Minutes: 16 November 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 6 in private.

2. The Scottish Government’s Policy of EU Alignment – Annual Reports 2023:

The Committee took evidence from—

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and George Macpherson,Head of EU Policy and Alignment, Scottish Government ;

Lorraine Walkinshaw, Lawyer, Scottish Government Legal Directorate.

Donald Cameron MSP referred to his register of interests.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 from—

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Greig Walker, Retained EU Law Act Management Lead and David Maclennan, Lawyer, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture moved—S6M-10876—That the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee recommends that the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to.

5. Touring Artists:

The Committee took evidence from—

Alice Black, Scottish Live Events branch, BECTU;

Sam Dunkley, Acting Regional Organiser, Musicians' Union;

Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive, Royal Scottish National Orchestra;

Lisa Whytock, Director, Active Events;

Ewan Robertson, Board Member, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.

6. Evidence Session (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2 and item 5.