Will the alcohol ban on trains be lifted any time soon?
Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden asks for an
update on when the Scottish government will review its ban on alcohol
consumption on ScotRail train services.
The first minister says his priority is to make
sure ScotRail services are safe and comfortable for all users and staff.
Humza Yousaf says we all know the role of alcohol in
making women feel unsafe.
He says the government will update parliament
when it has made a decision on whether the alcohol ban will be lifted.
Lumsden says he has been told the ban
is unworkable and he asks if it is not time this "draconian rule" is scrapped.
The first minister again says particular
attention will be paid to the views of women and girls.
If the evidence points to the ban being lifted, then that will be considered, he adds.
'150 motorists wrongly fined every month over LEZ'
Tory MSP Graham Simpson says at least 150 motorists are
being wrongly issued with fines every month for driving through Glasgow’s LEZ.
He says the council “doesn’t know what to do” with the £500,000 it has raised so far.
“Shouldn’t they have sorted this out before introducing this
botched scheme?,” he asks.
The first minister says the money can only be used for
activities that help to reduce air pollution or contribute to achieving climate
change targets.
Background: Glasgow City Council makes almost £500,000 from LEZ
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Glasgow's low emission zone came into force in June 2023Image caption: Glasgow's low emission zone came into force in June 2023
Glasgow City Council made £478,560 from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the four months from June to the end of September, new figures have revealed.
Under LEZ rules, drivers whose cars do not meet clean air standards are fined £60 but this doubles each time the vehicle enters the restricted city centre zone.
Previous estimates were as high as £1m but fines are cut by 50% if they are paid within the first 14 days of being issued.
The council said the revenue earned by the LEZ can legally only be spent to reduce air pollution or meet the council's climate change targets.
The SNP’s Stephanie Callaghan asks the first minister about
the impact of the Low Emission Zone in Glasgow.
Mr Yousaf highlights the work the Scottish government has
done to tackle air pollution and says more than £10m has been provided through
the LEZ support fund since 2019, resulting in almost 3,000 non-compliant
vehicles being disposed of or fitted with cleaner technology.
He says it is too early to comment on the impact on air
pollution since the enforcement of the LEZ on 1 June.
Progress is being made with LEZs in Dundee,
Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the FM says, and adds that they are also an important public health
measure.
Cole-Hamilton highlights dangerous concrete in fire stations
Next up is Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.
He says he has a Freedom of Information request that shows the
fire service contacted the Scottish government four years ago about having to
prop up ceilings due to potentially dangerous concrete.
Cole-Hamilton adds RAAC is in 14 of the fire
stations.
He argues fire fighters should not have to face danger when they
return to base.
Cole-Hamilton asks if the government would have ignored a
dangerous ceiling in the first minister's official residence, Bute House, for four years.
The first minister replies
that the government has been following the guidance of structural engineers and has taken
extensive action over the RAAC issue, he insists.
Analysis
Calls for resignations in a particularly rowdy FMQs session
Anas Sarwar managed to slip in a dig about Michael
Matheson’s iPad, but he was mostly seeking someone else’s resignation – the
head of Glasgow’s health board.
The Labour leader has repeatedly raised questions about the
cases which are now tied up in a corporate homicide investigation involving NHS
Greater Glasgow and Clyde – something acknowledged by the first minister.
But again there was a wider point from Mr Sarwar, who was
also looking to make a broader point about government transparency. He dropped
in mention of the WhatsApp messages row too.
And as in the exchanges with Mr Ross, the first minister
leaned on wider arguments too.
As well as addressing the points about the health board, he
attacked Anas Sarwar about Labour’s splits over a ceasefire in Gaza.
That followed him throwing Boris Johnson references back at
the Tory leader.
Those kind of responses have contributed to this being a
particularly rowdy session, with the presiding officer repeatedly having to cut
in to demand calm.
