23/03/2017 Scottish First Minister's Questions

Which are known to First Minister's Questions. Question number one from

Ruth Davidson. Thank you, presiding officer. You ask the First Minister

what engagement she has planned for the rest of the day? Let me express

our behalf of the chamber and on part of our country at the shock and

sadness at the heinous attack on Westminster yesterday afternoon. We

send our heartfelt condolences to those who've lost loved ones and our

thoughts to all those who injuries. Many of us in this chamber have

friends and colleagues, indeed some of us have family members who work

within the Palace of Westminster. Parliamentarians, staff and

journalists. Yesterday was a harrowing day for all of them and

they have our support and good wishes. Above all, we stand in

solidarity with London. A vibrant, diverse, wonderful city that will

never be cowed by mindless acts of violence. This attack stands, of

course, is a stark reminder of the dangerous jobs that are emergency

services do everyday on our behalf. Yesterday, a Metropolitan Police

officer went to work to protect and defend democracy. And did not return

home. Our thoughts and breakers are with the family of BC Keith Palmer.

However, today we should also express our appreciation to

policemen and women across the country who risk their lives every

day in of duty. To the police and security savvy keep us safe year in

our own Parliament, we say thank you. Presiding officer, in the

aftermath of the attack yesterday, I was updated by the National Security

adviser and also on the immediate actions taken by Police Scotland. I

convened a meeting of the Scottish Government's Brazilian committee

last night. That was an opportunity to review what was known about the

events in London, consider any indications for Scotland, and hear

directly from the Chief Constable and other senior officers about

their response and I am grateful to the Chief Executive Rob Parliament

for taking part in that meeting. I have been updated again by Police

Scotland this morning. It is important to stress that there is no

intelligence of any increased threat or risk to Scotland. However, as a

precautionary measure, Police Scotland have increased security at

key locations, including Parliament and will keep these arrangements

under review. The public should also remain vigilant, but go about their

everyday business as normal. Presiding Officer, we know that at

times like these, it can be all too easy to look for someone to blame.

It is important, therefore, that we are very clear about this. Acts of

terrorism are not the responsibility of anyone's faith or section of our

society. The only people to blame for acts of terrorism are the

individuals who plan and perpetrate them. Let me end by echoing and

endorsing the words of the Prime Minister. Terrorists seek to

undermine our values and destroy our way of life. They will not succeed.

Whatever our disagreements, in this chamber or any other, we stand

united in our core values of democracy, human rights, and the

rule of law. These values are strong and the will endure. -- they will

endure. I thank the First Minister for that answer. Behalf of these

ventures, we express our deep shock at yesterday's events in

Westminster. We do sender deep condolences to those whose loved

ones were lost or injured yesterday and once again we express our

gratitude to the police officers and security guards who at Westminster

and here at Holyrood work to keep us safe. Whose bravery we see -- we

seem only to truly appreciate at a time like this. People like Keith

Palmer who lost his life yesterday doing his job, doing his duty.

Yesterday a coward killed three innocent people and injured many

more in an attempt to attack the symbol of our country's democracy.

Paramedics demonstrated what a civilised society is by trying to

save him. His attack on our freedom will fail today as we show our

resolve by returning to work and getting on with our lives. Does the

First Minister agree with me that as representatives of democracy the

best demonstrate our defiance by sharing here in Edinburgh and

Westminster that we will not be silenced or cold? That the best

strike back against terrorism by staying true to our own values of

democracy, freedom and the rule of law.

APPLAUSE Indeed I agree wholeheartedly with

the sentiments expressed by Ruth Davidson. Those of us who have had

the opportunity to see some of the proceedings in the House of Commons

this morning can't fail to have been moved by the poignancy of what we

witnessed. All of us feel very deeply the impact of what happened

yesterday, but for our colleagues and friends in the House of Commons

and in wider Westminster, going back to work today must have been

difficult and harrowing. But the dignity that was expressed by the

Prime Minister and indeed by other members of Parliament, I think,

gives us all an example to follow. We have many disagreements. That is

in the nature of democracy. We have seen that in our own parliament over

the past couple of days. But it is our ability to express these

disagreements, often very passionately, that is the hallmark

of our democracy. And it is the values of democracy, of human

rights, freedom, of the rule of law, that terrorists seek to strike out.

