Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23299, in the name of Richard Leonard, on additional support for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality secto...

Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. This week, we have all welcomed a message of hope. There is a prospect, at last, of a Cov...

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing) SNP

There is surely no member who does not recognise the scale of the devastation that the virus has wreaked on Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector. Since ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

You must conclude.

Fergus Ewing SNP

We will continue to provide urgent support to the tourism sector, which I care deeply about. Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab) rose—

Fergus Ewing SNP

I have worked with people such as Jackie Baillie on numerous occasions, and I will continue to do so, even if I cannot take her intervention.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

While you are at it, cabinet secretary, keep on the good side of the Presiding Officer, too. You did not move your amendment.

Fergus Ewing SNP

I move amendment S5M-23299.2, to leave out from “calls” to end and insert: “acknowledges the significant contribution that tourism and hospitality makes, no...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call Oliver Mundell. I gave Richard Leonard a little extra time, so I will compensate you as well, Mr Mundell. 16:44

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Con

Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector has been in crisis since the pandemic began. Although the vaccine brings hope to many, there is continued uncertain...

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green

I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in the debate, and I am very pleased that the Labour Party has chosen to lodge a motion on the topic for debat...

Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD) LD

One of the joys of representing North East Fife is the fact that so many creative people have transformed the local tourism and hospitality offer. They inclu...

Fergus Ewing SNP

I assure Mr Rennie that I entirely agree with what he has said thus far. The Scottish Government is committed to providing further lifeline assistance to bus...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Mr Rennie, you will get your time back.

Willie Rennie LD

That is encouraging to hear and I hope that that becomes a reality, but I think that the cabinet secretary will forgive the Parliament for wanting to put on ...

Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

The Scottish Government has used Scotland’s hospitality sector as a scapegoat in this pandemic. Despite what the cabinet secretary said, the Government has f...

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP) SNP

Would the member accept that there has been a problem in pubs and in other places serving alcohol simply because people are getting together? We cannot have ...

Colin Smyth Lab

Mr Mason is in effect saying that the Government’s framework that said that those pubs could remain open was wrong. If that was the Government’s position, it...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Please conclude.

Colin Smyth Lab

That is what is happening to our hospitality sector, when it needs support and a recognition of the work that it does to support our economy.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Thank you. I gave you the extra time. 17:01

Stuart McMillan (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP

I welcome the debate. I know that hospitality has been one of the hardest-hit sectors in the economy. Like every other member in the chamber, I have spoken t...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

It is funny how winding up stretches to half a minute. “Wind up” means wind up on the spot. I call Murdo Fraser. I know that he will do that. 17:06

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

I will do what I am told.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We shall see.

Murdo Fraser Con

I thank the Labour Party for bringing forward this debate on support for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector, the importance of which cannot be oversta...

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Lab

As everyone has recognised, the experience of lockdown and the pandemic restrictions have been particularly difficult for hospitality and tourism businesses....

The Presiding Officer (Ken Macintosh) NPA

We do not have much time, members; four-minute speeches, please. 17:15

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP) SNP

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I agree with a number of things in Labour’s motion. Labour is right to describe the balance that ...

Murdo Fraser Con

Will the member give way?