Meeting of the Parliament 24 February 2026 [Draft]
I want to make it clear, as the minister has done, that the Scottish Government and the Scottish National Party support the introduction of a fair and independent recall process in the Scottish Parliament to improve democratic accountability and to strengthen trust in our political system. I thank Graham Simpson for the work that he has done on the issue and for shining a light on what needs to be done in the next parliamentary session. His member’s bill has opened up a conversation on and a necessary study of the measures that are needed to hold MSPs to account and restore trust in this institution.
As MSPs, we are in a privileged position and our responsibilities to our constituents—the people who voted for us—cannot be underestimated. As a member who is standing down from the Parliament this year, I want there to be a fair, democratic and transparent system that is fit for the future. However, the bill rests on a system of parliamentary sanctions that is currently under review. The SNP believes that an independent and fair complaints and sanctions process with guidance is needed ahead of a recall process being established and agreed to. That is particularly the case with regard to how such a recall system would work for regional MSPs, as we have heard today. There must be parity between constituency and regional MSPs in our democratic system.
If the bill were to pass today, MSPs would be agreeing to a bill that is based on a purely unknown process. That uncertainty would present risks, particularly in relation to how such a recall system would work for regional MSPs.
We have said throughout the consideration of the bill that matters relevant to the conduct and recall of members are for the Scottish Parliament to lead on, not the Government of the day or Scottish ministers.
The Government’s overriding concern, as set out during stage 2 and during this debate, is that the bill is for Parliament to progress. It is only right that an independent, fair complaints and sanctions process, with guidance, is developed ahead of a recall process being established and agreed.
The sanctions process is crucial and at the heart of the matter. Fairness and proportionality must be at the heart of it. To progress how we believe the process should take place, we are recommending that the next Parliament should set up a committee at pace to consider the matter, just as it did successfully last year to consider Scotland’s commissioner landscape.
As was mentioned, Graham Simpson’s bill rests on a system of sanctions that is currently under review, so it is not the right time to introduce a bill of such magnitude and complexity.