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Nicola Sturgeon’s statement on General Election Result 17/12/19

Presiding Officer, with your permission, I wish to make a statement on the outcome of last week’s general election.

Let me begin by thanking the returning officers and everybody involved in organising the election.

Their efficiency, integrity and hard work, in this case at short notice, are essential to the smooth conduct of our democracy.

I also congratulate successful candidates, from all parties.

And I commiserate with unsuccessful candidates. As somebody who stood unsuccessfully in two Westminster general elections, I have a good understanding of how they feel.

In addition, it’s worth recognising that this was the first December general election in more than 90 years.

I suspect that the candidates and activists who are still thawing out will hope that it is some time until the next winter election.

However, notwithstanding the challenges of bad weather and dark nights, it is important to note that turnout in Scotland actually increased, a fact that I am sure will be welcomed by all of us.


Presiding officer,

The election was comprehensively won in Scotland by the SNP.

Indeed, you have to go as far back as the election of Ted Heath in 1970 – the year I was born – to find a party that got a higher share of the vote across the UK than the SNP did in Scotland last week.

That is, by any measure, a significant vote of confidence. I and my colleagues will work each and every day to repay the trust that has been placed in us.

It was also an endorsement of our election message – that Scotland does not want a Boris Johnson government and we don’t want to leave the EU; and that, while opinions may differ on the substantive question of independence, we do want Scotland’s future to be in Scotland’s hands.

By contrast, while the Conservative Party won a majority UK wide, they were once again heavily defeated here in Scotland, having fought the election on the single issue of opposition to an independence referendum.

They lost not just vote share, but also more than half of their seats.

In fact, the Conservatives have now lost 17 consecutive Westminster elections in Scotland – stretching back to 1959.

But in spite of that, we face a majority Tory government implementing a manifesto that Scotland rejected.

Furthermore, 74 per cent of votes in Scotland were cast for parties that either supported remaining in the EU or were in favour of a second EU referendum.

90 per cent of seats were won by pro EU or pro EU referendum parties.

But regardless, we are set to be dragged out of the EU against our will.

Presiding Officer, such a democratic deficit is not just undesirable, it is also completely and utterly unsustainable.

The fact is that this election demonstrated a fundamental point.

The kind of future desired by most people in Scotland is very clearly different to that favored by much of the rest of the UK.

It is essential therefore that a future outside of Europe and governed by an increasingly right wing Conservative government is not foisted upon Scotland.

Instead, we must have the right to consider the alternative of independence.

That is why, later this week, in line with repeated election mandates – reinforced once again on Thursday – I will publish the detailed democratic case for a transfer of power from Westminster to this Parliament to allow for an independence referendum that is beyond legal challenge.

This parliament will also vote on the final stage of the Referendums (Scotland) Bill which puts in place the framework for a future referendum.

There are already some signs that those who previously opposed an independence referendum are, when faced with the democratic reality of Thursday’s result, now re-thinking that position.

I welcome that. But let me be clear about this.

I do not assume that an acceptance of Scotland’s right to choose will always equate to support for independence – just as I do not assume that everyone who voted SNP last week is yet ready to vote for independence.

I recognise the work that those of us who support independence still have to do to persuade a clear majority in Scotland that it is the best way forward for our country.

But, nevertheless, it is clear that there is a growing, cross party recognition that election mandates must be honoured, that there has been a material change of circumstances and that the question of independence must be decided by the people and not by politicians.

Given the nature of what we are facing in terms of UK governance, this is now a matter of some urgency – which is why this government wants people to have a choice next year.

Back in the early 1990s, when Scotland was also facing the prospect of a fourth Tory government with no mandate here, there was a coming together of political parties, communities and civic Scotland.

That resulted in the establishment of this Parliament.

It has achieved much.

But a new, Brexit focused Tory government presents risks that few would have predicted at the dawn of devolution.

So I hope in the coming days and weeks we will see a similar coming together around the idea of Scotland’s right to choose a better future.

Of course, we must also re-double our efforts to protect Scotland as best we can with the powers we already have.

