23/03/2017: First Minister's Questions Politics Scotland

London. Vibrant, diverse wonderful city that will never be cowed by

mindless act of violence. Acts of terrorism are not the

responsibility of any one faith or section of our society. The only

people to blame for acts of terrorism are the individuals who

plan and perpetrate them. Let me end by echoing and endorsing the words

of the Prime Minister. Terrorists seek to undermine our values and

destroy our way of life. They will not succeed. Whatever our

disagreements in this chamber or any other, we stand united in our core

values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These values

are strong and they will endure. I thank the First Minister for that

answer. On behalf of these benches, we express our deep shock at

yesterday's events in Westminster. We too send our deep condolences to

loved up withes who were lost or injured yesterday. We express our

gratitude to the police officers and security guards who at Westminster

and here at Holyrood work to keep us safe. Whose bravery we seem only to

truly appreciate at a time like this. People like PC Keith Palmer

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

a coward killed innocent people and injured many more in an attempt to

attack the symbol of our countries democracy. He died. The par

#34eedics demonstrated what a civilised society is by trying to

save him. His attack on our free Dom will fail again today as we show our

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

First Minister agree, as our representatives of democracy we show

our defiance that we will not be silenced or cowed. We best strike

back against terrorism by staying true to our own values of democracy,

freedom and the rule of law. Yes, indeed I agree wholeheartedly with

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

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

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

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

yesterday. But for our colleagues and friends in the House of Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

disagreements, often very passionately, that is the hallmark

of our democracy. It is the values of democracy, human rights, freedom,

of the rule of law, that terrorists seek to strike at. Whatever our

disagreement and, undoubtedly, before too long he we'll return to

those disagreement here and in other places, but we have had the

opportunity in these past 24 hours to remind ourselves of this, that we

are all united by our common humanity. It is democracy that

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

the way that we do. I thank the First Minister for her answer. Can I

ask her about the measures to protect people since yesterday's

events. This morning, the Deputy Chief Constable outlined some of

those measures taken since yesterday's attacks. As the First

Minister indicated, these include an increased police presence in our

conurbations and armed presence on our streets. The Deputy Chief

Constable described how yesterday Police Scotland officers dropped

everything to be in the right place. We again, thank them for their axes.

Can we be reassured Police Scotland with will have all the support they

need? I have been assured by the Chief Constable he has the resources

he requires to respond appropriately. There will be

continue to be, as I should say there always is, ongoing dialogue

between the Government and police service to ensure they have the

resources that are required. The police have well developed plans in

place that enable them to increase security in response to incidents

like the one that we witnessed yesterday. These plans yesterday

were activated by Police Scotland and put into place immediately. From

is an increased police presence around our major conurbations. That,

as people would expect, includes an increase in the presence of armed

officers. For reasons that I am sure the whole chamber will understand,

I'm not going into precise detail about the police tactical response.

It would be inappropriate and counterproductive for me to do so.

However, that response does involve a substantial uplift in armed

officers on duty and also a configuration of resources to ensure

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

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

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

spoken to Deputy Chief Constable this morning to be updated but also

to continue to be briefed on how the police are responding. The

arrangements that have been put in place will remain in place for the

foreseeable future. The police will continue to keep these arrangements

under review. I am confident and therefore want to reassure the

public that the police are doing everything that is appropriate to

ensure the protection of the public. I would reiterate a point I made

earlier on. The public, as should be the case at all times, should be

vigilant. If they have concerns abouting in, they should trust their

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

their daily business. That, after all, is the best response to

terrorists. I thank the First Minister for the information. As has

been noted again today, we can never guard against attacks like

yesterdays by building higher walls or bigger defences. Nor is a free

and liberal society here in the UK should we wish to do so even if it

did work. As the Deputy Chief Constable said this morning, the

best defence is a cohesive society which self-polices against the

threat of extremism. A society which stops extremism from taking root and

poisoning vulnerable minds. Can the First Minister outline practical

efforts the Government is making to strengthen us all? I would agree it

will always be a limit to what can be done to provide guarantees of

protection. But whatever can be done should be done. I've already

outlined the increased police presence that Police Scotland are

making available. Those who heard the Deputy Chief Constable on the

radio this morning will have heard him talking about the specialist

advice that is available to the police, including counter terrorist

security advisers to advise on fiscal security, barriers in place

at key locations and it is important we trust our police to take the

right decisions in that regard. But there is a fundamental point here.

