0:00:20 > 0:00:25Welcome to the garden will be at the Scottish Parliament for questions to
0:00:25 > 0:00:29the First Minister. Some personnel changes. The First Minister is on
0:00:29 > 0:00:36climate change duty in Germany. John Swinney will deputise for her. We do
0:00:36 > 0:00:41not have the deputy Labour leader Alex Rowley. He has stepped down as
0:00:41 > 0:00:44the interim leader yesterday and was suspended from the Parliamentary
0:00:44 > 0:00:50group at Hollywood under accusations of sending abusive texts to a former
0:00:50 > 0:00:55girlfriend. He denies those accusations. Patrick Harvie and
0:00:55 > 0:01:00William Bailey will still be in the usual place. -- Willie Rennie. Let
0:01:00 > 0:01:04us cross to the chamber.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13We are waiting on First Minister questions kicking. The transport
0:01:13 > 0:01:17minister was taking a general question.Before we come to First
0:01:17 > 0:01:23Minister's Questions members might want to welcome the Ambassador of
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Estonia to the United Kingdom. APPLAUSE
0:01:25 > 0:01:38.We time to First Minister's Questions and Ruth Davidson.One
0:01:38 > 0:01:42month before last year's Scottish elections the Deputy First Minister
0:01:42 > 0:01:46promised that basic rate taxpayers would not see their tax bills rise.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50It was, he said, the right reassurance to give to people who
0:01:50 > 0:01:54find it challenging to make ends meet. We will give them that
0:01:54 > 0:01:58reassures us for the remainder of the parliament term. Will he stick
0:01:58 > 0:02:07to that promise?As Ruth Davidson will know the Scottish Government is
0:02:07 > 0:02:11engaged in a dialogue and discussion with the public in Scotland which is
0:02:11 > 0:02:16the right thing to do at this moment to consider the steps that we should
0:02:16 > 0:02:20take in terms of taxation. That debate is being led by the finance
0:02:20 > 0:02:26Secretary. The options have been set out. A range of options including an
0:02:26 > 0:02:31assessment of the plans by Bailey's political parties. The question that
0:02:31 > 0:02:35the Government is engaging with the members of the public is the correct
0:02:35 > 0:02:39stance to take on taxation to fund effectively the public services of
0:02:39 > 0:02:45Scotland to meet the needs of people in our country and to invest in
0:02:45 > 0:02:48developing the Scottish economy given the significant economic
0:02:48 > 0:02:52challenges arising out of Brexit. These are the issues that the
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Government will discuss as part of the consultation with the members of
0:02:56 > 0:02:58the public and that is direct approach to take forward, the
0:02:58 > 0:03:06finance Secretary will announce the conclusion the budget.That was
0:03:06 > 0:03:09lacklustre applause. This is like the Deputy First Minister is not
0:03:09 > 0:03:14prepared to stick to that promised. Before the election in 2016, he made
0:03:14 > 0:03:18another promise. He was asked about what he would seek to local
0:03:18 > 0:03:23Government staff who were worried about their jobs. I say to those
0:03:23 > 0:03:27individuals that the Scottish National Party is determined to
0:03:27 > 0:03:32protect their incomes, not punish them with a tax rise. Before the
0:03:32 > 0:03:35election the Deputy First Minister said a tax rise would be a
0:03:35 > 0:03:40punishment and now apparently it is a virtue. Can the Deputy First
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Minister explain why the SNP said one thing to people about taxes when
0:03:44 > 0:03:51they needed their boats and another when they had them?I do not think
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Ruth Davidson for those closely fought of the Government says in
0:03:55 > 0:04:05these questions. We will act to protect at all times the interests
0:04:05 > 0:04:09of all income individuals in our society. That has been what has run
0:04:09 > 0:04:17through the Government's promise. When the United Kingdom Government
0:04:17 > 0:04:21slashed council tax benefit, this Scottish Government came to the
0:04:21 > 0:04:25rescue. This former finance Secretary came to the rescue of low
0:04:25 > 0:04:32income families with in Scotland. When the bedroom tax was applied by
0:04:32 > 0:04:35the Conservative Government, this former finance Secretary came to the
0:04:35 > 0:04:40rescue of low income households in Scotland. I am absolutely determined
0:04:40 > 0:04:44to make sure we stand shoulder to shoulder with low income households
0:04:44 > 0:04:54in Scotland and take the right decisions to protect their incomes.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Presiding Officer, the truth is the SNP failed out Mr Swinney, honest
0:04:58 > 0:05:04John before the election, to tell people that there taxes would not go
0:05:04 > 0:05:12up. As soon as they got back in the promises turned to dust. Just to be
0:05:12 > 0:05:15completely fair, let us give the Deputy First Minister one more
0:05:15 > 0:05:20opportunity. Just a few weeks before the election he said this, I want to
0:05:20 > 0:05:24say to teachers and public service workers the length and breadth of
0:05:24 > 0:05:28the country, I valued the sacrifices they have made and the last thing
0:05:28 > 0:05:34that I am going to do is to put up their taxis. The last thing. It
0:05:34 > 0:05:37turns out the only thing that you lot are going to do with taxes is
0:05:37 > 0:05:45put them up. One thing before an election. The exact opposite after.
0:05:45 > 0:05:53Does this sound to the Deputy First Minister like honest Government?
