27/06/2017 Scottish Parliament

general election, we saw the way young people came to the Labour

Party because we had an for young people, and we also saw the

weight... If members wish to ask a question, the First Minister will

take questions at the end of the statement so she can do

interventions and interruptions until then. I call on the First

Minister. Presiding Officer, like other countries, Scotland faces big

challenges. Some of those challenges, like Brexit, are not of

our choosing. But we must always remember that Scotland is one of the

richest countries in the world, with resources and talent in abundance.

Our task is to make the most of our great potential, and build the kind

of country we want to be. A fair, prosperous, open and tolerant

country. And working towards that goal, my responsibility as First

Minister is to build as much unity and consensus as possible. And that

is why, after the election, which was, of course, won by the SNP in

Scotland... APPLAUSE

I said that I would reflect on the outcome, and in particular on the

issue of an independence referendum. I have done so carefully, taking

time to listen to a broad spectrum of voices both within and outside my

party. I want to set out today where those reflections have taken by.

Before I do so, though, let me underlying two injuring points.

Firstly, it remains my view and indeed the position of this

government that at the end of the Brexit process, the people of

Scotland should have a choice about our future direction as a country.

Indeed, the implications of Brexit so potentially far reaching that as

they become clearer, I think people will increasingly demand that

choice. We face a Brexit that we did not vote for. And in a form more

extreme than most would have imagined just one year ago. And now

the terms of that Brexit are being negotiated by a UK Government with

no clear mandate, precious little authority, and no real idea even

within its own ranks of what it is seeking to achieve. While we must

hope for the best, the reality is that with the UK Goverment's current

approach, even a so-called good deal would be on terms substantially

inferior to our current EU membership. Of course, there is now

a real risk that the UK will crash out of the EU with no Deal, or a

very bad deal. With deep and long-lasting consequences for jobs,

trade, investment, living standards and the opportunities open to future

generations. On top of all of that, as we saw so queerly in the deal

struck with the DUP yesterday. -- as we saw so clearly. We now have a UK

Government that talks about wanting to strengthen the bonds of the UK,

but in reality is so desperate to cling on to power at any cost that

it is prepared to ride roughshod over the very principles of the

entire devolution settlement. If Scotland is not simply to be at the

mercy of events, but instead in control of our own future, then the

ability to choose a different direction must be available to us.

Secondly, Presiding Officer, there is no doubt that the Scottish

Government has a mandate to offer the people of Scotland that choice

within this term of Parliament. We have now won not one but two

elections with that explicit commitment in our manifesto. And the

Scottish Parliament has also endorsed that position. By any

normal standard of democracy, that mandate is beyond question.

Opposition parties, no matter how strongly they disagree with us on

independence, as is their right, should there. Trying to turn the

basic rules of democracy on their head.

The mandate we have is beyond doubt. But deciding exactly how and when to

exercise it is a matter of judgment. And it is a judgment that must be

made in the interest of the country as a whole. That is what I have been

thinking carefully about. Before, during and since the election

campaign, I have had hundreds of conversations with people in every

part of Scotland on the issues of Brexit and a second independence

referendum. Some people don't want a referendum ever because they oppose

independence in all circumstances. I respect that position, it is

entirely honourable and just as legitimate as those who support

independence in all circumstances and want a referendum tomorrow. All

people, probably the majority fall into neither of these categories.

