tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-322169502024-03-13T01:56:30.132+00:00Stewart's oral questions to ministersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-91147827026106885752021-03-18T14:50:00.001+00:002021-03-19T08:15:35.809+00:00(S5O-05136) Brexit (Economic Impacts)<b>7. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what recent engagement it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding managing the economic impacts of Brexit. (S5O-05136)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture (Fiona Hyslop)</b>: The Scottish Government is deeply concerned by emerging evidence that Brexit is having a severe impact on the ability of Scottish businesses to trade effectively and competitively with the European Union, with lasting consequences for our economy.
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Scottish Government ministers remain in regular contact with UK ministers about the economic impact of Brexit and are pressing for urgent support for businesses that are being adversely impacted. Most recently, together with UK Government ministers, I chaired a meeting of the Scottish business growth group, which heard from business, employer and employee representative organisations about the difficulties that are being caused by new trading arrangements and the need for further assistance.
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Indeed, just a few hours ago, I had a similar meeting with Michael Gove and business organisations as part of the Brexit meeting series. The Scottish Government will continue to work hard to address problems and blockages where it is in our power to do so.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Has the cabinet secretary noted that the Office for Budget Responsibility suggests that there will be a 4 per cent drop in productivity compared with the position if we had stayed in the European Union and a temporary reduction in the first quarter of this year of some 0.5 per cent of gross domestic product? Is it now absolutely vital that the UK Government provides additional funding to the Scottish Government so that we can support the businesses that the cabinet secretary has just referred to and the workers who are employed in them?
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<b>Fiona Hyslop</b>: Recent funding for seafood exporters and small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK is welcome, but piecemeal funding can at best provide only a temporary sticking-plaster, considering the sheer scale of the costs and losses that are emerging. We are making that very clear to the UK Government. The additional funding cannot address the core problem, which lies in the very thin nature of the deal. It is vital that the UK Government listens and responds to what we are telling it.
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We hear that imports from France to the UK are down by 13 per cent, imports from Italy are down by 38 per cent and imports from Germany are down by 30 per cent, while exports from the UK to France are down by 20 per cent and exports from the UK to Italy are down by a staggering 70 per cent. It is clear that the UK Government’s trade statistics are, in addition to the statistics that we are hearing from other countries, telling it that there is a problem.
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We remain ready to work with the UK Government on solutions. Productive proposals are being put forward. Its refusal to engage ignores the fact that the effects will be long lasting and dangerous for our businesses, our communities and our economy.
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Presiding Officer, this is an opportunity for me to say to Stewart Stevenson that he has spoken in the Parliament very sensibly and informatively over many years and in many speeches. He has served his constituents well and has been a real driver for change, particularly on climate change. I thank him and wish him well in his retirement.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-83222649962321018482021-03-10T14:33:00.002+00:002021-03-10T19:04:41.935+00:00(S5O-05101) Beef Farming (Brazil Memorandum of Understanding)<b>4. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the potential impact on beef farming in Scotland of a memorandum of understanding with Brazil. (S5O-05101)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing)</b>: I have previously written to the UK Government on that matter, expressing strong concerns about any increase in imported beef through the Mercosur free trade agreement.
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I am aware that the UK Government struck an agreement with Brazil last October to establish a joint agriculture committee to look at sanitary standards. Unfortunately, the UK Government has not engaged with us, despite standards in Scotland being our responsibility.
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It is our belief that significant quantities of imported South American beef could have a damaging effect on Scotland’s highly acclaimed beef production, potentially undermining our high regulatory standards and impacting on domestic trade. Fundamentally, I cannot and would not support any increased quota.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Does the cabinet secretary agree that it is not simply a matter of sanitary standards and that the importation of hormone-treated beef from pastures in felled rainforest being shipped here to compete with our premium hormone-free Scotch beef is problematic on several levels, including that of climate change?
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<b>Fergus Ewing</b>: Yes. I have said time and again that we would not tolerate any trade deal that allowed imports of hormone-treated beef. The Trade and Agriculture Commission, who I met on Monday, recommend that any trading partners wishing to import into the United Kingdom shall demonstrate equivalent production standards. That assurance from Tim Smith, the chief executive, was welcome. That should be implemented across all the UK’s trade deals, ultimately banning the import of hormone-treated meat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-76398284955800721182021-03-10T14:20:00.001+00:002021-03-10T19:01:22.376+00:00(S5O-05095) Agriculture (Climate Change)<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP</b>): Does the minister agree that the additional funding of £5 million in the budget for agri-environment measures is very welcome? Can he outline other measures in the budget that will support our farmers to adapt their production methods so that they are more sustainable in the long term?
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<b>The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment (Ben Macpherson)</b>: A third of common agricultural policy schemes provide funding to support farmers, crofters and land managers in addressing climate change and achieving wider environmental benefits. The 2020-21 budget includes £40 million to support agricultural transformation. That will be supplemented by the additional £5 million of capital funding.
