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
Conveners Group
Member
14 June 2016 - 09 January 2018
Health and Sport Committee
Convener
08 June 2016 - 14 June 2016
Health and Sport Committee
Member
24 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Trade Union Liaison
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 Care
Scottish Labour
02 September 2015 - 23 March 2016
Welfare Reform Committee
Member
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 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 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]
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
I am a member of Scottish CND.
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 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 am a member of Fauldhouse community development trust. This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
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 Blackburn and Seafield Credit Union.
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
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]
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.
My wife and daughter work for NHS Lothian.
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.
I am a member of Educational Institute of Scotland.
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]
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 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]
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]
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]
I am a member of Blackburn and Seafield Credit 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]
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: 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…
Chamber meeting date: 13 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "On Monday, I asked families that did not have a computer or broadband access to enable children to take part in online learning to get in touch with me and detail their problems. Within 24 hours, 100 families had made contact, which is very worrying…
Chamber meeting date: 13 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "Families and members have tried for months to make progress on safe care home contact between residents and families, but there has been almost zero progress…
Chamber meeting date: 4 January 2021
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "During the first lockdown, MSPs were inundated with contacts from workers who were concerned about being told to return to work…
Chamber meeting date: 23 December 2020
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab): "Yesterday, care homes were advised that, under new level 4 restrictions, only essential outdoor visits—in Scotland in December—can take place and that only one visitor is allowed for outdoor visits…
Votes
How Neil Findlay has voted in Parliament
Find out how Neil Findlay has voted recently.
Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union
Submitted by: Ruth Davidson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Result 30 for, 94 against, 0 abstained, 5 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union
Submitted by: Nicola Sturgeon, Glasgow Southside, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Supported by: Michael Russell
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Result 92 for, 30 against, 1 abstained, 6 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union
Submitted by: Richard Leonard, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Supported by: Anas Sarwar
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Result 94 for, 30 against, 0 abstained, 5 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Bill
Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 21, 2020
Supported by: Jenny Gilruth, Michael Russell
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Result 117 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 12 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Result 33 for, 86 against, 0 abstained, 10 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: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide for care home staff affected by trauma during the COVID-19 crisis."
Awaiting answer
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."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any discharge of patients who have (a) been untested and (b) tested positive for COVID-19 into care homes is a breach of the human rights of care home (i) residents and (ii) staff."
Awaiting answer
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."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any lack of involvement of care home residents in their care during the COVID-19 pandemic is a breach of their human rights."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has carried out each year of its compliance with the (a) Equality Act 2010 and (b) Public Sector Equality Duty, and whether it will publish (i) the findings and (ii) details of any breaches that were reported."
Awaiting answer
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."
Awaiting answer
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."
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Findlay, Neil, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 23 December 2020
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any restriction imposed on care home residents (a) visiting others and (b) leaving their home is a breach of their human rights."
Awaiting answer
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."
Awaiting answer
See all of Neil Findlay's written questions submitted in Parliament