Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith) Lab

The next item of business is a debate on motion S4M-15144, in the name of Margaret Mitchell, on the Apologies (Scotland) Bill. 14:26

Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con) Con

It is with great pleasure that I open today’s debate on the Apologies (Scotland) Bill. The bill was introduced almost a year ago, on 3 March 2015, but the id...

The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

I thank Margaret Mitchell for introducing the bill, all the hard work that she has put into it, and the dedication that she has shown throughout the process....

Elaine Murray (Dumfriesshire) (Lab) Lab

There is probably not a great deal more to say about this short bill at this stage that has not already been said, so I apologise for any repetition. Margar...

Gavin Brown (Lothian) (Con) Con

I, too, congratulate Margaret Mitchell on the bill. I thank the minister, the Justice Committee and all those who gave evidence for getting us to where we ar...

Roderick Campbell (North East Fife) (SNP) SNP

I declare an interest as a member of the Faculty of Advocates. Charles I is reported to have said: “Never make a defence or apology before you be accused.”...

Margaret McDougall (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I, too, congratulate Margaret Mitchell on bringing this bill to Parliament. When I spoke in the stage 1 debate on the bill, I highlighted a number of concer...

Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD) LD

I, too, congratulate Margaret Mitchell on bringing the bill to Parliament. Since stage 1, there have been some changes to it that, in my view, improve it. Th...

Gil Paterson (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP

I thank Margaret Mitchell for her determination and the way in which she has chaperoned her bill through Parliament. She has been a good listener and made ch...

Gavin Brown Con

It has been a short but useful debate, in which we have had references to everything from Charles I to something that still amuses me slightly: Margaret Mitc...

Graeme Pearson (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

Many members around the chamber have quite properly acknowledged Margaret Mitchell’s hard work and persistence in following through with the bill: introducin...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I thank all members for their speeches, as I am sure that Margaret Mitchell will do, and for their interest in promoting a culture change in relation to apol...

Margaret Mitchell Con

In closing the debate, I want to thank some of the individuals without whom the bill would not have reached this stage. I start with Mary Dinsdale, Andrew My...