Motion
The Role of Political Decision Making in NHS Scandals
S6M-20561 · Motion For Debate · lodged by Sarwar, Anas
Lodged on
26 Jan 2026Heard / answered on
28 Jan 2026Watch the chamber session on SPTV · lands on the meetings recorded on 28 Jan 2026
That the Parliament condemns the culture of secrecy and cover-up that has hidden the truth from patients, families and campaigners and denied them justice in many NHS scandals in Scotland in recent years; recognises that, as the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry draws to a close, many serious questions remain regarding the decision-making process and the role of the Scottish Government; considers that political decision making should be considered by the inquiry, and calls for the Scottish Ministers to authorise the immediate full disclosure and preservation of all communications connected to the contaminated water and inadequate ventilation system and the premature opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, as well as any subsequent communications relating to the handling of the infection and its cover-up.
Backed by
Supported by 2 additional MSPs
Lab 2
Lodged by
Sarwar, Anas
(Scottish Labour).
- Baillie, Jackie (Lab)
- Sweeney, Paul (Lab)
Final vote on motion (no amendments carried)
28 Jan 2026
Carried
Show MSPs
For
64Against
56Abstain
0Not voted
9Amendments were lodged but none were carried; the motion was decided as originally lodged.
In the Official Report
Debated in chamber — 6 contributions reference this
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The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20561, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on the role of political decision making in national health service scandals. I invite members who wish to parti…
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The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
There are seven questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M-20561.1, in the name of Neil Gray, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20561, in the name of…
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The Presiding Officer
NPA
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
The next question is, that amendment S6M-20561.2, in the name of Brian Whittle, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20561, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on the role of political decision making in national…
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The Presiding Officer
NPA
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
The next question is, that amendment S6M-20561.3, in the name of Gillian Mackay, which seeks to amend motion S6M-20561, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on the role of political decision making in NHS sca…
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The Presiding Officer
NPA
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
The next question is, that motion S6M-20561, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on the role of political decision making in NHS scandals, as amended, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No.
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The Presiding Officer
NPA
Chamber
· 28 Jan 2026 · Meeting of the Parliament 28 January 2026
The result of the division on motion S6M-20561, in the name of Anas Sarwar, on the role of political decision making in NHS scandals, as amended, is: For 64, Against 56, Abstentions 0. Motion, as am…
Amendments and how the chamber decided
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S6M-20561Selected itemCarried 64/5626 Jan 2026 · Motion For Debate · Sarwar, AnasThat the Parliament condemns the culture of secrecy and cover-up that has hidden the truth from patients, families and campaigners and denied them justice in many NHS scandals in Scotland in recent years; recognises that, as the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry draws to a close, many serious questions remain regarding the decision-making process and the role of...
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S6M-20561.1Linked amendment/itemDefeated 58/6127 Jan 2026 · Amendment · Gray, NeilAs an amendment to motion S6M-20561 in the name of Anas Sarwar (The Role of Political Decision Making in NHS Scandals), leave out from “condemns” to end and insert “pays tribute to the brave patients, families and whistleblowers who have campaigned tirelessly for justice in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry; recognises the pain, trauma...
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S6M-20561.2Linked amendment/itemDefeated 55/6527 Jan 2026 · Amendment · Whittle, BrianAs an amendment to motion S6M-20561 in the name of Anas Sarwar (The Role of Political Decision Making in NHS Scandals), insert at end “; notes with concern the impact on patients, staff and others resulting from the ongoing questions about the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; calls on the Scottish Government to provide clear and ex...
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S6M-20561.3Linked amendment/item27 Jan 2026 · Amendment · Mackay, GillianAs an amendment to motion S6M-20561 in the name of Anas Sarwar (The Role of Political Decision Making in NHS Scandals), insert at end "; acknowledges that recent revelations surrounding the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital will have been distressing for patients, their families and staff; understands that this could create uncertainty and fear regardin...