30/06/2016 Politics Scotland

A very warm welcome to the Garden Lobby here at Hollyrood. In the last

few seconds since we came on a Boris Johnson has ruled himself out of the

leadership for the Conservative Party. It looks like the front

runners are now to reason may and Michael go. There is no leadership

contest here in Scotland as far as I can see. No, no leadership contest

here. Things are relatively stable apart from that small matter of the

year exit from the European Union and the consequences for Scotland.

We see if that is raised here. Thank you, nice and following the

Hollyrood chamber today. It is the last day of term, but no danger of

winding down today. To say that it's been a busy week in politics would

be something of an understatement. The news seems to be coming thick

and fast. The main story is the fallout from the EU referendum.

Nicola Sturgeon is back from Brussels, sitting down there in the

chamber at the moment. She's been discussing the impatience of that

vote for Scotland, exploring ways of remaining part of the EU. Now that

has been the predominant story, will she be asked about that though, we

will see soon but it will be surprising if that wasn't a topic

that came up. We'll also hear a related topic, the prospect of a

second independence referendum. That has been dominant in the headlines

this week. We are now moving to First Minister's Questions so I pass

you over. They were supplemented on the EU following the referendum,

there are supplementary constituency issues, could I ask members who wish

to ask a local or constituency supplementary to press the button

during questions one or two. I will take them after question two. Those

who wish to ask a supplementary on EU press the button during questions

three and four. Just a bit of process here from the presiding

officer. Question one, Ruth Davidson. I want to ask the First

Minister what engagement she has planned for the rest of day.

