Hansard

Foysol Choudhury Ind Chamber

25 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026 to 2031

As this is the last time that I will speak in the Parliament, I thank all my colleagues for all the help and support that they have given me in the past five years. It was an honour to serve as an MSP.Given that the City of Edinburgh Council housed 42 per cent of Scotland’s ch...

1. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

25 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026 to 2031

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that it is not currently on track to meet its target to reduce child poverty to less than 10 per cent by 2031, what its response is to children’s charities stating that its child poverty plan is “timid” and does not go far en...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

24 Mar 2026

Topical Question Time · Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Budget)

What analysis has been conducted of the potential change in response times for the north-east of the city of Edinburgh should the proposed closure of Marionville fire station proceed?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

24 Mar 2026

Sport and Activity as a Force for Good

First, I thank Brian Whittle for securing this much-anticipated members’ business debate and for championing sports throughout this parliamentary session. As members might know, I was a restaurateur in my former life, and it did not make me much of a morning person. However, s...

Foysol Choudhury Ind Chamber

19 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Data Centres (Net Zero)

What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the potential impact of hyperscale data centres on Scotland’s statutory climate targets and consumer energy bills? Will it consider an immediate moratorium on such projects until a clear definition of green data centres is es...

8. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

19 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Data Centres (Net Zero)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to formally define “green” to ensure alignment with net zero targets in its designation of data centres as a “national priority”. (S6O-05679)

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

18 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Health and Social Care Partnerships (Budget 2026-27)

With NHS Lothian and local social care services under real pressure from staff shortages and rising demands, can the cabinet secretary set out how the budget helps us to move towards properly resourced and publicly delivered care, rather than continually relying on overstretch...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

12 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Schools (Violent and Disruptive Incidents)

Given the recent report that hundreds of school support workers in Edinburgh have quit within months of starting due to a surge in pupils’ violence, and given the survey by the Educational Institute of Scotland and Unison that shows that there have been 5,200 violent incidents...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

11 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Culture and the Arts Promotion(Local Authorities)

In the light of the launch of the 2026 Edinburgh international festival today, what steps is the Scottish Government taking to work with local authorities to support local artists and maximise the cultural and economic output of the festival for our communities in Edinburgh an...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

04 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Social Care Workers

What assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact that social care package reductions will have on unpaid carers, in light of concerns from Carers UK that the current budget is insufficient to allow unpaid carers and support services to thrive?

Foysol Choudhury Ind Chamber

04 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · “Who Owns Scotland 2025”

In 2024, half of Scotland’s privately owned rural land was in the hands of 421 entities. That is now down to 408 individuals or companies. Does the Scottish Government agree that land ownership is going backwards?

3. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

04 Mar 2026

Portfolio Question Time · “Who Owns Scotland 2025”

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report, “Who Owns Scotland 2025”. (S6O-05581)

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

26 Feb 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Wave Energy Scotland (Funding)

How many jobs will be lost throughout Scotland, in both the short term and the long term, as a result of the withdrawal of funding for Wave Energy Scotland from March 2026?

Foysol Choudhury Ind Chamber

25 Feb 2026

Football Clubs and their Fans (Contribution to Society)

That is why we must give greater power to football fans.I end by wishing the Scotland football team all the best in the world cup.19:15

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

25 Feb 2026

Football Clubs and their Fans (Contribution to Society)

I thank Gillian Mackay for securing this important debate. I know that she has campaigned passionately on various football issues to ensure that football remains focused on the fans—the very people who sustain it.On any match day in my Lothian region, whether people are walkin...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

19 Feb 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Racism in Schools

What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing with regard to anti-racist materials? How will schools be supported in accessing high-quality materials to ensure that racist incidents are handled effectively so as to prevent far-ri...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

18 Feb 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Libraries

Following recent reports of violence against Edinburgh library staff, what discussions is the Scottish Government having with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure that library workers can provide service to the community in a safe and protected environment?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

05 Feb 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Energy Projects (Community Engagement)

Members of the public must now submit their views on major projects through the energy consents unit portal. However, last week, a constituent said that the portal crashes when the traffic is high and times out when people are submitting their views. What is the Scottish Gover...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

03 Feb 2026

Scottish Games Network’s “Level Up Scotland: A National Action Plan for the Scottish Games Sector”

