That concludes this week's first minister's questions. Here are the headlines:
The suspected rise in drugs deaths dominated FMQs
It follows the release of estimated figures from the police - which suggest deaths are up 10% on the previous year
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, said the problem was Scotland's national shame and the SNP's plan was not working
Humza Yousaf said the government was committed to a range of measures to try and tackle "this insidious problem in our society"
The FM insisted there was "no complacency over drugs deaths"
However, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said there was "no sense of urgency" from the government and accused the SNP of having "broken every promise" on the issue
That's all from our live coverage of FMQs, thank you for joining us. Catherine Lyst was the editor today. James Delaney and Craig Hutchison were the writers.
Brain tumour awareness
Lib Dem MSP Beatrice Wishart highlights the fact that March is brain tumour awareness
month.
She thanks the FM for joining the “wear a hat day” photocall coming up after FMQs.
She says brain tumours kill more adults and children
under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but research into the condition is
underfunded.
She asks the FM about increasing funding for work into
finding a possible cure for the illness.
He says that a record £19.5bn worth of funding has been committed
to the NHS, adding that he knows how seriously tackling brain cancer is to colleagues
in the health service.
Background: Firefighters hurt as flats evacuated in Edinburgh blaze
Harry WilliamsCopyright: Harry Williams
About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Breadalbane StreetImage caption: About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Breadalbane Street
Two firefighters have suffered minor injuries after about 100 residents were evacuated from an early hours blaze at flats in Edinburgh.
About 70 firefighters tackled the fire in Breadalbane Street, Bonnington, with Police Scotland also in attendance.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it sent 12 fire engines and specialist vehicles to the scene after the alarm was raised at 04:10.
It said there were "no reported casualties" involving members of the public.
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson raises the issue of the fire on Breadalbane street in Leith.
"Combustible cladding may have been a factor," the Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP says.
Humza Yousaf adds his thanks to the emergency services for their efforts which saw everyone evacuated safely and without injury.
The first minister says there is an increase in funding for the fire service and stresses the importance of cladding legislation going through Holyrood continuing to make progress.
Yousaf pressed on A&E wait times
Tory health spokesman and NHS GP Dr Sandesh Gulhane says he
sees people at work who come to his surgery with issues that should be treated
at A&E as they “don’t want to get into the queue”.
He asks what can be done to help those in primary care treat
their patients.
The FM says the government is seeking to improve A&E performance,
but acknowledges it has been affected by the Covid pandemic.
He says Scotland’s A&E departments are the best
performing in the UK.
He points to investment in NHS 24, hospital at home and
staffing levels and targets to increase the headcount number of GPs.
Scotland's NHS is unable to meet the growing demand for health services, a spending watchdog has warned.
A review by Audit Scotland said the increased pressure on the NHS was now having a direct impact on patient safety and experience.
The watchdog also claimed there was no "overall vision" for the future of the health service.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said reforms were already under way and he would shortly unveil his vision for the NHS.
The annual report on the state of Scotland's health service highlighted that the NHS was facing soaring costs, patients were waiting longer to be seen and there were not enough staff.
Jackie Baillie presses the FM on A&E waiting times.
She says 7,300 patients waited for more than a day for care
in 2023, with some waiting much longer.
She highlights the case of one patient in Ayrhsire and Arran,
who waited 122 hours for care, in the Borders, where one person waited 88 hours
and in NHS Lanarkshire, where the longest wait was more than 72 hours.
She says: “These long waits are costing lives”.
She asks the FM what urgent action is being taken to curb those
wait times.
The FM says that all long waits are “unacceptable,” but says A&E performance is impacted by pressures from right across the wider
health and social care system.
He says action is being taken to improve patient flow,
including the prevention of unnecessary hospital admissions, expanding hospital
at home services and “optimising flow navigation centres”.
He adds that increased support for NHS 24 is being rolled out and
staffing levels in terms of A&E workforce, putting the figure at a 300%
increase in A&E consultants under the SNP government.
Tory MSP highlights 'alarming rise' in probationary teachers leaving
Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks what action the Scottish government will take in response to reported statistics showing that nearly one in five probationary teachers left the Teacher Induction Scheme in 2023.
The first minister says the scheme is an important element of teacher education and the level of participation fluctuates.
Greene says there is "an alarming rise" in probationary teachers leaving the scheme and since the SNP took office there are 1,000 fewer teachers in Scotland's classrooms.
He asks what the government is doing about the rise in probationary teachers leaving the scheme.
Humza Yousaf accepts this is an important issue and the issues around violence in schools is high in his government's mind.
The FM argues teachers in Scotland are the best paid in the UK .