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To support that transition, there is an additional £3.9 million for the Farm Advisory Service to ensure continued provision of high-quality advice. After a number of years spent working for a fairer allocation for Scotland, the Bew funds, totalling £25.7 million, will also be provided to farmers, crofters and land managers to aid transition in 2021-22.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-51945150444435328952021-03-03T14:40:00.001+00:002021-03-04T10:06:31.011+00:00(S5O-05079) Social Security Scotland (Client Survey)<b>7. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the report “Social Security Scotland Client Survey: 2018-2020”. (S5O-05079)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (Shirley-Anne Somerville)</b>: I welcome the report and, in particular, its key finding that 90 per cent of clients who responded said that their overall experience was either “very good” or “good”. It is a credit to all Social Security Scotland staff that they were given that endorsement by clients, who were surveyed last year at a time when the agency’s services and staff were also coping with the serious disruptions caused by coronavirus. The agency was established on the footing that its systems should be designed with the people of Scotland and be based on their evidence. The report demonstrates the Scottish Government’s determination to live up to that commitment.
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Of course, there will always be room for improvement, but the report’s findings, including that the overwhelming majority of respondents—around 87 per cent—said they were treated with dignity, fairness and respect, are clear evidence of two things. First, they show where we are on our goal to deliver a Scottish social security system that has those values at its heart and that succeeds. Secondly, they show how far we have come on moving away from perceptions of the system operated by the Department for Work and Pensions.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: The results of the survey are hugely encouraging and represent a welcome departure from the system that the United Kingdom Government operates, which the United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights described as
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<i>“punitive, mean-spirited and often callous”</i>.
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What lessons does the cabinet secretary think the UK Government could learn from Scotland’s social security system? Does she believe that people in Scotland should not be forced to accept toxic Tory policies?
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<b>Shirley-Anne Somerville</b>: What we have achieved in social security in Scotland is testament to the hard work that has gone on both within the Government and, importantly, with our key stakeholders and all the individuals with lived experience who have taken part in the process, so that we could deliver the system that we are now delivering on.
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I should pay tribute to my predecessor in this role, Jeane Freeman—not only because she is sitting close to me in the chamber but because of her work in this portfolio before I took over, which laid the groundwork for the results that I am announcing today. The whole of Government can reflect on what can be done when we have lived experience at the heart of our policy making. That is a lesson not only for the Scottish Government but for all public agencies across the UK. It is the right way and the best way in which to make policy. I, for one, am very pleased that Ms Freeman took the opportunity to ensure that our social security system had that in its very bedrock when she set it up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-67609007706971030702021-02-04T14:55:00.001+00:002021-02-06T18:06:46.357+00:00(S5O-04986) Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit (Uplift)<b>2. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding retaining the £20 uplift to universal credit and working tax credit. (S5O-04986)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (Shirley-Anne Somerville)</b>: The Scottish Government has written to the UK Government on five occasions with requests to make the £20 per week uplift permanent and to extend it to legacy benefits. Most recently, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance wrote to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer on 27 January, calling on the UK Government to announce the retention and expansion of the uplift in the March budget. Analysis by the Scottish Government indicates that cutting that support would move 60,000 people, including 20,000 children, into relative poverty in Scotland. We will continue to urge the UK Government to make the required changes to ensure that the benefit process works for the people who need support and not against them.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: The Resolution Foundation said that, if the uplift is cut, 1.2 million people in the UK will fall into relative poverty. The cabinet secretary has just highlighted that 20,000 children in Scotland would be affected. Does she therefore agree that, notwithstanding silence or failure to respond to five communications, each and every one of us should make every possible effort to draw the UK Government’s attention to this catastrophe that is affecting too many of our young people and families in need right across the UK, particularly in Scotland?
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<b>Shirley-Anne Somerville</b>: I agree with Stewart Stevenson that we all need to make every effort to persuade the UK Government about that. We have consistently called for the change, but I am also encouraged by the calls from across the political spectrum and third parties. For example, the all-party parliamentary group on poverty, which is co-chaired by a Conservative member of Parliament, this week published a report calling on the UK Government to maintain the £20 per week uplift and to scrap the benefit cap. There is wide support for that, because people recognise and understand the impact that not doing it will have on adults and children right across the UK. With that level of support, I hope that the UK Government will do the right thing and change tack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-24421055287619098612021-01-19T14:05:00.001+00:002021-01-21T07:25:42.817+00:00(S5T-02617) Fishing Communities (Compensation)<b>1. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding compensation for fishing communities, in light of the disruption at ports since the end of the European Union exit transition period. (S5T-02617)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing)</b>: No substantive discussion on a compensation scheme for Scottish fishing communities has taken place, and it is simply unacceptable for the UK Government to launch such a scheme without consulting the Scottish Government. The deal that was reached with the EU demonstrated the UK Government’s profound lack of knowledge of, or concern for, Scottish seafood interests. The industry will rightly be concerned that delivery of the compensation scheme will be in the same vein. However, this Government will continue to stand up for Scottish fishing, and we will do everything that we can to ensure that the compensation scheme reflects the real and lasting damage that has been done to the Scottish seafood sector.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Right now, shellfish exports are being spoiled beyond usefulness because barriers exist where there were none a month ago. When does the cabinet secretary, or when do his colleagues, expect to have interaction with the UK Government about proper compensation funds from that body, which would keep afloat the many small businesses that are vital part of distant coastal communities?
