Chamber and committees

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the proposals for the rural visa pilot. (S6O-01413)

So, we come back to uncertainty.

David, do you have anything to add?

Good morning, everyone. We have touched on this topic, but I would like some further explanation. How might the proposed system of EORs affect public and stakeholder participation in decision making on new developments? I put that question to Lloyd Austin first.

Okay. I do not know whether you will both give the same answer to that question, but I will ask Robbie Calvert, too.

Thank you. I have no further questions, convener.

Good morning. My question follows on directly from the previous one. Will the loss of access to that data result in delays in evaluating applications for authorisation in the longer term beyond this period?

Will the minister give an indication of how the level of air quality in Scotland compares with that in the rest of the United Kingdom and with those in other parts of Europe? How will the Scottish Government deliver on its commitment to further improve air quality in Scotland?

Vaccination remains our best line of defence, and I am aware that Covid boosters are now being offered to priority groups and that everyone who is eligible can safely receive that vaccination and the flu vaccination at the same appointment. Can the minister provide an update on the roll-out of the winter vaccination programme and an assurance that there are adequate vaccines to meet demand?

We can all talk in the chamber about poverty, but the most important voices on the matter come from the people who are experiencing it right now, and, honestly, their testimonies are heartbreaking. One woman told the Joseph Rowntree Foundation:

“‘I am scared to wean my baby when I look at the cost of food, I know I should be introducing food but I am delaying that as long as possible.”

The Scottish Women’s Budget Group quoted another woman:

“I feel forgotten about. I cut my own hair, I skip meals, I scrimp on heating etc so I can pay the mortgage. There is no support for us from anyone.”

Inclusion Scotland quoted a respondent to a survey:

“Not being able to afford heating. Part of my condition means I struggle to regulate my body temperature I can be prone to hypothermia. I also rely on hot showers and hot water bottles to manage pain and am worried about how to afford that. I could die.”

That is the reality of life in 21st century Britain.

We talk about poverty a lot in the chamber, and rightly so, but it strikes me that, during every debate, Tory members gaslight us by giving speeches about how they are the ones who want to solve child poverty and that the SNP needs to do more, which I find hard to believe when only one Tory member has chosen to take part in the debate.