This government is determined to do that and I would ask other parties in this chamber to support us in that task.

To cite just one example, the Resolution Foundation last month published research showing that under Conservative plans for social security, child poverty could reach a 60 year high. By 2023, more than one in three children across the UK could be living in poverty. I am sure that no-one in this chamber will find that remotely acceptable.

That means our Child Poverty Action Plan and our work to implement the new Scottish Child Payment will be even more important than it was already.

And of course it now seems inevitable that at the end of January, Scotland will be taken out of the European Union against our will.

Throughout the Brexit process the Westminster government has ignored the wishes of the people of Scotland and the views of this Parliament.

Now it seems the Prime Minister is determined to quickly push through the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

This Parliament will have to consider whether or not it will give consent to this Bill.

If the UK Government was to press ahead without that consent it would be further proof of Westminster’s contempt for devolution and its willingness to tear up established constitutional rules in its pursuit of Brexit.

The hard, possibly no deal, Brexit favoured by the Prime Minister poses a real danger to our economy and to social and environmental safeguards, at a time when we must substantially step up our efforts to tackle climate change.

Brexit will also put parts of our health service in the sights of US trade negotiators. It could mean, for example, that the NHS has to pay higher prices for drugs.

And of course Brexit is the cause of significant uncertainty and worry for our fellow EU citizens who contribute so much to modern Scotland.

Scotland must respond to and seek to overcome these challenges.

To that end, just as we did in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote in 2016, the Scottish government will in January convene a number of round table meetings, bringing together key groups that represent different aspects of Scottish life.

This will include civic society, trade unions and the business community, religious and minority groups and our partners in local government.

We will also engage with the Standing Council on Europe, to ensure that we take whatever steps we can to retain our relationships within Europe and identify ways to ensure our voice and our interests continue to be heard.

And we will listen to the conclusions of the Citizens’ Assembly when it reports in the spring about what kind of country we should be seeking to build.

There is also a particular and immediate challenge that will require cross-party co-operation.

This parliament is required to deliver a budget before the start of the next financial year, and Scotland’s local authorities would expect to set their budgets in late February or early March.

At this point, the UK Government has not confirmed when it will produce its own budget – and with it the block grant adjustments for Scotland – but it may not be until March.

While contingency planning and alternative options have been under consideration for some time, meeting this timetable will require parties to work together.

So in the spirit in which this Parliament was established, and notwithstanding the many disagreements between us, I hope we can find common ground and work together on a range of issues.

Presiding officer,

This is indeed a watershed moment for Scotland.

We are facing a Conservative government that Scotland did not vote for – indeed overwhelmingly rejected – and which many fear will pose a real danger to our country and the fabric of our society.

This parliament has a duty to protect the values that people in Scotland voted for.

I believe we can only fully do that with independence, and that is why later this week I will take the next steps to secure Scotland’s right to choose.

However independence is not an end in itself. It is all about building a fairer and more prosperous country and so we will also do everything we can to achieve that with the powers we have right now.

We must tackle child poverty, protect our NHS and help it overcome the challenges of rising demand; and we must support an open, innovative and export orientated economy.

We must also ensure that Scotland remains an open, welcoming, inclusive country, where people treat each other with kindness, dignity and compassion.

That is not a task for any one party – although as Scotland’s government, my party will take a lead.

But it is a job for us all. My commitment is that I will seek to work with members across the chamber and with civic Scotland as we face the challenges ahead – and as we seek to build the better, fairer and more prosperous Scotland that people voted for.

First Minister Statement in Scottish Parliament 24/09/19

First minister Nicola Sturgeon comments on todays UK Supreme Court Decision that suspending parliament was unlawful:

FULL SPEECH:




Thousands March For Scottish Independence in Aberdeen

Around 12,000 people marched in Aberdeen on Saturday in the Latest All Under One Banner march in support of Scottish Indepencence.

The event was the latest in a serious of marches all over Scotland in the last five years organised by the All Under One Banner organisation.

