Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 13 November 2025
13 Nov 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Tourette Syndrome
I very much welcome the minister’s comments about the action that she has committed to. When I left the screening of “I Swear”, I reflected that the condition affects not just the NHS and education but every part of our lives, including transport and the police. There is a big issue around public sector education and learning, and there is also a need to promote wider awareness among the public, so that we all understand the condition and think about what we can do to support people. We also need awareness so that we do not react in a way that makes somebody’s life worse.
In 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-19389, in the name of Sarah Boyack, on supporting Tourette Scotland and greater awarene...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I feel privileged to open this debate on a condition that affects many people in our communities. It is difficult for us to imagine what it is like for your ...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
This is the first time in my 25 years in the Parliament that Tourette’s has been discussed. I thank the member for securing the debate in the chamber, and I ...
Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
John Davidson presented at the famous Wigtown book festival this year. Does Christine Grahame agree that his book, “I Swear”, along with his television work ...
Christine Grahame
SNP
They are, indeed. What John has accomplished was done not for reasons of self-aggrandisement but because of a determination to sweep away the misconceptions...
Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con)
Con
I thank Sarah Boyack for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I am aware of her long-standing support for and commitment to Tourette Scotland, and ...
Pam Duncan-Glancy (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I thank my colleague Sarah Boyack for bringing this important and, indeed, milestone debate to the chamber, as Christine Grahame has pointed out. I also tha...
Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
SNP
I thank Sarah Boyack for bringing this debate to the Parliament. I very much welcome the chance to take part in it. Many people talk about the good old days...
The Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport (Maree Todd)
SNP
I am delighted to respond to the debate on behalf of the Government as we discuss the support that is available to people with Tourette syndrome and the awar...
Sarah Boyack
Lab
I very much welcome the minister’s comments about the action that she has committed to. When I left the screening of “I Swear”, I reflected that the conditio...
Maree Todd
SNP
I absolutely understand the point that my colleague has made. The film “I Swear” will probably do more for public understanding than anything that the Govern...