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<b>Fergus Ewing</b>: On several occasions, in representing the Scottish Government at the EU exit operations committee, I have made it clear that the UK Government—having sought Brexit, delivered it in a cack-handed way and ignored the advice of the Scottish Government and of industry to seek a grace period—is now responsible, and solely so, for the losses that have arisen as a result of its failings. I have made it clear that compensation is required, including early last week at an XO meeting. I have repeated that call when attending other XO meetings on behalf of the Scottish Government.
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To date, the UK Government has not given the Scottish Government any details of the package. Yesterday, in an apparently off-the-cuff remark, the Prime Minister indicated that the package for the whole UK industry might be as little as £23 million. To put that in perspective, I point out that last year the Scottish Government delivered to the Scottish sector alone Covid compensation and support of £23.5 million.
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However, I expect that the UK Government will need to start communicating with us on the matter, and I have called upon it so to do.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Today in Peterhead, there were but a few hundred boxes of fish in a market that was built to process 10,000 boxes each day. The quotas for the next six years involve no meaningful expansion of catching opportunity—indeed, they include some critical reductions. That is due in no small part to Westminster incompetence and deliberately chosen trade-offs. What options exist to remedy that for fishermen in the north-east, across Scotland and, for that matter, across the UK?
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<b>Fergus Ewing</b>: The reduced prices and reduced availability of fish at market are, sadly, direct results of the Brexit boorach. I stress that my imperative—my number 1 priority—is to make sure that we in Scotland, working with local authorities, with Food Standards Scotland and with DFDS and other hubs, resolve the difficulties as far as is within our power. I have had detailed discussions, of course, with the leading stakeholders in the fishing sector across the whole of Scotland, and will continue to do so.
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It is difficult for me to see that the problems can accurately be described as “teething problems”, which is the phrase that UK ministers use. I fear that the problems are more serious and deep seated. Indeed, there are so many of them—57 varieties, as I told the XO committee last week—that it seems to me that the UK should seek a derogation from the EU in relation to the requirements. Probably the only reason why it does not do so is that the request might be rejected because the UK Government has forfeited goodwill in the EU.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-75399403861746078282021-01-14T14:52:00.001+00:002021-01-15T09:44:05.219+00:00(S5O-04919) 26th Conference of the Parties (Preparations)<b>7. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what preparations it is making for its participation in COP26. (S5O-04919)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (Roseanna Cunningham)</b>: Beyond the operational readiness that I set out in response to Anas Sarwar, we are taking action across the board to prepare for COP26 around our agreed themes of just transition and people. We have recently published a draft public engagement strategy and we are partnering with Glasgow Science Centre on a community engagement programme. We were honoured with our appointment as cochair of the under2 coalition and we are using that to drive momentum and ambition globally. We will also shortly take the novel approach of publishing “Scotland’s contribution to the Paris Agreement—an indicative NDC”, focusing on Scotland’s worldleading targets and summarising our plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: At previous COPs, Scottish ministers have been a formal part of the United Kingdom delegation—indeed, I was, on more than one occasion. Is that expected to be the case at COP26?
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<b>Roseanna Cunningham</b>: Yes—I have been a formal part of the UK delegation in each year since I was appointed to this job. We have been consistently represented at the COPs since 2009 and we expect that to be the case at COP26. As I have already referenced, we will demonstrate our leadership at COP26 when, as co-chair of the under2 coalition, we will drive momentum and climate ambition on the global stage.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-68106676137062769392021-01-14T13:15:00.004+00:002021-01-16T08:03:09.656+00:00Statement: Managing Scotland’s Fisheries<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: This morning, as has been the case for many days, Peterhead market, which is Europe’s biggest white-fish market, was eerily quiet. On the radio this morning, David Duguid—a minister at the Scotland Office—was attacked by a representative of the industry and called a liar, which he rejected, as we might expect. I also gather that, on Christmas eve, Victoria Prentis spent time preparing for Christmas rather than reading the agreement to which she was party. My question is about the next time that the cabinet secretary meets representatives of the UK Government. Does he expect Victoria Prentis or David Duguid to remain in office for long? The industry is clear that it is time for them to go.
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing):</b>: They are not my responsibility. The important thing is that we work to sort out the problems as best we can. I have been doing my best to do that. Later this afternoon, I will attend another meeting with Mr Gove to that end.
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Mr Stevenson referred to the deal that has been done, which has resulted in the loss of the Hague preference and in extra quota of paper fish only—in other words, extra quota that will never be of any practical benefit. The Scottish industry has lost the option of buying or swapping extra quota. We have lost the negotiating leverage that we had, because European Union vessels have automatic access to our grounds. In five years’ time, we also face a retaliatory clause because, if the EU does not get what it wants, it can start imposing tariffs on aquaculture and other sectors. This is a rotten deal.
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To answer Mr Stevenson’s question, I think that fishermen expect a bit of honesty and for just one Tory parliamentarian to acknowledge that this is a bad deal. I have not seen any sign that any Tory parliamentarian, whether at Holyrood or at Westminster, has the guts to be honest with the Scottish fishermen whom they have betrayed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-52514473977583833062020-12-15T14:09:00.001+00:002020-12-15T17:57:52.409+00:00(S5T-02593) Brexit Negotiations (Update)<b>1. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the United Kingdom Government’s Brexit negotiations and their potential impact on Scotland. (S5T-02593)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs (Michael Russell)</b>: Our understanding is that negotiations are continuing between the United Kingdom Government and the European Union, with significant differences remaining in relation to the level playing field and fisheries. Throughout the Brexit process, we have sought meaningful engagement in order to ensure that Scotland’s interests are protected, but, unfortunately, that has not been forthcoming.
