Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S7M-00446, in the name of Malcolm Offord, on Scotland needs Reform: five years to 2031. I invite members who ...

Malcolm Offord (West Scotland) (Reform) Reform

We have had six weeks of debates on a variety of topics on which the Scottish National Party, as the largest party in the chamber, has set out its vision for...

The Minister for Business and Fair Work (Tom Arthur) SNP

First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets ...

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh North Western) (LD) LD

I welcome the minister’s remarks about the Edinburgh attacks. Does he recognise, as do members on these benches, that as well as expressing solidarity with t...

Tom Arthur SNP

I welcome Mr Cole-Hamilton’s remarks and associate myself with them entirely.We want Scotland to be more than just a welcoming country. We want it to be a pl...

Angela Ross (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Reform

The minister talks about being a welcoming nation. Does he also recognise that we must be a functioning nation? Can he explain how the SNP intends to accommo...

Tom Arthur SNP

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, ...

Angela Ross Reform

Made a request to intervene.

Tom Arthur SNP

No, thanks.We have the welcome challenge of an ageing population, and the demographic challenge of imbalances in how our population is spread across the coun...

Max Bannerman (Highlands and Islands) (Reform) Reform

Made a request to intervene.

Tom Arthur SNP

No, thank you.The positive impact of migration must be embraced if we are to succeed in our ambitions for this country. The Scottish Government recognises th...

Helen McDade (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform

Will the minister take an intervention?

Tom Arthur SNP

No, thank you.If we get this right, we will build a foundation for the future, locking in investment, jobs and industries that will provide opportunities ove...

Malcolm Offord Reform

In relation to the much-vaunted jobs in Scotland, how does the minister respond to the fact that, among all the turbines around our country, there is not a s...

Tom Arthur SNP

I want Scotland to be able to fully benefit from all the economic opportunities, and that is what this Government is committed to doing. This is a devolved G...

Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con) Con

Will the minister give way?

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP

You do not have time to take an intervention, minister.

Tom Arthur SNP

My sincere apologies, Liam Kerr.However, this is not the full story. Over and above the build-out of our energy grid, Scotland can secure billions more in in...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP

I call Daniel Johnson to speak to and move amendment S7M-00446.1.15:23

Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lab

Malcolm Offord opened the debate by saying that, through its motion, Reform rejects the SNP’s version of mediocrity. What was clear from the rest of his spee...

Angela Ross Reform

Will Daniel Johnson give way?

Daniel Johnson Lab

In a moment.The proposal would also include things that the Government absolutely should not be running, such as the courts service. That is not credible.Lik...

Angela Ross Reform

Would you not accept that when we talk about Scottish people, we mean people of all colours and faiths who are in Scotland?

Daniel Johnson Lab

Were it only about the terminology that Reform is using, it would be one thing, but it is not. Let us look at some of the words used by Reform politicians, b...

Malcolm Offord Reform

Will the member give way?

Daniel Johnson Lab

I will give way to Malcolm Offord.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Clare Adamson) SNP

Before that, I remind everyone that they should be talking through the chair and not directly to individuals or groups.

Malcolm Offord Reform

I say to the member that the only incitement going on is coming from him as he raises his voice in this manner. Interruption. I said on the record last week,...

Daniel Johnson Lab

If Malcolm Offord does not believe that violence is the answer, why does he use rhetoric about people being of fighting age? What does rhetoric about fightin...

Amanda Bland (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform

Will the member take an intervention?