Mr Leonard says given the first minister's track record she would probably hand back any powers she got.

The Scottish Labour leader argues Ms Sturgeon chooses not to use the social security powers she already has.

Isn't it the case that when it comes to choosing between protecting the poor and protecting her party, she always puts her party first.

If Richard Leonard does not see the link between constitutional issues and poverty he does not deserve to be in power, replies Ms Sturgeon.

Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political reporter

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a fresh independence referendum before the next Holyrood elections in 2021. How likely is this to happen, and what are the issues underpinning it?

Image source, PA

In May, Scottish Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell will set out plans for legislation to underpin a new referendum. This would be generic legislation for a vote, which could then be specifically shaped for a referendum at a later date.

Ms Sturgeon says her government "will aim for this legislation to be on the statute book by the end of the year" - something which should be possible with the support of the pro-independence Greens.

The first minister is also setting up a "Citizen's Assembly" to gather views from the public, and has reached out to opposition parties to see if there are any areas of consensus for constitutional change.

However, there remains an element of "wait and see" to the plans.

To start with, if there is a referendum at all it is contingent on what happens with Brexit - and clarity on that front could be months away.

Read more.

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The number of emergency parcels handed out by food banks in Scotland jumped by nearly a quarter over the last year, new figures indicate.

The Trussell Trust said its food banks provided more than 210,000 packages to people in crisis in 2018-19.

It was a 23% jump from the previous year and the charity described the situation as "unacceptable".

The UK government said it would be wrong to blame benefit changes or delays for the figures.

Read more here.

Mr Leonard says of course a lot of issues lie at the door of the Tory government, but insists the Scottish government has a lot of powers.

He calls for the first minister to fast track plans on the income supplement, adding she would have Labour’s support to do so.

Ms Sturgeon points to the UN rapporteur saying last year that it was “outrageous” that devolved governments have to mitigate UK government policies.

Is Mr Leonard suggesting the devolved government should use devolved money to plug the gaps left by the UK government, she asks.

The first minister asks Mr Leonard to join her in calling for full powers over welfare to be devolved.

Image source, bbc

Richard Leonard says this morning it is being reported that the number of emergency food parcels handed out by foodbanks has risen again.

The Scottish Labour leader says the Scottish government will not introduce an income supplement until 2022, but the first minister wants indyref2 before 2021.

What does this say about the first minister's priorities, he asks.

The first minister replies she wants the powers to tackle poverty and not left with the Tories.

"The rise in foodbank use is utterly unacceptable."

The Tory deputy leader says curriculum for excellence is only a few years old so its impact are only now becoming clear.

He points to Prof Jim Scott yesterday warning that there is in danger of a generation of young people not having a good experience of Scottish education.

The first minister suggests Mr Carlaw is talking down the achievements of young people, going on to highlight the broader range of vocational courses available.

Image source, bbc

Mr Carlaw says S4 is precisely where students should have the broadest choice of subjects.

The Scottish Conservative deputy leader says pupils at different levels are being taught together.

The first minister says because of the Curriculum for Excellence pupils get a broad range of subjects until S3.

Ms Sturgeon reiterates the record exam results and pupils leaving to positive destinations.

Mr Carlaw says breadth as well a depth matters when it comes to education.

He highlights evidence given to the Education Committee yesterday, where academics called for a mid-term review of the curriculum for excellence, as had been suggested in 2015.

Ms Sturgeon says Mr Carlaw is right when it comes to ensuring a good breadth of education - and adds it is important to have this across the entire senior phase, not just one year.

More young people are leaving school with qualifications, including those with five or more Highers, she adds.

“I will be the first to concede we’ve got more work to do,” she states, adding the government is getting on with it.

Image source, Getty Images

State schools in Scotland are cutting the number of exams pupils are allowed to sit, according to new research.

Reform Scotland says the number of National 4 and 5 courses which schoolchildren can take has reduced in recent years.

The situation has been described as the "unintended consequence" of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) by critics.

The Scottish government insisted it is the qualifications which pupils leave school with that matter the most.

Read more here.

Jackson Carlaw says he tackled the first minister about subject choices in state schools before the Easter recess.

The Scottish Conservative deputy leader asks if the first minister still thinks the reduction in the number of subject choices on offer is not a problem.

Nicola Sturgeon responds by saying that the percentage of pupils getting qualifications at Level 5 is up as is the percentage getting highers.

It's fairly likely Indyref2 will come up in some guise during FMQs.

Yesterday Nicola Sturgeon said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU.

The first minister told Holyrood that she would introduce legislation soon to set the rules for another vote.

But she indicated that she would need the agreement of the UK government before actually holding a referendum.

Downing Street has previously said it will not grant a new Section 30 order, which underpinned the 2014 referendum.

• Will there be indyref2 before May 2021?
• UK government 'will say no indyref2'
• What is the SNP's Brexit policy?
• Look back on the first minister's statement

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Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says the decision was taken by Loganair and the captain, in agreement with HIAL, to take off without ATC agreement.

It's not uncommon for Loganair's pilots to do this, but it is common for Kirkwall he adds.

Ms Grant insists it was "extremely concerning" and seeks assurance it will not happen again.

ATC cover at Kirkwall Airport is not part of its licensing condition, replies Mr Matheson.

On this occasion, HIAL and Logainair applied procedures and reported it to ensure appropriate regulations were deployed he adds.

According to The Orcadian..., external

"An investigation has been launched after a plane bound for Edinburgh departed Kirkwall Airport without air traffic control clearance.

"The incident occurred Friday [5 April] and involved a Saab 2000 aircraft with 33 passengers and three crew members onboard.

"The aircraft used “alternative procedures” available to them to allow the plane to depart, according to Loganair, who insist, along with the airport’s operators Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) that safety was not compromised."

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant asks about discussions with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited regarding the incident on 5 April 2019 when a plane left Kirkwall Airport without air traffic control clearance.

Image source, BBc/Getty Images/PA/Scottish Parliament

Now for an array of queries to be put to ministers in general questions.

Read the full list of questions here., external

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First minister's questions will provide the usual entertainment from noon, to be followed by a sombre member's debate marking international workers' memorial day led by SNP MSP Bill Kidd.

After lunch, culture and tourism ministers face portfolio questions before John Swinney makes a statement on compensation for elderly and terminally ill abuse survivors.

Then the Hutchesons' Hospital Transfer and Dissolution (Scotland) Bill undergoes its final stage, followed by a debate on the benefits of sport and physical activity.

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