Aberdeenshire MSP Gillian Martin makes history as the first elected member to deliver a proxy speech in parliament
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin made history today as she became the first ever MSP to deliver a proxy speech in the Scottish Parliament, which she did on behalf of fellow MSP Stewart Stevenson.
Ms Martin said she decided to give her speech in Mr Stevenson’s place as the 73 years old is currently shielding due to the coronavirus.
As a member of the Rural Economy Committee, Mr Stevenson represents the large food producing constituency of Banffshire and Buchan Coast.
The north-east MSP was particularly keen to speak in stage 1 of the Scottish Agriculture Bill, however the Scottish Parliament does not currently have a proxy system in place where an MSP can nominate a proxy to vote or speak on their behalf, even if they are at risk or vulnerable.
Commenting, Aberdeenshire East MSP, Gillian Martin said: “There is a lot of political support and goodwill from across the Chamber to introduce a system of proxy speeches and voting in Scotland. "I am immensely grateful to parliamentary staff who I know are working hard behind the scenes to seek solutions and I hope we will soon introduce a proxy system during Covid-19.
“However scrutiny and a chance to get answers directly from the government is more vital than ever and we simply cannot wait for parliamentary processes to catch up.
"With the size of the challenges the agricultural sector faces I wanted to ensure they had a voice and I know Stewart would have spoken himself if he was able to.
“I felt privileged today to speak on his behalf and was pleased today to make our own history at this critically important time for the farmers he represents.”
Commenting Stewart Stevenson MSP said: “I am very grateful to Gillian who is able to be in parliament and speak on my behalf today, allowing me to represent the views of food producers in my constituency even though I am not physically present.
“It has never been more important that the farming industry has a voice as the worlds production and trade routes are stalled.
"Farmers are one of our most valuable producers of food and that is particularly true as some of the key markets become more difficult to trade with and food can’t be sourced from other countries.
“The Agricultural Bill before us this afternoon is more vital in content than ever and most critical in its timing.
"Only by giving our farmers, and all the businesses who work with them, certainty about the support they will receive, will their actions in planning for 2021 and beyond preserve this vital industry.
“Of course I look forward to a time when I can be back delivering speeches in person, but I am immensely grateful to colleagues today for ensuring my voice is heard.”
