10/11/2011 Politics Scotland

A very warm welcome to the Scottish Parliament here at Holyrood. Today

is Question as to the First Minister. Also attracting today,

the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, her

first outing at First Minister's Questions. She has got her new

front bench team in place as well. Let's see how they get on.

memorandum of understanding was agreed between the ports authority

and the City of Edinburgh council. This agreement will unlock the vast

potential of Leith port. This week, in the latest report by European

experts, it was made clear how much the cost to taxpayers would be of

the requirement for a separate Scotland to join the euro. Our

contribution to the bail-out fund would currently be around �8

billion. Is that a bill the First Minister is happy to see Scotland

pay? I'm actually doubting that Iain Gray has properly read the

report from the House of Commons library, because it goes through a

range of options. But can I point out that this idea that Scotland

would be dragooned into the euro is totally wrong. It is completely

without foundation. Scotland's position will be the same as the

rest of the United Kingdom, as we become an independent country. We

will have exactly the same rights and obligations. The idea that

Scotland is treated differently, as some sort of region, I think it is

only shared by those who did not understand a point that Scotland is

not only a nation, but a European nation. I have read the report, the

First Minister needs to understand he's not the only politician who

can read. I wonder how much he has read. He simply asserts that we

would not have to join the euro. Let's see how the evidence is a

stacking up. Those who disagree with him include the writers of the

report, a professor from the LSE, a professor from University College

London, the First Minister's own economic adviser, the European

Commission, President Barroso, who says there will be no more Euro

opt-outs, and of course, the treaty of Maastricht. I wonder if the

First Minister has ever read that. On the First Minister's side, what

do we have? We have the ever trustworthy spokesperson, who was

reduced this week to miss Putin the late Robin Cook. -- to misquoting

of the late Robin Cook. If the First Minister has crystal clear

legal advice on this question, will he publish it? Can I refer Iain

Gray to the Ministerial Code concerning legal advice? Perhaps I

can help him by citing some authorities. Let's take Lord

Mackenzie Stuart, for example, the only Scottish judge who's President

of the European Court of Justice. He was asked to address the point

about Scotland and the rest of the UK in the event of independence.

Independence will leave Scotland in a situation whereby if it had to

reapply, so would the rest. I am puzzled that the suggestion that

there could be a difference in the situation between Scotland and the

rest of the United Kingdom, if the Act of union was dissolved. I think

we can reasonably say that the late Lord Mackenzie Stuart is an

authority on such matters. I think we can also say that I have no

knowledge that he was over-friendly to the position of the SNP. But he

looked precisely at this case. The. He put forward very clearly was

that Scotland and the rest of the UK would be in exactly the same

legal position. I asked a former director general of the European

Commission, ambassador to the UN in New York, and he said, Scotland and

the rest of the UK would be equally entitled to continue their full

membership of the European Union. I am quite happy to quote a whole

range of these to Iain Gray. I hope he will accept that these are

important authorities, whose view has been published. I hope he has

read them, and I hope he will now abandon this attempt to somehow

suggest that Scotland, with its enormous natural resources, the

dominating position of the European Union's or oil and gas resources,

its great renewable resources, would somehow not be wanted by the

rest of the European Union! I read those reports, and I read them this

morning. The point is that they do not precisely address the question

I am put into the First Minister. They both say, one on the evidence

of the other, but they both say that Scotland would continue to be

a member of the European Union. My question to the First Minister is,

what does he say to all of those experts who accept that point but

say that as a member of the European Union, Scotland would have

to join the euro? Well, it may be that the interpretation is that the

rest of the UK would be in the same position - my question... That the

member finish his question, please. I love it when they think they have

discovered something. My question is, what would Scotland's position

be? All those experts say, we would be in the euro and it would cost �8

billion. As for the legal advice, everyone knows, Alex Salmond had

legal advice agreeing with him on this point, he would have found a

way to get it out. What Fiona Hyslop says is that letting

Scotland know whether his policy is going to cost Scotland �8 billion

is contrary to the public interest. I don't think so, doesn't she

really mean it is contrary to the SNP's interest, so they are going

to keep it secret? First Minister... Well, aren't we making progress?

