[Stronsaylimpet] Liam McArthur's Holyrood Highlights - 15.09.23

Fri Sep 15 16:54:21 UTC 2023

Monday this week started with a meeting at the NFUS Orkney offices on 
Junction Road. Issues covered included the Scottish Government’s plans 
for reform of payments and regulation through a long-awaited Agriculture 
Bill, goose management and the ongoing review of livestock transport. 
The meeting ended abruptly when news came through from the Mart that the 
*major livestock sale was ‘on hold’ after a dozen ‘buyers’ were left 
stranded* in Aberdeen due to a delay in the flight. I spent the next 
hour or so *on the phone to Loganair, NFUS and the Mart* trying to find 
a resolution. Eventually the sale of around 900 cattle went ahead three 
hours late after a number of the buyers agreed to delay returning south 
until the next morning. With further key sales due to take place over 
coming weeks, there is understandable concern that these too may be 
affected by flight disruption. It is something I have followed up again 
with Loganair, along with many of the other cases raised with me by 
constituents affected by delayed and cancelled flights recently.

Later on Monday, Alistair and I had an online meeting with Community 
Energy Scotland to discuss the importance of encouraging the 
*community-owned energy sector* and concerns over recent UK Government 
measures that appear to exclude Scottish-based projects. Orkney is 
already home to a number of excellent projects that are very effective 
at recycling benefits back into the local community.  You can find out 
more about CES here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790441/427305095/331579956?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent dealing with casework, and taking 
part in an opinion survey in return for which a donation will be made to 
the Orkney Foodbank, which I know has seen a sharp rise in demand over 
recent months.  There was still time to pop along to St Magnus Cathedral 
to see for myself the wonderful Sun exhibition that has been the 
stand-out from this year’s *Orkney International Science Festival*. 
Photos of the installation have been cropping up on social media over 
the past week or so and it really didn’t disappoint. After another 
highly successful festival, I was happy to lodge a parliamentary motion 
recognising that success, which you can read here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790442/427305096/1015489760?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

On Tuesday morning I flew down to Edinburgh where my first engagement 
was a meeting with the speaker and ‘presidium’ of the Faroese ‘Løgting’, 
which is their devolved parliament. The Faroe Islands have strong 
cultural and historical links to Scotland, in particular the Northern 
Isles. While it was only a short meeting, it was a pleasure to welcome 
the speaker and her delegation for what was the first official visit to 
Holyrood. I was also very grateful for the invitation I received to 
visit Faroe, an offer I fully intend to take up, hopefully next year.

Back in my office, I caught up on emails, including a number from 
constituents concerned about the potential closure of the mobile cinema, 
Screen Machine. Over the last 25 years, Screen Machine has been a 
popular visitor to communities across the Highlands & Islands, including 
here in Orkney, as I know from personal experience. As such, *I have 
offered my support to the campaign for the Scottish Government to work 
with the operators in finding funding to allow Screen Machine to 
continue*. I’ve lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, which has 
gained cross party support. You can find my motion here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790443/427305097/1015620835?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>, 
and read my further comments here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790444/427305099/-610767888?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

After Parliamentary Bureau and my weekly meeting with the Scottish Lib 
Dem parliamentary team, I joined my Shetland colleague Beatrice Wishart 
MSP for a meeting with David Richardson, development manager for the 
Federation of Small Businesses in the Highlands and Islands. It was 
useful to hear about the results of the FSB’s latest survey of business 
opinion in the region. You can find out more about FSB’s work here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790445/427305100/-208047798?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

Business in the afternoon started with a ministerial statement on Drugs 
Deaths, which you can read here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790446/427305101/-465008472?meeting=15430&iob=131639&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 
I was then in the chair for a Scottish Government debate celebrating the 
resilience of Scotland’s food and drink sector, which focussed on *the 
contributions of farmers and SME business owners* to ensuring Scottish 
products are exported across the country and the world, playing a key 
role in our domestic economy and providing jobs. As usual, it provided a 
good excuse for MSP colleagues to namecheck a wide array of food and 
drink businesses from their constituencies and regions. You can watch 
that debate here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790448/427305102/1192352508?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>, 
and read the transcript here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790449/427305103/-465008472?meeting=15430&iob=131643&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 
Following decision time, there was a Members’ Debate on child poverty, 
which I also chaired, and which can be found here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790450/427305104/598913482?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233> 
and here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790451/427305105/-465008472?meeting=15430&iob=131646&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

