Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 17 December 2015
17 Dec 2015 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Air Strikes (Syria)
I thank Elaine Smith for that intervention, and I will address that issue later.
The haste with which British planes began bombing Syria—mere hours after the House of Commons vote was carried—demonstrates a desire to be seen to be among the big boys and to play to delusions of grandeur instead of offering a credible solution to the problems in Syria or elsewhere.
The crisis in Syria has resulted in a large number of people having no choice but to leave their homes. Countless millions have been displaced in the country, and millions have fled to neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott)
Con
The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-15046, in the name of John Wilson, on Syrian air strikes. The debate will be concluded ...
John Wilson (Central Scotland) (Ind)
Ind
First, I draw members’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests. I thank the members who signed the motion to allow us to have the debate,...
Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab)
Lab
Will Mr Wilson confirm that those of us who disagree with bombing are not saying that we should do nothing?
John Wilson
Ind
I thank Elaine Smith for that intervention, and I will address that issue later. The haste with which British planes began bombing Syria—mere hours after th...
Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP)
SNP
I thank the member for taking my intervention and I apologise for not being able to stay because I am hosting an event for Syrian refugees. Will he join me i...
John Wilson
Ind
That is something that I will cover later, too. At home, local authorities across Scotland, including those in Central Scotland, have been preparing to welc...
Christina McKelvie (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP)
SNP
I thank John Wilson for bringing this timely debate to our chamber. As we all break for Christmas and think about having time with our families and children,...
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Lab)
Lab
I congratulate John Wilson on lodging the motion and I support the thrust of it. However, each potential war situation is unique and must be looked at on its...
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I congratulate John Wilson on securing time in Parliament for this important debate. I entirely agree with his remarks about Islamophobia and the need to put...
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Ind)
Ind
I, too, congratulate John Wilson on bringing this pertinent motion and giving us all an opportunity to discuss it. The motion talks about “bombing densely p...
Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP)
SNP
I thank John Wilson for bringing the issue of the decision by the UK Government to launch air strikes in Syria to the attention of the Scottish Parliament in...
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, congratulate John Wilson on bringing the debate to the chamber. There have been some really good contributions from members. I had feared, watching s...
Jean Urquhart (Highlands and Islands) (Ind)
Ind
I congratulate John Wilson on bringing this timely debate to the Parliament. I am only sorry that there are not more members who regard the subject as one of...
The Minister for Europe and International Development (Humza Yousaf)
SNP
I thank John Wilson for securing the debate and I thank all the members who contributed to what has been a thoughtful debate. The crisis in Syria is one of ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
Thank you all for taking part in that important debate. 13:21 Meeting suspended. 14:30 On resuming—