Meeting of the Parliament

Time for Reflection Rev Fr Matthew Carlin, Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi Parish, Port Glasgow followed by Topical Questions Paul O'Kane S6T-01149 1. To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported announcement that Unite the Union has withdrawn from the co-design process of the National Care Service. Alexander Stewart S6T-01146 2. To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent study conducted by the Scottish Retail Consortium, which found that one in six shops are lying empty in Scotland. followed by Ministerial Statement: Update on the Management of Transgender Individuals within Prison Custody followed by Scottish Government Debate: Three Years On – Brexit and Workers’ Rights That the Parliament acknowledges that, post-Brexit, the UK Government’s Retained EU Law Bill poses a significant risk to workers’ rights; further acknowledges that this is further compounded by anti-trade union legislation, such as the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses (Amendment) Regulations 2022, and the new Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill; agrees that a progressive approach to industrial relations along with greater, not fewer, protections for workers is at the heart of a fairer and stronger economy; recognises trade unions as key social partners in delivering economic and social aspiration, and as vital for ensuring that the voices of workers are heard; calls on the UK Government not to erode the hard-won rights of workers, and confirms it is committed to continuing to work in partnership as it responds to the current crisis posed by UK Government legislation post-Brexit. followed by Committee Announcements: Economy and Fair Work Committee Inquiries into Just Transition for the Grangemouth Area and Disabled Employment Gap followed by Decision Time followed by Members' Business — S6M-07290 Siobhian Brown: Concern Regarding Youth Vaping That the Parliament notes reports of concern regarding vaping and a surge in young people using e-cigarettes; believes that vaping products are not for children, young people or non-smokers and are useful only as a potential route towards stopping smoking; understands from reports that there is potentially strong evidence that e-cigarettes, which can be bright and colourful and come in thousands of e-liquid flavours, can increase attractiveness to children and young people; further understands that the long-term risks of vaping cannot yet be definitively confirmed by research studies; considers that these products are not harmless and are a risk to the long-term health of young people, and notes the view that it is important to highlight this for forthcoming generations in Ayr and across the country.