Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Tom Mason thanks Mr Lochhead for bringing this debate to the chamber.

Mr Mason says when he wast treated for prostate cancer it was referred to as a journey, it was not exciting but it certainly was an adventure.

The Tory MSP says there must be a good balance between the phsyical and mental support for those diagnosed with cancer.

"It is vital that we support our scientists and our researchers for their commendable work."

Mr Lochhead thanks organisations which help support those diagnosed with cancer and their families, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Logan's Fund and Abbie's Sparkle Foundation, external.

He notes Abbie's Sparkle Foundation was set up to commemorate Abbie, who passed away Christmas Day after suffering from a rare form of sarcoma for over four years.

Mr Lochhead calls for focus to turn to the role of food in cancer prevention.

Image source, Rapideye

He notes only a quarter of adults are aware that being overweight is a causal factor and many people's underestimate the rates of obesity in Scotland.

It is clear parliament need to act to tackle overconsumptions, he argues.

Nine in ten parents believe supermarket promotions influence purchases, Mr Lochhead notes.

He urges parties to unite on action to tackle obesity and cancer.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead says anyone who has not had a diagnosis of cancer will know someone who has and how devastating it can be.

Mr Lochhead says when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer she said it "was like falling off a cliff".

In a powerful and emotional contribution, the SNP MSP praises the tremendous support from the NHS for people like his wife.

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This allows humour in such a difficult situation he says, remembering his wife suddenly handing him the dog clippers and asking him to shave her head, as she was fed up with clumps of hair coming out due to the chemotherapy.

Mr Lochhead says he never thought he would see the day she would ask that and adds he was certainly not to cut out to be a barber!

He adds at least he and his wife can look back on this moment with a smile.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead begins a debate on World Cancer Day 2018, which takes place on Sunday.

His motion:

• notes one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives
• highlights links between cancer, smoking and obesity
• recognises calls to regulate price promotions on junk food

Image source, Scottish parliament

The first minister says the safety of children and staff in schools is paramount.

She points to government investment in various violence prevention programmes, including No Knives Better Lives or Mentors in Violence Prevention.

Overall pupils are well behaved according to the recent report on behaviour in Scottish schools.

Ms Ballantyne points to Police Scotland figures on the number of pupils found carrying knives or other weapons.

What steps with the government take to bring this down, she asks.

Nicola Sturgeon says the Police Scotland figures are provisional but serve as a timely reminder to keep a focus on the issue.

She says there must be work with young people themselves in order to tackle the problem.

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Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne asks about action to reduce violence in schools.

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Ms Sturgeon says technological change offers challenges and opportunities and says the government is considering the report.

Mr Gibson asks how the Scottish government is supporting upskilling.

The first minister details the support the SNP is providing.

Image source, Getty Images

Automation could cost Scotland 230,000 jobs over the next decade, according to a report.

Jobs in Dundee are most at risk from the rise of robot labour, with Edinburgh and Aberdeen better placed to adapt to the changes ahead, it said.

The Cities Outlook report, external is an annual health-check of city economies and this year highlighted the potential impact of automation and globalisation.

It said 1 in 5 posts in Scottish cities could be displaced by 2030.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson raises the recent Centre for Cities report, which he says warns that automation and globalisation could displace 230,000 Scottish jobs by 2030.

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Scottish Labour councillor has "categorically denied" making racist remarks to the party's former leadership candidate Anas Sarwar.

Davie McLachlan had been leader of the Labour group on South Lanarkshire Council.

But he was suspended by the party on Tuesday after Mr Sarwar said a councillor had told him "Scotland wouldn't vote for a brown Muslim Paki".

In a statement, Mr McLachlan said he was "stunned" by the claims.

Mr McLachlan said: "I categorically deny these deeply hurtful allegations.

"I'm stunned and dismayed at the claims that I would say such things, and I will defend myself robustly in the party's investigation and in any actions that follow.

"Early in the campaign I pledged my support to Anas but later decided to support Mr Leonard. Anas will know this and would understandably be disappointed."

• Labour councillor suspended in Sarwar row
• Labour probes Sarwar Islamophobia claim

Read more here.

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Labour MSP Anas Sarwar says he has been inundated with stories of everyday racism and Islamophobia, including a pupil being afraid to go to school and a woman having her hijab "ripped off".

The cross-party group (CPG) on tackling Islamophobia was launched in Tuesday, he notes, and urges the first minister to work with the CPG to deal with such issues.

The first minister gives such a commitment and she commends Mr Sarwar for coming forward with his own story.

Any form of bigotry is unacceptable, she says.

Scotland should never presume to think it is immune from racism and we must unite against it, the first minister adds.

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SNP MSP Graeme Dey brings up Brexit and says the leaked analysis show broadly the same as the Scottish government analysis, which Ruth Davidson described as "over the top scaremongering".

Ms Sturgeon says Ms Davidson did not, in her heart of hearts, actually believe that, and describes the Tories as disgrace who should be out of office.

Image source, Police Scotland

The death of a woman who was murdered by her brother may have been prevented if police had responded to her 999 call properly, the police watchdog has said.

Elizabeth Bowe, 50, was strangled by Charles Gordon, 52, at her flat in St Andrews, Fife, on 17 September 2016.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) heard she called police for help before she was attacked.

Gordon was later jailed for life. He must serve at least 17 years in prison.

The Pirc heard Ms Bowe, who police described as a vulnerable person, had called officers at about 20:00 on the day she died - a full 90 minutes before they responded.

Read more.

Nicola Sturgeon points to Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingston suggesting Scotland was safer now than previously.

She says Pirc has refuted Mr Rennie's claims about interference.

It is important for local politicians to provide scrutiny of local policing, she adds.

On the broader issue of police reform, the first minister recognises challenges facing Police Scotland but notes crime is at a 40 year low.

She asks Willie Rennie to be clearer about the cases he is raising in order for her to respond.