Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith) Lab

The final item of business today is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-14914, in the name of Chic Brodie, on heavy goods vehicle driver shortages in Sc...

Chic Brodie (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I am pleased that we are having the debate this evening, and I thank all those members who have remained for it. I also thank three people in particular: Geo...

Mark McDonald (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP

In discussions that I have had with hauliers in my constituency, one issue that they have highlighted is that it can often be more expensive for them to obta...

Chic Brodie SNP

Mr McDonald is absolutely right about insurance firms being part of the conversation. I am sure that he will address that issue in his speech. The insurance ...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP

I apologise, as I will be unable to stay in the chamber for the whole debate. I have a meeting to attend and I am hosting the James Watt celebration in the g...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

Could you draw to a close, please?

Angus MacDonald SNP

Indeed. We all recognise that the road freight industry is the lifeblood of Scotland’s and the UK’s economy, so we all must play our part in ensuring that w...

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab

I congratulate Chic Brodie on securing this important debate. I share his conclusion that the shortage of HGV drivers poses a real and present threat to the ...

Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I am grateful to my colleague Chic Brodie for bringing the debate to the chamber and congratulate him on do...

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

I, too, congratulate Chic Brodie on securing today’s debate, which is an important one for my region—the Highlands and Islands—and, indeed, the whole of Scot...

Christian Allard (North East Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I congratulate Chic Brodie on getting cross-party support for his motion. I know that he got help from a lot of people, some of whom are here tonight. The r...

Mark McDonald (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP

I, too, congratulate my colleague Chic Brodie on securing the debate. Christian Allard spoke about media depictions of female lorry drivers. In thinking abou...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

Many thanks. Just before I call the minister to respond, and for the record, I must remind members that if they choose to participate in a members’ business ...

The Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment (Annabelle Ewing) SNP

I welcome this evening’s debate and I am grateful to Chic Brodie for securing the parliamentary time to highlight such an important issue. I am also grateful...