Summary

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  • MSPs unanimously passed a motion of condolence for the victims of the Brussels attack

  • Labour MSP Alex Rowley led a debate on water safety in Scotland

  • Nicola Sturgeon was quizzed by opposition MSPs for the final first minister's questions before dissolution

  • Scotland's party leaders debated a motion of thanks, the final item of business of this parliamentary session

  1. Not on behalf of the Muslim faithpublished at 10:11 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Mr Rennie says these terrorists do not speak for those of the Muslim faith.

  2. Only natural to feel afraidpublished at 10:11 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie it is only natural to feel afraid after witnessing the scenes of devastation.

    Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie

    Mr Rennie pays tribute to the displays of solidarity across the world.

  3. 'Paris won and Brussels will win too'published at 10:10 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson pays tribute to Scotland's police and security services who watch over us.

    Eiffel towerImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    The Eiffel Tower was also illuminated in the national colours of Belgium

    Ms Davidson says these terrorists do not act in the name of religion.

    "As we mourn the people of Brussels we keep in mind the people of Paris as well."

    The terrorists failed to stop life in Paris.

    "Paris won and Brussels will win too."

  4. Thoughts with the families affectedpublished at 10:09 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson extends her condolences on behalf of her party.

    Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson

    Ms Davidson says her heart goes out to the families affected by this "barbarism". 

  5. 'Unity makes strength'published at 10:07 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Ms Dugdale says there were thoughts about what could have been here after the failed attack in Glasgow.

    She says the terrorists represent no religion and no moral cause.

    Brussels tributeImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    A Belgian flag joined memorials to the victims of November's Paris attacks in the French capital's Place de la Republique

    The Scottish Labour leader says these attackers do not represent refugees but the violence refugees are running from. 

    She says we must defy the terrorists.

    We stand with the people of Belgium and repeat their national motto "unity makes strength".

  6. Tribute to emergency servicespublished at 10:06 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale offers her condolences on behalf of her party.

    Kezia Dugdale

    Ms Dugdale pays tribute to the emergency services who run towards the danger instead of away from it.  

  7. Brussels attacks: 'Two brothers' behind Belgium bombingspublished at 10:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Two of the men who carried out attacks in Brussels on Tuesday have been named by Belgian media as the brothers Khalid and Brahim el-Bakraoui.

    CCTV images showed three suspects ahead of the airport bombings
    Image caption,

    CCTV images showed three suspects ahead of the airport bombings

    The RTBF broadcaster said the pair were known to police. It is believed at least one was among three suspects seen in a CCTV image at Zaventem airport.  

    Khalid el-Bakraoui wanted details
    Image caption,

    RTBF said that Khalid el-Bakraoui, 27, had used a false name to rent the flat in the Forest area of the Belgian capital where police killed a gunman in a shootout last week.

    Twin explosions at the airport and another at a metro station on Tuesday left about 34 dead and 250 wounded.

    Belgium is observing three days of national mourning.

  8. 'Deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in Belgium'published at 10:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    The first minister expresses her "deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in Belgium" and solidarity with them and its government. 

  9. 'No specific threat in Scotland'published at 10:04 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Ms Sturgeon says there is no specific threat in Scotland. 

    The first minister says it is important reassurance is provided to Scotland's Muslim community and "we stand shoulder to shoulder with them".   

  10. First minister expresses condolences to Belgiumpublished at 10:02 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she spoke with the ambassador of Belgium to express her shock, condolences and solidarity. 

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
  11. Presiding officer gets us underwaypublished at 10:01 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick gets us underway by saying a public book of condolence has been made available offering condolences to the people of Belgium and the flags at Holyrood are at half mast.

    Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick
  12. Brussels attacks: Zaventem and Maelbeek bombs kill manypublished at 09:57 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    About 34 people were killed and 250 wounded in attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station.

    Twin blasts hit Zaventem airport at about 07:00 yesterday.

    Two women hugging at sceneImage source, EPA

    Another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station near EU headquarters an hour later.

  13. Police chief urges 'alert not alarm' after Brussels attackspublished at 09:57 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Police patrols at airports and railway stations in Scotland have been increased in the wake of the terror attacks in Brussels.

