Seòmar agus comataidhean

I thank the witnesses for joining us this morning. During COP26, I attended a couple of fringe events, one of which was on the global strategy to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity. I will direct my questions to Jo Pike, because I am interested in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s funding opportunities that have been outlined. How is the route map progressing? How much interest in that route map have you received?

Thank you. I am aware of the investment in relation to Rhododendron ponticum. [Interruption.] The key word there was “rhododendron”.

Thank you very much for your helpful and informative evidence, Sir Dieter.

I have a few more questions about the market mechanism. You have talked about the importance of regulating and intervening now before it becomes a fait accompli. At a fringe event that I attended at COP26, it was suggested that the market might be moving more quickly than regulation, legislation or Government, and I am interested to hear about the risks and opportunities for agriculture, fisheries and tenant as well as land farmers with regard to market-based mechanisms and private funding. How will those help us to achieve just transition?

I have seen the vertical farming that is being worked on in Invergowrie.

There is a possibility that tenant farmers could have their tenancy agreement cut and that they will not be able to get back into farming because of what landowners are looking to do with their land. What is your response to that?

Thank you all for your submissions. I have questions about the ability of the Scottish Government to drive effective policy reform and the ability of the Scottish Parliament to legislate effectively.

We have been talking about the internal market act and devolution. I am interested in your thoughts on the Subsidy Control Bill that is currently going through Westminster and how you think that it could be impacted by the current situation. Professor Hunt, as you are on screen just now, could you respond to that question?

Thank you. Professor Weatherill, do you have any thoughts on my initial question about the Subsidy Control Bill?

Thank you.

Mr Leheny, I suppose that the question ties in with your comments about risk versus knowledge of how to proceed. It also ties in with your point about the change in routes—the move away from Holyhead to Dublin.

I have a question that follows on from those that Ms Boyack asked.

Dr Melo Araujo, in your submission, you talked about qualifying goods and the changes in the rules on those that were meant to be brought in in October 2021, but which have been delayed. Could you expand on that? Mr Leheny, you are also welcome to comment.

Thank you, Professor McEwen. I have a specific question on your joint submission at section 3.2:

“Policy divergence can, however, produce effects that may be regarded as adverse. Divergence in public services generates distinctive rights and entitlements within the same country which some may consider unfair.”

Can you expand on that? Clearly, our devolved Parliaments legislate a lot in that area.

In that case, I will throw back the final question that you asked in your submission. You asked:

“What sort of ‘United’ Kingdom is this?”

I would like to hear your thoughts on that.