So whatever our disagreements and undoubtedly before too long we will

return to these disagreements here and in other places, but we have had

the opportunity in these past 24 hours to remind ourselves of this -

that we are all united by a common humanity, and it is democracy that

defends our ability to have these disagreements and to express them in

the way that we do. I'd likely first -- I thank the

First Minister for her answer. Can I ask her about the measures to

protect people since yesterday's events? Yesterday and police

Scotland -- yesterday at Police Scotland some were outlined which

includes a major police substance and a substantial -- police presence

and a substantial arms presence on our streets. It was described her

yesterday Police Scotland offices dropped everything to be in the

workplace. We again thank them for their actions. Can she today assure

the chamber lobby police were given all they need to tackle this threat

that the public are given the reassurances that they require?

I'm happy to give that assurance. I have indeed been assured by the

Chief Constable that he has the resources he requires to respond

appropriately, and there will continue to be, as there always is,

ongoing dialogue between the Scottish Government and arrogantly

service to ensure that they do have the resources -- and our police

service to ensure. The police have well-developed plans in place that

enable them to increase security and response to incidents, like the one

that we witnessed yesterday. These plans yesterday were activated by

Police Scotland and put into place immediately. There is an increased

police presence around our major conurbations, and that, as people

would expect, includes an increase in the presence of armed officers.

For reasons that I am sure the chamber will understand, I'm not

going to go into precise detail about the police tactical response.

It would be inappropriate and counter-productive for me to do so.

However, that response does involve a substantial uplift in armed

officers on duty, and also a consideration of resources to ensure

that there has been a high-profile non-armed police presence across the

country. And many members of the public will have seen evidence of

that this morning, I'm sure, as they have travelled to work. As I said in

my initial remarks, I have spoken to Deputy Chief Constable Gwyn this

morning to be briefed on the arrangements that have been put in

place and that will remain on place for the foreseeable future. The

force continue to keep these arrangements under review. I am

confident and therefore want to reassure the public that the police

are doing everything that is appropriate to ensure the protection

of the public. And finally I would reiterate a point I made earlier on.

The public, as should be the case at all times, should be vigilant. If

they have concerns about anything, they should trust their instincts

and contact the police. But the public should get on with their

daily business, as we in this Parliament are getting on with our

daily business. That afternoon as the best response to terrorist. I

thank the First Minister for the information and she is able to give

the chamber. As has been noted again today, we can never guard against

attacks like yesterday's by building ever higher walls or bigger

defences. I never as a free or a liberal society in the UK should we

wish to do so, even if it did work. As the deputy constable said this

morning, the best defence is a cohesive society that self polices

against the threat of extremism. A society which tops extremism from

taking root and poisoning vulnerable minds. Can the First Minister

outline practical efforts that the Scottish Government is making to

ensure that we have the right community engagement in place to

strengthen us all? I firstly would agree that there will always be a

limit to what can be done to provide guarantees protection. But whatever

can be done should be done. I've already outlined the increased

police presence that police Scotland are making available. Those who

heard the Deputy Chief Constable on the radio this morning will also

have heard him talking about the specialist advice that is available

to the police, including counterterrorist security advisers.

To advise on physical security, barriers in place at key locations,

for example. And it's important that we trust our police to take the

right decisions in that regard. It is a fundamental point here that a

robust resilience does come from community resilience, and the

vigilance of the public. The police have been in contact with faith

groups already over the course of yesterday, last night and this

morning. The Chief Constable has issued today a message to

communities, a message of reassurance. The Scottish

Government, as we do on an ongoing basis, will also be making contact

with key groups in our society, he faith communities to underline the

important message of cohesion. Terrorists, by their very nature,

seek to divide. Their intention, there are objective, is to lead us

to turn on each other and. To look to people in our own society to

blame. We must not do that. No faith group and there's a section of our

society is responsible for what happened on the streets of London

yesterday. And again, just as it is the best response to terrorism to go

about our daily business confidently and defiantly. So, too, is it the

right response to terrorism to unite as a society and to use that

cohesion as a string. -- as a strength.

