Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 24 February 2022 [Draft]
24 Feb 2022 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Ukraine
Like many other members in the chamber, I was shocked and dismayed when I woke this morning to discover the overnight change in the situation in Ukraine. Filling our television screens, on every channel, were images of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes, Russian tanks crossing the border into Ukraine, bombers streaming over Ukrainian cities and children crying in the streets. Those are scenes that we have not seen in Europe for a generation; they are sights that sadden and dismay and which I had hoped that we would never have to witness again.
The situation is continually evolving and, as I came out of committee, I was met with the news that Putin’s missiles were falling on residential areas that are home to innocent civilians, who did not ask for this war.
In what can only be described as a chilling statement last night, the Russian President warned us away from involvement in Ukraine. However, if he thinks that his threats will put us off, he is mistaken. If anything, they make Ukraine’s allies more determined than ever. We saw that in the unified international response last night, with the UK imposing a range of strict sanctions that target the Russian Government and its supporters and are already doing a considerable amount of damage to the Russian economy.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-03333, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on solidarity with Ukraine. I invite members who wish to speak in ...
The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon)
SNP
Today, we woke to the horror of an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and to a reality that we all hoped had become unthinkable: a land war in Europe. Today, lit...
Douglas Ross (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I confirm that the Scottish Conservatives will support the Government motion, because it is essential that we come together to condemn Russian aggression. T...
Anas Sarwar (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
Earlier this afternoon, the leaders of all Scotland’s political parties sent a unified and unambiguous message: Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine is unprovo...
Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD)
LD
I rise to offer the Government motion this afternoon the unconditional support of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. I am very grateful to the First Minister fo...
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP)
SNP
As events in Ukraine unfold, minute by minute, the appalling and occasionally unhinged announcements from Russia’s capricious President mean that we cannot k...
Sharon Dowey (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
Like many other members in the chamber, I was shocked and dismayed when I woke this morning to discover the overnight change in the situation in Ukraine. Fil...
Dr Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP)
SNP
I thank Sharon Dowey for giving way and agree with her sentiments. The Westminster Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, which has already been a...
Sharon Dowey
Con
I think the member knows that we will be putting in more sanctions. There is also a bill going through, so that the Parliament can investigate things further...
Fiona Hyslop (Linlithgow) (SNP)
SNP
This morning’s news of the invasion of Ukraine brings fear to generations who only know of war in Europe as history, and we all feel the dread of what will h...
Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Green)
Green
Today, we are witnessing the greatest crisis on our continent since the end of the second world war. If the story of the latter half of the twentieth century...
Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP)
SNP
I sincerely hope that the Scottish Parliament will unite this evening in solidarity with the people of Ukraine after their country was attacked this morning ...
Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
It is a great pleasure to follow Willie Coffey in the debate. There are days on which we wake up to events that will stick with us for the rest of our lives...
Michelle Thomson (Falkirk East) (SNP)
SNP
The condemnation of Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine must be absolute and the reaction must be exceptional. The UK’s pitiful action thus far in the san...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
I am something of an insomniac and, as is typical, I woke up at 3 am this morning and turned my small bedside television on to News 24, so I saw minute by mi...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
Today, Parliament has demonstrated democracy in action. All our leaders have expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine and have called for action to st...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
I call Liz Smith to wind up for the Scottish Conservatives. We have some time in hand, so I can be generous. 16:36
Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
Times like this make us think carefully about what this place stands for. Members have stood together this afternoon to condemn what is happening in Ukraine ...
The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Angus Robertson)
SNP
I thank all members who have taken part in the debate and highlight the unanimity across the Scottish Parliament in support of Ukraine—its people, its democr...
Gillian Mackay (Central Scotland) (Green)
Green
We are two years into a pandemic, which will undoubtedly have an effect on the ability of countries around Ukraine to take people in. Moldova has thrown its ...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I can confirm to Gillian Mackay that conversations on humanitarian assistance have already begun within the Scottish Government. In a very fast-moving situat...
Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I know that the cabinet secretary will share my horror at the situation that is unfolding for LGBT+ people in Ukraine. Indeed, in today’s coverage, I read a ...
Angus Robertson
SNP
Yes, I agree unreservedly, as do colleagues across the chamber. Along with our partners across Europe, in the United Kingdom and globally, we need to stand u...
Christine Grahame
SNP
Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?
Angus Robertson
SNP
I will give way for the last time.
Christine Grahame
SNP
Does the cabinet secretary agree that Russia must be expelled as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council? We must find a way for that to ha...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I agree that all diplomatic consideration should be given to ways in which the Russian regime can be combated in multilateral and bilateral terms. It is not ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
That concludes the debate on solidarity with Ukraine.