Meeting of the Parliament 24 June 2026 [Draft]
The member may wish to dress it up in moderated tones, but let me call it out for the dog-whistle politics that it is. It is utterly transparent. We see it, we will not tolerate it and we will call it out.
Fair and progressive taxation creates the foundations of a productive economy. It allows us to invest in our people through measures such as our tuition free university system or our national health service that is free at the point of need. It helps to create the stability that our businesses need to invest, grow, and thrive. It makes Scotland an attractive place to live in, move to, start a family in, and start and grow a business in. The approach that is taken by the Government is contributing towards that. The newly released EY “UK Attractiveness Survey 2026” has found that Scotland remains the United Kingdom’s top destination for foreign direct investment outside London for the eleventh consecutive year. Recent investment successes demonstrate the impact of the approach, including the investments by Ryanair at Prestwick and Center Parcs in the Scottish Borders.
Scotland is in an enviable position: we have great talent, institutions and opportunities. We do not lack in economic assets or ambition. A strong wellbeing economy is foundational to everything that the Parliament seeks to achieve, from eradicating child poverty to tackling the climate crisis and delivering quality public services. Economic growth must be felt by people, places, and businesses: felt as we eradicate child poverty through sustainable employment and support for families; felt as we deliver a just transition to net zero, creating industries of the future and protecting our climate; and felt as we sustain the public services that make Scotland the great place that it is to live in. Maintaining Scotland’s reputation as a world-class place to live and make a home in is key to our current and future success.
There is no place for xenophobia in Scotland. Those who choose to make Scotland their home and to contribute to our culture, economy and communities should be welcomed, not demonised or frightened.