Chamber and committees

As an amendment to S7M-00413.3, in the name of Neil Gray (Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population), leave out “human rights and safety risks for staff and prisoners; further recognises the importance of prioritising harm reduction across the justice system; believes that incarceration should always be the last resort, once all other alternatives have been exhausted; notes that Scotland has one of the highest prison populations in western Europe, including a disproportionate remand population; acknowledges the underlying drivers, including poverty, inequality, homelessness and experience of the care system; notes that the cost per prisoner per year to the public purse is £52,200; recognises the need for effective rehabilitation to reduce offending and re-offending and to benefit the communities that individuals return to; agrees that public safety is paramount and that it is vital that victims and survivors should be at the heart of the justice system, and must be supported and have confidence in it, and agrees, therefore, that a balanced package of measures to expand effective community sentencing and other alternatives to prison, such as restorative justice, bail supervision and supported accommodation, and to enact preventative measures to stop people entering or re-entering the prison system, including sustained investment in housing, mental health services, youth work, addiction services and community support, as part of a transformative justice approach, are necessary to achieve a sustainable prison population now and in the future.” and insert " human rights and safety risks for staff and prisoners; recognises the importance of prioritising harm reduction across the justice system; believes that incarceration should always be the first resort."

That the Parliament acknowledges and congratulates Held In Our Hearts on the impact of its innovative Hospital to Home (H2H) service; understands that, since 2023, H2H has provided proactive, opt-out bereavement support to families following the loss of a pregnancy, baby or infant, which has helped to bridge the gap between hospital and home; further understands that the service has supported over 210 referrals and delivered more than 624 support sessions, with 90% of referrals coming directly from NHS services; recognises the positive impact of early intervention and specialist bereavement support on families' wellbeing and recovery; notes the ambition to make H2H available across every NHS Board in Scotland, and supports efforts to ensure that all bereaved families can access timely, compassionate and equitable support, regardless of where they live.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that the National Heritage Memorial Fund has awarded £585,525 to support RSPB Scotland in the acquisition of Bass Rock and Craigleith from the Dalrymple family; further welcomes the award of £372,036 of development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support conservation and improved public access, representing a first step toward potential further delivery funding; recognises the international importance of Bass Rock and Craigleith for seabird populations and marine ecosystems, as well as their status as iconic Scottish landmarks; acknowledges the significant role that these investments will play in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s natural heritage for future generations, and commends all partners involved in bringing forward this important initiative.

That the Parliament congratulates Ria Jandu, a pupil at Letham Mains Primary School in Haddington, on her outstanding fundraising achievement at the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival; notes that Ria took part in the 1.5km junior race in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS); recognises that, having initially set a fundraising goal of £100, she has raised more than £600, significantly exceeding her target; commends her determination in completing the race in just over 11 minutes, supported by her family; acknowledges her commitment to helping children and families supported by CHAS, and recognises her efforts to encourage other young people to take part in fundraising activities for charitable causes in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates the eight beaches in East Lothian, Gullane Bents, Belhaven Bay, Longniddry Bents, Longniddry Gosford, Dunbar East Beach, North Berwick Milsey Bay, North Berwick West Beach and Yellowcraig, on receiving Scotland’s Beach Awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful; recognises that the awards are a national benchmark for environmental quality, celebrating beaches that are clean, well-managed and sustainable; notes that a total of 52 beaches across Scotland were honoured in 2026; understands that beaches must meet stringent criteria, including standards on safety, access, facilities and cleanliness, to receive the award; commends the dedication and hard work of East Lothian Council staff, local organisations and volunteers in maintaining and enhancing these valued coastal environments; acknowledges the significance of these beaches as important assets for local communities, biodiversity, tourism and wellbeing, and encourages all visitors to play their part in protecting and preserving East Lothian’s coastline for future generations.

That the Parliament congratulates all those recognised at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards 2026; notes that the awards, now in their third year, celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals, groups and organisations across East Lothian; recognises that more than a dozen awards were presented to honour achievements including community volunteering, mentoring, business, sport and charitable work; acknowledges the inspiring stories highlighted on the evening, including efforts to support good causes, help those in need and strengthen local communities; commends the organisers, sponsors and judges for shining a spotlight on the dedication and generosity of people across the county, and recognises the vital role that such community champions play in making East Lothian a vibrant, supportive and inclusive place to live.

