Seòmar agus comataidhean

Maggie Chapman has a supplementary.

We now move on to questions on the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021. I call Pam Gosal.

Are members content that they have asked the minister and his officials everything that they would like to ask?

I thank the minister and his officials for joining us. We now move into private session to consider the remaining items on our agenda.

I ask for members’ patience as I talk with this raspy voice today.

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak in the chamber on human rights day. Human rights are often spoken of in grand terms, but at their core, they are about the basics of how we treat one another. They are about ensuring that, no matter who someone is, they can live with dignity and have their voice heard and their needs met. For me, that is what makes human rights not just a policy issue but a matter of justice and fairness.

Scotland has made real strides in human rights. We have championed equal marriage, set up the Scottish Human Rights Commission and worked to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into our laws. Those achievements did not happen by accident; they happened because we chose to put people and their rights first. However, time and again, we have hit the same wall—our constitutional limitations.

Take the UNCRC bill: the Parliament unanimously backed legislation to protect the rights of every child in Scotland, but Westminster challenged it. Parts of the bill were ruled to be outwith our competence, forcing us to dilute its scope. That was not a failure of the Scottish Parliament or of our Government—it was a failure of a system that prevents us from fully delivering what Scotland needs.

That is just one example. The gap between Scotland’s priorities and Westminster’s actions is widening. Brexit stripped us of the EU charter of fundamental rights. Discussions in Westminster about scrapping the Human Rights Act 1998 or withdrawing from the European convention on human rights send a chilling message about the direction of travel. While Scotland is trying to strengthen protections, we are left mitigating the damage caused by policies that we did not vote for.

That brings me to the proposed human rights bill. It is one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation that Scotland has ever considered. The bill is not about lofty ideals; it is about addressing the real, immediate challenges that people face every day. It aims to incorporate international treaties that recognise the rights to adequate food, housing, healthcare and a healthy environment. Those are fundamental rights that underpin a decent standard of living and a fair society.

The bill could be transformative for Scotland. It could provide a legal framework that protects people from discrimination and gives real meaning to the idea of equality. The Government has said that it will bring the bill forward in the next session. Although that is welcome, we cannot ignore the urgency of the issues that the bill is designed to address.

Let us be honest, Presiding Officer: even with that bill, we are still operating within limits. Until Scotland has full powers, we will continue to face barriers.

I acknowledge that the cabinet secretary is optimistic about the constructive working relationship that we hope to have with the new UK Government. I sincerely hope that we have some progress on that. However, for the ability to make decisions that work for Scotland and ensure that the rights of everyone in Scotland can be protected without interference or compromise, the ideal is Scottish independence.

This is not just about Scotland. On human rights day, we are reminded of our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to protect and uphold human rights. As part of the Council of Europe for 75 years, we have seen how international collaboration can strengthen democracy and the rule of law. Scotland has a role to play in that, but we need the powers to act as an equal partner on the world stage.

As we mark this occasion, we must recognise the progress that we have made but also the work that remains. Scotland has the ambition and the talent to be a leader in human rights, but we need the tools to deliver.

Legislation such as the human rights bill will be a vital step forward, and that must be met with the urgency that it deserves. However, if we are serious about protecting and advancing human rights, we must be serious about Scotland’s future as an independent country.

I ask for members’ patience as I talk with this raspy voice today.

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak in the chamber on human rights day. Human rights are often spoken of in grand terms, but at their core, they are about the basics of how we treat one another. They are about ensuring that, no matter who someone is, they can live with dignity and have their voice heard and their needs met. For me, that is what makes human rights not just a policy issue but a matter of justice and fairness.

Scotland has made real strides in human rights. We have championed equal marriage, set up the Scottish Human Rights Commission and worked to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into our laws. Those achievements did not happen by accident; they happened because we chose to put people and their rights first. However, time and again, we have hit the same wall—our constitutional limitations.

Take the UNCRC bill: the Parliament unanimously backed legislation to protect the rights of every child in Scotland, but Westminster challenged it. Parts of the bill were ruled to be outwith our competence, forcing us to dilute its scope. That was not a failure of the Scottish Parliament or of our Government—it was a failure of a system that prevents us from fully delivering what Scotland needs.

That is just one example. The gap between Scotland’s priorities and Westminster’s actions is widening. Brexit stripped us of the EU charter of fundamental rights. Discussions in Westminster about scrapping the Human Rights Act 1998 or withdrawing from the European convention on human rights send a chilling message about the direction of travel. While Scotland is trying to strengthen protections, we are left mitigating the damage caused by policies that we did not vote for.

That brings me to the proposed human rights bill. It is one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation that Scotland has ever considered. The bill is not about lofty ideals; it is about addressing the real, immediate challenges that people face every day. It aims to incorporate international treaties that recognise the rights to adequate food, housing, healthcare and a healthy environment. Those are fundamental rights that underpin a decent standard of living and a fair society.

