Hansard

I thank Alex Cole-Hamilton for his intervention and I note again my disappointment that he has not engaged on the bill with me prior to this stage.

I thank members and their constituents who have tirelessly raised those issues with Government. I hope to hear from some of those members this afternoon, and I hope that those constituents are watching our progress. Most of all, I hope that the bill meets the challenge that they set out for us.

I am also grateful to the members of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee, which have given the bill careful consideration. Their recommendations were balanced and reflective of the need to protect public safety while ensuring that our approach was proportionate and balanced. Likewise, the contributions of members who lodged amendments or who have spoken to me over the past few weeks are very much appreciated. I also thank the members of the bill team. Their determination and dedication to capture every detail required for the bill has been key to ensuring that the right balance has been struck.

The bill will make procedures safer for everyone. It will ensure that all procedures take place in appropriate hygienic settings, where healthcare professionals are involved in the provision or management of services and can assist if there are complications. It will also make it an offence to provide procedures to a person who is under 18. The bill is complemented by the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Non-surgical Procedures) Order 2026, which establishes a local authority licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures.

I recognise that it is not possible to bring regulations to a fast-growing sector without causing some disruption to the businesses that are already operating within it. That was raised clearly in the stage 1 debate and had been raised with me well before that, too. I assure members that I understand the impact of the bill. I have considered it carefully and, in doing so, I have met currently unregulated businesses and have heard which aspects of our approach are most challenging for them.

In explaining my approach to those concerns, I recall some of Carol Mochan’s comments from the stage 1 debate. In her carefully considered contribution, Ms Mochan stated that

“introducing further restrictions is a necessary step towards improving patient safety”.—[Official Report, 5 February 2026; c 88.]

Many of the amendments today and at stage 2 sought to amend the bill to mitigate the impact of some of the requirements that the bill introduces. I urged members to resist those amendments not lightly but because they weakened aspects of the bill that are necessary to achieve our public safety aims.

Neither the provisions in the bill nor our plans for future regulation go as far as some members would like, and they do not restrict procedures as much as in many European or comparator countries. However, I was not prepared to endorse proposals that I did not think were absolutely necessary. As a result, I believe that the bill that we are voting on today is a balanced one that will achieve public safety aims, especially the protection of under-18s, while protecting the space for a thriving sector.

To Mr Cole-Hamilton’s point, the journey towards a safe, regulated and thriving sector does not end with this bill. I will take this opportunity to set out what I think must come next. In particular, I will set out how the Scottish Government should work with businesses in both the regulated and currently unregulated parts of the sector. Clear information is needed for all businesses. If the bill is successful, officials will host a webinar for businesses before the start of the pre-election period, to explain the bill as amended today and more about what it means. Further information, guidance and advice on seeking support will also be produced.

I expect the Scottish Government to work with businesses and the associated industry in setting training and qualification standards and in considering the requirements of Healthcare Improvement Scotland registration, to ensure that there are no unnecessary hurdles for businesses. I do not know what will be the composition of the Parliament that oversees the implementation of the bill if it is passed, but I am sure that that Parliament will hold the Government to account on all those matters.

Once again, I thank the committees, members, business owners, providers and clients whose input has helped to shape the legislation.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill be passed.

16:06