Seòmar agus comataidhean

I will open up the conversation and ask whether the witnesses feel that there is any detail missing from the bill in regard to CPD or whether there should be a focus on any particular groups, such as tenants and young farmers.

The committee and I, as a constituency MSP, have seen some fantastic examples of diversification on farms, particularly in areas such as agri-tourism. That is often driven by the female force on the farms. They help to support rural communities to thrive. We have seen fantastic examples of employment opportunities for local young people in those environments. Do you think that that should be considered in this process? It is very much tied to the agricultural side of things.

Good morning. I have a question about citizen participation as part of our human rights budgeting approach. Where do you feel that such participation is best placed? Is that best done in committees or should the Scottish Government play a more direct role when it comes to citizen participation?

I will go to Clare Gallagher first, please.

It is great to get that feedback on the committee’s deliberative approach. As a member, I found it very beneficial to be in touch with citizens in that way. It was part of an educational process.

With regard to how we proceeded with our work, do you feel that other committees would benefit from our deliberative approach towards participatory budgeting? You mentioned cross-portfolio and collegiate working. Would it be beneficial for other committees to do that, too?

No, thank you.

It is not often that I agree with my colleague Jeremy Balfour, but I agree with his statement that we are in the last days of a dying nationalist Government—the one at Westminster.

The debate marks the publication of the seventh paper in the Scottish Government’s “Building a New Scotland” series. The first paper in the series set out a detailed analysis of the UK’s performance across a range of economic and social indicators relative to that of 10 European countries, including Norway, which is a member of EFTA, and Denmark, which is a full member of the EU. That analysis of the economic and social performance of the UK, and therefore that of Scotland within it, in comparison with 10 countries suggested overwhelmingly that independent countries of Scotland’s size do better. That is particularly true of independent countries of Scotland’s size in the internal market—be that via EFTA or as a full member of the EU.

Last summer, I stood atop the picturesque clifftop at Rosehearty, in my constituency, and looked across the North Sea. Aside from providing spectacular coastal scenery, those rocks are the closest point of our mainland to Norway. If members looked at the 16th century Carta marina map, they would be forgiven for thinking that Scotland was just a stone’s throw from Norway and Denmark. The first map of the Nordic countries to give details and place names greatly exaggerates our proximity, but our relative closeness in geography and culture has meant that, for many centuries, the commercial and social connections between Scotland and the rest of Europe—particularly its northern reaches—have gone from strength to strength.

It therefore came as a surprise to no one that Scotland voted by nearly two to one to remain in the European Union. Scotland is European. I have said that before, I say it again and I will continue to say it for as long as I have the privilege to be a representative in Scotland’s national Parliament, because the democratic will of Scotland will not be ignored.

This might be an inconvenient detail for the unionists, but remaining in the European Union is the clear will of the Scottish people. Scots now find that our membership of the internal market, our freedom of movement and the social, cultural and economic benefits that came with that have been stolen from us by a UK Government and an indifferent Westminster Opposition, which delivered us the hardest of Brexits on a vote that was won by the narrowest of margins south of the border and was based on many lies—lies about taking back control and about a Britain that is bursting at the seams.

The most egregious lie affected the coastal communities, which put their faith in the UK Government to deliver for them a sea of opportunity. When I spoke with fisheries stakeholders recently, I was given numerous examples of seafood-processing businesses that are still suffering the consequences of this denial of Scottish democracy, more than seven and a half years on from the vote. Some of those businesses are composed of up to 90 per cent migrant workers. Our loss of freedom of movement, coupled with hostile immigration policies, is threatening Scotland’s flagship industries.

We have all heard the stories of shellfish rotting on the way to European markets because of the new UK Government red tape, but it is not only fisheries that have been let down. Our farmers are being undercut by the few trade deals that the UK Government has managed to negotiate. We could not export our seed potatoes, and our soft fruits have been rotting on the vine at each harvest without adequate numbers of seasonal workers to pick them. All of us have heard about the hospitality sector’s woes because of staffing shortages. I have met hoteliers in my constituency, where the lack of chefs has been extraordinarily detrimental to local services.

Perhaps the saddest point of all is about the impact that Brexit will have on the futures of Scotland’s children. In the past couple of weeks, some of my children have been preparing their university applications, which has caused me to reflect on the opportunities that they might have in years to come. With the UK Government’s refusal to negotiate membership of the Erasmus+ programme, Westminster has deprived many young Scots of the opportunity to live, learn and exchange across the continent. I urge the Scottish Government to do all that it can to restore Scotland’s membership of that cross-border educational, social and cultural initiative, which does much to build friendships across borders and maintain lasting peace in Europe.

Independence offers Scotland the opportunity to rejoin the European Union and regain all that we have lost. Scotland’s history is interwoven with the histories of our European neighbours; Scotland’s present is as European as our past; and Scotland’s future is as an independent state in the European Union.

