Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 10 March 2026 [Draft]
10 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Topical Question Time
Glasgow Union Street Fire
Although we must wait for the outcome of official investigations to confirm the exact cause of the fire, it has been widely reported that the fire originated in a vape shop. Such premises often contain large quantities of products powered by lithium-ion batteries that are stored on shop floors and in back rooms. Following the proactive decision to ban disposable vapes from June 2025, it is worrying to see the continued impact that the industry is having in our communities. Despite the risks, minimal responsibility is placed on vape manufacturers and retailers for the hazards that their products can create. Can the First Minister tell us more about what the Scottish Government will do to address that?
In the same item of business
1. Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the fire at Union Street in Glasgow. (S6T-02943)
The First Minister (John Swinney)
SNP
Let me begin by paying tribute to our emergency services—in particular, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service—for their response to that major incident. Two h...
Annie Wells
Con
I thank the First Minister for his response. I place on record my sincere thanks to and admiration for the firefighters, first responders, paramedics and pol...
The First Minister
SNP
I acknowledge the significance of the site in Glasgow. It is iconic in the city. A number of steps will have to be considered as part of the recovery process...
Annie Wells
Con
I again thank the First Minister for his response. However, as we know, many small businesses have lost everything as a result of the fire. The owner of Wig ...
The First Minister
SNP
I am acutely conscious of the impact on a range of businesses, not only in the buildings affected by the fire but in the surrounding areas where there is an ...
Bill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)
SNP
I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are concerned by the huge proliferation of vape shops and by the obvious dangers that they pose due to ...
The First Minister
SNP
It is important to stress at this stage that a full investigation of the site is under way. I am, obviously, conscious of the clear images that have been cir...
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I sincerely thank the First Minister for being here today and for the strong statement that he has made about Glasgow. I add my sincere thanks to the fire an...
The First Minister
SNP
I entirely understand the deep emotional connection that Pauline McNeill sets out. That is why I am here today: I understand the depth of sadness experienced...
Sharon Dowey (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
Although we must wait for the outcome of official investigations to confirm the exact cause of the fire, it has been widely reported that the fire originated...
The First Minister
SNP
I understand the concern that Sharon Dowey expresses, but I want to take issue with one point that she raised, which was about the responsibility of business...
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP)
SNP
The fire and the closure of Glasgow Central station have exposed how dependent Ayrshire communities are on rail. The last X36 service leaves Glasgow Buchanan...
The First Minister
SNP
I recognise the importance of travel connections from Ayrshire, including Mr Gibson’s constituency, and I recognise that greater challenges will be arising a...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
The building was one of the most iconic Victorian architectural set pieces in Scotland, and it is truly heartbreaking to see its loss. It stood there for 175...
The First Minister
SNP
I understand Paul Sweeney’s long-standing interest in these issues, and I welcome the comments that he has made. Every effort will be made to progress the si...