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That remains the case even at this endgame stage, in which we are largely unsighted on process and on progress, or any lack thereof. Engagement with the UK Government, especially at ministerial level, tells us little beyond what we already know from the media. We have had no ministerial engagement since the last joint ministerial committee, which was on 3 December.
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By the Prime Minister’s own admission, the chances of a no-deal outcome are increasing. That would be absolutely catastrophic for Scotland and must be avoided, but I should make clear that even if a deal can still be secured, it will be a very low deal, which will represent an extremely hard Brexit. It will, for example, take Scotland out of the single market and customs union, and it will end freedom of movement, hitting jobs and living standards hard. Our modelling of the basic trade agreement of the type that the United Kingdom Government wants to negotiate finds that, by 2030, Scottish gross domestic product is estimated to be 6.1 per cent lower than if we continue European Union membership. That equates to a loss of £1,600 per person in Scotland. Of course, the impact of no deal would be even worse.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Like the cabinet secretary, I am appalled that, since 1 December, the Scottish ministers have not been engaged in the endgame of a very difficult set of negotiations—they were made difficult by the Tory Government.
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I understand that agreement on participation in the Erasmus+ scheme post-Brexit has failed to be reached. Can the cabinet secretary tell us about the prospective impact on students, at a time when we are told that we will have to build new relationships and trade with countries across the world?
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<b>Michael Russell</b>: The Scottish Government has always been clear that full association with Erasmus+ is in the best interests of Scotland. Wales and Scotland have argued on every occasion that if the UK Government decides not to proceed with Erasmus, Wales and Scotland should proceed with the scheme. It supports not only our universities and colleges but school sports and youth and community groups with mobility exchanges with other countries in Europe. Taking part is a transformational experience, and Scotland has done very well out of the scheme. It would be mad not to proceed with it, but if that is the UK Government’s decision it would be madder still to try to prevent Scotland and Wales from taking part.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: In 1931, my mother was the beneficiary of a scheme that took her to study in France. It looks as though today’s generation will not be as fortunate as my mother was, 90 years ago.
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With only a few days to go before the end of the transition period, we are being left in the dark. Does the cabinet secretary share my concern about the serious effect that that will have on students’ and communities’ futures?
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<b>Michael Russell</b>: I understand that. One of my predecessors as president of the Scottish National Party, Winnie Ewing, was a prime mover in Erasmus as it was getting under way in its previous incarnations. We really need to get clarity on this, and let us hope that that clarity means that Erasmus will continue.
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To damage the opportunities of our learners and young people, to threaten to diminish their life experiences and to undermine our institutions’ ability to secure the funding that is needed to support their ambitions would be mad. Institutions that take part in Erasmus need time to prepare, and the situation has already been deeply damaging to them. I hope that the UK Government is listening on this issue, although it seems to be listening on nothing else.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-65150258442057868112020-12-03T14:38:00.001+00:002020-12-04T09:29:24.832+00:00(S5O-04818) Economic Recovery (Funding Support)<b>2. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what its latest engagement has been with the United Kingdom Government regarding the funding provided to support the economic recovery from Covid-19. (S5O-04818)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Finance (Kate Forbes)</b>: Ahead of the UK spending review last week, I wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to stress the importance of delivering a fiscal stimulus package that will support businesses and households while regenerating the economy. I reiterated those points on the morning of the spending review.
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Sadly, there was instead a cut to the Scottish Government’s capital and financial transaction budgets and a freezing of public-sector pay rises for many hard-working front-line staff. The chancellor ignored the proposal for a £9.21 per hour national minimum wage, and he failed to replace European Union funding in full, or to even to offer a proper plan on how to do so.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Many countries, including France, Germany and New Zealand, have introduced substantial economic stimulus packages in response to Covid. The cabinet secretary has just described the UK Government’s response. Has the UK Government articulated an argument to show that its response will help us, or will it do otherwise?
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<b>Kate Forbes</b>: Stewart Stevenson mentioned other countries that have introduced much more generous economic stimuli than the one that the chancellor provided last week. As I said, ahead of the spending review, I urged the chancellor to follow the lead of those countries and to prioritise public services and economic recovery through a fresh stimulus. We suggested that the stimulus should be at least 5 per cent of gross domestic product, which would equate to £98 billion.
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That investment is even more necessary, given the uncertainty that has been caused by the UK Government’s reckless approach to EU exit. Headlines today continue to prove that point. As we know, the UK spending review fell far short of what we proposed, which will only make it harder for us to deliver the fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland that we all want.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-48879385876747216272020-11-25T14:35:00.001+00:002020-11-25T22:23:18.428+00:00(S5O-04788) Covid-19 (Support for Further and Higher Education Students)<b>4. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what financial and mental health support has been made available to students in further and higher education who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. (S5O-04788)
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<b>The Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science (Richard Lochhead)</b>: Eligible students in further and higher education have continued to access bursary, grant and loan payments throughout the pandemic. Earlier this year, the Scottish Government provided emergency funding of £5 million to support students and early access to £11.4 million of higher education discretionary funds. In addition, £2 million was brought forward for further education students by the Scottish Funding Council. I also announced a digital inclusion fund of £5 million to support access to digital equipment and to tackle digital poverty.