Does the member believe that a statement of fantasy could be “Vote no to stay in the EU”?

I am having flashbacks to smells of sour milk and cabbage, so I thank Rachael Hamilton for that.

I am delighted to take part in this debate on a subject that is very close to my heart—no pun intended. Today, I am, of course, speaking as an MSP, but I am also speaking as a mother who breastfed six children in very different circumstances. Each experience was unique. Although I loved it, it was sometimes fraught with significant—and painful—challenges.

Before I begin, I emphasise that I have the utmost respect for the varied choices and circumstances of all parents. Some face medical, physical or personal issues that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible. It is vital to remember that the ultimate goal is the child’s health and wellbeing; we must all embrace the “fed is best” principle. What matters most is that children are nourished, loved and cared for, whether through breastfeeding, formula feeding or a combination of both. In Scotland, we must strive to create an inclusive society in which everyone feels supported, irrespective of feeding choices.

In reflecting on my own journey, I cannot help but recognise how different each experience of postpartum motherhood was for me, particularly my first time as a mother, aged 16, in 1991, and my last, at the age of 36, in 2011. The societal landscape around breastfeeding and maternal support underwent a significant transformation over those two decades, but so did I, as an individual.

Navigating the challenges of breastfeeding as a young mother, aged 16, was daunting. The support and messaging around breastfeeding were different then, and advocating for myself, as a young person, in the face of those challenges was not always easy. I was more vulnerable, less informed and heavily reliant on the support systems around me. That is the reality for many first-time mothers, especially those in non-supportive environments, so the role of professional support in those formative stages cannot be overstated.

That experience starkly contrasted with my journey at age 36, when I found myself being more confident and assertive. The societal messaging around breastfeeding had evolved, and so had the support structures. More important, I had evolved, too. I was better equipped both emotionally and intellectually to advocate for my needs and those of my child.

The needs of each of my children were different, and my body responded differently each time. From feeding for three months to doing so for as long as two years with another of my children, what stood out was the incredible support that I received from midwives, health visitors and those in my circle.

I will go on to talk about why it ended a bit early, but one of the perks of breastfeeding is its convenience and, particularly, the cost.

The guidance, encouragement and expertise that I got from the professionals and my circle around me were vital, as they helped me not only to feed but to believe in my ability to nourish and nurture. That is vital, because I can attest to the fact that, unfortunately, the negative perceptions and a lack of understanding from those around me at one time in my life, coupled with my vulnerable postpartum state, led to a premature end to one of my breastfeeding journeys. I was disappointed with that, but it just shows how far support can take us.

Such contrasts and experiences highlight an essential aspect of our discussion: the varied needs of mothers at different stages of their lives. They underscore the importance of tailored support and recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach does not suffice. After all, every mother’s journey is unique, and our support systems must be flexible and responsive to those varying needs.

As we delve deeper into the subject of breastfeeding in Scotland, it is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the Scottish Government’s commendable efforts and achievements in this policy area. The Scottish Government has not only recognised the importance of breastfeeding but taken concrete action to support it across the nation.

One of the most notable achievements is the significant investment of more than £9 million in breastfeeding initiatives. The Scottish Government has shown a strong commitment to enhancing breastfeeding support services. That funding has been instrumental in increasing breastfeeding rates and reducing inequalities in breastfeeding across Scotland, and it reflects a dedicated effort to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the best start in life.

Furthermore, the Government’s endorsement of the UNICEF UK baby friendly initiative and its integration of that initiative in maternal, neonatal and community settings have been game changing. By embedding that initiative in the NHS and in core nursing and maternity education curricula, Scotland has taken a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of care for mothers and babies. The initiative not only promotes breastfeeding but supports mothers in developing a strong bond with their babies, which is crucial for the overall wellbeing of mother and child.

In addition to those initiatives, the Scottish Government has actively worked towards creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. The national breastfeeding friendly Scotland scheme, which encourages businesses and public spaces to welcome and support breastfeeding mothers, is testament to that effort. The initiative is a significant step in normalising breastfeeding in public and making society more inclusive and supportive of mothers’ choices.

Members should note that, although supporting breastfeeding in public is vital, calling for rooms where breastfeeding can be done in private adds to a mother’s choice. Last night, I asked my daughter, my first child, whom I had the honour and joy of seeing breastfeeding my two granddaughters—her two children—for her thoughts on the debate. She said that, ultimately, it was about support and choice. Although it is great to encourage breastfeeding in public, many women want to feed completely topless. Some have fussy feeders who wriggle and roll around and make a mess, which they find quite difficult to navigate in a public setting. Therefore, they prefer a private place, so it is essential to have that option.

I express my gratitude to the Scottish Government for its support and commitment to breastfeeding, because I know how important it is. Those efforts have not only made a significant difference to the lives of countless mothers and children but positioned Scotland as a leader in promoting and supporting breastfeeding.