Holyrood Live: Existing Sick Kids' Hospital to undergo inspection

Summary

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirms the existing Sick Kids' Hospital in Edinburgh will be inspected to ensure it is safe for the next year
The Scottish Tories led a debate on NHS infrastructure and health spokesperson Miles Briggs sought assurance other project would not be delayed
The public inquiry into the new hospital and QEUH in Glasgow was welcomed
Earlier, the Electoral Commission reiterates its call to test the question of a future independence referendum

Live Reporting

Craig Hutchison and Louise Wilson

Panel welcome intent of billpublished at 09:45 British Summer Time 18 September 2019
Image source, bbc
Image caption,
Convener Bruce Crawford
Convener Bruce Crawford asks whether the witnesses agree with the policy intent behind the Referendums Bill.
Pete Wildman from the Scottish Assessors Association says creating a framework for all referendums is welcome as it will ensure different approaches are not taken.
Chris Highcock of the Electoral Management Board says the UK has a history of piecemeal and fragmented election legislation, so the more it can be brought together the better it will be for the electorate.
Mark Conaghan of SOLAR says consistency and notice are the most important aspect for elections.
And we're off...published at 09:36 British Summer Time 18 September 2019
Committee convener Bruce Crawford introduces:
- Andy Hunter from the Association of Electoral Administrators, external
- Pete Wildman of the Scottish Assessors Association, external
- Chris Highcock from the Electoral Management Board, external
- Mark Conaghan from the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR), external
Background: Indyref2 'framework' bill published at Holyroodpublished at 09:33 British Summer Time 18 September 2019
Image source, Getty Images
Legislation which could pave the way for a new Scottish independence referendum has been tabled at Holyrood.
The Scottish government wants to put the question of independence to a new public vote in the second half of 2020.
However, the Referendums (Scotland) Bill does not set a date or question, with ministers seeking agreement with the UK government
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "now more than ever it is essential that we keep Scotland's options open".
Read more.
Committee begins shortlypublished at 09:27 British Summer Time 18 September 2019
The Finance and Constitution Committee is continuing to take evidence on the Referendums (Scotland) Bill.
Today it is hearing from election experts, including the Electoral Commission - the UK watchdog.
Read the committee papers here., external
And more about the bill here., external
Welcome to Holyrood Live!published at 12:24 British Summer Time 16 September 2019
Image source, Reuters
Welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 18 September 2019.
The Finance and Constitution Committee continue its scrutiny of the Referendums (Scotland) Bill this morning.
After lunch, education and health ministers face a grilling at portfolio questions.
Then the Scottish Tories have to floor, splitting their debate time between health and justice.
Tory MSP Miles Briggs will end the day with his member's debate on the Children's Hospice Across Scotland.