In Parliament

I am pleased to open for the Scottish Conservatives in the debate on whether the Parliament should agree to the principles of the Hate Cr

Mr Kelly makes a reasonable point.

Do I have time, Presiding Officer?

Today, the Justice Committee released its report on the SNP’s Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

I am very pleased to speak in favour of and, later, to vote to pass the bill.

I remind members that I am a practising solicitor.

Yes, I agree with that. I can see from the record that many business groups did not support the proposal in the order.

I will make a little progress and then I will come back to Ms Boyack. I understand why the change is being proposed.

I rise to speak against the order, and I urge MSPs to vote against it at decision time.

It is notable that the minister came straight to the chamber to give a ministerial statement on the interim report.