Chamber and committees

I call Maggie Chapman.

I thank both witnesses for their evidence. That concludes the public part of the meeting.

I am sorry, Karen Adam, do you want to come in?

I call Pam Gosal.

I ask Dr Crawford to make some opening remarks.

Pam Duncan-Glancy is next.

There will be a division.

For

Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab)

Against

Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green)
FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP)
Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con)
MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)

The result of the division is: For 1, Against 6, Abstentions 0.

Amendment 4A disagreed to.

Amendment 4B moved—[Pam Duncan-Glancy].

Good morning and welcome to the 13th meeting in 2022 of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. We have received no apologies.

We are joined today by Richard Leonard MSP and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown MSP, and I welcome both to the meeting. I also welcome those who have joined us in the public gallery.

Our sole agenda item is stage 2 consideration of the Miners’ Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill. Members should have a copy of the marshalled list and the groupings for debate.

I aim to complete our consideration of stage 2 amendments today. If votes are required, I will call for yes votes first of all, then for no votes and then for abstentions. Clerks will collate the votes and pass the results to me to read out and confirm. We will take the stage 2 process slowly so that we have time to manage it properly.

I remind the cabinet secretary’s officials that they cannot address the meeting at this stage, although they can communicate directly with the cabinet secretary. Finally, I ask everyone around the table and in the public gallery to ensure that their electronic devices are switched to silent mode.

I hope that that is all clear. Let us make a start.

I should say that, at the bill’s introduction, the Presiding Officer determined that a financial resolution was not required. However, under rule 9.12.6C, the Presiding Officer has determined that the costs associated with amendment 16 would exceed the current threshold for a bill to require a financial resolution. As far as our stage 2 proceedings are concerned, therefore, amendment 16 may be debated but, in the absence of a financial resolution, may not be agreed to.

Section 1—Pardons for miners convicted of certain offences committed during miners’ strike

Group 3 is on a compensation scheme. Amendment 16, in the name of Richard Leonard, is grouped with amendment 18.

I remind members that, under rule 9.12.6C of standing orders, the Presiding Officer has determined that the costs associated with amendment 16 would be significant in themselves. Therefore, amendment 16 may be debated but the question on it may not be put in the absence of a financial resolution.

I will call for amendments to be moved or not moved later in the proceedings.