 First Minister Some Questions, question number one from Ruth Davidson. I start by offering the thoughts of myself, I'm sure the whole chamber, to everyone affected by the horrific events at Grenfell Tower in London yesterday, to offer my thanks to those who responded, and those who continue to respond today. To ask the First Minister what engagements she has planned for the rest of the day. We have all been horrified by the tragic events in London this week. I'm sure the thoughts of the whole Parliament are with everyone affected and in particular with those who have lost loved ones. I also want to record my gratitude and appreciation to the emergency services who have been responding and who continue to respond. The investigation into this fire is clearly at a very early stage and while there appear to be very serious questions to be answered, we must be careful not to speculate at this stage. That said, members will wish to know that the local government minister has this morning discussed the fire with local authority colleagues. A ministerial group will also be convened to review Scottish regulations and to ensure that we are standing ready to take any actions necessary as lessons are learned from this catastrophic fire, but in the meantime our thoughts remain with all those affected. Later today, Presiding Officer, I will have engagements to take forward the Government's programme for Scotland. Ruth Davidson Last week, the SNP lost half a million votes and 21 MPs. This, after the First Minister had put her plan for a second independence referendum as early as next year at the heart of her campaign. With the benefit of hindsight, does she now think that that was a mistake? First Minister Last week, the SNP won the election in Scotland. We won more seats than all the other parties in this chamber put together. Of course, we achieved that result, having been clear in our view that the people of Scotland should have a choice at the end of the Brexit process. However, I have also made clear that I will now reflect on that position, not just in light of how people in Scotland voted, but also in light of what the election UK-wide now means for the Brexit process. I will set out my views on that once I have had the time to properly consider the interests, not just of my own party but of Scotland as a whole. Given the results of the election UK-wide, it is a dereliction of duty for Ruth Davidson or any other politician to be focusing only on what might happen at the end of a Brexit process and not on what is about to happen in just four days' time. On Monday, this hapless UK Government is about to start a formal negotiation with the EU, with no mandate for its hard Brexit position, no consensus even within its own ranks about what it is trying to achieve, let alone in the country more widely. In just four days' time, we are going to be led off the cliff edge by a Tory Government devoid of legitimacy and credibility and utterly clueless about what it is trying to achieve. That is the real and present danger to Scottish jobs, investment and living standards, so any politician with a national interest rather than just party interests at heart will be focused on trying to protect Scotland from a disaster that the Tories are in the process of leading us into, and that is what I am focused on doing. The Surgeon talks about Scotland's national interest at heart. Thursday's election was not the only test of public opinion in the last week. Today, fully 60 per cent of people in Scotland say that they do not want a second independence referendum, more than double the number who back on it. Indeed, even a third of yes voters say that they do not want a referendum, so it is a pretty simple question. In the light of the election result last week, does not the First Minister think that she should listen to them? Of course, 62 per cent of people in Scotland did not want the Tory Brexit, but the Tories do not appear to be interested in listening to that. I have already said that I will reflect on all of those factors in deciding what in my view is the best way forward now, not just for my party or any party within this chamber but for the country as a whole. That is the right and proper thing to do. I do not think that anybody in Scotland should be taking any lectures from the Conservative Party. Let us just recap for a moment on what the Tories have managed to do to the UK in the space of just one year. Firstly, calling a divisive and unnecessary EU referendum entirely for reasons of Conservative Party management, having lost that gamble and pursuing a hard Brexit path, purely to appease the right wing of the Conservative Party—as if that was not enough—calling an unnecessary general election purely in the self-interest of the Conservative Party and having mucked up that campaign, it is now putting the country in hawk to the DUP. That is what the Tories have done in the space of less than a year, jeopardised the economic security of the UK, running the risk of making the UK a laughing stock internationally and, as if that was not bad enough, putting the Irish peace process at risk into the bargain. What a shower of charlatans the Tories are and nobody could take any lessons from them. Ruth Davidson It is the same every single time. Ask her for a referendum plan and