Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 17 September 2025
17 Sep 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Police Stations
Justice and Home Affairs
I am afraid that the cabinet secretary will not get away with her Government putting officers and staff at risk. I have a response to a freedom of information request that shows that Police Scotland has spent more than £230,000 on managing—not even removing—asbestos in police stations over the past three years. The north-east has the highest number of buildings with asbestos; 25 are riddled with it. Police officers are being forced to work in buildings that are not just substandard but dangerous, as if being a police officer in Scotland is not dangerous enough. Will the cabinet secretary commit to properly funding Police Scotland and ensure that its buildings are fit for purpose and that all asbestos is removed where it is safe to do so?
In the same item of business
2. Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that 183 police stations need repairs, 177 contain asbestos and four contain reinforced autocl...
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs (Angela Constance)
SNP
The management of the Police Scotland estate, including assessments of the condition of buildings and statutory and general health and safety at work require...
Alexander Burnett
Con
I am afraid that the cabinet secretary will not get away with her Government putting officers and staff at risk. I have a response to a freedom of informatio...
Angela Constance
SNP
It is all very well for the member to argue for additional funding for Police Scotland after the budget has passed. I do not recall him or any member of his ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Members.
Angela Constance
SNP
I am pleased that, due to Scottish Government commitments, we have provided almost £90 million—Interruption.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Cabinet secretary, please resume your seat. I will not have barracking from members in sedentary positions. Please show courtesy and respect and listen to t...
Angela Constance
SNP
Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. It is a matter of public record that this Government will provide almost £90 million in additional funding compared ...
Katy Clark (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Greenock police station has not been properly maintained for many years and is earmarked for closure. Police Scotland’s estates master plan also noted that G...
Angela Constance
SNP
It is important that Police Scotland carefully considers the location of custody suites. It is a matter to which it has given—and continues to give—serious c...