Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Scottish National Party - Former Member for Glasgow South
First elected: 7th May 2015
Left House: 30th May 2024 (Dissolution)
12 Former APPG memberships
Blood Donation, Drones and Modern Conflict, Foster Care Work, Freedom of Movement, Global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT+) Rights, Green Deal Misselling, Hong Kong, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights, Magnitsky Sanctions, Modern Conflict, Ukraine, Unpaid Work TrialsDivision Voting information
Stewart Malcolm McDonald voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Scottish National Party Aye votes vs 45 Scottish National Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 56
Stewart Malcolm McDonald voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Scottish National Party Aye votes vs 13 Scottish National Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 117 Noes - 38
All Debates
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
(59 debate interactions)
(54 debate interactions)
(41 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(235 debate contributions)
(170 debate contributions)
(127 debate contributions)
(49 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(5,028 words contributed)
(3,820 words contributed)
(3,686 words contributed)
(3,443 words contributed)
Latest EDMs signed by Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Thomas Haslam and the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Meritorious Conduct
Tabled by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)That this House congratulates Thomas Haslam, a Cub Young Leader in Inverness, on being awarded the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Meritorious Conduct in recognition of his assistance at the scene of a serious road traffic collision at age 16; recognises that Thomas performed life-preserving first aid, learned through Scouting, to …
(Most recent: 24 May 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 12
ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map
Tabled by: Angela Crawley (Scottish National Party - Lanark and Hamilton East)That this House regrets that the UK has received its lowest-ever rank on the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map; recognises the 2024 Rainbow Map is the organisation's 13th annual review of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia; further …
(Most recent: 24 May 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 11
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 2
Liberal Democrat: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Stewart Malcolm McDonald, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Stewart Malcolm McDonald has not been granted any Urgent Questions
4 Adjournment Debates led by Stewart Malcolm McDonald
2 Bills introduced by Stewart Malcolm McDonald
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prohibit unpaid trial work periods in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to prohibit unpaid trial work periods; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 16th January 2024
3 Bills co-sponsored by Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)
Arms (Exports and Remote Warfare) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alyn Smith (SNP)
Armed Forces Representative Body Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Martin Docherty-Hughes (SNP)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)7 Other Department Questions
No one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are and attempts at so-called ‘conversion therapy’ are abhorrent. That is why we are carefully considering this very complex issue. We will be setting out further details on this in due course
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
No one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are and attempts at so-called ‘conversion therapy’ are abhorrent. That is why we are carefully considering this very complex issue. We will be setting out further details on this in due course
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
No one in this country should be harmed or harassed for who they are and attempts at so-called ‘conversion therapy’ are abhorrent. That is why we are carefully considering this very complex issue. We will be setting out further details on this in due course
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
The Government remains committed to protecting everyone who is at risk of conversion practices from harm, and will shortly publish a draft Bill and consultation response setting out our approach to banning these abhorrent practices. The draft legislation will go for pre-legislative scrutiny by a Joint Committee in this parliamentary session.
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
As COP26 Presidency, we are working to encourage the innovation and commitment of everyone – people, business, countries, cities and regions – as we move the global economy to net zero emissions. That is why we undertook an Expression of Interest process for UK Government managed spaces, to ensure we can hear and harness the expertise, insight and experience of those driving climate action. Invest Glasgow was involved in Glasgow City Council's exhibition in the COP26 Green Zone.
Participation in the Warm Home Discount Scheme is mandatory for energy suppliers with 250,000 or more domestic customer accounts. The scheme includes a provision which allows non-obligated energy suppliers to voluntarily provide rebates to a Core Group of low income pensioners.
The Attorney General has regular discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions about a variety of issues. As was the case with previous Attorneys General, it is not our policy to provide details of all such discussions.
I can however confirm that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is working with UK and European bodies to assess whether there is any potential criminal offence, involving serious or complex fraud, which falls within its remit.
I refer the Hon Member for Glasgow South to my answer on 26 July 2023 (UIN 194823).
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The government’s approach to China is guided by three pillars: strengthening our national security protections, aligning and cooperating with our partners, and engaging where it is consistent with our interest. Recent steps to strengthen our national security protections include: scrutiny of foreign investment in the UK under the National Security and Investment Act and passing the National Security Act, which overhauls the United Kingdom’s espionage laws.
