Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Official Report 869KB pdf

Decision Time

There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M-07721.1, in the name of Donald Cameron, which seeks to amend motion S6M-07721, in the name of George Adam, on electoral reform consultation, be agreed to.

Amendment agreed to.

The next question is that motion S6M-07721, in the name of George Adam, as amended, on electoral reform consultation, be agreed to.

Motion, as amended, agreed to,

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Scottish Government's consultation on electoral reform, which seeks views on how to improve the process of taking part in elections for voters, candidates, campaigners, and administrators; welcomes that the proposals in the consultation include improvements in relation to standing for election, the accessibility of voting, the scheduling of elections, campaigning, and the administration and governance of elections; notes that views are sought on a range of measures introduced by the UK Elections Act 2022 and the impact they have on Scottish devolved elections; encourages interested individuals and organisations to respond to the consultation and ensure their views are heard before the consultation closes on 15 March 2023; acknowledges that the safeguarding of young people must be at the heart of any proposal, and believes that any new measures that affect candidacy and voting rights should be subject to a full impact assessment.

I propose to ask a single question on two Parliamentary Bureau motions. As no member has objected, the final question is, that motions S6M-07746 and S6M-07747, in the name of George Adam, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to.

Motions agreed to,

That the Parliament agrees that—

(a) the remit of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee be amended to—

To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, with the exception of matters relating to rural land use, wildlife crime and animal welfare.

(b) the name and remit of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee be amended to—

Name of Committee: Rural Affairs and Islands Committee

Remit: To consider and report on matters falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands; and on matters relating to rural land use, wildlife crime and animal welfare falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.

That the Parliament agrees that the Office of the Clerk be closed on Monday 8 May 2023.