Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 20 February 2024
20 Feb 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Scottish Ministers
For the sake of the country and for the sake of our farmers, our hospitals, our roads and our railways, I would have hoped that the new ministers would tackle the problems that the SNP has created and neglected over the past 17 years. Sadly, I do not live in hope.
As the new ministers climb aboard Humza Yousaf’s sinking ship, they can take comfort from one fact: as long as the First Minister remains in Bute house, their jobs are secure. The real lesson from the Michael Matheson scandal is that Humza Yousaf would prefer to burn what is left of his own credibility than to take action against one of his ministers.
The new Cabinet is just the latest example of an SNP Government that is distracted by division and is pursuing the wrong priorities. Scotland surely deserves better than that.
14:40In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motions S6M-12210 and S6M-12211, in the name of Humza Yousaf, on the appointment of Scottish ministers and junior Sc...
The First Minister (Humza Yousaf)
SNP
Before I speak to my motions, I welcome Tim Eagle to the Scottish Parliament. There is simply no doubt that we will have lots of political differences, but I...
Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
I echo the First Minister’s welcome to my newest colleague in Parliament, Tim Eagle. I also pay tribute to Donald Cameron. He was a fine parliamentarian, and...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Let us hear Mr Hoy.
Craig Hoy
Con
Regardless of how far and how fast Nicola Sturgeon falls, the Government still cannot escape the long shadow that she cast. I welcome Fiona Hyslop’s appoint...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Let us hear Mr Hoy.
Craig Hoy
Con
For the sake of the country and for the sake of our farmers, our hospitals, our roads and our railways, I would have hoped that the new ministers would tackl...
Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, pay tribute to Donald Cameron and welcome Tim Eagle to the Parliament. I say to Mr Eagle that he has big shoes to fill. On behalf of the Scottish L...
Gillian Mackay (Central Scotland) (Green)
Green
I welcome Tim Eagle to the chamber. I sincerely hope that his jokes are better than Craig Hoy’s. I thank those who are leaving their positions in Government...
The First Minister
SNP
I will start with what I thought was the best contribution—Gillian Mackay’s. It was thoughtful and considered and she rose to the occasion. I have sat throug...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There are two questions to be put. The first question is, that motion S6M-12210, in the name of Humza Yousaf, on the appointment of a Scottish minister, be a...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The Parliament is not agreed, so we will move to the vote. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 14:49 Meet...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question is, that motion S6M-12210, in the name of Humza Yousaf, on the appointment of a Scottish minister, be agreed to. Members should cast their votes...
The Minister for Housing (Paul McLennan)
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Thank you, Mr McLennan. We will ensure that your vote is recorded.
Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
On a point of order, Presiding Officer—I am not sure whether this is a point of order, or even material. I understand from colleagues who are not in the cham...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
As it was a scheduled vote, there was no division bell.
Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am uncertain whether my vote went through.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I can confirm that your vote has been recorded, Mr Beattie. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasd...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The result of the division on motion S6M-12210, in the name of Humza Yousaf, is: For 58, Against 8, Abstentions 21. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament a...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The next question is, that motion S6M-12211, in the name of Humza Yousaf, on the appointment of junior Scottish ministers, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Memb...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There will be a division. The vote is closed.
Paul McLennan
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I still cannot connect. I would have voted yes.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
We will ensure that that is recorded, Mr McLennan. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The result of the division is: For 57, Against 9, Abstentions 21. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that Jim Fairlie and Kaukab Stewart be appoi...