Seòmar agus comataidhean

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reports of criminals using drones to infiltrate prisons. (S6O-04558)

A recent survey of participants in the access all arts fund, which benefits children and young people, found that 92 per cent of recipients experienced a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing, while 82 per cent said that receiving funding helped them to overcome barriers to the arts.

Given the importance of that funding to enable children and young people to flourish in the arts and creative industries sector, what action is being put in place to ensure that that funding continues in coming years?

Information obtained from prisons shows that criminals are increasingly using state-of-the-art technology to avoid security. One drone was found to be full of mobile phone SIM cards, syringes and needles, together with tablets and suspected drugs. Violence among inmates will be an inevitable consequence of drone deliveries. What action can be put in place to ensure that the lives of hard-working prison officers are protected?

I am pleased to take up the opportunity to participate in the debate, and I thank Jackie Dunbar for bringing it to the chamber. Indeed, I contributed to a similar debate when I was my party’s shadow minister for older people.

Generational working together is, and continues to be, a major issue. It is encouraging to hear that, from humble beginnings, the global intergenerational week event has now grown to an international level in just a few years, and now addresses the international issues that make such a difference to the generations. The campaign is a good chance for us to celebrate local opportunities to bring different age groups together to form friendships, to work together, to learn and to make progress.

As members know, I am a co-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on Malawi, and I was delighted to learn recently that the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations has taken on the role of Malawi’s country lead for global intergenerational week. As a consortium of civil society organisations working on ageing issues in Malawi, MANEPO is completely dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of older people across that country.

The motion highlights this year’s theme of intergenerational learning and highlights the findings of the World Health Organization’s “Global Report on Ageism”. The report outlines the negative impact of ageism on society, states that education is a key strategy for addressing it and focuses on the vital progress that has been made. Although it is very much the case that the Government must focus on how we deal with ageism and on how older people are managed, it is vital that we think about how those issues work on an international and intergenerational stage.

It is also important that we look at what the Scottish Government has done in the past. We know that there have been concerns about how the issues of isolation and loneliness are being tackled. There has been some progress in that regard, but we still have a long way to go in order to make the necessary changes. If nothing else, it gives us the context for where we are with regard to our ageing population.

Age Scotland’s report, “The Big Survey 2023”, which contains the results of a survey of people over 50 in Scotland, highlights many areas that need to be addressed and highlighted. Furthermore, a study by the Scottish Fiscal Commission that the BBC highlighted recently has found that issues with people’s health become much more apparent as they get on in years, and discusses how that can be looked at. It says that we face “significant challenges” as a country when it comes to managing how individuals from different generations are supported

As for financing what needs to be done, we are well aware that, over the next 20 years, the spending required could have major impacts on what can and will be achieved. The commission’s study talks about several indicators that relate to the decline in the health of the Scottish population, and we have already talked about how, in the past, health inequalities, isolation and loneliness have been big issues. Since 2012, Scotland’s progress has very much stagnated, and there has been a general decline in healthy life expectancy. There has been a rise in mental health issues, too, as we are, sadly, all aware.

However, it is important that we also consider the positives that can be achieved. Significant health inequalities indicate not only where we are with regard to intergenerational issues but ways of supporting older people to feel part of the process. In saying all this, I echo the words of the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s chairman, Professor Graeme Roy, who has said that

“Scotland faces a real challenge in terms of its overall fiscal sustainability”

when it comes to its ageing—and its unhealthy—population.

I am anxious to hear what the minister will say in her summing-up speech, when she will talk about where we are. However, there is a real opportunity for us to work together, to train together and to engage in projects together, all of which will make a difference when it comes to intergenerational issues.

The issue that the minister just talked about is not being covered by many health boards, as we have seen at the cross-party group. There still seems to be a postcode lottery when it comes to individuals receiving the care and attention that they require. Having a disease action plan for the heart is vitally important. Clinicians and practitioners have come to the cross-party group to express their concerns. I have heard what the minister has said so far, but I am still not convinced that that action plan and the way forward are going to be addressed in the short term.

Labour cannot achieve those things in the absence of the growth in the economy that is required to make them happen. Labour knows that, and it is not achieving it.

The FSB has also said that the Government’s proposals will

“deter small employers from taking on new staff”.

That is the case. Small businesses are being deterred from taking on staff, which is a disaster for economic growth.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has made it clear that the full impact of the reforms is hard to predict because “insufficient detail” has been provided. That means that the growth that is forecast for the coming year could be even lower than has been predicted. The OBR has also highlighted that North Sea oil and gas revenues could fall by more than half by the end of the decade, from £5.4 billion to £2.3 billion. That is partly a result of the anti-investment policies of the UK and Scottish Governments, which are slowly turning their backs on an industry that supports 100,000 jobs.

We cannot go down that road. We must not put such strain on our economy. We must ensure that everything that we do supports the environment for businesses in our community.

The SNP should not forget that its legacy on success in respect of the economy is not good, either. The actions and deeds of the SNP Government are still causing difficulties for the economy. As has been discussed, the Scottish budget is missing out on £800 million as a result of the SNP’s failure to grow the economy.