Yousaf pushes back at Mason on abortion protests
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Scottish Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay asks the FM for the government’s
response to pro-life protests outside abortion clinics.
The FM says he government believes that patients and staff should
be able to access abortion clinics “free from harassment, free from
intimidation and free from undue influence”.
He says they have committed to supporting Ms Mackay’s Bill
to create buffer zones outside abortion clinics.
SNP MSP John Mason however asks the FM if he would accept
that “no-one is being harassed” at “vigils” outside abortion clinics,
describing protesters as a “small group of elderly religious people standing at
these facilities”.
He asks if the government is “overreacting” with the introduction
of legislation.
The FM does not agree, stating that men must listen to women
on the laws.
He says, whatever Mr Mason may feel, harm is being done, women
do feel harassed and “intimidation”.
He says he does not understand the religious element, adding
that those who pray “can pray anywhere”.
He says Mr Mason would do well to “listen to the voices of
women and clinicians and staff at abortion services.”
That response earns him a round of applause from some
sections of the chamber.
Sarwar: 'SNP broke every promise on drugs policy'
The Labour leader says the outcome that matters is “drugs deaths
falling, not increasing”.
Sarwar points out that while Scotland has the same drugs
laws as anywhere else in the UK, the country has three times the number of
deaths.
He accuses the government of “incompetence,” adding that it has “failed
on every promise it has made” on drugs policy.
He says the plan “is not working” and challenges the FM to “get
a grip of this crisis”.
The FM agrees with Ross and Sarwar that the level of drug
deaths in Scotland is “unacceptable”.
He says more potent and addictive substances are driving the
increase.
He denies promises are being broken and says the government would
seek to make changes over the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use if
they had power over the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He says that intervention has worked in other countries.
He says: “This government will work with anyone we possibly
can to tackle this shameful, insidious problem in our society.”
Sarwar: 'No sense of urgency on drugs deaths'
Sarwar accuses the government of focusing on the “inputs
over the outcomes” of drugs policy.
He points to figures from Tayside, where 83 people died last
year, in Edinburgh, where more than 100 people died and in Glasgow, where about 300
people lost their lives.
He says the government has consistently failed to uphold
targets on residential rehab beds and drug-checking facilities.
He asks the FM “in what world” he believes his drugs plan is
working?
Yousaf denies that there is “no sense of urgency” over the
statistics.
He says that government action means there is now better
access to treatment and the introduction of naloxone kits have been vital to
saving lives.
The FM says they have been used more than 500 times since being
introduced.
He says Home Office red tape has held up the introduction of
drug-checking facilities, while residential rehab bed targets are “on track,”
with plans for 172 new beds by the end of 2025/26.
Yousaf: 'No complacency over drugs deaths'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also focuses on drug deaths, pointing out that more than 5,200 people have died
since the Scottish government declared a drugs death emergency four years ago.
He says the drugs minister’s response of the “plan is
working” does not stand up to the figures .
Sarwar quotes from Anne-Marie Ward, CEO of Favour UK, who described
that assertion as “a slap in the face, a mockery of the grim reality we say
daily".
He asks who was right, the drugs minister or those impacted
by drugs?
The FM responds that he and the drugs minister have “directly
fronted up” to the figures.
He denies that anyone in the Scottish government is “complacent”
over the statistics.
He says that the Scottish government is taking action by expanding
residential rehab and taking more extreme measures including working with Glasgow
City Council on introducing safe consumption rooms.
FM rejects assertion that he had taken his eye of the ball
The FM rejects that suggestion entirely.
Yousaf says the drugs budget has been increased over the years.
He insists that 2014/15 to 23/24 shows a 67% increase in funding, according to Audit Scotland.
And he adds that the draft budget for 24/25 has maintained the budget for alcohol and drugs for this year.
Yousaf points out there has been a £500m real terms cut to the budget by the UK government.
Has FM taken his eye of the ball in terms of drug deaths?
The Scottish Tory leader says the government were involved in the closure of Turning Point 218.
Ross says it's clear it is not a priority for the first minister.
"The addiction crisis in Scotland is out of control," he adds.
Ross says that since the SNP came to power, drug deaths have doubled.
He adds that Nicola Sturgeon says she took her eye of the ball in terms of drug deaths and he asks if Humza Yousaf has not done the same.
Yousaf says Turning Point closure down to council
Yousaf denies his government are cutting beds and he insists his government invested £38m for expanding capacity in residential rehab.
The FM says 32 of these beds are operational with another 38 in the pipeline.
He turns again to the closure of Turning Point 218 and reiterates it was a decision by the council.
'Why are the SNP making the same mistakes all over again?'
