Scotland has exceeded a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% - six years early.

New statistics show its 2014 emission levels were 45.8% lower than in 1990.

The Scottish government had set a target to reduce emissions by at least 42% by 2020, and 80% by 2050.  

Image source, Getty Images

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham welcomed the statistics and confirmed that the government would now set a "new and more testing 2020 target".

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had already pledged to raise the 2020 climate target from 42% to more than 50%.

The figures published on the Scottish government's website also revealed that Scotland met its annual climate change targets for the first time since 2010.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham begins her statement on greenhouse gas emissions.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur asks for reassurances about the information used by the Scottish Recording Centre.

Mr Matheson again says the way that GCHQ, which he says the reports relate to, fall under the auspices of the UK government.

Mr Finnie says the justice secretary is obliged to uphold the Human Rights Act and must confirm the police operate under its auspices.

The justice secretary says the police operations are compliant with ECHR.

John Finnie says the cabinet secretary must defend the privacy of those living in Scotland.

Mr Matheson details the safeguards when it comes to surveillance in Scotland.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says there is a balance to be struck on this issue.

Image source, bbc

According to The National newspaper reports leaked by US whistleblower Edward Snowden have revealed how UK mass surveillance of phone and internet activity was accessed by Scottish police forces, external.

The paper says the documents confirm that the Scottish Recording Centre (SRC) was given access to information logs that include millions of communications data, including phone activity, internet histories and social media behaviour on Facebook.

Scottish Green MSP John Finnie asks the Scottish government what its response is to reports of concerns about the threat to individuals' privacy arising from the surveillance activities of the Scottish Recording Centre.  

Ms Sturgeon calls on everyone to turn up and take part in Pride marches. 

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie says the strongest possible message must be sent to the haters that "we will not be intimidated".

Ms Sturgeon agrees with Scottish Lib Dem leader and says she welcomes any suggestions to help reach that end.

The first minister says she too was sad to see the rainbow flag flying at half mast in Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon says she backs the campaign for inclusive education and she will work to make sure the environment for young people growing up is one in which they feel comfortable. 

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie refers to the vigil in Glasgow and says he can't express how he felt to see the Rainbow flag at half mast on the City Chambers.

Mr Harvie asks how long it will be before all schools actively promote the equality and dignity of all young people including LGBTI young people. 

The first minister thanks Mr Sarwar for his comments and says she is acutely aware that the Muslim community feels the same horror as she does.

Ms Sturgeon says the Islamic faith is another victim of this horror.

Scottish Labour MSP Anas Sarwar says this tragedy comes during Ramadan when people are making sacrifices for their faith.

Mr Sarwar asks the first minister to join him in condemning the violence.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson abhors the extreme hate behind the Orlando attacks.

Ms Davidson calls for tolerance and acceptance in Scotland to be upheld.

The first minister says the attack was a terror attack and a homophobic attack.

She agrees with the Scottish Conservative leader on the importance of tolerance and acceptance and she says she has been heartened by the Muslim community expressing their abhorrence at the attack.

"Hate and hate crime will not be cannot be tolerated."

Ms Baker calls for a further breakdown of LGBTI hate crimes.

The first minister commits to making sure further analysis takes place.

Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker says the Scottish Crime Figure statistics show there has been a rise in hate crimes in relation to sexual orientation and asks what is being done.

Ms Sturgeon says Ms Baker is absolutely right that there is no room for complacency with the 20% increase.

The first minister says the government will increase action across a range of fronts, including education and on funding LGBTI organisations.

She says "Scotland is making progress in becoming a fairer and more equal society", but there is clearly still work to be done.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expresses her condolences to the families who lost loved one in the Orlando attack.

Ms Sturgeon says this was the worse targeted attack on LGBTI people in the West in recent times.

She says she will stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTI community here and across the world.

The first minister says there are already strong laws against hate crimes.

Ms Sturgeon says we must reaffirm the kind of country we live in today where "hate crime will simply not be tolerated".

There has been a rise in sexual orientation hate crimes in 2015/16 compared with 2014/15 reported to Scotland's prosecution service. 

There were 1,020 charges reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to sexual orientation, up 20% on the previous year.

Image source, bbc

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "There is no place in Scotland for any crime motivated by prejudice, be it racial, religious, homophobic or any other form of intolerance."

Talking ahead of topical questions Scottish Labour's justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said: "It is deeply concerning to see a rise in hate crime in Scotland.

"It is clear the Scottish Government must take greater action to reverse the increase in these crimes."

Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker asks the Scottish government what action it is taking to tackle hate crimes against LGBTI people.