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Presiding Officer, the Scottish Government is engaged in a
0:05:57 > 0:06:01substantial debate with members of the public about the real choices
0:06:01 > 0:06:07that are faced when you are in Government. When you are trying to
0:06:07 > 0:06:11address the fact of the public expenditure has been slashed by the
0:06:11 > 0:06:15United Kingdom Government and prosperity continues to roll forward
0:06:15 > 0:06:19year by year although the canister has an opportunity next week to
0:06:19 > 0:06:24bring that to a halt. -- the Chancellor. We have to take the hard
0:06:24 > 0:06:29decisions in Government. Ruth Davidson comes to this Parliament.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34Yes, she is raising the issue of tax today but she does not talk about
0:06:34 > 0:06:37her proposals which would reduce taxation for some of the richest
0:06:37 > 0:06:46people in our society and also would remove £140 million from public
0:06:46 > 0:06:51expenditure within Scotland. I will give Parliament an illustration of
0:06:51 > 0:06:56what a looks like. It looks like going to every single school in the
0:06:56 > 0:07:00country that is in receipt of people equity funding and saying, because
0:07:00 > 0:07:05of the Tory tax cuts we are taking that money away from you and giving
0:07:05 > 0:07:10it to the richest in society. This Government is determined to use
0:07:10 > 0:07:14public expenditure to close the equity gap in Scottish education to
0:07:14 > 0:07:21deliver the best future for the people in our country and we are
0:07:21 > 0:07:27determined to resist the Tory's attempt to take it away from them.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30They are shouting today but were shouting something different one
0:07:30 > 0:07:34year ago. Last year they were shouting, vote for us and we will
0:07:34 > 0:07:40not put up taxes. All change. On these benches we are saddened that
0:07:40 > 0:07:46the Deputy First Minister has lost his way. There was once a time where
0:07:46 > 0:07:52he and Alex Salmond used to preach the merits of competitive taxation.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Now Mr Swinney takes his direction from Derek Mackay and Mr Salmond
0:07:55 > 0:08:00take Sims -- takes his directions from Mr Putin. How the mighty have
0:08:00 > 0:08:10fallen. Broken promises, more taxes and the friends of Boroughmuir put
0:08:10 > 0:08:19in.The only sad thing today is the miserable contribution of the
0:08:19 > 0:08:26Davidson to First Minister 's Question Time. That is what is sad.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32Week in, week out. We have this miserable contribution to the debate
0:08:32 > 0:08:36about the future of Scotland. This Government takes the series
0:08:36 > 0:08:41decisions about the future of country and we will leave Ruth
0:08:41 > 0:08:46Davidson weeping in opposition benches.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57Jackie Baillie. Can I declare an interest as a member of the GMB
0:08:57 > 0:09:00trade union. The announcement earlier this week that burnt Island
0:09:00 > 0:09:05fabrications is going to go into administration is very worrying for
0:09:05 > 0:09:08communities and faith, the Isle of Lewis and the wider Scottish
0:09:08 > 0:09:15economy. Some of them are here today and such is the commitment is for
0:09:15 > 0:09:19people to work without pay to keep things going. I hope the Deputy
0:09:19 > 0:09:22First Minister will join with me in welcoming them to Parliament. There
0:09:22 > 0:09:27are over 1000 skilled jobs at stake. It is a key player in the renewable
0:09:27 > 0:09:31energy sector and has built up a reputation fax to its workforce for
0:09:31 > 0:09:38carrying out this type of work. They are having financial problems due to
0:09:38 > 0:09:41disputed contracts. This is a Dutch company that has received
0:09:41 > 0:09:48significant public funding from the UK Government for offshore wind farm
0:09:48 > 0:09:55development. What discussions has the Government had to keep the work
0:09:55 > 0:10:03and jobs in Scotland?I welcome the issue that Jackie Baillie has
0:10:03 > 0:10:11raised. I want to see first of all that the issue of Bi Fab is very
0:10:11 > 0:10:15important to the three communities that Jackie Baillie has referenced.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20It is important to the entire country and it is important to the
0:10:20 > 0:10:23proposition on manufacturing and renewables. I cannot overstate the
0:10:23 > 0:10:29importance of the contribution that the company makes. I admire the
0:10:29 > 0:10:34workflows for the skill, capability and capacity but also the tenacity.
0:10:34 > 0:10:44-- workforce. We have proved very difficult circumstances. -- they
0:10:44 > 0:10:49have worked through. I want to assure Parliament, the workforce and
0:10:49 > 0:10:51the communities that the Scottish Government is doing everything we
0:10:51 > 0:10:57can to bring this matter to a resolution. Fundamentally this is a
0:10:57 > 0:11:01private contractual dispute between the players within the consortium
0:11:01 > 0:11:04that are involved. The Scottish Government has been talking to every
0:11:04 > 0:11:13Party involved when this became clear to us for the first time. The
0:11:13 > 0:11:18Government has had an extensive relationship with Bi Fab, myself, Mr
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Ewing, Mr Brown. We know the company well. This circumstance became clear
0:11:24 > 0:11:30on Thursday to us. Keith Brown became involved in discussion with
0:11:30 > 0:11:47unions and with Bi Fab and also SSE and SHL. The First Minister spoke to
0:11:47 > 0:11:53SSE and SHL and she is returning from Germany this afternoon to have
0:11:53 > 0:11:56face-to-face discussions today at Saint Andrews House. That is a
0:11:56 > 0:11:59further discussion taking place during First Minister's Questions
0:11:59 > 0:12:03time that will give us further information about the progress that
0:12:03 > 0:12:07is being made. I want to reassure Jackie Baillie that the Scottish
0:12:07 > 0:12:12Government is doing everything we can by convening discussions and by
0:12:12 > 0:12:16driving discussions to protect Bi Fab, the employment of everybody
0:12:16 > 0:12:25involved in the three locations and to detect the investments we have
0:12:25 > 0:12:29made to develop the manufacturing capacity in Scotland.Can I thank
0:12:29 > 0:12:33John Swinney for the tone and content of his response and I hope
0:12:33 > 0:12:38it does of the thousands of workers whose jobs are at stake. The
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Scottish Government's energy strategy Jake prioritises
0:12:41 > 0:12:46renewables. This is an area where more work is expected and Bi Fab
0:12:46 > 0:12:50should be at the forefront of delivering that infrastructure. That
0:12:50 > 0:12:56is a key reason that the Scottish Government has an interest in Bi
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Fab. Can the Deputy minister -- Deputy First Minister tell us what
0:13:00 > 0:13:05the total value of the disputed contract is that led to the problems
0:13:05 > 0:13:09and has an impact assessment being carried out to the impact of Bi Fab
0:13:09 > 0:13:15to the wider community both in Fife and also the island of Lewis?The
0:13:15 > 0:13:20total value of the Beatrix project is about £1 billion. This is a
0:13:20 > 0:13:27colossal investment. Not all of that investment is taking place at Bi
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Fab. There are issues within the contractual mentions that Darren
0:13:32 > 0:13:34dispute with the different parties and the Government is actively
0:13:34 > 0:13:40involved in trying to reach a conclusion to create a pathway to
0:13:40 > 0:13:47form future stability and activity at Bi Fab. The Scottish Government
0:13:47 > 0:13:53through our agencies in the Highlands and through Scottish
0:13:53 > 0:14:00enterprise have been heavily involved in supporting Bi Fab in
0:14:00 > 0:14:04developing its capacity and capability. The Government and other
0:14:04 > 0:14:06agencies are very prepared to continue to take forward discussions
0:14:06 > 0:14:14in that respect. On the question of the economic analysis, the
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Government is involved with Bi Fab because we recognise the economic