Why is chief executive still in post? - Sarwar
BBCCopyright: BBC
Sarwar says the first minister’s judgement is being called into
question as he lifted the health board out of special measures.
He adds that John Brown should not be holding any public appointments
while the criminal investigation and public inquiry are going on.
The Scottish Labour leader says the board’s chief executive has been in post since
before Millie Main died and in that time has been paid more than £1m.
He asks why Yousaf “continues to back, not sack” the
chief executive.
The first minister reiterates that no individuals have been
named as suspects.
He adds that the health board came out of special measures
as it completed all 108 recommendations made.
Background: NHS board named in Glasgow hospital corporate homicide probe
BBCCopyright: BBC
Milly Main died after contracting an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in GlasgowImage caption: Milly Main died after contracting an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow
Scotland's largest health board has been named as a suspect in a corporate homicide investigation following the deaths of four patients at a Glasgow hospital campus.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) informed families of the development via a closed Facebook group set up during a water contamination crisis.
The board confirmed it had received an update from the Crown Office.
But it added there was no indication prosecutors had "formed a final view".
The first minister sends his thoughts and condolences to the families
that have been affected and gives credit to Anas Sarwar for his support of the
families.
He says the government has taken action by setting up a
public inquiry to get to the truth and points out that no individuals have been named as suspects
in relation to the health board.
He adds that it is important that he doesn’t interfere or intervene
in the public inquiry or in a live police investigation.
“We will hold the board to account when necessary,” the FM says.
No-one being held to account over hospital deaths - Sarwar
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks Yousaf about Greater
Glasgow and Clyde Heath Board being named as a suspect in a corporate homicide
investigation into the deaths of four patients, including 10-year-old Millie Main.
He points out that, for years, no-one has been held to
account and no-one has lost their job.
He says the health board's chairman, John Brown, comes to the end of his
term in a few weeks. But despite being chairman of the only public body in
Scottish history to be named a suspect in a corporate homicide case, he is to be
kept on by the government as an adviser on NHS good governance.
Sarwar asks the first minister what message this sends to grieving
families and what does it say about Mr Yousaf’s judgement.
Analysis
Yousaf aware he is tying his own reputation to Matheson's fate
Michael Matheson is often right by Humza Yousaf’s side at
first minister’s questions – chiefly because it’s useful to have the health
secretary on hand to help with queries about health.
But today he was there for the first minister to help him
out, with his complete backing.
The opposition are not going to let go of the iPad roaming
bill issue until they are satisfied with the answers.
But it’s striking that Mr Yousaf has offered nothing short
of 100%, uncaveated support, even as the story shifts and he admits that
mistakes have been made.
Mr Yousaf will be aware that he is tying his own reputation
to the fate of his health secretary.
He can be in no doubt, because Douglas Ross was very keen to
underline that point.
An awful lot may ultimately be riding on Mr Matheson’s
statement this afternoon.
FM insists he has answered Ross's question
Humza Yousaf again says the parliament has investigated the data roaming bill.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone intervenes amid some Tory heckling to say the first minister is answering questions, to which a number of Tory MSPs retort "no he's not".
The first minister insists he has answered Douglas Ross's question and reiterates that Matheson has paid back the money due.
Will the FM sack his health secretary?
Ross says the first minister should have immediately started an investigation once the Matheson issue came to light.
The Scottish Tory leader argues the evidence shows the claim was made by Matheson when he knew it wasn't for parliamentary work.
"Will Humza Yousaf do the right thing and sack Michael Matheson or wait for his resignation?" asks Ross.
'I do have absolute confidence in Michael Matheson'
BBCCopyright: BBC
The first minister turns his fire on to the Tories in UK government and the Rwanda immigration ruling that went against it yesterday.
Humza Yousaf insists: "I do have absolute confidence in Michael Matheson as the cabinet secretary for health."
He again praises Matheson for his work as health secretary.