That evening, I attended a parliamentary reception celebrating the 
importance of volunteering in Scottish sport. The event highlighted *how 
crucial volunteering is to the delivery of grassroots sports in 
communities around Scotland*, and how much it helps bring those 
communities together. I certainly see that very vividly here in Orkney 
where we are fortunate to have a thriving mix of sports clubs and 
organised activities, thanks to the work done by an army of volunteers 
and helpers. On a personal level, I am really enjoying my new roles as a 
football referee and carrying out bar duties at Orkney Rugby Club. As 
well as thanking those who already volunteer their time, I’d encourage 
others to get involved in whatever capacity. Meantime, you can find out 
more about the work of the Scottish Sports Association here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790452/427305106/571849516?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

I sloped away before the end of the reception in order to find a pub in 
which to watch Scotland take on England in a friendly marking the 150th 
anniversary of the first clash between the teams. The less said about 
the game the better, but the defeat will hopefully have stiffened 
Scotland’s resolve to seal qualification for the next Euro 
Championships, following an unbelievable run of form.

Wednesday began at the EICC and the annual congress of the Association 
of Anaesthetists, where I took part in a *panel discussion about my 
Assisted Dying Bill*. The panel included a palliative care doctor from 
Melbourne in Australia, where voluntary assisted dying has been in place 
for over five years, and a medical professor from Oxford University. 
During the course of the panel discussion, the 250 congress attendees 
were polled on various questions relating to assisted dying. The results 
showed that *just under 80% supported a change in the law*, believing 
the current options available for those at the end of life were 
inadequate. This reflects a growing shift in opinion across the medical 
profession in support of change, with another recent study finding that 
six-in-ten surgeons support assisted dying. Moreover, organisations like 
the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians have 
moved from a position of opposition to neutrality, which is very welcome 
and better reflects the variety of views amongst the respective 
memberships. I hope to introduce my bill to parliament by the end of the 
year.

Once back at parliament, I took part in briefing meetings with my 
Presiding Officer colleagues, before taking the chair for the start of 
afternoon business in the form of Portfolio Questions, first on Rural 
Affairs and then Health. You can find those here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790453/427305108/-1558156462?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233> 
and here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790454/427305109/-386692952?meeting=15433&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

The main business of the day, however, was a well-trailed debate on the 
government’s *short-term lets legislation*. Locally and nationally, the 
new requirements have proved extremely controversial. What was 
originally a proposal designed to deal with ‘party flats’ in Edinburgh 
has come to pose a risk to vital tourism infrastructure across the 
country, including here in Orkney. As well as ‘growing arms and legs’, 
*the legislation has proven to be more rigid and onerous than previously 
promised by Ministers*, who have been unwilling to rethink their 
approach. Having recently joined cross party MSPs in writing to the 
Housing Minister urging a pause, *I voted to support a delay* of 12 
months to allow for a review of proposals that have been subject to 
multiple legal challenges. In the event, SNP and Green MSPs voted to 
proceed as planned. Former SNP Minister, Fergus Ewing rebelled, as did a 
couple of other SNP Ministers, albeit by mistake, but it wasn’t enough 
to alter the outcome. You can watch the debate here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790455/427305110/732309420?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>, 
or read the transcript here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790456/427305111/-386692952?meeting=15433&iob=131670&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

I remained in the Chamber after decision time for a members debate on 
the Bairns’ Hoose. As a member of the Justice Committee in the last 
session, I was involved in cross party efforts to see the adoption in 
Scotland of the Icelandic ‘Barnahus’ model for *supporting children who 
have been victims or witnesses of crime*. Currently in Scotland, these 
vulnerable young people will have to tell and re-tell their story up to 
a dozen times, to social workers and child protection officers and 
judges, often in unfriendly or even hostile settings. This process can 
often ‘re-traumatise’ already vulnerable children. The Barnahus model 
provides a single space that brings child protection, health, recovery 
and justice services under one roof, reducing the need for reliving 
traumatic memories many times and even allowing victims to pre-record 
testimony to avoid hostile cross-interrogation in a courtroom. After 
many years of hard work (especially by the organisations Children 1st 
and Victim Support Scotland), the first Scottish “Bairns’ Hoose” has 
opened north of Glasgow. During a very positive debate, I asked the 
Minister to *look at how this model can be rolled out to other parts of 
the country, including our island communities*. In response, the 
Minister confirmed that this would form part of the ‘pathfinder’ element 
of the process. You can watch my speech here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790457/427305112/-647611601?clip_start=17:43:13&clip_end=17:48:12&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>, 
or read my further comments here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790458/427305113/488090993?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 
You can also watch and read the entire debate here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790460/427305114/-61347519?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233> 
and here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790461/427305115/-386692952?meeting=15433&iob=131673&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

Thursday morning saw me in the office early to catch up on emails and 
casework. In my Deputy Presiding Officer role, I then welcome the 
Slovakian Ambassador on his first visit to the Scottish Parliament. Like 
the Faroese Speaker, the Ambassador expressed a keen interest in 
visiting Orkney at some point in the future.

