Mr Bibby says training is not on the face of the bill and the costs have been a major concern.

He says specialist skills could be lost and he says there is not enough clarity or transparency about training in the Bill.

The Labour MSP says his amendments are an improvement and he presses them and the parliament is suspended for five minutes.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says the government cannot support Neil Bibby's amendments.

Mr Yousaf says the government does not attempt to determine the qualifications the police should have, these are operational matters.

He says the chief constable has the responsibility to ensure police officers have the necessary training.

Green MSP John Finnie says he wonders if training should be on the face of any Bill.

Mr Finnie says he accepts that these amendments were tabled due to safety concerns.

He says he supports safety but this training should not be on the face of the Bill.

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson says the areas in which the amendments would apply are too extensive.

Mr Stevenson says with recent security concerns it is important to deploy police to stations quickly and this may not be possible with this amendment.

The SNP MSP says this amendment would mean police officers cannot be deployed to any area of the station.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby moves amendments on personal track safety training.

Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell rises to say the Scottish Conservatives will support this group of amendments.

• Legislation for a Scottish independence referendum would not be brought "immediately" to parliament.
• In the meantime, she said she would "redouble" efforts to secure the best possible Brexit deal for Scotland
• She reiterated a view that Scotland should remain in the European single market.
• Ms Sturgeon continued to be "strongly committed" to Scotland having a choice on its future at the end of the Brexit process
• The first minister recognised people wanted greater clarity about the implications of Brexit to emerge before they reconsidered the independence question

Labour MSP Neil Bibby presses his amendment that there must be consultation with trade unions.

Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani asks if there is agreement on amendment one.

The amendment is unanimously agreed.

Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell says it is right and absolutely essential that extra-ordinary provision is put on the face of the bill to include trade unions.

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles says the amendments from Neil Bibby redress the balance and welcomes the minister's amendments.

Image source, bbc

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says engagement with trade unions is already covered, but he says he recognises the value of putting that on the face of the bill.

Mr Yousaf says his amendments will put beyond doubt that trade unions like RMT and ASLEF but organisations representing police officers and the TSSA.

He backs some of Mr Bibby's amendments and asks the Labour MSP to withdraw amendment four.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Neil Bibby speaks to his amendments.

Mr Bibby says his party is against the merger and he says the omission of trade unions is a glaring one.

He says the interests of workers must be in the bill.

Mr Bibby says trade unions should be included in the minister's amendment if he is not to press his and he says unions must be included.

Robert Kilgour, founder of Scottish Business UK said:

"It’s a relief that the first minister has today announced that the prospect of another referendum on independence has been parked for the time being but they’ll be concerned that the engine is very much being kept running.

"So today’s decision will help in the short term, but the prospect of a return to a push for Indyref 2 as soon as next year will cause widespread concern."

Image source, PA

MSPs will now debate the Railway Policing Bill Stage 3 amendments.

Here is the list of amendments for Stage 3., external

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton asks if the cabinet secretary recognises that emotional support is not available across Scotland.

Ms Robison says there will be ongoing support for SANDS in their work.

Image source, ELLIOT SIMPSON/GEOGRAPH

A patient campaign group has written to the first minister calling for a public inquiry into the safety of Scottish maternity units.

The group, ASAP-NHS, said mothers and babies had been harmed by a failure to implement UK-wide health and safety legislation in Scotland.

A BBC investigation revealed what were described as the "unnecessary" deaths of six babies at Crosshouse Hospital.

The Scottish government said some of the campaigners' claims were wrong.

The final report of a review - ordered by Health Secretary Shona Robison - into the baby deaths at the Kilmarnock hospital is due to be published soon.

Families involved heard the key findings of the review last week , with some saying they were "disappointed" by the report which included recommendations for improvements within NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Read more here.

Alison Johnstone says she is glad the cabinet secretary praised SANDS.

Ms Johhstone asks how the government is drawing on the charity's expertise.

Ms Robison thanks SANDS for their support.

Image source, bbc

Health Secretary Shona Robison says HIS has extensive powers, including powers of intervention and it can close wards if it feels necessary.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson asks if the cabinet secretary accepts some of the bereaved feel their questions remain unanswered.

The health secretary says Mr Gibson makes some important points.

She adds that she will be meeting with families who wish to meet with her to try and tackle these questions.