Neil Findlay
Scottish Labour
MSP for Lothian (Region) 2011 - present day
About Neil Findlay
Contact details
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 6896
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at their Constituency
4 Northfield Court
West Calder
EH55 8DS
Phone: 01506 873242
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Committees
Neil is a member of 2 committees
Education and Skills Committee
Substitute Member
Cross-party groups
Neil is a member of 8 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Cuba
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Epilepsy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Health Inequalities
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on MS
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nuclear Disarmament
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Women's Health
Member
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Neil does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
Neil does not have any party roles
Previous roles
Neil has had 23 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
06 September 2018 - 17 September 2019
Culture Tourism Europe and External Affairs Committee
Substitute Member
22 October 2018 - 31 May 2019
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Constitutional Affairs
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Party Liaison
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Parliamentary Business
Scottish Labour
09 January 2018 - 01 November 2018
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
Member
19 December 2017 - 04 October 2018
Party Spokesperson on Brexit
Scottish Labour
19 December 2017 - 04 October 2018
Party Spokesperson on Campaigns and Party Engagement
Scottish Labour
09 January 2018 - 06 September 2018
Culture Tourism Europe and External Relations Committee
Substitute Member
14 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Health and Sport Committee
Convener
14 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Conveners Group
Member
08 June 2016 - 14 June 2016
Health and Sport Committee
Member
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Social Inclusion
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Trade Union Liaison
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Welfare
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Health
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Care
Scottish Labour
16 December 2014 - 09 May 2015
Party Spokesperson on Skills
Scottish Labour
10 July 2013 - 16 December 2014
Party Spokesperson on Health
Scottish Labour
20 December 2011 - 10 July 2013
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Skills
Scottish Labour
20 December 2011 - 10 July 2013
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Lifelong Learning
Scottish Labour
22 December 2011 - 10 January 2012
Education and Culture Committee
Member
01 June 2011 - 21 December 2011
Member
Register of interests
Neil's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Neil Findlay. The date of the initial statement was 17 May 2016.
Remuneration and related undertaking
I published a book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times with Luath Press Ltd, 543/2 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. I expect to receive royalties of between £5,001 and £10,000, which will all be donated to good causes. [Registered 11 October 2017]
I published a book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times with Luath Press Ltd, 543/2 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. I expect to receive royalties of between £5,001 and £10,000, which will all be donated to good causes. [Registered 11 October 2017]
Gifts
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from Thompsons Solicitors, 285 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HQ. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from ASLEF, the train drivers' union of 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4NN. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 25 September 2017, UNITE the Union of 128 Theobald's road, Holburn, London, WC1x 8TN hosted a fringe event at the Labour party conference to promote my book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times. The event cost between £500 and £1,000. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 25 September 2017, UNITE the Union of 128 Theobald's road, Holburn, London, WC1x 8TN hosted a fringe event at the Labour party conference to promote my book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times. The event cost between £500 and £1,000. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from Thompsons Solicitors, 285 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HQ. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from ASLEF, the train drivers' union of 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4NN. [Registered 11 October 2017]
Overseas visits
From 9 to 13 October 2016 I visited Taiwan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). The trip was arranged by the Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (of 1 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). I met a number of Government departments, as well as trade and cultural organisations. The total cost of the flight, hotel and ancillary expenses was £6000. These costs were met by the Taiwanese Government. [Registered 25 October 2016]
From 9 to 13 October 2016 I visited Taiwan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). The trip was arranged by the Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (of 1 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). I met a number of Government departments, as well as trade and cultural organisations. The total cost of the flight, hotel and ancillary expenses was £6000. These costs were met by the Taiwanese Government. [Registered 25 October 2016]
From 11 to 22 February 2020 I took part in an international deputation that visited Colombia to monitor the progress of the peace accord. This was organised by the UK based organisation Justice For Columbia (an organisation to support Colombian civil society in its struggle for human rights, labour rights, peace and social justice of 4th Floor, 75-77 St John Street, London EC1M 4NN). The costs, which were met by Justice For Columbia, were as follows; internal flights, hotel, food £782.73, logistical support and coordination £423.62 and international flight £972.65. [Registered 4 March 2020]
From 11 to 22 February 2020 I took part in an international deputation that visited Colombia to monitor the progress of the peace accord. This was organised by the UK based organisation Justice For Columbia (an organisation to support Colombian civil society in its struggle for human rights, labour rights, peace and social justice of 4th Floor, 75-77 St John Street, London EC1M 4NN). The costs, which were met by Justice For Columbia, were as follows; internal flights, hotel, food £782.73, logistical support and coordination £423.62 and international flight £972.65. [Registered 4 March 2020]
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Voluntary
I am a member of Blackburn and Seafield Credit Union.