The Scottish Tory leader argues that the FM wants to "dodge responsibility for the closure of this vital service".
Ross says newspaper reports show the government was aware Turning Point would be closed but did not step in to prevent it.
"Why are the SNP making the same mistakes all over again?," he asks.
'There is absolutely no complacency' - FM
Yousaf says Drugs Policy Minister Christina McKelvie believes, as he does, "that we have to rededicate ourselves and take further action because we know, of course, that rise is not welcome".
The first minister adds that other parts of the UK have also seen in a rise.
"There is absolutely no complacency about the action we have to take," he says.
He stresses that in terms of Turning Point 218 closing, that was a council decision.
There is a whole range of facilities for women facing substance abuse in Glasgow, he insists.
'The SNP plan is not working' - Ross
Ross reiterates that Christina McKelvie believes the plan to tackle drug deaths is working, despite a 10% rise in the estimated figures from the police.
"It is absolutely not," he says.
He points out that drug deaths in Scotland have consistently been the highest across Europe.
"The SNP plan is not working," he reiterates.
He says Humza Yousaf has let Turning Point 218, a vital rehab service for women in Glasgow, close and he asks why.
FM 'devastated' by rise in suspected drug deaths
BBCCopyright: BBC
Humza Yousaf replies: "My condolences and the condolences of the entire government are with every single person who has lost a loved one to suspected drugs deaths."
The first minister accepts they want action and adds: "I am devastated to see a rise.
"We are taking a range of significant actions to try to tackle this insidious problem in our society."
He says his government has an "unshakeable commitment to the national mission to tackle drugs deaths".
Background: Rise in drug deaths in Scotland
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A tide of more powerful and addictive synthetic opioids hitting Scottish streets is contributing to the recent rise in suspected drug deaths, Humza Yousaf has said.
Drugs Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said some of these "super-powered" drugs can be 50 times more potent than heroin.
On Tuesday, estimated police figures for suspected drug deaths showed a 10% increase in 2023, prompting calls for the Scottish government to step up action to tackle the problem.
Police management information showed 1,197 people died as a result of suspected drug use last year - up by 105 from 2022.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
-
The suspected rise in drugs deaths dominated FMQs
-
It follows the release of estimated figures from the police - which suggest deaths are up 10% on the previous year
-
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, said the problem was Scotland's national shame and the SNP's plan was not working
-
Humza Yousaf said the government was committed to a range of measures to try and tackle "this insidious problem in our society"
-
The FM insisted there was "no complacency over drugs deaths"
-
However, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said there was "no sense of urgency" from the government and accused the SNP of having "broken every promise" on the issue
Harry WilliamsCopyright: Harry Williams About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Breadalbane StreetImage caption: About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Breadalbane Street 
Getty Images/VMCopyright: Getty Images/VM - All new NHS building projects in Scotland put on hold
- Ex-NHS boss says health service is unsustainable
- Cost of new NHS Scotland national treatment centre soars
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Latest PostFMQs: The headlines
That concludes this week's first minister's questions. Here are the headlines:
That's all from our live coverage of FMQs, thank you for joining us. Catherine Lyst was the editor today. James Delaney and Craig Hutchison were the writers.
Brain tumour awareness
Lib Dem MSP Beatrice Wishart highlights the fact that March is brain tumour awareness month.
She thanks the FM for joining the “wear a hat day” photocall coming up after FMQs.
She says brain tumours kill more adults and children under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but research into the condition is underfunded.
She asks the FM about increasing funding for work into finding a possible cure for the illness.
Yousaf thanks those who have used their own experiences of the condition in raising awareness, including BBC Scotland’s Glenn Campbell, who wrote about his diagnosis earlier this year.
He says that a record £19.5bn worth of funding has been committed to the NHS, adding that he knows how seriously tackling brain cancer is to colleagues in the health service.
Background: Firefighters hurt as flats evacuated in Edinburgh blaze
Two firefighters have suffered minor injuries after about 100 residents were evacuated from an early hours blaze at flats in Edinburgh.
About 70 firefighters tackled the fire in Breadalbane Street, Bonnington, with Police Scotland also in attendance.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it sent 12 fire engines and specialist vehicles to the scene after the alarm was raised at 04:10.
It said there were "no reported casualties" involving members of the public.
Read more here.
SNP MSP raises Edinburgh flats fire
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson raises the issue of the fire on Breadalbane street in Leith.
"Combustible cladding may have been a factor," the Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP says.
Humza Yousaf adds his thanks to the emergency services for their efforts which saw everyone evacuated safely and without injury.
The first minister says there is an increase in funding for the fire service and stresses the importance of cladding legislation going through Holyrood continuing to make progress.
