Minutes: 28 January 2025

1. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Bread and Flour Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2024 

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

2. Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Laura Buchan, Policy and Engagement and Andy Shanks, Head of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service;

Steve Johnson, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland;

and then from—

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Ailsa Garland, Principal Legal Officer, Nicki Crossan, Assisted Dying Shadow Bill Team Leader, Neil Ritchie, Palliative Care Unit Head and Jo Swanson, Healthcare Quality and Improvement Divisional Head, Scottish Government.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a registered nurse.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP and as chair of the Medical Advisory Group set up to advise and inform the member in charge of the Bill in advance of its introduction.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as holding a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

3. Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.