Christmas Day and New Year's Day Trading (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1The arguments against the bill are short-sighted, particularly those that are motivated by profit. People have only so much money to spend and if they have not spent it all in the January sales—which, of course, start on boxing day—I am sure that they will manage to do so even if the shops stay shut on new year's day. People simply do not want to shop on Christmas day and new year's day. We need only remember the seasonal siege mentality that leads to the average household buying enough food and drink to allow them to survive for a fortnight if they get snowed in by blizzards. However, if one big store opens, it puts pressure on other stores to open, on workers to work and—yes—on consumers to consume. Tommy Sheridan (Glasgow) (Sol): Does the member agree that the principle behind the bill is that we should give workers a day off and that it is unacceptable that, even when stores are shut, workers should still be inside stocktaking, preparing shelves and everything else? Cathy Peattie: Tommy Sheridan is absolutely right: the bill is about giving workers—mainly low-paid women workers—a day off. To the big stores that want to open, I say, "Give it a rest." As for tourists, does anyone honestly think that people come to Scotland for our January sales? If people want to shop, other places can offer the same stores, better weather and—sometimes—cheaper prices. People come to Scotland to experience our culture, and especially so at hogmanay. Our celebrations are famous throughout the world. We have given the world a theme song in "Auld Lang Syne", and we have given many a wee dram to go with it. However, shopping is not part of that experience. At new year, our hotels are full of people who want to experience the true Scottish hogmanay. For some, it is the spectacle that is important, and for others it is simply being here in Scotland. As we heard, we have spectacular events such as street parties and torch-lit processions, and there is a spirit of good will. It is not just about a guid-willie waught, although for some folk being fou and unco happy is essential. Hogmanay is about our full tradition. Throughout Scotland, Christmas and new year are a part of our culture and a time for family and friends to come together. They are not a time to shop. I urge members to make Santa's visit to the gallery worthwhile and to support the bill. |
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