I am a member of Educational Institute of Scotland.
On 29 August 2016 my wife and I attended the Edinburgh festival fireworks display and had dinner at the Balmoral Hotel courtesy of Thompsons solicitors. I consider that the value of this gift is below the threshold for registration in the Gifts category. [Registered 30 August 2016]
I am a member of Unite the Union.
On 14 July 2016 my wife and I attended The Open Golf Championship at Troon and had lunch. Tickets and lunch were provided by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. I do not consider that this gift meets the prejudice test. [Registered 30 August 2016]
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
On 14 July 2016 my wife and I attended The Open Golf Championship at Troon and had lunch. Tickets and lunch were provided by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. I do not consider that this gift meets the prejudice test. [Registered 30 August 2016]
In January 2018 I wrote an article for the Scotsman newspaper and will be paid £100 for it which will be donated to charity. [18 January 2018]
Over the last year I have carried out a number of surveys for which I have received around £400. I have donated this money to good causes. [Registered 26 March 2018]
In January 2018 I wrote an article for the Scotsman newspaper and will be paid £100 for it which will be donated to charity. [18 January 2018]
I am a member of Scottish CND.
I am a member of Fauldhouse community development trust. This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
On 19th July, my wife and I attended the Hamilton Races as a guest of Scottish Racing. The value of the gift, which comprised two tickets and lunch, was £168.54. [Registered 31 July 2019]
I am a member of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
From the 1st of July 2020 I am working to establish a social enterprise called SEJ Consulting. The business will seek to assist community groups, trades unions, NGOs, charities etc campaign and influence change at a national and local level. I will not work for the business or earn any income until after I leave parliament in March 2020. The business when fully registered and established is likely to be a community interest company, reinvesting surpluses after visits into community benefit initiatives, discounted rates or pro bono work. I am aware I do not need to register this as I will receive no income but in the interest of transparency want to voluntarily do so.
I received two vouchers for a complimentary four ball round of golf at Greenburn Golf Club with an estimated value of £200. [Registered 14 May 2020]
I am a member of Scottish CND.
Over the last year I have carried out a number of surveys for which I have received around £400. I have donated this money to good causes. [Registered 26 March 2018]
I received two vouchers for a complimentary four ball round of golf at Greenburn Golf Club with an estimated value of £200. [Registered 14 May 2020]
From the 1st of July 2020 I am working to establish a social enterprise called SEJ Consulting. The business will seek to assist community groups, trades unions, NGOs, charities etc campaign and influence change at a national and local level. I will not work for the business or earn any income until after I leave parliament in March 2020. The business when fully registered and established is likely to be a community interest company, reinvesting surpluses after visits into community benefit initiatives, discounted rates or pro bono work. I am aware I do not need to register this as I will receive no income but in the interest of transparency want to voluntarily do so.
In March 2018 I donated money from the sales of my book ‘Socialism and hope’ to the following charities donations ranged from £1000 to £100- St John’s Hospital breast cancer endowment West Lothian Foodbank West Lothian Women’s Aid West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service Aid and Abet the MS Therapy Centre West Lothian 50+ Network Fauldhouse Community Development Trust Whitburn Community Development Trust West Calder Community Development Trust Stoneyburn Future Vision Group Loganlea Miners Welfare Armadale Community Shed Polbeth Community Garden [Registered 11 April 2018]
I am a member of Fauldhouse community development trust. This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
In March 2018 I donated money from the sales of my book ‘Socialism and hope’ to the following charities donations ranged from £1000 to £100- St John’s Hospital breast cancer endowment West Lothian Foodbank West Lothian Women’s Aid West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service Aid and Abet the MS Therapy Centre West Lothian 50+ Network Fauldhouse Community Development Trust Whitburn Community Development Trust West Calder Community Development Trust Stoneyburn Future Vision Group Loganlea Miners Welfare Armadale Community Shed Polbeth Community Garden [Registered 11 April 2018]
On 29 August 2016 my wife and I attended the Edinburgh festival fireworks display and had dinner at the Balmoral Hotel courtesy of Thompsons solicitors. I consider that the value of this gift is below the threshold for registration in the Gifts category. [Registered 30 August 2016]
I am a member of Unite the Union.
