Seòmar agus comataidhean

What about waste, such as draff and so on?

Is there a way to square that? Could processing or infrastructure investments make things more circular?

Sadly, around the world there are continuing wars, oppression and climate breakdown, and refugees are coming here from many different communities and different cultures. Different refugee communities have developed in Scotland in recent years, particularly from Syria and Afghanistan. Has there been any dialogue or shared learning with those communities and the approaches that have been taken to preserve, develop and integrate their culture in Scotland?

I have also been struck by some of the work that the Scottish Refugee Council has done with a number of those communities, and I was also struck by what Professor Sharkey said about the diversity of the conservatoire and people with very different backgrounds, histories and cultures coming together. Does anyone have any reflections on how that work has developed? Have you been aware of it? Have you linked it into it, learned from it or contributed to it?

It has been an excellent evidence session. I have learned a lot and I think that the points about partnership are very well made.

I had a lingering thought about Eurovision being hosted in Liverpool—sadly; nevertheless, it is in the UK—and whether you see that as an opportunity or entry point, particularly for young people in this country, to get a sense of Ukrainian popular culture. They might subsequently become curious about other aspects of Ukrainian culture, and that could be investigated and followed up.

To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to displaced people from Ukraine who are moving from temporary accommodation into permanent housing. (S6O-01501)

I have seen at first hand how communities and local authorities across my region, from Killin to Rosyth, are working tirelessly to try to find long-term housing solutions for displaced Ukrainians who have found sanctuary in Scotland. However, it is critically important that any housing offer empowers our new Ukrainian neighbours to have choices over their next steps.

I welcomed Tuesday’s statement by the Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, but will the cabinet secretary outline what further support will be made available specifically to local authorities such as Stirling Council to support the displaced Ukrainians to access that housing and also, critically, to co-ordinate efforts with local communities who have their own interests with regard to finding solutions for their Ukrainian neighbours and are engaged in their own efforts to do so?

I am pleased that, unlike the Prime Minister, the First Minister did not have to be shamed into attending COP27.

COP26 in Glasgow showed us that, when small nations work together, they can lead the world on climate justice. Alongside Scotland’s leadership on loss and damage funding, which the First Minister mentioned, Denmark helped to launch the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance and was joined by a flotilla of countries that are planning for a fair and fast phasing out of fossil fuels.

Now that the Scottish Government has a clearer position on ending new coal extraction, is it ready to join that alliance and show the global leadership that is desperately needed on a just oil and gas transition?

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will be building on the legacy from the Glasgow climate pact by attending the 27th United Nations climate change conference of the parties—COP27—in Egypt. (S6F-01477)

Loch Leven is one of Scotland’s best wild swimming spots, but we are seeing unacceptable discharges and environmental quality. Down the road in Kinghorn, huge improvements in water quality have resulted from the beach being designated as a bathing water area. What consideration has been given to establishing Loch Leven and other freshwater sites in Scotland as bathing water areas?

I am running short of time. I do not think that there is time in hand.

We need to champion measures that have already worked on the A9 and on other roads in Scotland to improve road safety. It is clear that average speed cameras save lives. On the A9, the number of fatalities fell by 40 per cent in the first three years after their introduction. Collisions were down by nearly a quarter, while frustrating road closures due to accidents were also reduced by a quarter. Therefore, it is disappointing that there has been no mention so far in the debate, or in the Tory motion, of the role of average speed cameras. I hope that the minister will reflect on their potential for the A96 in her closing speech.

The Government is right to mention the worsening financial settlement that has been handed down to the Parliament, which will limit the Government’s ability to invest in the projects that we need in order to save lives. Projects to improve road safety, bypass communities or maintain roads will be threatened by the slash-and-burn austerity of the Tory party. We must have the ability to invest in genuine road safety improvements to protect lives across Scotland. That needs budget and a real focus on the measures that will actually work, backed up by the evidence.