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Finally, we are investing a further £3.645 million to support our existing commitment to introduce more than 80 additional counsellors in colleges and universities, and I announced additional funding of £1.32 million to help students deal with the mental health impacts of Covid-19.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: I thank the Scottish Government for the support that the minister has just delineated. What discussions has he had with the university and college sector about the provision of support to students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds? The minister referred to the digital inclusion initiative. How helpful has the initiative been to that part of the student community? Is there access to the basic necessities of life, such as food deliveries, and are there specific steps that might help to ensure that students do not feel isolated?
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<b>Richard Lochhead</b>: The member asked a variety of questions, but I will try to answer quickly.
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Our universities and colleges have an obligation to ensure that welfare support and support with supplies are available for any student who is self-isolating in halls of residence and for other students of whom the institutions are aware. That support has now been taken forward and, as the member knows, institutions are making a huge effort to support students.
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On the digital inclusion fund, it has been heartening to see the photos on social media of our colleges and universities with rooms full of laptops that they are distributing to students in need and others. That shows that the funding from the Scottish Government—as well as funding from the institutions, which they are using for that purpose—has been put to good use.
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With regard to wider support, I know that 3,500 students have tapped into the £11.4 million funding for support that I mentioned in my initial answer. Those will be students in need, who fit the criteria for that fund. Another 1,500 students have successfully applied to the other funds that were already available.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-82387644579960666142020-11-12T13:25:00.004+00:002020-11-12T21:32:58.157+00:00First Minister's Questions: United Kingdom Government Climate Change Champion<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: The United Nations brings its climate change conference to Glasgow next year. Does it not undermine prospects for its success that Boris Johnson has appointed as his Government’s climate change champion a pro-fracking Tory member of Parliament who has campaigned against wind farms?
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<b>The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon)</b>: I think that the appointment of the climate change champion will have raised some eyebrows for the reasons that Stewart Stevenson sets out. Consistent with our ambition to become net zero, we would have to oppose fracking and support wind power. That is important.
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Obviously, I wish anybody who is in that position well. I want to see them succeed, and we look forward to working with the United Kingdom Government. However, all of us—and I include the Scottish Government very much in this—as we get towards the 26th conference of the parties, or COP26, which will happen at this time next year, will have to be judged not just on our words about climate change but on our actions. Boris Johnson should remember that as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-73647465244951406892020-11-05T14:43:00.001+00:002020-11-06T05:20:56.306+00:00(S5O-04725) Covid-19 (Welfare Funding)<b>5. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what welfare funding is being made available to support people facing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19. (S5O-04725)
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (Shirley-Anne Somerville)</b>: We have provided a £350 million funding package to ensure support for people and communities that are most in need. We have significantly increased the Scottish welfare fund and we have targeted help with housing costs, including through increasing our discretionary housing payment fund and introducing a tenant hardship fund.
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In recognition of the additional pressures that unpaid carers have been under, we made an additional carer’s allowance supplement payment in June, which means that over the financial year, eligible carers can get £690 more than carers in the rest of the United Kingdom.
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In addition, we have introduced the £500 self-isolation support grant for workers on low-income benefits who risk losing income because they have to self-isolate.
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: The cabinet secretary referred to the United Kingdom Government’s universal credit uplift—but, of course, that ends in April. Does the cabinet secretary agree that the hardship of families who are affected by its ending should lead to a pile on the doorstep of the Westminster Government for it to deal with, while the Scottish Government does what it can to help struggling families?
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<b>Shirley-Anne Somerville</b>: I completely agree with Stewart Stevenson’s assessment. As I said in my earlier remarks, we have urged the United Kingdom Government to make that £20 uplift permanent and, which is important, to extend it to legacy benefits. That was needed before the pandemic and is, certainly, needed more urgently now. We need an immediate announcement, so that people do not face uncertainty about whether that vital money will be removed from them in a few months.
