Neil Findlay
Scottish Labour
MSP for Lothian (Region) 2011 - present day
About Neil Findlay
Contact details
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 6896
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at their Constituency
4 Northfield Court
West Calder
EH55 8DS
Phone: 01506 873242
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Committees
Neil is a member of 2 committees
Education and Skills Committee
Substitute Member
Cross-party groups
Neil is a member of 8 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Cuba
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Epilepsy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Health Inequalities
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on MS
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nuclear Disarmament
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Women's Health
Member
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Neil does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
Neil does not have any party roles
Previous roles
Neil has had 26 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
06 September 2018 - 17 September 2019
Culture Tourism Europe and External Affairs Committee
Substitute Member
22 October 2018 - 31 May 2019
Parliamentary Bureau
Member
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Constitutional Affairs
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Party Liaison
Scottish Labour
04 October 2018 - 28 May 2019
Party Spokesperson on Parliamentary Business
Scottish Labour
09 January 2018 - 01 November 2018
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
Member
19 December 2017 - 04 October 2018
Party Spokesperson on Brexit
Scottish Labour
19 December 2017 - 04 October 2018
Party Spokesperson on Campaigns and Party Engagement
Scottish Labour
09 January 2018 - 06 September 2018
Culture Tourism Europe and External Relations Committee
Substitute Member
14 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Health and Sport Committee
Convener
14 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Conveners Group
Member
08 June 2016 - 14 June 2016
Health and Sport Committee
Member
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Trade Union Liaison
Scottish Labour
02 September 2015 - 23 March 2016
Welfare Reform Committee
Member
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Care
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Social Inclusion
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Health
Scottish Labour
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Welfare
Scottish Labour
16 December 2014 - 09 May 2015
Party Spokesperson on Skills
Scottish Labour
10 July 2013 - 16 December 2014
Party Spokesperson on Health
Scottish Labour
23 June 2011 - 03 September 2013
European and External Relations Committee
Substitute Member
10 January 2012 - 03 September 2013
Education and Culture Committee
Deputy Convener
20 December 2011 - 10 July 2013
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Lifelong Learning
Scottish Labour
20 December 2011 - 10 July 2013
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Skills
Scottish Labour
22 December 2011 - 10 January 2012
Education and Culture Committee
Member
01 June 2011 - 21 December 2011
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee
Member
Register of interests
Neil's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Neil Findlay. The date of their initial statement was 17 May 2016.
Remuneration and related undertaking
I published a book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times with Luath Press Ltd, 543/2 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. I expect to receive royalties of between £5,001 and £10,000, which will all be donated to good causes. [Registered 11 October 2017]
I published a book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times with Luath Press Ltd, 543/2 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. I expect to receive royalties of between £5,001 and £10,000, which will all be donated to good causes. [Registered 11 October 2017]
Gifts
On 25 September 2017, UNITE the Union of 128 Theobald's road, Holburn, London, WC1x 8TN hosted a fringe event at the Labour party conference to promote my book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times. The event cost between £500 and £1,000. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from ASLEF, the train drivers' union of 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4NN. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from Thompsons Solicitors, 285 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HQ. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 25 September 2017, UNITE the Union of 128 Theobald's road, Holburn, London, WC1x 8TN hosted a fringe event at the Labour party conference to promote my book, Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times. The event cost between £500 and £1,000. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from ASLEF, the train drivers' union of 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4NN. [Registered 11 October 2017]
On 1 September 2017, I received £500 towards the launch of my book Socialism and Hope - a journey through turbulent times, from Thompsons Solicitors, 285 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HQ. [Registered 11 October 2017]
Overseas visits
From 9 to 13 October 2016 I visited Taiwan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). The trip was arranged by the Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (of 1 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). I met a number of Government departments, as well as trade and cultural organisations. The total cost of the flight, hotel and ancillary expenses was £6000. These costs were met by the Taiwanese Government. [Registered 25 October 2016]
From 9 to 13 October 2016 I visited Taiwan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). The trip was arranged by the Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (of 1 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). I met a number of Government departments, as well as trade and cultural organisations. The total cost of the flight, hotel and ancillary expenses was £6000. These costs were met by the Taiwanese Government. [Registered 25 October 2016]
From 11 to 22 February 2020 I took part in an international deputation that visited Colombia to monitor the progress of the peace accord. This was organised by the UK based organisation Justice For Columbia (an organisation to support Colombian civil society in its struggle for human rights, labour rights, peace and social justice of 4th Floor, 75-77 St John Street, London EC1M 4NN). The costs, which were met by Justice For Columbia, were as follows; internal flights, hotel, food £782.73, logistical support and coordination £423.62 and international flight £972.65. [Registered 4 March 2020]
From 11 to 22 February 2020 I took part in an international deputation that visited Colombia to monitor the progress of the peace accord. This was organised by the UK based organisation Justice For Columbia (an organisation to support Colombian civil society in its struggle for human rights, labour rights, peace and social justice of 4th Floor, 75-77 St John Street, London EC1M 4NN). The costs, which were met by Justice For Columbia, were as follows; internal flights, hotel, food £782.73, logistical support and coordination £423.62 and international flight £972.65. [Registered 4 March 2020]
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
No registrable interests
Voluntary
Over the last year I have carried out a number of surveys for which I have received around £400. I have donated this money to good causes. [Registered 26 March 2018]
I received two vouchers for a complimentary four ball round of golf at Greenburn Golf Club with an estimated value of £200. [Registered 14 May 2020]
I am a member of Scottish CND.
