In Parliament - James Kelly MSP

Budget 2018-19 (Underspend)

Scottish Parliament debates

I agreed with Nicola Sturgeon previously when she said that the Tory two-child benefit cap is abhorrent. Therefore, why did the Government not allocate £69 million in the 2019-20 budget from...

Budget 2018-19 (Underspend)

Scottish Parliament debates

Last week, the First Minister told Parliament that every penny in the Scottish budget was accounted for. What she did not—[ Interruption .] What she did not tell us, and what we know now,...

Budget 2018-19 (Underspend)

Scottish Parliament debates

7. To ask the First Minister for what reason the 2018-19 Scottish budget was underspent by £449 million. (S5F-03474)

Income Tax (Higher-rate Threshold)

Scottish Parliament debates

What about answers?

Income Tax (Higher-rate Threshold)

Scottish Parliament debates

Given the shortfall in tax revenue of £1 billion that the Scottish Fiscal Commission has forecast and the potential impact on the Scottish budget, it is disappointing that the cabinet...

Income Tax

Scottish Parliament debates

One of the points that the IPPR makes is that promoting wage growth would boost tax revenue—an increase of 1 per cent in wages would add £750 million to tax revenues. That is...

Provisional Outturn 2018-19

Scottish Parliament debates

I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of his statement. Three hours ago, in exactly the same spot as Derek Mackay is in now, the First Minister told us in response to a reasonable...

Glasgow School of Art Fire

Scottish Parliament debates

I congratulate Pauline McNeill on securing this important debate. I compliment Pauline McNeill, Adam Tomkins, Patrick Harvie and Sandra White for working closely with the communities around the...

Glasgow Life (Golf Course Closures)

Scottish Parliament debates

I draw the First Minister’s attention to the consultation being run by Glasgow Life, proposing the closure of six public golf courses in Glasgow, including the popular courses at Linn Park...

Football (Sectarianism)

Scottish Parliament debates

To ensure that there is a positive and constructive discussion about tackling unacceptable conduct and promoting a positive, supportive experience, all verified and accurate data should be in the...

Disclosure (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Parliament debates

Will reductions in fees be applicable to those who reapply after five years, bearing in mind that moving from a system of one-off fees to repeat fees might curtail volunteers coming forward?

Housing Co-operatives

Scottish Parliament debates

I join other members in congratulating Johann Lamont on securing this important debate on housing co-ops. I thank the members of the cross-party group on co-operatives for the work that they have...

ScotRail Services (Glasgow)

Scottish Parliament debates

The cabinet secretary’s answer does not stack up with the experience of passengers in the Rutherglen area, where, according to the latest statistics, 43 per cent of trains are not turning...

ScotRail Services (Glasgow)

Scottish Parliament debates

3. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the performance of ScotRail services in the Glasgow area. (S5O-03360)

Unemployment (Mid Fife and Glenrothes)

Scottish Parliament debates

One of the ways to tackle unemployment in Mid Fife and Glenrothes and other communities in Scotland is to lift people out of poverty. Will the Government take urgent action to investigate the...

Whole-life Custody Sentences

Scottish Parliament debates

The suggestion from Liam Kerr in his proposal for a member’s bill and from the Tories in their motion today is that we change the law in order to introduce whole-life sentences. It is clear...

A Trading Nation

Scottish Parliament debates

Sure, Presiding Officer. The points that Willie Coffey made about the digital single market are valid and should be taken on board by all parties in the Parliament. In addressing the issue of the...

A Trading Nation

Scottish Parliament debates

It has been quite an interesting debate, in which we have had a number of good contributions from across the chamber. Although there has not been consensus in some areas, some stimulating points...

Medium-term Financial Strategy

Scottish Parliament debates

I thought that the cabinet secretary was getting to make another 10-minute statement there. I thank the cabinet secretary for an advance copy of his statement, although the number of black marks...

Poverty and Inequality Commission Recommendations (Impact on Social Security Policies)

Scottish Parliament debates

The Poverty and Inequality Commission’s recent report highlighted that the Government’s rhetoric has not matched its actions, with only £172 million out of a £40 billion...