Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 13 March 2025
13 Mar 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Young Carers Action Day 2025
Before I call the next speaker, I advise members that, due to the number of members who wish to speak in the debate, I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 8.14.3 of standing orders, to extend the debate by up to 30 minutes. I invite Paul O’Kane to move such a motion.
Motion moved,
That, under Rule 8.14.3, the debate be extended by up to 30 minutes.—[Paul O’Kane]
Motion agreed to.
13:27In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16302, in the name of Paul O’Kane, on young carers action day 2025. The debate will be ...
Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I am very pleased to bring this motion to allow the Parliament to recognise young carers action day 2025 and to pay tribute to the many thousands of young un...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Thank you, Mr O’Kane. We now move to the open debate, with back-bench speeches of up to four minutes. 12:58
Evelyn Tweed (Stirling) (SNP)
SNP
I thank my colleague Paul O’Kane for introducing his members’ business debate. I am absolutely delighted to speak in praise of our young carers and their sup...
Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Con)
Con
It is a real privilege to take part in the debate, and I thank the member for lodging the motion. I, too, welcome all the people in the public gallery. They ...
Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
It is a privilege to take part in this members’ business debate, and I extend my congratulations to Paul O’Kane for securing it. As other members have done, ...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
I pay tribute to Carers Trust for bringing so many young people to the Parliament today. It makes a difference; this is not just a series of speeches. We tak...
Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)
SNP
It is a privilege to be here to mark young carers action day, which recognises and celebrates the incredible contributions of young carers across Scotland. T...
Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
It is a privilege to speak in this debate, and I thank my colleague Paul O’Kane for bringing it to the chamber. I have to say that we are not used to speakin...
Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, thank all the young carers in the public gallery. It is a delight to have them with us today. I give a special shout-out to the South Ayrshire young ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Before I call the next speaker, I advise members that, due to the number of members who wish to speak in the debate, I am minded to accept a motion without n...
Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
SNP
I thank Paul O’Kane, my colleague on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, for securing this important debate. I know that the subject is...
Meghan Gallacher (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
I am pleased to speak in this debate on young carers action day 2025, and I congratulate Paul O’Kane on securing it. The reason why I want to speak in this ...
The Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport (Maree Todd)
SNP
I thank Paul O’Kane for initiating this really important debate regarding young carers action day, and I thank all the members for being here to discuss youn...