Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Lewis Macdonald) Lab

The next item of business is a Liberal Democrat debate on motion S5M-24138, in the name of Alex Cole-Hamilton, on mental health. I ask members who wish to co...

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

As he leaves the chamber, I say to the Deputy First Minister that he undermines the Government position with such personal and shabby attacks during a seriou...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab

Order, please.

The Minister for Children and Young People (Maree Todd) SNP

Will the member take an intervention?

Alex Cole-Hamilton LD

I will not right now, thank you. The Liberal Democrats have brought the motion to the chamber because, quite simply, there is a mental health crisis in Scot...

The Minister for Mental Health (Clare Haughey) SNP

I thank Alex Cole-Hamilton for taking my intervention, although he would not take Ms Todd’s. I take it that the member will welcome the announcement that wa...

Alex Cole-Hamilton LD

I certainly will. Every additional pound that is spent on mental health is welcome, but every extra pound that the Government spends on an unwanted independe...

The Minister for Mental Health (Clare Haughey) SNP

This is a critically important topic that unites all members. The mental health impacts of the pandemic have brought new and significant challenges across Sc...

Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con) Con

I will not make a speech in the debate, but I have a question. The money is welcome. We could have some argy-bargy over its source, but what I want to know i...

Clare Haughey SNP

We certainly value the work of the third sector, and we work closely and engage with those organisations at Government and ministerial levels. If Jamie Green...

Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

I agree with Alex Cole-Hamilton and others that we face a mental health crisis in Scotland. We faced that crisis before the pandemic, with exceptionally long...

Mary Fee (West Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I begin in the same way that I began the debate that is referenced in the motion—by thanking the Liberal Democrats for bringing the debate. I also indicate o...

Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Green) Green

My thoughts are with all those who are affected by mental ill health and suicide, and I extend my sincere thanks to those who are working so hard in front-li...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani) SNP

We move to the open debate. We are already over time so please be very tight with speeches, which should last no longer than four minutes. 15:58

Stuart McMillan (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP

I am pleased to speak in the debate. Notwithstanding the challenges and criticisms that have been made by some members who have spoken, positive actions have...

Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the world and, in some cases, it has shone a light on the existing issues, including the mental health i...

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab

I have recently taken a strong interest in young people’s mental health services. In a previous debate, I spoke about what the system needs to do to adapt. ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

The final contribution in the open debate comes from Emma Harper. 16:10

Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

Thank you, Presiding Officer. The year 2020 was consumed by the pandemic, which has affected everyone and changed all aspects of our lives. It has caused muc...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We move to the closing speeches. We are still a little bit over our time. 16:14

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab

This has been an excellent debate, albeit too brief, with thoughtful and well-argued contributions from across the political divide. I, too, congratulate Ale...

Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con) Con

I welcome the opportunity to close in this debate on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives. I am grateful to the Liberal Democrats for allocating some of thei...

Clare Haughey SNP

I thank members across the chamber for their input. The debate is especially timely, given our announcement yesterday of an additional £120 million of fundin...

Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD

As other members have acknowledged, this has been a very worthwhile debate, with valuable contributions across the chamber. At the start of the debate, Alex...