The government greatly values the independent oversight provided by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The Cabinet Office regularly engages with the Committee to support their oversight, including on China, and to provide updates on our response to policy recommendations found in a wide range of ISC reports.
The steps the government has taken to implement recommendations in the China report can be found in the Government Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament Report ‘China’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-isc-china-report
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The government’s approach to China is guided by three pillars: strengthening our national security protections, aligning and cooperating with our partners, and engaging where it is consistent with our interest. Recent steps to strengthen our national security protections include: scrutiny of foreign investment in the UK under the National Security and Investment Act and passing the National Security Act, which overhauls the United Kingdom’s espionage laws.
The government greatly values the independent oversight provided by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The Cabinet Office regularly engages with the Committee to support their oversight, including on China, and to provide updates on our response to policy recommendations found in a wide range of ISC reports.
The steps the government has taken to implement recommendations in the China report can be found in the Government Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament Report ‘China’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-isc-china-report
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
As highlighted in the government’s response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament’s report on China, the government will not hesitate to use our powers to protect national security where we identify concerns.
The government continues to provide guidance to businesses to protect investments, including the National Protective Security Authority’s ‘Secure Innovation Campaign’.
The government has powers under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to scrutinise and, where necessary, intervene in acquisitions of control over entities and assets in or linked to the UK that may pose national security risks. Of the 15 final orders issued during the 2022-2023 financial year, eight involved acquirers associated with China. The government carefully monitors the effect of this system in mitigating risks. This includes seeking frequent feedback, such as through the recent Call for Evidence launched on 13 November 2023.
The steps the government has taken related to the China report recommendations can be found in the Government Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament Report ‘China’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-isc-china-report
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The UK takes its national security extremely seriously and has taken robust action to secure its critical infrastructure and resilience.
The National Security and Investment Act allows the Government to intervene where foreign direct investment is targeted at innovative UK companies. Where such investment is within critical sectors, it is mandatory to notify Government and this is subject to thorough assessment by the national security community. The Procurement Bill will also provide powers for the Government to exclude and debar companies from public procurement where the Government assesses there to be an intolerable national security risk.
Additionally, the Government has taken specific action regarding devices on the Government estate. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster published a Written Ministerial Statement in November 2022 detailing instructions for departments to disconnect such surveillance equipment from core departmental networks, where it had been produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of China. Government departments have been implementing these policies along with other protective security controls and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.
The Cabinet Office keeps the security issues associated with internet facing technology/components under close review as part of its overall approach to security, and in line with GSG, NPSA and NCSC guidance.
The Government will refresh the Integrated Review. The date of publication will be confirmed in due course.
The Government has decided to continue with the Integrated Review refresh. The date of publication will be confirmed in due course.
The Prime Minister has committed to producing a ‘refresh’ of the 2021 Integrated Review by the end of the year to ensure that the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy architecture is keeping pace with the evolving international environment.
Shadow Home Secretary
Details on an update to the Integrated Review will be announced in due course.
Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
I raised human rights concerns during my visit to the Kingdom. No aspect of our relationship with Saudi Arabia prevents us from speaking frankly about human rights.
We welcome the release of Raif Badawi on 11 March, but will continue to raise concern over the imposition of travel bans on individuals such as Mr Badawi. The UK has always been clear that Mr Khashoggi's murder was a terrible crime and that Saudi Arabia must ensure such an atrocity can never happen again. We condemn his killing in the strongest possible terms, which is why we have sanctioned twenty Saudi nationals involved in the murder under the global human rights regime. The UK remains concerned over the arrests and continued detention of a number of individuals, particularly those detained for expressing their views.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply Lord True gave to Lord Clement-Jones on 21 July, Official Report, column 256.
The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. Where it has reason to believe that electoral law has been breached it has the power to investigate, impose sanctions, or refer to the police. The Government has no involvement with Electoral Commission investigations. The Electoral Commission has produced recommendations on campaign finance which the Government is considering. These are not specific to individual cases but are about the wider system.
The Article 50 notification will not be withdrawn. The Government is committed to finding a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.
