How did the new countdown clock impact first minister’s
questions, in the end?
It certainly made proceedings zip along more swiftly. Not so
long ago, the exchanges between party leaders could trail on for more than half
the session – now they were concluded in much snappier fashion, but without the
loss of much substance.
It does mean that Humza Yousaf has to field an even broader
range of questions, from nation-wide issues like RAAC to specific queries about
local services, but for today at least there were answers aplenty in his big
binder.
There are still a few rather scripted efforts from the back
benches, and political points being scored all over the shop.
But members were able to cram in more constituency questions
pressing issues of interest to local voters – and that, after all, is really
the point of these sessions.
Greer calls England's onshore windfarm ban 'absurd'
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer criticises the "absurd" ban on onshore wind farms taken by the UK government for England.
He asks the first minister what the Scottish government is doing to grow this industry.
Mr Yousaf says Mr Greer is right about the damning approach the UK government have taken in the face of the scientific evidence of a climate catastrophe.
He says a green industrial strategy will be set out by the summer of next year.
Background: Sam Eljamel what you need to know
BBCCopyright: BBC
Sam Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at Dundee's Ninewells hospital, one of four specialist centres in Scotland.
The surgeon was an adviser to the Scottish government and also worked at Fernbrae private hospital in Dundee.
In June 2013 NHS Tayside bosses say they became aware of concerns about Mr Eljamel for the first time.
They learned that he had operated on the wrong part of a number of patients' spines.
They say they acted "immediately" by placing him under supervision and undertaking an internal audit of his operations.
NHS Tayside has been criticised over its handling of the concerns, with an NHS whistleblower telling the BBC that the health board were aware of problems as early as 2009.
The internal due diligence review criticised health board management for putting the doctor under indirect supervision in June 2013 rather than suspending him.
'This inquiry has been wrung out of the government like blood from a stone' - Marra
Marra welcomes the public inquiry announcement but says it has taken too long to get to this point.
"This inquiry has been wrung out of the government like blood from a stone," he continues.
The Labour MSP praises "the many victims that were weeping outside this parliament yesterday".
He asks what the FM will do to ensure the recommendations that have already emerged in reports are acted apon immediately.
Yousaf hits back disagreeing with the characterisation by Marra and pointing out that he and the health secretary never ruled out a public inquiry.
The FM explains that having seen the disturbing due dilliegence review a public inquiry was deemed necessary.
Tory MSP Liz Smith pays a warm tribute to Jules Rose, Pat Kelly and all the other patients who have campaigned 10 years to get this inquiry.
Analysis
Analysis: Eljamel inquiry news was too big to wait
Normally, the first minister has a no-spoilers policy, and
would hesitate to answer questions which relate to a statement due to be made
later in the day.
But the case of the disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel is too
serious to wave away – Humza Yousaf wasn’t going to make members wait to hear
from Michael Matheson this afternoon.
There will still be some details for the health secretary to
outline.
But the patients who protested outside Holyrood this week
now have the outcome they were hoping for – that a full independent inquiry is
to be held.
They have long been offered sympathy by ministers. Now, they
will hope they can get some justice.
BreakingFM confirms full independent public inquiry into Prof Eljamel
Labour MSP Michael Marra asks, following the publication of NHS Tayside’s Due Diligence Review of Documentation Held Relating to Professor Eljamel , whether the Scottish government will immediately approve an independent public inquiry.
The former head of neurosurgery at Ninewells Hospital harmed dozens of patients at NHS Tayside, leaving some with life-changing injuries.
"This is a deeply important issue, " replies the first minister.
Humza Yousaf says he can inform the chamber that Health Secretary Michael Matheson will use his statement to the chamber this afternoon to confirm there will be a full independent public inquiry.
There will be a ministerial statement providing an update on Prof Eljamel begining at 14:55.
Call for drug laws to be devolved
SNP MSP Emma Harper says the current drugs laws, which are reserved to the Westminster parliament, are not fit for purpose.
She asks the first minister what discussions he has had about changing to a health-led approach to drugs policy, as the Home Affairs Select Committee has recommended.
Mr Yousaf agrees that problematic drug use is not a criminal matter, it is a health issue.
He says that if the UK government won't use the powers it has to tackle the crisis then it should devolve them to Scotland to allow it to take action.
Clash over attainment gap progress
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tory MSP Liam Kerr asks what the Scottish government's response is to data showing that the attainment gap has increased.
"In fact the poverty related attainment gap is narrower than it was pre-pandemic for National 5s, for Highers and Advanced Highers," replies the first minister.
