Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23963, in the name of Andy Wightman, on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Sc...

Andy Wightman (Lothian) (Ind) Ind

I am delighted to open this stage 1 debate on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill. I thank all those who contribute...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I remind members that, if they want to take part in the debate, they have to type R in the chat function. 14:57

James Dornan (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) SNP

As the convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, I am pleased to speak in support of the bill, which was introduced by Andy Wightman, our c...

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government (Aileen Campbell) SNP

Did you introduce me, Presiding Officer? I did not hear you.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I did, but I am happy to do it—Inaudible. The cabinet secretary will open for the Government.

Aileen Campbell SNP

Apologies—I think that your sound cut out. Nonetheless, I will proceed. I thank Andy Wightman for introducing the bill and steering it to this point. That i...

Alexander Stewart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

I am delighted to take part in this debate on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill and to open on behalf of the Scot...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call Sarah Boyack to open for Labour. 15:15

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab) Lab

I am delighted that we are discussing the incorporation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In 1997, the Labour Government signed up to the cha...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call John Finnie to speak on behalf of the Green Party, and I hand over the chair to my colleague. 15:20

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green

I congratulate my friend and colleague Andy Wightman on getting his worthy bill proposal to this point. I know how much work is involved, and the commitment ...

The Presiding Officer (Ken Macintosh) NPA

I thank my colleague Christine Grahame for handing over the chair. I call Alex Cole-Hamilton, to be followed by Keith Brown. 15:24

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD) LD

I offer my thanks and the thanks of my party to Andy Wightman for introducing an important bill to the Parliament. It is a reminder of what an asset he is to...

Keith Brown (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) SNP

I come to the debate with the benefit, most recently, of being a member of the Local Government and Communities Committee, which has held three meetings to h...

Alison Harris (Central Scotland) (Con) Con

The debate about autonomy for local authorities in Scotland has gone on for some time in the Scottish Parliament. Most parties have, at various points and fr...

David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP

I thank my colleague Andy Wightman for his hard work on the bill. I served as a councillor on Fife Council from 1995 until I was elected as an MSP in 2011. ...

Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP

I congratulate our number 1 pain in the whatever, Andy Wightman, who is so to great and good effect in this particular case, as in so many others. As a memb...

Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab

I speak in support of the bill, which seeks to incorporate the European Charter of Local Self-Government into Scots law, as others have mentioned. The chart...

Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) SNP

I, too, thank Andy Wightman for introducing the bill. At its heart, this is about strengthening our democracy in every community across Scotland, making it m...

The Presiding Officer NPA

I call Fulton MacGregor, who will be the final speaker before we move to closing speeches. 15:52

Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) SNP

As other members have said, the Scottish Government values the role of local government and is committed to supporting the bill. I am not a member of the Loc...

The Presiding Officer NPA

We move to the closing speeches. 15:57

Sarah Boyack Lab

This has been an important debate. Following this bill, it is vital that we see the change that COSLA’s political leadership has agreed that we need on a cro...

Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con) Con

It is a pleasure to speak in the debate. I thank the Local Government and Communities Committee for its work on the bill. It produced a first-class report, a...

Aileen Campbell SNP

It is clear that there is cross-party support for the bill and that members recognise and appreciate the unique role of local government in Scotland. As I ma...

The Presiding Officer NPA

I call Andy Wightman to close our debate. 16:11

Andy Wightman Ind

I thank all members who have contributed to the debate. I welcome the widespread support and encouragement and the points that have been raised. I will not g...