Having spoken to many people who voted yes in 2014 and too many

others who did not but would be open-minded in the future, what

struck me is the commonality of their views. They worry about the

uncertainty of Brexit and the lack of any clarity whatsoever about what

it means. Some of them want a break from the pressure of making big

political decisions. They agree our future should not be imposed on us,

but feel it is too soon to make a firm decision about the precise

timing of a referendum. They want greater clarity about Brexit to

emerge first and they want to be able to measure that up against

clarity about the options Scotland would have for securing a different

relationship with Europe. In the meantime, whatever their scepticism

about the outcome of the negotiations, they want the Scottish

Government to focus as hard as we can in securing the best possible

outcome for Scotland. That view has even more fours now after the

general election and the weakness of the UK Government has reopened the

possibility, however narrow, of averting a hard Brexit and retaining

membership of the single membership. -- market. I intend to listen to

those views. The Scottish Government remains committed strongly to the

principle of giving Scotland a choice at the end of this process. I

want to reassure people our proposal is not for a referendum now, or

before there is sufficient clarity of the options, but to give them a

choice at the end of the Brexit process when that clarity has

emerged. I am therefore confirming today, that having listened and

reflected, the Scottish Government will reset the plan I set out on

March the 13th. We will not seek to introduce the legislation for an

independence referendum immediately. Instead, we will, in good faith,

redouble our efforts and put our shoulder to the wheel in seeking to

influence the Brexit talks in a way that protects Scotland's interests.

We will seek to build maximum support around the proposals set out

in the paper we published in December to keep us in the single

market with substantial new powers for this parliament. We will do

everything we can to influence the UK in that direction. Then at the

end of this period of negotiation with the EU, likely to be around

next autumn, when the terms of Brexit will be clearer, we will come

back to Parliament to set out our judgments on the best way forward at

that time, including our view on the precise timescale for offering

people a choice over the country's future. I am also issuing a

challenge to the other parties. The Scottish Government will stand the

best chance of positively influencing the Brexit outcome if we

are at the table with the full backing of our national parliaments,

arguing for the sensible option of staying in the single market. Join

us now with no equivocation, backed the demands for the democratically

elected Scottish Government, to be at the table, able to influence the

UK's negotiating strategy and for Scotland and the UK to stay in the

European single market. Presiding officer, the second conclusion I

have reached, is this. Over the past few months the focus of the when and

the how of a referendum has inevitably been at the expense of

setting out the many reasons why Scotland should be independent. The

fact is, we are only talking of a referendum so soon after the last

one because of Brexit. It is the case that independence may only be

the only way to protect Scotland from the impact of Brexit. But the

case for an independent Scotland goes far beyond Brexit. Many others

believe independence is the right and the best answer to the many

complex challenges we face as a country. And also the best way to

seize and realise are many opportunities. We must persuade the

majority in Scotland of that. We have not done that yet but I have no

doubt that we can. The challenge for all of us who believe Scotland

should be independent is to get on with the hard work of making and

winning the case on all of its many merits and in a way that is relevant

to the changes, challenges, hopes and opportunities we face now and in

the years ahead. That is what we will do. Of course, we won't do it

on our own because the independence case is bigger than us. My party

will engage openly and work as part of the wider independence movement.

We will seek to support, engage and grow that movement and build the

case that having decisions made by us, not for us offers the best

future for our country. We will seek to win the case that governing

ourselves is the best way to tackle the challenges we face as a country,

from building a better balanced and more sustainable economy, the

growing the population, strengthening our democracy and

tackling deep-seated problems of poverty and inequality. My last

point is this, the SNP government has been in office for ten years...

I am incredibly proud of our achievements, delivered in the most

challenges of circumstances and in the face of unprecedented

Westminster cuts. I am clear about our priorities as we move forward.

Not just fighting Scotland's corner in the Brexit talks but growing our

economy and making sure the public services we rely on are there when

we need them from cradle to grave. That means continuing to work every

day to improve education, equipped the NHS for the challenges of the

future, lift people out of poverty and build a social security system

with dignity at its heart. Of course, any government after ten

years needs to take stock and refresh. So over this summer, as we

prepare our next programme for government and the budget for the

year ahead, that is exactly what we will do. We will set out a fresh

vision for the country together with the creative, imaginative, bold and

radical policies, but as far as is possible within the current powers

available to us, will help us realise that bold ambition vision

for Scotland. Presiding Officer, we look forward to getting on with the

job in the best interest of all the people of Scotland.

APPLAUSE Thank you, we now have about 30

minutes for questions. 30 minutes for questions, a lot of interest.

