The Scottish Parliament Chamber Business - October 2020, 1 Oct 2020

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From YouTube: Portfolio Questions - 1 October 2020

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Portfolio Questions

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Good afternoon., the next item of business is portfolio question time, on the portfolio.

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Of environment,, climate change and land reform.

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I remind members who wish to ask supplementary questions to press their request-to-speak button.

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Or to indicate their request by entering “r” in the chat function during the relevant question.

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Marine protected areas 1. dr alasdair allan.

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(Na h-eileanan an iar) (snp): to ask the scottish government how inshore marine protected areas are managed. (s5o-04649).

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The minister for rural affairs and the natural environment.

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(Mairi gougeon): last week,, the scottish government designated the west of scotland mpa,, which means that more than 30 per.

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Cent of scotland’s seas are now protected,, thereby exceeding the proposed new international targets.

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On the management of mpas,, public authorities must not grant authorisation for activities.

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Where there is significant risk of hindering an mpa’s conservation objectives., therefore,.

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Most activities are managed by regulatory authorities on an individual level, with reference to naturescot’s advice., unlike other sectors,.

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Fishing is managed through the implementation of management measures at sector level,.

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With advice from naturescot on the risks to protected features from fishing, activity.

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Dr allan:, the minister, will be aware of the importance of scallop and prawn fishing to my constituency,, which has companies such as.

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Kallin shellfish ltd,, which employs 30 people locally and bring vital jobs to areas in which.

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There are few private sector employers.. What discussions has the scottish government had.

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Regarding fisheries management measures for the sound of barra special area of conservation? would.

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Any such proposals be subject to an island communities impact assessment?.

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Mairi gougeon:. I am acutely aware of the.

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Importance to the western isles of fisheries,, including employers such as kallin shellfish.,.

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The development of potential fisheries management measures for the sound of barra sac.

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Was at the pre-consultation stage when it was delayed because of.

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The current pandemic. prior to that pause, stakeholder engagement had been under way.

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And had included the holding of meetings in benbecula and stornoway in march, this year.

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When we are able to restart that process,, there will be further opportunity for stakeholder.

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Engagement, and there will also be wider public consultation before any measures are adopted.

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I absolutely assure dr allan that if it were to be anticipated that any management proposal would.

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Have an impact on island communities that would be significantly different from the.

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Effect that it would have on others, an island communities, impact assessment would be undertaken.

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Claudia beamish, (south, scotland) (lab):.

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Given that marine conservation and fisheries issues are missing from the scottish government’s.

D

Economic recovery, implementation, plan, will the minister say what action will be taken to.

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Deliver a blue recovery that would enhance marine health and support inshore fishers.

D

To meet sustainability requirements, while also supporting local coastal communities?.

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Mairi gougeon:, a variety of such projects are under.

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Way at the moment., as I said in my initial response to dr allan, just last week, we.

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Designated one of the largest mpas—I think that it is the largest—in the north-east atlantic,.

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Which now brings the coverage to more than 30 per cent of our seas being protected.

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We are continually undertaking work on the designation of such sites.

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As I alluded to in my other response, understandably,,.

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Some measures and pieces of work have had to be put on hold.

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Because of the pandemic that we are having to deal with. however,, I assure claudia beamish and other.

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Members that we consider such work to be vital and that we will continue with it as soon as we.

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Are able to do so, with the aim of improving the protection of our marine environment.

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Kenneth gibson (cunninghame north) (snp):, the south arran marine protected area, has been.

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A tremendous boon to the marine environment to the south of my constituency. however,.

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It cannot have the same restorative impact as a no-take zone,, which would enable the.

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Marine environment to regenerate fully. will the minister consider the resounding success.

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Of the lamlash bay no-take zone over the past 12 years, and others across the world,.

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With a view to creating more such zones in scotland’s threatened marine environments?.

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Mairi gougeon: absolutely.. We continually look at national and international good practice,, because that helps to inform.

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The development of our policies when it comes to protecting and enhancing our marine environment.

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Sites within the mpa network have a range of different measures in place.

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And those are being monitored for environmental and economic effects to help to provide an.

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Evidence base for any future actions that we might take in our protected areas.

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The monitoring outcomes,, including in lamlash bay, and experiences elsewhere in the world,, will.

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Inform how our mpa network, evolves,, especially after new international targets, are set in 2021.