I thank the First Minister once again for her response. This has

been a week when we have been reminded that terrorism has many

faces. In Northern Ireland, the passing of the former Deputy First

Minister Bert has brought back memories of the sickening violence

that has played at in that part of the United Kingdom. Yesterday

reminded us of a new terror threat that has dogged the United Kingdom

and our allies internationally. Terrorism comes in many forms and

guises. It does not come from one religion or one group, but from the

twisted worldview of individuals. Does the First Minister agree with

me that the lesson here is not to tie one religion or group in the

coming days, but to tackle the evil of terrorist ideology in its of? Not

to blame whole communities, but to show that instead we all stand

united against Tara. I think the best and strongest

message we can send out in out -- sent out from our Parliament, and

both Westminster and the people of London, and other parts of our world

blighted by the active terrorists, is exactly that one. Whatever

legitimate disagreements we have, we are united in those core values that

we hold so dear. In times like this it is more important than ever that

we come together to express those values and express our determination

that terrorists will not divide us. Perhaps there is another lesson and

perhaps it is one particularly resonant for us here in this

chamber, at this time. We resolve disagreements by debate, discussion

and dialogue. That's what democracy is all about. And whatever we

disagree on, what we all agree on is the importance, the vital importance

of a vibrant democracy. Let that message ring out loudly from our

Parliament today. To ask the First Minister what engagements she has

planned for the rest of the week. The engagements are to take forward

the Government's plans for Scotland. May I add the thoughts and prayers

of these benches and this party to all those affected by yesterday's

attack, including the families of those who have died. Can I page of

PC Keith Palmer who died doing what he did every single day, keeping

people safe. Westminster means different things to different

people. Our Houses of Parliament are a beacon of democracy for so many

around the world. They represent freedom, tolerance and the rule of

law. But Westminster is also a place of work. For cleaners, catering

staff, janitors, journalists, police officers, administrators and many

more. Many people go to work today concerned about the safety of

others. The police officers here in Scotland are watching guarded train

stations. The nurses who put themselves at risk every single day.

And those who work in our schools, dedicating their careers to the

enrichment of others. What I should say is can the First Minister give

us everything that can be done is being done to ensure public safety?

Kizzire Dugdale is absolutely right to draw attention to the problem

that yesterday we were all reminded that Parliament at Westminster, just

like Parliament here, is not just a symbol of our democracy, although

Parliament the world over are exactly that. They are places where

human beings go to work. So my oldest friends and life work within

the Palace of Westminster. There will be many others in this chamber

who can say exactly the same. I will not be the only one whose first

thought yesterday were about people that I love and people who I count

amongst my dearest friends. That is a reminder that politicians are

human. The staff who work for them are, too. The journalists who report

on us. At moments like this, it is that humanity that we are reminded

of. I read a wonderful piece last night making that precise point. I

would recommend it to anyone that hasn't already read it. I already

outlined to Ruth Davidson the steps that Police Scotland have taken and

will continue to take to make sure that they are guaranteeing, as far

as can be done, public safety. But it is also important to work hard to

guarantee public assurance. The police presence that many people

will be witnessing on our streets today, higher profile than normal,

it is not, and I stress this and it's important to continue to stress

this, it is not because there is any intelligence whatsoever of an

increased threat to Scotland. It is about assurance at. The public,

understandably, feel nervous and anxious in the wake of events like

this. And therefore part of the job of the police is to keep us safe,

but also to contribute to that sense of assurance. Police Scotland on all

of us will continue to do that in the days ahead.

I thank the First Minister for those words and that advice. London is a

microcosm of the world. We know from the Prime Minister's statement but

those injured yesterday were British, French, Romanian, South

Korean, Greek, German, Polish and Irish. London is an open and

multicultural city, home to people of all faiths and from many

different and diverse nations. A city that last year elected Europe's

first Muslim mayor. So no matter the religion, nationality or identity of

the attacker, or those arrested earlier this morning, this cannot

and must not turn into a war on any community. Bringing people together

must be part of the solution to combating terror. So will be First

Minister join me in sending a strong message that Britain remains an

open, tolerant nation that is home to people of all faiths and

nationality? APPLAUSE

Yes, I think that is an extremely important message. London is one of

the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Two weeks ago

today, I walked across Westminster Bridge on my way to the Memorial

service for Afghanistan and Iraq. And in that morning, Westminster

Bridge was packed, as it is every morning, with people of all

nationalities and all ages. School parties, excited to be witnessing

the Palace of Westminster, and everything that the wonderful City

of London has two offer. So we must remind ourselves that the victims of

yesterday's attack would and could have been of all and any

nationality. But it is also important to remind ourselves, as

Kezia Dugdale has just done, that the responsibility for this attack

does not lie with any faith or nationality. Terrorists seek to

convert religions -- Tupe convert religions, and we should not in any

way tribute to the ability to do so. -- to pervert religions. One of the

issues I discussed both flashlight and a game this morning with the

Deputy Chief Constable was the need to be vigilant against any increase

in hate crime in the days ahead. All of us in this parliament should

unite to send that message. The only people responsible for terrorism are

the terrorists. Let's make sure that message goes loudly and clearly.