she hides behind her Brexit bogeyman, but let's hear what the message is. The message has been from this First Minister on her referendum plan. It's hunkered out. It's attacked anyone who asks for a little bit of clarity and hope that none of us notice that they are pressing on regardless. Will we all remember what happened after the Brexit vote last summer within hours of the result, hours of it? The First Minister pounced to put a second independence referendum on the table, yet this week, when independence is under threat, she suddenly insists that it must be wrong to take a knee-jerk decision—total double standards. Presiding Officer, some of our colleagues—some of our colleagues—some of our colleagues, like Alec Neal, understand it. He says that we should recognise that Andy Riff 2 is not going to happen in the lifetime of this Scottish Parliament session, and if he gets the public mood, why can't she? The First Minister Which people deserve from me and are going to get from me over the next few days is some calm reflection. However, let me say—I think that what Ruth Davidson has just demonstrated there today and what she is increasingly demonstrating to the Scottish people is that she is nothing more than a one-track pony. Having to confront any issue other than an independence referendum, she is left floundering. Ruth Davidson has asked for clarity. Is not it the case that people in Scotland have a right to expect some clarity from the Conservatives about what is due to happen not in some month's time but in four days' time? Perhaps Ruth Davidson, the next time she gets to her feet, will give us some clarity around those issues. Is Ruth Davidson's position today that we should be in the single market or out of the single market? Is her position that we should be in the customs union or out of the customs union? Or is her position exactly what her position has been over the past year that she will do exactly what Theresa May tells her to do regardless of what is in the best interests of the country? I will give Ruth Davidson a chance to prove that she has any ability to think independently on those matters. In and out of the single market, in and out of the customs union, why do not we get some clarity on a negotiation that is about to start in four days' time? I apologise for raising her referendum threat today, because, given that she will not even talk to her cabinet about it, I thought that she might like to hear what her plan actually is. First of all, the First Minister talks about decisions that are made in the best interests of Scotland, but does she not realise that that is precisely what we did in 2014? The majority of people in Scotland believe that staying in the UK is in the best interests of Scotland. Let us cut to the chase today. This has got nothing to do with listening to the people. It is all about how she can find a way to reflow or rebrand her sinking dream of independence. The people of Scotland just want to put it behind us. We just want to put it behind us. She says that she is listening to the folk of Scotland, and so she should. Her referendum is not wanted, so will she ditch it now? Everybody watching this will notice that Ruth Davidson completely dodged all the issues about what is confronting this country in four days' time. From me, people will get the calm reflection in the national interest that I have promised, but I say this again. This country, in four days' time, is facing the prospect of being taken off a cliff edge by a Tory Government in Westminster that does not have a clue what it is doing. That is completely unacceptable. I think that what people in Scotland want to know from Ruth Davidson is what is her position on those vital issues, because Scottish jobs depend on it, Scottish investment depends on it, Scottish living standards depend on it. I will continue to stand up for Scotland and Scottish interests on Brexit and on every other matter, while the Tories simply do whatever they are told to do by their bosses in London. Can I add the heartfelt condolences of those benches to everyone affected by the events at Grenfell Tower? Once again, we find ourselves in awe of the heroics of the emergency services. I think that we all looked on with horror, anger and dismay and shared a collective desire to make sure that everything that can be done is being done to prevent future tragedies like this. In that spirit, I strongly urge the First Minister to listen to the concerns of the Fire Brigades Union. Can I ask the First Minister what engagement she has planned for the rest of the week? Engagements to take forward the Government's programme for Scotland. In last week's election, voters sent the First Minister a clear message to focus on what really matters to people. The First Minister still pretends that education has always been her top priority, but we all know that her Government has presided over 4,000 fewer teachers, while class sizes are up. Scotland is falling down international league tables and parents are being asked to fill in in the classroom. While she has taken her eye off the ball, we have had college lecturers on strike and now even teachers are threatening industrial action. The First Minister cannot blame negative media coverage for this. Why is it always someone else's fault and never hers? I