Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
12 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
First Minister’s Question Time
Glasgow Union Street Fire
John Swinney mentions the budget response, but that is a sticking plaster. Businesses are bleeding out and Scottish hospitality is being hit hard, with pubs already closing at a rate of one a week. However, John Swinney does not want to know. Last month, I invited him to discuss Scotland’s pub crisis over a pint. He refused. The Scottish Hospitality Group invited Mr Swinney to its recent hustings. He refused. Instead, he sent a local councillor. The same group also wrote to Mr Swinney on 30 January asking him for a meeting. He has not even replied. Does John Swinney think that his high-handed treatment of a critical sector of the Scottish economy is appropriate?
In the same item of business
1. Russell Findlay (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
The inferno that ripped through my home city of Glasgow was devastating. Only the bravery and professionalism of 250 firefighters stopped the flames from eng...
The First Minister (John Swinney)
SNP
First, I associate myself very closely with Russell Findlay’s remarks about the bravery and effectiveness of the firefighting operation. That response has en...
Russell Findlay
Con
I am not sure whether that answer will inspire huge confidence. There seems to be a lack of urgency around the matter, because many businesses that have been...
The First Minister
SNP
I recognise the challenges that, in general, the business community in Glasgow, and across the country, is facing, and I recognise the significance of the is...
Russell Findlay
Con
John Swinney mentions the budget response, but that is a sticking plaster. Businesses are bleeding out and Scottish hospitality is being hit hard, with pubs ...
The First Minister
SNP
There is extensive engagement between my ministers and the different sectors that are involved in the discussions on business rates, and a wide range of meet...
Russell Findlay
Con
The First Minister could not even be bothered going to the hustings. He did not even bother sending a minister or an MSP.Let me tell members about another sh...
The First Minister
SNP
I am very familiar with the case that Mr Findlay puts to me. Of course, in that case, there will be benefits as a result of the transitional relief system th...