'The first minister has put his own reputation on the line'
The Scottish Tory leader again says Matheson is not doing his job, when he has cancelled appointments to prepare for making a statement on the iPad row.
"The first minister has put his own reputation on the line," he says.
Ross reminds the chamber that Humza Yousaf gave Matheson his 100% backing and he asks the first minister if he still believes that this £11,000 bill was a legitimate expense.
Yousaf defends Matheson in role as health secretary
The first minister reiterates that Michael Matheson will lay out the detail at 2pm this afternoon.
He won't pre-empt this personal statement.
Humza Yousaf disagrees with Douglas Ross that Michael Matheson is not able to get on with his role as health secretary.
He goes on to praise Matheson in this role.
This goes to heart of government, says Douglas Ross
BBCCopyright: BBC
Douglas Ross says: "I have no intention of letting the first minister off with that argument."
The Scottish Tory leader insists "this goes to the heart of government".
Scotland's NHS is in crisis and it matters if there was an attempt to dupe taxpayers out of £11,000, says Ross.
He again asks, can the first minister guarantee all the costs were run up on parliamentary business?
'There is clearly more to say' on Matheson row - FM
BBCCopyright: BBC
Michael Matheson is sitting alongside Humza Yousaf at FMQsImage caption: Michael Matheson is sitting alongside Humza Yousaf at FMQs
The first minister replies to Douglas Ross: "There is clearly more to say on this issue and that's why Michael Matheson has agreed, with the agreement of parliament, to make a personal statement later today."
Humza Yousaf insists he has no intention of pre-empting that statement and he points out the health secretary has paid back the full amount.
"Honest mistakes do happen," continues the FM.
He goes on to say the health secretary will outline in full what happened with his iPad data roaming charges.
Ross raises issue of Matheson's £11,000 roaming charges
Douglas Ross begins by reminding the chamber about Michael Matheson having claimed the costs from the taxpayer for the £11,000 roaming charges.
The Scottish Tory leader asks if the first minister believes Matheson ran up these costs on parliamentary business, "yes or no".
Live Reporting
Edited by Paul McLaren
All times stated are UK
Background: ScotRail alcohol ban to remain for the 'foreseeable future'
The ban on passengers drinking alcohol on ScotRail trains will remain in place for the "foreseeable future", the rail operator said last year
It was introduced in November 2020 to limit the spread of Covid.
However ScotRail - which is now owned by the Scottish government- said it has agreed to keep the ban in place.
They said it would be reviewed part of the government's "national conversation on rail".
When the policy was introduced, ScotRail said it would help to maintain the physical distancing required while travelling.
They said it would also support greater use of face coverings.
Will the alcohol ban on trains be lifted any time soon?
Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden asks for an update on when the Scottish government will review its ban on alcohol consumption on ScotRail train services.
The first minister says his priority is to make sure ScotRail services are safe and comfortable for all users and staff.
Humza Yousaf says we all know the role of alcohol in making women feel unsafe.
He says the government will update parliament when it has made a decision on whether the alcohol ban will be lifted.
Lumsden says he has been told the ban is unworkable and he asks if it is not time this "draconian rule" is scrapped.
The first minister again says particular attention will be paid to the views of women and girls.
If the evidence points to the ban being lifted, then that will be considered, he adds.
'150 motorists wrongly fined every month over LEZ'
Tory MSP Graham Simpson says at least 150 motorists are being wrongly issued with fines every month for driving through Glasgow’s LEZ.
He says the council “doesn’t know what to do” with the £500,000 it has raised so far.
“Shouldn’t they have sorted this out before introducing this botched scheme?,” he asks.
The first minister says the money can only be used for activities that help to reduce air pollution or contribute to achieving climate change targets.
Background: Glasgow City Council makes almost £500,000 from LEZ
Glasgow City Council made £478,560 from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the four months from June to the end of September, new figures have revealed.
Under LEZ rules, drivers whose cars do not meet clean air standards are fined £60 but this doubles each time the vehicle enters the restricted city centre zone.