0:14:18 > 0:14:23significance of the organisation to the renewables sector. Jackie
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Baillie makes reference to the fact there are significant opportunities
0:14:27 > 0:14:31in the renewable energies sector into which Bi Fab would be a
0:14:31 > 0:14:38fantastic contributor in that process and for that reason, the
0:14:38 > 0:14:43Government is determined to secure the future of Bi Fab.Can I welcome
0:14:43 > 0:14:47the return of the First Minister from Germany where she has been
0:14:47 > 0:14:51talking about climate change, particularly as one of Scotland's's
0:14:51 > 0:14:55biggest sources of renewable jobs is facing administration. These benches
0:14:55 > 0:14:59will support the Government in any way we can to secure the jobs at
0:14:59 > 0:15:04risk at Bi Fab and to keep the work in Scotland. It is essential that
0:15:04 > 0:15:07all options are explored and I am encouraged by the Deputy First
0:15:07 > 0:15:14Minister's worked and I am sure that workers in Fife will welcome that
0:15:14 > 0:15:19too. What is a cat and commitment, a commitment that will allow them to
0:15:19 > 0:15:24continue to continue to work and to prepare for future work. -- cast
0:15:24 > 0:15:29iron commitment. Will the Government provide financial support upfront so
0:15:29 > 0:15:33the company can be an operational so the jobs are secured and the work
0:15:33 > 0:15:35remains in Scotland?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43My ministerial colleagues have been keeping Members of Parliament in
0:15:43 > 0:15:48touch on this issue. Keith Brown responded to a topical question from
0:15:48 > 0:15:54my colleague, David Torrance, earlier this week. Later today, a
0:15:54 > 0:15:58briefing will be issued to members of the Scottish Parliament to advise
0:15:58 > 0:16:00colleagues of the progress being made in these discussions. That
0:16:00 > 0:16:05should be available later today. On the question of financial
0:16:05 > 0:16:08involvement and assistance, the Government will of course stand
0:16:08 > 0:16:14ready to engage in any discussions on that question. Why clearly, there
0:16:14 > 0:16:19are rules within which the Government has to operate in
0:16:19 > 0:16:25employing public expenditure. But our fundamental focus just now is on
0:16:25 > 0:16:32resolving the contractual issues that have led us to the situation.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Our energy is concentrated on that. That is why the First Minister is
0:16:35 > 0:16:39coming back early from Germany. It is why Keith Brown and Paul
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Wheelhouse have been involved in these discussions directly to
0:16:41 > 0:16:47resolve these questions. The Government will remain open to
0:16:47 > 0:16:51discussions about financial support, should not be required. I want to
0:16:51 > 0:16:58close on one final point. We're the situation we are in just now with
0:16:58 > 0:17:03the opportunity of a slightly longer time window than we first thought we
0:17:03 > 0:17:08had to solve this. Because of the commitment and dignity of the
0:17:08 > 0:17:11workforce of BiFab. That is why we are where we are. I thank every one
0:17:11 > 0:17:17of them. They will be having a very uncertain time since this news broke
0:17:17 > 0:17:23on Thursday. Their tenacity is seen around the world as a commitment of
0:17:23 > 0:17:25workers in this country to manufacturing and we are very proud
0:17:25 > 0:17:35of all of them. APPLAUSE
0:17:35 > 0:17:44A number of constituencies supplementary questions.Further to
0:17:44 > 0:17:51my question on Tuesday, can the Deputy First Minister guarantee that
0:17:51 > 0:17:54he will keep Parliament and MSPs updated on any discussions with
0:17:54 > 0:17:57BiFab in the future. And what message does he have to members of
0:17:57 > 0:18:04the workforce today?I say to Mr Torrance that the Government will
0:18:04 > 0:18:10keep Members of Parliament informed in the course of today. We will
0:18:10 > 0:18:17issue a briefing from relevant ministers will this afternoon.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Communications will be broadcast more widely if we have for the
0:18:19 > 0:18:26progress. We're not at the conclusion at this stage and I think
0:18:26 > 0:18:30we have some way to go before we get to conclusion that provides the
0:18:30 > 0:18:34workers the assurance that they are quite understandably and rightly
0:18:34 > 0:18:39searching for. Finally, can I say to Mr Torrance that we very much value
0:18:39 > 0:18:46the contribution and expertise of the workers of BiFab. They are the
0:18:46 > 0:18:49key strength in the renewable energy sector and the Scottish Government
0:18:49 > 0:18:55is determined to do all we can to protect their long-term future.The
0:18:55 > 0:19:03Deputy First Minister will appreciate that Shetland's chronic
0:19:03 > 0:19:10pain service has been provided by two clinicians. One will leave next
0:19:10 > 0:19:14week. This will not own the effect chronic pain sufferers, but women
0:19:14 > 0:19:20awaiting delivery of babies. What will he now do to ensure continuity
0:19:20 > 0:19:23of care for those who need it and particularly the requisite skills in
0:19:23 > 0:19:31the maternity service?He raises a significant issue. It is directly
0:19:31 > 0:19:35related to the continuity of important services we would all want
0:19:35 > 0:19:42to see delivered instrument... In Shetland in an accessible way to
0:19:42 > 0:19:46members of the public. We will have discussions with NHS Shetland about
0:19:46 > 0:19:50these issues and the Health Secretary would be very happy to
0:19:50 > 0:19:56discuss the issue directly with Mr Scott to make sure we can take all
0:19:56 > 0:19:58necessary steps to ensure the continuity of service for members of
0:19:58 > 0:20:02the public. People who depend on that service in remote island
0:20:02 > 0:20:11communities.Today I am meeting Ofcom to discuss parcel delivery
0:20:11 > 0:20:18charges and the impact in my region. It is a growing issue in the
0:20:18 > 0:20:20forefront of people's minds in the run-up to the festive period as more
0:20:20 > 0:20:26people buy online. Is the Deputy First Minister aware that it is now
0:20:26 > 0:20:29cheaper, according to many of my constituents, to buy online from
0:20:29 > 0:20:33overseas companies that have things delivered from elsewhere in the UK?
0:20:33 > 0:20:38There seem to be no rhyme or reason for the delivery charges and even
0:20:38 > 0:20:42some island -based companies, as we learned this week, are charging more
0:20:42 > 0:20:52to deliver to Elgin and Essex. Will he or -- urge people to shop around,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56and discuss with colleagues what can be done to tackle this issue, which
0:20:56 > 0:21:00is costing people in rural areas and is called millions of pounds because
0:21:00 > 0:21:11of these ridiculous so charges.He raises a very important issue and I
0:21:11 > 0:21:22understand the significance of it for his constituents in
0:21:22 > 0:21:24understand the significance of it for his constituents in. I welcome
0:21:24 > 0:21:28the conversation with Ofcom and I reassured him that the Scottish
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Government will do all we can do influence the discussion and debate
0:21:32 > 0:21:36alone these questions with the UK Government and Ofcom. I associate
0:21:36 > 0:21:41myself with his cold to consumers to set out their concerns about these
0:21:41 > 0:21:57issues. -- Coll... Call. Consumer behaviour can change the attitude of
0:21:57 > 0:22:06these companies. Individuals should have access to deliver the services
0:22:06 > 0:22:11without being punished because of the location in which they live.It
0:22:11 > 0:22:14has already been a knowledge that the Deputy first is answering
0:22:14 > 0:22:17questions today because the First Minister has been at the climate
0:22:17 > 0:22:25conference in Germany. -- Deputy First Minister. Greens have been
0:22:25 > 0:22:28following the lead of countries like Sweden and suggesting we should
0:22:28 > 0:22:39target zero net emissions. Any lower rates would be... I welcome the
0:22:39 > 0:22:42statement made by the First Minister that the Government come to an LA
0:22:42 > 0:22:45decision of when Scotland were deemed to have net zero emissions.