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Modelling by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation indicates that failure to make the uplift permanent will result in 700,000 more people across the UK being pushed into poverty, so the UK Government must do the right thing and ensure that social security support is sufficient to support people during and beyond the pandemic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-38237419431085810472020-09-09T14:23:00.000+01:002020-09-12T07:31:25.619+01:00(S5O-04565) Fishing Industry (Wind Farms)<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: Given that the fish processing industry is the biggest sector by turnover and by employment, what assurances have the Scottish Government had from the United Kingdom Government that the ability of that industry to continue to export to its major markets in the European Union and beyond will be preserved in the event of the no-deal that we see looming in a week’s time?<br />
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<b>The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment (Mairi Gougeon)</b>: I absolutely share the member’s serious concerns about that issue, particularly in relation to the processing sector. The Brexiteers put fishing front and centre in their campaign, insisting that leaving the EU would mean boom time for our fishing fleets. We have to look out for our processing sector as well as our fishers and look at what no deal means for it.<br />
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We are constantly working to try to get those assurances from the UK Government, but as yet we have not received them. As the member said, the clock is ticking. We need to have those assurances because we want to protect the sector in Scotland. It is a sector that the Scottish Government is standing up for and will continue to stand up for in the negotiations.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-8291659471893376622020-09-01T17:15:00.000+01:002020-09-02T13:40:22.834+01:00Statement: Logan Review (Technology Sector)<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: I welcome the suggestion, on page 39 of the report, of “self-organised tech” meet-up points giving “free meeting space and resources”.<br />
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That is clearly part of an across-Scotland approach to creating hubs for entrepreneurs. Can the cabinet secretary advise how many jobs might be created directly from the creation of hubs across Scotland? I am thinking particularly of those that might come out of the back end of the funnel that the Logan report refers to, which are permanent, international-standard jobs that we can keep for generations.<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Finance (Kate Forbes)</b>: The potential for job creation is enormous. We aim to support between 300 and 500 companies through the tech scalers programme, providing world-class training and mentoring for entrepreneurs in the hope that their businesses go on to grow, develop and employ more people. The initial aspiration would be for approximately 50 jobs, knowing that that is a very immediate start and that the number can only grow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-52264456610147120432020-08-13T14:03:00.000+01:002020-08-14T06:24:37.919+01:00(S5O-04467) Covid-19 (Support)<b>8. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what funding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance will allocate to support people who are looking for work or at risk of redundancy as a result of Covid-19. (S5O-04467)<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Finance (Kate Forbes)</b>: As I said in answer to the earlier question, we will continue to make the case that the furlough scheme should not end. However, rather than wait for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to change his mind, we have already confirmed investment totalling £133 million in this financial year to support people towards and into work as we gradually restart the economy. That funding will help people have access to or progress into work, as well as support those who are at risk of redundancy. That is in addition to the £214 million that has already been allocated to Skills Development Scotland this year to work with partners and employers to ensure that every individual has the skills and the confidence to get a job. We are in no doubt about the challenges that face people up and down the country and that is why we have moved quickly to put that funding in place.<br />
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer and for the substantial sums of money to which she refers. It is particularly important that young people are supported.<br />
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Does the cabinet secretary agree that creating and protecting jobs in general will only be possible in true partnership with the business community, trade unions, enterprise agencies and the third sector?<br />
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<b>Kate Forbes</b>: Yes, I agree. Throughout the pandemic, we have worked collaboratively with businesses, trade unions, enterprise agencies and charities. The recovery must focus on jobs. We have engaged extensively with businesses in recent months and have discussed our ideas about the economic recovery with many organisations and individuals.<br />
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That approach underlines our willingness to listen to and collaborate with businesses, and with those who create jobs. We know that it is their innovation and determination that will be the engine room of our economic recovery. The finance that I have announced is about working through those organisations to create and to retain jobs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-56489718457740940522020-07-16T16:15:00.000+01:002020-07-16T20:38:54.686+01:00Virtual Statement:Transport<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: I thank the cabinet secretary for his announcement of changes to the bus emissions abatement retrofit scheme, which I welcome. Looking to the longer term and the green recovery that we want, will hydrogen have a long-term future as part of the fuel for buses, lorries, trains and ferries?<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity (Michael Matheson)</b>: The opportunity to use hydrogen in the bus industry is already being tested in north-east Scotland, in Aberdeen, and also in Dundee, through a Scottish Government-supported initiative. We are also working to develop a hydrogen accelerator programme in partnership with academia and industry in Scotland, further details of which we will set out in the weeks ahead.The member will also be aware of our recent announcement of the energy transition plan, which we are supporting in the north-east of Scotland. We are investing an additional £62 million in a range of initiatives to support the transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy in the north-east of Scotland to one that is based on sustainable new technologies. That includes the provision of a specific level of funding for hydrogen. Therefore, I assure the member that we continue to actively support exploration of the potential for greater use to be made of hydrogen, particularly in the haulage and bus sectors of the heavy road industry, and we will continue to work with partners to develop technology in that area in the years ahead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-63948709655650818632020-06-18T15:05:00.000+01:002020-06-21T08:46:20.683+01:00(S5O-04429) Digital Exclusion (Young People)<b>2. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what work is being undertaken to ensure that young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds are not digitally excluded while learning from home. (S5O-04429)<br />
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<b>The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (John Swinney)</b>: We recognise that digital technology will play a key role in delivering continuity of education and that that is likely to be a key issue for some of our more disadvantaged families, children and young people.<br />