He says he has "great confidence" that good progress is being made.
Kerr replies that the attainment gap between the least and most deprived pupils has widened for the third year in a row.
Yousaf says: "This is of course a poverty-related attainment gap and that's the very point."
He adds Liam Kerr should call for an end to the two-child benefits cap.
Anas
Sarwar hit on the hot topic of the week UK-wide - RAAC.
He
wants firm numbers in terms of how many properties in Scotland are affected,
but as Humza Yousaf underlined they are still shifting from day to day as
surveys continue at a local level.
The
government is keen to stress it is taking this seriously - they have to, on any
topic which affects schools and hospitals.
But
they seem to have a rather different attitude to that of the UK government, in
that they have not replicated the widespread closures seen down south.
Scottish
ministers believe the issues can be dealt with via partial closures - of
classrooms rather than whole schools - and are privately somewhat incredulous
at the scale of the UK government response.
Major study of RAAC in NHS buildings says Yousaf
Mr Sarwar asks the first minister about the impact of RAAC concrete on schools in Scotland.
Mr Yousaf says the mitigations are different in each building.
He cites St Kentigern's Academy in West Lothian which has closed parts of the school including the dining and kitchen area.
Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans has closed classroom areas.
The Scottish Labour leader then asks when will there be a full list of public buildings that contain RAAC.
Mr Yousaf says there is a major study under way in the NHS.
Justice is always one of Douglas Ross’s favourite topics, as
solid Tory territory. He has long been trying to paint the government as being
soft on crime.
And given the North East is the focus of the story, and one
of the stronger areas of the country for his party, Mr Ross has spied an ideal
opening to attack the government’s commitment to policing.
Humza Yousaf had a topical rebuttal to hand, in that a pay
deal for police was announced earlier in the week.
He also insisted that the plans are proportionate, and that
crime is at a low level.
The exchanges quickly became heated, with Humza Yousaf
accusing Mr Ross of talking “complete and utter nonsense”, and of turning
communities against each other to score cheap political points.
Tuesday’s debate on the programme for government also ended
with a flurry of points of order where members accused each other of misleading
parliament - with a UK election on the horizon, the temperature in the chamber
is unlikely to come down any time soon.
BACKGROUND: Which schools in Scotland have RAAC and why haven't they closed?
Video content
Video caption: RAAC ‘is like a concrete Aero bar’RAAC ‘is like a concrete Aero bar’
The concern about dangerous concrete has dominated the news agenda in the UK this week.
Questions have been raised about the safety of some school buildings in Scotland after it emerged that more than 30 have been found to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete or RAAC.
In England, more than 100 schools were told to shut buildings with RAAC days before the start of term.
It led to a scramble to find alternative temporary classrooms, with some schools reintroducing online learning, amid fears the concrete could collapse.
In Scotland, some school buildings containing the material are also closed but remain open and are checked regularly.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has insisted appropriate safety measures are in place in Scottish schools and there is no immediate risk to pupils or staff.
There will be a ministerial statement this afteroon addressing the issue.
40 schools in Scotland contained RAAC concrete
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks a question about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
He wants to know when the government first became aware of the issues and what steps it has taken. He also wants to know when a list of affected schools will be published.
Mr Yousaf confirms that 40 schools in Scotland have now been identified with this type of concrete in them.
He says there will be a statement later from the cabinet secretary for education and a full list of schools will be published.
RAAC was used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s but it can fail if water gets into the material, causing the internal metal structure to rust.
It has led to concerns about schools, NHS buildings and other public sector buildings.
The first minister said the government had been proactive in discussions with local authorities.
'It's open season for criminals under the SNP' - Ross
Yousaf reiterates that police funding totals £1.45bn in 2023/24 and there have been no cuts.
The first minister says again that recorded crime is at its lowest level for 42 years.
Ross argues there are fewer officers on the beat in Scotland and they are being told not to investigate crimes.
That's because of funding, says the Scottish Tory leader, adding "It's open season for criminals under the SNP".
FM highlights more officers per capita in Scotland
In the Holyrood chamber Humza Yousaf hits back at Douglas Ross' claims about cuts to police funding.
"That is complete and utter nonsense," he says.
The first minister points out this is police operational matter and Scotland has more officers per capita than England and Wales.
He tells the chamber that recorded crime is at one the lowest levels ever.
Douglas Ross argues officers are warning this could be a "slippery slope".