0:22:45 > 0:22:51That implies it is a matter of when, not if. Is this no Government
0:22:51 > 0:23:03policy? Of net zero emissions. And will it target be set?I want to set
0:23:03 > 0:23:07out to Parliament the reaction the First Minister has had to the
0:23:07 > 0:23:10commitments already given by Scotland and the performance we have
0:23:10 > 0:23:14already delivered on climate change. The First Minister and I have spoken
0:23:14 > 0:23:18a number of times over the course of the period in which she has been in
0:23:18 > 0:23:23Germany and she has been struck, as was the Environment Secretary,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Roseanna Cunningham, who was there earlier than the week, by the
0:23:27 > 0:23:30tremendous level of international respect for the leadership Scotland
0:23:30 > 0:23:34has deployed. Not just this Government, this Parliament, which
0:23:34 > 0:23:36unanimously approved the climate change bill back in the first term
0:23:36 > 0:23:41of this Government. For the leadership we have taken and the
0:23:41 > 0:23:45inspiration that has deployed to other countries. So, quite clearly,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49the Government wishes to maintain that position of leadership on the
0:23:49 > 0:23:53issue of climate change. Patrick Harvie is absolutely correct that
0:23:53 > 0:23:56the First Minister said yesterday that we would be coming to an early
0:23:56 > 0:24:00decision on when we would aim to reach net zero emissions. That is
0:24:00 > 0:24:02the issue we are currently considering within Government and
0:24:02 > 0:24:05obviously how we take that forward will be set out to Parliament in
0:24:05 > 0:24:10June course. It will obviously have a bearing on commitments made in
0:24:10 > 0:24:14relation to the climate change Bill which will be before Almond shortly.
0:24:14 > 0:24:21-- Parliament.It will be for all political parties to commit to
0:24:21 > 0:24:30ensure realistic and ambitious date for is -- net zero emissions is
0:24:30 > 0:24:34made. If we're to make those ambitious targets in progress, it is
0:24:34 > 0:24:40very clear that one the areas that is inevitable is it cannot be done
0:24:40 > 0:24:51without offshore wind energy. I welcome the comments about BiFab, a
0:24:51 > 0:24:54company at the forefront of the transition from fossil fuels and was
0:24:54 > 0:25:00a renewable economy. The commitment shown by the workers that the Deputy
0:25:00 > 0:25:09First Minister has recognised me is to be repaid by us all. They deserve
0:25:09 > 0:25:14no less than that. It is important if we are to retain the jobs
0:25:14 > 0:25:20important for a renewable future to show like. After all, if the
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Scottish Government can be led to an airport, surely we can show a level
0:25:24 > 0:25:26of commitment and investment to the renewable energy industry is
0:25:26 > 0:25:31critically important for our future. How can the workforce at BiFab have
0:25:31 > 0:25:34confidence that the Government's transition plan will involve large
0:25:34 > 0:25:40and support for their jobs and the many others that can be generated,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44and an industrial strategy that commits wholeheartedly to fossil
0:25:44 > 0:25:49fuel decommissioning and renewable industries instead?I hope I have
0:25:49 > 0:25:54made clear to Parliament, in my answers to Jackie Baillie and David
0:25:54 > 0:26:00Torrance, the absolute determination of the Government to secure the
0:26:00 > 0:26:05future of the three BiFab sites across the country. In so doing,
0:26:05 > 0:26:10that is as fulfilling the practical manifestation of our commitments on
0:26:10 > 0:26:14renewable energy. This Government has been criticised, actually, by
0:26:14 > 0:26:18many people for being so determined to pursue a renewable energy rich.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Others have challenged us in this Parliament. I am looking at some of
0:26:21 > 0:26:25them over here. To take a different approach on energy policy. We have
0:26:25 > 0:26:30been absolutely trenchant in our commitment to renewable energy
0:26:30 > 0:26:36development. I make no apology. It is something of which I am
0:26:36 > 0:26:42enormously proud of my association with this Government that we have
0:26:42 > 0:26:48managed to deliver. There is obviously an interaction with UK and
0:26:48 > 0:26:54policy and the wider debate in that respect. We perceive that actively
0:26:54 > 0:26:58with the UK Government. I was pleased when I met the convention of
0:26:58 > 0:27:03the Highlands and the recently and discussed news about better
0:27:03 > 0:27:08opportunities for us to activate renewable energy in Ireland
0:27:08 > 0:27:13committees, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. We are
0:27:13 > 0:27:19beginning to get the framework in place that allows us to develop for
0:27:19 > 0:27:27the renewable energy proposals. He should take heart that in the
0:27:27 > 0:27:30programme for Government, we made it absolute crystal clear that
0:27:30 > 0:27:35transforming our approach on energy generation would be an essential
0:27:35 > 0:27:38part of our industrial strategy, particularly in relation to the
0:27:38 > 0:27:44decarbonisation of transport over the course of the next 20 years. And
0:27:44 > 0:27:49within that period. The Government is determined to take forward that
0:27:49 > 0:27:52agenda. I hope that reassures Patrick Harvie of the continuity of
0:27:52 > 0:27:58policy that the Government is determined to take forward.Does the
0:27:58 > 0:28:03Deputy first believe the present another talk-show, legitimising
0:28:03 > 0:28:10Artie Russia today, would be a fit and proper person to run Scotland's
0:28:10 > 0:28:21oldest national newspaper Budget -- RT Russia Today.One of the things I
0:28:21 > 0:28:25do not control is the ownership of newspapers in our country. Not yet,
0:28:25 > 0:28:33anyway. But no doubt Mr Rennie is suspicious that at some stage I
0:28:33 > 0:28:39could find myself in that position. What is important here is that the
0:28:39 > 0:28:44choices... Alex Salmond has made a choice about the platform of his
0:28:44 > 0:28:47television programme to be moving forward. The First Minister set out
0:28:47 > 0:28:53her respective on this question. I understand, though I have not seen
0:28:53 > 0:28:58it myself, that on the programme that has been broadcast today, Mr
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Salmond had guests from both the Labour Party and the Conservative
0:29:00 > 0:29:13Party on his programme. So I suspect that we've let the Pru were it --
0:29:13 > 0:29:17breadth of choice on his programme. I am disappointed that he's making
0:29:17 > 0:29:25such a light topic of this matter. Newspaper legislation is devolved.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It is reasonable to ask whether Alex Salmond would be a fit and proper
0:29:28 > 0:29:35person to own the Scotsman when he is being paid by President Putin's
0:29:35 > 0:29:38propaganda channel. You should remember that this is the TV channel
0:29:38 > 0:29:41that seeks to undermine Western democracy and ignore human rights
0:29:41 > 0:29:49abuses at all. -- home. The Estonian ambassador told this Parliament this
0:29:49 > 0:29:54morning that Russia today is Kremlin backed propaganda. It should turn
0:29:54 > 0:30:02our stomach to see that a former First Minister of this country is
0:30:02 > 0:30:10give it credibility by watching this show this very day. -- launching.