Engagements to take forward the Government's plan. And. In response

to the referendum vote the UK Government said it would set up a

plan to create options in negotiations with the European

Union. We need involvement from all in giving the devolved governments

in that process. Can I ask what preparations the Scottish Government

is making to take part in these discussions? The Scottish Government

is making to take part in these is making exhaustive and very

detailed preparations to ensure that we are fully involved in the UK

decision-making process as it now develops, of course, we don't yet

know what the UK decision-making process is going to be. We don't

know who the UK by Minister is going to be after the next few weeks. We

make it clear to the UK Government that the big commitment I was given

on Friday morning, that they would be falling gauge and devolved

administrations, is delivered in full. It is absolutely vital that in

the course of the development of our position all options for Scotland

are on the table. And as everybody will have heard me say a number of

times since the referendum, Scotland voted to stay in the EU and it is my

job as First Minister, this Parliament's job to do everything we

can to give effect to how the people in Scotland voted. I frankly first

reserve for that answer and I hope and trust that the Scottish

Government will play a full role. I think we need to agree some

principles in these talks in retaining our place in the single

market should be the overriding priority. The London media has

already said that he would be, and I quote, pushing the Government to

ensure that this is the corner stone of negotiations with the EU. Can I

ask if the First Minister will follow the same course? I would say,

in addition to what I said earlier, we are doing everything we can to

protect Scotland' 's position. My first principle in this is to give

effect to the democratic will of the Scottish people as expressed in a

referendum last week when more than 60% across Scotland, a majority in

every local authority, said they wanted to stay in the EU. I don't

think we should be looking at second best options will stop we should be

looking at protecting what the people in Scotland voted for. Until

the last couple of days that was the position of Ruth Davidson when she

said mention of the EU was critical not just to ensure access to the

single market but the benefit of calling on negotiating muscle and

trade policy around the world. She said for so long Scottish employers,

trade policy around the world. She telling me jobs are sustained within

the EU, I will back them. I just wonder what has changed in the

intervening period? What happened to that spirited defence of EU

membership that we saw in Wembley Stadium? Why just a few days later

issue meekly suggesting we throw in the towel. I am not going to throw

in the towel. First Minister is absolutely right. It was access to

the single market and trade that was the core of my support for the

European Union. It is because it helps our economy, it helps sustain

jobs and keep our public services here in Scotland well funded. It is

important. It is very important, but it is not as important as the UK

single market, orders the First Minister not agree? No, I actually,

the single market as it exists right now is really important. Trade

between Scotland and the rest of the UK is important as is the Republic

of Ireland, incidentally, who I am sure there will be seeking to see

whatever negotiations take forward trade is protected. If Ruth Davidson

ones to suddenly force the rest of us into choosing either or, it is

the Conservatives that have recklessly brought this country to

the brink of disaster. No longer, no longer will of the Tories have any

credibility in suggesting that they are the party of economic stability

or even the party of the United Kingdom. It is the reckless, selfish

behaviour of the Conservative Party that has put economic stability and

the reputation of the UK on the line. I'm going to continue to do

the job I was elected to do, and that is to stand up for Scotland. I

would not be fit to be first minute if I didn't do that. Who's Davidson

should take a lesson from that and stand up for Scotland as well. --

Ruth Davidson. That was a rather cursory acknowledgement of the

importance of the UK market to Scotland, but she showed recognise

it. An exporter to the EU are worth ?1.6 billion. RX want of the UK with

?48.5 billion. The UK single market is four times what important

?48.5 billion. The UK single market difference in Scotland and it is

underpinned by our shared currency and free borders. She says that she

doesn't want to jeopardise that, so can I ask, why then has she

instructed civil servants to draw up legislation for a second

independence referendum? Why has her taxpayer funded spin doctor being

independence referendum? Why has her the bingo press overnight that a

second referendum is just around the corner? How does that protect

Scotland in the UK's single market, First Minister? Well, if Ruth

Davidson and her colleagues thought it was so vitally important to

protect what we have now, the question from Ruth Davidson and her

conservative colleagues is why did they pose a referendum that put all

of that on the line. Why have they brought not just Scotland but the UK

to the brink of economic disaster? As I have said before, my starting

point in these discussions is not independence. It is protecting

Scotland. It is doing what the independence. It is protecting

Conservatives have so clearly failed to do. But let me also say this, if

I think, if Scotland thinks that the best way to be direct opposition in

the period that lies ahead is to look again at being an independent,

that is a right that Scotland should have. Let me remind Ruth Davidson of

something she said in the 2014 referendum. She said this, no means

we stay in the European union, no means we are members of the European

union. Well, voting for the UK is what has put membership of the

European Union on the line, and I think the people of Scotland should

have all of the options available to them to protect Scotland's position.

Question two, Kezia Dugdale. When does the First Minister next planned

to meet these Prime Minister. I spoke to him on Friday morning in

to meet these Prime Minister. I the aftermath of the referendum

result. That conversation was the start of what I hope, indeed what I

will insist is ongoing discussion and direct involvement in

negotiations with the EU. I will also be with the Prime Minister

tomorrow when we will attend the Battle of the Somme centenary

commemorations in France. Thank you. As the first minute and knows the

Labour Party supports her efforts to secure Scotland's place in Europe,

and like the Tory benches we are ultimately responsible for the

country being in this mess. That rabble who are ultimately

responsible. This is to protect jobs, protect workers' rights.

However, yesterday the elected leaders of France and Spain both

said they would be no negotiations with Scotland. Now Scotland needs

more than tea and sympathy from our European neighbours. We need their

support. Canny First Minister tell us what her next apps will be? Well,

what certain government said yesterday was that of the Brexit

negotiations would be between the EU and UK. That is a simple statement

of fact. Our job, and I've always been clear about this, is to make

sure that the context of that negotiation, all options for

Scotland are on the table. That is why our intensive interaction with

member states and with EU institutions we are seeking to

ensure that Scotland is fully involved in the UK decision-making

process. But it is also vital to make sure, as I was doing in

Brussels yesterday, that we are acting to ensure that the UI and all

players within the EU are aware of Scotland's desire to protect our

place in the union and we keep our minds open about options as we move

forward. That was the process of yesterday's meetings. From the

response I got it was successful. The first list and knows we support

her efforts, but we need to know what her alternative plans are to

stop I know Ruth Davidson's party ignored advice readily. But economic

experts are clear that we must prepare for the worst. More job

losses and further austerities. The last time we met here before the

referendum I asked about the contingency plan her government was

undertaking in the event of Brexit. People are worried about their jobs,

mortgages and pensions. Can the first minute updaters on the action

she is taken to protect Scotland's economy? That planning which is of

course now more important that we know the outcome of the referendum

is underway across a whole range of issues. As I said in a statement on

Tuesday in this chamber I will endeavour to keep the parliament,

during the parliamentary recess, the party leaders, fully appraised of

all the work that we are doing. My position is very clear. I want the

effect Scotland voted for. I don't want as ripped out of the European

Union against our will. Every step of the way as these discussions

unfold we must be doing everything we can't give assurances to people

who are very worried right now about their jobs, livelihoods and in the

case of EU citizens who are very worried about their right to even

live here. That is why we are working hard to look at what

assurances we can give over the weeks and months ahead, but also

seeking to persuade the UK Government give assurances, one

assurance I think the UK Government should give today without delay is

that regardless of what happens the right of any European citizen

already living here in Scotland should be protected. At a stroke

they could give that assurance today and they hope they consider doing

so. We continue to plan for all eventualities but in doing that, no

matter what Ruth Davidson might want to see us do, I am not prepared as

First Minister to ignore how the people of Scotland voted last week.

I am not prepared to shrug my shoulders and simply accept a Tory

government that we didn't even vote for can drag is out of the European

union against our will. I think the majority of people in Scotland agree

with that. The First Minister is right to seek assurance regarding

migrants living in Scotland and I right to seek assurance regarding

give her the support of these benches. Last night, however, the

First Minister was asked by the political editor of STV news about

the legal advice she was in receipt of regarding Scotland's place in

Europe. I know the Government is's convention is not to publish legal

advice, but these are not conventional times. The Tories

reckless gamble has left as any political, economic and

constitutional crisis and paralleled in modern times. People deserve to

know, in fact, they need to know what is going to happen next. This

is not about drugging of the month of the past. It is about our

country's future. So will the first Mr published the legal advice she

receives? Can I start by agreeing with the premise of the question.

These are not conventional times we live in, and therefore, we should

not simply accept that the way things are normally done should be

the way things are done right now. We should learn lessons from what

the Conservatives have just done which is bring not just Scotland by

pool of the UK to the position we're in now with clearly no planning.