Previous estimates were as high as £1m but fines are cut by 50% if they are paid within the first 14 days of being issued.
The council said the revenue earned by the LEZ can legally only be spent to reduce air pollution or meet the council's climate change targets.
Read more here.
What has been the impact of the LEZ in Glasgow?
The SNP’s Stephanie Callaghan asks the first minister about the impact of the Low Emission Zone in Glasgow.
Mr Yousaf highlights the work the Scottish government has done to tackle air pollution and says more than £10m has been provided through the LEZ support fund since 2019, resulting in almost 3,000 non-compliant vehicles being disposed of or fitted with cleaner technology.
He says it is too early to comment on the impact on air pollution since the enforcement of the LEZ on 1 June.
Progress is being made with LEZs in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the FM says, and adds that they are also an important public health measure.
Cole-Hamilton highlights dangerous concrete in fire stations
Next up is Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.
He says he has a Freedom of Information request that shows the fire service contacted the Scottish government four years ago about having to prop up ceilings due to potentially dangerous concrete.
Cole-Hamilton adds RAAC is in 14 of the fire stations.
He argues fire fighters should not have to face danger when they return to base.
Cole-Hamilton asks if the government would have ignored a dangerous ceiling in the first minister's official residence, Bute House, for four years.
The first minister replies that the government has been following the guidance of structural engineers and has taken extensive action over the RAAC issue, he insists.
Calls for resignations in a particularly rowdy FMQs session
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Anas Sarwar managed to slip in a dig about Michael Matheson’s iPad, but he was mostly seeking someone else’s resignation – the head of Glasgow’s health board.
The Labour leader has repeatedly raised questions about the cases which are now tied up in a corporate homicide investigation involving NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – something acknowledged by the first minister.
But again there was a wider point from Mr Sarwar, who was also looking to make a broader point about government transparency. He dropped in mention of the WhatsApp messages row too.
And as in the exchanges with Mr Ross, the first minister leaned on wider arguments too.
As well as addressing the points about the health board, he attacked Anas Sarwar about Labour’s splits over a ceasefire in Gaza.
That followed him throwing Boris Johnson references back at the Tory leader.
Those kind of responses have contributed to this being a particularly rowdy session, with the presiding officer repeatedly having to cut in to demand calm.
Why is chief executive still in post? - Sarwar
Sarwar says the first minister’s judgement is being called into question as he lifted the health board out of special measures.
He adds that John Brown should not be holding any public appointments while the criminal investigation and public inquiry are going on.
The Scottish Labour leader says the board’s chief executive has been in post since before Millie Main died and in that time has been paid more than £1m.
He asks why Yousaf “continues to back, not sack” the chief executive.
The first minister reiterates that no individuals have been named as suspects.
He adds that the health board came out of special measures as it completed all 108 recommendations made.
Background: NHS board named in Glasgow hospital corporate homicide probe
Scotland's largest health board has been named as a suspect in a corporate homicide investigation following the deaths of four patients at a Glasgow hospital campus.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) informed families of the development via a closed Facebook group set up during a water contamination crisis.
The board confirmed it had received an update from the Crown Office.
But it added there was no indication prosecutors had "formed a final view".
We will hold the board to account - Yousaf
The first minister sends his thoughts and condolences to the families that have been affected and gives credit to Anas Sarwar for his support of the families.
He says the government has taken action by setting up a public inquiry to get to the truth and points out that no individuals have been named as suspects in relation to the health board.
He adds that it is important that he doesn’t interfere or intervene in the public inquiry or in a live police investigation.
“We will hold the board to account when necessary,” the FM says.
No-one being held to account over hospital deaths - Sarwar
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks Yousaf about Greater Glasgow and Clyde Heath Board being named as a suspect in a corporate homicide investigation into the deaths of four patients, including 10-year-old Millie Main.
He points out that, for years, no-one has been held to account and no-one has lost their job.
