Chamber and committees

Welcome back. Before we move on to the next group, I again politely ask members to be as succinct as possible in making their points in the debate and speaking to their amendments. If I feel that it is necessary in the spirit of good timekeeping, I will come in.

The next group is on time limits in criminal proceedings. Amendment 1011, in the name of Katy Clark, is grouped with amendments 1012, 1013, 1001, 1014, 1041, 1015, 1042, 1016, 1043, 1017, 1044, 1018, 1045, 1019, 1046, 1020 to 1022, 1047, 1048, 1027, 1028, 1002, 1056 and 1004.

I remind members that, if amendment 1041 is agreed to, I will be unable to call amendments 1015, 1042, 1016, 1043, 1017, 1044, 1018, 1045, 1019 and 1046, due to pre-emption. I also remind members that there are direct alternatives in the group, as shown in the groupings paper. Direct alternatives may all be moved and decided on, and the text of whichever is agreed to last will appear in the bill.

Mr Whittle, did you want to come back in?

I call amendment 1047, in the name of Pauline McNeill.

I call Russell Findlay to wind up and press or withdraw his amendment.

The question is, that amendment 1049 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.

Amendment 1023 has already been debated with amendment 1049.

The question is, that amendment 1050 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.

No other member wishes to come in. Cabinet secretary, do you wish to comment?

The question is, that amendment 1057 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.

The next item of business is consideration of evidence on an affirmative instrument: the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No 2) Regulations 2022. I thank Keith Brown, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, for remaining with us for this agenda item. I also welcome Justin Haccius, the unit head of access to justice at the Scottish Government. I refer members to paper 2, and I invite the cabinet secretary to speak to the instrument.