Scottish FMQs Tracker
Scottish FMQs Tracker
25 June 2026 (Thursday) — Final FMQs before summer recess
Note: Held on Thursday this week instead of usual Tuesday.
Key Topics
SNP Finances / Peter Murrell Sentencing (DOMINANT)
- Russell Findlay (Con) raised the case of Peter Murrell (sentenced to 5y 3m for embezzling £400k+ from SNP). Claimed Swinney "enabled the crimes" and was "at the heart of the cover-up". Called for apology to whistleblowers Allison Graham and Cynthia Guthrie (former SNP Finance & Audit Committee members who said they were bullied by Sturgeon).
- Swinney rejected claims as "baseless", said strong governance now in place, tried to draw a line under the issue.
- Malcolm Offord (Reform UK) called for creation of a "Murrell collection" of embezzled items, and for the "People's Pen" (Sturgeon's resignation fountain pen) to go to People's Palace. Asked for inquiry into "Murrellgate" and Sturgeon's "no comment" police interview.
- Swinney replied: "No, I'm going to get on delivering for the people of Scotland."
- BBC Analysis: Two ex-SNP finance officials told The Sun they were bullied by Sturgeon when trying to raise alarms. Suggest no culture change in SNP. Issue not going away.
Post-School Education & Skills
- Anas Sarwar (Lab) raised Audit Scotland's "damning" report on post-school education. Asked for apprenticeship guarantee. Referenced Edinburgh stabbings.
- Swinney accepted findings but said 93.5% of young people now have positive destination. £198m/year for apprenticeships, target 150,000 new apprenticeships this parliament. Offered to work with Labour.
Hyperscale Data Centres
- Gillian Mackay (Green) raised concerns about environmental/energy impact. 6,000+ people wrote to FM calling for moratorium.
- Swinney said considering planning guidance; exploring whether decisions can be made at local council level.
Trans Prisoners
- Following Lady Ross ruling (Friday), Swinney confirmed government would not appeal. Trans inmates being moved to jails according to biological sex.
- Offord asked about Isla Bryson case. Swinney: "I do not intend to talk about individual cases."
Sexual Crimes / Domestic Abuse Protection
- Alex Cole-Hamilton (LD) said justice system in crisis, domestic abuse protection still not in place. Why is government dragging its feet?
- Swinney said rise in sexual crimes partly due to increased reporting/prosecution. Government has passed legislation. Denied "dragging heels."
Prisoner Numbers
- Government expected to announce plans for early release of longer-term prisoners this afternoon.
Did NOT Come Up
- Section 30 / independence referendum
- NHS waiting lists (QEUH not raised this week)
- Murrell/SNP finances dominated instead