24/11/2011 Politics Scotland

Hello. A warm welcome from the Scottish Parliament. MSPs have been

discussing the a highly contentious issue of coastguard stations and

maritime safety for. In the Scottish Parliament eyes are to

Westminster because we are expecting the Chancellor's Autumn

Statement. We are not all that optimistic about the economy. Let

us see if those topics come up in questions to the First Minister.

Week-by-week more and more questions are raised about the

future. Defence contracts, policy, NATO membership,. We have no

credible answers. The uncertainty is corrosive. Why can he not steady

the ship by deciding on a date for the referendum. A I thought in

terms of the referendum that what we would do would be to stick to

the policy which outlined in the election campaign which, as I

remember was quite successful. is to say that we would hold the

referendum on Scottish independence in the second half of this

parliamentary term. If we had changed that then Iain Gray and

others would come to this chamber and denounce us for being elected

with an overwhelming majority under false pretences. Why does the SNP

not carry on this policy of keeping faith in the Scottish people on the

basis that the Scottish people have kept faith in them? This excuse

does not really wash any more. This time line was something he blurted

out of the top of his head when he was in a corner on a TV debate in

Perth. I was there. It is not in his manifesto. No matter how many

times backbenchers tried to pretend that it was. Everyone knows the

real reason he would name the date. It is opinion polls like this

Week's showing that 72% of the Scottish people do not support

separation. Isn't that not why he cannot decide on a date? We have

had a range of opinion polls which have shown that substantial and

increasing support for independence for Scotland. Iain Gray gives the

game away. The reason he talks about separation is that he is

frightened of the concept of Scottish independence. All I can

say to him, on the electoral track record, I think our interpretation

of the wishes of the Scottish people have been validated more

often than the interpretation of Iain Gray. This government was

first elected in 2007 and last elected six years -- six months ago.

We offer the people of Scotland are right to determine the

constitutional future in a referendum on Scottish independence.

That is what we will do. It is that consistency of purpose which is one

of the reasons for the overwhelming success of the Scottish National

Party. The reason Alex Salmond talks about these things is that he

is scared to talk about separation. That is what he supports. If we

cannot have a date, if he cannot decide on a date, surely we can

agree on the rules. I assume the First Minister wants to have an

honest and fair referendum. Obviously any right-thinking person

would think that we should have the electoral commission to oversee it.

They regulate elections to this Parliament and the scrutinised

elections and referenda all over the world. Sir David Steel thinks

we should use them. George Reid thinks we should use them and he is

a lifelong nationalist. Why is the First Minister so scared of having

the electoral commission scrutinise his referendum? I assure you that

the Referendum Bill will pass your test for fairness and impartiality.

It will be balanced and it will be balanced by authorities accountable

to this Parliament which I think is an important thing in terms of

parliamentary democracy. I want to say to Iain Gray that he does not

have to quote Liberal Democrats. Let me quote some Labour figures in

terms of the arguments I am putting forward. Quote the SNP clearly

stated that any a referendum would be in the lifetime of this

Parliament and that is what the Scots voted for and gave Alex

Salmond his majority, it is absurd to to ask him to break one of his

flagship policies the minute the Scottish Parliament reconvenes just

because it might be politically inconvenient for those who oppose

independence. Hugh Henry, M S P. I have got a range of quotes on this

issue, stretching back to when my predecessors were writing in the

Scots newspaper. Once Iain Gray manages to reorganise his own party

to support his view, then come to me and tell me what the view is.

Henry not looking nonplussed. really think Mr David Steel and

George Reid know a little bit about accountability to the Scottish

Parliament. They were both presiding officers of it. I say as

gently as possible to the First Minister, before I finish this job,

maybe I will get him to listen to the question. I asked him, what is

the date? Is the date 2014, two dozen 15, 2016, any of those is

fine but just tell us what it is. The longer this goes on, the more

it looks as though Alex Salmond is trying to rig the referendum to get

the result he wants. A couple of weeks ago he said that he will

bring Scotland's claim of right to this Parliament to reaffirm it. It

says that people have the right to decide the form of government best

suited to their needs. Labour will have no trouble with that. We

already signed the claim of right. He is the one who could not put his

name to it. Why? Because he has always put party before principle

and isn't that why he cannot name a date in the first half, the second

half or any half of this parliamentary session? Let me

welcome the statement from Iain Gray in saying that the second part

of this parliament would be fine. We shall hold him and his successor

to that commitment. I was responding to his question about

why he wanted me to specified and I pointed out the quote from Hugh

Henry and commented that some people in the Labour Party

recognise that they lost the election and have to accept the

mandate of the Scottish people. One of my predecessors, Henry McLeish,

has been writing about it this very week. In terms of the attempted

sabre-rattling from the Conservatives, aided and abetted

with the Labour Party. Let me read what the former First Minister said.