When I heard the referendum that there was no contingency plan I

think that was something they were saying for the benefit of the

campaign. It now turns out that they did no planning and that is

unforgivable. We should all make sure that we learn lessons from

that. What I said to be political editor of STV last night is this,

they say it again, I organise the potential importance of some of the

decision Scotland is going to be confronted with over the next

period. I am determined to be as open and as Frank not just with this

parliament, but with the people of Scotland as I possibly can be. I

want, if at all possible, these decisions to be ones that we face up

to in a unified way with transparency. Openness is paramount

to that. I stop short of saying that the Government will publish every

single piece of advice we ever get, because particular when negotiations

are at stake I don't think that is a sensible thing for any government to

do. However, the commitment I have is to try and find a path through

this, to lead the country forward in as open and transparent a way as

possible. We will face challenges over the next period as well as

potential opportunities, and I think it is important that we face those

challenges in a spirit of openness. Parliament has my absolute

commitment to that. Thank you, presiding officer. I'm sure the

First Minister and the chamber will be a way of the accident that took

place at a theme park in my constituency when a roller-coaster

derailed, crashed to the ground and caused some ten people serious

injury. Can I thank colleagues for caused some ten people serious

their kind words on social media regarding support for my

constituents. I take time to thank the incredible response from the

public and amazing emergency services. Can I therefore ask that

what the Scottish Government reaction is to the incident at the

amusement park? Well, can I thank the member for his question, my

heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible incident that took

place on Sunday afternoon. My thoughts, particularly, are with the

children and adults who were injured. Some of them very

seriously. I wish all of them a full and speedy recovery. I would also

like to take the opportunity to thank our emergency services who

were quickly on the scene and provided help and support to those

affected with their usual courage and professionalism. Police Scotland

have been in touch with the Health and Safety Executive and both

industries are working together to ensure that this incident is fully

investigated. It must be fully investigated and any lessons or

recommendations arising from that investigation must be implemented.

In the meantime, I am sure the thought of them will chamber with

everybody affected on Sunday. To ask the first Mr, in light of the stark

findings of the report commission to investigate the cremation of infants

in Scotland, family first Mr advise me what action the Scottish

Government is taking to ensure there are no more repeats of this

abhorrent practices across Scotland, and in relation to the north-east

region that I represent, are there and in relation to the north-east

additional actions that the Scottish Government are considering taking in

relation to the report's conclusions in Aberdeen?

Can I firstly thank the member for raising what is a very important

issue and for many families a difficult issue. I welcome the

report that was published, the culmination of several years of work

investigating why these mistakes were able to happen. I'd pay to

bridge of the courage and dignity shown by parents and families who

been involved with the investigation as well as with other

investigations. These findings will not and do all those years of pain,

but they will give families some comfort to know that changes have

been made and will continue to be made to prevent this happening

again. We've made a number of important changes including an

inspector of crematoria and the introduction of the burial and

cremation at 2016. We accept the report's recommendations and will

promote them as soon as possible. In terms of Aberdeen City Council they

have taken steps to remove responsible individuals and I hope

that the organisation and culture that led staff to conceal these

practices is a thing of the past. The Chief Executive has apologised

and pledged to take personal responsibility for improving

procedure. Changes are being made. That does not undo the heard all the

pain but I committed to Parliament today that we will move forward to

implement the recommendations and Parliament would be fully involved

in that work. The credibility of the Scottish Child abuse enquiry is

hanging by a thread, vessel lamb, one of the panel members has

resigned saying the independence of the enquiry had been compromised. We

all survivors of abuse justice. What is the first Mr doing to fix this

before we fail them once again? -- what is the first Mr doing to fix

this? This is a matter of the utmost importance, we owe it to all

survivors of abuse to make sure that this is a thorough investigation of

the abuse that they suffered. We don't accept Professor Lamb's

comments about the independence of the enquiry. He decisions in

relation to the enquiry and its reference are taken by the enquiry

panel, supported by the enquiry secretary. However, the Scottish

Government does have an obligation under the enquiries act 2000 to

fulfil its responsibilities. I believe we have acted appropriately

in doing so. Our priority now remains supporting the successful

operation of the enquiry and ensuring that this situation does

not impact on its progress in the weeks and months to come. To answer

directly, we have instructed officials to appear for a new panel

member with that process taking place over the summer. We will make

sure that the focus is on getting the enquiry, continuing the enquiry,

the Deputy First Minister is due to meet with survivor groups next week

to listen to their views about the enquiry's progress. The Deputy First

Minister will no doubt keep Parliament updated on this route as

it progresses. I want the chamber to be assured of the commitment to

ensuring that this enquiry proceeds, it does so well and smoothly. To ask

the first Mr Wen the Cabinet will next meet. The Cabinet will meet an

occasion over the summer recess. It is worth pointing out that the

Cabinet has met 42 times outside of Edinburgh, across 25 local authority

areas, I am hoping that is a symbol of our openness. Much of this takes

place in the summer recess. It is our intention this will continue.

That is very welcome and I hope you take the train at every opportunity.