Iain Gray has now read, this morning, the legal advice on some

of the most incredible people who have addressed this question. So,

let me give him another credible person. The first longest serving

Secretary-General of the European Commission. They say, Scotland

would have equal status with the other states. The remainder of the

United Kingdom would not be in a more powerful position than

Scotland. Therefore we come to Iain Gray's dramatic admission before

this chamber - it might very well be that the rest of the UK would

have to join the euro. Now, we understand the entrenched

opposition of the unionist parties to Scottish independence. What they

are worried about is that England and the rest would be forced into

membership of the Euro! Let me put to him the point that as a

successor state, both parts inherit the rights and obligations,

including the opt-out negotiated by the UK. But I can offer him this

further reassurance, but even if that was not the case, even if it

was the case of Sweden as a new member, Sweden is not in the euro.

Why? Because the people of Sweden said they did not want to join it,

and that was accepted by the European Commission. So, let's

sweep away all this scaremongering and accept the fact that Scotland

is a European nation, and right across Europe, people will be

anxious to see Scotland have the same rights and obligations as

other European members. In the face of expert opinion which says an

independent Scotland would have to be in the euro, the First Minister

continues simply to assert, on no evidence whatsoever, that that is

not the case. Where is my evidence? I read out a list of expert

evidence opinion, that's where my evidence is. The First Minister has

a mandate to ask Scottish people if they want separation, but he has no

mandate to mislead. He must give us all the facts before we decide. The

experts say a separate Scotland would have to join the euro, and it

would cost at least �8 billion. Does Alex Salmond, on such an

important question, really think he can just stick his fingers in his

ears, and his head in the sand? think that was a swerve away from

the dramatic admission which happened earlier. I have quoted the

former director general of the European Commission, the only

Scottish judge who chaired the European Court of Justice. But Iain

Gray does not want to talk about these, so let's talk about the

reality, that as a successor state, Scotland, as well as the rest of

the UK, would inherit the opt-out negotiated by the UK Government.

Even if that were not the case, you would be in the same position as

Sweden, and Sweden has not joined the euro. That's because the people

of Sweden did not want to join the euro. The European Commissioner for

Economic Affairs says that membership of the euro is for the

Swedish people to decide upon. I have been in politics a fair time.

I remember when the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, a Labour

Prime Minister, said he wanted to have the courage of his convictions

and join the euro. Most of us now say that you would not do that and

then it was in the economic interests of the country to do so.

And that will be decided by the people of Scotland in a referendum.

We will have the same rights and obligations as the rest of the

United Kingdom and every other European Union member, that's the

reality. Question number two, Ruth Davidson. To ask the First Minister

when he will next meet the Prime Minister. I have no plans to meet

the Prime Minister in the near future. I know that what Davidson

met him in the recent past. Can I congratulate her on her birthday?

Can I congratulate her on her success in leading her party?

Although I would mention that this hobby of hers of kick-boxing, in a

political sense, seems to have become endemic among her colleagues

over the past couple of days. could thank the first Minister for

his birthday wishes. Not many people get the boost of the front

page of the Scotsman on their birthday. I was reading an SNP

press release today, quoting Liz Lochhead as saying, if there was a

referendum tomorrow, I would vote yes. So, let me ask the First

Minister, if there was a straightforward yes or no

referendum held tomorrow, is he really confident that he would win?

Yes. And I would vote yes. I guess the question is, why don't you

invite a referendum tomorrow? But we know the answer to that, and we

know the answer to that from the exchange we have just had. We know

that the First Minister, from the recent exchange, is scared to

publish the legal advice on an independent Scotland joining Europe.