The bill could be transformative for Scotland. It could provide a legal framework that protects people from discrimination and gives real meaning to the idea of equality. The Government has said that it will bring the bill forward in the next session. Although that is welcome, we cannot ignore the urgency of the issues that the bill is designed to address.

Let us be honest, Presiding Officer: even with that bill, we are still operating within limits. Until Scotland has full powers, we will continue to face barriers.

I acknowledge that the cabinet secretary is optimistic about the constructive working relationship that we hope to have with the new UK Government. I sincerely hope that we have some progress on that. However, for the ability to make decisions that work for Scotland and ensure that the rights of everyone in Scotland can be protected without interference or compromise, the ideal is Scottish independence.

This is not just about Scotland. On human rights day, we are reminded of our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to protect and uphold human rights. As part of the Council of Europe for 75 years, we have seen how international collaboration can strengthen democracy and the rule of law. Scotland has a role to play in that, but we need the powers to act as an equal partner on the world stage.

As we mark this occasion, we must recognise the progress that we have made but also the work that remains. Scotland has the ambition and the talent to be a leader in human rights, but we need the tools to deliver.

Legislation such as the human rights bill will be a vital step forward, and that must be met with the urgency that it deserves. However, if we are serious about protecting and advancing human rights, we must be serious about Scotland’s future as an independent country.

I am honoured to speak today on an issue that means a great deal to me and to Scotland. Our veterans and our armed forces community represent courage, sacrifice and service, and their contributions—during and after their military careers—continue to enrich our society in many ways. We owe them not just our gratitude but real support to help them thrive in civilian life. This debate is not just about recognition, it is about delivering the action that they deserve.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting battlefields and war graves in the north of France. Walking through those solemn spaces, I was deeply moved by the sacrifices that were made by many people, including many Scots, for the sake of future generations. Their bravery leaves us with a debt that we must honour. Regardless of how we feel about the reasons behind any war, we can all agree on the need to support those who stand ready to defend us. Our veterans are not just part of history—they are a vital part of our here and now, enriching our communities with their strength and skills.

In my constituency of Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I am fortunate to know veterans such as David Jarvis, a winner at the Invictus games. David’s story is one of resilience and determination, and he has used sport not just to rebuild himself but to inspire others. Through his efforts, he has shone a light on the challenges that veterans face, particularly in adapting to civilian life, and has shown what is possible when we provide the right support. His work goes beyond his personal achievements. He has become an advocate for veterans, demonstrating how they can excel when their potential is recognised and nurtured. David’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the talent and strength within our armed forces community, and his example should inspire us all to redouble our efforts to support them.

The Scottish Government has already taken important steps in that regard. Initiatives such as the veterans strategy action plan, the veterans mental health advisory group and the inclusion of veteran status in the census highlight a commitment to addressing the unique needs of our armed forces community. Those achievements deserve recognition, as they reflect the dedication of this Government to ensuring that veterans and their families can access the services and opportunities that they deserve. However, even as we celebrate that progress, we must also acknowledge that challenges remain, and that is why I welcome the announcement that the Scottish veterans fund will this year help to support vital charities with funding of almost £500,000.

The veterans mental health and wellbeing action plan and the development of a dedicated mental health pathway are vital. Veterans deserve timely, person-centred care that addresses the unique challenges that they face, and we must continue to prioritise that area. Veterans Link Scotland, a veterans voice group that brings the lived experiences of veterans to the forefront of policymaking, is a valuable tool in that effort. By listening to those who are directly affected, we can ensure that support systems are accessible and effective.

Employment opportunities are also critical to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life. Programmes such as the military skills and qualifications discovery tool and the civil service guaranteed interview scheme are excellent examples of how we can help veterans translate their military skills into civilian success. Expanding those initiatives and working with employers to challenge stigma will unlock even more potential within our armed forces community. Veterans bring a wealth of experience and skills to the civilian workforce and, by fostering opportunities, we can ensure that they continue to thrive and contribute to society.

From mental health to employment, the Scottish Government, alongside its partners, is making a real difference. However, there is more to do and, together, I hope that we can ensure that Scotland remains a place where every veteran is valued and supported.

To our veterans, I say this: your contributions matter, and your sacrifices are honoured.

This week marks the beginning of the global 16 days of activism campaign to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls, which is key to creating a society where women and girls can live safely. With that in mind, what action is the Government taking to reduce violence against women and girls.

To ask the Scottish Government what support is available this winter to people on low incomes, particularly as temperatures drop and in light of the reported predicted increase in energy prices. (S6O-04025)

Over the past few weeks, I have been hosting a number of informative drop-ins across Banffshire and Buchan Coast for constituents who are concerned about high fuel bills. Amid all the uncertainty caused by the UK Government’s budgetary decisions this winter, low-income households in Scotland can at least be assured that they can access regular annual support in the form of the Scottish winter heating payment. Is the cabinet secretary aware of how many households are likely to benefit from that payment compared with the unreliable UK cold weather payment that it replaced in 2022?