar support. After the helicopter crash at the pub, Glasgow central mosque opened its doors to provide support, facilities and hospitality.
In national troubles when local services cannot cope, the armed forces step in and are frequently called on to support emergency services.
While our emergency services are under pressure, we can never be too generous or more justified in offering our good wishes and support. However, we must also thank the volunteers, charities and donors who are involved in emergencies.
Emergencies show a growing dependency on volunteers and charities. Although it is welcome that they support our services, that should not happen as a routine. I genuinely believe that the reliance on charities and people’s good will means that the emergency services might start to depend on them. I suggest that a parliamentary inquiry ought to be undertaken to determine whether there is a need for additional resources so that that can be addressed before any civilians or citizens are let down.
Christine Grahame was brave to give the cabinet secretary a public warning that the Justice Committee is a busy committee and does not want to do any more work. However, I have to say to the convener that, although I appreciate the fact that hers is a busy committee, people come first and, if we can save one additional life, it is worth the additional work and burden. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the point that, although the police and fire services are joined up and serving the people of Scotland, an assessment is important to find out what we have achieved during the past year or so.
Like many other members, I have served in the special constabulary and the Territorial Army and have done a fire protection and firefighting course, so I am aware of the difficulties that the emergency services face on the ground. We have given our fire and police services responsibility to try to achieve the impossible at times, but it is essential that we show them some reality and responsibility by ensuring that we can support them in carrying out their tasks in a managed and controlled way so that they do not look for handouts or for people to be in place to assist them at any given time. It is dangerous to rely on public good will on all occasions. Therefore, I cannot emphasise enough that a parliamentary inquiry would be of benefit.
15:40