Protests (Investigations)

– in the Scottish Parliament am ar 21 Mawrth 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Stephen Kerr Stephen Kerr Ceidwadwyr

12. I was going to come in with a supplementary question in order to be helpful.

To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what steps it will take to ensure that any protests and demonstrations that disrupt the ability of MSPs, staff and the public to access the Scottish Parliament are fully investigated, with any findings and lessons learned available to MSPs. (S6O-03250)

Photo of Claire Baker Claire Baker Llafur

As I said, we welcome peaceful protests outside the building. We recognise that there have been recent incidents, and a review of the protest, its impact and lessons learned is under way. The safety of the public outside the building is a matter for Police Scotland. We are assured that the security office is making progress on the review. If any recommendations require corporate body approval, we will consider the findings in due course, and we will notify members of any approved recommendations.

Photo of Stephen Kerr Stephen Kerr Ceidwadwyr

I heard the answer that was just given and the previous answers. It is clearly unacceptable for any group or individual to attempt to disrupt the workings of the Parliament or bar people from entering or leaving the building, but we have had a number of incidents, as Jamie Greene described. It is clearly intolerable that some of those activities were aided and abetted by members of this Parliament. That happened, and we all know that it happened, because it has been boasted about on social media. When the findings of the reports that were described become available, can information on any breach of the MSP code of conduct be published and made available to members? As is now established in precedent, will the corporate body make any reports that relate to MSP complicity in such activities subject to referral to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee of this Parliament?

Photo of Claire Baker Claire Baker Llafur

I assume that the member is aware of the mechanism for reporting any concerns about MSPs’ behaviour, which would not be a matter for the corporate body. As I said—

Photo of Claire Baker Claire Baker Llafur

It is not a matter for the corporate body. As I said earlier, we are looking into allegations that passholders helped protesters to block entrances by sharing information, but, at this point in time, those are allegations.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

That concludes Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body question time. There will be a brief pause before the next item of business to allow members on the front benches to change over.