To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will provide an update on the review commissioned by the security team, in light of the protest that took place on 21 February 2024. (S6O-03582)

The protest on 21 February was the first time that a protest at the Parliament attempted to physically prevent the public from entering the building. The review has highlighted that communications to those in the building, those trying to leave the building and those arriving were not good enough, and that some people were left feeling unsafe.

The security office conducted a lessons-learned review and developed a set of rapid communications that will be deployed in real time to building occupants and those known to be travelling to the building. Work has progressed in the security office on response plans for disruptive protests, and work is under way with events organisers to make it easier to communicate quickly with those who are expected to attend events.

On the night in question, following the blockage of one exit by protesters, the Parliament’s security team directed members and guests to an alternative exit. However, it appeared that the protesters quickly moved to that new location and continued their harassment and abuse. I spoke with the people who were in the Parliament building that night, including young apprentices, some of whom were in tears. They spoke of concerns about their safety and treatment. Has the corporate body identified any involvement from a member or their staff in providing inside information to protesters? If so, what consequences will be applied to address that behaviour?

I understand that the member has corresponded with the Presiding Officer on those matters. At the time, there were suggestions that a pass holder was providing information to protesters on where to protest. The security office looked into that claim, including reviewing closed-circuit television and speaking to staff on duty at the time. However, no evidence has been found to support that allegation.