Summary

  • John Swinney is quizzed on his plans for the NHS by opposition party leaders

  • Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay wants to know when a long promised NHS app and new treatment centres will be delivered.

  • Swinney says the Tories are to blame for slashing budgets, singling out the "madhouse" economics of Liz Truss.

  • Labour's Anas Sarwar says there have been five promised NHS recovery plans in four years - and asks why should we trust this one.

  • For the Lib Dems, Alex Cole-Hamiton says his party has secured important funding in budget negotiations on drug and health services.

  • Asked if he backs a third runway at Heathrow to help Scotland's exporters, Swinney says he will continue to engage with the UK government.

  • The FM says he will raise the case of Demi Hannaway with the Lord Advocate, after family claims the abused young mother's death may not have been suicide.

  1. FMQs: The headlinespublished at 13:10 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    As another FMQs draws to a close lets take a look at the key lines that emerged from the political jousting this week:

    • Yet again the health service dominated proceedings with both the Scottish Tory and Labour leaders attacking the first minister's NHS announcements on Monday
    • Russell Findlay argued former FM Humza Yousaf's NHS recovery plan is "now in the bin" and asked when Scotland's national treatment centres would finally open
    • John Swinney hit back accusing Findlay's proposal for £1bn of cuts as being "stupidity on stilts"
    • Anas Sarwar also focused on the NHS arguing the SNP had "lost touch with reality and credibility"
    • Swinney insisted his speech on Monday set out his plans to strengthen the NHS and it's capacity
    • There was more political harmony with Alex Cole-Hamilton's question which highlighted the Budget deal struck by the Lib Dems with the SNP
    • The Scottish Lib Dem leader asked why so many people were still freezing in cold homes
    • This led the FM to pointing to the delivery of a winter fuel payment that would be in the Budget which would not be supported by the Tories or Labour

    That's all from the live page team this week. Calum Watson was this week's editor. Ashleigh Keenan-Bryce, Thea Kellock and Craig Hutchison were the writers. Thanks for joining us.

  2. Background: Scotland's 2030 car use reduction pledgepublished at 13:01 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The M8 at Glasgow's Charing Cross, busy with commuter traffic in the early eveningImage source, Getty Images

    Scotland is "unlikely" to meet its 2030 climate change target, according to spending watchdog Audit Scotland.

    The Scottish government set out its aims to reduce kilometres driven by 20% five years ago, but a report from the spending watchdog says "minimal progress" has been made.

    Last year, First Minister John Swinney insisted the target could still be met and recognised it "requires changes in behaviour from members of the public".

    Audit Scotland says in order to achieve the car kilometre target, car traffic levels would need to decrease by 7.3 billion kilometres to 29.3 billion.

    Quote Message

    "It is not clear if the Scottish government remains committed to the target as key documents remain in draft form. There is no costed delivery plan or measurable milestones, and arrangements for monitoring and scrutinising progress are insufficient."

    Audit Scotland

  3. Will the 2030 car usage target be met?published at 12:59 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Sue WebberImage source, Scottish Parliament

    The next issue raised is the "minimal" progress made by the Scottish government in trying to meet its car usage reduction target.

    Tory MSP Sue Webber argues under the SNP Scots are turning away from public transport in droves.

    "Does the first minister still believe the 2030 target is still achieveable or is this another headline grabbing deadline that was never ever going to be delivered?"

    The FM lists efforts his government have made to improve access to public transport.

    Swinney details free bus travel and 450 miles for routes for walking, wheeling and cycling and he argues the Tories vote against any measures brought to the chamber.

  4. Analysis

    Analysis: What is the government's position on Heathrow?published at 12:58 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Philip Sim
    BBC Scotland political correspondent

    The Scottish government doesn’t really seem to have a position on Heathrow expansion any more.

    When asked about the UK government’s backing for a third runway, John Swinney essentially said it was nothing to do with him, but that he would keep an eye on any potential benefits.

    He then used Fergus Ewing’s (supportive) question as a jumping-off point for a largely unrelated speech about Brexit.

    The thing is, the Scottish government signed a memorandum of understanding with Heathrow in 2016.

    That has not been reviewed, even as SNP MPs decided to abstain on Commons votes on the issue.

    But surely until the position is formally changed, it stands?

    The government is talking like it’s in a holding pattern, but if it wants to make a departure from its former backing then it is going to have to make clear exactly what the new position is.

  5. Swinney questioned on Heathrow Airport runwaypublished at 12:54 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Fergus Ewing MSP - man with white hair, wearing glasses and a blue suit with purple patterned tie, standing to speak in the chamber at Holyrood on Thursday

    SNP backbencher Fergus Ewing asks whether the Scottish government will give its "full throated and unequivocal support" for the third runway at Heathrow Airport, given the vital importance of exports to the Highlands and Islands.