0:30:10 > 0:30:17Scotland's reputation abroad has been damaged. Countries, small
0:30:17 > 0:30:22countries, particularly along the Russian border, will be deeply
0:30:22 > 0:30:24concerned by this decision. Alex Salmond does not speak for Scotland
0:30:24 > 0:30:35on this.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48By the thought that Willie Rennie would have up the the question he
0:30:48 > 0:30:54asked of me today. On the 24th of September 2015, none other than
0:30:54 > 0:31:08Vince Cable appeared on Russia Today. I think it is important. The
0:31:08 > 0:31:12First Minister has set out that if she had been asked about what
0:31:12 > 0:31:16channel was appropriate for this programme to be broadcast on she
0:31:16 > 0:31:22would not have chosen Russia Today. This is an issue that Alex Salmond,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26who is not an elected politician, is free to take forward as he wishes.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32What is also fair for me to say in all of this is the entire debate has
0:31:32 > 0:31:37been struck by a stinking beak of hypocrisy by every other political
0:31:37 > 0:31:47Party on this question. And that is perhaps the best way I can close my
0:31:47 > 0:31:52answer to this question.Additional supplementary is.The first question
0:31:52 > 0:31:59from John Finnie. Two days ago ScotRail issued this document, it is
0:31:59 > 0:32:04a long of a voluntary leave scheme and is available to a range of
0:32:04 > 0:32:08positions and the organisation. This is the third time since 2015 they
0:32:08 > 0:32:19have sought to encourage people to leave. I am told there are 256
0:32:19 > 0:32:25vacancies and that is worth £3 million per annum. Will you get the
0:32:25 > 0:32:30Scottish Government to intervene to ensure that these 236 vacancies are
0:32:30 > 0:32:35filled and it is public service rather than proffer that drives the
0:32:35 > 0:32:40railways? The first thing I would say is that there are clear
0:32:40 > 0:32:48contractual obligations within the Obelio contract that need to be
0:32:48 > 0:32:56fulfilled. What has been cleared and the last few months -- what has been
0:32:56 > 0:33:00cleared, the transport minister has pressed ScotRail Obelio to insure
0:33:00 > 0:33:04those contractual obligations are fulfilled and the services to which
0:33:04 > 0:33:08the organisation were committed are delivered within Scotland. What is
0:33:08 > 0:33:14important is that monitoring and presence is sustained by the
0:33:14 > 0:33:19transport minister and give the assurance that will be the case.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Within the contract, there is a commitment and an obligation that
0:33:23 > 0:33:26there should be no compulsory redundancies within that contract.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31That is a stipulation in the contract. Clearly ScotRail Obelio
0:33:31 > 0:33:35will make judgments about the recruitment and deploying of the
0:33:35 > 0:33:40staff. That must be done within the context of fulfilling the contract
0:33:40 > 0:33:48will regulations signed up to by that organisation. Daniel Johnson.
0:33:48 > 0:33:57The Deputy First Minister will have seen the tragic story of the
0:33:57 > 0:34:0417-year-old woman who took her life with the year suck -- with years of
0:34:04 > 0:34:11suffering from mental health. The Scottish Government has agreed in
0:34:11 > 0:34:15principle to secure nine secure beds. Though the Deputy First
0:34:15 > 0:34:20Minister clarified when people will have these and also come from this
0:34:20 > 0:34:28seems to follow the weedy pattern of missed opportunities. She was
0:34:28 > 0:34:31diagnosed as having ADHD and also autistic spectrum disorder and none
0:34:31 > 0:34:37of these were followed up.The first thing I want to see is that I
0:34:37 > 0:34:49understand unreservedly the deep sorrow with the death of Libby
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Toledo and the anguish that will cause of family for the struggle she
0:34:52 > 0:34:57has had in her life. I cannot go into of detail about the case but I
0:34:57 > 0:35:02want to assure parliament that there has been interaction with services
0:35:02 > 0:35:07over the sustained period of time. That is of no comfort comfort to the
0:35:07 > 0:35:13family of Libby Toledo in the trauma that there are no having to come to
0:35:13 > 0:35:19terms with. The Government is committed to the creation of secure
0:35:19 > 0:35:25inpatient units. The work is underway to take that forward. It
0:35:25 > 0:35:32will be housed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran. The unit is at a relatively
0:35:32 > 0:35:36advanced stage any process and we are working to complete that as
0:35:36 > 0:35:40quickly as possible. I will give Mr Johnston the assurance that we
0:35:40 > 0:35:46recognise the significance of this issue and the necessity of these
0:35:46 > 0:35:49facilities to be treated, and the act of work that is underway to make
0:35:49 > 0:35:56sure it happens as as possible.It is widely accepted that there is a
0:35:56 > 0:36:01skills shortage in the building industry and that the industry is
0:36:01 > 0:36:06sitting on a demographic time bomb. I was concerned to hear that the
0:36:06 > 0:36:12construction industry training board is seeking a new operator of the
0:36:12 > 0:36:15National construction College site and will withdraw from the site once
0:36:15 > 0:36:21Andrew Bayer is found. Can the First Minister say what steps the Scottish
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Government will take to ensure a seamless transition and how they
0:36:24 > 0:36:32planned to step up training for the sector?The Government clearly
0:36:32 > 0:36:43recognises the importance of having important and adequate skills
0:36:43 > 0:36:46available in the construction sector.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57The work that we take forward in relation to the development of
0:36:57 > 0:37:03apprenticeships and the expansion of apprenticeships to 30,000 of this
0:37:03 > 0:37:08Parliamentary term is an important foundation of that commitment as is
0:37:08 > 0:37:12our commitment to developing the Scottish workforce agenda to develop