Ruth Davidson. I think the glum faces protest too much with extended

applause. Since the 2014 referendum, nobody or anyone in this chamber has

ever called for members of the SNP benches to revoke their belief in

independence itself. But the issue we have had this last year has been

with affairs minister who has tried to use the UK's decision to leave

the European Union to impose another independent referendum on Scotland

at the earliest opportunity. No Edinburgh agreement of respecting

the results, just a single vision drive to the line by Nicola Sturgeon

to try to secure her place in history. As our own MSPs have

accepted, that decision cost 21 seats and the support of half a

million Scottish voters in the general election. Yes, voters and no

voters most people do want this brought back any time soon and none

of the questions, none of the questions raised by Brexit are

answered by ripping Scotland out of our own union of Nations, the

biggest markets and closest friends. I am afraid today that that

statement will fail to give any assurance to those people that this

First Minister is listening to them. Again, she makes virtually no

mention of her domestic responsibilities. Instead, she

appears to be in denial about her mistakes this last year and as a

result is leaking credibility and confidence in her leadership by the

hour. Her response hasn't been to reflect, but lashed out at the UK

Government at every opportunity and to sing the same old songs in the

same old tune. Let me ask at this, she claims to be putting the

referendum to one side and will not introduce the referendum bill to

this parliament immediately. Why doesn't she get the country some

certainty and take it off the table for the rest of this Parliament? The

reason it would be wrong to take a referendum, choice over future of

the table for the duration of this Parliament is this, the Conservative

Government at Westminster are taking this entire country down a path that

is potentially the most damaging thing that does happen to us for a

generation or more than that. We don't yet know the destination of

that journey, but what we do know is if the Tories get their way, the

outcome of this could be devastating for Scottish jobs, trade, living

standards and the opportunities of generations to come. I don't think

it is right for Scotland to be left at the mercy of wherever the Tories

want to take us, regardless of how damaging that is to our present and

two our future. That is why I believe, at the end of this process,

people should have the ability to have that choice. But equally, I

recognise people do not feel ready right now to say when that choice

should happen. Because of the uncertainty that has been created,

not just by Brexit, but by the reckless approach to Brexit this

government is pursuing. We will take account of that and listen to that

and over the next months, we will do everything in our power, with

absolute focus to try to get from Brexit, an outcome that best

protects Scotland's interest. I repeat again my challenge to the

other parties. If you also have Scotland's interests at heart, then

get behind this government in seeking to be at the table,

influencing these negotiations and getting the best outcome for

Scotland. It used to be Ruth Davidson. Being in the EU was best

for Scotland then she capitulated. Ruth Davidson used to think it was

best Scotland to be in the single market, then she capitulated. For

once, can Davidson stand firm and do the best deal for Scotland. We will

continue to make decisions and make judgments we consider to be in the

best interests of the country. And that is in stark contrast to the UK

Government right now. Having blundered and miscalculated its way

into an EU referendum and then into a hard Brexit position and then into

a general election, it is now so desperate to cling to power at any

cost, regardless of the damage that it's going to do to the economy, to

the reputation of the country, to the devolution settlement and even

to peace in Northern Ireland, it is a shameful approach to governing.

And what is also shaming is Ruth Davidson is prepared to be a

cheerleader for all of that. Ruth Davidson can continue to be a

cheerleader, but I am the SNP will take the decisions which are in the

best interests of Scotland. The First Minister says she has heard

the views of the people. She has reflected on the rules of the

general election and her incredulous conclusion is to double down and

continue with her campaign from independence. But the truth is, the

threat of an unwanted second independence referendum is dead. It

didn't happen because Nicola Sturgeon wanted it to, the people of

Scotland have taken that decision for her. But the First Minister is

digging her heels in, putting her fingers in her ears and pressing on

regardless. She is just not listening. First Minister, why don't

you understand the people of Scotland sent you a clear message at

the general election dosh get back to governing. When will you listen

get on with the job that matters, improving schools, growing the

economy and fixing the NHS. What is clear is Kezia Dugdale scripted the

question before she saw or listened to the statement I have just made.

We will not proceed with legislation for an independence referendum

immediately. We will do everything in our power to get the best

possible outcome from Brexit, we will do everything in our power to

protect Scotland's interests. At the end of that process we will judge

the best way forward to make sure Scotland is not at the mercy of the

outcome of that process, regardless of how damaging it is going to be.

