Chamber and committees

Good morning, cabinet secretary. In your portfolio, we have seen a real-terms cut to a large number of the budget lines. We have had a record-breaking block grant. How do you make the case for Scotland’s agricultural and farming sector and to whom do you make it? Which areas did you pitch, if you made that case?

I know that NFU Scotland is really disappointed, particularly in relation to the use of the agri-environment climate scheme, because farmers are doing their best to comply with the slurry storage regulations and to meet the rules around that. However, do you not think that, unless the Scottish Government’s budget reflects the requirements, farmers will not be able to keep pace with those requirements?

Okay. I am not really satisfied with that answer, because the Government should look at doing things differently in a way that is flexible. You are using all the right words, and I think that you understand the problems, cabinet secretary, but my assessment is that it would be better to look at a new way of achieving the Government’s goals, particularly on carbon audits.

I am sure that other members of the committee will be asking questions around that, because of the low uptake. We want farmers to have a system that is easy to access and that allows them to support our ambitions to meet net zero and environmental targets. I do not think that we are there right now.

You did not exactly answer my question about concrete examples of acts of violence against trans people being reduced, but you talked about other examples of your views.

I have one final question, if I may. I am slightly confused about the “Living Free and Equal” report that you talk about. From my research, I believe that it does not provide a legal basis for the recommendations that you make. I wonder about two points. Is there a legal obligation on Scotland to enact reform that allows anyone to change their sex by self-ID? The UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission says that the Gender Recognition Act 2004 is in line with international human rights obligations. Do you agree with that?

Welcome, Reem. I want to pick up on a point that you said that you did not cover in your letter but which you wanted to raise, which is around age. Do you have concerns with regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which defines anyone under the age of 18 as a child? Do you believe that the lower age will have an impact?

Also, on some of the views around a report called the Cass—

Can I just make—

Victor, your mandate stresses the importance of respecting regional, cultural and religious values in human rights. How will the gender reform self-identification system impact everyone’s human rights across the UK?

Yes, Reem, we can hear you.

That is fine, thank you.

Welcome, Reem. You mentioned that you have concerns with age. Do you agree with lowering the age from 18 to 16?