The Scottish Tory leader asks if the FM will act or let this spread across the country.
BreakingMinisters to announce public inquiry into disgraced surgeon
The BBC understands that Scottish ministers will announce a public inquiry into NHS Tayside and disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel later this afternoon.
Mr Eljamel was the head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside until December 2013 when he was suspended.
Almost 150 former patients have called for a public inquiry.
Douglas Ross finds this answer "incredible". He warns against having fewer police officers due to SNP funding cuts.
The pilot is treating those in the north east as guinea pigs, he adds.
The Scottish Tory leader asks why the FM is content to allow people in the north east to go without justice.
'A proportionate approach to tackling crime' - FM
The first minister says Police Scotland's funding is not being cut and police officers have accepted a pay deal.
Humza Yousaf goes on to say the pilot concerns certain crimes where there is no risk, no threat and no proportionate lines of inquiry.
A crime reference will be provided but no further action will be taken, he says.
"That to me seems like a proportionate approach to tackling crime."
Background: Police pilot means some crimes not investigated
A Police Scotland pilot in the North-East of the country will see some minor crimes no longer being investigated.
The aim is to give officers more time to focus on responding to emergencies and keeping people safe from harm.
An example given of where no further action might be taken is a garden theft with no CCTV or eye-witness evidence.
Police Scotland said: "Hard choices are being made to deliver effective policing within the funding available."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Divisional commander Ch Supt for the North-East division, Graeme Mackie said: "The pilot process will enable local police officers to focus on those crimes that have proportionate lines of inquiry and potentially enable them to give more time to local concerns and priorities in the area."
Live Reporting
Edited by Calum Watson
All times stated are UK
-
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross wanted to know which crimes the police will not investigate, citing the pilot in the North-East
-
The first minister argued the pilot was "a proportionate approach to tackling crime"
-
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wanted to know when a list of the schools with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) would be published
-
Humza Yousaf told the chamber 40 schools in Scotland have now been identified with this type of concrete in them
-
The first minister confirmed a "full independent public inquiry" will be held into Professor Eljamel's time at NHS Tayside
Analysis
BBCCopyright: BBC - The top surgeon who harmed patients for years
- NHS failed to act on brain surgeon who harmed patients
- BBC Disclosure: Harmed by my surgeon
Analysis
BBCCopyright: BBC Analysis
Analysis
Video caption: RAAC ‘is like a concrete Aero bar’RAAC ‘is like a concrete Aero bar’ 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images - Read more...
Latest PostFMQs: The headlines
That concludes our live coverage of the new look FMQs.
If you're just joining us or need a recap here are the main headlines from the session:
Thank you for joining us. The editor was Calum Watson. The writers were Craig Hutchison, Steven Brocklehurst and Ashleigh Keenan-Bryce.
Countdown clock leads to zippier FMQs
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
How did the new countdown clock impact first minister’s questions, in the end?
It certainly made proceedings zip along more swiftly. Not so long ago, the exchanges between party leaders could trail on for more than half the session – now they were concluded in much snappier fashion, but without the loss of much substance.
It does mean that Humza Yousaf has to field an even broader range of questions, from nation-wide issues like RAAC to specific queries about local services, but for today at least there were answers aplenty in his big binder.
There are still a few rather scripted efforts from the back benches, and political points being scored all over the shop.
But members were able to cram in more constituency questions pressing issues of interest to local voters – and that, after all, is really the point of these sessions.
Greer calls England's onshore windfarm ban 'absurd'
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer criticises the "absurd" ban on onshore wind farms taken by the UK government for England.
He asks the first minister what the Scottish government is doing to grow this industry.
Mr Yousaf says Mr Greer is right about the damning approach the UK government have taken in the face of the scientific evidence of a climate catastrophe.
He says a green industrial strategy will be set out by the summer of next year.
Background: Sam Eljamel what you need to know
Sam Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at Dundee's Ninewells hospital, one of four specialist centres in Scotland.
The surgeon was an adviser to the Scottish government and also worked at Fernbrae private hospital in Dundee.
In June 2013 NHS Tayside bosses say they became aware of concerns about Mr Eljamel for the first time.
They learned that he had operated on the wrong part of a number of patients' spines.
They say they acted "immediately" by placing him under supervision and undertaking an internal audit of his operations.
Mr Eljamel is now working as a surgeon in Libya.
NHS Tayside has been criticised over its handling of the concerns, with an NHS whistleblower telling the BBC that the health board were aware of problems as early as 2009.