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Climate action plan, (dundee) 2., shona, robison, (dundee city, east), (snp):,.

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To ask the scottish government what support it is providing to.

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Dundee to assist in the implementation of the city’s climate action, plan. (s5o-04650).

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The cabinet secretary for environment,, climate change and land reform, (roseanna cunningham):.

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I welcome dundee’s climate action plan,, which places climate change at the heart of the city’s.

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Regeneration. the plan has ambitious targets,, a citywide partnership approach and strong.

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Links to national policy;, it supports key low-carbon technologies and climate resilience.

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The scottish government and its agencies are working with partners in dundee. in particular,.

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We have committed up to £150 million over 10 years to the wider tay cities region deal,, which.

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Includes the ambition to create a step, change to a low-carbon, regional economy and establish the tay.

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Cities region as a leader for eco-innovation. to date,. We have also provided over £6 million of.

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Funding to dundee city council to decarbonise its vehicle, fleet, co-funded, the development.

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Of the low-carbon district energy hub at caird park, regional performance centre.

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For sport, and provided support to community circular economy initiatives in dundee.

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Shona robison:, the cabinet secretary, may be aware of dundee’s new.

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Embark dundee e-bike, sharing scheme,, which is set to launch this weekend,, making dundee the largest.

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E-Bike provider in the country., what plans does the government have to further encourage active.

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Travel in city centres and, in particular, to improve air quality in known city centre, hotspots?.

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Roseanna cunningham: the.

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Budget for 2020-21 has increased to £100.5 million to support the building.

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Of large-scale active travel infrastructure and behavioural change., we have invested.

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Nearly £39 million in temporary infrastructure to help local authorities support physical, distancing.

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And to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling during the covid-19 outbreak.

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We remain absolutely committed to tackling air pollution.. The scottish government awarded over.

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£500,000 to dundee in 2019-20 to develop a low-emission zone.

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And related public transport measures.. I welcome the announcement that I read today.

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About the new edinburgh to dundee electric bus service,, which will start next week.

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Flooding (scottish environment protection, agency), 3., rona, mackay,.

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(Strathkelvin and bearsden) (snp): to ask the scottish government, when it last discussed with the scottish environment protection agency, how to tackle the reportedly increasing problem of flooding in scotland’s communities. (s5o-04651).

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The minister for rural affairs and the natural environment, (mairi gougeon):.

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The scottish government engages extensively with sepa and other relevant agencies on a.

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Wide range of issues to ensure that scotland is resilient and able to.

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Adapt to the challenges of flooding and other pressures that are driven by climate change.

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Rona mackay: houses in lennoxtown in.

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My constituency have been hit by severe flooding three times already this year.. It is clear that.

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That problem will continue to recur,, given the changing climate.. Are local authorities being.

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Supported to offer long-term solutions to high flood risk areas that are identified to them?.

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Mairi gougeon:, I can completely understand the member’s.

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Concerns about that and about other events that are increasing because of climate change.

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I am aware of the communities at risk of flooding,, including what happened in lennoxtown on 4 august.

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The scottish government provides substantial support,, including £42 million each year, to.

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Local authorities for flood protection measures. in addition, in our programme for government. This.

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Year, we committed an additional £150 million over the next five years—that is over and above the £42.

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Million—To support flood protection measures.. We also provide around £200,000 annually to the.

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Scottish flood forum,, which provides support to communities that are affected by flooding.

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In addition to the extra funds that we are committing,.

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To help inform the future work that we will have to undertake,, we are carrying.

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Out a review to consider the current and future challenges that we face and to try to scope out.

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The opportunities and solutions that there are for efficient and effective surface water, management.

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Mary fee (west scotland) (lab):. What is the scottish government doing.

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To improve the maintenance standards for sustainable urban drainage, systems,.

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Which is a vital aspect of sustaining their longevity?.

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Mairi gougeon: again,. I understand.

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The member’s concern regarding that matter., as I outlined in my response to rona mackay,.

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We are carrying out a review to look at the current challenges that we face.

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The problem will intensify and will only get worse, as we see the full effects of climate change.. We.

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Are taking a serious look at the issue to consider what solutions we can develop for the future.

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Annabelle ewing, (cowdenbeath) (snp):, the minister, will be aware of the.

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Recent flooding event in cardenden in my constituency., although fife council.