Our best resilience does come from community resilience and the

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

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

morning. The Chief Constable issued today a message to communities, a

message of reassurance. The Scottish Government, as we do on an ongoing

basis, will make contact with key groups in our society, key faith

communities, to underline the important message of cohesion.

Terrorists by their very nature seek to divide. Their intention, their

objective, is to lead us to turn on each other. To look to people in our

own society to blame. We must not do that. No faith group and no section

of our society is responsible for what happened on the streets of

London yesterday. Again, just as it is the best response to terrorism to

go about our daily business confidently and defiantly, so too is

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

cohesion as a strength. I thank the First Minister again for her

response. This has been a week when we've been reminded terrorism has

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

Minister there has brought back memories of a sickening violence

that has played out in that part of the UK. Then the events in

Westminster yesterday reminded us of the new terror threat that's dogged

the UK and our allies internationally over the last 20

years. Terror's come to our county in many forms. It has not come from

one religion or group but from the twisted world view of individuals.

Does the First Minister agree the lesson here is not to tar one

religion or group in the coming days but to tackle the evil of terrorist

ideology itself. Not to vilify or blame whole communities but to show

we stand united against terror and in defeating it? The best and

strongest message we can send out from our Parliament today in

solidarity with our sister Parliament in Westminster and with

the people of London and other parts of our world that have been blighted

by the acts of terrorists is exactly that one. Whatever legitimate

disagreements we have, we are united in those core values that we hold so

dear. At times like this, it is more important than ever we come together

to express those values and express our determination that terrorists

will not divide us. Perhaps there is another lesson and perhaps it is one

particularly rest onnant for us here in this chamber at this time. We

resolve disagreements by debate, by discussion and by dialogue. That's

what democracy is all about. And whatever we disagree on, what we all

agree on is the importance at the vital importance of a vibrant

democracy. Let that message ring out loudly from our Parliament today. To

ask the First Minister what engagements she has for the rest of

the week. May I add the thoughts and prayers of these benches and this

party to all affect the by yesterday's attack in Westminster.