Following meetings with my Presiding Officer colleagues, parliamentary 
business got underway with General Questions, followed by FMQs, where 
Humza Yousaf sparred with Douglas Ross over possible delays in the roll 
out of bodyworn cameras by police officers in Scotland. Anas Sarwar once 
again focused on health-related issues, this time highlighting figures 
showing a marked increase in Scottish patients paying to go private for 
treatment and operations, including for cancer treatment. You can watch 
proceedings here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790462/427305116/-1445530914?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

I remained in the Chamber after FMQs to chair an extremely busy members 
debate, where MSPs from all parties were united in calling for a *ban on 
single use vapes*. Use of such vapes has grown exponentially, 
particularly amongst children and young people, who have been the target 
of marketing of these products. This undermines any claim that these 
vapes assist in smoking cessation and MSPs set out the *damaging impacts 
in terms of health, the environment and even public safety*, given 
incidents of lithium batteries igniting after disposal. In response, the 
Minister confirmed that joint efforts are underway with UK and Welsh 
government counterparts to see a ban introduced across the UK. You can 
find out more about the campaign on single use vapes here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790463/427305118/446954295?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

While I grabbed a bite to eat over lunchtime, and tackled my inbox, 
afternoon business got underway with Portfolio Questions on Social 
Justice followed by a short debate on the Scottish Government’s 
intention to reintroduce a bill *bringing the United Nations Convention 
on the Rights of the Child into Scottish law*. An earlier attempt to do 
this was ruled by the courts to exceed the devolved competence of the 
Scottish Parliament and was struck down. This second attempt at 
incorporation is more restricted to take account of that ruling, but 
will hopefully bring about positive changes to the rights of children in 
Scotland.  You can watch the debate here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790467/427305119/1356725363?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

Business for the week concluded with a debate on *‘The Role of Football 
in Scottish Society’*, which was originally intended to allow parliament 
to express its collective opposition to proposed restrictions put out to 
consultation by the Traffic Commissioner of the UK which were directed 
at football fans travelling to games. The fury that greeted these 
proposals last week prompted a hasty and welcome retreat by the 
Commissioner, so the debate instead focused on the important role that 
football plays in our communities and Scotland’s national psyche. Sadly, 
as I was in the chair for the debate, I was unable to contribute, but 
you can watch the debate here 
<https://click.ngpvan.com/k/69790468/427305124/-872719558?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9MSUJVSy9MSUJVSy8xLzM4NTM1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjhkZTY3NDIxLWU1NTMtZWUxMS05OTM3LTAwMjI0ODMyZTgxMSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAicmljYXJkaWFuQGNsYXJlbW9udHN0cm9uc2F5LmNvLnVrIg0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=AgAYSW61EbsDNk6Y230bDMs5-Aga7_JcO27ElzmNOZk=&emci=127d7e49-d653-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=8de67421-e553-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=397233>. 

This morning I flew north ahead of a day of meetings with constituents. 
I also had a meeting with the chair and chief executive of Voluntary 
Action Orkney to discuss concerns over *the decision to discontinue 
VAO’s adult befriending service*. I know how much this service has been 
valued within the community, not only by users of the service but by 
staff and volunteers as well. The reaction to the announcement has left 
*little doubt about the public support in Orkney for its continuation* 
and I am keen to explore options for allowing this to happen.

I had an online meeting with representatives from Open Seas about their 
work monitoring Marine Protected Areas, including the one around Papay. 
It was useful to hear about the nature of the work being done by groups 
like Open Seas, and what more they believe is necessary.

Next week

On Monday I will be remotely attending the first meeting of the new 
Cross-Party Group on Ukraine. Down in Edinburgh on Tuesday I have a 
meeting with the Housing Minister and local stakeholders to discuss the 
housing needs in Orkney before hosting an event where we will hear from 
medical practitioners involved in the assisted dying process in 
Australia and Canada. Wednesday includes a meeting with the Food 
Standards Agency about food crime as well as a Cross Party Group on 
Malawi, while Thursday looks like involving quite a bit of chairing 
duties, including a debate on tackling online child abuse.

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