0:37:12 > 0:37:17the skills required. In relation to the specific point about the
0:37:17 > 0:37:23facility, the Government will negotiate with the draining board to
0:37:23 > 0:37:29ensure a seamless transition so that is no disruption. Allow me to inject
0:37:29 > 0:37:35into this the fact that this week we saw our unemployment rate in
0:37:35 > 0:37:41Scotland at 4%. The joint lowest in the United Kingdom, equal with
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Northern Ireland and lower than the rest of the United Kingdom. We are
0:37:44 > 0:37:54in a strong position. A large proportion of the population are in
0:37:54 > 0:37:59employment. And we still have vacancies in various aspects of the
0:37:59 > 0:38:02public sector, the private sector, and we want to encourage the filling
0:38:02 > 0:38:06of those vacancies. I simply pose the question to Parliament how on
0:38:06 > 0:38:12earth do they think that will be helped by turning off the tap of the
0:38:12 > 0:38:16movement of Labour to address these issues which is the lunacy that the
0:38:16 > 0:38:27Conservative Party is associating us with.Bruce Crawford. What
0:38:27 > 0:38:30representation in the Scottish Government is making to the UK
0:38:30 > 0:38:35Government ahead of the autumn budget?The Cabinet Secretary for
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Finance wrote to the Chancellor on the 10th of November ahead of the
0:38:38 > 0:38:41forthcoming budget. The letter called on the Chancellor to
0:38:41 > 0:38:45recognise the serious challenges Scotland is facing because of Brexit
0:38:45 > 0:38:48and to bring forward sustainable measures to boost the economy. It
0:38:48 > 0:38:52also called on him to ease the pressure on the public sector and
0:38:52 > 0:38:57those who work in it. The Cabinet Secretary also asked the UK
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Government to reverse plans for a father of £3.5 billion worth of cuts
0:39:01 > 0:39:06in Scotland and to pause the roll of universal credit. The meeting the
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Prime Minister had with the First Minister, the First Minister
0:39:10 > 0:39:13reiterated the Scottish Government's long-standing opposition to the
0:39:13 > 0:39:19austerity agenda.I welcome the representation made to the
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Chancellor ahead of the UK budget next week. Timing specifically to
0:39:23 > 0:39:30the paying of the ET by police and Fire Services. I may be naive but I
0:39:30 > 0:39:33am hopeful that four years of consistent SNP campaigning on this
0:39:33 > 0:39:39issue will pay off. -- Value added tax. And that the Chancellor will be
0:39:39 > 0:39:44able to give Scotland's police and Fire Services the same exemption
0:39:44 > 0:39:48from the ET as every other territorial force in Scotland. Does
0:39:48 > 0:39:54the First Minister agree with me that the Treasury should also pay
0:39:54 > 0:39:57back the £140 million already paid. Does he also agree with me about the
0:39:57 > 0:40:01noises off to his left show that there are more concerned about
0:40:01 > 0:40:04standing up for the Masters in London and defending public services
0:40:04 > 0:40:14in Scotland?I think Mr Crawford makes a very strong point to
0:40:14 > 0:40:21Parliament today. I agree with Mr Crawford that the Treasury should
0:40:21 > 0:40:25hand back the £140 million already paid. We welcome the Prime
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Minister's commitment that was given yesterday to look at the issue of
0:40:28 > 0:40:33VAT paid by emergency services in Scotland. The Scotland remains the
0:40:33 > 0:40:40only territorial police service in the UK unable to claim back VAT. The
0:40:40 > 0:40:46same inequality is applied to Scottish fire and rescue. We have
0:40:46 > 0:40:49pressed the Government over this disparity and asked them to bring
0:40:49 > 0:40:52the situation to an end and do the right thing for Scotland's front
0:40:52 > 0:41:01line emergency services.Rachel Hamilton. May I declare an interest
0:41:01 > 0:41:04as a small-business owner. What action will be Scottish Government
0:41:04 > 0:41:10take in light of reports that one in ten shops are lying empty and fewer
0:41:10 > 0:41:15people are visiting high streets? The Government is taking forward a
0:41:15 > 0:41:19number of measures. Through the town centre first principle and the town
0:41:19 > 0:41:23centre action plan to tackle key issues such as empty shops and to
0:41:23 > 0:41:29improve the vibrancy of town centres we have reduced the rates by 3.7%
0:41:29 > 0:41:34this year and have funded total rates including the Small Business
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Bonus Scheme which will lift 100,000 properties and operates altogether.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43We also plan to increase the incentive for occupation of empty
0:41:43 > 0:41:47properties through an expansion from April next year. And have introduced
0:41:47 > 0:41:53powers for councils to further reduce rates in the areas.I thank
0:41:53 > 0:41:57the Deputy First Minister but the SNP's large business supplement is
0:41:57 > 0:42:03double the UK rate and despite its name, it does not only punish large
0:42:03 > 0:42:06businesses, many struggling high street stores with reduced the
0:42:06 > 0:42:10default being hit by this bridge is great when there are family run,
0:42:10 > 0:42:15local businesses. Will the First Minister accent as he did once in
0:42:15 > 0:42:202012 that the poundage rate should be, no higher than that set in
0:42:20 > 0:42:29England to help attract and retain businesses.The Government has taken
0:42:29 > 0:42:32a sustained range of measures. A trickling through the small-business
0:42:32 > 0:42:42bonus scheme to believe many businesses from the burden of
0:42:42 > 0:42:46business rates. As I go around the country I have met many small
0:42:46 > 0:42:48businesses who are deeply appreciative of the fact that
0:42:48 > 0:42:53commitment has been in place. The Government has over the years given
0:42:53 > 0:42:55consistent support of the small-business community in town
0:42:55 > 0:43:00centres and will continue to do so as we take forward our commitments.
