Meeting of the Parliament 03 February 2026 [Draft]
I thank Michelle Thomson for her intervention.
My position is that it is important that I set out the position of the committee. I am happy to take interventions at the end of my contribution. If I may therefore proceed.
Taking into account all the evidence that we received, some committee members were content to recommend that the bill should progress to stage 2. Others considered that there is insufficient time to undertake the necessary detailed consultation and engagement to properly address the issue of women’s safety and to make other necessary changes. Therefore, they do not consider that the bill should proceed beyond stage 1. However, we are all agreed that prostitution is a form of violence against women and girls, that its prevalence must be reduced and that further action is necessary as a matter of priority.
We were all of the view that, if passed at stage 1, significant amendments to the bill will be required to address the concerns that we have identified. If the bill is not to succeed, we set out some views on what should happen next, including the establishment of an independent commission. I note that the Scottish Government’s response to our stage 1 report sets out a commitment to a commission that would identify options for the next Government to consider.
If I have time, I will now take interventions.