I am a member of Fauldhouse community development trust. This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
In March 2018 I donated money from the sales of my book ‘Socialism and hope’ to the following charities donations ranged from £1000 to £100- St John’s Hospital breast cancer endowment West Lothian Foodbank West Lothian Women’s Aid West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service Aid and Abet the MS Therapy Centre West Lothian 50+ Network Fauldhouse Community Development Trust Whitburn Community Development Trust West Calder Community Development Trust Stoneyburn Future Vision Group Loganlea Miners Welfare Armadale Community Shed Polbeth Community Garden [Registered 11 April 2018]
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
I am a member of Blackburn and Seafield Credit Union.
I am a member of Educational Institute of Scotland.
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
On 29 August 2016 my wife and I attended the Edinburgh festival fireworks display and had dinner at the Balmoral Hotel courtesy of Thompsons solicitors. I consider that the value of this gift is below the threshold for registration in the Gifts category. [Registered 30 August 2016]
I am a member of Unite the Union.
I am a member of Educational Institute of Scotland.
On 14 July 2016 my wife and I attended The Open Golf Championship at Troon and had lunch. Tickets and lunch were provided by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. I do not consider that this gift meets the prejudice test. [Registered 30 August 2016]
On 29 August 2016 my wife and I attended the Edinburgh festival fireworks display and had dinner at the Balmoral Hotel courtesy of Thompsons solicitors. I consider that the value of this gift is below the threshold for registration in the Gifts category. [Registered 30 August 2016]
I am a member of Unite the Union.
I am a member of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
Until February 2019 I was a member of Greenburn golf club, Fauldhouse. [Amended interest 15 May 2020, Ceased interest 15 May 2020]
On 19th July, my wife and I attended the Hamilton Races as a guest of Scottish Racing. The value of the gift, which comprised two tickets and lunch, was £168.54. [Registered 31 July 2019]
Until February 2019 I was a member of Greenburn golf club, Fauldhouse. [Amended interest 15 May 2020, Ceased interest 15 May 2020]
I am a member of Blackburn and Seafield Credit Union.
In January 2018 I wrote an article for the Scotsman newspaper and will be paid £100 for it which will be donated to charity. [18 January 2018]
I am a member of Scottish CND.
From the 1st of July 2020 I am working to establish a social enterprise called SEJ Consulting. The business will seek to assist community groups, trades unions, NGOs, charities etc campaign and influence change at a national and local level. I will not work for the business or earn any income until after I leave parliament in March 2020. The business when fully registered and established is likely to be a community interest company, reinvesting surpluses after visits into community benefit initiatives, discounted rates or pro bono work. I am aware I do not need to register this as I will receive no income but in the interest of transparency want to voluntarily do so.