have to say on that, with the greatest respect Kezia Dugdale is talking nonsense. This Government, as will be demonstrated when the Deputy First Minister outlines to Parliament this afternoon the next stage in our education reform programme, we take full responsibility for making sure that we equip our education system to race standards and close the attainment gap. That is why we have in place the new national improvement framework. That is why we have in place the new attainment fund, including the pupil equity fund, that has put £120 million directly into the hands of head teachers. This afternoon, the Deputy First Minister will outline the outcome of the governance review, which will include steps to make sure that we have a school system that puts schools, teachers, head teachers and pupils absolutely at the centre of the system. Kezia Dugdale raised the important issue of the recent college dispute, and that gives me the opportunity to set out my clear expectations on that. Agreement was reached on 19 May that allowed the strike to be called off, and that was extremely welcome. Discussions have continued since then around some outstanding issues. However, I am very clear that what was agreed on 19 May now needs to be fully implemented. I spoke to the chair of the employers association yesterday. The employers association will meet again on Monday and will be asked to ratify the agreement that was already reached, including payment of the first instalment of the cash settlement. I hope and expect that that ratification will take place on Monday and that any further prospect of strike action is removed completely. Kezia Dugdale The problem for the First Minister is that this week the EIS union revealed what teachers really think about Scotland's education system. Their workload has increased and fewer than half would recommend teaching as a career. There is a recruitment crisis with hundreds of vacancies, some of which will take up to three years to fill. New figures reveal that teachers are receiving up to £6,000 less than they should if their pay had risen in line with inflation. It is little wonder that teachers are saying enough is enough. What will the First Minister say to teachers who are struggling in our schools? Can I suggest that sorry might be a good place to start? The First Minister What we will continue to do is investing with local authorities to make sure that we maintain teacher numbers and put more resources into the hands of head teachers to equip them to better respond to challenges that they face in the schools. The Deputy First Minister will continue to work to take the action to reduce unnecessary workload on the part of teachers. That is why the SQA and Education Scotland are already reducing and clarifying the guidance that they provide to teachers. Education Scotland has already published clear advice for teachers and on what they should and should not be expected to do in the classroom. Definitive benchmark guidance on literacy and numeracy has already been published. In fact, benchmarks for all the curriculum areas have now been published replacing a much larger volume of existing material. We will continue to get on with responding to the challenges that we face by taking the action that we are taking. That is what responsible governments are expected to do and that is what this Government will continue to do. Kezia Dugdale I think that response from the SNP backbench says it all, because never has the First Minister sounded so out of touch with the reality on the ground. The truth is that the First Minister has taken teachers for granted for years and now they are threatening strike action just to get John Swinney to sit up and pay attention. Of course, the SNP's answer to this crisis is to send untrained teachers into our classrooms, to introduce league tables and high-stakes testing into primary schools, and she has even flirted with opt-out schools, each and every one a failed Tory policy. Does not this just prove, First Minister, that if you vote SNP, you get Tory? First Minister. I highly advise some people in Scotland to vote a bit rich and no wonder Kezia Dugdale is blushing right now, but let's get back to the serious matters. It's simply not sufficient for Kezia Dugdale just to come here and make it up as she goes along. There is no question whatsoever of untrained teachers being in schools in Scotland. John Swinney will set out the position of the Government on all aspects of the Governance Review later this afternoon, but we will continue to get on with the job of reforming and investing in Scottish education. It is extra money to help teachers with the job that they do, the reforms that are necessary to ensure improvements in our schools and to ensure that politicians are held much more to account because of the greater transparency that we are introducing into the system. What is striking again today, as it has been so often in the past in this chamber, is that whenever we come forward with policies, ideas and initiatives to address those challenges, all Labour does is oppose them. It never brings forward any constructive ideas of its own, which is probably why, Presiding Officer, for the first general Westminster election in living memory, Labour came third. That is the reality of Labour in Scotland