Including the families of chose who died. Can I pay tribute to Keith

Palmer who kept people safe. Westminster means different things

to different people. . Our Houses of Parliament are a beacon of democracy

for so many around the world. They represent freedom, tolerance and the

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

catering staff, January terse, journalists, police officers,

administrators and many more. Many people are going to work together

concerned about the safety of others. The police officers here in

Scotland watching guard at train stations. The nurses who put

themselves at risk every single day. Those who work in our schools who

dedicate their careers to the enrichment of others. Can the First

Minister give us assurances that everyone that can be done is being

done to ensure public safety. Can I thank Kezia Dugdale for her

question. She's right to draw attention to the fact yesterday we

were all reminded that Parliament at Westminster just like our Parliament

here, is not just a symbol of our politics and our democracy, although

Parliaments the world over are exactly that. But they are places

where human beings go to work. Some of my oldest friends in life work

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

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

whose first thoughts were about people that I love and people who I

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

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

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

of. I read a wonderful peace by the journalist Jonathan freedland make

that can point. I recommend it anyone who hasn't already read it. I

outlined to Ruth Davidson, the steps Police Scotland have taken and will

continue to take to make sure they are guaranteeing as far as can be

done, public safety. But it is also important to work hard to guarantee

public assurance. The police presence that many people will be

witnessing on our streets today, a higher profile than normal. It is

not, I stress this, it is not because there is any intelligence

whatsoever of an increased threat to Scotland. It is about assurance. The

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

like this. Therefore, part of the job of the police is to keep us safe

but also to contribute to that sense of assurance. Police Scotland and

all of us will continue to do that in the days ahead. London is a Mike

conflict of the world. We know from the Prime Minister's statement just

an hour ago those injured yesterday were British, French, Romanian,

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

multicultural city. Home to people of all faith and from many different

adiverse nest nations. A city that last year elected Europe's first

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

the attacker or those arrested earlier this morning, this cannot

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

together bust be part of the solution to combating terror. Will

the First Minister join me in sending a strong message that

Britain remains an open, tolerant nation home to people of all faiths

and all nationalities. Yes, I think that is an extremely important

message. London is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in

the world. Two weeks ago today, I walked across Westminster Bridge on

my way to the memorial service for Afghanistan and Iraq. On that

morning, Westminster Bridge was packed, as it is every morning, we

people of all nationalities and all ages. Skol parties excited to be

witnessing the Palace of Westminster and everything that the wonderful

City of London has to offer. We must remind ourself that the victims of

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

nationality. But it is also important to remind ourselves as

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

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

pervert religions and we should not in any way contribute to their

ability to do so. This is an important moment for us to stand

united and send that message. One of the issues I discussed both last

night and again this morning with the Deputy Chief Constable was the

need to be vigilant against any increase in hate crime in the days

ahead. So, all of us in this parliament should unite to send that

message. The only people responsible for terrorism are the terrorists.

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

faced an attack on our democracy in Britain. We've watched on in anxious

asteror struck around the world from Belgium to Nigeria. In the days

following the brutal murder of Jo Cox, we resolve we've more in common

than that which divides us. So the best message we can send following

this terrorist attack is we remain true to the values of tolerance,

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

many people yesterday in the immediate of a math of the attack in

London thought of Jo Cox -- aftermath of the attack in London

thought of Jo Cox and the incredible dignity her husband and family acted

in the days immediately following her murder. I had the privilege of

speaking to Brendan Cox last week. This is an opportunity for us all to

remind ourselves of the values that she encompanies lated and the values

that all of us hold so dear. These are the values that terrorists seek

to strike at. Their whole motivation is to divide, undermine and destroy

the way of life we hold dear. Just as we all did in the aftermath of

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

would commit acts of terrorism anywhere in the world, that they

will not succeed. Whatever we disagree on, we are united by a rock

solid commitment to the values Kezia Dugdale has articulated. When will

the Cabinet next meet? The Cabinet will next meet on Tuesday. Thank

you. May I add on behalf of my own party, our deep concern for all of

those affected by yesterday's horrific events. The deepest

sympathies for the friends and families of PC Palmer and all those

who were killed yesterday. The respect and gratitude we all feel

towards those who step forward in such circumstances. Both bystanders

who helped the injured and the emergency services who showed

professionalism and dedication and the hopes for the recovery of those

injured. The lasting injury some people wish to inflict upon us all

is to destroy the empathy and solidarity our society depends upon.

We should all be united in expressing and building that

solidarity. In particular challenging those who seek to blame,

stigmatise and alienate people on the bases of their religion. There

are those sadly in our society, media and politics in this country

and others who are today reacting to these events by continuing to

express racist, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments. As well

as reflecting on the First Minister's comments about actions

necessary to address security concerns, can I welcome the

assurance that the First Minister has given that the Government will

also respond robustly to any increase in hate crime and bridge

disand ask that the First Minister agrees we must continue to tackle

any threats in our society? I do agree with that. Just as we have to

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

against anyone who would seek to exploit the acts of terrorists to

sew division in our society. We are all acutely aware at times like this

of the feelings, particularly within our Muslim community. People who

feel as horrified, as shocked and as distressed as any of us do about the

attack that happened yesterday. But who have often the additional burden

of feeling that some in our society seek to blame them for these acts.

So, at this moment in time, at these moments in time, we must stand

shoulder to shoulder with them. I know from my own constituency, which

has a very high Muslim population, just how important it is to do that

at this time. That takes a number of forms. It is about reaching out both

police and the Scottish Government will do that across all faith

communities in the days that lie ahead. It is about calling out

anyone who seeks to respond to what happened in London yesterday with

racism or intolerance or anti-immigrant sentiment. It is

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

police respond vigorously to any crimes of that nature. As I said

earlier on, I've had an assurance from the police this morning that

they will do exactly that. This is a moment for remembering what unites

us as human beings. That, in all of the different ways and formed we've

discussed here this morning, is the most important message we can send.