The internal due diligence review criticised health board management for putting the doctor under indirect supervision in June 2013 rather than suspending him.
'This inquiry has been wrung out of the government like blood from a stone' - Marra
Marra welcomes the public inquiry announcement but says it has taken too long to get to this point.
"This inquiry has been wrung out of the government like blood from a stone," he continues.
The Labour MSP praises "the many victims that were weeping outside this parliament yesterday".
He asks what the FM will do to ensure the recommendations that have already emerged in reports are acted apon immediately.
Yousaf hits back disagreeing with the characterisation by Marra and pointing out that he and the health secretary never ruled out a public inquiry.
The FM explains that having seen the disturbing due dilliegence review a public inquiry was deemed necessary.
Tory MSP Liz Smith pays a warm tribute to Jules Rose, Pat Kelly and all the other patients who have campaigned 10 years to get this inquiry.
Analysis: Eljamel inquiry news was too big to wait
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Normally, the first minister has a no-spoilers policy, and would hesitate to answer questions which relate to a statement due to be made later in the day.
But the case of the disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel is too serious to wave away – Humza Yousaf wasn’t going to make members wait to hear from Michael Matheson this afternoon.
There will still be some details for the health secretary to outline.
But the patients who protested outside Holyrood this week now have the outcome they were hoping for – that a full independent inquiry is to be held.
They have long been offered sympathy by ministers. Now, they will hope they can get some justice.
BreakingFM confirms full independent public inquiry into Prof Eljamel
Labour MSP Michael Marra asks, following the publication of NHS Tayside’s Due Diligence Review of Documentation Held Relating to Professor Eljamel , whether the Scottish government will immediately approve an independent public inquiry.
The former head of neurosurgery at Ninewells Hospital harmed dozens of patients at NHS Tayside, leaving some with life-changing injuries.
"This is a deeply important issue, " replies the first minister.
Humza Yousaf says he can inform the chamber that Health Secretary Michael Matheson will use his statement to the chamber this afternoon to confirm there will be a full independent public inquiry.
There will be a ministerial statement providing an update on Prof Eljamel begining at 14:55.
Call for drug laws to be devolved
SNP MSP Emma Harper says the current drugs laws, which are reserved to the Westminster parliament, are not fit for purpose.
She asks the first minister what discussions he has had about changing to a health-led approach to drugs policy, as the Home Affairs Select Committee has recommended.
Mr Yousaf agrees that problematic drug use is not a criminal matter, it is a health issue.
He says that if the UK government won't use the powers it has to tackle the crisis then it should devolve them to Scotland to allow it to take action.
Clash over attainment gap progress
Tory MSP Liam Kerr asks what the Scottish government's response is to data showing that the attainment gap has increased.
"In fact the poverty related attainment gap is narrower than it was pre-pandemic for National 5s, for Highers and Advanced Highers," replies the first minister.
He says he has "great confidence" that good progress is being made.
Kerr replies that the attainment gap between the least and most deprived pupils has widened for the third year in a row.
Yousaf says: "This is of course a poverty-related attainment gap and that's the very point."
He adds Liam Kerr should call for an end to the two-child benefits cap.
Analysis
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Anas Sarwar hit on the hot topic of the week UK-wide - RAAC.
He wants firm numbers in terms of how many properties in Scotland are affected, but as Humza Yousaf underlined they are still shifting from day to day as surveys continue at a local level.
The government is keen to stress it is taking this seriously - they have to, on any topic which affects schools and hospitals.
But they seem to have a rather different attitude to that of the UK government, in that they have not replicated the widespread closures seen down south.
Scottish ministers believe the issues can be dealt with via partial closures - of classrooms rather than whole schools - and are privately somewhat incredulous at the scale of the UK government response.
Major study of RAAC in NHS buildings says Yousaf
Mr Sarwar asks the first minister about the impact of RAAC concrete on schools in Scotland.
Mr Yousaf says the mitigations are different in each building.
He cites St Kentigern's Academy in West Lothian which has closed parts of the school including the dining and kitchen area.
Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans has closed classroom areas.
The Scottish Labour leader then asks when will there be a full list of public buildings that contain RAAC.
Mr Yousaf says there is a major study under way in the NHS.
In June, a "desktop survey" suggested more than 250 NHS buildings could contain the potentially dangerous concrete.
Mr Yousaf said the next phase of the survey had confirmed nine out of 40 buidlings were confirmed to contain RAAC.
He said it would be an evolving picture as the surveys continued.