Yousaf pressed on A&E wait times
Tory health spokesman and NHS GP Dr Sandesh Gulhane says he sees people at work who come to his surgery with issues that should be treated at A&E as they “don’t want to get into the queue”.
He asks what can be done to help those in primary care treat their patients.
The FM says the government is seeking to improve A&E performance, but acknowledges it has been affected by the Covid pandemic.
He says Scotland’s A&E departments are the best performing in the UK.
He points to investment in NHS 24, hospital at home and staffing levels and targets to increase the headcount number of GPs.
Background: Scotland's NHS cannot meet growing demand, warns watchdog
Scotland's NHS is unable to meet the growing demand for health services, a spending watchdog has warned.
A review by Audit Scotland said the increased pressure on the NHS was now having a direct impact on patient safety and experience.
The watchdog also claimed there was no "overall vision" for the future of the health service.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said reforms were already under way and he would shortly unveil his vision for the NHS.
The annual report on the state of Scotland's health service highlighted that the NHS was facing soaring costs, patients were waiting longer to be seen and there were not enough staff.
Baillie: 'Long A&E waits costing lives'
Jackie Baillie presses the FM on A&E waiting times.
She says 7,300 patients waited for more than a day for care in 2023, with some waiting much longer.
She highlights the case of one patient in Ayrhsire and Arran, who waited 122 hours for care, in the Borders, where one person waited 88 hours and in NHS Lanarkshire, where the longest wait was more than 72 hours.
She says: “These long waits are costing lives”.
She asks the FM what urgent action is being taken to curb those wait times.
The FM says that all long waits are “unacceptable,” but says A&E performance is impacted by pressures from right across the wider health and social care system.
He says action is being taken to improve patient flow, including the prevention of unnecessary hospital admissions, expanding hospital at home services and “optimising flow navigation centres”.
He adds that increased support for NHS 24 is being rolled out and staffing levels in terms of A&E workforce, putting the figure at a 300% increase in A&E consultants under the SNP government.
Tory MSP highlights 'alarming rise' in probationary teachers leaving
Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks what action the Scottish government will take in response to reported statistics showing that nearly one in five probationary teachers left the Teacher Induction Scheme in 2023.
The first minister says the scheme is an important element of teacher education and the level of participation fluctuates.
Greene says there is "an alarming rise" in probationary teachers leaving the scheme and since the SNP took office there are 1,000 fewer teachers in Scotland's classrooms.
He asks what the government is doing about the rise in probationary teachers leaving the scheme.
Humza Yousaf accepts this is an important issue and the issues around violence in schools is high in his government's mind.
The FM argues teachers in Scotland are the best paid in the UK .
Yousaf pushes back at Mason on abortion protests
Scottish Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay asks the FM for the government’s response to pro-life protests outside abortion clinics.
The FM says he government believes that patients and staff should be able to access abortion clinics “free from harassment, free from intimidation and free from undue influence”.
He says they have committed to supporting Ms Mackay’s Bill to create buffer zones outside abortion clinics.
SNP MSP John Mason however asks the FM if he would accept that “no-one is being harassed” at “vigils” outside abortion clinics, describing protesters as a “small group of elderly religious people standing at these facilities”.
He asks if the government is “overreacting” with the introduction of legislation.
The FM does not agree, stating that men must listen to women on the laws.
He says, whatever Mr Mason may feel, harm is being done, women do feel harassed and “intimidation”.
He says he does not understand the religious element, adding that those who pray “can pray anywhere”.
He says Mr Mason would do well to “listen to the voices of women and clinicians and staff at abortion services.”
That response earns him a round of applause from some sections of the chamber.
Sarwar: 'SNP broke every promise on drugs policy'
The Labour leader says the outcome that matters is “drugs deaths falling, not increasing”.
Sarwar points out that while Scotland has the same drugs laws as anywhere else in the UK, the country has three times the number of deaths.
He accuses the government of “incompetence,” adding that it has “failed on every promise it has made” on drugs policy.
He says the plan “is not working” and challenges the FM to “get a grip of this crisis”.
The FM agrees with Ross and Sarwar that the level of drug deaths in Scotland is “unacceptable”.
He says more potent and addictive substances are driving the increase.
He denies promises are being broken and says the government would seek to make changes over the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use if they had power over the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He says that intervention has worked in other countries.
He says: “This government will work with anyone we possibly can to tackle this shameful, insidious problem in our society.”
Sarwar: 'No sense of urgency on drugs deaths'
Sarwar accuses the government of focusing on the “inputs over the outcomes” of drugs policy.