May I also ask the First Minister to reflect on the children and young

people growing up at this time who must also be looking on at these

events. Their experience is not only of what they see in the news of this

attack and others, but also their experiences of our response as a

society, these experiences will shape their understanding of the

world around them. I grew up at a time when the Cold War created fears

and insecurity, fears of violent destruction on an unimaginable

scale. But I can barely imagine the impact of the brutal reality of

yesterday's attack on those growing up today. What does the First

Minister believe we can do within our education system and in our

wider society to overcome those fears and ensure young people grow

up with those same values of respect and empathy we've all spoken about

and confidence in the capacity of human tanity to stand together? I

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

Harvie and many of us in this chamber, grew up during the Cold War

at a time when the fear of terrorism was Irish terrorism. I remember well

how real that felt at times. But what we didn't have to contend with

then as young people today have to contend with, was the 24 hours a

day, seven days a week conveyance of news on social media, on Twitter, on

Facebook, which we all recognise makes everything seem so much more

acute, literally every second of every day. I do think we have to be

conscious of the impact on young people of that. But the other side

of that, of course, is social media makes this world smaller. It gives

our young people the ability to reach out to people on the other

side of the world to build common cause around those things that unite

us as human beings. It is important our education system ensures that we

instill those values that all of us hold dear. Those common values. But

we should also, in the way we respond, seek to lead by example.

That is something all of us in this chamber across all of the parties

feel a responsibility for. To ask the First Minister what issues will

be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet. Matters of importance,

the people of Scotland. For four years, I would walk up Kennington

Road and over Westminster Bridge. I'd look up to Big Ben, then down

the Thames. Dodging past the tourists taking pictures of this

iconic scene, recognised right across the globe. I would descend

the steps and into the Palace of Westminster, nodding at the police

officer who would nod in return. Morning, Mr Rennie. It was the

personal touch. I don't think I will be able to walk that route again

without thinking of the people run over. The woman in the river. The

police and the people injured. The three people who died, perhaps some

were tourists taking pictures. The officer who stood to defend

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

walk that route again. Getting the balance right between security and

freedom is a difficult one. Does the First Minister agree with me that we

must act based on security, expertise, evidence and intelligence

and not fear? Yes, I do. I agree strongly indeed. Willie Rennie has

just very movingly accounted his own experiences of making the journey

that many of those who work within Westminster would have made

yesterday morning. Those of us who have never worked within Westminster

can relate to our own experiences of coming to work in this building.

Nodding and saying good morning to the police officers and security

staff. The security staff in here, many have been with us since 1999

from the very beginning. People we have come to think of, not just as

colleagues but as friends. They work every single day around the per

imterse of this building and in this building to keep us safe. Yesterday

was a reminder of just how much we owe each and every one of them.

