Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 22 March 2016
22 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Local Control
I draw members’ attention to the fact that this will be Mr Thompson’s second valedictory speech, as he gave his first last week. A Presiding Officer has suggested that he is having more farewell tours than Tina Turner. [Laughter.] Mr Thompson has given this Parliament distinguished service—in his case, since 2006—faithfully representing his constituents of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. His enthusiasm and care for his rural constituents, as well as for his fishing communities, serve as an example to us all. Mr Thompson, we thank you for your contribution over the years and we wish you well in whatever your future endeavours may be.
17:28In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott)
Con
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-15322, in the name of Rob Gibson, on bringing about more local control. The debate wil...
Rob Gibson (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP)
SNP
For my final speech as the member of the Scottish Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross since 2011, I will explore bringing more local control to the...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
Members will wish to note that that was Mr Gibson’s valedictory speech. He has given devoted service to the Parliament in a variety of roles. As we have hear...
Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab)
Lab
I thank Rob Gibson for bringing the debate to the chamber, and for his powerful, personal and moving remarks. Fittingly and historically, he has secured the ...
Graeme Dey (Angus South) (SNP)
SNP
I am delighted to speak in the debate, which, as we have heard, marks the final contribution to the Scottish Parliament of my friend and colleague Rob Gibson...
Alex Johnstone (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to speak in the debate tonight. The main reason I want to speak is to pay tribute to the work that Rob Gibson has d...
Michael Russell (Argyll and Bute) (SNP)
SNP
There’s a surprise.
Alex Johnstone
Con
I believe that it is never appropriate for us to dictate that the needs of the many should outweigh the rights of the few. We should be prepared to defend th...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
I draw members’ attention to the fact that this will be Mr Thompson’s second valedictory speech, as he gave his first last week. A Presiding Officer has sugg...
Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP)
SNP
Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. I apologise for having another go at a last speech. I had intended to make my last speech last week, but I had not re...
The Minister for Children and Young People (Aileen Campbell)
SNP
Could we add Lanark to that list? Laughter.
Dave Thompson
SNP
It is up to other people to argue for their areas, but my remit is for the Highlands and Islands. We must ensure that people engage again with their local co...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
Before we move to the minister’s closing speech, members should be aware that this is Marco Biagi’s last speech in our Parliament—I do not think that he has ...
The Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment (Marco Biagi)
SNP
I think that that was a call to speak. The motion is a fitting send-off for my colleague Rob Gibson because, a bit like him, it is packed with ideas for loc...