    The first minister says the decision to allow expansion at Heathrow lies exclusively with the UK government and the Scottish government will continue to engage closely on those expansions in line with Scotland's climate targets and connectivity goals.

    Swinney says during a visit to Shetland recently, the fishery sector explained to him the "stupid procedures" they are facing due to Brexit.

    He adds: "If we want to get Scottish produce from the Shetland islands and other communities in Scotland more quickly to the European markets then getting agreements in place with the EU that would allow free trade to be undertaken would be the immediate priority of my government."

  6. Labour MSP asks for review of death of Demi Hannawaypublished at 12:52 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    A woman, Demi's mother, holds a photo of a young woman, Demi HannawayImage source, Morgan Spence/ BBC News

    Labour MSP Claire Baker raises the case of Demi Hannaway from Airdrie who died in May 2021 after being the subject of physical and mental abuse at the hands of her partner Andrew Brown.

    The family of the young mum, who died four years ago, are demanding police open up an investigation over claims her death might not have been suicide.

    Baker asks if the Scottish government will consider ordering a review into the investigation into Demi's death.

    The first minister extends his sympathies to the family of Demi Hannway and adds he understands its concerns.

    He pledges to raise the case with the Lord Advocate.

  7. FM acknowledges Holocaust Memorial Daypublished at 12:49 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Jackson Carlaw MSP, wearing a dark suit and grey tie with polka dots standing speaking in the Holyrood chamber on Thursday

    Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw whether he will join in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and offer his reflections.

    He says he commends the first minister and Scottish government on the work it has done to ensure education schemes across Scotland on the Holocaust are "second to none" and asks Swinney to ensure continued funding of those schemes.

    The first minister says he acknowledges the millions of Jews murdered by the Nazis in one of the "darkest chapters in human history".

    He adds: "As we proclaim 'never again', we must also reflect on the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur."

    Swinney says this evening he will join Carlaw and community safety minister Siobhian Brown at a Scottish ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day to "stand united against hatred, building one Scotland together for a better future".

  8. FM accuses Tories of 'yah boo behaviour'published at 12:45 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The FM welcomes the support of the Budget by the Lib Dems.

    Swinney says Cole-Hamilton was subjected to the "yah boo behaviour principally of the Conservatives" who have contributed and achieved "absolutley nothing".

    He argues Labour have also achieved nothing during the Budget process.

    The FM says his party will deliver a winter fuel payment for pensioners and the Labour and Tory parties won't support it.

  9. Background: Greens and Lib Dems agree deal to back Scottish Budgetpublished at 12:43 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    John Swinney and Shona RobisonImage source, PA Media

    Earlier this week the Scottish government struck deals with the Greens and Lib Dems to ensure that its Budget plans will be approved.

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison said she would table a series of amendments to the Budget Bill after the two parties agreed to support the tax and spending plans.

    The minority SNP administration requires the support of three MSPs from other parties to ensure that its budget passes when parliament votes on the plans.

    Scottish Labour had already said it would abstain in the vote in parliament, but the agreements mean that ministers can now guarantee MSPs will approve the Budget.

  10. 'Why are so many people still freezing in cold homes?'published at 12:42 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Alex Cole-HamiltonImage source, Scottish Parliament

    It's now the turn of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Alex Cole-Hamilton who praises his own party for securing a new hospital in Fort William, a replacement eye pavillion for Edinburgh, support services for babies born addicted to drugs and investment in GPs and dentistry among a long list of issues dealt with in the recent Budget negotiations.

    Cole-Hamilton says the Budget deal is an example of "Liberal Democrats acting responsibly, setting aside differences and getting things done".

    He says this week we learned that a third of the homes in Scotland are in fuel poverty.

    "After 18 years of SNP government why are so many people still freezing in cold homes?"

  11. 'High on rhetoric, low on delivery'published at 12:40 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Alison JohnstoneImage source, Scottish Parliament
    Image caption,

    The presiding officer, Alison Johnstone, intervened to address noise in the Parliament

    The first minister says Sarwar did not offer a single solution before being interrupted by shouts from across the chamber and ultimately the Presiding Officer's intervention to address the noise.

    She says: "I'm very keen that our constituents have an opportunity to hear this session and I would ask all members to bear that in mind."

    Swinney resumes and says Sarwar is "high on rhetoric and low on delivery" - and that is why Scotland "doesn't take him seriously".

  12. Scotland needs a change of government, says Sarwarpublished at 12:39 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Sarwar says the first minister’s answer proves why he “can’t fix the problems in our NHS”.

    The Scottish Labour leader says Swinney “can’t see the damage that his party has done” but the 863,000 people on NHS waiting lists can.

    He says what is needed is a change of government.

