COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I think that we can short-circuit matters quite effectively. I am grateful to Adam Tomkins for the discussion that we have had. I commend that approach, because i...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I also declare an interest as a member of a trade union. I remain a member of the University and College Union—[
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs (Michael Russell)
This is a serious part of the bill, and the Scottish Government has taken this group of amendments seriously. I am grateful to Neil Findlay, Monica Lennon and Jackie Baillie for their contri...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I have nothing more to say. I press amendment 8.
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
Amendment 8 will allow notaries public, solicitors and advocates to execute documents on behalf of others without their having to be physically present, and to ad...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
The amendment seeks to assert that coronavirus never happened and did not change things. I just do not think that that is a tenable starting position, and therefo...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
Thank you for raising the issue with me prior to the meeting. I know that the committee has considered the issue during the passage of both coronavirus bills and I am grateful for the positi...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I welcome the opportunity to speak to these amendments, whose sentiment I agree with. It is perfectly possible for the committee...
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I thank Colin Smyth for a thoughtful and interesting contribution about the bill. Before I come to the issue of regulations, I want to give him some early assurances.
COVID-19 Committee 19 May 2020 : 19 May 2020
Michael Russell
I thank Alison Johnstone for lodging amendment 25. I will lay out the situation briefly, which I hope will persuade Alison Johnstone that her amendment is unneces...