On Friday morning, after the chief fraudsters of the leave campaign and

stood in front of the cameras looking like rabbits caught in the

headlights, the First Minister told us clearly that people who had done

as the honour of choosing to live and work here in Scotland are

welcome. Those remarks made a great deal to a great many people. This

must be the first time in generations that a political

decision has resulted in so many of our friends and neighbours living in

there and uncertainty about something so fundamental as whether

they will be allowed to live. I know the First Minister shares that

concern. Does she agree with me that the way to allay those concerns is

to introduce urgent, emergency legislation to immediately give all

EU citizens already in this country indefinite leave to remain? And what

actions can be Scottish Government takes to offer practical assistance,

for example with legal support or additional resources for citizens

advice bureau is who currently struggling with the upgraded process

of applying for residency? Can I thank Patrick Harvie for his

question. He applied to the chief thank Patrick Harvie for his

fraudsters of the leave campaign who have spent more time this morning

stabbing each other in the back than preparing for the consequences of

their actions which says more about the true motivations of some

individuals in this campaign. Can I agree 100% with the substance of

Patrick Harvie's question. Ie A absolutely appalled the way this

referendum has made people who have made this country their home feel

about being here. On my way to Brussels yesterday morning, going

through Edinburgh airport, go to a number of EU citizens who told me

first-hand how they felt. But, also how positively felt when not just

me, but would Parliament said they were welcome here. We can't make

that clear often enough. In terms of the specific question I repeat what

I said to Kezia Dugdale. The UK Government should now make clear

that everybody living in this country from other EU countries,

their right to remain here will not be affected by anything that happens

over Brexit negotiations. That would be an important step board. I hope

the declared candidates for the conservative leadership will make

that clear. We will continue to make that clear. In terms of practical

support I am keen that we look at all options, I said on Tuesday that

I am convening next week a summit of the EU consuls general which will

take place next week. I want to discuss exactly what practical

support might be useful for the Scottish love meant to provide to

anybody in this situation. There are many, many things about this

referendum and the outcome of this referendum that I am angry and upset

about, but above all of the other things, this idea that somehow we

are not to be open and inclusive welcoming country that I know we

are. This Parliament has the duty to stand up and get that message out

there loud and clear. Scotland is open, inclusive and welcoming and no

Tory government behaving in party interest should be allowed to

destroy that. I very much welcome the positive response the First

Minister has given, and I share his outrage, I think, at the

responsibility of Mr Johnson, one of the central architects of the

deceitful at leave campaign for his abdication of responsibility in the

mess he helped create. But turning to options for Scotland, the First

Minister and I voted the same way in 2014 and we voted the same way in

this year's referendum as well, but many people didn't and don't want to

be forced to choose between many people didn't and don't want to

remaining members of one union or the other. Can the First Minister

tell us after her meetings in Brussels what other options exist to

protect Scotland's EU state does? Would they require a treaty change

and is that realistic or is Scotland Would they require a treaty change

left with no option but to choose between remaining in the EU and 62%

chose last week or remaining in the UK as 55% chose two years ago?

Well, let me say to Patrick Harvie it is too early to be definitive in

terms of an answer to that question. My purpose in Brussels yesterday was

to make Scotland's voice heard and raise awareness of Scotland's case.

We are at an early stage before we even know what the UK's position is

going to be in determining what different options might be. We are

looking at what those options might be and starting to develop what they

might be, but we are a long way from being definitive about that. I

repeat what I said earlier this week, all of the options at this

stage must be on the table and as we develop our work Parliament must be

fully involved in that work and I repeat my commitment that it will

be. In terms of Independence, I have been clear since Friday that that

option is very much on the table. It has to be on the table but that is

not my starting point. My starting point is how do we best protect

Scotland. If we get to a second independence referendum, and we

aren't there yet, there will be a number of issues up for discussion

that have to be properly discussed and debated. But one thing I think

is already clear, if we've got to that stage the debate we would be

having is a different debate to the one we had in 2014. For many people,

not myself or Patrick Harvie, but for many people they saw it as a

clear choice, a step into the unknown of independence

or the stability of the United Kingdom. That will not be the case

if we are in this situation and future. Then it would be a choice

between a potentially unstable and unpredictable United Kingdom, and

the chance that might allow us to preserve stable position within the

United Kingdom. I am acutely aware that if I get to the stage, and they

keep stressing if, because that is the position I'm in. If I get to the

stage where I as First Minister am asking people to look again at the

issue of independence then it will be not just my responsibility, but I

will have a prime responsibility to persuade people of that case. If I'm

in that position I will do that openly and honestly. First Minister,

what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet? We will

discuss issues of importance to Scotland. I don't know if she felt

the same but I find it difficult to see that Ruth Davidson felt no signs

of embarrassment at all when she claimed to stand up frog plays in

the United Kingdom in a few minutes ago. Within weeks of becoming Labour

of the apparently official opposition, support for independence

that they record high, God help the union if it carries on like that!

But as we discussed on Friday, she knows that I oppose independence but

will support efforts to maintain a strong elation with the European

Union. There are three specific EU measures that are beneficial to

Scotland, European arrest warrant providing for speedier tradition of

Scotland, European arrest warrant criminals back to justice, the

programme for students which allows them to complete degrees in more

than one country and the card which gives a right to state provided in

Europe. As the legislative power in all three areas is devolved, there

is the first Minster believe that these could be the foundation of any

new agreement between Scotland and the European Union? I think this is

a reasonable question from Willie the European Union? I think this is

Rennie, can I say to him about the Conservatives I absolutely agree.

