The health committee takes evidence on how the NHS purchases medicines
Topical questions sees queries about the Police Scotland budget and HIAL air traffic control
A statement on the veterans strategy
MSPs debate the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill for the final time
An SNP MSP leads a debate on Robert Burns
Labour MSP Mark Griffin raises guidance urging social landlords on giving priority to service leavers.
How many local authorities and social landlords have amended their policies as a result, he asks.
Mr Dey says he will write back to the member with the figure, but points to good practice from some councils.
On 14 November, the Scottish government, along with the other governments of the United Kingdom, launched the Strategy For Our Veterans, external. The strategy sets out the vision, principles and aims which will drive our support for veterans in the future. It covers 6 themes, as follows:
Tory MSP Maurice Golden joins the minister in celebrating what veterans have to offer Scotland and he welcomes the coordination with the UK and Welsh governments.
He asks if the Scottish government intends to respond to their responses to the strategy.
"I do try to take a consensual approach," replies the minister, who pledges to respond.
Mr Dey is to meet his UK government counterpart Johnny Mercer next week to look at how to improve the lives of veterans.
Image source, UK governmentThe veterans strategy, published in November 2018, is a UK-wide document supported by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments.
It sets out a shared vision and principles with regards to veterans across the country.
But delivery of the strategy will look different in each part of the country, with each government tasked with gathering data to support implementation.
The overarching vision of the strategy was to ensure veterans and their families "transition smoothly back into civilian life and contribute fully to a society that understands and values what they have done and what they have to offer".
Mr Dey says veterans are an asset to society.
The strategy sets out what the Scottish government will do to improve support says the minister, though he highlights the consultation found no significant gap in services.
He says there is a need to ensure continued engagement on the strategy and therefore parliament will be annually updated.
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Image source, Scottish governmentVeterans Minister Graeme Dey announces the Scottish government has published its strategy for veterans, external.
The strategy recognises the importance of supporting our armed forces and their families, explains the minister.
Mr Dey says the strategy sets clear goals until 2028 to support our current and future veterans.
Image source, Getty ImagesVeterans Minister Graeme Dey will now deliver an update on the strategy for veterans.
The UK government, along with the devolved administrations, published the veterans strategy, external in 2018. The Scottish government has been consulting on how to meet its aims since.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says regular discussions are had with HIAL and decisions about modernising air traffic control were based on independent analysis of options available.
This is a major change technically and personally for staff, he says.
Mr McArthur says the option being pursued has been identified as the riskiest option and points to staff threatening to leave the organisation.
Any new approach will be considered by the Civil Aviation Authority who are the experts on safety, says Mr Matheson.
The Lib Dem MSP insists by the time the CAA gets involved millions will have been wasted and staff will have voted with their feet.
I expect HIAL to continue to engage with staff and trade unions on this matter, the transport secretary replies.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant argues HIAL has not engaged with the local communities.
Image source, REUTERSAir traffic control for five Scottish regional airports is to be undertaken centrally from Inverness, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd has announced.
The move involves Sumburgh, Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall and Stornoway.
Hial said the change, which would be phased in, would modernise air traffic control.
But the union Prospect said the plan puts 60 jobs at risk and described it as "poorly thought through".
Image source, STUART NICOLThe changes will see the level of air traffic service at Benbecula and Wick John O'Groats downgraded to that currently used at Hial airports in Campeltown, Islay, Tiree and Barra (pictured).
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur asks what discussions the Scottish government has had with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited regarding the announcement of plans to centralise air traffic control services.
Labour MSP James Kelly says some of our police stations are falling apart and calls for the budget to ensure the police estate is fit for purpose.
Mr Yousaf accuses Mr Kelly of hyperbole when he says police stations are falling apart.
The justice secretary calls on the Labour MSP to engage with the budget process.
He cites a 52% increase in Police Scotland's capital budget.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf says the budget has increased to £1.2bn in 2019/20.
He points to increases in officer numbers and insists government will continue to support the police service in the next budget round.
Mr Kerr insists budgets have been "cut to the bone" and calls for £50m extra to be provided to maintain officer numbers.
The cabinet secretary says the police budget has been protected in real terms and crime is at a record low as a result.
No answer to comments made by the chief constable, hits back Mr Kerr.
He calls for investment in the police estate.
Mr Yousaf points to pay increases given to officers before criticising crime rates and a reduction in officer numbers in England and Wales.
Image source, bbcChief Constable Iain Livingstone
From the Telegraph, external:
"Police Scotland’s annual budget is down £200 million since the devolved force was created, amid warnings that current officer numbers are “not sustainable”.
"Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) that hundreds of millions of pounds have been removed from “the core cost of policing” since Police Scotland came into being in April 2013.
"His funding concerns were echoed by vice chair of the SPA watchdog, David Crichton, who said that a “structural deficit” within the force is making current officer numbers untenable.
"The warnings come ahead of a busy year for Scottish officers, who will have to police the UN’s COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, Euro 2020 football matches, major environmental protests and the “growing” number of loyalist marches."
Tory MSP Liam Kerr asks what the Scottish government's response is to the Chief Constable’s recent remarks to the Scottish Police Authority regarding the Police Scotland budget.
Image source, bbc/PA/Getty Images
Image source, bbcFather John Eagers
Father John Eagers, from St. James RC Church in Renfrew, delivers today's time for reflection.
2.05pm: Topical questions will see queries about the Police Scotland budget and HIAL air traffic control
2.20-2.50pm: Ministerial Statement: The Strategy for Our Veterans – Taking the Strategy Forward
Image source, PA WireChildren holding giant poppies joined a war veteran during the Remembrance Day service at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh
2.50-5.45pm:Stage 3 Proceedings: Scottish National Investment Bank
5.45pm:Members’ Business: Joan McAlpine – Robert Burns in the Scottish Economy
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