The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. Where it has reason to believe that electoral law has been breached it has the power to investigate, impose sanctions, or refer to the police. The Government has no involvement with Electoral Commission investigations. The Electoral Commission has produced recommendations on campaign finance which the Government is considering. These are not specific to individual cases but are about the wider system.
The Article 50 notification will not be withdrawn. The Government is committed to finding a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.
The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. Where it has reason to believe that electoral law has been breached it has the power to investigate, impose sanctions, or refer to the police. The Government has no involvement with Electoral Commission investigations. The Electoral Commission has produced recommendations on campaign finance which the Government is considering. These are not specific to individual cases but are about the wider system.
The Article 50 notification will not be withdrawn. The Government is committed to finding a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.
The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. Where it has reason to believe that electoral law has been breached it has the power to investigate, impose sanctions, or refer to the police. The Government has no involvement with Electoral Commission investigations. The Electoral Commission has produced recommendations on campaign finance which the Government is considering. These are not specific to individual cases but are about the wider system.
The Article 50 notification will not be withdrawn. The Government is committed to finding a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.
The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. Where it has reason to believe that electoral law has been breached it has the power to investigate, impose sanctions, or refer to the police. The Government has no involvement with Electoral Commission investigations. The Electoral Commission has produced recommendations on campaign finance which the Government is considering. These are not specific to individual cases but are about the wider system.
The Article 50 notification will not be withdrawn. The Government is committed to finding a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.
There are no plans to establish a public inquiry. The independent Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring that elections and referendums are run effectively and in accordance with the law. It regulates the spending of, and donations and loans, to political parties and other campaigners.
It is not acceptable for any organisation to breach electoral procedures – and it is regrettable that fines have been levied on multiple groups on both sides of the referendum campaigns. Pro-Remain groups outspent pro-Leave groups by £4 million in the referendum campaign.
With 17.4 million votes to leave the European Union, more people voted for Brexit than have ever voted for anything else in the United Kingdom. Almost three quarters of the electorate took part in the referendum. The result was a bigger popular vote than won by any government in history. The will of the British people must be respected and delivered. The public delivered a clear verdict and that is what the Government is implementing.
My officials have regular discussions with the Scottish Government on a range of issues, including and relating to countering non-kinetic threats.
Public Sector agencies can access a full range of guidance and support on a wide range of threats from the UK's national technical authorities: the National Cyber Security Centre for cyber security, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) for physical and personnel security and UKNACE for counter eavesdropping.
Alongside this support public sector agencies benefit from protection against certain threats, for example through the Active Cyber Defence measures provided free of charge to the public sector as detailed in the NCSC's recent annual review.
The 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy sets out in detail the Government’s approach to improve the UK’s cyber security. This includes a wide range of measures to defend our people, deter our adversaries and develop the capabilities we need to ensure the UK remains the safest place to live and do business online.
One of the most visible elements of the strategy is the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to improve our prevention and response capability and ensure that citizens and business have the best advice on how to protect themselves. For more on their role, the NCSC’s second Annual Review can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/annual-review-2018.
The UK Living Wage and London Living Wage figures produced by the Living Wage Foundation, are not statutory figures, and are not therefore legally binding on employers.
The UK government applies a statutory National Living Wage for all employees over the age of 25, and National Minimum Wage rates for those under 25, through a policy produced by BEIS and audited and enforced by HMRC.
Remuneration for all grades below the Senior Civil Service is delegated to individual departments, executive agencies and other organisations. While organisations must comply with the statutory minimum rates, it is for each one to determine pay above this level, and whether or not to match the rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.
Treasury and Cabinet Office Ministers have previously given consideration to the merits of introducing an enhanced effective pension age of 60 years for Ministry of Defence Policy Officers, but have not been minded to make such a change.
The London Anti-Corruption Summit will bring together governments, international organisations, businesses and civil society to confront the problem of corruption. Information about the summit can be found on the summit web pages of the GOV.UK website. Further details will be announced in due course.
The Anti-Corruption Summit will bring together representatives from across the UK to discuss how we can drive forward our response to corruption.
There are no plans to make an assessment. Any impact on suppliers as a result of Paperchase's administration and sale remains a commercial decision for the new owner.
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
The UK takes its national security extremely seriously and has taken robust action to secure its critical infrastructure and resilience.