Rennie, can I say to him about the The Conservatives should feel deeply

ashamed of themselves right now. A bit more humility would have been in

order from their benches this morning. But in terms of... Order,

please. In terms of the substance of his question, let me be clear again,

I know he understands this but my priority is to seek, and they don't

pretend this is easy, but to seek to provide a way to protect Scotland's

current relationship with the EU. There are a range of issues and

current relationship with the EU. Willie Rennie has run through some

of them, notwithstanding what else might happen, we may well be in a

position in Scotland to give certainty about them. I can assure

Willie Rennie these are all things that are under our active

consideration as we take forward the next step in this process.

There are thousands of criminals who have been redirected. Many students

have benefited from the scheme. have been redirected. Many students

There are practical benefits that we can see the benefit from

maintaining. While she was in Brussels Jason Day, are Finance

Secretary explained that he had set aside a small contingency to protect

Scotland's budget from the effects of lower revenues or cuts to the

blog grant. As a result of Brexit. The First Minister knows we have

concerns about the funding of colleges and schools and in

Cherries, that situation could get worse with Brexit. Will she consider

a greater use of an compact towers to mitigate the effects of Brexit on

our education system? I will come back to that point in

one second but to finish off or an Willie Rennie's first point, I am

not stepping back at this stage from the commitment I have to give effect

to what the people of Scotland are looking for. But there is a

to what the people of Scotland are possibility that even as we seek to

do that they will be issues will be can give certainty right now and he

has raised what some of them might be. While I cannot stand here and

give the definitive answers to each of them right now, Willie Rennie

should note these are things under our active consideration. In terms

of the wider financial and economic issues, and anyone doubts the

of the wider financial and economic responsibility of what the Tories

have done to this country they only had to read the Economist

intelligence unit report published yesterday which laid bare the fiscal

economic consequences of the position that we are now in. That

has clear consequences for Scotland. We do not yet fully know what was

consequences will be. So as part of our preparations for dealing with

the consequences of this, we need to make sure that we are taking the

time and the care to look at all elements of our budgetary planning

as well. This will undoubtedly have impacts on our timescale for budgets

and spending reviews over the next key rate. I am not telling you

anything is on or off of the table right now but it is another aspect

of the very careful work we must do in the months ahead. I will assure

apartment that as we do that work we will seek to do it openly, not just

with parliament but that the people of Scotland as a whole.

Thank you, Presiding Officer, can I ask the First Minister as she would

use the Scottish Government's involvement in the negotiation team

between the UK and the EU to try to ensure that any draft agreement

between the EU and the duty will be subject to explicit approval by this

Parliament, so that we can protect Scotland's interests in that

situation, assuming of course that we are still not an independent

country at that time. Yes, I do think that we need to make sure at

every step of the way that this Parliament's voice is heard. I think

it is inconceivable that we did not require to give legislative consent

to the many issues that are going to arise from this process. We all know

the boundaries of the legislative consent process, I am not

overstating what that could deliver in terms of the overall UK position,

but it is in my view and it would be for every party member of this

chamber to decide for themselves, but I could not personally and as

First Minister, contemplate giving legislative consent to legislation

that gives permission to date this country out of Europe against the

express will of the Scottish people. The answer directly to the question

is that this Parliament as well as this government should make sure

that our voice is heard at every step of the way. Just to be clear on

the point you are talking about, over the course of the weekend, the

impression was given that this Parliament has the legal power to

block or veto the United Kingdom's but the dollar from the EU. That the

First Minister agree that as a matter of law we have no such power?

What I have said is what the reality of the situation is. We have the

power .Mac members will recall that before the election we had a debate,

if I can put it as politely as that with the UK Government over whether

legislative consent was acquired from the Trade Union Bill. We said

it was, the UK Government said it was not and we got into a stand-off

position. My view is clear, legislative consent to dig us out of

Europe given the enormous impact on our devolved responsibilities would

be required. I have never suggested that the impact of that would be

more than it actually is. But I do believe that a UK Government that

was seeking to act in devolved areas against the express will of this

Parliament would in a further retake itself into constitutional

unchartered territory. Frankly, although this is just another

illustration of how we have been taken to this point by a government

acting completely recklessly without any thought to the consequences or

the implications. No thought to the competencies bat-mac consequences

for Scotland, for Ireland, for workers up and down this country, a

referendum brought about purely for the internal properties of the

Conservative Party, each and every one of you should be deeply ashamed

of yourselves. The First Minister will be aware

that neo-Nazi stickers have appeared in Glasgow climbing White zones and

there are reports that first, second and even third generation migrants

have been told to go home. Can we therefore send out a unified message

from this Parliament to our immigrants directly that this is

your home and to the spreaders of hate about the people that are not

welcome here, it is not the migrants, it is people like you and

your hateful message. Absolutely, I could not agree more

with an -- -- more with you. If you have done us the honour of choosing

to make Scotland your home and you contribute to our culture, society,

our economy, a Burberry sense of who we are, it does not matter whether

you come from European country or outside of Europe, whether you are

first, second or third-generation, we are proud to have you here and

that is a we will never stop saying. For those who say anything else, and

Anas Sarwar is correct. To ask the First Minister Watkins

agency plans the UK Government may have put in place following the

referendum to ensure that technology and other resources are in place to

continue permits to farmers and other supporters of the EU looking

for financial support after the expiry of the two-year X appearing.

