Seòmar agus comataidhean

We will continue to ensure the interests of the Scottish industry are considered throughout this process. The Scottish Government will also continue to push for the UK to deliver as much assistance as possible to enable our industry to comply with the new requirements and minimise the impact on trade.

Longer term, UK Fisheries Administrations – including Scottish Government - are currently progressing the introduction of a revised UK Control and IUU Regulations in light of these EU changes. This is a complex process with many considerations.

As the IUU changes have a direct impact on the ability of Third Counties to continue to export fisheries products to the EU this has to be taken into consideration when assessing our regulatory alignment.

The changes being introduced by the EU are mandatory for all imports of fisheries products entering the EU from all third countries after 10 January 2026 so there is no alternative to compliance when trading.

We have been and will continue to engage closely with Scotland’s seafood exporters both as they prepare for these forthcoming EU changes and through the go-live period and beyond.

The most recent reconviction statistics were published on 27 August 2025 and are for the 2021-22 cohort

Reconviction Rates in Scotland: 2021-22 Offender Cohort - gov.scot

A reconviction is defined in our statistics as someone who is reconvicted within 12 months of release from custody, or 12 months of being given a non-custodial sentence. Therefore, statistics on the 2021-22 cohort are people released from custody or given non-custodial sentences in 2021-22 who went on to be reconvicted in 2022-23. The most recent criminal proceedings data published is for 2022-23 so the 2021-22 cohort for reconvictions is the most up to date it can be.

Criminal proceedings data for 2023-24 will be published next month and after that, we can begin work on producing reconvictions statistics for the 2022-23 cohort.

The programme of informing the UK industry of these changes is being led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) with input and support by Devolved Governments. The Scottish Government has been closely involved in the development of the MMO campaign, including at the recent virtual industry engagement sessions that have progressed during October and November.

To supplement the MMO campaign, Marine Directorate officials have organised meetings with key stakeholders in Scotland to raise awareness of the forthcoming changes.

This includes in September, when meetings took place with some of Scotland’s largest seafood exporters.

Scottish Government does not hold a central repository of all legacy systems across the wider public sector. The Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre (SC3) works with public sector organisations across Scotland to understand and advise on their approach to maintaining a resilient IT estate, which includes consideration of risks associated with legacy systems.

The regulatory regimes for offshore oil and gas licensing and consenting are matters currently reserved to the UK Government. As part of these arrangements, the UK Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) has responsibility for regulating environmental activity for offshore oil and gas operations on the UK continental shelf.

All public bodies have an obligation to consider the conservation objectives of MPAs within their decision making and ensure these are furthered.

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-41817 on 25 November 2025. 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.

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

The healthcare provisions within Scottish Prisons have been the responsibility of NHS since 2011, this includes but is not limited to, the delivery of Alcohol and Drug services and all clinical assessments used to develop individual care plans or referrals. SPS are therefore unable to provide the information required.

SPS do however work collaboratively with key partners such as NHS, Scottish Drugs Forum, Crew 2000 and Scottish Recovery Consortium to enhance and develop approaches to deliver consistent recovery pathways that support integration back into our communities.

Furthermore, NHS and SPS Staff continue to work together to promote and support access to the Prison to Rehab Pathway, ensuring that people in our care are aware of innovative projects and structured programmes designed to support them on their recovery journey.

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

SPS work collaboratively with key partners such as Scottish Drugs Forum, Crew 2000 and Scottish Recovery Consortium to enhance and develop approaches to deliver consistent recovery pathways and diversionary activities that support integration back into our communities.

The SPS Alcohol & Drug Strategy, published in January 2025, provides a framework for improving outcomes for those living in prison through the prevention and reduction of alcohol and drug related harm to inspire positive change.

Furthermore, NHS and SPS Staff continue to work together to promote and support access to the Prison to Rehab Pathway, ensuring that people in our care are aware of innovative projects and structured programmes designed to support them on their recovery journey.

The publication costs for Your Right to Decide were £2,179.92 including VAT. A full breakdown can be found in the following table.