See our tweet thread below for images from the event.
(*The initial photo as pointed out by some on the thread is a generic All Under One Banner march photo). This thread has currently had 26,000 impressions.

CLICK ON THE TWITTER FEED TO EXPAND VIEW OF THE THREAD

RELATED LINKS:

BBC Scotland: Pro-independence campaigners take to Aberdeen streets

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-49381793

STV News – Thousands take part in independence march in Aberdeen
https://stv.tv/news/north/1440089-thousands-take-part-in-independence-march-in-aberdeen/

All Under One Banner
https://www.allunderonebanner.scot/




Calls for UK Gov to act and allow Scotland to address Drug Deaths Increase

Minister calls for consumption room approval.

New figures showing there were almost 1,200 drug-related deaths last year have been described as shocking by Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick.

The National Records of Scotland statistics reveal there were 1,187 drug-related deaths registered in Scotland in 2018, the largest number ever recorded.

Mr FitzPatrick has said that what Scotland faces in terms of drug-related deaths is an emergency. Earlier this month, he appointed Professor Catriona Matheson as chair of a new taskforce which will advise on what further changes, in practice or in law, could help save lives and reduce harm.

In addition, the Scottish Government’s refreshed alcohol and drug strategy, backed by further investment of £20 million a year, sets out a range of measures to prevent drug-related harm. This includes an eight point treatment plan which outlines ways of improving access to effective services and interventions. It also focuses on how we support those who are most at risk and treat the wider issues affecting them.




Commenting on today’s figures, Mr FitzPatrick said:

“The number of people who have lost their lives because of drug use is shocking. It is vital this tragedy is treated as a public health issue, and we are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.

“Last week, I gave evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee and I asked for help in persuading the UK Government to either act now to enable us to implement a range of public health focused responses – including the introduction of supervised drug consumption facilities – or devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament so that we can act.

“I want to ensure that the work of the new taskforce which I have established is driven by strong evidence and the voices of those with experience of using drugs, and their families, are heard. I am determined to shape our services in every walk of life to prevent harm and reduce the appalling number of deaths.

“So I will give consideration to any proposals they bring forward which may help to tackle this issue and, ultimately, save lives.”

Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce, Professor Catriona Matheson said:

“My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.

“These figures bring the scale of the problem we face in Scotland into sharp focus. The need for urgent action is clear and the taskforce gives us a mechanism to do that.

“It is imperative that the taskforce identifies ways in which we can do more to save the lives of those who are most at risk and we will look carefully at what has worked in other parts of the UK and internationally to ensure we apply strong evidence-based practice.”

ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.gov.scot/news/statistics-show-highest-ever-level-of-drug-deaths/

MORE LINKS: On drug deaths, public health minister @JoeFitzSNP has called on the UK Government ‘to either act now to enable us to implement a range of public health-focused responses… or devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament so that we can’.

https://stv.tv/news/scotland/1439277-drug-deaths-in-scotland-hit-record-high-of-more-than-1100/

Brexit: Statement from the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales

Statement from the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales
(28 Jun 2019 Article from Gov.Scot)

Joint call to UK Government ahead of British Irish Council.

Speaking ahead of the final British Irish Council before a new Prime Minister takes office, the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers have called on the future Prime Minister to rule out a ‘no deal’ Brexit under any circumstances.

In a joint statement, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said both their governments would work together, and with others, to keep the UK in the EU.

The two First Ministers said:

“We are becoming increasingly alarmed by the increase in hard-line rhetoric about a ‘no deal’ Brexit and a debate focussed on policy proposals for leaving the EU which have no basis in reality.

“Severe economic damage is already being done as a result of Brexit uncertainty impacting economic opportunities as companies will be making decisions on their future on long-term competitiveness – as workers at British Steel, Ford, Honda, and elsewhere can witness.

“We believe leaving the EU without a deal would be disastrous for the economies within these islands and for the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people.

“A ‘no deal’ Brexit would deeply damage the reputation of the UK as a reliable international partner and undermine the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process on the island of Ireland.

