Image source, British Lung Foundation

MSPs are marking World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, which fell on 20 November 2019.

This year’s theme is All Together to End COPD.

COPD is a group of conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema, that make it difficult to empty air out of the lungs because the airways become narrowed.

It is a progressive and long-term lung condition without a cure, which currently affects a recorded 141,140 people in Scotland, with many more people who are undiagnosed.

The first minister replies: "No-one should go hungry or have to rely on food banks in Scotland."

Ms Sturgeon says there should be no zero hours contracts.

Ms Grant says there has been a 10% rise of people employed on zero hours contracts and she calls for them to be outlawed in procurement in the public sector.

The first minister says the proportion of people on a zero-hours contract has fallen and a fair approach will be taken going forward.

She adds: "Legislation on employment is reserved to Westminster."

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant raises reports that one in 20 households that use food banks have an unstable income due to self-employment or being on a zero-hour contract.

Image source, Shauna Gauntlett

Shauna Gauntlett was a care assistant in Dundee when the company she worked for went through financial troubles.

In the run-up to Christmas, the company cut her hours, leaving her unable to pay for food or her bills.

"I should be able to have enough money to feed myself while being in work," Shauna said.

But with no savings or safety net the reduced income meant she had to visit a food bank in Dundee.

Read more.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan says "it's a bit rich" for the Tories to claim credit for this progress and he welcomes the Scottish government's intervention with Ferguson Marine.

"I couldn't agree more," replies Ms Sturgeon.

She says there are remaining challenges for Ferguson Marine but it wouldn't exist anymore without the government's action.

The first minister hails Scotland's proud heritage in shipbuilding.

Murdo Fraser highlights the £1.25bn contract win from Babcock to assemble warships in Fife.

The Tory MSP asks how many frigates would be built in an independent Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon argues that Scotland will support the shipbuilding industry as an independent country, pointing out many independent countries.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell cites a 15-year delay in decommissioning nuclear submarines at Faslane which has cost billions.

That's a matter for the UK government and the MOD, replies Ms Sturgeon.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asks how the government is supporting shipbuilding in Fife and across Scotland.

Image source, Getty Images

The race to design and build a new generation of Royal Navy frigates has been won by engineering firm Babcock.

The company has confirmed the signing of the formal contract is complete.

It has been named preferred bidder for the £1.25bn contract for five Type 31 warships.

The deal secures hundreds of jobs at Rosyth in Fife, where the ships will be assembled, with construction work expected to be spread between yards across the UK.

The first minister highlights the importance of carers and the contribution they make to society.

Ms Sturgeon says the public health minister has launched the carer toolkit in Glasgow today, while the social security secretary has announced that the next payment of the carers supplement will be paid before Christmas.

Mr Arthur says caring can feel overwhelming and stressful, and he asks how the Scottish government is supporting carers.

"We can never ever repay them in full but we have an obligation to provide them with the help and support they need," replies the first minister.

She details a range of policies, including the young carer grant.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur asks how the Scottish government is recognising Carers Rights Day.

Image source, SPL

Today marks the annual Carers Rights Day.

It aims to raise awareness of carers' rights, direct carers to places they can get help and support, and boost awareness of the needs of carers.

• 'Lack of consistency' warning over funding

• A day in the life of a young carer
• Carers quitting jobs from pressure

SNP MSP Christine Grahame says this week is Scottish Book Trust week and asks for the first minister's favourite Scots word.

Ms Grahame plumps for bourach.

"Och I can't," replies Ms Sturgeon, joking that's because she is scared she might say a rude word.

Image source, bbc

"Dreich" - meaning dull or gloomy - topped a poll to find Scotland's most iconic word, to mark Book Week Scotland, led by the Scottish Book Trust.

It beat contenders including "glaikit", "scunnered" and "shoogle".

Read more here.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay asks about the use of private firms to cover staff absences at NHS Lothian.

Ms Sturgeon replies the priority is to ensure wards are properly staffed and nurse banks sometimes have to be used to do that.

SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth asks if the first minister would ever be prepared to use nuclear weapons.

“No,” replies Ms Sturgeon, adding that nuclear weapons are “immoral” and “ineffective”.

Labour MSP Iain Gray highlights the fire in Bolton, saying students are concerned about the safety of their accommodation. He asks about a review of accommodation.

Ms Sturgeon agrees there is no room for complacency here and points to a working group set up in the light of the Grenfell tragedy to address these issues. The government is open to a review, she adds.

SNP MSP Angela Constance refers to comments from Home Secretary Priti Patel suggesting the government was not responsible for poverty.

The first minister says every government has a responsibility to tackle poverty and the Scottish government takes this seriously, pointing to £100m being spent to mitigate Tory welfare cuts.

Image source, bbc

Scottish Green Party co-parliamentary leader Alison Johnstone says fox hunting continues in Scotland 17 years after it was banned,

She calls for a real assurance that a fox hunting ban will be introduced before the end of this parliament.

Ms Sturgeon outlines legislation to be brought forward that will address this, incorporating Alison Johnstone’s consultation on the issue.

Ms Johnstone says instead of action we have delays.

Tory MSP Gordon Lindhurst asks about the proposed removal of concessionary fares for over 60s and disabled people being considered by Edinburgh council.

Ms Sturgeon says this is a matter for the council, but she offers to look into the matter.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon says there is not enough pediatric cancer care provision in Scotland due to the ward closure in Glasgow, highlighting a child receiving treatment in England as a result.

The first minister says work is under way to get the wards reopened and the clinical safety is "paramount".

Tory MSP Alexander Burnett says Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action's budget has been frozen.

I wish we weren't in a position where we've had to freeze budgets, says the first minister, but says resources available to the government have been reduced because of Tory austerity.

Labour MSP James Kelly raises the issue of the tragic death of a homeless man in Glasgow found dead in a car park in freezing conditions.

He says Shelter Scotland are highlighting 47 deaths of homeless people in Glasgow in the last year on the front page of The Herald, adding that this is a scandal that shames Scotland.

Mr Kelly calls for action to ensure the city council does not ignore homeless people.

The first minister says the Scottish government is determined to work with councils to ensure no-one has to sleep on Scotland's streets.

Ms Sturgeon says the initial information about the incident in Glasgow is that the person was not homeless.

Discussion on funding to open the winter shelters are ongoing, she adds.

Tory MSP Annie Wells says Sam, a 13-year-old tragically diagnosed with leukemia, could not be treated in Glasgow due to the QEUH wards being closed.

Sam had to be transferred to Edinburgh Sick Kid's hospital, says Ms Wells.

She asks how many children are having to cross the border for urgent cancer care.

Ms Sturgeon expresses her best to wishes to Sam and explains that the wards at the QEUH are closed due to safety concerns.