Hansard

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

09 Oct 2024

Portfolio Question Time · Civil Justice (Access to Advice and Advocacy)

We are working closely with other portfolio areas in the Scottish Government to give particular consideration to how more targeted and planned interventions can support user need, align and identify Government priorities, and assist legal aid in being rightly recognised as an ...

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

13 Nov 2024

Portfolio Question Time · E-bikes and E-scooters

I am not aware of the specific scheme that Mr Simpson refers to, but I am happy for him to write to me about it. The issue of vehicles is covered between my portfolio and Mr Fairlie’s and we are happy to look at anything that could make things better.

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

23 Apr 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Antisocial Behaviour (Mid Scotland and Fife)

I recognise the direct impact of those incidents on communities, especially antisocial behaviour and fire raising, as Claire Baker has raised. I engage regularly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as it is in my portfolio remit. As yet, the issue of fire raising has no...

Siobhian Brown SNP Committee

23 Apr 2025

Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Just for clarity, the 2020 act made a number of amendments to animal welfare, animal health and wildlife legislation, and animal welfare is under Jim Fairlie’s portfolio, not the justice portfolio. Under the legislation, Scottish ministers are obliged to review whether the 20...

8. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Spending Decisions)

To ask the Scottish Government what assurances it has had from the United Kingdom Government that decisions on spending on the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will be taken in Scotland. (S6O-00072)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

01 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Spending Decisions)

Does the cabinet secretary agree that it is crucial that no more devolved powers are stripped from the Scottish Parliament and that decisions on Covid recovery spending in Scotland should be placed firmly in the hands of the Scottish Parliament?

3. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Social Security (Support)

To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to invest in social security support over the next five years. (S6O-00109)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

09 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Social Security (Support)

I welcome the introduction of new benefits such as the Scottish child payment, which, since February, has helped more than 2,000 families that need it most in South Ayrshire alone. This morning, I received an email from my daughter’s school, advising parents of food shortages...

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

09 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Social Security (Support)

—and empty shelves, does the minister share my deep concerns, and agree that it is imperative that the people of Scotland get the opportunity to determine their own future and rectify those injustices?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

29 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Homelessness Services (Funding)

What support is in place for homeless people with mental health issues who might be unable to live in communal spaces?

5. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

07 Oct 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Digital Academy

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the national digital academy. (S6O-00255)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

07 Oct 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Digital Academy

I welcome that response. I believe that implementation of the digital academy will give a lot of people comfort—especially those of our children who have missed a lot of school during the pandemic and did not get the exam results that they needed for the courses that they wish...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

27 Oct 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid Status App

Are those with a vaccine certificate from outside Scotland being allowed into venues and events?

7. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Building Standards (Construction Firms)

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. I am a sitting councillor on South Ayrshire Council. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that construction firms adhere to the highest building standards. (S6O-00436)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

24 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Building Standards (Construction Firms)

A constituent of mine who bought a new-build flat several years ago has been in touch. The habitation certificate had been granted, but it later transpired that the flat has very little sound or fire proofing, and after a multitude of surveys to the cost of the residents, it w...

1. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Food Banks

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the latest Trussell Trust food bank statistics in relation to Scotland. (S6O-00532)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Food Banks

Scotland is the only area in the UK that has seen a marked decrease in the number of emergency food parcels in the past six months, as the cabinet secretary has just noted. That has been credited to the Scottish child payment, which was introduced by the Scottish Government. ...

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Food Banks

—from those who really need it the most?

6. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Classroom Temperature

To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being put in place to keep pupils warm while they are in classrooms over the coming months, given the need for adequate ventilation to mitigate the risks of Covid-19. (S6O-00579)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Classroom Temperature

Over the past few months, it has become apparent that ventilation plays an important part in reducing transmission of Covid variants. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that the appropriate risk assessments are conducted for indoor teaching environments?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

26 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Sentencing (Young People)

I am in the chamber, Presiding Officer.

