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The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the UK social security system and has strengthened calls to further explore how a universal basic income could provide support to people and reduce poverty. While a basic income pilot is desirable, it is not feasible within the current devolved settlement as necessary welfare and tax powers remain with the UK Government through the DWP and HMRC. I urge the UK Government to engage constructively with the Scottish Government on this matter and discuss next steps towards a universal basic income pilot.  Even with a pilot, it should be understood that such a systematic change to the welfare state would take many years to introduce.  The UK Government has eroded the social safety net over the last decade, through brutal cuts to…

The SNP is committed to empowering people and communities to exercise their rights and responsibilities, to resolve disputes and other civil justice problems at the earliest opportunity. There is growing interest within Scotland and internationally in the role of mediation as a mechanism for resolving disputes. Now is the time for serious consideration of action to change the way in which mediation is viewed and deployed within the civil justice system as it is clear that mediation should have a bigger role to play in helping citizens resolve disputes. In 2018, the SNP Scottish Government commissioned Scottish Mediation to undertake an independent review of the use of mediation in the civil justice system in Scotland. The report was published in June 2019.  It identifies a number of structural and cultural challenges…

The SNP does not wish to instruct how Scottish institutions, organisations or individuals approach this and other issues. We respect the autonomy of Scottish institutions in making decisions to boycott independently should they so choose.  There should be nothing to prevent the BDS campaign within individual institutions. The SNP have engaged directly with both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to encourage a two-state solution. The SNP will continue to press a sustainable solution for lasting peace.  Fiona Hyslop

I, alongside the SNP, oppose LGBTI conversion therapy practices, which are discriminatory and proven to have a harmful effect on the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people. There is no place for conversion therapy in Scotland. Such practices are discriminatory and harmful to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people. The UK Government made a commitment to ban conversion therapy in their LGBT Action Plan, and we fully support this, as much of what is needed to take forward an effective ban is reserved to Westminster. If the UK Government does not take forward such a ban, then we will do so within the limits of the Scottish Parliament’s powers.  Fiona Hyslop

Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum. It can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment. Recognising the value of outdoor learning, the SNP Scottish Government provided £2 million of funding to mitigate the financial challenges facing the residential outdoor education sector as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The package will include funding to help centres provide safe, impactful outdoor learning experiences to support young people’s education and wellbeing through this challenging period. I have raised my serious concern about the decision of the West Lothian Leisure Trust to discontinue residential outdoor learning out of the Low Port Centre, and West Lothian Council to close the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. I believe that this is so short sighted and denies life experiences to…

I believe that the UK Government’s hostile approach to migration is failing Scotland, and putting our economy and vital public services on the line.   The EU Settlement Scheme is a product of a Tory Government, who disregard the fact that some EU nationals, who call Scotland their home, face the threat of losing their right to live and work here. If Boris Johnson hadn't dragged Scotland out of the EU against our will, there would be no need for a settlement scheme. However, the danger is that much worse will follow in July after the deadline for applications passes and people are stripped of their rights overnight. This includes EU nationals who have been at the front line of the effort against the pandemic, including in Scotland’s health and Social…

The SNP are committed to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, which are among the most important challenges of this generation. Tackling them is central to our green recovery from Covid-19.  Scotland is leading the world in our move to end climate change and restore biodiversity in Scotland. We were the first country in the UK to declare a climate emergency and have since passed legislation for the world’s most ambitious emissions reduction targets. The high-level statement of intent on biodiversity, published in December, set out the SNP Government’s ambition, including a commitment to protect at least 30% of our land for nature, as well as the 37% of our seas that are already protected. The statement of intent commits to commissioning advice on whether Scotland can…

I believe the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention should be an opportunity for the UK Government to reflect on what more can be done to protect those escaping unimaginable horrors and danger. Instead we have a UK government intent on undermining the Refugee Convention and international law, simply disregarding international obligations that it signed up to. The SNP will always reject the Tories’ disgraceful rhetoric. It is not illegal to enter the UK to claim asylum and the Refugee Convention makes this clear. The UK Government have shown time and time again their disregard for some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Scotland has made clear it wants nothing to do with their cruel asylum and immigration policies but the Scottish Parliament needs immigration powers devolved…

The SNP is clear that everyone with sight loss deserves the opportunity to live life to the full and that the lives and rights of disabled people should be protected during this pandemic and beyond.  I agree with the SNP that sight loss should be a focus for the next Scottish Parliament to ensure that visually impaired people can access early treatment and support, have fairer chances in education and employment as well as more inclusive communities and accessible communication.  We believe that there is also a need to raise awareness of the impact of the current pandemic on people with visual impairment and we commend all the charities, including Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, working throughout Scotland to provide vital support for people living with visual impairment.  The…

The SNP is delighted to support the #SocialEconomyPledge prepared by some of our country’s most valued NGOs and coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland. My priority for the Scottish Government is tackling Covid-19 and delivering a strong, fair and green recovery for Scotland and it is clear the third sector will be central to achieving the wellbeing economy and renewal we all want to see.  The SNP recognise the vital role of charities, social enterprises and community groups in supporting and empowering the most excluded and at-risk in society and, if re-elected, we look forward to continuing our partnership approach in government with a strong sector. In particular, we look forward to working with the sector to implement our wellbeing agenda and our policy pledges so far, whether it be the…