Conservative members have long called for the SNP Government to use its powers over tax and spending to cut taxes for hard-working Scots, to pass on business rates relief in full and to create a pro-business and pro-innovation environment across Scotland. That is what we want, but we are seeing the opposite. Labour policies have already damaged the UK’s economy, but because of the SNP, the damage in Scotland continues.

We will continue to champion policies to ensure that we can provide well-paid jobs and have a growing economy and effective and efficient public services. That is exactly what the Scottish public expects from both Governments. However, the spring statement is bad for the economy, bad for business and bad for consumers.

Last summer, many of us warned about the economic damage that would ensue if Labour was to form the next United Kingdom Government. Since Labour came into power in July, we have seen many of those fears become reality. Inflation is increasing once again, and UK growth stalled in the second part of 2024. The latest forecasts predict that, in 2025, growth will be half of what was previously predicted.

Although that is bad news for the British economy, none of it is too surprising. The UK Labour Government is a high-tax, high-regulation Government that is undermining the confidence of business across the whole of the UK, but businesses here in Scotland also have to deal with a second high-tax agenda—that of the SNP Government.

Labour’s spring statement was, in effect, an emergency budget that needed to signal a change of direction to get the economy back on track, but that did not happen. With the prospect of tariffs coming, which we have known about for some time, we would have hoped that there would have been improvements to provide certainty. Once again, however, such certainty is lacking.

In the light of the continued uncertainty in Europe, Labour’s decision to increase defence spending can be welcomed, but from the point of view of growth and long-term investment in our economy, the spring statement failed to deliver the clarity and certainty that are needed for taxpayers and businesses across Scotland.

Although the Labour Government says that growth is its number 1 priority, that was not reflected at all in the spring statement. The increase in national insurance contributions alone will have a significant impact on staffing decisions for businesses across the country. Even though that increase will not come into effect until later this week, many companies have already frozen recruitment and increased their prices, and we know that that tax increase will cost jobs and slow economic growth. The only question is by how much it will do so.

However, it is not just the jobs tax that is creating uncertainty in the labour market. The Government is also pressing ahead with its workers’ rights reforms, which are opposed by employers of every shape and size the length and breadth of the country. Not content with charging companies more for the privilege of employing people, the Labour Government also wants to tie up employers with red tape. The Federation of Small Businesses has said that the reforms are

“rushed ... clumsy, chaotic and poorly planned.”

They are not what business needs to hear from the new Government by way of support.

I am delighted to contribute to this important debate celebrating 300 years of the Black Watch, and I thank my friend and colleague Liz Smith for bringing it to the chamber.

Seven generations of my family have been born and raised in Perthshire, and some of them have served in the ranks of the Black Watch during its history. Growing up in Perthshire, I was aware of the Black Watch from an early age and recognised the regiment’s cultural significance across many areas of Scotland. That awareness only grew stronger with age, as many local families had a connection and, often, lifelong involvement with the regiment.

Liz Smith spoke about the regiment’s reputation for fearlessness in many conflicts, which is renowned. Those sentiments are shared among all Black Watch families from many areas across Perthshire, Fife, Dundee and Angus. Each family has a strong story to tell about the bravery and dedication of individuals who served in the regiment.

Liz Smith also spoke about the Black Watch museum at Balhousie castle. I pay tribute to all the volunteers who keep that venue open. I am a regular attendee at Balhousie castle, and I was pleased that the museum marked its 10th anniversary in 2023. More than a million people have visited the museum since it opened, and the site has received multiple industry awards since the £3.5 million development was completed in 2013. I was privileged to serve as a councillor on Perth and Kinross Council when the museum was being developed, which I supported. The museum’s trustees and success remind us of the importance of showcasing local history. That legacy is alive, and we must ensure that it remains for future generations. The Black Watch certainly plays its role in that regard.

Many individuals visit the facility through the education programme that it provides. Our military history is vital and plays a huge part in maintaining our Scottish traditions. We should all ensure that there are opportunities for young people to learn about the hard work and the sacrifice of regiments such as the Black Watch, including in our classrooms.

In the four minutes that I have for my speech, I cannot even scratch the surface of the Black Watch’s history. Many members will impart their views, opinions and stories throughout the debate, and I look forward to hearing them.

It is important to reflect on the spirit, honour and dedication that have been fundamental to the regiment. A Black Watch historian once said:

“In a Highland Regiment every individual feels that his conduct is the subject of observation ... independently of his duty”.

I pay tribute to each and every individual who has served, has given their time and talent and has made sacrifices, including those who have lost their lives for the regiment. The Black Watch continues its historic legacy, and I wish it continued success. The regiment’s dedication and past reputation are still very relevant today, as they will be in the future.

Without clear adjustment, discretionary funding in capital figures risks appearing stable or even increased when the reality is that it is being artificially inflated. That undermines transparency and hampers scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s investment record. Will the cabinet secretary provide spending figures that are published on a like-for-like basis? If she does not do that, it can confuse Parliament and mislead the public.

It is a start.