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Had already been preparing an area- flood study, curiously,, the final version of the study will.

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Omit any reference at all to that significant recent flooding event.. Can the minister.

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Therefore, advise whether there is any guidance on the matter of what on earth would be the efficacy.

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Of the new flood study, if it makes no reference at all to that significant recent.

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Flooding incident,, which took place in august of this year?.

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Mairi gougeon:.

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I would be happy to consider that in more detail. the scottish government supports.

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The scottish environment protection agency’s flood forecasting service through a grant of.

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£586,000. the service uses hydrological data from 250 monitoring stations, plus meteorological data.

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From the met office and aims to provide as accurate predictions as possible of the likelihood.

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And timing of flood events. of course,, the service is subject to continuous updates and improvements.

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On the specific point that annabelle ewing, raises,.

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I am happy to look into that further and respond to her more fully.

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The deputy presiding officer: question 4 was not lodged.

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Environmental protection, (public participation) 5., maureen watt, (aberdeen south and north kincardine) (snp): to ask the scottish government how it is encouraging people to engage in recycling.

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And other activities to help protect scotland’s environment. (s5o-04653), the cabinet secretary for environment,, climate change and land reform, (roseanna cunningham):.

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We want to ensure that, when it comes to recycling,. The right choices are the.

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Easy choices for businesses and households. our recent programme for government committed to a.

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£70 million recycling fund to improve local authority collection, infrastructure,.

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As well as a review of the household recycling charter and code of practice.,.

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The national managing our waste campaign provides guidance for households on how to manage waste,.

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Recycle and access local waste services during the covid-19 pandemic.. It also encourages use.

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Of reusable face coverings and appropriate disposal of single-use face coverings and gloves.

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Maureen watt:, I thank the cabinet secretary for.

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That answer,, especially what she said about face coverings,, which are becoming a real problem.

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I was delighted to note that last week was recycle week 2020.. What dialogue is the.

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Scottish government, having with local authorities and other stakeholders,.

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To ensure that we continue to promote such activities, as we navigate through lockdown?.

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Roseanna cunningham: we continue, of course,.

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To engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders from throughout the waste sector,.

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Through the waste and resources sector forum., it comprises key.

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Partners including zero waste scotland,, the scottish environment protection agency,, the convention of scottish local authorities,, local authorities and commercial bodies.. I am grateful to the people who have worked very hard to keep waste and recycling services going.

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In communities right across scotland,, particularly over the past year.

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The national managing our waste campaign,, which we developed with our partners and launched in.

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Late april, will continue to provide guidance for households.

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On how to manage waste,, recycle and access local waste services during the covid-19 pandemic.

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Maurice golden (west, scotland) (con):.

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Can the cabinet secretary say how many tonnes of waste are shipped out of scotland every minute?.

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Roseanna cunningham:, as maurice golden is,, very likely, aware,. The answer to that is no.. I do not have a minute-by-minute.

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Assessment of the waste that is exported from scotland, any more than anyone else will have a.

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Minute-By-Minute assessment of any other export from scotland.

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However, I can tell maurice golden that we are making a great deal of progress on recycling,.

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On which we are doing an enormous amount of work. as he knows,, we have plans to go a lot. Further.

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I have already outlined the programme for government commitment of £70 million to the.

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Recycling fund., we have long-term initiatives to tackle the throwaway.

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Culture and to reduce the global amount of waste that is created, wherever it ends, up.

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I hope that mr golden will continue to support those initiatives in the future.

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Mark ruskell, (mid, scotland and fife) (green):.

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It is clear that the public strongly back waste recycling,.

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But they do not back waste incineration. when it gave evidence to the environment,.

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Climate change and land reform committee last week, zero waste, scotland warned of a “future that is based on incineration.”—[official report,, environment,, climate change and land reform, committee, 22 september 2020; c 27.].

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What is the government doing to restrict burning of rubbish?.

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Roseanna cunningham: again,. I must say that we are.

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Making very strong progress,, as I said, to maurice golden., between 2017 and 2018,, the.

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Carbon impact of our waste dropped by 11 per cent.. I have also mentioned the pfg commitment.

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Waste incineration is strictly regulated in line with european union standards. under the.

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Regulations,, the scottish environment protection agency operates a very rigorous permitting system.

