Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good afternoon. Urban gulls are having a severe impact on the lives of people who live in my constituency. Although their numbers are in decline overall, the numbers are increasing significantly in certain areas. That is just one example of the changing environment and climate impacts on local communities.

Where is more research needed to understand the drivers and impacts of change in the terrestrial environment? What data do we need in order to find solutions to such issues?

I am sure that I do not need to stress how much coastal communities depend on fish for their food and livelihoods or how imperative it is that we get the local fishing industry on board when it comes to protecting the marine environment so that we can ensure high catches and healthy populations in future fisheries, among other objectives. Is a greater level of engagement needed between scientists, managers and stakeholders to steer the process? Is that essential to the successful development of harvest strategies, for example? If the witnesses agree with that, how do they see that being implemented, particularly in developing relationships and trust? What sustainable incentives could there be for the industry?

We often hear that people are trying to understand why people, particularly those in the trans community, are identifying as a particular gender. We seem to be getting pulled into the semantics of the why, with people giving their opinions on such matters. Is that something that we should even take into consideration when we are discussing conversion practices here at committee?

Choice and consent are two of the key points, and there has been a discussion about the protection of children. Many of our previous witnesses have testified that coercion was used to try to persuade them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity as children and young people, and that that early intervention caused them the most tremendous harm. Do you believe that children can consent to conversion practices?

I would like to ask Adam Jowett a question that has just come to mind. What do you feel about the suspicion, judgment or debate, as some put it, around the understanding of why people are who they say they are? In your opinion, is that pertinent to our discussions around conversion practices? I would highlight that these so-called debates are particularly prevalent around gender identity.

I have two questions, but I will take your lead on whether there is time for the second, convener.

I will ask about the complex connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, particularly as we have seen recently in the context of the pandemic. Numerous studies have confirmed that, in households that have companion animals and are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, there is also a high probability of animal abuse. Some reports detail that individuals and families often delay fleeing violent situations due to concerns about the safety of their companion animals.

What more can be done on that, as children in particular often rely on their pets to provide stability, security and companionship? Veterinarians and animal welfare agencies might be in a position to identify such situations, as holistic approaches to abuse have a greater impact.

It is extremely important to have that multi-agency approach, and I am glad to hear that there is on-going work on that.

Let us go back to the theme of the pandemic. There has been an increase in pet ownership and, as a consequence, an increase in people diversifying into self-employed animal-based work such as grooming, training and pet sitting and walking. Just to quickly give an anecdotal example, I took my dog to a groomer—whom I will not name—and she was connected to a high table by a lead. The groomer stepped away from the table, my dog jumped off and, luckily, I was there just in time to scoop her up; otherwise, the consequences could have been horrific. The lead had no safety break and, surely, the policy should have been not to leave the dog unattended.

As well as that example, I have heard of issues that highlight bad training practices. Could regulations be introduced for the businesses that are popping up, and could support be provided for those with genuine experience who have worked incredibly hard to ensure their high standards and who might be undermined and undercut in price? Are the regulations tight enough, and how can the public be aware of the certification, for example, that they should be looking for when using such businesses?

We have signed up to international human rights laws that protect the right to food, but the Scottish Human Rights Commission is calling on the Government to take action and go a little bit further to ensure that the bill is fit for purpose in tackling poverty and health-related inequalities while supporting local economies and industry. How important has it been that people with lived experience of food poverty and lack of access to good food have had input? How has that been ensured in the development of the plans?

Good morning to the panel. I note, as a caveat, that my question is about how data has been gathered and used to inform the development of the plan as distinct from consultation on a finalised draft plan.

In the spirit of COP26, I highlight that reforming food systems is crucial if we are to hit our targets. In Scotland, the debate centres on what it means to be a good food nation. Will you comment on best practice in an international context and on how Scotland can learn from other countries as we seek to reform the food system? We do well in pioneering best practice in our world-beating food and drink sectors, but can we nevertheless learn from the likes of Italy on food culture, Finland on local food and Brazil on dietary guidelines? Those are just a few countries that have made changes—and acknowledged progress—from which we can all learn.

I declare a bit of an interest here, in that I have lived experience with regard to transitions, so I am grateful to you for bringing the issue to the attention of the committee.

There is a real sense of urgency behind your opening statement. Can you be certain that the balance between the information that you have from the previous consultation and the urgency of the situation is proportionate? What discussions have you had with the Scottish Government in relation to any possible policy intentions?