The Scottish Parliament faced criticism after an SNP MSP appeared unfamiliar with Transport Scotland’s status, while Green MSPs called for a boycott of companies they linked to Israel. Critics said the incidents damaged Holyrood’s reputation and reflected a parliament disconnected from everyday concerns.

During a transport committee meeting, Collette Stevenson asked whether Transport Scotland was a registered charity, despite serving on the committee since 2021. Officials clarified that it is a non-departmental government body and that its staff are already civil servants. Separately, Green MSPs questioned Holyrood’s use of HP, Microsoft and Barclays, citing alleged links to Israeli authorities, prompting accusations of political “performative nonsense” from Conservative politicians.