In March 2018 I donated money from the sales of my book ‘Socialism and hope’ to the following charities donations ranged from £1000 to £100- St John’s Hospital breast cancer endowment West Lothian Foodbank West Lothian Women’s Aid West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service Aid and Abet the MS Therapy Centre West Lothian 50+ Network Fauldhouse Community Development Trust Whitburn Community Development Trust West Calder Community Development Trust Stoneyburn Future Vision Group Loganlea Miners Welfare Armadale Community Shed Polbeth Community Garden [Registered 11 April 2018]
I received two vouchers for a complimentary four ball round of golf at Greenburn Golf Club with an estimated value of £200. [Registered 14 May 2020]
Over the last year I have carried out a number of surveys for which I have received around £400. I have donated this money to good causes. [Registered 26 March 2018]
In January 2018 I wrote an article for the Scotsman newspaper and will be paid £100 for it which will be donated to charity. [18 January 2018]
On 14 July 2016 my wife and I attended The Open Golf Championship at Troon and had lunch. Tickets and lunch were provided by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. I do not consider that this gift meets the prejudice test. [Registered 30 August 2016]
I am a member of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
From the 1st of July 2020 I am working to establish a social enterprise called SEJ Consulting. The business will seek to assist community groups, trades unions, NGOs, charities etc campaign and influence change at a national and local level. I will not work for the business or earn any income until after I leave parliament in March 2020. The business when fully registered and established is likely to be a community interest company, reinvesting surpluses after visits into community benefit initiatives, discounted rates or pro bono work. I am aware I do not need to register this as I will receive no income but in the interest of transparency want to voluntarily do so.
I am a member of Fauldhouse community development trust. This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
On 19th July, my wife and I attended the Hamilton Races as a guest of Scottish Racing. The value of the gift, which comprised two tickets and lunch, was £168.54. [Registered 31 July 2019]
Recent Activity
What was said
What Neil Findlay has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 20 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "Some of us have been pointing out the failings of the Government’s approach for years and were arrogantly dismissed and attacked for doing so…
Chamber meeting date: 19 January 2021
Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "Does the cabinet secretary consider that the greatest safeguard would be for the Scottish Government to bring forward its own legislation in that area, which would allow the issue to be debated seriously through our political system, and for members to make a decision on it?"
Chamber meeting date: 19 January 2021
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "I have not been following the bill closely, but an answer that I got today to a parliamentary question said that the Government did not know how many children were not accessing online learning, which is similar to the point that Elaine Smith made earlier. Given that the Government is deciding on budgets to provide additional resources to local…
Chamber meeting date: 19 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "This week, I was contacted by a senior consultant, who advised that significant numbers of vaccine shots are being wasted in their hospital because they have no standby system for the use of any excess…
Chamber meeting date: 14 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "I congratulate Monica Lennon on bringing forward the debate, and I welcome the minister to her post. This debate should have been held in Government time, because the drug death crisis is our national shame…
Votes
How Neil Findlay has voted in Parliament
Find out how Neil Findlay has voted recently.
Culpable Homicide (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, January 21, 2021
Result 26 for, 89 against, 0 abstained, 14 no vote
MSP not voted
Vote Defeated
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Result 100 for, 1 against, 21 abstained, 7 no vote
MSP abstained
Vote Passed
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Result 118 for, 1 against, 2 abstained, 8 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Result 96 for, 5 against, 18 abstained, 10 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Protecting Scotland’s Health and Care Workforce
Submitted by: Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Supported by: Maurice Golden
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Result 56 for, 62 against, 5 abstained, 6 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Defeated
Motions
Motions made by Neil Findlay in Parliament
Find out what motions Neil Findlay has submitted recently.
Written questions
Written questions Neil Findlay has submitted in Parliament
These are the questions that this MSP has asked the Scottish Government about its work. It also includes any answer to these questions.
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 8 January 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government when COVID-19 home test kits will be available to all those who request one."
Answered by: Mairi Gougeon on 22 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20 January 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what recent engagement it has had with representatives of Charlotte Street Partners, and whether it will continue to engage with them following the firm's membership of the Association for Scottish Public Affairs being withdrawn."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 22 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its review of the equalities impact of its decisions regarding COVID-19 on people living and working in care homes."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any application of DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation) notices on people’s care plans against their wishes or without their consent is a breach of their human rights."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to help care home companies provide culturally-sensitive information to care home residents, their staff, carers and workers."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will work with care home owners and trade unions to implement collective bargaining in the care home sector."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to promote the growth of trade union membership in the care home sector."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any lack of access to healthcare for care home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic is a breach of their human rights."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government when the recommendations of the Fair Work Convention Inquiry into social care will be implemented."
Answered by: Jeane Freeman on 20 January 2021
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19 January 2021
"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the evidence given by Dr Veronikis to the Public Petitions Committee in 2020."
Awaiting answer
See all of Neil Findlay's written questions submitted in Parliament