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We do not want children and young people in any part of the country left without access to usable devices or connectivity solutions in these exceptional circumstances. We have committed to investing £30 million in digital devices and connectivity to provide that extra help to young people who do not have access to appropriate technology.<br />
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: In yesterday’s COVID-19 Committee meeting, we heard about Highland Council’s provision of Chromebooks for, I think, all its pupils. Given their key part in delivering educational provision, how is the Government working with councils across Scotland to ensure in particular that, when pupils return to school in August, they are ready for the blended learning that will follow?<br />
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<b>John Swinney</b>: The Government is working closely with local authorities. They are joint partners with us in the education recovery group and have designed the approach to blended learning that schools around the country are pursuing.<br />
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Currently, the plans that have been developed by local authorities are being assessed by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education to ensure that all opportunities to maximise face-to-face learning have been taken and that the models in place are appropriate. That dialogue is on-going. Flowing from that work will be the identification of the requirement for resources to ensure that that capacity can be maximised. The Government will engage constructively in that exercise.<br />
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On digital learning, which was at the heart of Mr Stevenson’s original question, the Government is engaged with local authorities to identify young people who will benefit from access to digital resources, devices and connectivity. That work will influence how we distribute digital technology.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-59566493135184944852020-05-07T13:50:00.000+01:002020-05-10T13:03:46.371+01:00Members' Virtual Question Time: International Trade (Protected Geographical Indications)<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: As the Covid-19 pandemic affects international trade, what discussions has the cabinet secretary had with the United Kingdom Government, and perhaps others, about the continuation from 2021 of protected geographical indications for Scottish food products, which are so essential to continuing recognition in export markets where the superior quality of products in Scotland is understood?<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing</b>): PGIs are extremely valuable for Scotland. Our quality Scotch beef, lamb and specially selected pork as well as Arbroath smokies have a particular cachet, and the conferral of PGI status brings with it a commercial premium and an additional value. The production of those high-quality foodstuffs is therefore extremely important to the rural economy in Scotland.<br />
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PGI status is, I think, more of a Brexit than a Covid-19 issue. One concern about Brexit is that we could lose the benefits of those PGIs, because we may no longer enjoy the reciprocal arrangements that we have in the European Union whereby we recognise, for example, Parmesan cheese. Will that reciprocity still be there? It is hugely valuable, because it is in the European markets that those premiums are earned and received. The loss of PGI status that could result from Brexit, possibly without a similar replacement, has caused us concern. To answer Mr Stevenson’s question, I have repeatedly raised that concern with various Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers. I am not sure whether I am on my fourth of fifth DEFRA secretary of state—as it were—at the moment. We will certainly continue to press the case for preservation of that enormous benefit to Scottish prime produce.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-35158792576947857352020-04-24T15:25:00.000+01:002020-05-10T13:03:10.508+01:00Members' Virtual Question Time: Fishing Support<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: What support is available for the over-12m white-fish fleet? I note that 9,000 boxes were landed at Peterhead over Monday and Tuesday, and only around 1,300 were landed today. How does the support available to our vital fishing industry in Scotland compare to that available elsewhere?<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing)</b>: Mr Stevenson has represented a fishing constituency for rather a long time now.<br />
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It is essential to Scotland that we support our fishing communities through this crisis. We have delivered three packages of financial support, totalling £22.5 million. The one that was announced most recently was of £3.5 million for vessels of over 12m. That package of support was developed after detailed dialogue with fishing representatives from, for example, the Clyde, the Western Isles and, of course, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. It was devised with their support and co-operation and will, I think, provide significant support to vessels.<br />
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Vessels have fixed costs, and harbour dues, rental costs for equipment and a whole series of on-costs have to be paid for, at a time when little or no revenue is coming in, as Mr Stevenson pointed out—revenue is certainly much lower.<br />
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I cannot speak for what happens down south; that is for my colleagues in the United Kingdom Government to do. However, I am pleased that we have been able to devise packages for vessels of under and over 12m and for hard-pressed processors, particularly in the shellfish and brown trout sectors, which face financial armageddon.<br />
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Packages are being administered now by an excellent team in Marine Scotland; I am proud of the work that they and colleagues across the public services in Scotland are doing. We are determined to get that money out as quickly as possible and, with the co-operation of members who represent fishing communities, I think that we can succeed in that task, to help the sector to weather the Covid storm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-42166053206513525142020-04-17T15:15:00.000+01:002020-04-17T18:56:38.977+01:00Members’ Virtual Question Time: COVID-19 (Prisons)<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP): </b>In view of the institutional nature of prisons, what special measures is the Scottish Prison Service taking to protect staff and prisoners from the effects of Covid-19?<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Humza Yousaf): T</b>he Scottish Prison Service is taking a range of measures. First, we and the Scottish Prison Service are making sure that there are adequate stocks of personal protective equipment for its staff, and that, following public health guidance, all staff and prisoners are self-isolating if they are symptomatic or, in the case of staff, if somebody in their household is symptomatic.<br />
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Difficult decisions have had to be made within our prison establishments, probably the most difficult of which has been to suspend visits. That is challenging for those in our care and for their families, but it is necessary to help us to contain the virus. To help with some of those difficulties and challenges, we will explore technologies that allow family contact.<br />
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It is a challenging environment, and I make no apologies for thinking that, to help us reduce the prison population, we should increase the numbers of people who are on home intervention curfew. If we reduce the prison population, we can loosen the prison regime.<br />
