General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament am ar 13 Mawrth 2025.
Evelyn Tweed
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase democratic engagement, in line with the powers outlined in the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025. (S6O-04427)
Jamie Hepburn
Scottish National Party
The Government is currently working on commencement of the 2025 act. That includes its provisions on training for the access to elected office fund, enabling electoral innovation pilots and empowering the setting up of democratic engagement funding. I will keep Parliament updated on our plans.
Evelyn Tweed
Scottish National Party
Democracy should be representative, but toxic rhetoric, transphobia, sexism and racism have become rife in political institutions globally. Each of us has the power to shape the political discourse. How can the Scottish Government encourage members to consider the impact of their words, especially on the democratic engagement of underrepresented groups?
Jamie Hepburn
Scottish National Party
I agree fundamentally with the point that Ms Tweed makes about democracy having to be representative. However robust our debates might be in here—and it is right that they should be—they should also be based on reality, facts and, fundamentally, on respect for differing points of view. In this place, we have a leadership role in guiding public discourse.
In that regard, Ms Tweed and other members will be aware of the summit that the First Minister is holding to try to bring together political leaders and civic society. I know that he is looking forward to all parties accepting that invite.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
The House of Commons.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
