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Official Report: search what was said in Parliament

The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.  

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Dates of parliamentary sessions
  1. Session 1: 12 May 1999 to 31 March 2003
  2. Session 2: 7 May 2003 to 2 April 2007
  3. Session 3: 9 May 2007 to 22 March 2011
  4. Session 4: 11 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
  5. Session 5: 12 May 2016 to 5 May 2021
  6. Current session: 12 May 2021 to 9 May 2025
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Displaying 1339 contributions

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Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Fishing Industry

Meeting date: 30 April 2025

Karen Adam

They say that that argument is wearing thin, that the mask has worn off and that they know that it was the UK Government that was representing them at the table in negotiations and making bum deals.

Today’s debate matters, but we need more than debates to protect the industry—we need clear-eyed realism and workable solutions. The fishing industry is about more than boats and quotas; it includes processors, engineers, harbour staff, lorry drivers, environmental officers, night watchmen and many others, who all work hand in glove. We cannot talk about supporting the sector while ignoring infrastructure and the people who keep it going.

I will support the Scottish Government’s amendment because it reflects something that the motion misses: decisions about Scotland’s waters are still being made without proper consultation with the Scottish Government. I was really sad to hear Tim Eagle say that he did not think that we would be competent enough to negotiate on our own.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Fishing Industry

Meeting date: 30 April 2025

Karen Adam

I will carry on with my speech, but if the member wants me to go into that, I am quite happy—I am sure that the minister will be, too—to talk to him about that after the debate.

The UK Government looks set to negotiate a multiyear access deal with the EU. Again, Scotland risks being left out of the room, which follows a pattern set by both Labour and Conservative Governments in London. I understand that the UK Government is thinking about the UK as a whole, but that is the problem. We were told that Brexit was about taking back control, but that control did not come to Scotland—it stayed in London, which is as far away geographically as it is from understanding what the fishers of the north-east actually need.

The motion focuses on what Labour might do, but it ignores what the Conservatives did. It was the Tories who negotiated that deal. Labour might be carrying the baton, but it was the Conservatives who handed it to them.

Tim Eagle should perhaps have a word with his colleagues at Aberdeenshire Council, because local decisions matter, too. Conservative-led Aberdeenshire Council removed the night watchman service at Macduff harbour. It did not just cut a post; it put vessels, property and lives at risk. Members cannot claim to be protecting the fishing industry in Parliament while stripping its support on the ground.

As convener of the cross-party group on fisheries and coastal communities, I have worked with stakeholders across the board and I have invited members from all parties to contribute, because if we want support for our fishers, we need to act and not just speak. I am here to represent them and I want not just warm words but fair outcomes. I am willing to work across parties to make that happen for the benefit of the people in my constituency of Banffshire and Buchan Coast. Debates are good, but what we really need is real power in the hands of Scottish fishers.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

Motion to Remove a Member of the Committee

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Good morning, and welcome to the 10th meeting in 2025 of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. Maggie Chapman and Evelyn Tweed will attend remotely.

The first item of business is consideration of motion S6M-17314, in the name of Tess White, on the removal of Maggie Chapman from office as a member of the committee. I refer members to paper 1 and I invite Tess White to speak to and move her motion.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Thank you. We move to questions from Maggie Chapman.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

Motion to Remove a Member of the Committee

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Maggie Chapman, are you satisfied that you have said what you needed to say, or do you wish to take up Tess White’s invitation to speak?

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

We are rapidly running out of time. We have had questions from only three members of the committee and we are still to hear from four members. I ask for the answers to be as succinct as possible, because I want all members to have their questions answered. However, please do not cut out essential information.

I am minded to extend our time a bit, but we have to be mindful that time is finite. Thank you for what has been a fantastic evidence session so far.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Charlie McMillan can come in briefly.

12:30  

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Lorne Berkley’s microphone is working now. Lorne, it would be really helpful if you could keep your mic unmuted for the remainder of the session, but be aware that you will be live.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

Motion to Remove a Member of the Committee

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

Maggie Chapman has indicated that she would like to accept the committee’s invitation to speak.

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft]

Motion to Remove a Member of the Committee

Meeting date: 29 April 2025

Karen Adam

I invite Tess White to wind up and indicate whether she wishes to press or withdraw her motion.