Not that the Conservatives are laughing at that question. Because

the Conservatives right now would rather do that than face up to the

fact that their colleagues in Westminster have got us to be we are

at the moment without any contingency planning whatsoever. No

contingency planning for the issue that Colin Beattie races and no

contingency planning for anything else. We will not get any over the

further weeks as they emerge themselves in an eternal leadership

election. That is the simple position we have been putting. In

Scotland, we cannot undo that and we cannot resolve all of that. Our

responsibility, whether in government or across Parliament is

to seek to provide a readership here that if society lacking at

Westminster, to find a way through this, to navigate a path that is in

the best interests of Scotland and that is what I am determined to do

and I hope I will have the backing of the whole Parliament as I do

that. With the First Minister accept that

fishing people in Scotland and ship and voted Reeva last Thursday, which

she accept that represents the manifestation of the common

fisheries -- Common Fisheries Policy over many decades?

Yes, I do accept that. If I can deal over many decades?

with fishing first of all, I recognise that many people in that

community voted Leave because of their frustrations with that policy.

Frustrations that both parties have expressed over many years. As there

have been reforms to the Common expressed over many years. As there

Fisheries Policy over many years, so too must be continue to argue for

further amendments in the future. I do not forget the fact that it was a

Tory government under the then Ted Heath who fought that the Scottish

Government was not worthy of getting a more important deal. There were 1

million people in Scotland to voted to leave the European Union and I

had all of us must listen to that and respond to that and understand

their reasons. While I am focused and I would expect people to expect

me to be focused and look at the majority of opinion in Scotland, let

me also make clear that I see it as a clear responsibility of mine to

understand and engage and respond to the concerns of those who voted the

other way last week. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask

the first Mr Watts that the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that

school Leavers gain a place at college or university or gain

employment training or an apprenticeship? -- the First

Minister. We are looking at putting outcomes for young people and I am

determined to ensure that all our young people have an equal chance to

succeed beyond skill. Under this government the percentage of school

succeed beyond skill. Under this Leavers going on to positive

destinations has increased from 84% to a record high of 92% this year.

The education delivery plan that they give the first Mr published on

Tuesday set out over 50 actors to further transform the education

system, including supporting young people in positive destinations.

Thank you for your response. The Reach project at St Andrews

University are engaged in a partnership with Connacht is high

school in my constituency. This year 23 pupils from the School are

supported by the project and last year it pupils went on to study at

St Andrews. Does the First Minister agree that strong partnerships

between higher education institutions should and must be used

as a mechanism to support the government's ambitions to cause the

attainment gap by encouraging ambition, aspiration and

achievement. I agree with that and I would hope that all members will. In

the final report that commission made a series of recommendations as

to how to strengthen partnerships between schools, colleges and

to how to strengthen partnerships universities. That included the

expansion of academic bridging programmes, the national network of

summer schools and academic programmes targeting early and

sustained support for the most able disadvantaged learners. I made it

clear at the Deputy First Minister that excel at the progress on fair

access it a priority. Some of what we require to do that means

challenging the university sector but I would like to welcome the

positive response to that challenge and we are already working closely

with the sector and that work will continue over the summer. Donald

Cameron. To ask the First Minister what long-term plans the Scottish

Government has to address concerns about these is the ability of the

NHS in Scotland that will -- that were raised recently by BNA. Over

the lifetime of this Parliament we will increase the health and

resource budget by ?500 million over inflation, the highest of any party

in recent elections. We are also working to further shift the balance

of care from attitude to primary and community settings, that is why as

well as increasing the health budget we are committed to increasing the

share of it that goes to primary we are committed to increasing the

care, social care, mental health services and community care in each

year of this Parliament. Investment and reform are the key watchwords. I

am grateful to the First Minister for her answer. One of the points

made forcibly by the DNA last week was the pressure that doctors who as

a result of rising demand placed upon them, not just funding issues

but also an ageing population and ongoing staffing problems. These are

long-term challenges requiring solutions and as someone who was

Health Secretary for over five years, does the First Minister

accepts she bears some personal responsibility for not preparing for

the present crisis? Can she come at the Scottish Government to a

meaningful reform of the NHS so that it has a sustainable future for the

next generation. Yes, I do take personal responsibility for the fact

that we have a record high workforce in our NHS today, many more doctors,

nurses, allied health professionals, a range of them working on our

health service. My job is to make sure that we continue to invest in

the health service but make sure it is equipped to respond to some of

the challenges you have raised. Our manifesto talked about five new

treatment centres to deal with the growing number of Operation Stack,

an ageing population. That is why we have taken steps to integrate health

and social care and we are transferring resource from the

health service into social care and why we have our primary care

transformation plan underway. We will continue to invest the money

that the health service needs but also take the steps to ensure it is

a modern, fit for purpose servers that can meet all of the challenges

of the future. To ask the First Minister what the position of the

Scottish Government is on the dispute between Scott and RMT? I am

disappointed we are seeing industrial action on our railways.