today, as the SNP continues to get on with the job. I have a couple of constituency supplementaries. The first is from Bob Doris. Presiding Officer, I extended my sympathies to everyone impacted by the horrific and deeply shocking events of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. First Minister, my constituency of Mary Helen Springburn has several high-rise tower blocks. There will be many MSPs in this chamber, with similar stock right across there. I also know that my local housing association will place a significant priority on safety, including fire safety, but that will not stop those living in such properties having understandable concerns. Although I welcome the steps that are already taken by the First Minister outlined today, does the First Minister agree with me that we must ensure the most appropriate and rigorous fire safety regulations that are possible are in place? That will reassure worried householders, but that we must also ensure that whatever lessons must be learned from the Grenfell tragedy in the weeks and months ahead, that they are also learned and acted upon here in Scotland. I agree very much with Bob Doris. I know that many members across the chamber, perhaps in particular members such as Bob Doris and myself, who represent urban constituencies with high-rise flats within them, will feel particularly concerned at the tragic events that we have seen in London this week. As I said earlier, while I think that there are the most serious questions to be answered in the case of this tragic fire, given how early a stage of the investigation is at, it is important that we do not rush to judgment or early speculation about the causes of that fire. Nevertheless, I am acutely aware of the responsibility that the Scottish Government bears here. We must stand ready to provide whatever reassurance we can to people across Scotland who are living in similar accommodation and who may have very understandable concerns as a result of what we have seen this week. We must also stand ready to learn any lessons that are required to be learned as the causes of this fire become clearer. That is why the local government minister had those early discussions with local authority partners this morning. We will also discuss those matters, particularly around fire safety and regulation with the Scottish Fire Service. The ministerial group that I referred to will be convened to make sure that, on an on-going basis and in as close to real time as possible, we are learning any lessons that have to be learned and taking whatever steps in Scotland required to be taken. Any member who has a constituency interest in this—I know that all members have a very human interest in this—but any member who has a particular constituency interest in this, we would be happy to keep very closely updated on any steps that the Scottish Government considers are appropriate. Liam Kerr Yesterday, a press and general report revealed that an Aberdeen man had died following a 999 call handler error last month. Information regarding the call had not been passed to the dispatch team, and by the time the error was realised, an ambulance was dispatched, 33 minutes had passed. Tragically, the man had passed away. What action reported about this tragic case? First and foremost, my heartfelt sympathies are with the family and friends of the individual who has sadly passed away. This case is under investigation by the Scottish Ambulance Service. The health secretary has already spoken to the chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service to seek and get assurances that there will be a full and proper investigation. Given that that investigation is under way, it would not be appropriate for me to go into any more detail or speculate on the outcome of that. However, the health secretary would be happy to correspond further with the member when we have more detail as a result of the investigation that is currently under way. Tavish Scott Thank you, Presiding Officer. The First Minister will be aware that the energy regulator of GEM and SSC have announced this week the closure of the Lerwick power station with the loss of 25 permanent jobs and apprenticeships. They are to replace the power station with a cable importing wind from Cathness, but that cable will not allow large-scale renewables to be exported from Shetland. Will the First Minister ask of GEM to consider how such an ill-conceived proposal has seen the light of day? The First Minister I am very happy to ask the relevant minister to discuss this further with GEM. We are aware of the proposed new energy solution for Shetland, which would seek to connect Shetland to the Scottish mainland for the first time, while also having some diesel supply on island. Although aspects of that contribute to our approach to cleaner energy, there are also understandable concerns about the security of supply and the issues around export that Tavish Scott referred to. That has been brought forward by the Scottish and Southern electricity networks and has also been overseen by Of GEM, which is an independent regulator. I recognise the concerns that Tavish Scott is expressing on behalf of his constituents. I will ask the relevant minister to speak with Of GEM to make sure that those concerns are conveyed and to have further