Willie Rennie's right though. At times like this, there is, of

course, a desire on the part of the public to know that the police and

security services, who we haven't mentioned yet, yesterday was a

shocking event, but the rarity of what happened yesterday is a tribute

to the security and intelligence workers who keep the country safe at

all times. It is understandable that in response to an attack like

yesterday, people's instinct is to worry about security. That is right

and proper. I feel very strongly the responsibility I have shared with

others as First Minister to make sure we are doing everything we

possibly can to guarantee the security of the public. But the

balance has to be right. I don't want, and I don't believe anyone

wants to live in a country where we allow the fear of threat and

terrorism to restrict and undermine how we live our lives. That would be

allowing the terrorists to get what it is that they want. We have to

make sure there is a balance and proportionality in what the police

do. Having discussed yesterday and today, I discuss on an ongoing basis

peeredically with the police, plans in place, I'm confident they have

that balance very firmly in mind. We have to keep the public safe. Above

all else, it is keeping the public safe for a purpose, to allow the

public to get on with their day-to-day lives because this is the

most important thing. Yesterday was especially horrific

because the scene was so familiar. We have all seen it on television or

witnessed it ourselves. But these acts of terrorism happen abroad as

well as at home almost every day. And we must do all we can to protect

our free, open and liberal society. Never stigmatising, never

generalising, reaching out to all faiths, religions, countries, and

creeds. Although the attacker yesterday was born here his violent

ideology pervades the globe. This is why we must act together with our

partners, wherever they are in the world. It is about to defence,

security, intelligence, also soft power. Soft power to international

aid, diplomacy and partnerships. Does the First Minister agree with

that? First Minister. I do. Two points there was underlining. The

first one that was made, of course, acts of terrorism that happen on our

own shores or on the shores of our nearest neighbours will always

impact more forcibly on us acts of terrorism further afield. But it is

important that we recognise that many countries across the world deal

with events like this on a very, very regular basis. I was struck

yesterday watching the television, and a tourist was interviewed, he

was from Turkey and he made the point that he was shocked by what

had happened yesterday but he came from a country where these incidents

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

probably all have an obligation to give more attention to acts like

this that happen in other parts of the world. The second thing worth

underlining, considering the age we live in, whatever the relationships

there may be at any time between different countries, the importance

of all countries working together on security, defence, intelligence, are

vitally important, and again perhaps the theme of our discussions is

this, whatever our disagreements, whatever disagreements happen from

time to time, there are many, many things regardless of things that

unite us, not just the values we have spoken of the common interest,

that we all have to work together to combat terrorism and keep the

population safe. Thank you, First Minister and party leaders for their

contributions. No supplementary questions, a question from Miles

Briggs. Thank you, Presiding Officer. First Minister, the

Edinburgh evening News revealed that NHS visitors and staff will face an

increased parking charge every day. Is it fair for hard-working NHS

staff to face the more than doubling of parking charges to go to work,

what advice does the Scottish Government give to NHS boards in

Scotland regarding parking charges for and adjust stuff and will the

First Minister back my core NHS Lothian to scrap a staggering

increase in parking charges? I share this concern and I agree, I do not

think it is fair to patients and visitors, some members will recall

when I was Health Secretary we abolished parking charges at all

NHS- run car parks across the country. There were certain sites

when it is not possible to do that because of the Private Finance

initiative schemes in place, the cost of doing that would have been

out of proportion. We have looked closely at this. I will happily as

the Health Secretary to discuss this matter again with NHS Lothian, not

seeking to make a political point, today is not that over that. These

contracts predate the life of this government but we will continue to

look and look again to see that there is something that can be done,

I hope the subs to explain the context for the important issue that

this member has raced. Thank you, Presiding Officer. I don't know if I

should declare an interest to ask what forward planning is in place to

meet the demographic charges of an ageing population! I think she

should almost certainly declare an interest! I will pay a heavy price

for that attempt to lighten the mood in the chamber! Scotland's ageing

population is one of our most significant challenges as a society

but it is also one of our most significant assets. And we want to

ensure that older people continue to contribute and participate to their

fullest potential. That is right across the government we are

continuing to work with national records Scotland on future

publishing projections. From health and social care, planning and

housing to combating isolation and supporting people who want to keep

working we are making sure that we do all we can to support older

people want to enjoy a thriving third age. I thank the First

Minister in part for her reply! I want to congratulate the Have a lot

on their Great Matters campaign which we should endorse. And given

that 80% of the population is over 65 and that in the coming 25 years,

the number of people aged over 55 is predicted to rise by 82% and people

over 80 to 200,000, which will come in the future, will the First

Minister commit to appointing a dedicated Minister for older people

to work across all government portfolios to provide the best

support that we can for older people in Scotland and for the avoidance of

doubt, First Minister, this is not a job application! First Minister. I

will obviously give consideration, although I would say that it is the

responsibility of all ministers to meet because this is an issue that

cuts across every responsibility of government, so it is the

responsibility of all ministers to make sure that this is embedded in

our planning. May I also commend the series of articles running in the

Herald this weekend. I think Grey Matters has been an excellent

contribution to raising awareness of this. We are very mindful of how we

respond to what is a challenge and an opportunity. His across a busy to

the debate about migration and freedom of movement. One thing I

feel strongly about is that we all have a responsibility not to dismiss

concerns people have over immigration, do address those

concerns but also to focus minds on the economic necessity that we have

is a country because of the demographics that Christian Grey has

just outlined, to grow the population, -- Christine Grahame.