“The next Prime Minister must pull back from the brink of a ‘no deal’ Brexit and be honest with the public. If they continue on their current path, the UK looks increasingly likely to crash-out of the EU in just four months’ time.

“The EU will not simply cave in to demands to re-open the Withdrawal Agreement, and claims that we could both leave without a deal and still benefit from tariff-free trade with the EU have been disproved.

“The new Prime Minister must change course and rule out ‘no deal’ under any circumstances.

“It is now clear that, due to the deadlock at Westminster, there should be a new referendum on EU membership and both our governments would support remain. We will work together and with others who share that aim.”

Article Source: https://www.gov.scot/news/statement-from-the-first-ministers-of-scotland-and-wales/




Ministerial Statement – Next Steps on Scotland’s Future

Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell, Scottish Parliament. (29/05/19)

Presiding Officer,

Much has happened since, the First Minister set out, in late April, the Scottish Government’s view of continued Brexit chaos and of the measures this Government must bring forward to protect the people of this country.

Last Thursday Scotland said, loudly and clearly, that it is a European nation and it intends to remain one.

It also rejected all attempts to deflect that argument and showed its contempt for equivocation.

Elections can be brutal judgements on parties and politicians.

But, Presiding Officer, elections can also be fresh starts.

So, if all the parties in this chamber are willing to hear the clear voice of Scotland, then I believe we can find a way to put behind us the divisions of Brexit and move forward together.

And that is what this statement is about.




On the 11th of April, when the EU threw the UK a lifeline to avoid a no deal Brexit, Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council said to Westminster “Please don’t waste this time”.

But he has been ignored.

The manifesto on which we won the Holyrood election in 2016 and on which this government is founded said the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum “if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will”.

Any “deal” which takes Scotland out of the EU against the wishes of the majority has that effect.

And if a new prime minister attempts a “no deal Brexit”, whilst we will do everything possible to stop it, and everything we can to mitigate it, it will be yet further proof that the conditions set out in our manifesto in April 2016 have been met in full and there will be an even greater urgency to give Scotland the choice of a different future.

The Scottish Government will of course continue to do all we can to stop Brexit for the whole UK. In particular, we will continue to support a second referendum on EU membership – a position which received widespread support on Thursday. But time is running out.

The third anniversary of the Brexit referendum will be with us in less than a month’s time. The accelerating shambles has caused and is causing real damage to Scotland’s economy, and to our social fabric.

The assumption that a UK Government and a UK Parliament would or could in any way do better for Scotland than our own independent institutions has been finally and completely destroyed.

Presiding Officer there must be – and there is – a better way forward.

That is, in our view, for Scotland to become an independent, European nation.

But as we seek that way forward, we must try and build as much consensus as we can.

One thing we have learnt from Brexit is this – there is a need for reconciliation and the bringing together of different views.

We must try to break the current logjam with the power of fresh ideas.

To do that we must approach our collective national future in a spirit of openness and acceptance that we all want the best for our country.

We must be mindful not just of those who won, but also those who lost – not just this week, nor even just in 2016 but in 2014 too.

It will not be easy, but at least we start on that process with a high degree of consensus about the basic fact – the Westminster system is broken and there is no mending of it in sight.

The First Minister said last month that we must reach out and be inclusive and our approach to the three tasks we are now taking forward has been, and is, just that.

So firstly, as context, I can confirm that, despite the chaos we witness in Whitehall, my colleagues and I will continue to attend intergovernmental meetings with UK and Wales (and hopefully soon Northern Ireland) counterparts.

The destination the Scottish Government wishes for this country is independence, but as we travel towards that, we have a role in helping to improve the structures under which we presently live and work.

In the past two years I have often quoted the terms of reference of the JMC (EN).

They have consistently and fundamentally been ignored by the UK Government.

There must be a new – meaningful – respect for our position and for the responsibilities which are ours as of right.

There needs to be a clear and urgent timetable for the current inter-governmental review, which must secure a legal underpinning to the relationship, and the UK Government must commit to respecting the legislative consent mechanism rather than ignoring it.

