Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 02 June 2026 [Draft]
02 Jun 2026 · S7 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
General Question Time
Market Economy
Paul McLennan raises a number of important points. I recognise that immediate and acute pressures on the cost of living are emanating from the war in Ukraine and will ensue from the war in Iran, but those pressures are coming after a concatenation of crises, including Brexit, austerity, the financial crash back in 2008 and the legacy of the pandemic. Although the Parliament does not have the full range of powers to address and mitigate all the impacts that are affecting people and their standard of living, it is incumbent on us to intervene, when we can, in an effective and proportionate way that supports those whom we have been elected to serve.
In the same item of business
Jamie Langan (South Scotland) (Reform)
Reform
To ask the Scottish Government whether it supports a market economy and the role of the price mechanism within it. (S7O-00005)
The Minister for Business and Fair Work (Tom Arthur)
SNP
The Scottish Government supports a fair economy and recognises that, already, not all goods and services in the economy operate on an unregulated free market...
Jamie Langan
Reform
I thank the cabinet secretary for his response. However, in the light of the Government’s conversion of price controls, can he confirm whether my constituent...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Alas, you are only a minister, Tom.
Tom Arthur
SNP
Jamie Langan raises a very important issue, which is the wellbeing, welfare and sustainability of those who provide the food that we put on our tables. I rea...
Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP)
SNP
Before the election, the First Minister had a fantastic visit to the farm that is operated by Cammy Wilson of “The Sheep Game”, who explained that eggs are a...
Tom Arthur
SNP
I thank Mr Brown for reiterating this important issue. I want to work constructively with all relevant stakeholders in recognising the nature of the policy a...
Paul McLennan (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP)
SNP
Does the minister share my view that the Government has a responsibility to ease the burden on households during a cost of living crisis, including through t...
Tom Arthur
SNP
Paul McLennan raises a number of important points. I recognise that immediate and acute pressures on the cost of living are emanating from the war in Ukraine...