There are many issues here that government has a responsibility to

take forward. And we will make sure that we do that and do so in

consultation with others across Parliament. Thank you, Presiding

Officer. In December it was my privilege to chair a meeting of the

older People's Forum in this chamber. At 1.I asked those present

about what they were most worried or anxious, and I was surprised to

learn that it was fear of falling which was top of the list. Some

weeks ago this Parliament passed an amendment in my name calling for a

national fall strategy to build upon the work of the 2014 for spring were

but with resources and adequate awareness raising capabilities.

Could the First Minister tell the chamber what steps the government

plans to take in this regard? I will ask the Health Secretary to write to

the member with detail of how we are coordinating across government, in

partnership with local authorities, with the health board and the

voluntary sector, making sure that we are aware of the consequences of

the risk of falls among older people. I'm not surprised to that

was the fear that older people expressed most of them. Many older

people, as they get older, have an increased risk of falling and this

is in itself a source of fear. And for many, the consequences of a fall

can be really severe, and can have a significant impact on their

independence and ability to live independently. It's important that

our approach is first and foremost preventative but also dealing

quickly and appropriately with the consequences of falls so that they

do continue to live independently notwithstanding. I will ask the

Health Secretary to write to this member with more detail about the

specific work done. Graham Simpson. To ask a First Minister what the

Scottish Government 's response is to reports that in 2015 around one

in five referrals to child and adolescent mental health services

were rejected and over the last three years, approximately 17,000

children and young people have been affected. All children referred to

specialist children and adolescent mental health services are assessed

on an individual basis. If through that assessment a clinician does not

believe it is the best cause we would expect the child to be

referred to an appropriate service. Next week as the chamber is aware

the mental health Minister will be bringing forward our new 10-year

mental health strategy. I can tell the chamber today that one early

action of that strategy will beat aggression and of referrals and the

findings will help ensure that children are referred to the right

services and that those services are able to provide the help that the

Children In Need. Thank you for that answer, it is very encouraging. Half

of all adults mentally ill experience the onset of their

problems by the age of 15. So if we can identify and support young

people early on we can make a real difference. According to figures,

three in ten young people in classrooms in Scotland have a mental

health problem. We need to address the needs of children and young

people. Those that live in five NHS board areas including my own

Lanarkshire with the 18 week target is not being met, one NHS board,

Lothian, reports the medium weight of 20 weeks. There have been calls

for mental health targets to be reduced to 12 weeks, in line with

the waiting time targets, does the First Minister think that is

achievable? With the general thrust of the question, if we are able to

identify mental health problems in younger people, then obviously we

prevent problems later in life. It is that few that will ensure that it

is an essential part of the strategy that we outlined next week. He is

right to raise the issue of waiting times. Progress is being made

towards meeting the 18 week waiting time. Some boards are further behind

than others. We are working closely with those boards to support them in

accelerating progress. I said this in the chamber before. One thing

that I think we should be positive about, counterintuitive although

this often sounds is the fact that there are more people, young and

old, being identified with mental health issues and coming forward

with support because I have said before, what that means is, that the

stigma that has often prevented people seeking support in the past

is fading and that is something we should all welcome. That places a

responsibility on the shoulders of government and services across the

country. It is counter-productive to encourage people to come forward for

help if they cannot then access that help. That is where the aspects of

the strategy that I have spoken about, the others will be outlined

next week by Maureen Watt, so important. We are increasing support

for mental health services. I announced at the weekend 's lives we

are making not just within the health service within the criminal

justice system as well. This is one of the most important issues not

only in the health service but across our society that we face.