I thank my colleague Michael Marra for holding this timely debate. The Lothian region is reaping the benefits of having a significant games sector employer, Rockstar North, located in Edinburgh. I am confident that the region will only continue to benefit from the future expan...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

15 Jan 2026

Decision Time

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am sorry—I could not get connected. I would have voted yes.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

15 Jan 2026

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

I thank Maggie Chapman for securing this much-needed debate. The estate of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is not fit for the future. According to the Fire Brigade Union’s “Firestorm” report, as of 2023, 75 per cent of buildings in Scotland’s fire estate were rated as hav...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

08 Jan 2026

Portfolio Question Time · Schools (Damage and Repair Costs)

For more than two years, more than half of St Kentigern’s academy in Blackburn has been shut after deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete rendered the building unsafe. More than 1,100 students have been crammed into half a school. West Lothian Council needs £15 m...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

17 Dec 2025

Recognising Small Business Saturday 2025

I thank Rachael Hamilton for bringing this important debate to the chamber. The subject is very close to my heart. Before I joined politics, I was heavily involved in the catering industry—I draw colleagues’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests. Small b...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

17 Dec 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Community First Responders

Bleed kits ease pressure on first responders by allowing bystanders to prevent a potentially fatal loss of blood from occurring while they wait for a responder to arrive. However, there are nowhere near enough bleed kits in Scotland. Will the minister explain what the Scottish...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

11 Dec 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · NHS Waiting Lists (Automatic Removal)

A constituent of mine who is on a national health service waiting list recently received correspondence from NHS Lothian informing them that, if they did not confirm within 21 days whether they wanted to remain on the list, they would automatically be taken off it. Although I ...

Foysol Choudhury Ind Chamber

26 Nov 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Vaccination Programme

One of my constituents is a type 1 diabetic, and so is her son. She recently paid almost £300 to get booster jabs for herself and her son, and for her husband, who is an unpaid carer. I am sure that the Scottish Government will agree that it is unacceptable to expect vulnerab...

5. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

26 Nov 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Vaccination Programme

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding its decision to narrow the eligibility criteria for the autumn Covid-19 booster, what assessment it has made of the cost to the national health service and the impact on hospitalisation rates. (S6O-05202)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

25 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Thank you for that answer, minister. Will you organise a meeting with me to see how we can work together with stakeholders?

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with stakeholders regarding the development and scaling up of sustainable aviation fuel production, in light of the need to support the infrastructure, skills, and supply chains required to make Scotland a leader in the...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

25 Sep 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · Dementia

Public Health Scotland estimates that by 2044, as many as 53,800 more people could be living with dementia compared with in 2019. Alzheimer Scotland has rightly warned about the state of investment in dementia now, let alone in the future. Is that any wonder, given that, under...

6. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Sep 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · Dementia

To ask the First Minister what urgent action the Scottish Government is taking in light of Public Health Scotland’s estimate that dementia in Scotland is set to rise by more than 50 per cent by 2044. (S6F-04336)

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

18 Sep 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · Fire Service Provision (Edinburgh)

What urgent action is the Scottish Government taking to ensure adequate fire service provision in Edinburgh, in the light of the reported proposal to close Marionville fire station, despite the area’s expanding population and the increased activity at Leith docks?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums Steering Group

Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on his work with museums to promote antiracist education and on how that is being integrated into efforts to decolonise the curriculum in Scottish schools, ahead of black history month?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Sep 2025

Decision Time

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am having connection issues, too. I would have voted no.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Edinburgh Biomes Project

How exactly does the Scottish Government plan to protect vital carbon mitigation research at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in the interim period while the biomes project secures funding?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

03 Sep 2025

Chronic Kidney Disease

I congratulate Kenneth Gibson on bringing an important issue to the chamber. I have previously considered it as a member of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, which is when I first researched chronic kidney disease. I was surprised to find that 10 per ce...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

03 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Edinburgh’s Festivals (Economic Impact)

We know how important our cultural and creative sectors are to the economy and how they can drive growth. In her meeting with businesses following Edinburgh’s festivals, did the Deputy First Minister highlight the benefits of investing in culture and corporate sponsorship of c...

1. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

03 Sep 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Edinburgh’s Festivals (Economic Impact)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the economy secretary has had with business leaders regarding work to maximise the economic impact of Edinburgh’s festivals. (S6O-04866)

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

26 Jun 2025

Decision Time

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app did not refresh. Will you check whether my vote went through? If it did not, I would have voted yes.

Foysol Choudhury Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

My final question is on preventing children from committing serious violent and sexual offences in the first place. What is the Scottish Government doing about prevention and early intervention? What evidence is there to demonstrate that the Government’s actions are working?

Foysol Choudhury Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

We have seen multiple stabbings committed by children this year. How do the authorities respond to the perpetrators? How would you expect a 15-year-old who was involved in a stabbing to be treated by the criminal justice system? What outcome would be the most positive in the S...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

The Scottish Government’s general position is that children should be kept out of the criminal justice system. What is the evidence base to support that position? Can you set out when a criminal justice response might be appropriate for children involved in serious violent and...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

There has been an increase in the proportion of violent crime that is committed by children under the age of 16. Are you concerned about that?

Foysol Choudhury Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

Yesterday, we saw the release of statistics that showed that sexual crime is on the increase. Do you know what percentage of that involves under-16s?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Committee

25 Jun 2025

Continued Petitions

You have provided us with updated information. What factors are driving the increase?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Jun 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Gaza (Humanitarian Aid)

Conditions in Gaza are appalling, with 470,000 people facing catastrophic hunger and reports of desperate Gazans being shot while trying to access life-saving aid. Has the cabinet secretary discussed with colleagues what further actions can be taken, within devolved powers, to...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

24 Jun 2025

Education (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect. I would have voted yes.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Jun 2025

Education (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My voting app is displaying an error message. Can I check that my vote was registered? I would have voted yes.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

19 Jun 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · Professor Sir Geoff Palmer

Last week, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland’s first black professor, passionate advocate for equality, and my friend, passed away. Sir Geoff was not only a leader in science and human rights; he was a kind, wise man who inspired me and many others. He will be deeply missed...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Committee

18 Jun 2025

New Petitions

I agree with colleagues, but is there a way in which we can merge both petitions?

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

18 Jun 2025

Portfolio Question Time · NHS Lothian (Education and Tutoring for Sick Children)

I have been contacted by constituents who share Mr Hoy’s concern about the issue. Councillors say that the policy regarding learning for sick children who attend independent schools is based on Scottish Government guidance, which places the duty for such tuition on independent...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2025

Gaza

I thank Bill Kidd for bringing this important issue to the chamber. Presiding Officer, “Every day, we lose more ways to survive ... We’re not asking for proper housing or clothes or even meat. All we want is a loaf of bread to stop the children’s crying. Is that too much to ...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2025

Scottish Languages Bill: Stage 3

Thank you.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Jun 2025

Scottish Languages Bill: Stage 3

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am having some issues with my app. I am not sure whether my vote registered.

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

Migration

I begin by making it clear that migrants and migration have had a positive impact on Scotland. In my life and career, I have known many people who decided to build their lives in this country and now call it home. I have met and worked with organisations such as Edinburgh and ...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

Fornethy Survivors

I join members in congratulating Colin Smyth on bringing this issue to the chamber once more, and I pay tribute to him for his long-standing campaigning for the Fornethy survivors. I also join members in welcoming survivors and campaigners who are watching in the gallery today...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · National Health Service (Treatment Waiting Times)

It has been more than a year since my constituent was referred to a dermatologist. He does not know when he will be seen, and his skin condition and mental health are getting worse. In NHS Lothian, the number of people who are waiting for more than 52 weeks to see a dermatolog...

6. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

First Minister’s Question Time · National Health Service (Treatment Waiting Times)

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is working to ensure that patients are accurately informed of waiting times for NHS treatments following referrals to a specialist. (S6F-04173)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

General Question Time · Racism and Racist Bullying (Schools)

I recently heard the story of Ekta Marwaha, who was forced to remove her daughter, Anisa, from school after months of racist bullying. The incident was reported and an apology was received from the bully, but records were not held, no follow-up work was done and the bullying c...

5. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Jun 2025

General Question Time · Racism and Racist Bullying (Schools)

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to ensure that schools are tackling racism and racist bullying. (S6O-04788)