This is, of course, the second time in less than a year where we have

faced an attack on our democracy here in Britain and we have watched

on as acts of terror has struck around the world from Belgium to

Nigeria. In the days following the brutal murder of Jo Cox, we resolved

that we had more in common than that which divides us, so does the First

Minister agree with me that the best message we can send is that we will

remain true to the values of tolerance and integration, freedom

and solidarity? Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with that. I'm sure

many people yesterday in the immediate aftermath of the attack in

London. Of Jo Cox and the incredible dignity with which her husband and

her family reacted in the days immediately following her murder. I

had the privilege of speaking to Brendan Cox last week in pledging

the support of the Scottish Government for the activities that

he is planning to commemorate the anniversary of her murder. But this

is an opportunity for us all to remind ourselves of the values that

she encapsulated and the values that all of us hold so dear. These are

the values that terrorists seek to strike at. There are whole

motivation is to divide, to undermine and to destroy the wheel

of life that we hold dear. So just as we all did in the aftermath of

the murder of Jo Cox, letters again today send that message to those who

would commit to acts of terrorism anywhere in the world that they will

not succeed because whatever we disagree on, we are united by a

rock-solid commitment to the values that Kizzy Dugdale has articulated.

To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet. On Tuesday.

May I add behalf our own party our deep concern for all of those

affected by yesterday's horrific events. Our deepest sympathies for

the friends and families of Keith Palmer and all of those who were

killed yesterday. The respect and gratitude we all feel towards those

who step forward in such circumstances, both by standard to

help the injured and the emergency services, who showed professionalism

and dedication and our hopes for the recovery of those who have been

entered. The lasting injury that some people wish to inflict upon a

soul is to destroy the empathy and solidarity which our society depends

upon so we must all be united in expressing and building that empathy

and solidarity, in particular challenging those who would seek to

blame, stigmatise and alienate people on the basis of their

religion. There are doors, sadly, in our society, in our media and in

politics in this country and others, who are today reacting to these

events by continuing to express racist, anti-Muslim and

anti-immigrant sentiments. So as well as reflecting on the First

Minister's comments about actions necessary to address security

concerns, can I welcome the assurance that the First Minister

has just given that the Government will also respond robustly to any

increase in hate crime and presidents and ask if the First

Minister agrees that we must continue to confront any presence of

such pyrite threat in our society? Yes, I do agree with that. Just as

we have to stand strong against the terrorists, so too did we have to

stand strong against anyone who would seek to exploit the acts of

terrorist division in our society. I think we are all acutely aware at

times like this of the feelings particularly with them or Muslim

community. People who feel as horrified and as shocked and as

distressed as any of us do about the attack that happened yesterday. But

who have often the additional burden of feeling that some in our society

seek to blame them for these acts. So at this moment in time, at these

moments in time, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with them. I