He says the health board's chairman, John Brown, comes to the end of his term in a few weeks. But despite being chairman of the only public body in Scottish history to be named a suspect in a corporate homicide case, he is to be kept on by the government as an adviser on NHS good governance.
Sarwar asks the first minister what message this sends to grieving families and what does it say about Mr Yousaf’s judgement.
Yousaf aware he is tying his own reputation to Matheson's fate
Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Michael Matheson is often right by Humza Yousaf’s side at first minister’s questions – chiefly because it’s useful to have the health secretary on hand to help with queries about health.
But today he was there for the first minister to help him out, with his complete backing.
The opposition are not going to let go of the iPad roaming bill issue until they are satisfied with the answers.
But it’s striking that Mr Yousaf has offered nothing short of 100%, uncaveated support, even as the story shifts and he admits that mistakes have been made.
Mr Yousaf will be aware that he is tying his own reputation to the fate of his health secretary.
He can be in no doubt, because Douglas Ross was very keen to underline that point.
An awful lot may ultimately be riding on Mr Matheson’s statement this afternoon.
FM insists he has answered Ross's question
Humza Yousaf again says the parliament has investigated the data roaming bill.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone intervenes amid some Tory heckling to say the first minister is answering questions, to which a number of Tory MSPs retort "no he's not".
The first minister insists he has answered Douglas Ross's question and reiterates that Matheson has paid back the money due.
Will the FM sack his health secretary?
Ross says the first minister should have immediately started an investigation once the Matheson issue came to light.
The Scottish Tory leader argues the evidence shows the claim was made by Matheson when he knew it wasn't for parliamentary work.
"Will Humza Yousaf do the right thing and sack Michael Matheson or wait for his resignation?" asks Ross.
'I do have absolute confidence in Michael Matheson'
The first minister turns his fire on to the Tories in UK government and the Rwanda immigration ruling that went against it yesterday.
Humza Yousaf insists: "I do have absolute confidence in Michael Matheson as the cabinet secretary for health."
He again praises Matheson for his work as health secretary.
'The first minister has put his own reputation on the line'
The Scottish Tory leader again says Matheson is not doing his job, when he has cancelled appointments to prepare for making a statement on the iPad row.
"The first minister has put his own reputation on the line," he says.
Ross reminds the chamber that Humza Yousaf gave Matheson his 100% backing and he asks the first minister if he still believes that this £11,000 bill was a legitimate expense.
Yousaf defends Matheson in role as health secretary
The first minister reiterates that Michael Matheson will lay out the detail at 2pm this afternoon.
He won't pre-empt this personal statement.
Humza Yousaf disagrees with Douglas Ross that Michael Matheson is not able to get on with his role as health secretary.
He goes on to praise Matheson in this role.
This goes to heart of government, says Douglas Ross
Douglas Ross says: "I have no intention of letting the first minister off with that argument."
The Scottish Tory leader insists "this goes to the heart of government".
Scotland's NHS is in crisis and it matters if there was an attempt to dupe taxpayers out of £11,000, says Ross.
He again asks, can the first minister guarantee all the costs were run up on parliamentary business?
'There is clearly more to say' on Matheson row - FM
The first minister replies to Douglas Ross: "There is clearly more to say on this issue and that's why Michael Matheson has agreed, with the agreement of parliament, to make a personal statement later today."
Humza Yousaf insists he has no intention of pre-empting that statement and he points out the health secretary has paid back the full amount.
"Honest mistakes do happen," continues the FM.
He goes on to say the health secretary will outline in full what happened with his iPad data roaming charges.
Ross raises issue of Matheson's £11,000 roaming charges
Douglas Ross begins by reminding the chamber about Michael Matheson having claimed the costs from the taxpayer for the £11,000 roaming charges.
The Scottish Tory leader asks if the first minister believes Matheson ran up these costs on parliamentary business, "yes or no".