He points to figures from Tayside, where 83 people died last year, in Edinburgh, where more than 100 people died and in Glasgow, where about 300 people lost their lives.
He says the government has consistently failed to uphold targets on residential rehab beds and drug-checking facilities.
He asks the FM “in what world” he believes his drugs plan is working?
Yousaf denies that there is “no sense of urgency” over the statistics.
He says that government action means there is now better access to treatment and the introduction of naloxone kits have been vital to saving lives.
The FM says they have been used more than 500 times since being introduced.
He says Home Office red tape has held up the introduction of drug-checking facilities, while residential rehab bed targets are “on track,” with plans for 172 new beds by the end of 2025/26.
Yousaf: 'No complacency over drugs deaths'
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also focuses on drug deaths, pointing out that more than 5,200 people have died since the Scottish government declared a drugs death emergency four years ago.
He says the drugs minister’s response of the “plan is working” does not stand up to the figures .
Sarwar quotes from Anne-Marie Ward, CEO of Favour UK, who described that assertion as “a slap in the face, a mockery of the grim reality we say daily".
He asks who was right, the drugs minister or those impacted by drugs?
The FM responds that he and the drugs minister have “directly fronted up” to the figures.
He denies that anyone in the Scottish government is “complacent” over the statistics.
He says that the Scottish government is taking action by expanding residential rehab and taking more extreme measures including working with Glasgow City Council on introducing safe consumption rooms.
FM rejects assertion that he had taken his eye of the ball
The FM rejects that suggestion entirely.
Yousaf says the drugs budget has been increased over the years.
He insists that 2014/15 to 23/24 shows a 67% increase in funding, according to Audit Scotland.
And he adds that the draft budget for 24/25 has maintained the budget for alcohol and drugs for this year.
Yousaf points out there has been a £500m real terms cut to the budget by the UK government.
Has FM taken his eye of the ball in terms of drug deaths?
The Scottish Tory leader says the government were involved in the closure of Turning Point 218.
Ross says it's clear it is not a priority for the first minister.
"The addiction crisis in Scotland is out of control," he adds.
Ross says that since the SNP came to power, drug deaths have doubled.
He adds that Nicola Sturgeon says she took her eye of the ball in terms of drug deaths and he asks if Humza Yousaf has not done the same.
Yousaf says Turning Point closure down to council
Yousaf denies his government are cutting beds and he insists his government invested £38m for expanding capacity in residential rehab.
The FM says 32 of these beds are operational with another 38 in the pipeline.
He turns again to the closure of Turning Point 218 and reiterates it was a decision by the council.
'Why are the SNP making the same mistakes all over again?'
The Scottish Tory leader argues that the FM wants to "dodge responsibility for the closure of this vital service".
Ross says newspaper reports show the government was aware Turning Point would be closed but did not step in to prevent it.
"Why are the SNP making the same mistakes all over again?," he asks.
'There is absolutely no complacency' - FM
Yousaf says Drugs Policy Minister Christina McKelvie believes, as he does, "that we have to rededicate ourselves and take further action because we know, of course, that rise is not welcome".
The first minister adds that other parts of the UK have also seen in a rise.
"There is absolutely no complacency about the action we have to take," he says.
He stresses that in terms of Turning Point 218 closing, that was a council decision.
There is a whole range of facilities for women facing substance abuse in Glasgow, he insists.
'The SNP plan is not working' - Ross
Ross reiterates that Christina McKelvie believes the plan to tackle drug deaths is working, despite a 10% rise in the estimated figures from the police.
"It is absolutely not," he says.
He points out that drug deaths in Scotland have consistently been the highest across Europe.
"The SNP plan is not working," he reiterates.
He says Humza Yousaf has let Turning Point 218, a vital rehab service for women in Glasgow, close and he asks why.
FM 'devastated' by rise in suspected drug deaths
Humza Yousaf replies: "My condolences and the condolences of the entire government are with every single person who has lost a loved one to suspected drugs deaths."
The first minister accepts they want action and adds: "I am devastated to see a rise.
"We are taking a range of significant actions to try to tackle this insidious problem in our society."
He says his government has an "unshakeable commitment to the national mission to tackle drugs deaths".
Background: Rise in drug deaths in Scotland
A tide of more powerful and addictive synthetic opioids hitting Scottish streets is contributing to the recent rise in suspected drug deaths, Humza Yousaf has said.
Drugs Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said some of these "super-powered" drugs can be 50 times more potent than heroin.
On Tuesday, estimated police figures for suspected drug deaths showed a 10% increase in 2023, prompting calls for the Scottish government to step up action to tackle the problem.
Police management information showed 1,197 people died as a result of suspected drug use last year - up by 105 from 2022.