He is feared to name the question on a referendum, and we know he is

feared to name the day. And no wonder. Presiding Officer, the

First Minister is such a fan of polls that I am going to read a

couple to him. At the weekend we had a BBC poll which backed

independence, barely a quarter of people backing independence. And we

have a poll running currently on Scotsman .com, with over 30 there

isn't -- 35,000 votes, showing that by nearly three-1, Scotland wants a

simple, straightforward, yes or no question. So, Liz Lochhead once a

poll tomorrow, and Scotland wants a single, simple, yes no question -

why doesn't the First Minister just get on with it? I was interested in

the poll at the weekend, and interested in what Davidson's

appearance on The Politics Show. It was clearly explained to her that

the question she was citing in relation to the Scotland bill was

actually about devolution Max, and the support she was climbing was

not that. Therefore I was very surprised to see Ruth Davidson

repeat it on Tuesday. We will stick to what we said in the election

campaign. We will have the referendum on Scottish independence,

and there will be a straight yes or no question. We will have it in the

second half of his parliamentary term. The reason we will do that is

because that is what we said in the election campaign, that gain does,

I think she will accept, a pretty overwhelming result in terms of the

verdict of the people of Scotland. -- that gained us. Just as the

people of Scotland showed faith in the Scottish National Party, so

this SNP government shows faith in The I have a large number of

constituency and topical questions. The First Minister will be aware of

the double blow and the constituency this week when 50

staff in Aberdeen at and around 150 more throughout Scotland were made

redundant. On Tuesday, Argus Care, based in my constituency, announced

they were going into administration. It has been announced that a scheme

is in place to help this. A plan to ensure minimum disruption in the

care of the elderly. These are two very important constituency issues

and important for Scotland as a whole. Those facing redundancy have

been provided with information about services. There is already

tailored help been provided for those affected. On the second point,

there is progress being made as the Scottish government is working with

COSLA which will ensure continuity of care for all residents in the 12

care homes across Scotland. All staff currently delivering these

vital services will remain in place. The First Minister will be aware of

the sudden departure of dot Preston from his post as managing director

of jeep-type vehicle. Staff have been told he is leaving as part of

-- CALMAC. Can he reassured us that it will remain as an entity and the

guarantee that the refocusing will not have a negative impact on

services users and that any changes will be subject to full

consultation. That is always the case and they will give that

indication. Personal matters are always difficult to touch upon and

John Swinney will send a letter to the member giving as much

information as possible. CALMAC Will continue to provide the key

services required for Scotland's island communities. A as we

approach Sunday, will the First Minister join me in condemning it

recent acts of disrespect on statues and the more deals in

Scotland? Given a links between these and Scottish regiments and

their communities, would the First Minister agree that everyone should

be aware of troops sacrifices in the past and present and give them

the respect and honour they deserve? I know the whole chamber

will unreservedly condemn wanton acts of theft or vandalism towards

war memorials. There are thousands of memorials across Scotland which

mark the sacrifice of Scottish men and women. These memorials are an

integral part of the fabric of our communities and should be respected

at all times. It is vital that young people in particular fully

appreciate and understand the sacrifices made and that is why the

Scottish Veterans Fund is providing a range of support so that those

sacrifices and the meaning of it can be fully explained, articulated

and appreciated by everyone in our communities. I raised this issue as

an MSP for Glasgow pock with excellent housing associations and

co-operate since serving my community. They express my dismay

at cutting �112 million out of Glasgow's housing budget across the

next three years which will have a huge impact on the ability to

create housing for people and a massive impact on the local economy.

Can I urge the First Minister to tackle this question urgently? It

is essential that we have housing policy which meets the needs of the

people of Glasgow and affords economic opportunities. This

decision flies in the face of the needs of Glasgow and I urge him to

change it as soon as possible. decision is not as it has been

presented and I am perfectly happy to make sure she has the facts at

her disposal. This government's record in social housing is

exemplary in terms of the finance is available to us. We are

mobilising tens and indeed hundreds of thousands of pounds of

investment across the country by a variety of new mechanisms which are

urgently required. I would point out to her that the gentleman

sitting on her left once said of the Labour Party and housing that

they had passed the best housing legislation in the world and then

forgotten to build the houses. We have not forgotten to build the

houses. To ask the First Minister what

issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the cabinet? Issues

of importance to been people of Scotland. Last month I asked the

First Minister if he would use part of the �67 million additional fund

his government had been allocated to stop the �40 million cut his

Scottish colleges. He was not able to answer that his seat any closer

now? Details of the consequences will follow shortly. Over the last

couple of weeks, I have had the great pleasure of opening the new

Dundee College campus in the new -- and the new Forth Valley, -- campus.

The capital moving through the project just now it is

approximately five times what he supported in their lines with the

Labour Party. That budget which is continuing in Inverness and, muck

should be taken into the equation when Willie Rennie speaks about

this. First Minister, the issue is urgent. The First Minister has �67

million he was not expecting. Scotland's colleges are doing great

work to get people engaged with the world. Angus predicts losing 400

full-time places. Border's it could lose seven full-time courses.