    First minister Nicola Sturgeon said there was no specific threat and she urged people to "go about their daily business without fear".

    Brussels emergency services at scene
    Image caption,

    Scotland's police chief has urged the public to be 'sensibly vigilant' following the Brussels attacks

    Police Scotland asked the public to be "vigilant and alert, but not alarmed" in crowded places and transport hubs.

    All flights between Edinburgh and Brussels have been cancelled.

    The attack left about 34 people dead and 250 wounded.

  14. Background: The motion of condolence from the first ministerpublished at 09:56 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's motion of condolence: 

    "That the Parliament expresses its heartfelt condolences, and those of the people of Scotland, to all those affected by the appalling terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016;

    stands in solidarity with the people of Belgium, and all those communities that have been the victims of terrorism in recent weeks, including the people of Turkey following the terrorist attacks in Ankara;

    reaffirms its commitment to a diverse and multicultural society, and calls on people across Scotland to unite as one community, both here at home and in solidarity with all those countries affected, to make clear that acts of terrorism will not succeed in dividing us or destroying the freedoms and way of life that we value so highly. "   

    people holding Belgian flag in city after attacksImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    There is sorrow in the city but also defiance against those responsible

  15. Motion of condolencepublished at 09:48 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Holyrood's party leaders begin today by offering their condolences to the people of Belgium following the Brussels attacks in which about 34 people died.

    Holyrood's flags flying at half mast as a mark of respect after the Brussels attacks.
    Image caption,

    Holyrood's flags flying at half mast as a mark of respect after the Brussels attacks

    Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has opened a book of condolence for MSPs, staff and visitors to sign while flags are flying at half mast outside the Scottish Parliament.

  16. Final day at Holyrood before the election: Analysispublished at 09:47 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2016

    Glenn Campbell
    BBC Scotland Political Correspondent

    At Holyrood, party leaders will offer their condolences to the people of Belgium following the Brussels attack - as MSPs gather for the last day of parliamentary business before the election. 

    Flags are flying at half mast outside the Scottish Parliament. 

    Inside, Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has opened a book of condolence for MSPs, staff and visitors to sign. 

    A vigil for the victims was held in the Place de la Bourse, BrusselsImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    A vigil for the victims was held in the Place de la Bourse, Brussels

    At ten this morning, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will reflect on the terrorist attacks in the Holyrood chamber. 

    Labour's Kezia Dugdale, the Conservative's Ruth Davidson, the Liberal Democrat's Willie Rennie and Alison Johnstone of the Greens will also offer their sympathies. 

    It's only four months since Scottish party leades spoke in similar terms after the Paris attacks. 

    Today's tributes come before the last Holyrood question time ahead of the election. 

    Scottish ParliamentImage source, Scottish Parliament
    Image caption,

    The Scottish Parliament will go into dissolution at midnight tonight.

    MSPs are to be piped out of parliament as the six week campaign gets underway. 

  17. Coming up today in the chamber today...............published at 18:33 Greenwich Mean Time 22 March 2016

    MSPs will debate a motion of condolence for the families and friends of the victims of the Brussels attack from 10am this morning.

    The aftermath in the departures hall at Brussels Zaventem airport following the explosionsImage source, Horst Pilger
    Image caption,

    The aftermath in the departures hall at Brussels Zaventem airport following the explosions

    Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Alex Rowley will then lead a member’s debate on water safety in Scotland.

    This will be followed by portfolio questions, focusing on fair work, skills and training and social justice, communities and pensioner’s rights.

    Nicola Sturgeon, Kezia Dugdale, Ruth Davidson and Willie RennieImage source, Scottish Parliament
    Image caption,

    Opposition party leaders quiz Nicola Sturgeon during first minister's questions, forthe final time this session.

    Next up general questions, followed by the final first minister’s questions of this parliamentary session.

    At 12.30pm party leaders speak to a motion of thanks. 

    SNP MSP Stuart McMillan will then lead out all the MSPs playing the bagpipes, bringing to an end this fourth session of the parliament.

  18. Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Livepublished at 18:11 Greenwich Mean Time 22 March 2016

    Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on 23 March 2016, the final day of the parliamentary session.

    Holyrood's chamberImage source, Scottish Parliament