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For energy-from-waste operators. we are preparing for the ban on landfilling biodegradable municipal.

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Waste that will be in place by 2025,, in line with the committee on climate, change’s, recommendations,.

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But we will still need capacity to dispose of residual waste while we make the transition to.

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A circular economy., that is the reason for the increase in energy-from-waste capacity.

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Tarbolton moss landfill, 6., brian whittle (south, scotland) (con):.

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To ask the scottish government what steps it is taking to resolve.

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The reported serious environmental issues arising from a lack of on-going maintenance.

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At tarbolton, moss, landfill., (s5o-04654), the cabinet secretary for environment,, climate change and land reform, (roseanna cunningham):.

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Tarbolton landfill ltd,, which is the operator of the site,, remains.

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In liquidation., although the scottish government is not directly responsible for the site,.

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We are working with the scottish environment protection agency and south ayrshire council to.

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Assess future options. on 2 july,, we considered the recommendations of a recent site survey.

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On the practical options for management of the site., the scottish government is currently in the process of developing a proposition.

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For how the different public authorities can work together to move matters, forward.

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Brian whittle:, as the cabinet secretary knows,,.

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She and I have spoken about the issue. Many times, and very little has changed on the site—apart.

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From the facts that giant hogweed now pervades and is invading down, river, and leachate continues to.

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Flow., we cannot allow an environmental health crisis to continue to grow.

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This is a long-standing problem that I have brought to parliament’s attention. Many times.

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When will the scottish government finally act to make tarbolton moss landfill, safe?.

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Roseanna cunningham:. I know that mr whittle has raised the issue on.

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A number of occasions. we have had conversations about it,, and I know that he feels very strongly.

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About it., that is extremely understandable. however,. The legal situation remains the same.

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Mr whittle mentioned giant hogweed.. I understand that, unfortunately, much of the work across.

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Scotland to control invasive species has been delayed because of covid-19.. That will include.

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Work at the tarbolton site., we have previously funded work to remove giant hogweed.

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As part of the site investigation that I mentioned, and other necessary work.

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Will be considered as part of the wider requirements for remediation of the site.

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Grouse moor management, (werritty, review), 7., bob doris (glasgow, maryhill and springburn) (snp):.

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To ask the scottish government whether it will provide an update on when it will publish its.

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Response to the werritty review recommendations on grouse, moor, management., (s5o-04655).

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The minister for rural affairs and the natural environment, (mairi gougeon):.

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As set out in the scottish government’s programme for government,, which was published on.

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1 september, this year, a response to the report by the independent.

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Grouse moor management review group will be published. This autumn.

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Bob doris:.

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I note the recommendation on licensing of grouse moors,, which I hope will be adopted,.

O

Given the concerns about the on-going risk to hen, harriers,, peregrines and other birds of prey. will.

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The minister give more detail on the timescale for legislating, for a licensing regime, should.

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It be decided that that will be done?. I hope that such a regime can be secured as early as possible.

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Mairi gougeon:, I absolutely share bob doris’s concern about the matter, and I know that it is something that members across the chamber.

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Want to hear more about and are concerned, about.

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We are carefully considering the option of licensing,, because that was one of the.

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Key recommendations in professor werritty’s report., if our conclusion is that licensing.

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Is to be introduced,, we have indicated—the first minister and the cabinet secretary for.

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Environment, climate change and land reform have already stated to parliament—that. We would likely.

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Implement it earlier than the five-year timeframe that the review group proposed.

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Liz smith, (mid, scotland and fife) (con):.

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Will the scottish government take into consideration the soon to be published.

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Stage 2 research into the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of grouse, moor management.

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And the employment rights of gamekeepers before it responds to the werritty review.

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Mairi gougeon:, I am sure that liz smith will be aware that we had.

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Hoped to issue our response to the review earlier in the year,. But because we have had to redirect.

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Resource due to the pandemic, that has not been possible., the response has been a long time.

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Coming;, as I said in my response to bob doris,, we want to publish our response as soon as we can.

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We will, of course, take any relevant information.

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Into consideration,, because the recommendations in the report would impact on other agencies,.

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Too. there are lots of things that we must take into careful consideration.

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However,, I say again that we will be looking to publish our response in the coming months.

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Alison johnstone (lothian) (green):, the large-scale killing of mountain hares.

Q

On grouse, moors was a key part of the grouse moor management group’s terms of reference,.