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The legislation that the Parliament passed on 1 April gives the Government powers for emergency release, which I am actively considering in a positive manner. Reducing the prison population would help us to get down to single cell occupancy, which would help us to contain the spread of the virus within our prisons.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-18315694269743460232020-03-11T14:28:00.000+00:002020-03-11T18:24:02.575+00:00(S5O-04247) Agricultural Support (Pilot Schemes)4. <b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: Does the cabinet secretary agree that, contrary to the suggestions of the Tories down south, agriculture and food producers are far from irrelevant?<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing)</b>: I was astonished that any adviser of the UK Government or any other Government in these islands would say, essentially, that farmers and farming are expendable. That was quite shocking, and it displays an attitude that we believe has been prevalent for some time in the Treasury, where people are anxious to get rid of support for farmers and crofters in Scotland. Well, they will not be doing that as long as I am around—that is for sureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-69682932647115894412020-02-20T11:48:00.000+00:002020-02-21T15:01:23.762+00:00(S5O-04147) Fishing and Farming <b>3. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the United Kingdom Government’s proposed legislation on fishing and farming and the impact of this on Scotland. (S5O-04147)<br />
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<b>The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism (Fergus Ewing)</b>: I welcome the fact that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has chosen to work with us on the Fisheries Bill. The revised version is an improvement on the original draft and largely recognises that fisheries is a devolved matter, although we still have some significant concerns in relation to the setting of fishing opportunities and failure to deal with the seafish levy.<br />
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We have serious concerns that the United Kingdom Government’s Agriculture Bill has provisions that impose unwanted policies and rules in areas of devolved competency and that the bill makes no commitment to preventing post-Brexit trade deals from allowing the import of food that is produced to a lower standard than the standards that are legislated for, for Scottish farmers.<br />
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Across both bills, I will fight to ensure that the UK Government provides adequate funding for all sectors and I will continue to resist any attempts by the UK Government to grab key powers from this Parliament that impact on fishing, farming and food production.<br />
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: That is relatively good news on fishing, but on farming, it is abysmal news, building on yesterday’s announcement that we will be denied access to labour from other countries, essentially. Can the cabinet secretary assure us that he will make clear this entire Parliament’s view that we will brook no removal of powers related to farming and that farmers across Scotland have expressed grave concern about UK policies, and will he continue to champion the cause of farming in Scotland with those at Westminster who wish to see it diminished?<br />
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<b>Fergus Ewing</b>: Yes, I will; yes, I have; and yes, we did so on Monday of this week at the interministerial group meeting, part of which took place in Northern Ireland, with the welcome return of the Administration there. We will take every opportunity to protect the devolved competence and the powers of this Parliament, which—as Mr Stevenson says—are under attack from the Westminster Government, which is surely unacceptable to all members of this Parliament.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-78651917569655228572020-02-06T15:50:00.000+00:002020-02-13T20:52:40.373+00:00Statement: Budget 2020-21<b>Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: I have been reading the carbon assessment of the budget proposals, which has lots of good news. Page 4 of the budget document outlines that spending to mitigate emissions has increased, but is the Government doing anything else in that area? Can she give us further information as to how spending will be targeted specifically at carbon?<br />
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<b>The Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy (Kate Forbes)</b>: What is interesting about the budget is not only the high-level figures for our investment in peatland restoration, the heat transition deal, the future transport fund and our priorities but the significant investment in how we work with people to deliver on our commitments on climate change. I have already mentioned the investment in the agricultural transformation programme, but we are also developing, for example, the £50 million heat networks early adopter challenge fund for local authorities and a £10 million fund to support hydrogen heat demonstrator projects. Not only do we want to be at the forefront when it comes to our climate change commitments, we want to pioneer solutions that the rest of the world can adopt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32216950.post-38475461403132803852020-02-06T12:30:00.000+00:002020-02-06T16:46:47.262+00:00(S5F-03928) Environmental Standards (European Alignment)<b>4. Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)</b>: To ask the First Minister, in light of the Prime Minister’s statement that the United Kingdom will refuse close alignment with EU rules, whether the Scottish Government will remain aligned with EU environmental standards. (S5F-03928)<br />
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<b>The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon)</b>: Yes, we will. We have already made clear our intention to maintain or exceed environmental standards after European Union is a means to encourage trade or investment. As his predecessor did, the Prime Minister has set out a negotiating position, without any consultation of the devolved Governments, that offers no guarantees on environmental standards and which would take us out of the European single market and severely hit our economy, jobs and living standards.<br />
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<b>Stewart Stevenson</b>: Does the First Minister regret the failure by the Prime Minister to recognise that, far from creating opportunities, divergence from shared policies that have delivered benefits to workers, the environment and other policy areas will cost jobs, and that it is in the interests of Scotland to remain aligned with pan-national rules on such matters?<br />
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<b>The First Minister</b>: Yes, I very strongly agree with Stewart Stevenson on that. Whenever we hear UK Government ministers talk about the ability to diverge, we have to ask ourselves what the purpose of that divergence would be. The purpose would be to allow a race to the bottom, whether on environmental protections, consumer protections or workers’ rights. That is absolutely the wrong direction of travel.<br />
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Although the EU is not perfect, EU membership has—in my view—been good for Scotland. It has helped to ensure that we have high environmental standards, significant consumer protections, and protection for workers. Those standards and protections apply consistently to all member states. A level playing field in law, based on existing EU standards, will provide certainty and continuity for our economy and businesses, and help our progress towards a net zero emissions economy.<br />
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I am determined that Scotland will remain aligned with our European partners on devolved matters. We will not accept any regression of protections, and I still hope that we will see the same approach being taken across the UK.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com