These matters will be discussed at the next JMC (EN) due before the end of June. We must see significant progress on them if those meetings are to have any future purpose.

Presiding Officer that is about the journey.

Let me now turn to the destination and the three areas of activity which the First Minister set out in her April statement.

Firstly, the Referendums (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Parliament yesterday and has been published this morning.

This Bill will, it is hoped, have completed its Parliamentary progress by the end of this calendar year.

As the First Minister said in April, it is the intention of the Government to offer the people of Scotland a choice on independence later in this term of parliament.

Of course, should circumstances change we would have the option of seeking Parliament’s agreement to proceed on an accelerated timetable.




The Bill provides a legal framework for holding referendums on matters which are now or in future within the competence of the Scottish Parliament.

The rules it sets out are of the highest standards and will ensure that the results are widely and internationally accepted. It brings Scotland into line with the UK where there is already standing legislation for referenda through the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act which Westminster passed in 2000.

As the First Minister indicated in her statement, we intend at a future date to negotiate with the UK Government for a section 30 order to put beyond doubt our competence to hold a referendum on independence.

When the framework is used in those, or any other circumstances, a separate vote at a future date will allow members to consider the specific topic and approve the question.

The proposed franchise will be based on that used for local government and Scottish Parliament elections, which includes EU citizens and 16 and 17 year-olds.

It will be updated to incorporate future extensions to the franchise. I have previously set out my intention to extend the franchise for Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections to all people legally resident in Scotland, whatever their nationality. Those proposals will be brought forward shortly.

Given the disastrous and shameful experience of many EU citizens last Thursday it is now obvious that this is the only way to secure the democratic rights of every citizen.

I look forward to working with other parties at all stages of the parliamentary process.

Secondly, on cross-party talks about the broken Westminster system and the future needs and direction of Scotland, I welcome the commitment from Labour and the Greens to explore what might be possible. I hope the other parties who have not yet responded will now confirm that they wish to do so.

I have suggested using an independent interlocutor who would talk to parties separately to gather views and create an agenda and format for these talks. This would take the pressure out of the process and allow better engagement without any hangover from past discussions.

I intend to start a first round next month and to build on that if the other parties are willing.

These talks are without preconditions, and I commit myself and the Scottish Government to constructive engagement in them.

I know that wider civic Scotland is keen to be involved and I will work with the parties to consider how that might be possible.

Finally, Presiding Officer we have made considerable progress with the creation of a Citizens’ Assembly.

Two weeks ago I visited Ireland where I met some of the key people responsible for the Constitutional Convention and the Citizens’ Assembly. I am meeting with a range of experts from this country and overseas in order to further inform our own planning.

There is already a lot of interest in, and enthusiasm for, the Citizens’ Assembly. I hope that all parties will welcome and become involved in the initiative, as was the case in Ireland.

In order to help members engage more, I have arranged for the Secretaries of the Irish initiatives to come to Scotland, on 19th June to speak to MSPs and others. This will include a briefing session to party leaders or their nominees.

At and after the meetings on the 19th of June I would want all parties to offer their thoughts and suggestions.

I hope to be able to announce an independent chair and the formation of an expert steering group in the coming weeks and to confirm the timetable and the process for formulating the precise issues for deliberation when we return in September.

We intend to hold the first session of the Assembly in the Autumn and to have all five or six sessions completed by next Spring.

Presiding Officer, in conclusion, as we take forward a range of activities based upon consensus and compromise we will be endeavouring to get away from the negativity and nastiness of the current Brexit process.

Scotland deserves – and this week has clearly demanded – better.

We must create a country in which we all feel we have gained something worth having, and where we all feel part of a shared national endeavour regardless of the particular side of the argument we come from.

That is the spirit which imbued the First Minster’s statement in April and which the Scottish Government is determined to carry forward.

I hope we can do so together.

That is the fresh start the people of Scotland have offered us.

We should all grasp it with both hands.




Article Source: https://news.gov.scot/speeches-and-briefings/ministerial-statement-next-steps-on-scotlands-future