Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Meeting date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Official Report 1032KB pdf

Point of Order

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would like to raise a point of order under rule 6.2(f) of the standing orders of this Parliament. Today, I tried to ask a question about reports that the former SNP MP Alison Thewliss had been hired by Rape Crisis Scotland—a body that is, of course, funded by the Scottish Government. Two years ago, Alison Thewliss was photographed at a protest near a sign that read “Decapitate TERFs”. Women deserve to know whether she has been hired by a Rape Crisis charity that is funded largely by the Scottish Government. However, not only was I interrupted by the committee convener, but other members of the committee were seen gesturing to the technicians to cut off the live feed of the committee session. Even worse than that, after the session, several members of the committee warned me not to ask similar questions in the future. Presiding Officer, is it ever legitimate for MSPs to be pressured not to ask valid questions of this Government?

Thank you, Ms White. My understanding of the points that you have just made suggests that they relate to conduct in a committee meeting, which would be a matter for the committee’s convener. [Interruption.] The code of conduct sets out which complaints should be considered by me in my role as Presiding Officer. The code also points out how complaints should be made, and this is not a matter on which I would rule from the chair. It is not a matter that should be ruled on from the chair.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would like to raise—[Inaudible.]

Ms White, I am sorry, but your microphone is not switched on.

Thank you, Presiding Officer. This is such a serious matter that I would like to raise it with you after this meeting of Parliament today.

Thank you, Ms White. As I pointed out, the code explains how complaints should be made.