Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, and welcome to the 16th meeting in 2023 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. Today, unfortunately, the committee is without Evelyn Tweed, who is feeling unwell. I therefore welcome Alasdair Allan as her substitute, and I invite him to declare any registered interests of his that might affect the decisions of the committee.

All three MSPs made very powerful contributions. Colin Beattie’s explanation that the 23 individuals represent far more of the Ukrainian diaspora was powerfully made.

I put it to the committee that we formally recognise the proposed cross-party group.

Members indicated agreement.

Under item 2, I welcome Karen Adam, who is a potential convener of the proposed cross-party group on fisheries and coastal communities. Karen, will you explain to the committee the purposes of and intent behind the proposed CPG?

Under agenda item 3 we will, as anticipated, decide whether to grant recognition to the proposed cross-party group on fisheries and coastal communities. Do members have any comments?

There are 126.

That is helpful.

The committee has been concerned, as Stephen Kerr said, about the number of CPGs that exist and the workload that they put on MSPs, given their obligations. We will return to that issue and look at the state of the CPGs when we consider our annual report on them. However, Karen Adam clearly indicated an understanding of the obligations that she would be taking on, which I found helpful.

Is the committee prepared to officially recognise the proposed cross-party group that Karen Adam presented today?

Members indicated agreement.

I am grateful for that.

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the 15th meeting in 2023 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. Under agenda item 1, does the committee agree to take item 4, which is a discussion about the committee’s work programme, in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Excellent—thank you very much. I hope that you are open to questions from the committee, which I will kick off.

This is not specifically in relation to your application, but you will be aware from your inbox and your involvement in other CPGs of how many groups there are at the moment. The committee has seen evidence that some CPGs have struggled to maintain their cross-party nature and to comply with the requirements for meetings—the posting of minutes and agendas, giving notice and so on. I note from our committee papers that there might be support by way of a secretariat. However, are you content to take on that responsibility if you are elected as the group’s convener?

That is helpful. Do members of the committee have questions?