disappointed we are seeing It is all was the public that the

sub. -- ScotRail. -- loses out. We are trying to stop further strikes

from going ahead. Safety is paramount to everything that is done

on our network. Scottish ministers do not set the policy of operations

for ScotRail but we expect employers do not set the policy of operations

and unions to arrive at a safe and efficient solution focused on the

customer, without further strike action. The response team will

continue to operate on each of the strike dates as they go ahead and

all modes of transport have continued to operate well. The First

Minister knows that conductor operation guarantees passengers that

every worker in addition to the driver will always be on a train to

assist passengers, including in the event of an emergency. Can the First

Minister tell us whether the government believes that passengers

will be at or less risk if there is an accident or incident and there is

no longer a second real worker to assist. In addition to safety

concerns, though she believed that disabled passengers will be

disadvantaged or not if they no longer have the guarantee or

assistance of a real worker. Here in lies the complete misunderstanding

of the issue that we are dealing with. The franchise mandate ScotRail

to have that second member of staff unless there are exceptional

circumstances on board each and every single time. That is audited

regularly. This is not an issue as to whether there will no longer be a

second member of staff on the train, it is an issue as to whether it is

Driver is that open the doors or not. And that policy of driver

controlled doors had been in operation in many of our real

services in this country with no safety concerns for I believe around

30 years. When I used to travel to Irvine to Glasgow in my university

days, the team was operated in that we in terms of the days -- doors.

That is not about having a situation where there are not to members of

staff on the train. If labour want to be helpful in the state and that

by understanding the issue and put out the right information, not the

incorrect information. Can I thank the First Minister and

all members, before I close the session of Parliament and introduce

summer recess, can I encourage members and I look forward to

welcoming you back on Saturday morning along with guests, the local

heroes, when the department will be opening its doors to the people of

Scotland for our opening ceremony. Scotland for our opening ceremony.

-- the Parliament. I close this ceremony.

That was the cause of the parliamentary session but in the

joys way that these things happen, the foil royal opening will take

place on Saturday, it is not just opening the immediate period, it is

opening the new session following the elections. Post-Brexit vote,

commend this uncertainty at the moment across all zones of politics

and indeed among the public as well. One thing certain there from the

First Minister is who she blames for this. She penned the blame firmly

indeed on the Conservatives and up on their Scottish leader who were

standing in front of. To discuss that I am joined by my journalistic

colleagues... I'm joined now by the Press

Association's Scottish political reporter Lynsey Bews

and the Daily Mail's Scottish She had a bit of a goal, that she

not? Absolutely. The comments from Ruth Davidson during the

independence referendum in 2014 came back to haunt her. She said in a

vote first thing in the union would protect Scotland's place in Europe

and of course that has not transpired to be the case. Allen,

she was trying to make it, almost personal on the Conservatives, she

said there was an internal leadership election which had

brought about the situation that Scotland found itself in. Yes, a

very tough cantor from Ruth Davidson, she was angered that the

SNP had brought them into the sunny place. Ruth Davidson said she would

be the defender of reading in, it is not that saved today and her party

has brought us to that. Willie Rennie said God help the union! 54%

are no polling for independence, the highest since the referendum. The

are no polling for independence, the Tory Party is the reason things are

in peril. Lynsey Bews, as the SNP is streamed down the stairs behind you,

we are cocking about the difference streamed down the stairs behind you,

in interpretation. Nicola Sturgeon is a nationalist and he's a Scottish

mandate, Ruth Davidson is a unionist and talks about the UK. Two

different interpretations on that vote. Nicola Sturgeon sees it within

her rights to go to Brussels as she did yesterday and to try to put the

case for Scotland forward, to try and assert the position of Scotland

that it wants to remain in Europe. Ruth Davidson was very keen for

Nicola Sturgeon to work with the UK Government as part of the solutions.

And not being sent off to Europe. Nicola Sturgeon company disagrees

with that assertion. Boris Johnson not standing, where are on that?

Shambolic. The man that led us into this referendum this morning tells

us he is not standing for Prime Minister. Extraordinary. We now have

to raise any, Michael Gove and a few others. -- we now have Theresa May.

I think it will come down to those two. Michael Gove said he could not

support Boris Johnson, he could not see him as a leader. Presumably he

support Boris Johnson, he could not said that to him directly. I have

heard from some within the party that they are angered by Boris,

certainly within MPs and they were not convinced that he was the right

man to unite the party. Let alone uniting the country! Quite a fight

ahead. We have spoken about who will be the Prime Minister... It will be

dramatic. Michael Gove, a key player in the Conservative Party and in

this EU referendum. He has sway with different factions. He has insisted

he did not want to do it. We have seen a U-turn today. It is surprise

after surprise. As the Conservative seen a U-turn today. It is surprise

leadership is intriguing, Labour Bidisha, UK Bidisha, where Abbey on

that? Resignations from the Shadow Cabinet in a minute, I would suspect

some happened whilst have been on here. It was annexed essential

crisis was what Tom Watson called it.

