On Monday morning, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivered a statement where she outlined the Scottish Government’s response to Brexit. She announced that the Scottish Government will be seeking a Section 30 Order – the legislation which will allow the Scottish Government to hold a second Independence Referendum. The Section 30 Order is expected to be put to the Scottish Parliament next week, before a request is formally submitted to the UK Government. Ms. Sturgeon indicated that a new Independence Referendum is likely to be held by Spring 2019.
On Tuesday there will be a Scottish Government Debate on Inclusive Tourism, Promoting Accessible Tourism and Changing Lives through the Visitor Economy. This will be followed by a Cross-party Selection Panel motion on the appointment of the new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland. Finally, Members’ Business will be sponsored by SNP MSP Ruth McGuire and will focus on Scotland’s Play Charter.
On Wednesday, Portfolio Questions will focus on Health and Sport. There will also be a Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee debate on their report into the Implications of the European Union Referendum on Scotland. This will be followed by Members’ Business, sponsored by SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, which will celebrate the importance of Commonwealth Day 2017.
Thursday’s General Questions will be followed by First Minister’s Questions. Scottish Conservatives MSP Ross Thomson will then lead Members’ Business by addressing the Impact on North East Businesses of the Hike in Non-domestic Rates. This will be followed by an Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Debate which will focus on their report on The Draft Climate Change Plan – The Draft Third Report on Policies and Proposals 2017-2032. Finally, there will be a Legislative Consent Motion on the Farriers (Registration) Bill – UK Legislation.