Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Kate forbes asks about plans to reduce the use of single-use disposable plastics such as plastic straws.

The first minister says: "We are determined to fight the blight of plastic."

She points to the plastic cotton bud proposals announced today, and the appointment of an expert group.

Ms Forbes says Sunnyside and Ullapool primary schools elimated plastic straws in a month but Theresa May has talked about it taking 25 years.

The first minister congratulates the pupils of Sunnyside and Ullapool primary schools.

Image source, AFP

Promised changes to the UK government's EU Withdrawal Bill that would reflect concerns over its impact on devolution will be delayed, it has been confirmed.

Scottish Secretary David Mundelltold MPs last month, externalthat the amendments would happen during next week's report stage in the House of Commons.

However, he has now said the changes will not happen until the bill reaches the House of Lords.

He also said the government remained committed to improving the bill.

Government sources said that the resignation of Damian Green - who had been leading talks with the devolved administrations - from his Cabinet Office post, coupled with the festive break, had caused the timetable to slip.

The Scottish government has said an EU Continuity Bill is likely to be introduced at Holyrood next month.

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SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon calls on the chamber to unite around calls to amend Clause 11 of the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Nicola Sturgeon says a promise on the amendment has been broken and adds: "We need to see amendments without further delay."

"Clause 11 of the Bill is a power grab."

She reiterates the Scottish government will not recommend to parliament approve the Bill without an amendment.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay asks when the children's ward at St John's Hospital will reopen.

Ms Sturgeon says the situation is to ensure safety for patients.

The first minister says as soon as the recruitment challenges are met the ward will reopen.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame - who seems a little shocked to have been called - highlights a BBC Scotland documentary on bankruptcy cheats and calls for a review of the process.

The first minister agrees to consider bankruptcy legislation and regulation.

Mr Rennie says the first minister has a "brass neck" and says the plans she has outlined should have been instigated already.

The Scottish Lib Dem leader says:

• 3,000 Scots waiting
• 1,000 people stuck in hospital due to lack of home care

Mr Rennie says staff in the NHS are having to deal with circumstances Ms Sturgeon caused. The first minister hits back saying:

• health service budget up to record levels
• NHS staff levels up to record levels
• health service in Scotland best performing of anywhere in the UK

Image source, Thinkstock

Last month, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the draft budget 2018-19.

This is what he announced for the health portfolio:

• Health resource funding will increase by £400m, bringing the total to £13bn
• £110m for primary care
• Mental health investment will increase by £17m, with a pledge to deliver 800 new mental health workers
• £550m to support social care delivery via integrated joint boards and NHS funding

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Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie says the pressure facing the NHS was largely predictable.

He also raises the issue of Tom Wilson saying Ms Sturgeon has failed the NHS.

The first minister accuses Mr Rennie of staggering hypocrisy, saying his party was the co-architect of austerity.

Ms Sturgeon repeats her answers on the NHS that she gave to Mr Leonard and Ms Davidson.

She says: "We have the best perfomring NHS in the UK."

Image source, Getty Images

Petrochemical firm Ineos has launched a legal challenge to the Scottish government's effective ban on fracking.

Ministers announced the prohibition in October 2017, and it was subsequentlyendorsed by a vote of MSPs.

Ineos Shale has applied for a judicial review of the decision, citing "serious concerns" about its legitimacy.

The Scottish government argues that it took a "careful and considered approach" while coming to the decision, with "detailed assessment of evidence".

Read more here.

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Mr Harvie says plastic pollution is connected to the additction to oil and gas.

The Scottish Green Party co-convener warns that one company wants to leave rigs in the sea and he points to Ineos's attempt to reverse the ban on fracking.

He says the first minister must embrace a fossil fuel free future for Scotland.

The first minister says the oil and gas industry must be supported as there are many jobs reliant on it.

She says: "We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from oil and gas."

Ms Sturgeon says the governent is confident in its fracking ban.

Image source, Clare Cavers

The sale and manufacture of plastic-stemmed cotton buds is to be banned under new Scottish government plans.

The move follows concerns about the number of buds being washed up on beaches after being flushed down toilets.

Most major retailers have already switched to paper-stemmed buds following a campaign but plastic ones are still being sold.

Read more here.

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Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie says it is welcome to see both the UK and Scottish government's reacting to growing concern about plastic pollution.

Mr Harvie says the Scottish government are focusing on plastic cotton buds but says the issue is much more serious than that.

He says there is a danger of blaming pollution on consumers and not industry.

The first minister agrees but says both must address the problem and the Scottish government is looking at the issue.

She points to the government's introduction of a plastic bag levvy.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Bob Doris says tomorrow Maryhill jobcentre will close its doors for the final time causing damage to the community.

The first minister says she does not support the plans to close job centres in Glasgow.

She says the Scottish government continues to try to mitigate welfare cuts and calls for comprehensive welfare powers for Scotland.

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Labour MSP Johann Lamont raises the increase in bus fares in Glasgow and urges the First Minister to re-regulate buses.

The first minister points to plans to look at re-regulation to improve bus services.

Ms Sturgeon says bus operators must "reach their own decisions" but the government will look to discuss the matter with them.

Image source, bbc

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard highlights the case of 80-year-old Tom Wilson, who he says fell on New Year’s Day and lay bleeding for more than three hours while waiting for an ambulance.

Mr Leonard asks what the first minister will do to fix the mess she has made of the NHS.

Ms Sturgeon says Jeremy Corbyn blamed Westminster for the situation with the NHS in Wales in PMQs yesterday.

"I take absolute responsibility for our health service", she adds.

Ms Sturgeon also apologised to Mr Wilson and anyone who does not get the standard of care they expect.