The National Security and Investment Act allows the Government to intervene where foreign direct investment is targeted at innovative UK companies. Where such investment is within critical sectors, it is mandatory to notify Government and this is subject to thorough assessment by the national security community.
The Procurement Bill will also provide powers for the Government to exclude and debar companies from public procurement where the Government assesses there to be an intolerable national security risk.
Additionally, the Government has taken specific action on Chinese-made devices on the Government estate. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster published a Written Ministerial Statement in November 2022 detailing instructions for departments to disconnect such surveillance equipment from core departmental networks, where it had been produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of China.
Government departments have been implementing these policies along with other protective security controls and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary. The Government keeps the security issues associated with internet facing technology components under close review as part of our overall approach to security, and in line with GSG, NPSA and NCSC guidance.
The UK takes its national security extremely seriously and has taken robust action to secure its critical infrastructure and resilience.
The National Security and Investment Act allows the Government to intervene where foreign direct investment is targeted at innovative UK companies. Where such investment is within critical sectors, it is mandatory to notify Government and this is subject to thorough assessment by the national security community.
The Procurement Bill will also provide powers for the Government to exclude and debar companies from public procurement where the Government assesses there to be an intolerable national security risk.
Additionally, the Government has taken specific action on Chinese-made devices on the Government estate. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster published a Written Ministerial Statement in November 2022 detailing instructions for departments to disconnect such surveillance equipment from core departmental networks, where it had been produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of China.
Government departments have been implementing these policies along with other protective security controls and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary. The Government keeps the security issues associated with internet facing technology components under close review as part of our overall approach to security, and in line with GSG, NPSA and NCSC guidance.
In the latest naming round, 202 employers were named for failing to pay almost £5 million to 63,000 workers. The employers were also ordered to pay nearly £7 million in penalties.
Unpaid working time, which can include unpaid trial shifts, was a factor in 39% of these cases. Unpaid working time can arise for a number of reasons, outlined in our recently published educational bulletin, which can be found here: National Minimum Wage Naming Scheme R19 Educational Bulletin.
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
We are having regular discussions with the US to represent the interests of UK firms and ensure the UK benefits from any flexibilities in the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Prime Minister raised UK concerns in his meeting earlier this month with President Biden and the DBT Secretary of State has recently had calls with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. We will continue to work with the US bilaterally on this issue, as well as engaging closely with other key trade partners, including the EU.
4 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Questions
(View all Stewart Malcolm McDonald's DESNZ questions)We cannot comment on individual investment cases, but investment into the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny, and we will continue to work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and ensure the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
As set out in the 2022 autumn statement, we are exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms. The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.
The UK takes its national security extremely seriously, including the security of its critical infrastructure. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works with other government departments and agencies, as well as with industry partners, to ensure threats to energy infrastructure are understood and appropriate mitigations are established including for the supply chain and in line with NPSA and NCSC guidance. The Department is working with the National Cyber Security Centre to monitor risks to the energy sector from increasing digitalisation in the UK’s energy system, including security issues associated with internet-facing components.
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
The UK takes its national security extremely seriously, including the security of its critical infrastructure. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works with other government departments and agencies, as well as with industry partners, to ensure threats to energy infrastructure are understood and appropriate mitigations are established including for the supply chain and in line with NPSA and NCSC guidance. The Department is working with the National Cyber Security Centre to monitor risks to the energy sector from increasing digitalisation in the UK’s energy system, including security issues associated with internet-facing components.
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
2 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Stewart Malcolm McDonald's DSIT questions)The Government is monitoring the security threats unique to cellular internet-of-things modules. We have already taken action to ensure that emerging security threats relating to consumer IoT products can be addressed through the security regime established by the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. We will introduce further security requirements using the powers in this Act if necessitated by the evolving threat landscape. The Integrated Review Refresh, published in March 2023, highlighted the challenge posed by China. The Government is updating the UK’s approach to China to keep pace with the evolving challenge it poses to the international order.
Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been reviewing the UK government’s approach to the semiconductor sector and intends to set out its plan for the sector in the forthcoming UK Semiconductor Strategy. This has been developed through extensive engagement with industry experts, representative bodies and the wider global community. The Department continues to engage regularly with the sector on the strategy and related issues.