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And the report recommended that action be taken on it. ninety-four days, ago,.

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Parliament voted in support of my amendment to the animals and wildlife (penalties,.

Q

Protections and powers) (scotland) bill to make the mountain hare a protected species.. Will the.

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Minister provide an update on how that is being implemented and when it will come into force?.

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Mairi gougeon:.

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As alison johnstone said,, that was the subject of an amendment that we agreed in consideration.

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Of the bill., we will set out our timetable for commencement of the relevant sections of.

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The animals and wildlife (penalties, protections and powers) (scotland) act 2020 in due course..

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We have to give careful consideration to how a future licensing regime would work in relation.

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To mountain hares because,, as I am sure members are aware, the amendment that was agreed to had.

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The effect of removing the open season for mountain hares,, thereby making it an offence.

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To intentionally or to recklessly kill, injure or take them at any time of the year. that would,.

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Of course, be subject to certain permitted exceptions that might be undertaken under licence.

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Those are the kinds of things that we have to consider. as I said,. We will in due course come.

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Back and lay out our timetable for commencement of the relevant part of the 2020 act.

C

Climate action 8. neil findlay, (lothian) (lab):.

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To ask the scottish government what action it is taking to tackle climate change. (s5o-04656).

A

The cabinet secretary for environment,, climate change and land reform, (roseanna cunningham):.

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Scotland has the most rigorous framework of domestic climate change legislation in the.

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World., we have already halved our greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, restored 20,000.

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Hectares of degraded peatland, planted 22 million trees and cut waste emissions by 30 per cent.

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Even as we tackle the impacts of covid-19,, we are ensuring that our recovery is a green recovery.

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By investing a groundbreaking £1.6 billion to transform how we heat our homes,.

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£60 million to support decarbonisation of the industrial sector and £100 million.

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For a green jobs fund to build back better.

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building on our programme for government commitments,, our forthcoming update to the 2018 climate change plan.

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Will set out the next steps that we will take towards meeting our new and ambitious targets.

A

Neil findlay: energy is central to addressing climate change,.

R

But the development of the onshore wind sector has been a huge missed opportunity for communities,.

R

Which see ownership of onshore wind farms concentrated in the hands of venture capital.

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Firms and foreign-based multinationals, whose profits are then repatriated to germany, spain,.

R

And italy., what is the scottish government doing to avoid repeating the mistakes that.

R

It made in onshore wind development and to ensure that offshore wind developments.

R

Are held by communities, so that profits that are generated go back into the.

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Local community and economy,, and not to the shareholders of foreign-based multinationals?.

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Roseanna cunningham:, among other things,, the work that is being done.

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With crown estate, scotland is very much directed at the issue that neil findlay has raised.

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We are working closely with crown estate, scotland, to ensure that developers will need to commit.

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To the anticipated level and location of supply-chain impact.

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In future projects, and to incorporate them in formal agreements. that will provide developers.

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With a clear and transparent route through which to demonstrate their progress on the industry,.

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Supply-Chain ambitions, and it will provide them with the opportunity to show their commitment.

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To companies in scotland., that is one of the initiatives that we are currently undertaking.

G

Of course,, we continue to call on the united kingdom government to amend the contract for.

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Difference auction process,, through which contracts are currently awarded solely on.

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Price., we want the process to better reflect the value that is added to the economy.

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And the importance of supply-chain sustainability when contracts are awarded to projects.

A

Colin beattie (midlothian, north and musselburgh) (snp):.

S

Can the cabinet secretary outline what the scottish government hopes to achieve.

S

As the european co-chair of the under2 coalition over the coming year?.

S

Roseanna cunningham:, I am pleased to say that scotland is now the.

G

European co-chair for the under2 coalition,, alongside a number of other co-chairs,, including.

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Governor newsom of california, premier, zikalala of kwazulu-natal and governor domínguez servién.

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Of querétaro,, which I hope I have pronounced correctly.

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Our term as co-chair has begun.. It is happening in a crucial time for.

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Climate action and it will help to drive momentum towards a green recovery and a net zero future,.

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Ahead of the 26th climate change conference of the parties., I can advise parliament that, under our capacity as co-chair,. I have already done a number of international video events.

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As european co-chair,, scotland will champion the principles.

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Of just transition, inclusivity and wellbeing.