Analysis
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Justice is always one of Douglas Ross’s favourite topics, as solid Tory territory. He has long been trying to paint the government as being soft on crime.
And given the North East is the focus of the story, and one of the stronger areas of the country for his party, Mr Ross has spied an ideal opening to attack the government’s commitment to policing.
Humza Yousaf had a topical rebuttal to hand, in that a pay deal for police was announced earlier in the week.
He also insisted that the plans are proportionate, and that crime is at a low level.
The exchanges quickly became heated, with Humza Yousaf accusing Mr Ross of talking “complete and utter nonsense”, and of turning communities against each other to score cheap political points.
Tuesday’s debate on the programme for government also ended with a flurry of points of order where members accused each other of misleading parliament - with a UK election on the horizon, the temperature in the chamber is unlikely to come down any time soon.
BACKGROUND: Which schools in Scotland have RAAC and why haven't they closed?
Video content
The concern about dangerous concrete has dominated the news agenda in the UK this week.
Questions have been raised about the safety of some school buildings in Scotland after it emerged that more than 30 have been found to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete or RAAC.
In England, more than 100 schools were told to shut buildings with RAAC days before the start of term.
It led to a scramble to find alternative temporary classrooms, with some schools reintroducing online learning, amid fears the concrete could collapse.
In Scotland, some school buildings containing the material are also closed but remain open and are checked regularly.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has insisted appropriate safety measures are in place in Scottish schools and there is no immediate risk to pupils or staff.
There will be a ministerial statement this afteroon addressing the issue.
40 schools in Scotland contained RAAC concrete
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks a question about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
He wants to know when the government first became aware of the issues and what steps it has taken. He also wants to know when a list of affected schools will be published.
Mr Yousaf confirms that 40 schools in Scotland have now been identified with this type of concrete in them.
He says there will be a statement later from the cabinet secretary for education and a full list of schools will be published.
RAAC was used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s but it can fail if water gets into the material, causing the internal metal structure to rust.
It has led to concerns about schools, NHS buildings and other public sector buildings.
The first minister said the government had been proactive in discussions with local authorities.
'It's open season for criminals under the SNP' - Ross
Yousaf reiterates that police funding totals £1.45bn in 2023/24 and there have been no cuts.
The first minister says again that recorded crime is at its lowest level for 42 years.
Ross argues there are fewer officers on the beat in Scotland and they are being told not to investigate crimes.
That's because of funding, says the Scottish Tory leader, adding "It's open season for criminals under the SNP".
FM highlights more officers per capita in Scotland
In the Holyrood chamber Humza Yousaf hits back at Douglas Ross' claims about cuts to police funding.
"That is complete and utter nonsense," he says.
The first minister points out this is police operational matter and Scotland has more officers per capita than England and Wales.
He tells the chamber that recorded crime is at one the lowest levels ever.
Douglas Ross argues officers are warning this could be a "slippery slope".
The Scottish Tory leader asks if the FM will act or let this spread across the country.
BreakingMinisters to announce public inquiry into disgraced surgeon
The BBC understands that Scottish ministers will announce a public inquiry into NHS Tayside and disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel later this afternoon.
Mr Eljamel was the head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside until December 2013 when he was suspended.
Almost 150 former patients have called for a public inquiry.
Read more
'Guinea pigs'
Douglas Ross finds this answer "incredible". He warns against having fewer police officers due to SNP funding cuts.
The pilot is treating those in the north east as guinea pigs, he adds.
The Scottish Tory leader asks why the FM is content to allow people in the north east to go without justice.
'A proportionate approach to tackling crime' - FM
The first minister says Police Scotland's funding is not being cut and police officers have accepted a pay deal.
Humza Yousaf goes on to say the pilot concerns certain crimes where there is no risk, no threat and no proportionate lines of inquiry.
A crime reference will be provided but no further action will be taken, he says.
"That to me seems like a proportionate approach to tackling crime."
Background: Police pilot means some crimes not investigated
A Police Scotland pilot in the North-East of the country will see some minor crimes no longer being investigated.
The aim is to give officers more time to focus on responding to emergencies and keeping people safe from harm.
An example given of where no further action might be taken is a garden theft with no CCTV or eye-witness evidence.
Police Scotland said: "Hard choices are being made to deliver effective policing within the funding available."
Divisional commander Ch Supt for the North-East division, Graeme Mackie said: "The pilot process will enable local police officers to focus on those crimes that have proportionate lines of inquiry and potentially enable them to give more time to local concerns and priorities in the area."