Principal say they cannot guarantee quality of student numbers. The

First Minister should take a positive step today to unite the

Parliament for the good of Scotland and announce he will use the extra

money to protect colleges. It makes no sense to continue to delay this

decision. Why can he not give certainty today, does he not

understand that this is urgent? has been noted by the college

principals, we are carrying on debate just now as to how best to

help the colleges. The college sector has been a dramatic and the

right for beneficiary. Can I say to Willie Rennie and I know this is

difficult because the alliance with the Tory party is uncomfortable for

many Liberal Democrats, but he says we have �60 million we were not

expecting. Our budget is down by �3 billion as a result of their

activities of a coalition in Westminster. First Minister, to ask

what the outcome was of his trip to the United Arab Emirates? A highly

successful visit which strength and energy links for Scotland. In my

meeting with the governments of both countries, Scotland it is

regarded as a world leader in the energy sector with great

opportunities not just for oil and gas but in a renewable sector. I

was also excited to meet the Abu Dhabi national energy company which

is committed to further investment in a North Sea assets. I know the

whole chamber will recognise the importance of these assets in

advertising Scotland's great energy Welt across a range of sectors and

mobilising investment worldwide to develop these resources on behalf

of the people in Scotland. I thank him for this response and I

obviously have a considerable interest in that investment. Could

he tell me anything more about discussions regarding the

development of renewable energy? can. The institute in Abu Dhabi has

announced its intention to enter into a framework of action for

Scotland. This framework will create a concrete set of actions to

develop renewables and share expertise, the first agreement

between the company and the country. It is a demonstration that if we

are successful in securing that agreement, Scotland can lead the

way in all aspects of the energy sector including the renewables.

What human rights groups bed the First Minister Qatar? Can I point

out that they have not had a political prisoner for 10 years.

They are the unable or of the Arab Spring, it is the home of Al-

Jazeera. Any impression given that this is a place other than

somewhere very admirable in their range of policies it has been

pursuing of late, I know Scotland and this parliament would not want

in any way to insult their people. To ask what the Scottish

government's response is to the GMC's survey suggesting that junior

doctors feel pressure to work more than a 48 hour week in breach of

the European working time directive? I take this is a very

serious issue and any suggestion that junior doctors feel pressure

to work more than 48 hours a week is totally unacceptable. The GMC

Survey actually shows that the vast majority of trainees do not feel

under that pressure and demonstrates a reduction, which I

am sure he will be the first to recognise, and the Scottish

government through its national monitoring team for continued to

work to ensure that the hours junior doctors work are complied

with all the contractual and legislative requirements. Thank you

for that response. Does the First Minister recognise that against a

backdrop of reducing staff and a drive to reduce expenditure and the

uncertainty of future employment for junior doctors at the end of

training, is it any surprise they feel they have to break the law and

lie to meet the demands of the job? Does he share my concerns about the

consequences this they have for patients and indeed for junior

doctors as in the tragic case of Lorraine Connolly who served at

Inverclyde Royal Hospital? I will answer the second part first.

I do wonder if he has actually read the GMC Survey, which shows that

the vast majority of junior doctors reported a working time directive

complied water? This a vet actually ask the question about people

feeling under pressure and that feeling was 10%. It is too high,

but that is a declining percentage. It is a confidential survey is well,

so do not give the impression that this very serious issue is not been

tackled. Do not give the impression that this is a widespread practice

because it is not. On the second part of the question, there is an

internal investigation in NHS Greater Glasgow on Clyde which is

ongoing. Given the nature of the ongoing investigations, we should

not commit further at this stage other than to of course extend the

sympathy of this chamber to the family of the doctor affected.

Ending on a sombre moment there but earlier we had discussions between

the First Minister and his frontbench opponents, a bit of a

kick-boxing exercise with regard to the exchanges with the Iain Gray,

but he seemed to be gently tiptoeing around how to deal with

Ruth Davidson. He was neither aggressive nor patronising, to

potential approaches he may have made. He seemed to be sending her

out while at the same time being far more on the particular issue

she put forward. This was the idea of holding a referendum early and a

purely I guess or no question on independence. He was at easing