  13. Swinney: Labour party 'should be ashamed'published at 12:36 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The first minister says his speech on Monday set out his plans to strengthen the NHS and its capacity by delivering extra procedures at a number of centres, improving referrals through the radiology service, expanding cancer diagnostic services and expanding capacity throughout the NHS.

    Swinney says: “They will only happen if the government’s budget passes. Who is not going to lift a finger? Who is not going to support and endorse this investment? The Labour party in Scotland.

    "They should be ashamed of themselves.”

  14. Swinney probed on previous NHS recovery planspublished at 12:32 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Medical equipmentImage source, PA Media

    Sarwar says Swinney has been delivering budgets for 17 years and things are still getting worse.

    He says Scotland has been promised five NHS recovery plans in less than four years, quoting promises from each.

    He asks the first minister why anyone should trust his latest plan “after such a record of failure”.

  15. Analysis

    Analysis: More attacks on NHS record, but with a subtle differencepublished at 12:31 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Philip Sim
    BBC Scotland political correspondent

    Anas Sarwar homed in on the same questions as Russell Findlay – but there was a subtle difference to his exchanges with John Swinney.

    There was the same charge of populism, of making “hollow promises of jam tomorrow” – and Mr Sarwar’s weekly plug for his “new direction” slogan.

    And there was again a familiar response, of Mr Swinney drawing on statistics to claim that Labour’s attack lines simply are not true.

    But these are two parties coming at the issue and at politics from a very similar position, on the centre left. They are wrestling over a very similar slice of the electorate.

    And it’s striking that they are both accusing the other of the exact same thing, of being “high on rhetoric and low on delivery”, of not having the answers to fix the NHS.

    They may be on common ground, but fundamentally they’re fighting over it - which adds a particularly fierce edge to the exchanges.

  16. 'I am not promising jam tomorrow', says Swinneypublished at 12:30 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The first minister says he informed Sarwar last week that he continues to engage with the health service on creating cohesive leadership and a focused agenda to improve and strengthen the NHS.

    Swinney says he is not “promising jam tomorrow” as Sarwar suggests but promising the largest budget settlement for the NHS in the coming weeks.

    Pointing to the Scottish Labour and Conservative benches he adds: “And the folk who are not going to vote for it are that lot, and that lot.”

  17. FM continues to be probed on NHS by Labourpublished at 12:29 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Anas SarwarImage source, Scottish Parliament

    Anas Sarwar follows Russell Findlay and he also questions the first minister on the NHS.

    The Scottish Labour leader says the SNP have “lost touch with reality and credibility”, with the service struggling to meet the needs of patients and leaving staff to carry the burden.

    Sarwar quotes the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Unison and British Medical Association (BMA) criticism of the Scottish government’s recently-launched NHS recovery plans.

    He asks the first minister why he feels he is right and Scotland’s nurses and doctors are wrong.

  18. Findlay says blame lies with the SNP - but Swinney hits back at Tory tax planspublished at 12:27 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Findlay says the state of the NHS in Scotland is due entirely to "that lot there", indicating the SNP frontbenches.

    The Scottish Tory leader says waiting lists can come down if less money is spent on backroom staff and more is spent on doctors and nurses.

    Swinney responds that tax plans proposed by Findlay would lead to a cut of £1bn from public expenditure and that would be "stupidity on stilts".

    The FM says the Tories will vote against a record funding settlement for the health service.

  19. Analysis

    Analysis: Plenty of rhetoric but more heat than lightpublished at 12:23 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Philip Sim
    BBC Scotland political correspondent

    A few weeks ago, John Swinney and Russell Findlay spent the afternoon accusing each other of being populists.

    This week they did it again, but without actually leaning on the “p” word.

    The Tory leader had fairly latched onto the fact Mr Swinney has re-announced plans for an NHS app, an idea which has been kicking around for years without coming any closer to materialising.

    His key charge though was that the SNP favour “an easy headline with no interest in the job of delivery”.

    Mr Swinney responded with a familiar response – that Russell Findlay had backed Liz Truss, and thus the “economics of the madhouse”.

    He also said Mr Findlay’s proposal to make a billion pounds of tax cuts was “stupidity on stilts”.

    With the Tories coming from a completely different end of the ideological spectrum to the SNP, these exchanges are always heavy on rhetoric – with much more in the way of heat than light.

  20. 'Thank goodness I didn't follow the stupid ideas of Liz Truss and Russell Findlay'published at 12:21 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Liz TrussImage source, PA Media

    The first minister points out the capital budgets were slashed by the Tories during years of austerity, due to economic and fiscal incompetence.

    Swinney insists he will deliver the national treatment centres, not helped by the "economics of the madhouse from Liz Truss" which Findlay wanted him to emulate.

    "Thank goodness I didn't follow the stupid ideas of Liz Truss and Russell Findlay."