Holyrood must get back to work now, say Tories

THE Scottish Parliament must now return to full-time duties, so the Government can be effectively scrutinised, the Conservatives have demanded.

The party insists that now Scotland is heading out of lockdown, it is time for Holyrood to get back to full business.

In recent weeks, there have been debates in the chamber and committee meetings, but fewer than in normal times.

Other activities in the parliament have been scaled back, as fewer people have been attending the building.

The Scottish Tories insist that, while there is still a place for virtual appearances via teleconferencing apps, it is time to get back to some form of normality, so the Government can be properly held to account.

Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative leader, said: ‘Business at Holyrood was suspended for good reason. But it’s now time to get things back up and running.

‘We’re not saying Holyrood needs to be jam-packed full of MSPs again – there is still a role to play for digital contributions for those unable to come back.

‘But it is just not possible to fully hold the SNP government to account when Holyrood is only meeting once a week.

‘Let’s not forget that prior to coronavirus, the SNP was being exposed in Holyrood for its shambolic approach to the domestic agenda. Those failings have not gone away, which is why we need the Scottish Parliament back and operating better than ever.’

However, Holyrood chiefs insisted parliament had worked effectively during the Covid-19 restrictions. A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: ‘In the past weeks, the Parliament has sat on its usual three days per week, with Ministerial statements, portfolio questions and debates taking place. All of which provide the opportunity for opposition parties to question the Government.

‘In addition, committees have continued to meet to scrutinise the Government’s work in relation to Covid-19 and other matters and there has of course been extended FMQ sessions on a weekly basis.

‘If the Scottish Conservatives, or indeed any party, has concerns about the parliamentary business schedule, there are a number of decision-making forums in which they can raise these, not least the parliamentary bureau on which every party, including the Conservatives, is represented.’