Hansard

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

03 May 2022

Topical Question Time · Ukraine (Supersponsor Scheme)

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is putting in place to ensure that Ukrainian families understand the conditions of its supersponsor scheme. (S6T-00671)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

03 May 2022

Topical Question Time · Ukraine (Supersponsor Scheme)

Yes. Last week, my colleague Sarah Boyack invited scothosts, a group representing hosts of Ukrainian refugees, to meet members. Scothosts has produced a thoughtful analysis of the good and bad aspects of the supersponsor scheme. A pressing issue that it highlighted is that th...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

03 May 2022

Topical Question Time · Ukraine (Supersponsor Scheme)

Another point raised by scothosts was that the hosting of refugees is not an event but a process, and that the inevitable longer-term needs, not only of refugees but of hosts, will need to be addressed. How will the Scottish Government amend its approach in response to continu...

1. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2022

Topical Question Time · Homeless People (Winter Access to Housing)

To ask the Scottish Government, after Scotland experienced its coldest night of the year with temperatures as low as minus 15.6°C, what action it is taking to ensure that homeless individuals have access to safe, warm housing during this winter period. (S6T-01046)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2022

Topical Question Time · Homeless People (Winter Access to Housing)

National Records of Scotland recently released statistics that showed that 250 homeless individuals died in Scotland last year. Ahead of the Scottish budget on Thursday, what assessment has the Scottish Government made of the impact of on-going cuts to councils’ budgets on the...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

13 Dec 2022

Topical Question Time · Homeless People (Winter Access to Housing)

The Scottish Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic included accommodating in hotels and other single-room accommodation people who had been sleeping rough. Under its “Ending Homelessness Together” action plan, will the Scottish Government make similar provision for we...

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

28 Mar 2023

Topical Question Time · Poverty (Health Inequalities)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to recent reported analysis by Health Equals, which shows that poverty-driven health inequalities are reducing life expectancy among people who live in the most deprived areas. (S6T-01294)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

28 Mar 2023

Topical Question Time · Poverty (Health Inequalities)

As co-convener of the cross-party group on improving Scotland’s health, and as a member of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, I am well aware of the disparities in health in Scotland. In 2018, a study showed that a boy born in Muirhouse had a life expectancy 13 ...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

28 Mar 2023

Topical Question Time · Poverty (Health Inequalities)

Poverty-driven health inequalities are preventing people with diabetes from accessing technological advances in treatment of their condition. That has been highlighted by Diabetes Scotland’s “Diabetes tech can’t wait” campaign. The technology has the potential to change and, i...

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Apr 2023

Topical Question Time · International Students (Homelessness)

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report by the National Union of Students Scotland, which stated that more than a fifth of international students in Scotland have experienced homelessness during their studies. (S6T-01335)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

25 Apr 2023

Topical Question Time · International Students (Homelessness)

I congratulate the minister on his new position. This is international students week, but thousands of students across Scotland are still struggling through the housing crisis without help from the Scottish Government. In my members’ business debate last week, I addressed the ...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

25 Apr 2023

Topical Question Time · International Students (Homelessness)

NUS Scotland’s study also found that 29 per cent of international students have considered leaving their course because of financial difficulties, and, shockingly, that 49 per cent skipped meals due to their financial circumstances. In January, I hosted a round-table event on...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

20 Jun 2023

Topical Question Time · Circularity Scotland (Financial Position)

At the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting last week, the minister praised the expertise and experience of the approximately 60 staff who now have no idea whether they will be paid or have a job. Is the minister concerned about the impact that those job losses wil...

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

07 Nov 2023

Topical Question Time · Waiting Times (Hip Operations)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking following Reform Scotland’s recent report, “NHS 2048: Future-proofing Scotland’s Health and Social Care”, which found that 11 national health service boards have seen waiting times for hip operations at least double from ...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

07 Nov 2023

Topical Question Time · Waiting Times (Hip Operations)

Under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, all patients have a right to receive treatment within 12 weeks of agreement with their consultant. My constituent received a hip replacement five years ago, when she waited just over the 12 weeks. She now needs her other hip replac...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

07 Nov 2023

Topical Question Time · Waiting Times (Hip Operations)

My constituent, Wendy, is on the waiting list for a knee operation due to osteoarthritis. She also has a hip problem because of that condition. Her consultant advised her to proceed with non-operative measures instead of a hip replacement. The report highlighted that some heal...

1. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

09 Jan 2024

Topical Question Time · Post Office Employees (Potential Wrongful Convictions)

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Happy new year to you and to everyone in the chamber. To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to ensure that all people who were potentially wrongfully convicted as a result of the reported Horizon scandal are supported in coming f...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

09 Jan 2024

Topical Question Time · Post Office Employees (Potential Wrongful Convictions)

By the end of 2023, only 16 people in Scotland had come forward to have their conviction overturned. There are many more people who were not convicted but for whom the false accusations severely impacted their reputation, career and mental health. The full number of victims in...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

09 Jan 2024

Topical Question Time · Post Office Employees (Potential Wrongful Convictions)

I was expecting an answer on whether we are liable for compensation. The Post Office has set aside £244 million in compensation for potential victims. Many victims have now died without having been able to claim the compensation or to clear their names, yet Fujitsu, the compa...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Mar 2024

Topical Question Time · Creative Scotland Funding (Rein Film Project)

Lammermuir Festival had its funding application turned down by Creative Scotland last year. The grant application was set to make up 23 per cent of the festival’s budget, and its future now hangs in the balance—yet £85,000 is being awarded to this explicit project. What specif...

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

28 May 2024

Topical Question Time · Flooding Resilience (Edinburgh)

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to build resilience to flooding, in light of reports that heavy rain and flooding caused drivers to be stranded on the Edinburgh city bypass for hours. (S6T-02009)

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

28 May 2024

Topical Question Time · Flooding Resilience (Edinburgh)

This is not the first time that there has been flooding on the Edinburgh city bypass. It should be a high priority for flood protections, but the flood resilience strategy consultation neglects our transport network in building new resilience to flooding. What risk assessment ...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

28 May 2024

Topical Question Time · Flooding Resilience (Edinburgh)

During the heavy rainfall this week, constituents again raised concerns with me that sewage could be discharged into the Water of Leith. When the Scottish Government ditched its 2030 climate target, I warned that inaction on the climate would result in more heavy rainfall and ...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Sep 2024

Topical Question Time · Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

We recognise that this is a damning report on an organisation that should be providing a vital service to women during an incredibly difficult time. Female survivors should be treated with respect and should be able to choose what is best for them. All referrals to the service...

2. Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

04 Feb 2025

Topical Question Time · Access to Banking Services (Branch Closures)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the banking sector regarding how to ensure that communities do not lose access to banking services, in light of reports that Lloyds Banking Group plans to close 14 Bank of Scotland branches over the next two years...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

04 Feb 2025

Topical Question Time · Access to Banking Services (Branch Closures)

With the closures, communities across Scotland, including Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, will lose access to vital financial services. That will particularly affect older and vulnerable people who cannot access online services. Does the minister agree that in-person banking is an...

Foysol Choudhury Lab Chamber

04 Feb 2025

Topical Question Time · Access to Banking Services (Branch Closures)

I have previously been contacted by constituents regarding bank closures in Bathgate, where a banking hub is now planned to open. However, although more than 600 bank branches have closed since 2015, there are only 21 banking hubs in Scotland. How is the Scottish Government wo...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Lab) Lab Chamber

06 May 2025

Topical Question Time · Reported Rape Cases (Increase)

Last week, constituents contacted me because they were worried about the risk of rape and sexual assault in public parks in Edinburgh. They mentioned the lack of lighting that makes our parks unsafe at night, especially in winter. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that o...

Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind) Ind Chamber

24 Mar 2026

Topical Question Time · Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Budget)

What analysis has been conducted of the potential change in response times for the north-east of the city of Edinburgh should the proposed closure of Marionville fire station proceed?