Meeting of the Parliament 25 February 2016
I thank the members who have taken part in the debate for their contributions. It is clear from them that there is consensus on changing the dates of the next Parliament and local government elections. That consensus is welcome, and I believe that it is important that there is agreement across the chamber on the significant issue of changing election dates.
As I said in my opening remarks, there is, however, less consensus about what permanent solution should be implemented when Parliament gets the power to make longer-term changes. When that power comes here, it will be important for us to consider the issue carefully and to undertake the widest possible consultations. I am sure that the suggestions that have been made through the bill’s process will be taken on board.
It is imperative that a solution to the 2020 clash of election dates is implemented before voters go to the polls in May. The Scottish Elections (Dates) Bill offers a solution, and I welcome the agreement across the chamber on this relatively short, yet important, bill. Again I thank members for their contributions and invite them to support the motion to approve the Scottish Elections (Dates) Bill at decision time.