Seòmar agus comataidhean

Three Marine Planning Partnerships (MPPs) have been established covering the Shetland, Clyde and Orkney marine regions, and are at various stages of progressing with their Regional Marine Plans.

The draft plans for Shetland and Orkney have concluded their public consultations and are making progress towards being submitted to Scottish Ministers for consideration, approval and adoption. The draft Clyde Regional Marine Plan is currently in the process of a policy update ahead of identifying a suitable period for a public consultation.

Officials will continue to work constructively with each MPP to refine and develop their plans to be suitable for adoption by Scottish Ministers.

The Scottish Government published the formal response to the final report of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee Inquiry into Regional Marine Planning in Scotland in August 2023.

As part of this response, the Scottish Government has provided a clear approach to regional marine planning moving forward, with the position that no further MPPs should be established until after the adoption of the updated National Marine Plan (NMP2). This is with the exception of the Western Isles, where early work on developing an MPP had already commenced.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22894 on 27 November 2023.

The National Marine Plan (NMP2) will inform if, where, when and how development takes place and provide guidance on reaching those decisions.

The regulation and management of activities are covered by sector specific regulations outside of planning. Fisheries management measures form part of our ecosystem-based management but are not a national or regional marine planning matter.

We have a live call for evidence under our Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI) Programme, which closes on 04 February 2025. This seeks expert input to help us transition to a more agile management model and enable a regional approach.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The Scottish Parliament has a flag flying policy in place which sets out the circumstances of when flags will be flown. A copy of the policy can be found here. The circumstances in which the flying of flags is appropriate are very carefully set out, as it is essential that the Parliament maintains its impartiality. There are no plans in place to fly the flag of Palestine on 29 November 2024.

According to our records, we have not previously flown the flag of Palestine on 29 November to mark International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

SEPA, along with other environment bodies, plays a pivotal role in protecting and maintaining a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for the people of Scotland. This is achieved through funding from Scottish Government alongside SEPA’s regulatory activities funded by cost recovery under the principle of polluter pays.

Since 2014-15 SEPA’s budget has increased. Even accounting for inflation, they are receiving an additional £3 million in 2024-25 than in 2014-15.

The budget settlement for 2024-25 announced on 19 December recognises the increasing level and quality of work being delivered by SEPA which is why despite such challenging financial circumstances, the organisation will benefit from a 5% uplift on the 23/24 budget allocation to its core funding, bringing its core budget to £52.6m in 2024-25.

More information on the budget announcement can be found here: Scottish Budget: 2024 to 2025 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Nonetheless, the Scottish Government continue to work with all public bodies to drive out efficiencies, finding new and better ways of working, creating best value for the Scottish taxpayer. In the case of SEPA, the Scottish Government work with them on the development of corporate and annual operating plans and Ministers meet regularly to discuss progress. This assessment process is therefore continual and SEPA is ultimately accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

Results from the Health and Care Experience Survey 2023-24 will be published in May 2024.

NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City HSCP are responsible for the delivery of primary medical services in Aberdeen.

NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City HSCP are responsible for the delivery of primary medical services in Aberdeen.

The Scottish Government recently published the General Practice Access Principles report. This report sets out a clear framework for the core principles of how GP services should be delivered – equitably, sensitively, reasonably and appropriately, making the most effective use of resources and systems currently available.

The principles are intended to assist practices in their ongoing considerations of how to best meet those needs in differing and sometimes difficult circumstances. The Scottish Government will continue to work together with all relevant partners to implement these principles.

As announced on the 19 December 2023 by the Deputy First Minister, Scotland’s key environmental agencies will all benefit from uplifts in resource funding in 2024-25. This additional funding recognises the increasing role they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and will support continued activity as we strive to meet stretching targets for Scotland.

More information on the budget can be found here: Scottish Budget: 2024 to 2025 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City HSCP are responsible for the delivery of primary medical services in Aberdeen and the publication of any plans concerning those services.