While I am sure there will be robust scrutiny when this strategy is

outlined next week I hope we can also build a lot of consensus around

what we are seeking to do. Thank you, that concludes First Minister's

Questions. Possession concluding with the deliberately mundane, the

reverting to fundamental democracy. Of course the early exchanges

between the leaders about this tragic events in Westminster,

references to Westminster Bridge, if you will forgive me, a reference

perhaps to Wordsworth, lines composed upon Westminster Bridge.

A sight so touching in its imagine he isity. Right now, that scene is a

scene of death. A crime scene. One can only hope it will return to

Wordsworth ease imagine he isity in due course. I'm joined by Robbie

done which haddy. The leaders combining there, Robbie, in, first

of all, their respect but also their determination? Yeah, it's a familiar

pattern that comes, if you think back to the Glasgow Airport attack,

discussions on Jo Cox, at times like this, Parliament abandons the normal

cut and thrust which can get quite heated as we've seen earlier this

week, sets aside that to come together and make the case that

democracy is too important. On a die like today, we have to stick

together. Each of the leaders were applauding each other. Something we

don't normally see, Lynsey? They were completely united in the

chamber, first of all the tributes they paid pot emergency servicend

public who helped in that attack. Thing had a sturgeon wholeheartedly

agreeing with the words of Theresa May in the House of Commons earlier

on. They were talking then crucially about how this cannot be an issue

which divides communities across Scotland and how we need to be

united as a society against this kind of thing. The MSPs are

streaming down the stairs coming out from First Minister's Questions, the

business was suspended yesterdays. Most agreed with that decision. One

or two thought it was giving in to terrorism. I think it is a glorious

assertion of democracy there is that division. But there was that? Some

felt even by not sticking rigidly to the plan... It was meant to be the

vote on section 30 powers? Including the referendum debated on going to

the vote, by not doing that, it was somehow allowing the terrorists to

win. In the grand scheme of things, a referendum that's either 18 months

away or never, depending on Theresa May's view, a fee days delay at this

stage seems a small price to pay. Most MSPs agree with the

retimabling. The first news coming through, Lynsey, was of something

which might at that stage be seen as relatively minor. It was only as the

detail emerged it was seen asafoetida it was. We We don't have

a clear picture at first of what's going on. Ken Macintosh, as the

Presiding Officer, has to make a considered and proportionate

response. He sought to do that. When it got to the stage where he could

see MSPs were not able to debate... They weren't able to concentrate or

focus on that. Their minds were elsewhere and he suspended business.

It was probably the right decision in the end. There's been a small

Twitter storm this morning over comments from Andrew Neil who

appeared to be critical of the fact initially Holyrood wasn't going to

suspend business. Was attacked for that because they did suspend

business. The delay was because it was completely impossible to know at

that stage how severe the incident was. It shows you had the SNP not

done this yesterday or had the whole Parliament done this yesterday, I

think that would have been used as a stick to beat Holyrood with. Let's

talk about matters arising from the First Minister's comments. Naturally

she was primarily offering reassurance. There's no intelligence

of an increased threat to Scotland. She talked about more police and

armed security? This was the line Ruth Davidson went on. How can we

assure the public everything necessary and possible's being done.

The First Minister can't go telling all aspects of plans. But I will be

amazed if there are not more visible armed police here but certainly

around the corner so they can be called at at any time. Lynsey, she

talked about securing iconic buildings but also securing the

public but securing the public for a purpose to enable normality to

resume. ? She did a good job stressing there's no real and known

entillingence of a credible threat on Scotland at the moment. That's an

important thing for her to stress. She was very measured when she

talked about the security response which is the right way to go. There

was a great deal of emphasis placed by Nicola Sturgeon and the other

leaders, what is it we're trying to protect? It is our values and the

way our society operates and the democracy we are very fortunate to

have. Robbie, that balance between security and openness? The whole

point being, the two things which have to be done, the core values of

democracy and rule of law have to be upheld. Any response to what

happened yesterday is very important that hate groups or any individuals

shouldn't be allowed to hijack this into criticism of Muslims or

immigrants in general. I think there was a widespread view in support of

that. Because that's making the vicious circle worse. Robbie and

Lynsey thanks. Hang on for a couple of seconds if you will abbe so kind.