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

26 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Cybercrime

In my Ayr constituency in recent months, there has been an increase in the amount of extortion, particularly of elderly constituents who have fallen prey to scammers and have given them personal bank details. Some of them have lost four-figure amounts. The scammers are sophist...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Certification Scheme

Will people who have received both vaccinations abroad be able have them verified on the Scottish Covid status app, as they can in England?

7. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

10 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit (Relations with European Union)

To ask the Scottish Government how it is building on Scotland’s relations with the European Union post-Brexit. (S6O-00746)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

10 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit (Relations with European Union)

Some of my constituents—in particular, students—have been in touch because they are starting to feel acutely the effects of the UK’s hard approach to EU relations post-Brexit, including through the loss of the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. Can the cabinet secretary prov...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Teaching Unions

How are university students being supported in their learning and degree progress, in light of on-going strike action?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Vaccination Certification Scheme

From Monday, the Covid certification scheme ceased to be a legal requirement, but the app remains available to support businesses that wish to implement a voluntary scheme. Does the cabinet secretary agree that although it is right to lessen restrictions as we cautiously move ...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

16 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Police Officers

Will the cabinet secretary say how many schools in Scotland have a campus police officer?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

23 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (South Ayrshire)

How much money has the Scottish Government spent in South Ayrshire to mitigate the United Kingdom Government policies that are hitting families in my constituency hard as we recover from the pandemic?

2. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Regional Food Groups (Support)

To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to regional food groups. (S6O-00911)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

24 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Regional Food Groups (Support)

As the cabinet secretary is aware, the Ayrshire food an a’ that group in my constituency aims to identify and provide new opportunities for food and drink in Ayrshire, including in areas of activity such as local procurement, education, and skills and training. Does the cabine...

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

31 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Ukrainian Refugees (Support)

I have been contacted by many constituents who are looking to host refugees fleeing Ukraine. How is the Scottish Government co-ordinating with local authorities to ensure that refugees and hosts are given proper support?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

20 Apr 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Levelling Up Funding (Local Authorities)

What is the Scottish Government’s response to the UK Government failing to replace European Union funding, as promised, which will see South Ayrshire short-changed by £3.1 million?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

04 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Long Covid (Poor Mental Health)

Mental health is one of the major public health challenges in Scotland, and I put on record my thanks to NHS staff and the Scottish Government for ensuring that that has remained a priority throughout the response to Covid-19. Will the minister provide an update on the increas...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

26 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Ukrainian Refugees (Services)

Is the Scottish Government giving specialised support and aid to disabled Ukrainians, similar to that which is being given in Northern Ireland?

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Jun 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Superfast Broadband

The Scottish Government has made substantial progress in improving digital connectivity in Scotland, despite the fact that telecommunications is a matter that is wholly reserved to Westminster—

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

01 Jun 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Superfast Broadband

Can the cabinet secretary provide any further information about steps that the Scottish Government is taking to encourage the roll-out of 5G in Scotland?

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

08 Sep 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Supersponsor Scheme

What assistance is the Scottish Government giving to third sector and charitable organisations, such as the Micah Project in Troon, that are giving vital support to Ukrainian refugees in Scotland?

4. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Prestwick Airport (South Ayrshire Economy)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on Prestwick airport’s contribution to the South Ayrshire economy. (S6O-01487)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

02 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Prestwick Airport (South Ayrshire Economy)

Prestwick was one of the few airports in the world to make a profit during the pandemic, and it has played a major part in cargo distribution across the United Kingdom. With the Brexit chaos and the backlog of cargo at Heathrow, it was actually quicker to send cargo to Prestwi...

3. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

10 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Poverty Relief (Support for Local Authorities)

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting local authorities to deliver relief for residents at risk of poverty during the cost of living crisis and in light of rising energy costs. (S6O-01526)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

10 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Poverty Relief (Support for Local Authorities)

In July this year, concerned with the looming energy crisis, I met local churches to discuss the idea of providing warm welcome spaces for the winter. I am glad to see that the idea is being rolled out throughout churches in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon. I note that, during these...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

23 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Privatisation of Public Assets

Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited is clearly not without its challenges, but, by stepping in the Scottish National Party Government saved Scottish shipbuilding on the Clyde and hundreds of jobs that went with it. We now also see that Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited is t...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

30 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Right-to-food Commitments (Support for Producers)

Food producers continue to grapple with labour shortages and those businesses often require access to migrant workers. If producers cannot get the workforce, they cannot make their food available to the public, and we cannot continue to modify our food culture and thereby give...

4. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

07 Dec 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Independence Referendum (Supreme Court Ruling)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the ability of the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an independence referendum. (S6O-01647)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

07 Dec 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Independence Referendum (Supreme Court Ruling)

The Supreme Court verdict provides clarity on the question of Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom. If a section 30 order from the UK Government is the most democratic route that is available to the Scottish Government to honour its democratic mandate, will the cabinet secre...

3. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

14 Dec 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Talent Attraction and Migration Service (Covid Recovery Strategy)

To ask the Scottish Government how the development of a talent attraction and migration service will impact on the delivery of its Covid recovery strategy. (S6O-01678)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

14 Dec 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Talent Attraction and Migration Service (Covid Recovery Strategy)

As the cabinet secretary knows, the American space technology company Mangata Networks has announced Prestwick as the site of its new manufacturing, engineering and operations hub. That will bring a much-welcome boost to the local economy and the national economy. How will the...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

25 Jan 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Farming (Help with Costs)

There is someone who could have made a really big difference to farmers in terms of mitigating costs—the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Instead, the UK Government decided that farming businesses should be classified as non-high-energy businesses. Does the cabinet secretary agree...

5. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Feb 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Levelling Up Fund (Culture Organisations)

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential impact on culture organisations in Scotland of the United Kingdom Government levelling up funding. (S6O-01840)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

01 Feb 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Levelling Up Fund (Culture Organisations)

I, of course, welcome any funding that has been given to Scottish organisations, but I agree that this is a matter for the Scottish Government, as the UK Government does not appear to even know what “levelling up” means. Has the Scottish Government received any clarity from th...

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

21 Feb 2023

Budget (Scotland) (No 2) Bill: Stage 3

Sorry—I cannot acknowledge that because I do not recognise that figure. However, I see independent countries with immigration policies, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, that are trying to get our doctors and nurses to move over there. We do not have the powers to do ...

Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Curriculum for Excellence (Subject Choice)

We know that delivering a robust curriculum is key to providing our young people with opportunities as they move forward in life. With that in mind, how will the Scottish Government continue to deliver on its commitments to raise attainment and substantially eliminate the pove...

7. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

16 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Illegal Migration Bill

To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of any potential impact that the United Kingdom Government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill could have on devolved social justice powers and the duties of Scottish local authorities. (S6O-02018)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

16 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Illegal Migration Bill

The Immigration Law Practitioners Association says that the clauses of the bill that deal with modern slavery and trafficking breach the UK’s obligations to victims of trafficking under article 4 of the European convention on human rights. Does the cabinet secretary agree that...

8. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Recorded Crime (Ayrshire)

To ask the Scottish Government what analysis has been carried out of recorded crime in South Ayrshire. (S6O-02044)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

22 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Recorded Crime (Ayrshire)

I thank the cabinet secretary for that welcome news. The Scottish Government’s recorded crime statistics for 2021-22 show an increase in people threatening to disclose or disclosing intimate images of others, not only in South Ayrshire but across Scotland. Does the cabinet sec...

1. Siobhian Brown (Ayr) (SNP) SNP Chamber

29 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Public Transport (Accessibility)

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to ensure that public transport is accessible. (S6O-02079)

Siobhian Brown SNP Chamber

29 Mar 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Public Transport (Accessibility)

I have a constituent who, unfortunately, lost her sight during the Covid pandemic and can no longer drive, so she relies on public transport. She has been in touch because she really struggles to know what bus is coming along and where to get off the bus. Simple measures such ...

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Siobhian Brown) SNP Chamber

26 Apr 2023

Portfolio Question Time · Autistic Women (Protection from Sexual Violence)

We are fully committed to protecting all women from violence as part of our commitment to the equally safe strategy. The “Learning/Intellectual Disability and Autism: Towards Transformation” plan sets out to shape supports, services and attitudes to ensure that the human right...