The weekly First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) session at the Scottish Parliament on November 13, 2025, unfolded as a charged and, at times, emotional affair, with a series of pointed exchanges that revealed the deep divisions and pressing concerns at the heart of Scottish politics today. From calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs to fierce debate over the state of the NHS and education policy, the session painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing First Minister John Swinney’s government as winter approaches and the political temperature continues to rise.
One of the most striking moments came when Russell Findlay, a prominent member of the Scottish Conservatives, stood up in the chamber and called on the First Minister to support what he described as a "full and fearless" inquiry into grooming gangs operating in Scotland. According to BBC coverage of the session, Findlay’s plea was underscored by the harrowing case of Taylor—a survivor who had written directly to John Swinney, recounting her experience of being given alcohol and drugs and being sexually abused by ten Pakistani men. Findlay used Taylor’s letter as a rallying point, urging the First Minister to set aside political hesitancy and act decisively.
John Swinney, for his part, did not shy away from addressing the issue. He confirmed to the chamber that he had received Taylor’s letter and described her as "courageous" for coming forward. Swinney told MSPs that his government was closely reviewing both past and ongoing investigations into grooming gangs and, crucially, "remains open" to the prospect of a dedicated inquiry. This careful phrasing, as reported by BBC, left the door open for future action but stopped short of a firm commitment—something that did not go unnoticed by opposition leaders and campaigners alike.
The sense of urgency around the grooming gangs issue was further amplified by outside commentary. On the same day, The Times published a critical piece accusing London Mayor Sadiq Khan of "taking the mickey out of grooming gang victims." While the article focused on events south of the border, its appearance on November 13, 2025, served as a reminder that the demand for accountability and justice for victims is not confined to Scotland but resonates across the UK. The juxtaposition of the two stories—a survivor’s plea in Holyrood and national criticism of political leaders’ responses—highlighted the widespread frustration with perceived inaction and the political sensitivity of the subject.
As the FMQs session continued, the focus shifted from criminal justice to the perennial battleground of healthcare. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar delivered a stinging critique of the government’s handling of the National Health Service, declaring that the NHS was in a state of "permanent crisis" as winter loomed. "Our NHS is not safe in John Swinney’s hands," Sarwar asserted, echoing concerns that have been growing among healthcare professionals and patients alike as seasonal pressures mount.
Swinney, clearly anticipating the attack, responded by highlighting what he described as significant progress within Scotland’s NHS. He pointed to ongoing reforms and investments, attempting to reassure the chamber—and the public—that his administration was taking the challenges seriously. Yet, the tension was palpable, and the exchange quickly took on a more partisan edge. Swinney seized the opportunity to turn the spotlight onto Labour’s internal troubles, referencing reports of discord within the UK party and Number 10’s alleged briefings against the UK health secretary. It was a classic move in the cut-and-thrust of parliamentary debate—deflecting criticism by pointing out the opponent’s own vulnerabilities.
Education policy was next in the firing line. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton raised the SNP government’s failure to deliver on its manifesto pledge to reduce teachers’ class times—a promise that had been central to the party’s education platform. Cole-Hamilton’s intervention was a reminder that, despite the SNP’s long tenure in power, some of its most high-profile commitments remain unfulfilled. Swinney, in response, argued that progress on the issue was contingent on ongoing discussions with local authorities, suggesting that the ball was not entirely in his government’s court. This explanation, while perhaps technically accurate, seemed unlikely to satisfy critics who have grown impatient with delays and what they see as a lack of urgency.
Amid these headline-grabbing exchanges, the session also touched on the ever-contentious topic of taxation. Several members pressed the First Minister for clarity on income tax policy ahead of the Scottish budget, which is scheduled for January 13, 2026. However, as BBC noted in its coverage, no concrete answers were forthcoming, with Swinney and his ministers keeping their cards close to their chests. The lack of detail only served to fuel speculation about possible tax rises or spending cuts in the months ahead—a prospect that will be watched closely by households and businesses across Scotland.
What made this FMQs particularly revealing was not just the breadth of issues covered, but the intensity with which they were debated. The call for a grooming gangs inquiry, in particular, struck a nerve, exposing both the emotional toll on survivors and the political risks for leaders seen as slow to act. The NHS debate, meanwhile, underscored the reality that public services are under strain, and that political accountability remains a live—and often bruising—issue. On education, the government’s explanations about class size reductions may have bought some time, but they did little to dispel the sense of frustration among opposition parties and, arguably, the public.
Throughout the session, John Swinney sought to project calm authority, emphasizing the government’s willingness to listen and adapt. Yet, the cumulative effect of the day’s questions—on justice, health, education, and tax—left little doubt that his administration faces a daunting set of challenges as it heads into the winter. The opposition, for its part, showed no sign of letting up, sensing that public patience may be wearing thin on several fronts.
As the live coverage wound down, editor Catherine Lyst and writers Katy Scott and Craig Hutchison thanked readers for following along, but the issues raised in the chamber were far from resolved. With the Scottish budget just weeks away and calls for justice and reform growing louder, the stage is set for a turbulent political season in Holyrood. The voices of survivors like Taylor, the scrutiny of opposition leaders, and the headlines in national newspapers all point to a political landscape where the stakes—for individuals and for the nation—could hardly be higher.
The November 13 FMQs offered a window into the complex, sometimes messy, but always vital process of democratic accountability in Scotland. As the government weighs its next steps on inquiries, healthcare, education, and taxation, one thing is clear: the demands for action, transparency, and compassion are not going away any time soon.