It is a Scottish matter. The ministers will say that Westminster

is not have any help. Westminster should keep out of the referendum

and a medal. How can any one from Westminster be so divorced from

reality to deliver a a insult to the Scottish people in this way and

keep contempt upon them. It would be insulting and content to pursue

as to the Scottish people for Westminster get -- Westminster to

get involved and anyone suggesting is that Westminster should grow up.

Question number two. When will be First Minister next meet the Prime

Minister? At no time in the future. In March file rapists had their

minimum sentences cut. Such was the outrage that the government

promised to do something about it you stuck-up had his sentence cut.

James Rennie's minimum sentence was cut. These are two of the most

sickening paedophiles whose cases have shocked Scotland. They are

among a string of sex offenders who could be free much earlier than

their trial judge's intended. In much the Scottish government said

they might change the legislation to stop sentences being cut. In

September it was absent from the legislative programme. Why is it

taking so long? In the case review Bill. It will be introduced into

this Parliament. I read the quotes from the justice minister at the

weekend to that event. It seems it has taken headlines like this one

to prompt them. It should not be that that does that. I would like

to show that these cases 0.2 an issue much greater there are some

crimes which are so heinous and cruel and vile. Some criminals

deserve never to be free again. Their victims demand real

punishment and society deserves real protection. In England to

criminals can be sentenced to a whole life tariff. They will never

be free. Why is it in Scotland we do not have the same protection as

England? I know the Scottish government Heinz behind ECHR but

change starts with political will. I have got the political will that

in some cases life should mean life. The key question is does the First

Minister? Three things. The Bill that she asked about will resolve

the issues raised by this are the courts will have discretion in

setting the punishment parts of discretion will life sentences.

Legislation cannot look back on current cases and a cannot apply

retrospectively. It will stop future cases arising where the

punishment part of the sentence is reduced and I hope the whole

chamber will be able to support that legislation when it comes

forward later this month. Secondly, she should acknowledge the efforts

that have been made in terms of the management to control sex offenders

are second to none. We will further strengthen the management of these

arrangements. A pilot has been rolled out across the whole country.

I do not think it is reasonable not to acknowledge that the strength of

the action to be taken by this Parliament on a matter of great

concern. Thirdly, you cannot just wave a way European conventions of

Human Rights. It would be appropriate to get across this

Parliament because the national parliament should stand in relation

to this act in the same way as every other parliament. We are at

substantial disadvantage at the moment because we do not have time

to respond to convention decisions. It is totally unreasonable. It

leads to bad cases and bad law in Scotland and I hope that given her

statement, she will support the aim and intention of this Government in

seeing our national parliament stand for quality legislator for

top --. Tomorrow the first officer will visit my constituency to open

the new stem a line of port. I know he will join me in representing --

welcoming the investment that represents. It leads Stranraer with

an industrial wasteland at its waterfront. Will he ensure that

every resource of his government is put at the disposal of the local

authority in efforts to implement a regeneration master plan that has

been put together to breathe new It is a huge and substantial

investment which consolidates the future of that ferry service and

affects many jobs in the south west of Scotland. I recognise the move

poses challenges but there are also substantial opportunities in that

front, and unrivalled location for development. I want to complement

the local authority for its vision in put in Ford these proposals and

I can give the assurance this government will be fully engaged in

being these plans to reality. Given that the UK government has

confirmed full details on implementing the review will not

emerge until April 2012, what representations is our government

making to the UK as to the disquiet this is causing?

And the defence review had some hard decisions as far as Scotland

was concerned. There was also some satisfaction with other aspects of

the review. Some gains were one. But it would not be supportable

after that difficult process that these timetables which were

envisaged were not held to. It is entirely reasonable this, and

insists having had that difficult defence review, that that timetable

is maintained. To ask what decisions will be

discussed at the next Cabinet? Decisions important to that people

of Scotland. In an independent Scotland, good

soldiers -- good soldiers the required to lead the British Army

and required to join the Scotland Army?

I do not know if he is familiar with a fat there are regiments in

the British Army with have citizens of the Irish Republic as proud

Members serving in these forces. We should have a Scottish defence

force for a number of overwhelming reasons. There has been no security

in defence jobs in Scotland under the present position, just the

opposite. The second reason is, myself and many Members of this

Parliament across the parties, and at one time, among the Liberal

Democrats, plead the location of weapons of mass destruction on the

soil of Scotland was not acceptable. The First Minister it is correctly

quoting from his document which says all serving military personnel

from Scotland will be given the T and -- of the opportunity -- the

opportunity to transfer her to Scotland. No matter which part of

the UK they come from, it is a strong human bond based on loyalty.

