Chamber and committees

Clearly, everything that we are talking about comes from EU law, which we have implemented into our own law. However, EU law does not stand still. What engagement will there be with the European Commission on the changes to environmental assessment? As the years go by, refinements will be made—for example, there are now enhanced commitments on nature at a European level. I am interested in what that conversation looks like. I understand why we have been focusing on the discussions between the Scottish Government and the UK Government, but the origin of what we are talking about is in European law, which is why I am interested in what the engagement with Europe will look like in future in relation to alignment and reform.

Is it the view of the Scottish Government that the adoption of this kind of simpler environmental outcomes report regime knocks us out of alignment with the European Union, or is it too early to tell that at the moment?

Thanks. My last question is on strategic environmental assessment, which relates to plans and programmes. I know that, in its second session, the Parliament passed an act to establish SEA, on the back of EU directives. If EORs are adopted, will SEA continue to apply to plans and programmes in relation to energy developments under sections 36 and 37 of the 1989 act? If we are looking at a programme of offshore wind development, will the whole plan of multiple developments remain subject to SEA?

So, there remains consistency across the UK for the strategic assessment of plans and programmes, regardless of where the constitutional boundaries are drawn.

Thanks for coming along. How do you see the Scottish Land Commission developing? Do you have a collective view on that? I am interested in your working relationships. I do not know whether you have had working relationships in the past or whether you have thoughts collectively about how you will work together with the other commissioners, and I am interested in exploring that. It is not a trick question—it is just an open question about how you see yourselves working collectively and how you think that that will change.

Robert, the farming commissioner role is embedded in the Land Commission, but how do you interpret that role within the commission’s wider work? Will you be following Bob McIntosh’s example, or will there be changes?

I see that Michael McLeod wants to come in.

How should good practice be codified? Should it be in the legislation or in guidance, or should we expect that to evolve?

Jon Hollingdale, do you want to come in?

Jon Hollingdale, do you want to come in?