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Between 1990 and 2022, Scotland’s emissions halved, while the economy grew by 66.6 per cent. That shows us that climate action and economic growth and prosperity can be achieved simultaneously—Scotland has already done it.

Ensuring the future security and prosperity of our oil and gas workers must be at the heart of our plans for a just transition towards net zero. How will the Scottish Government ensure that that is the case, and what is the minister’s message to the sector?

I thank my colleague Michelle Thomson for bringing this vitally important motion before the Parliament.

The 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica is not only a time to mourn the 8,372 lives lost; it is a time to reflect on the responsibilities that we carry as parliamentarians, as educators and as human beings. We say never again, but that promise must live in action, not just in memory, because genocide does not begin with weapons; it begins with words, dehumanisation, division and the slow erosion of empathy.

It is in our schools, our homes and our institutions that we must build the resilience to resist that, which is why I am proud to mention the young people and teachers at Banff academy in my constituency. This year, three of its religious, moral and philosophical studies pupils received national recognition in the Beyond Srebrenica national schools competition for their powerful and compassionate writing about the genocide.

Finlay in secondary 4 was named the overall senior phase winner, and he will soon travel to Bosnia on a fully funded visit, including a trip to the Srebrenica memorial centre. Kellan and Nikolas, both in S3, were also highly commended. All three pupils and the staff who supported them are here in the Parliament today, and I am delighted to welcome them, along with other Banff academy pupils, who are here to celebrate and support one another’s achievements.

Earlier this year, Banff academy also took part in a powerful international art project called “Banff to Bethlehem”, working with a Palestinian artist to explore themes of resilience and solidarity. The Banff academy pupils’ artwork was actually projected on to the separation wall in the West Bank. That is essential education with critical engagement, teaching not just what it means to care but what it means to act.

In a year that marks both 80 years since victory in Europe day and 30 years since the horror of Srebrenica, education such as this could not be more vital. Schools do more than teach lessons; they ensure that fostering emotional intelligence, social responsibility and a deep understanding of justice is a part of our education system. After all, is that not the most important education that we could give our children?

We have a moral duty not to look away from what has happened and is happening in the world. The genocide in Srebrenica happened in plain sight, in a United Nations-declared safe zone, and it was made possible by years of hate speech, scapegoating and propaganda. The Mothers of Srebrenica, who have fought tirelessly for justice and recognition, show us the enduring cost of silence and the strength of truth. I commend the work of Remembering Srebrenica and Beyond Srebrenica for preserving the truth and passing it on to future generations. Their efforts ensure that remembrance is not a relic of the past, but a living force that challenges hate wherever it surfaces.

Let us be clear: when we see the rise of far-right rhetoric in the United Kingdom and witness on-going atrocities around the world, including in Palestine, we must not lose our moral clarity. We do not meet hate with hedging, but with courage and conscience.

True leadership is not found in dog whistles or division but in the values that we pass on to our children, in the stories that we choose to tell and in the communities that we choose to stand with. Today, as we honour those who died in Srebrenica, we must also commit ourselves to the living—to standing up for truth, dignity and justice. The greatest lesson to learn is that we must ensure that “Never again” is not just a phrase that we say but a promise that we keep.

Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on the activity that has been delivered through the additional £30 million that was allocated in 2024-25 to reduce waiting times in NHS Grampian? What further work will the Scottish Government undertake to ensure that reductions continue?

Good morning, and welcome to the 14th meeting in 2025, in session 6, of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. We have received apologies from Maggie Chapman, and Paul O’Kane and Tess White join us remotely.

Our first agenda item is a decision on whether to take in private agenda item 3, which is an opportunity for the committee to consider its annual report. Do we agree to take that item in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you. We move to questions, and I will kick us off. Our inquiry witnesses so far have all indicated that they would like to see a significant increase in investment in legal aid. Why does the Scottish Legal Aid Board not think that fee increases are enough to deal with the issues that we currently face in the civil legal aid system?

Do you think that fee increases should not happen, or do you think that they should happen, along with other changes of structure?

Over the past few weeks, witnesses have made a number of suggestions about lessening the administrative burden on solicitors. One was that the double audit should be removed, and another was that SLAB should deal directly with third parties on payment of outlays. What are your thoughts on those suggestions?

Thank you—it is helpful to know your opinion on that.

Thank you. We move on to questions from Marie McNair.

That brings to a close the evidence-taking session with our first panel of witnesses, but I just want to ensure that all members have been able to ask everything that they wish to ask.

I see that Marie McNair wants to come in.