But, the First Minister wants them to break that bond for his

independence agenda. Why does he want them to choose between their

colleagues, and their country? Can I just point out, by definition,

that is a false perspective. You are talking about additional

choices. Can I say, the soldiers, including veterans being made

redundant by his government just now, are facing no choices

whatsoever. We all face difficult choices in public administration,

hugely difficult choices, but I have never heard of a government

sacking people when they are engaged in fighting for this

country. That is unique to the Conservative and Liberal Party at

Westminster. The answer is, additional choices. I have no

insight into the voting habits of Scottish soldiers. Given the

results of constituencies where it has a substantial impact, I believe

military families and Personnel voted for the SNP in overwhelming

numbers last May. To ask the First Minister what

representations the Scottish government has made to the UK

government on the economy. The Cabinet secretary wrote to the

Chancellor in November calling on him to use the Autumn Statement to

take urgent action to support economic recovery. UK recovery has

been more disappointing than the Chancellor had hoped in June 2010.

There is an urgent need in approach -- in a change in approach, to

enhance economic security. That includes a proposal of an increase

in �2 billion in capital spending to support 9,000 jobs in Scotland.

I thank the First Minister for his answer. The Cabinet secretary wrote

to the Chancellor also have about the comments on the investment in

Scotland but no reply has been received, does he share my concerns

while the UK government should be concentrating on their own economic

policies, they are put in investment in Scotland at risk?

duck with this last week, looking for motivations for the

Chancellor's cure his remarks. And lobbying from the Conservative

Party from the north east of England. In contrast to the

Chancellor who could not name a single company, we are able to name

a range of international companies, added to last week by the opening

at Amazon, and Dundee as the factory of the future for Michelin.

This adds to all of the rest who have declared their confidence in

Scotland's future. Is it too much, given these major international

companies are voting with investment into Scotland, we could

expect other parties at Westminster to display the same confidence in

Scotland's prospects as opposed to attempting to talk it down?

Can I ask the First Minister if he supports the announcement this week

by the coalition to reduce employment rights, and if he

doesn't, can I asked if he himself has made representations to the UK

government to that effect? I have great concerns what I have

seen of these proposals, I do not think they have been fully

enunciated. I read with care the comments of Vince Cable, of we will

respond as soon as we can analyse the detail properly. Perhaps the

solution to this, instead of this government being a lobbying

organisation in terms of the UK, the solution is to have the powers

of this Parliament to make decisions for themselves?

The SNP and 1006 key measures from the UK government at the weekend.

Can I ask how much additional borrowing would be required to pay

for those? The additional borrowing in terms

of capital investment would be �20 billion, mitigated of course by the

investment return that would come from these crucial investments. Can

I point out, if you look at what business is calling for in terms of

signs and signals from the UK government, you'll find encouraging

investment and infrastructure is the overall number one demand. When

you see what they are not calling for, it is cuts in the top rate of

income tax as supported by the Chancellor. Our position is one of

the key problems facing the country and people looking at this country

is the lack of economic growth. That in itself is a major concern.

And it is not possible to get borrowing and the deficit under

control unless you are prepared to stimulate the economy and generate

the economic growth, hence the call for capital investment which is

widely supported across the whole range of interest groups in this

country. Finally, when evaluating what should be done about

controlling deficit, John Swinney who has contributed not one penny

to the borrowing and deficits of the UK, speaks for some what --

speaks with somewhat more the 30 than any Chancellor on this issue.

With regard to the co-operation that exists or does not exist

between the Treasury and the finance departments of the devolved

administrations, given the state of the euro exemplified by Germany's

failure to sell its bombs yesterday, I am concerned this Parliament may

not be properly -- bonds. May not be properly informed on this issue

by the Treasury. Does the First Minister plan to do anything about

it? There is a meeting on Monday and we will be taking the regular

opportunity for dialogue with the other devolved administrations.

Twice in the last few months, the devolved administrations have come

together to put forward an alternative economic prospectus. We

request proper information from the UK Treasury, we get it on occasion,

we have been asking for example are their consequential as to the

Housing Investment a panic announced by the Prime Minster this

week. We haven't had a clear answer. Which may be indicates there wasn't

a clear policy. Nonetheless, we believe we will get answers. In

terms of the declaration we made earlier this year jointly, there

was a great deal of profound commonsense. And I think the

Chancellor will do a lot worse than to listen to the joint united

voices of the many political parties who are represented in

these three devolved administrations.

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish government will ensure

that proper security checks and policing are in place at ports.

Many aspects of port security, immigration, Maritime and aviation

security matters, in recognition of the vital imports since --

importance, we have provided funding to Scottish police forces

to support these operations, increased to one put �6 million.

�1.6 million. The ferry service from Belfast has

now moved. Is he aware of the ongoing concerns about security

given the UK decision to tax 11 police officer posts, with possibly

more to go. What steps has the First Minister taken to ensure his

Cabinet Secretary makes good the cuts he authorised to police

control at the ports? These are reserved matters. In

terms of policing. Even she would agree our attitude to police

numbers in Scotland is substantially advanced than