know from my own constituency, which is members are aware, has a very

high Muslim population, just how important it is to do that at this

time. And that takes a number of forms. It is about reaching out, as

I've already said, both the police and the Scottish Government will do

that across all faith communities in the days that lie ahead. It is about

calling out anybody who seeks to respond to what happened in London

yesterday with racism or intolerance or anti-immigrant sentiment. And it

is about making sure that we are vigilant against hate crime and that

the police will respond vigorously to any crimes of that nature, and as

I said earlier on, I've had assurance from the police this

morning that they will do exactly that. This is a moment for

remembering what unites us as human beings and that, in all of the

different ways of forms that we have been discussing here this morning,

is the most important message we can send. May I also ask the First

Minister to reflect on the children and young people growing up at this

time who must also be looking on at these events. Their experiences, not

only of what the CNN news of this attack and others, but also the

experiences of our response as a society, these experiences will

shape their understanding of the world around them. I grew up at a

time when the Cold War created fears and in security, fears of violent

destruction on an unimaginable scale, but I can barely imagine the

impact of the brutal reality of yesterday's clear attack and others

on those growing up today. What does the First Minister believe we can do

with their education system and within our wider society to overcome

those fears and ensure that young people grow up with those same

values of respect and empathy that we have all spoken of and with

confidence in the capacity of humanity to stand together? I think

Patrick Harvie raises a very important point. I, like Patrick

Harvie and like many others in this chamber, grew up during the Cold War

and grew up when there was a time when the fear of terrorism was Irish

terrorism and I remember very well as many of us do how real that helps

at times, but what we did not have to content with then as young people

today do have to content with was the 24 hours a day - seven days a

week convenience of news on social media, Twitter or Facebook, which I

think we all recognise makes everything seem so much more acute.

At literally every second of every day. And therefore I do think we

have to be conscious of the impact on young people of that. But the

other side of that is that social media makes this world smaller and

it gives our young people the ability to reach out to people on

the other side of the world, to build common cause around those

things that unite us as human beings. It is important that our

education system does ensure that we instil those values, that all of us

hold dear, those common values. But we should also seek to lead by

example and that is something I picked all of us in this chamber

across all of the parties feel a responsibility for. To ask the First

Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the

Cabinet. Matters of importance to the people of Scotland. For four

years, I would walk up getting too old and over Westminster Bridge. I

would look up to Big Ben and then down the Thames. Dodging past the

tourists taking pictures of this iconic scene recognised right across

the globe. I would send the steps and into the Palace of Westminster,

nodding at the police officer, who would nod in return. Good morning

was the personal touch. I do not think I will be able to walk that

route again without thinking of the people one over, the woman in the

river, the police and the people injured. The three people who died,

perhaps some work tourists taking pictures. The officer who stood to

defend democracy but losing his life in the process. But I do want to be

free to walk that route again. Getting the balance right between

security and freedom is a difficult one. Does the First Minister agree

with me that we must act based on security, expertise, evidence and

intelligence and not fear? Yes, I do. I agree very strongly indeed. I

think Willie Rennie has just very movingly accounted his own

experiences of making the journey that many of those who work within

Westminster would have made yesterday morning. Those of us who

have never worked within Westminster can relate our own experiences of

coming to work in this blog are not noted in the morning and got, many

of whom have because conflict from the very beginning that were come

true and not as colleagues but as friends and work every single day in

positive and was a reminder of how But these acts of terrorism happen

abroad, as well as home, almost every day. And we must do all we can

to protect our open, free and liberal society. Never generalising,

never stigmatising, reaching out to all faiths, religions, countries and

creed. Although the attacker yesterday was born here, his violent

ideology is one that pervade the globe. That is why we must act

together with our partners wherever they are in the world. It's about

defence, security, intelligence, but also soft power. Soft power through

international aid, diplomacy and partnerships. Does the First

Minister agree with that? Yes, I do. I think there's two point

there that are worth underlining. The first is the one that Willie

Rennie made. Of course acts of terrorism that happen here at home,

on our own shores, may force acts on as -- may feel acts more forcibly

than further afield. But it is necessary that across the world we

deal with events like this. A tourist was interviewed and he was

from Turkey. He made that point that you are shocked by what had happened

yesterday, but he came from a country where these incidents were

sadly a regular occurrence. I think that is a reminder that we probably

all have an obligation to give more attention to act like this that

happen in other parts of our world. The second point that I think is

worth underlining, this is a point, again, that is resonant in the age

we live in. Whatever relationships there may be at any time between

different countries, the important of all countries working together on

security, defence, intelligence, are vitally important. And again,

perhaps the theme of our discussions this morning, if we were to draw one

out, is this. Whatever our disagreements, whatever different

relationships we may want from time to time, there are many, many things

that unite us. Not just the human values that we have spoken about,

but the common interest that will have to work together to combat

terrorism and keep safe. I thank the party leader for the

contributions. We move now to supplementary questions.

This morning the Edinburgh evening news revealed that NHS staff,

patients and visitors will face an increase in parking charges from

seven payments to 15 payments per day. Does the First Minister think

it is therefore our hard-working NHS staff to face the more than doubling

of parking charges to go to their work? What advice does the NHS give

to the NHS boards in Scotland regarding parking charges for NHS

staff, and will be First Minister back Michael to NHS Lothian to scrap

the staggering 114% increase in parking charges?