Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2026 [Draft]
Scottish Labour’s approach to the bill is that patient safety should be our number 1 priority. We recognise that businesses in the sector provide services in a professional manner and in a professional environment, but the non-surgical procedures industry currently operates largely unregulated and has been in need of regulation for some time.
During its evidence gathering at stage 1, the committee heard of fizz and filler parties and of people being injected or given treatment in the back of taxis and in sheds. Premises that administer injectable procedures are not regulated in a way that the public should expect, and there is limited oversight of risk to consumers’ safety and wellbeing.
Right now, we rely on businesses to provide services in a safe and hygienic setting, but the reality is that those premises are not regulated and we have no way of distinguishing the good practices from the bad. The bill will correct that. Scottish Labour supports the regulation of the non-surgical procedures industry because it will bring the industry under the scope of HIS, ensuring oversight and regulation of premises.
The bill will strengthen not only standards across the sector, but accountability and safety. We are aware of the concerns that industry has raised about the impact that the changes will have on business models and operations. That is why we supported amendments that provide for a phased implementation and a review of the operation and enforcement of the act. We have also supported amendments to ensure minimum training and qualification standards for those who provide procedures as the bill comes into force, and we hope that the amendments that we supported are realistic and that their timelines are proportionate.
If the bill passes, it is hoped that existing providers will be able to adapt their practices to continue delivering their professional services, and I know that the minister is committed to that. It is important that future Governments ensure that current providers of non-surgical procedures have good access to training and support with a sufficient adjustment period, and amendments that were lodged by members from across the chamber have sought to ensure that.
These procedures are not risk free. We want fair and appropriate regulation to ensure the highest standards in patient safety. We also want to protect children and young people from both access to and the appeal of such services.
I welcome the bill, which takes important steps towards ensuring that regulation, enforcement and accountability are brought into the sector. If it passes, the bill must be balanced with support, training and guidance for the industry ahead of implementation. We thank colleagues for the cross-party work that has gone into the bill.