Chamber and committees

Thank you, cabinet secretary. This the second time that the committee has had to respond to a geopolitical crisis, the first being in Ukraine, when we were almost immediately talking about how Scotland would engage in the refugee resettlement scheme. What engagement have you or the First Minister had with the Prime Minister about the two key asks of an immediate ceasefire and the opportunity to support refugees, which the First Minister recently made a commitment to in his conference speech?

The Parliament’s support for the people of Gaza is long standing. Back in 2009, when tensions were high yet again, the Government provided £400,000 to Libya and Gaza for water security. I understand that the £750,000 is going through UNRWA, and the Government has committed that money.

In our long-standing relationship with Malawi, there are great civic links with organisations within the community. The Scottish Government has very strong links with aid agencies working in Malawi, because of the principle of giving the money directly to the aid agencies on the ground. Does the Government have such a network for Gaza? Have your officials been reaching out or have any agencies and civic organisations sought support in Scotland?

Thank you, cabinet secretary. I am sure that the whole committee will wish for a peaceful resolution, the release of hostages and a ceasefire as quickly as possible. Thank you for your attendance.

Good morning, and a warm welcome to the 29th meeting in 2023 of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

Our first agenda item is to take evidence on Gaza, following the First Minister’s letter to the Prime Minister, which was copied to me as committee convener. We are joined by Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Scott Wightman, director of external affairs at the Scottish Government. Thank you for coming at such short notice, cabinet secretary. I invite you to make an opening statement.

I move to questions from committee members.

Ms Forbes, did you want to come back in?

Mr Brown has indicated that he wants to come in with a very small supplementary question—if it can be taken in two minutes, Mr Brown.

Good morning, everyone, and a warm welcome to the 27th meeting in 2023 of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Are members content to consider in private a draft report on how devolution is changing post-European Union exit in this meeting and in future meetings, and to consider in private a draft report on pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25 in future meetings?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you, cabinet secretary. There is a lot of food for thought in all that.

I will open with a general question. As you know, we have just published our report “Culture in Communities: The challenges and opportunities in delivering a place-based approach”. Your latter statements, about wellbeing and the opportunities for wider society through culture, are echoed throughout the report. When it comes to mainstreaming, how have your discussions gone with your Cabinet colleagues, and how will the budget, as set out, support those ambitions this year?

I will bring Mr Ruskell in and then come back to you, Kate, and ask Mr Robertson to take both questions together.