We mentioned the Parliamentary business, the rescheduling of

business. Earlier, we heard from the Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh. I

have this morning written to speaker Bercow, Lord Fowler and the Mayor of

London on behalf of the Scottish Parliament. I wanted to convey our

sympathy and solidarity with fellow Parliamentarians and to express our

sense of loss at the loss of life and cruel suffering inflicted on so

many innocent individuals and their families yesterday. Flags are flying

at half mast at Holyrood today. We abed a one minute's silence this

morning as a mark of respect to those affected by the tragic events.

This morning, the Parliament's corporate body received a briefing

from Police Scotland. I want to reassure members there is no change

to the threat level. No intelligence to suggest a specific threat to

Scotland, Edinburgh or Holyrood. However, as a precautionary measure,

security was heightened with immediate effect at the Scottish

Parliament and the corporate body in discussion with Police Scotland and

the security services, will continue to keep our security arrangements

under review as we always do. I convened a meeting of the

parliamentary bureau this morning. A motion will be put to Parliament

later today that the debate on Scotland's choice be rescheduled for

next Tuesday. This change has the support of all businessmanagers.

Other business today will proceed as scheduled as will the business at

our sister Parliament in Westminster. I hope I speak for all

members in saying this shocking event should serve to remind us of

the importance of holding firm to our humanity and of defending our

democracy. Ken Macintosh referring to business continuing, a

determination to continue. We saw it earlier at questions. Referring to

it at Holyrood and the sister Parliament of Westminster. Joined by

my colleagues again. Robbie, he's talking about the debate on Tuesday.

It was meant to finish yesterday. There was some talk of it continuing

today which has proved unfeasible giving the tone and tenor of squeaks

here and at Westminster. It resumes on Tuesday? I think the gap between

today, the long weekend, the come back, will put aside the consensus

of today. That whole tone that was struck. It will be back to the full

fisticuffs we expect. That's not bad? No, people have strong feelings

on this. They are right to challenge each other. Back to proper

parliamentary debate. Today was necessary. You wouldn't want

Parliament like this all the time. Lynsey, this was an reaction today,

a decent, humane reaction to tragic events. In the middle of it, a brief

return to political discussion. Next Tuesday is a very significant day

indeed in terms of that vote. Though it has been discounted by the UK

Government already? Next Tuesday, we'll be back into the cut and

thrust of normal political service we see in this place. Yeah, a very

important vote. Although we already know what the result will be. But

what will follow on... We expect to be the SNP and Greens? We expect

they will get that mandate to seek a section 30 order based on her

timable. If Theresa May rejects that timable and that call for section

30, what happens next will be very interesting. It makes next week huge

at Westminster. As well as absorbing the events of yesterday, the Prime

Minister says she's determined to trigger Article 50 #50 to take

Britain out of the EU next week? She also seems determined to give the

devolved Parliament and assemblies no great say in the letter which

will formally go to Brussels to trigger that. So, they weren't told

the timing, though they knew within a few days, it will be the end of

this month. There's been frustration in not getting any say in the

wording to see if it leaves open scope for flexibility within these

islands. Lynsey, what do you make of the debate next week and triggering

of Article 50? It is a big week. There's some doubt over whether

we'll see is a response to Nicola Sturgeon's paper which has gotten

forgotten about. Thank you both for join me about your an am Sis to the

tragic events from Westminster and events here at Holyrood. I will show

you a section of the minute's silence referred to earlier. There

is a determination to carry on as usual. In exactly that spirit, from

me, brine Tel err, from Hollywood. Goodbye. Before I begin today's

meeting, I'm sure all members will wish to join with me in sending our

condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their

lives in London yesterday. And in paying our respect to all those who

displayed outstanding bravery in trying to help others. You are

invited to observe one minute's silence as a mark of respect for

those who were attacked in the Westminster area.