The difference between my position and Kezia Dugdale's position is

simple, I want Scotland to be in control of our future. I don't want

to just have to accept any decision impose on us by a Tory government at

Westminster regardless of the damage. I want us to be in control

of our own future as a country. Labour, simply having advised many

people in Scotland to vote the Conservatives, want to lead the

future of our country entirely at the mercy of the Conservatives. That

is the difference and that will continue to be the difference

between our two parties. Patrick Harvie. Thank you, Presiding

Officer. Scotland has not consented to being taken out of the European

Union against our will. Scotland has not consented to the social and

economic wreckage which we know will result if that is what happens. If

the First Minister does not introduce a Referendum Bill until

after autumn next year, how long will it be after we've been dragged

out of Europe, without having consented to it, before the people

of Scotland or even entitled to make their choice? And why, after a

negotiation between a UK Government and EU institutions, and decisions

made by every other member state in Europe, why should the people of

Scotland be the only people without the right to make a decision on that

timescale? Well, I believe Scotland should have a choice at the end of

this process, but I recognise that the uncertainty around this process,

which is not of our making all our doing, it's entirely down to the

incompetent, reckless approach being taken by the UK Government. But that

uncertainty makes it difficult for those, even those who do want to

have a choice at the end of this process, to see right now how we can

set a firm timescale for that. And I recognise that, which is why I've

said today we are resetting the plan that I outlined on March the 13th.

We will not introduce that legislation right now. We will put

our shoulder to the wheel of seeking to get the best deal for Scotland,

then we will make a judgment on the right time for a choice when we have

that clarity. Which on the timescale that is being followed right now, I

would estimate will be around the autumn of next year. I think that is

the sensible and responsible way forward. What that does is two

things. Firstly, it recognises the desire of the information to make an

informed choice. Something that I never wanted people to have to do

but I'm making that absolutely clear today. But secondly, it does

something else. It makes sure that we have the ability to protect our

interests at the end of this process. And I appreciate that for

many people, the real implications and impact of Brexit haven't started

to be felt. I suspect that is about to start to change and to change

very quickly. But as First Minister, I cannot look at anybody across this

country in the eye and pretend to them but I do not have profound

concerns about the impact of what is about to happen on people in

Scotland, not just now but for many, many years to come. Now, to choose

that would be one thing. But to have that imposed upon us, firstly

through the EU referendum, and then having no choice at the end of the

process, would be deeply and profoundly wrong. So what I'm doing

today is balancing those interests, recognising that people do not want

to be rushed, that it is not simply for me to decide the future of this

country, but making sure that it is equally not for a Conservative

government at Westminster to decide the future of this country

regardless of what anybody across Scotland might want. Willie Rennie.

The First Minister has had a long hard think about it. And the First

Minister has concluded that the First Minister should call another

independence reverend at a time of the First Minister's choosing. --

another referendum. Absolutely nothing has changed. If she wants to

prove she has listened, the First Minister should trigger a vote in

this chamber, which would rule out another independence referendum in

this parliamentary term. Will she agree to that? He's finished?! Well,

I have to say, since Willie Rennie didn't seem to get any respect when

the Scottish Parliament did vote on this matter, then why would we

expect him to respect the vote of the Scottish Parliament in the

future? It seems Willie Rennie wants to begin choose when he respects the

will of this Parliament. On the issue of a referendum, Willie

Rennie's position... You know, I don't agree with the positions of

the Conservatives or Labour, they want to leave this country at the

mercy of whatever happens at Brexit, regardless of how damaging it is.

But at least the positions have a degree of consistency and logic to

them. There is no consistency and no logic whatsoever on the position of

the Liberal Democrats on this issue. They don't want to give people in

Scotland a choice on another referendum, but they wanted a second

referendum on the issue of EU membership. Willie Rennie's position

is ridiculous, which is why so few people across this country take him

all the Liberal Democrats seriously. Skills education... Or actually have

a vision for technical education that centred an actual technical

education. And