Meeting of the Parliament 08 March 2023
I have visited big noise Torry and I know the good work that it does. It deserves to be treated better than it is at present. The attack by local SNP councillors was shameful, resulting in the massive SNP spin machine rushing into overdrive and getting involved in a panic. No doubt that is because the SNP fears the impact that that betrayal would have on the fortunes of their SNP leader at Westminster, who is meant to represent Torry.
The response was predictable and pathetic in equal measure. Instead of the blame being put on the SNP councillors who wielded the axe, the blame is to be passed to the Tories at Westminster—it is absolutely pathetic. Budgets are about choices, and the councils in Dundee and Aberdeen shamefully chose to axe Big Noise programmes. When the SNP-Liberal Democrat councillors are looking for someone to blame for libraries closing, swimming pools closing and Big Noise closing, they need to take some responsibility and have a look in the mirror. They alone are responsible for the choices and the cuts that they make.
Sistema changes the lives of our most vulnerable. It has a brilliant early intervention and prevention programme. I get it, and I am genuinely pleased that the minister agrees and has stepped in, but questions remain. A statement on Sistema funding will clear up these questions and allow the devolved Government to reaffirm its commitment to Sistema.
I move, as an amendment to motion S6M-08150 in the name of George Adam, to leave out
“2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.30 pm Portfolio Questions:
Social Justice, Housing and Local Government”
and insert:
“2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions
2.00 pm Portfolio Questions:
Social Justice, Housing and Local Government
followed by Ministerial Statement: Children’s Orchestras Funding U-turn
followed by Ministerial Statement: Ferguson Marine and Ferry Services Update
followed by Ministerial Statement: Deposit Return Scheme Update”.
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
- S6M-08150 Business Programme Motion