Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 18 September 2024
18 Sep 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Creating a Modern, Diverse and Dynamic Scotland
I want to start by imagining a different decade to the one that we have had—not a different outcome on 18 September 2014, because the people of Scotland voted by a clear margin to remain part of the United Kingdom.
No—I want to imagine what would have happened if John Swinney and his fellow nationalists had been true to their word and respected the result, and if they had used the past 10 years and the powers of this Parliament to focus on improving the lives of every man, woman and child in this country. Sadly, they did not.
Even a decade on, we are not discussing what this Parliament or this Government could do to benefit our constituents. No—we are, yet again, debating independence.
Unlike the nationalists, I refuse to talk Scotland down. [Interruption.]
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-14524, in the name of John Swinney, on creating a modern, diverse and dynamic Scotland. I invite members ...
The First Minister (John Swinney)
SNP
From my experience of taking part in every year of this Parliament since it was reconvened 25 years ago, one thing is clear—no matter where any of us sit in ...
Douglas Ross (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
As the First Minister is speaking about powers, will he outline how many powers he has been offered by the UK Government but has returned to it because the S...
The First Minister
SNP
It is clear from what I have set out so far, and from my comments earlier today, that, since the independence referendum in 2014, there has been a strengthen...
Douglas Ross
Con
It is the powers that—
The First Minister
SNP
The powers that I am concerned about are the powers of this Parliament that the people of Scotland voted for in a democratic referendum in 1997. Those powers...
Douglas Ross
Con
I will try a different question, then. Will the First Minister tell this Parliament one power that the UK Government has taken away from the Scottish Governm...
The First Minister
SNP
The use of the internal market—
Douglas Ross
Con
One power that has been taken away.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Mr Ross.
The First Minister
SNP
I will explain to Mr Ross exactly what has happened, if he is not familiar with what he has voted for. This Parliament had exclusive power over a range of co...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Douglas Ross to speak to and to move amendment S6M-14524.4. 15:11
Douglas Ross (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I want to start by imagining a different decade to the one that we have had—not a different outcome on 18 September 2014, because the people of Scotland vote...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Let us hear Mr Ross.
Douglas Ross
Con
I believe that Scotland is a modern, dynamic and diverse country—that is set out in my amendment. However, the SNP does not believe that; that is clear from ...
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic (Kate Forbes)
SNP
I am a big fan of being true to your word. What would have happened if the Conservatives had been true to their word, when they said, “Vote no to stay in the...
Douglas Ross
Con
I am sorry, but the Deputy First Minister cannot pick and choose. “One choice” is what the nationalists told us in 2014. They said that it was a “once-in-a-g...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Always speak through the chair, please.
Douglas Ross
Con
I cannot believe that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care does not believe that our health service is in crisis. I am happy to give way if he ca...
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care (Neil Gray)
SNP
I refuse to talk down the work of the incredible staff and committed workforce in our health service. The First Minister provided a list of the Government’s ...
Douglas Ross
Con
Can the health secretary not understand that we have the highest number of drug deaths not just in the United Kingdom but across Europe and that one in six p...
The First Minister
SNP
Will Mr Ross give way?
Douglas Ross
Con
Is there extra time for an intervention?
The Presiding Officer
NPA
There is no extra time.
Douglas Ross
Con
I am sorry, but I have given way twice to members on the SNP front bench. In his motion, John Swinney claims that independence is “normal”, but a democracy ...
The First Minister
SNP
Will Mr Ross give way?
Douglas Ross
Con
I am sorry, but I am very tight for time. If there was an opportunity for me to get more time, I would give way.
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Taking interventions, within members’ allocated time, is a matter for members.
Douglas Ross
Con
I am sorry, but I have already taken two interventions from members on the Government front bench. As historians look back over the past 10 years, they will...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Anas Sarwar to speak to and move amendment S6M-14524.5. 15:20