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Tory MSP Alexander Stewart praises the CPG report 'A Focus on Atrial Fibrllation in Scotland' and its recommendations.

Mr Stewart says MSPs must fight hand in hand with the BHF against atrial fibrillation.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth says 96,000 people in Scotland are currently diagnosed with AF and rates are expected to rise due to the ageing population.

Noting AF increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and heart failures, Mr Smyth suggests too few people are aware of the symptoms of it.

Up to 50,000 people in Scotland are living with undiagnosed AF, he says.

The Labour MSP stresses the benefits of early diagnosis of AF since stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Scotland.

Moving to support, he notes many patients do not receive sufficient information on treatments and pathways.

Mr Smyth suggests community pharmacies could play an increasing role on AF by reviewing medication.

The cross-party group on heart disease and stroke held an inquiry into atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis, treatment and care.

Its final report, external was published in 23 January.

Image source, cross-party group on heart disease and stroke

The CPG made ten recommendations to the Scottish government:

1. Target AF case-finding programmes for those most at risk
2. Address the shortage of cardiac physiologists
3. Invest in the use of proven technologies within clinical practice to detect AF
4. Work with stakeholders in primary and secondary care to create clear and consistent clinical pathways
5. Promote and support health boards to implement specialised AF services
6. Imbed consistent and effective data capture
7. Support the development and implementation of IT software solutions
8. Ensure that all health care professionals have the necessary information about AF
9. Work with clinicians, researchers, third sector and people affected by AF to find the most effective methods to raise awareness
10. Ensure that people with AF and at risk of AF receive relevant, tailored information and support

Labour MSP Colin Smyth begins his members' business debate on atrial fibrillation (AF).

His motion highlights:

• 145,000 people across the country are affected by AF
• the disease increases the risk of stroke fivefold
• welcomes a report on AF by the CPG on heart disease and stroke

Image source, Scottish parliament

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This afternoon's time for reflection is being delivered by Commissioner Keith Banks of The Salvation Army.

A slightly earlier start that normal this afternoon, with Labour MSP Colin Smyth leading his rescheduled members debate on atrial fibrillation at 1.15pm.

After a topical question on the adverse weather at 2pm, Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville will give a statement on widening access to higher education.

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The Scottish government will then lead debates on the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order and the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Relief from Additional Amount) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.

SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon end the day with a debate on the LEADER Programme.

Image source, Alamy

Labour MSP Neil Findlay says 40 years of integration with the EU is proving difficult to unravel and asks the minister if it has given him cause to reconsider unraveling 300 years of union with the UK.

Convener Graham Simpson intervenes saying the question was "a little bit mischievous".

"I would simply say preparation and thoughtfulness, neither of which we have seen from the UK", says the minister.

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Mr Russell says the continuity bill could be withdrawn up until Stage 1, which is of course tomorrow.

Then it would have to be down to the parliament to decided to withdraw it, he says.

There are vast areas in Scottish life where there are serious concerns around Brexit, reiterates Mr Russell.

He says whether the EU Withdrawal Bill goes forward or this continuity bill goes forward it will only be the beginning of major change.

Committee convener Graham Simpson turns to section 28 which focuses on "exit day".

Michael Russell says this bill will mirror whatever the EU Withdrawal Bill sets the date as.

However, he suggests 29 March 2019 is "not set in stone" and therefore it is wise to wait until it is clear.

Mr Simpson argues exit day is clearly the day that UK leaves the EU but the continuity bill suggests exit day is when Scottish ministers say it is.

Mr Russell says he is happy to look at an amendment on this section, adding there was no intention for the Scottish government to decide differently from the UK.

The convener says an amendment must be brought forward on this.

Scotland's Lord Advocate has defended the "continuity bill" brought forward by ministers as part of an ongoing row over post-Brexit powers.

Holyrood's presiding officer has said the bill falls outwith the Scottish Parliament's remit.

But top lawyer James Wolffe said the bill was "carefully framed" to be in line with UK and EU law.

The government intends to press ahead with the legislation even without the backing of the presiding officer.

Read more.

Committee convener Graham Simpson ask why Mr Russell has kept the procedures in the EU Withdrawal Bill, that had caused concerns, in section 19 of the continuity bill.

Mr Russell says: "We are very open to discussion and seeing if there is more we can do."

Luke McBratney from the Scottish government says the arrangements for fees and charges will be reflected on.

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Mr Simpson laughs and reminds the witnesses that the Stage 1 debate is tomorrow.

Join us for extensive coverage from 3.10pm tomorrow, you know you want to!

The minister says: "With the greatest respect I am also aware of the timetable apon us."

Labour MSP Neil Findlay asks about section 13 which would empower ministers to extend the period for Scottish law to keep pace with post-withdrawal EU law.

The minister says the Scottish government would make a recommendation to do so but it would need to be agreed by parliament.

Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political reporter

Scottish ministers have published a "continuity bill" as the latest feature of their ongoing row with the UK government over post-Brexit powers. What is the continuity bill, how would it work, and what might happen next?

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What's the background to this row?

At present, there are a whole raft of powers which are technically devolved, but which are exercised from Brussels as they fall into EU-wide frameworks for issues like agriculture and fisheries.

When the UK leaves the EU, these powers will be coming back from Brussels - and the Holyrood and Westminster governments are at loggerheads over how this will happen.

First there was a row over where the powers would go in the first instance, before some are incorporated into UK-wide frameworks and others are just left with the devolved administrations.

Read the rest of Philip Sim's explainer here.

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Mr Russell says the real issue that needs to be examined is the way EU law is applied and the way it is intended to apply.

The Brexit minister says the bill is designed to deal with exceptional circumstances.

Mr Russell says the continuity bill will allow flexibility in areas of importance like the environment and human rights.

Committee convener Graham Simpson asks if the minister is saying that on leaving the EU, he would want Scotland to take on board EU laws as they change.

That would be a thing ministers could bring to the parliament says Mr Russell.

Image source, House of Lords

A House of Lords committee, external last September concluded: "The [European Union (Withdrawal)] Bill contains unacceptably wide Henry VIII powers, including allowing Ministers to amend or repeal the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill by statutory instrument.

"The Bill contains insufficient parliamentary scrutiny of many of the law-making powers given to Ministers, including the setting of exit day.

"Parliament should be given a greater say on the procedure applicable to regulations made by Ministers under the Bill.

"The Government should bring forward separate Bills to confer on the devolved institutions competencies repatriated from the EU. It is inappropriate for an issue of such constitutional importance to be left to secondary legislation."

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