0:43:00 > 0:43:08Monica Lennon. In light of it being alcohol awareness week, whether he
0:43:08 > 0:43:11will provide an update on what action the Scottish Government is
0:43:11 > 0:43:16taking to reduce alcohol harm?The government's efforts to reduce
0:43:16 > 0:43:24alcohol harm will be enhanced by yesterday's judgment by the Supreme
0:43:24 > 0:43:29Court it from the legality of the minimum policy. It will be
0:43:29 > 0:43:37implemented as soon as is practicable from this is to tackle
0:43:37 > 0:43:43the high strength, low-cost alcohol that is doing so much damage. We
0:43:43 > 0:43:48have about 40 other measures in the alcohol framework. It has had an
0:43:48 > 0:43:57effect. We will updated to take further measures.Thank you. I join
0:43:57 > 0:44:01him in welcoming the Supreme Court decision to approve the
0:44:01 > 0:44:06implementation of minimum unit pricing. All gone are the costs
0:44:06 > 0:44:12Scotland £3.6 billion each year and is ripping apart lives. This will
0:44:12 > 0:44:15reduce alcohol harm over the longer term and it is the right thing to
0:44:15 > 0:44:20do, I congratulate the Government for pursuing it. Minimum unit
0:44:20 > 0:44:24pricing on its own is not a panacea. Changing the relationship with
0:44:24 > 0:44:29alcohol reducing harm will require a radical culture change. Will the
0:44:29 > 0:44:34Government consider the National employment -- information campaign
0:44:34 > 0:44:38to increase awareness of the Chief Medical Officer's updated
0:44:38 > 0:44:48guidelines?Can I welcome the comments that Monica leading has
0:44:48 > 0:44:55made in relation to the Supreme Court judgment. -- Monica Lennon. I
0:44:55 > 0:45:00am proud of the tenacity of my ministerial colleagues who have led
0:45:00 > 0:45:08in this process. Nothing to do with me. Kenny McAskill, Shona Robinson,
0:45:08 > 0:45:13many stakeholders who have led this. We appreciate the support of
0:45:13 > 0:45:19Parliament. Trade has been an enormous challenge to our agenda. I
0:45:19 > 0:45:24have delighted that this parliament held its nerve and won the day at
0:45:24 > 0:45:35the Supreme Court this week. Monica leading has a close and very
0:45:35 > 0:45:40personal contribution to make to the debate on alcohol and she talked
0:45:40 > 0:45:46about costs. She knows better than all those that costs are not about
0:45:46 > 0:45:51monetary costs of the impact of alcohol in people's lives. We will
0:45:51 > 0:45:54give consideration to the suggestions that she makes in
0:45:54 > 0:45:59relation to a national information campaign. As I indicated in my
0:45:59 > 0:46:04original answer, the alcohol framework will be updated. Aileen
0:46:04 > 0:46:06Campbell will lead the process in the Government and will discuss the
0:46:06 > 0:46:13suggestions that Monica Lennon makes. I will accept that point that
0:46:13 > 0:46:16minimum unit pricing will not be a panacea and there needs to be a
0:46:16 > 0:46:22culture change in society. That will look back at the culture change in
0:46:22 > 0:46:26terms of the ban on smoking in public places or the culture change
0:46:26 > 0:46:31taken since we entrenched inequality between individuals in society and
0:46:31 > 0:46:36the change that has led to in our society, Scotland is a better
0:46:36 > 0:46:40country for being bold in these respects and I am proud of what this
0:46:40 > 0:46:42parliament has legislated for.
0:46:47 > 0:46:52That concludes First Minister's Questions.
0:46:52 > 0:46:58Ken Macintosh dry matters close. There was quite a wide range of
0:46:58 > 0:47:02topics. Ruth Davidson, who I did not mention a new set of the
0:47:02 > 0:47:10programme... My apologies to Ruth Davidson on that. Wes Chew this over
0:47:10 > 0:47:17with a couple of colleagues. There was a fairly good pursuit of this
0:47:17 > 0:47:21topic by Ruth Davidson. A challenging one for the Deputy First
0:47:21 > 0:47:25Minister and this we repeatedly reminded us, former Finance
0:47:25 > 0:47:33Secretary.The broken promises about taxes and sneaking in the thing
0:47:33 > 0:47:44about what you put in's pals at the end. -- Vladimir Putin's. He did not
0:47:44 > 0:47:50give as good as he got. It took a while to warm up. He did not
0:47:50 > 0:47:53emphasise the minority status of the Government. That has been no default
0:47:53 > 0:47:58line of the SNP will stop we might raise taxes but only because we
0:47:58 > 0:48:02allow minority Government. He stuck to a script about the changing
0:48:02 > 0:48:11nature of the UK.All good points. This tag is Rick Gibson get -- Ruth
0:48:11 > 0:48:14Davidson kept pointing out that they said this during the election and
0:48:14 > 0:48:22did not keep, promises.Ruth Davidson is correct when she says
0:48:22 > 0:48:26the SNP have very little credibility on the issue. They went into an
0:48:26 > 0:48:28election campaign saying they would not do so in the hope of winning
0:48:28 > 0:48:34votes. This subsequently changed their mind.The promise was the
0:48:34 > 0:48:37basic rate. No increase in that over the lifetime of Parliament. That was
0:48:37 > 0:48:41the key promise. The impression given was it was protection over for
0:48:41 > 0:48:47photos at that level of earnings. John Swinney was not even willing to
0:48:47 > 0:48:50give that guarantee about the basic rate. They are keeping all options
0:48:50 > 0:48:59open at the minute and we're not sure where it will go. On a steady
0:48:59 > 0:49:03and cuts, he was on former territory but he was slow to get going on
0:49:03 > 0:49:09that. -- austerity and cuts. Ruth Davidson has calculate and that the
0:49:09 > 0:49:13strategy of raising taxes is unpopular with the Electric,
0:49:13 > 0:49:17whatever you might think.John Swinney made the point about the
0:49:17 > 0:49:21social contract argument, what taxation brings you. Talking about
0:49:21 > 0:49:27the Scottish Government's ability to mitigate cuts etc.He got into this
0:49:27 > 0:49:32stride when saying what the Scottish Government was able to offset. In
0:49:32 > 0:49:37terms of the basic rate, the discussion paper has a lot of
0:49:37 > 0:49:39options. It is disingenuous to rule anything out when the just published
0:49:39 > 0:49:45that.It wasn't just the current rate of 2040 and 24 to five, they
0:49:45 > 0:49:50might change and it might not. The point is whether they are looking at
0:49:50 > 0:49:57moving into other bands.You cannot make the promise of a basic rate
0:49:57 > 0:50:07when we might change the rate altogether.My inkling from the way
0:50:07 > 0:50:09that Nicola Sturgeon was talking as she launched the paper was she was
0:50:09 > 0:50:15quite tempted by something dramatic with bands and rates.
