Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 02 October 2019
02 Oct 2019 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
ScotRail Franchise
I had hoped to get an update on where we are with CalMac Ferries. The group was launched with great gusto by the cabinet secretary’s predecessor, Humza Yousaf. The last meeting was a damp squib—I said that to the cabinet secretary afterwards. I get the impression that, at any time of crisis, the Scottish Government wheels out questions about public ownership and nationalisation that get kicked into the long grass. The Williams review is not long grass; it is a long and convenient siding.
My colleague Colin Smyth talked about timing. Timing is crucial, and I fear that the windows of opportunity will be lost.
The Government’s amendment calls on the Parliament to
“support the overdue and necessary change”.
Of course, the Scottish Greens support the full devolution of Network Rail, but that is for another day. This is about timing in relation to the franchise and responding to a specific and not unreasonable request from the Labour Party. It is about whose interests are being served.
Rather than being the operator of last resort, for vital public services, the Government should be the operator of first and only resort.
16:10In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-19190, in the name of Colin Smyth, on “Don’t Extend the ScotRail Franchise”. 15:50
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
It is decision time for the Scottish Government. It is time for the Government to decide whether to reward failure by extending the current Abellio ScotRail ...
John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP)
SNP
Could the member can explain how there can be one Great Britain-wide company that would be controlled in Scotland?
Colin Smyth
Lab
Mr Mason clearly does not understand how rail services actually work. The services that are delivered on the ScotRail network would continue to be devolved t...
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity (Michael Matheson)
SNP
Rail plays an essential role in the daily fabric of Scottish life, connecting communities, enabling opportunities and supporting economic prosperity. The G...
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I have a very particular question to ask the cabinet secretary. Is the cabinet secretary 100 per cent confident that Abellio will meet its commitment to pay ...
Michael Matheson
SNP
As part of the franchise, the company must be financially able to achieve that; otherwise, it will be in breach of the whole contract. It would be wrong for...
Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
The debate is already getting lively—I am quite enjoying it. I will get straight to the point, as I have only a few minutes. The Conservatives will not be su...
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green)
Green
I have a number of declarations to make. I am a member of the RMT parliamentary group, a vice-president of the Friends of the Far North Line and a regular ra...
Michael Matheson
SNP
As I made clear, that group will meet again when we know the outcome of the Williams review and its implications for future structures. John Finnie should re...
John Finnie
Green
I had hoped to get an update on where we are with CalMac Ferries. The group was launched with great gusto by the cabinet secretary’s predecessor, Humza Yousa...
Mike Rumbles (North East Scotland) (LD)
LD
Since Abellio started running our trains, cancellations have increased year by year, skip-stopping has become part of everyday expectations, the punctuality ...
Jamie Greene
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
Mike Rumbles
LD
Unfortunately, I do not have time. The Liberal Democrats cannot support the Government’s amendment, because it seems, yet again, to say what the Government ...
The Presiding Officer (Ken Macintosh)
NPA
We now move to the open part of the debate. 16:15
Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I point out to the chamber that I have a registered interest as a member of Unite the union and that I am contributing to the debate as the convener of the R...
John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to take part in the debate on rail. As members will know, I am enthusiastic about train travel and, with Pauline McNeill, convene the cross-part...
Neil Findlay
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
John Mason
SNP
No, thank you. In recent years, I have visited a number of European cities, where I have always used the local trains and metro networks. I would argue that...
John Finnie
Green
Does John Mason recognise that that publicly operated bus service turned around a failing commercial operation in East Lothian?
John Mason
SNP
Yes, I am happy to recognise that. We must also consider cost. We currently subsidise the railway to the tune of some two thirds, so if I buy a ticket for £...
Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
Like a stopped clock, even Colin Smyth is right occasionally, and his highlighting of the huge frustration that commuters, tourists and businesses feel when ...
Neil Findlay
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Liam Kerr
Con
I will not, as I am in my last 30 seconds. Instead of wasting time debating break clauses and models of franchise ownership, let us focus on the positive in...
Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
The current rail service delivery model is flawed, like a great many matters that are still under Westminster control. As we have heard, Network Rail is resp...
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
It is customary at the outset of speeches for us to thank those who have taken the time to supply briefings to members ahead of debates. I thank the rail uni...
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Con
We all know that the performance of the service on Scotland’s railways is far from satisfactory. Delays, cancellations and mismanagement have led to commuter...
Neil Findlay
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Rachael Hamilton
Con
Very quickly.
The Presiding Officer (Ken Macintosh)
NPA
Neil Findlay should be very brief, because Rachael Hamilton is in her last minute.