Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
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 that the Government will put in place.
I am afraid that, because of my commitments, I cannot join Mr Findlay at 1.30. I ask the Parliament to understand that there are a range of different issues that I am wrestling with and must take forward.
Every year that it has been in office, this Government has consistently demonstrated a determination to put in place support for business. We were the first Government to introduce the small business bonus scheme, which the pub that Mr Findlay referred to has benefited from. We are a Government that has put in place a series of different reliefs across hospitality, retail and leisure premises, as well as delivering a reduction in rate levels in Scotland. That is all part of the £870 million of financial support that this Government is providing. I point out to Mr Findlay that he did not vote for a single penny of that when the budget came before Parliament. What we have had from Mr Findlay is just posturing.