On 19th July, my wife and I attended the Hamilton Races as a guest of Scottish Racing. The value of the gift, which comprised two tickets and lunch, was £168.54. [Registered 31 July 2019]
Until February 2019 I was a member of Greenburn golf club, Fauldhouse. [Amended interest 15 May 2020, Ceased interest 15 May 2020]
I am a member of Blackburn and Seafield Credit Union.
Until February 2019 I was a member of Greenburn golf club, Fauldhouse. [Amended interest 15 May 2020, Ceased interest 15 May 2020]
I am a member of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
I am a member of Educational Institute of Scotland.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Neil Findlay has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 10 December 2020
2. Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding free bus travel for all. (S5O-04842)"
Chamber meeting date: 10 December 2020
Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Bill: Stage 1
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "I have a question before the minister gets into all the detail. Does he think that, in general in Scotland, we are good at engaging the electorate in the democratic process?"
Chamber meeting date: 8 December 2020
1. Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "I declare an interest, as my mum is a resident in a care home. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that safe care home visiting can take place. (S5T-02571)"
Chamber meeting date: 3 December 2020
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "How will the Government ensure that as many of our older citizens as possible are vaccinated and that their human rights are respected? I am referring in particular to those who cannot give consent to vaccination."
Chamber meeting date: 2 December 2020
Older People (Support in Pandemic)
2. Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what support it is providing to older people during the Covid-19 pandemic. (S5O-04810)"
Votes
How Neil Findlay has voted in Parliament
Find out how Neil Findlay has voted recently.
Responding to Parliamentary Will and Calls for Clarity in Education
Submitted by: John Swinney, Perthshire North, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Supported by: Richard Lochhead, Maree Todd
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Result 61 for, 62 against, 0 abstained, 6 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Economy
Submitted by: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 7, 2020
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Result 94 for, 28 against, 0 abstained, 7 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Responding to Parliamentary Will and Calls for Clarity in Education
Submitted by: Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 7, 2020
Supported by: Michelle Ballantyne
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Result 59 for, 4 against, 61 abstained, 5 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Result 95 for, 25 against, 1 abstained, 8 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Passed
Economy
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Supported by: Kate Forbes, Fiona Hyslop, Ben Macpherson, Ivan McKee
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Result 71 for, 31 against, 22 abstained, 5 no vote
MSP abstained
Vote Passed
Motions
Motions made by Neil Findlay in Parliament
Find out what motions Neil Findlay has submitted recently.
Written questions
Written questions Neil Findlay has submitted in Parliament
These are the questions that this MSP has asked the Scottish Government about its work. It also includes any answer to these questions.
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 10 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government how many care homes have had (a) zero to 10, (b) 11 to 20, (c) 21 to 30, (d) 31 to 40 and (e) over 40 of their residents die where COVID-19 has been a factor or suspected factor (i) between 1 Jan and 30 June 2020 and (ii) since 1 July 2020 to date."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 10 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates single-use pencils will be used at polling station at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election and, if they will be, what it anticipates will be done after polling day with all the pencils that have been used."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 9 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government how many hospital patients have been discharged to hospices (a) untested and (b) after testing positive for COVID-19."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 9 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase democratic engagement."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24 November 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5T-02539 by Jeane Freeman on 24 November 2020 (Official Report, c…
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 9 December 2020
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 8 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government how many press releases have been issued by or on behalf of the Minister for (a) Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing and (b) Minister for Older People and Equalities since 1 March 2020."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 8 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any of the COVID-19 legislation in place has repealed section 28 of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 November 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government when the (a) First Minister and (b) Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport first knew that discharging COVID-19-positive patients to care homes had restarted."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 8 December 2020
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 November 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis the chemicals firm, Scotmas, was awarded a £460,000 contract for supplying chlorine tablets to the NHS; whether the contract was competitively tendered, and, if not, for what reason."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 8 December 2020
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20 November 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve needle and syringe provision to help meet its commitment to eliminate hepatitis C by 2024."
Answered by: Joe FitzPatrick on 7 December 2020
See all of Neil Findlay's written questions submitted in Parliament