Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 26 June 2025
26 Jun 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
I appreciate the opportunity to clarify. Let us be absolutely clear that the bill does not in any way change the approach in Scotland. Indeed, if we take the comparator of reverse cross-border placements, I believe that there are currently only three England-based children resident in Scotland under the system—this time last year, there were 20-odd. The direction of travel has been set. I understand the commissioner’s query, but, in reality, the bill changes nothing about the approach that we will continue to take in Scotland. I hope that that offers reassurance.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18081, in the name of Natalie Don-Innes, a legislative consent motion on the Children’s Wellbeing and Sch...
The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey)
SNP
Thank you, Presiding Officer, for the opportunity to open the debate, which will focus on proposed changes to United Kingdom legislation that have the potent...
Jeremy Balfour (Lothian) (Con)
Con
The minister will be aware that the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee met on Tuesday. There was no time for the committee to consider a written repor...
Graeme Dey
SNP
There were a number of questions in there. On the timing and why we are discussing the LCM now instead of waiting, there is a compatibility issue with legisl...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Douglas Ross to speak on behalf of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. 16:18
Douglas Ross (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I rise to speak not about the detail of the LCM but about the process, and I endorse everything that Jeremy Balfour said. Before I come to what the DPLR Comm...
Roz McCall (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Con
I rise to speak on the LCM that we have been asked to approve this afternoon. It has already been highlighted that it covers child employment, secure care an...
Martin Whitfield (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I will speak on behalf of Scottish Labour to various elements of the LCM. I compliment both committees that were involved in this matter—I appreciate the cha...
Graeme Dey
SNP
I appreciate the opportunity to clarify. Let us be absolutely clear that the bill does not in any way change the approach in Scotland. Indeed, if we take the...
Martin Whitfield
Lab
I thank the minister for his intervention. Unlike Roz McCall, I am reassured by that, because I think that, when the Government gives such assurances, we sho...
Jeremy Balfour
Con
Will the member give way?
Martin Whitfield
Lab
I will finish my point, and then I will come to Mr Balfour. I thank the minister for stepping in to cover the debate at this late stage.
Jeremy Balfour
Con
Martin Whitfield will be aware that the legislation that we pass does not last just for the duration of the current Government; it lasts for years to come. I...
Martin Whitfield
Lab
I am grateful for Mr Balfour’s intervention. Of course, no Parliament or Government can bind future Governments. On his underlying point, of course there sho...
Graeme Dey
SNP
I will deal first with the legitimate points that members have raised. I absolutely take on board Douglas Ross’s point about the workload of the Education, ...