That the Parliament condemns the recent appearance of what it considers to be white supremacist graffiti in Dunbar, East Lothian, which was discovered outside the Town House; believes that such messaging constitutes racist and far-right propaganda, which is intended to sow division, undermine community cohesion and intimidate minorities; affirms that there is no place in Scotland for any hate-driven rhetoric, intimidation or attempts to exploit tragedy for political ends; commends local residents for their swift rejection of this behaviour and welcomes the prompt action taken by East Lothian Council to remove the graffiti; recognises the wishes expressed by the family of Henry Nowak, that his tragic death should not be used to fuel division, hatred or political grievance and agrees that these wishes must be respected in both public discourse and political debate; notes with deep concern recent reported comments made by Nigel Farage MP, which, it believes, risk inflaming tensions, legitimising far-right talking points and contributing to a climate in which such graffiti and hate incidents may arise; unequivocally condemns any such remarks and any attempt to invoke the death of Henry Nowak to advance divisive or inflammatory political agendas; believes that such rhetoric is irresponsible, harmful and incompatible with the values of respect, equality and solidarity that underpin Scottish society; reaffirms that Scotland stands united against racism, fascism and all forms of hate; calls on all political leaders to exercise responsibility in their language, to reject narratives that scapegoat communities and to work constructively to bring people together rather than drive them apart, and extends condolences and prayers to Henry Nowak's loved ones at this tremendously difficult time. 

That the Parliament recognises and commends the dedicated service of the Rev Dr Neil Dougall, who has retired after 23 years as minister of St Andrew Blackadder Church in North Berwick; recognises that Dr Dougall has served the congregation and wider community since 2003, providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care and support to generations of parishioners; acknowledges that his ministry has been described as a joyful and fulfilling experience, during which he played an active role in local life, including participation in remembrance services and community events; understands that members of the congregation, alongside friends and family, gathered to celebrate his contribution and to mark his retirement; further understands that Dr Dougall now intends to begin a new chapter, working as a life, leadership and spiritual coach; expresses thanks to him for his long-standing commitment to the people of North Berwick and to the Church of Scotland, and wishes Dr Dougall all the very best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Mark Becher, headteacher of The Compass School in Haddington, on completing an inspiring 110-mile coast-to-coast walk across Scotland to raise funds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity; notes that the journey began in Ayr, his hometown, and concluded at the school where he has served as headteacher since 1997; recognises that the challenge covered approximately 110 miles, with distances of between 20 and 28 miles walked each day; understands that the effort has raised more than £6,300 to support children and families facing serious illness; commends the determination shown in completing this physically demanding challenge, including overcoming difficult conditions such as heat and injury; notes the warm reception he received from pupils, staff and families upon his return, and applauds his commitment to supporting charitable causes and demonstrating leadership, resilience and community spirit to young people across East Lothian.

That the Parliament notes that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is intended to reform migration, border management and asylum procedures across EU member states, will come into application on 12 June 2026; recognises that, although the UK is no longer a member of the EU, developments in European migration policy continue to have significant indirect impacts on the UK’s migration system, border arrangements and international obligations; acknowledges what it considers to be the close geographical, economic and social connections between Scotland and European nations as well as the importance of co-operation on migration and asylum policy across the continent; further acknowledges what it sees as Scotland’s distinct demographic challenges, including population distribution, rural depopulation and skills shortages, which require a tailored and responsive approach to migration; recognises Scotland’s long and complex history of migration, including centuries of emigration which have shaped diaspora communities across the world, alongside sustained periods of inward migration that, it believes, have enriched Scotland’s economy, culture and society; believes that migration has been, and continues to be, a vital part of Scotland’s national story and future prosperity; further believes that lessons can be drawn from international approaches, including developments within the EU Pact, regarding burden-sharing, integration support and the humane and efficient processing of asylum claims; stresses the importance of upholding human rights standards, dignity and protection for those seeking safety; recognises concerns regarding aspects of the UK Government’s current immigration and asylum system, including what it considers to be a rigidity, lack of regional flexibility and policies that may not align with Scotland’s economic and social needs; calls for the development of a migration system that works for Scotland, reflecting what it sees as its specific demographic and economic circumstances, supporting population sustainability, enabling communities across urban, rural and island areas to thrive and ensuring safe, fair and managed pathways for migration and asylum, and further calls on the UK Government to engage constructively with the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations to explore differentiated or devolved migration solutions, improve co-operation with European partners and ensure that Scotland can attract, support and retain people who wish to live, work and contribute to the country.