Skip to main content

Language: English / Gàidhlig

Loading…

Seòmar agus comataidhean

Official Report: search what was said in Parliament

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

Criathragan Hide all filters

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 17 February 2025
Select which types of business to include


Select level of detail in results

Displaying 801 contributions

|

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Meeting date: 23 January 2025

Christine Grahame

As Ross Greer knows, I cannot support his amendments 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18, but I thoroughly support the sentiment and motivation behind them. For more than a decade, I have campaigned for a ban on the use of shock collars. Before Ross Greer came to the Parliament, I held an event at which I encouraged MSPs to try a shock collar on their wrists. Few did, and some got really upset, because shock collars deliver different levels of pain and the reaction depends on the dog. Therefore, I will take no lessons from anyone in here—not a single person—about my commitment to a ban on shock collars. My call for a ban remains.

I thank everyone for speaking in the debate. However, as a legislator—not with my political hat on but as a legislator—I have to ask this: is what has been proposed the way to introduce a ban with a robust and enforceable legal framework, and has that been tested through our established parliamentary processes, as Edward Mountain said?

To say that I am hiding behind process is not correct . Process is essential—

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Meeting date: 23 January 2025

Christine Grahame

I thank Ariane Burgess for lodging amendment 23. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have long highlighted the need for all Scottish Governments to treat members’ bills in the same manner as their own bills, once they are enacted as law. They both become acts of the Scottish Parliament, so it follows that the provision of resources for public awareness campaigns should go without saying. In this case, sections 7(1) and 7(2) of the bill already require that they are provided, not just when the code is introduced but when they are needed.

Members’ bills get publicity at their birth, but they do not get it thereafter in the same way that Government bills do. They should be treated the same.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill

Meeting date: 23 January 2025

Christine Grahame

I was going to move it in my closing speech, but I am happy to do it now if it makes everybody content.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill be passed.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

First Minister’s Question Time

Meeting date: 23 January 2025

Christine Grahame

To ask the First Minister, in light of the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President, and the reported prospect of import tariffs, what sectors of Scottish business it anticipates may be most affected. (S6F-03735)

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Electricity Infrastructure Consenting

Meeting date: 22 January 2025

Christine Grahame

Will the member give way?

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Electricity Infrastructure Consenting

Meeting date: 22 January 2025

Christine Grahame

It is a pity that I have only four minutes for my speech, so I cannot take interventions.

There is a proposal by Scottish Power Energy Networks for a string of pylons partly across my constituency. Although I support a move to more green and renewable energy, with much of it being generated in my local area—which, of course, means increased grid capacity—I cannot support the current proposed route, which would involve an invasive network of pylons cutting through the beautiful Borders landscape. There would not even be community benefit.

The proposal is not about keeping the lights on in Scotland. When SPEN made a presentation to Scottish Borders Council in December, it was clear that the line was being driven by UK Government energy targets and that minimal energy would be transmitted the other way, so the proposal is primarily about meeting energy demands in the south.

Legislation and regulations related to electricity networks are reserved, and the National Energy System Operator is responsible for a strategic approach to transmission investment. It is for the transmission owner—in this case, SPEN—to analyse the impact of a proposal and ensure that the views of local communities, for example, are considered. I emphasise that the Scottish Government has no role in that process apart from in relation to its statutory planning and consenting processes, which come into operation at the very end of the UK energy processes.

The fourth national planning framework—NPF4—influences all planning and consenting decisions to ensure that the sustainable expansion of our electricity networks protects our most valued natural assets and cultural heritage. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Indeed, I have already raised my concerns about the potential disruption to the invaluable and successful South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project in the Tweed valley.

The irony is that the south of Scotland produces more than four times the electricity that it requires but does not benefit from any local electricity pricing. The proposed pylons will stream that electricity south, where, ironically, standing charges are cheaper—41.57p per day in London from January to April this year, but 64.16p per day in the south of Scotland.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Electricity Infrastructure Consenting

Meeting date: 22 January 2025

Christine Grahame

We need energy to be devolved, which would bring energy and planning together. That would open the door to community benefits for communities that might be affected and to local energy pricing. The Conservatives will never agree to that—so be it. I say to Mr Lumsden that this debate has produced more heat than light.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Electricity Infrastructure Consenting

Meeting date: 22 January 2025

Christine Grahame

Yes—I have sat down.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Women’s State Pensions (Compensation)

Meeting date: 21 January 2025

Christine Grahame

I am sorry, but the light is not coming on, despite me pressing the button. My request-to-speak button has come on, and I have not touched it.

Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Women’s State Pensions (Compensation)

Meeting date: 21 January 2025

Christine Grahame

Will the member take an intervention?