Meeting of the Parliament 03 February 2026 [Draft]
Yes, I would be delighted to do that. I have been hoping to catch up with Brian Baglow since he formally published the report; he met me before its publication to give me an indication of how he was getting on and what he was heading towards. I have now read the final version of the report, and I am happy to meet Brian again as well as colleagues from across the chamber, perhaps at a meeting of cross-party group, which I know does a fine job. Perhaps, if the member would like, that could happen before the recess on 26 March—which we have to make sure happens, too.
I should also say that, during the DICE Europe conference, the First Minister hosted some of the leading games executives at Bute house in Edinburgh, and he was impressed by the feedback that he heard from the prominent companies at the table—and from some Scots who were there—about Scotland’s games sector and its global impact and leadership.
The plan is impressive. It is obvious that a huge amount of work has gone into it; it presses all the right buttons and we as a Government will carefully consider its recommendations. As we all know, the parties will have the opportunity to talk about this issue in their own manifestos, and although a new Government is going to be elected in a few months’ time, the report is still very timely and contains a lot of really good ideas. We will have to take some time to reflect on what we have read in the report, and we will do so in due course. Of course, as we have heard, the cross-party group is playing an important role in keeping the matter high up the Parliament’s agenda.
I once again thank Brian Baglow and everyone who contributed to his report and plan, Michael Marra for securing the debate and all members who have spoken today.