We are expecting a callous to Jeremy Corbyn. He is being as stubborn as a

mule on this, because in Google. Corbyn. He is being as stubborn as a

Where that leaves us, who knows. Kezia Dugdale, what can she do, just

look on bemused or can she intervene? She has said that he

could not survive as she was in Jeremy Corbyn's position. It took a

few days to say that but the problem is that her deputy, Alex Rowley, who

has criticised Ian Murray, the former Shadow Scottish Secretary who

stood down on the Sunday, there is is but within Scottish Labour.

Problematic for Kezia Dugdale, I think she will want to try and get

back from it as much as she can. The last thing that the Labour Party

need it is but in the party as well as in the UK. While the scan down

eventually, Lynsey Bews, is it a natural reaction to a constitutional

crisis or have some of these problems been bubbling underneath

the surface? It is a bit of both. We are in the eye of the storm of

Brexit, it shocked everyone, not the result everyone expected. It has

caused the situations to erupt with the Tory Party, but also the Labour

Party. You perhaps expected them to hold it together and hold the UK

Government to account on that post-Brexit but they have seen this

as an opportunity to Tardis Jeremy Corbyn, but I think was always

bubbling along at some point. There Corbyn, but I think was always

were always part of labour that bonded together. And as soon as they

could. Back to Europe.

Some expert witnesses were giving evidence this morning in committee.

Let us hear from some of them. I would also add that I would not

Let us hear from some of them. wholly discount the attractions of

Scotland not seeking to be a member of the EU but possibly being a

member of Esther and VE Day because that offer certain advantages, full

access to the single market but not all of the commitments that would be

gone through and it does not seem to me that Scotland makes quite a good

fit with Iceland and Norway. If we are talking about options, that is

another option that ought to be are talking about options, that is

explored. Without seeking to invoke annoyance from my colleagues, why

could Scotland not be a state within annoyance from my colleagues, why

the EU? Scotland would remain and have its seat. That is not, in my

view, impossible. Assuming the necessary was the Chechen agreement

had been sought in Scotland and the Scottish people felt independence

for the best option, they could become a successor state.

I will quote what was said to me by a very senior retired. --. At that,

when I asked about the dual crisis. He said they will find a B, they

always do. One should remember, the lawyers can land is like angels on

the point of a pen but at the end of the day, it is politics that count.

That was the evidence given this morning by Drew Scott and Professor

Sir David ever talking about other options, possibly other than

independence, let us talk more about that.

Alan Roden, Nicola Sturgeon was asked, what are the options other

than independence. She did not have them. I do not think anyone has them

at this stage. This reverse agreement idea, the idea of where

agreement is part of the kingdom of Denmark but not in the EU unlike

them. If you could reverse that somehow. The Labour Party is looking

at federal options. They all sound a little bit Eye In The Sky and I

think that the reality is that we are going through the motions and

the only solution is that Scotland either leave the UK -- EU as part of

the UK or it goes independent. We have a question of the veto that is

not a veto. Nicola Sturgeon was adamant, how would she be other that

the Scottish Parliament would have to give legislative consent, but she

then said she was not overstating that because basically the UK

Parliament and government could ignore that. We saw a similar

situation with the trade union battle with the Scottish Parliament

was pushing to kind of Ricoh that legislation and that not happened.

It is a copper kidded situation, it comes down to the constitutional

legal arrangement but also comes down to political will as well. It

was quite interesting that Nicola Sturgeon said on her trip to Brazil

Jason Day that this was about encouraging them to keep their minds

open she is really trying to lay down some of the groundwork for

presenting this idea Scotland could come along as an independent state

and want to perhaps inherit the position of the UK or maybe have any

easier passage to EU membership as a result of this Brexit scenario she

has found herself in. She said today when she was asked about the foetal,

no, I am not telling you it is illegal,, what she said was that if

the UK Government overruled the wishes of the Scottish Parliament,

Helmand, basically. There is no veto. Nicola Sturgeon did not use

that word but she did give that impression in TV interviews over the

weekend. A bit of backtracking going on. There is no veto. What will

happen is there could be some sort of recall or a process forward from

the Scottish Government. She said it could be influential, if the UK

Government... I do not think so. What would be the next age, she did

not expect a deal in Brussels yesterday, it was about highlighting

the issue as Lynsey Bews said. She met a few bureaucrats just a day, no

one of any great significance. The important people in Europe are the

member states and the European Council, Donald Tusk did not meet.

Spain and France had a lot to say on this and said we will be dealing

with the UK. The Spanish Prime Minister gave the impression that

Scotland wants to be in the EU, it has to go at Asda in the duty and

come back and as an independent country. Is that where we are

heading Lynsey Bews, do these other options get chipped away and be

returned to a referendum? It is looking like that. I think it was

Patrick Harvie who asked what else was on the table. Let us move

towards the second referendum almost. Nicola Sturgeon was very

vague and her answer but as Alan Roden pointed out, nobody really

knows. Any guesses as to when a referendum could take place? The

talk is within two years. I think it could be about 2021, that would be

my guess. Thank you both very much indeed for joining us. That is the

my guess. Thank you both very much cause of our coverage. It is also

the close of Parliament, or is it, because the Presiding Officer, Ken

Macintosh, who will welcome homage to the Queen on Saturday for the

formal opening says that if there are big developments in the EU

crisis, then Parliament might have to be recalled. That is up to them.

Certainly the UK public might have to be recalled. From Brian Taylor,

goodbye for now.