Meeting of the Parliament

Time for Reflection Fr Roger Dawson SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in Scotland followed by Topical Questions Rachael Hamilton S6T-01924 1. To ask the Scottish Government when it will next review the New Build Heat Standard. Martin Whitfield S6T-01914 2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its pledge to provide a free bike to every school-age child who cannot afford one. followed by Ministerial Statement: Implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 followed by Scottish Government Debate: Scotland's International Culture Strategy Angus Robertson S6M-12845 That the Parliament welcomes the publication on 28 March 2024 of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy; recognises the central importance of international engagement, collaboration and exchange to Scotland’s culture and creative sector, cultural innovation and financial health; further recognises that the impacts of Brexit and inflation pressures driven by UK Government decisions have had a detrimental impact on the sector’s international activity; acknowledges that COVID-19 has also exacerbated these impacts; notes the strong starting position for this strategy, with Scotland’s culture and creative sector’s global reputation and existing connections; further notes that this strategy recognises the challenges posed by the importance of international cultural activity and the need to achieve net zero by 2045; recognises the role that the culture and creative sector can play in addressing Scotland’s role in colonialism and slavery, and agrees that this strategic approach to supporting international connections can play an important role in the sector’s long-term development. Meghan Gallacher S6M-12845.2 As an amendment to motion S6M-12845 in the name of Angus Robertson (Scotland’s International Culture Strategy), leave out from “welcomes” to end and insert “believes that Scotland’s culture is among the most vibrant in the world and should be promoted internationally; recognises that some of the points in the International Culture Strategy can help to promote Scotland’s culture overseas, but that the document provides another forum for the Scottish Government to promote independence and grievance-mongering; further recognises that local tourism and cultural services have not reopened or are being forced to close, and compels the Scottish Government to dedicate more time to restoring Scotland’s cultural sector.” Neil Bibby S6M-12845.1 As an amendment to motion S6M-12845 in the name of Angus Robertson (Scotland’s International Culture Strategy), insert at end “; recognises the urgent need for a touring agreement with the EU to ease the regulatory burden on internationally touring artists and musicians; notes the significant concerns of the culture sector at the closure of and threats to a variety of festivals across Scotland due to a lack of funding; believes that Scotland’s festivals are an integral part of both domestic and international culture strategy, and calls on the Scottish Government to convene an urgent summit with the culture sector to discuss how to protect and support Scotland’s festivals with sustainable and predictable funding as part of its commitment to more than double culture funding over the next five years.” followed by Legislative Consent Motion: Automated Vehicles Bill - UK Legislation Jim Fairlie S6M-12834 That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions in Part 1, Chapter 6, clause 40, Part 2, Chapter 1, clauses 46 to 49 and 51, Part 5, clauses 82 to 85, 87 to 90 and Schedule 6 of the Automated Vehicles Bill, introduced in the House of Lords on 8 November 2023 and subsequently amended, so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament or alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. Decision Time followed by Members' Business — S6M-12617 Oliver Mundell: Putting Langholm on the Map That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the outstanding efforts of local campaigners in the Muckle Toon to ensure that Langholm is not forgotten when it comes to vital road signage on the trunk road and motorway network; celebrates what it considers the passion and dedication of many local individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to raise the profile of Langholm; understands that it has an extremely proud history and many claims to fame, including its Common Riding, textile heritage, links to Neil Armstrong, the Border Reivers, natural capital, including incredible scenery, walks and wildlife, and what it sees as a number of outstanding local businesses, such as Latimer’s of Langholm, as well as being home to the Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser and so much more; considers that Transport Scotland does not have sufficient flexibility when it comes to making sure that trunk roads work for local people and understands that this has caused frustration among local residents; recognises the reported concerns voiced by many smaller, more remote and rural communities that they are often not served well by the trunk road network; notes the calls for Transport Scotland and operating companies to do more to support communities in encouraging drivers to stop and take advantage of the many services and visitor attractions available; welcomes that some progress has been made in relation to enhanced signage for Langholm but understands that the town is still absent from signs on the M74, and that residents believe that the signage remains inadequate on the A7 itself; notes the belief that all communities on trunk roads should be better supported and funded when it comes to brown tourism signs; further notes the view regarding the A7 corridor that more work is needed to promote the Borders Historic Route and all its communities and attractions; recognises what it sees as the importance of the visitor economy and tourism in protecting local livelihoods and addressing rural depopulation, and notes the view that there are many untapped opportunities for the Scottish Government and its agencies to do more to get behind proactive communities like Langholm.