0:50:15 > 0:50:20Rather than having the highest paid...You could protect law in a
0:50:20 > 0:50:30-- lowest earners.Let's talk about the topics raised by Jackie Baillie
0:50:30 > 0:50:38Patrick Harvie on the subject of BiFab. There was consensus all
0:50:38 > 0:50:49devices it is a tricky this one. Issue.They will be working very
0:50:49 > 0:50:54hard to keep this. It was at given that Nicola Sturgeon has been at the
0:50:54 > 0:50:56climate change conference in Germany that such an important renewable
0:50:56 > 0:51:02energy firm, in a country where renewable energy is so important for
0:51:02 > 0:51:08the future economy, was being discussed. The cynic in me would
0:51:08 > 0:51:11suggest it suited Jackie Baillie's strategic purpose. She was there
0:51:11 > 0:51:16because Alex Rowley had to step aside. Finding an issue that was
0:51:16 > 0:51:24consensual all-round worked in her favour.But it was a good, detailed
0:51:24 > 0:51:29set of answers from the Deputy first.They were, but as John
0:51:29 > 0:51:33Swinney said, this is a contractual dispute. Their hands are tied but
0:51:33 > 0:51:36there is not anyone in the parliament that would disagree with
0:51:36 > 0:51:41the approach to try do anything possible.Huge praise for the
0:51:41 > 0:51:46workforce who have been outside today.In great numbers. It was a
0:51:46 > 0:51:49very impressive demonstration outside Parliament. Also the fact
0:51:49 > 0:51:52that several politicians were mentioning they have been working
0:51:52 > 0:51:59without any real confidence they will get paid for a recent day's
0:51:59 > 0:52:06work. Going above and beyond.I hate to mention another broadcaster, but
0:52:06 > 0:52:13let's make an exception. I am open to all of this. RT Russia Today,
0:52:13 > 0:52:21that was a bit of controversy. A ding-dong.It was. John Swinney
0:52:21 > 0:52:25should have led the fact that Alex Salmond is not an MSP. He is a agent
0:52:25 > 0:52:30to do what he wants.But he got there.When asked what Nicola
0:52:30 > 0:52:35Sturgeon has done to distance herself, she has. She used pretty
0:52:35 > 0:52:39strong language to distance herself. It is a complex argument but that he
0:52:39 > 0:52:45and a video, he does his own thing. We have a piece in the Daily Record
0:52:45 > 0:52:51from an independent fact checker pointing out the fact that RT Russia
0:52:51 > 0:52:57Today is a Vladimir Putin propaganda service. It is a fact. He gives it
0:52:57 > 0:53:00legitimacy and credibility by appearing on it.Mr Swinney did not
0:53:00 > 0:53:06look comfortable on it. But he did talk about hypocrisy.He has a
0:53:06 > 0:53:09point, in that Labour and Conservative politicians have
0:53:09 > 0:53:13appeared. They will say that they were not paid, but putting forward
0:53:13 > 0:53:18their view. The wider picture is that at a time when Russian
0:53:18 > 0:53:22influence in Western democracy is one of the biggest issues in the
0:53:22 > 0:53:26country, it shows a lack of judgment.Thanks. We talked about
0:53:26 > 0:53:31tax Elia in discussion of the questions. The UK budget next week,
0:53:31 > 0:53:37the Scottish budget to follow. I put some questions to SNP
0:53:37 > 0:53:41representatives and faster model Fraser of the Conservatives.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46The Chancellor has to make sure we support the growing economy and help
0:53:46 > 0:53:50people in this difficult circumstance ie not hiking taxes,
0:53:50 > 0:53:55for example. At the same time, tackling a budget deficit which is
0:53:55 > 0:54:01still a major issue.When he talks about hiking taxes, I think he means
0:54:01 > 0:54:08the SNP.The issue we have that UK level is as territory is causing
0:54:08 > 0:54:16problems.Would you borrow more, like the Labour Shadow Chancellor?
0:54:16 > 0:54:23You provide clarity around Brexit. That is a big ask for a Chancellor
0:54:23 > 0:54:26on a single budget statement. Without clarity, the situation will
0:54:26 > 0:54:33get worse.It is poisoning everything else, Brexit?Everyone
0:54:33 > 0:54:40accepts it is difficult. We don't know what the different direction
0:54:40 > 0:54:48for Brexit would be. There was a call for an extra amount of spending
0:54:48 > 0:54:55in the billions. The SNP can't answer the questions.I have asked
0:54:55 > 0:55:01to not temperament before the 3.5 billion of cuts in austerity. -- do
0:55:01 > 0:55:08not implement the further. Austerity hasn't worked. You would
0:55:08 > 0:55:13get that money through dumb and back through our growing economy. That is
0:55:13 > 0:55:20our work. -- that money back. It is not a huge number in the grand
0:55:20 > 0:55:24scheme of things but that is what is happening with more cuts down the
0:55:24 > 0:55:32pipeline.The accusation to you, your party, the UK Government is
0:55:32 > 0:55:35that as territory simply has not worked and makes things worse.I
0:55:35 > 0:55:40don't accept that. Those who argue for yet more borrowing for future
0:55:40 > 0:55:47generations, they have to pay it back.Interest rates at historically
0:55:47 > 0:55:50low levels...They are that historically low levels. Bidding
0:55:50 > 0:55:54interest rates up and borrowing more money is only answer. Someone has to
0:55:54 > 0:56:01pay this back in the long term.More austerity, more driving down wages?
0:56:01 > 0:56:04I don't think growing the national debt which is a recognisable even
0:56:04 > 0:56:12more...It is a growing economy. Because of Brexit and austerity,
0:56:12 > 0:56:15growth rates in the UK are lower than the rest of Europe. That is
0:56:15 > 0:56:20ridiculous.How would growing taxes in Scotland help the economy? You're
0:56:20 > 0:56:24talking about increasing the tax burden. Every business leader in
0:56:24 > 0:56:29Scotland says increasing the tax burden in Scotland will damage the
0:56:29 > 0:56:33economy by driving people away.We need to engage in public services.
0:56:33 > 0:56:40We need to invest in the public sector.You're contradicting
0:56:40 > 0:56:44yourself. One minute ago, you said we had to grow the economy.By
0:56:44 > 0:56:50investing. That is what needs to happen.All the SNP are suggesting
0:56:50 > 0:56:55is taxing more people in Scotland. Scotland has the highest taxes in
0:56:55 > 0:57:06the UK. No wonder businesses... Final word.When you take tax
0:57:06 > 0:57:09across-the-board, Scotland is the lower tax part of the UK.Thank you
0:57:09 > 0:57:17both very much. That was then, this is now. Still joined my two
0:57:17 > 0:57:24journalistic chums. What sort of approach do you see him taking, the
0:57:24 > 0:57:30Chancellor, next week? The challenge for him is to make it seem like the
0:57:30 > 0:57:35UK Government is in control of what is happening. You are setting him a
0:57:35 > 0:57:47tough one near! David, the key challenge facing the
0:57:47 > 0:57:53Chancellor?It is an impossible challenge. They have to look
0:57:53 > 0:57:57credible, which is difficult for the Tories at the minute. They will be
0:57:57 > 0:57:59facing this situation were politically they cannot raise tax or
0:57:59 > 0:58:03borrow more. He almost certainly will be faced with an economic
0:58:03 > 0:58:06situation thanks to Brexit where growth is being reduced. Where does
0:58:06 > 0:58:11the money come from?And his own wreck of a position as well, not
0:58:11 > 0:58:15just the Government's.He is under difficulty in ten I and externally.
0:58:15 > 0:58:21The question he faces is, not only can I make the Government credible,
0:58:21 > 0:58:26can I do it in a way that all these Government interests are kept onside
0:58:26 > 0:58:31as we going to Brexit. These industrial, academic interests will
0:58:31 > 0:58:35stop how can he keep them on without spending money?Thank you very much
0:58:35 > 0:58:41indeed. That is next week. We will be watching out for the BiFab story
0:58:41 > 0:58:46and the tax debate. But of course the coverage of the UK budget will
0:58:46 > 0:58:49be live on BBC Scotland next week and the Scottish budget to follow
0:58:49 > 0:58:56the month after that.