Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-15734, in the name of Graeme Dey, on support for veterans and the armed forces community in Scotland. I i...

The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey) SNP

I am delighted to present the Government’s eighth annual update to Parliament on support for Scotland’s veterans and our armed forces community. These debate...

Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) SNP

In the light of what the minister says, does he share my disappointment that NHS Lothian is withdrawing its funding—a paltry £200,000 or thereabouts—to suppo...

Graeme Dey SNP

I absolutely share Christine Grahame’s concerns, which are held across the veterans sector in Lothian. I offer her the reassurance that the Government remain...

Jackie Dunbar (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP

I am pleased to hear that the minister is exploring the issue further, because I share his disappointment. What can we, as members across the chamber, do to ...

Graeme Dey SNP

My ask of members is the ask that I have heard from the veterans charitable community—to spread the word. If members can raise the issue with the GP practice...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Thank you, minister. I advise members that there is some time in hand, and therefore I can be generous with members’ speaking times. 14:36

Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con) Con

Thank you, Presiding Officer—your generosity is always appreciated. I am also delighted to participate in the debate, as an MSP whose region has a long and r...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call Paul Sweeney to open on behalf of Scottish Labour, for a generous four minutes. 14:42

Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab

I join the minister in welcoming to the gallery retired Lieutenant Commander Susie Hamilton, who is the Scottish veterans commissioner. We all agree that she...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Maggie Chapman joins us remotely. 14:49

Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green) Green

I echo the minister’s comments about the work of the Scottish veterans commissioner and the importance of providing support to prevent homelessness and impro...

Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD) LD

I am pleased that we are having this debate and that we hold it annually, because it is important that we remember that, as the armed forces shrink over the ...

Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Con

I absolutely agree with what Mr Rennie is saying. Can he foresee us having a facility whereby some of the veterans who have the positive attitude that he des...

Willie Rennie LD

It is important that there is a wide and varied connection between that group of talented people and our education system and beyond. That is why I was pleas...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We move to the open debate. 14:59

Jackie Dunbar (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) SNP

When the business programme for this week was published, I asked my office manager whether he thought that I should put my name forward to speak in the veter...

Maurice Golden (North East Scotland) (Con) Con

I begin by welcoming the debate. As convener of the cross-party group on the armed forces and veterans community, I know that our veterans face many issues, ...

Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) SNP

I am privileged to have in my constituency Glencorse barracks, in Penicuik, which is the home of 2 Scots, the second battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotl...

Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. In the short time that I have, I will concentrate on Forces Children Scotland, although not because I...

Jamie Greene Con

Will the member take an intervention?

Martin Whitfield Lab

I will.

Jamie Greene Con

I am sorry, Presiding Officer—I forgot to press the wee button. Thank you for taking my intervention.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Mr Greene, could you please just start the intervention?

Jamie Greene Con

A point that has been raised in previous debates is that the spouses or partners of serving members often struggle to find meaningful employment in the area ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Always speak through the chair, Mr Greene.

Martin Whitfield Lab

I agree absolutely. I welcome that intervention, because it allows me to talk about article 9 of the UNCRC, which is about the right of a child not to be sep...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Karen Adam is joining us remotely. 15:19

Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP

I am honoured to speak today on an issue that means a great deal to me and to Scotland. Our veterans and our armed forces community represent courage, sacrif...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We now move to closing speeches. 15:23