discussions with Tavish Scott as a result of that. Question 3, Patrick Harvie. Thank you, Presiding Officer. May I add my concern and that of my party for those affected by the shocking events at Grenfell Tower and our concern for those already suffering, grieving or worrying still about friends and relatives and fearing the worst? And may I ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet? The Cabinet will next meet on Tuesday. Patrick Harvie. Two weeks ago, the Government's consultation on fracking and unconventional gas was closed. It has been reported that there are tens of thousands of responses and the First Minister may already be in a position to confirm whether that is one of the biggest public responses to a Government consultation ever. Since it closed, even more concerns have been raised on the health impacts of fracking with reports of over 150 studies linking the chemicals used in the fracking industry to cancer risk, to permanent lung damage, for example by exposing workers to benzene and silica dust, among other substances. Those concerns extend to the wider public health fears. The temporary moratorium, which has been in place for a year and a half and which we know cannot last for the long term, the Government knows that it is going to have to make a decision. They have previously given a commitment that a final decision on a full ban will be made by the end of this calendar year. Now that the consultation is closed, can I ask the First Minister to confirm that timetable and give a clear commitment that the decision will be made and a vote brought to Parliament before the end of this year? That is the timetable that we continue to work to, and let me also restate our commitment to bringing a vote to Parliament. We said that when we launched the consultation and nothing has changed about that. Patrick Harvie asked me specifically about the scale of the consultation responses. I think that it is important to say that final numbers are still being confirmed through the validation and verification process, but in the region of 60,000 responses have been received. A considerable number of those responses have been via postcard and petition campaigns, but it is important—I am sure that Patrick Harvie will agree with this—that we now properly analyse those consultation responses and use that as the factor that we will take into account when reaching a final decision. Patrick Harvie is right that there is absolutely no doubt about that. A moratorium by its very nature is temporary, and we have always said that that moratorium is in place pending a final decision on the substantive issue. It is also important to recognise that the reason that we have taken this very cautious and precautionary approach is exactly because of those concerns that Patrick Harvie has outlined. There are many people with a range of different concerns about fracking, from environmental to health to transport concerns. None of those concerns could or should ever have been brushed aside, so that is why we are taking that approach and we will continue to do that and take into account all those views and concerns. The final point that I would make is to reassure people that, while the process is under way, that moratorium remains in place. What that means is that no fracking or drilling for co-bed methane can take place in Scotland until the outcome of the process. I am pleased that the extraordinary number of responses will demonstrate the breadth of concern about that issue. I am pleased that that number of responses will not be used as an excuse to delay the process. Of course, there needs to be analysis of those responses, but we need clarity, and every one of those 60,000 people deserves clarity that the decision will be made this year. There will be widespread expectation that that decision will be for a full and permanent ban on those techniques. The SNP's 2016 manifesto said that we will not allow fracking or underground coal gasification in Scotland unless it can be proved beyond any doubt that it will not harm our environment, communities or public health. Since the publication of that document, we still see SNP activists campaigning wearing frack-off badges, and we hear SNP politicians saying things like, it's time to bring to an end the Tory days of gung-ho fracking policies in Scotland, or jobs, water quality, food and drink would all be unnecessarily put at risk comments, which clearly are incompatible with a positive decision to give the green light to those techniques. Does the First Minister also agree that if Brexit goes ahead as the UK Government plans, it will mean that a huge number of the environmental controls and protections that will affect this industry and many others that threaten public health in Scotland will be decided here? Can we seek a clear and absolute guarantee that not one of those regulations will be downgraded, watered down or weakened in Scotland? To take the latter part of Patrick Harvie's question first, I think that even our harshest critic would suggest that the concern about the watering down of environmental regulations post-Brexit is not a concern that people should have about this Government, it is certainly a concern that people should have about the current UK Government. We take environmental protection and regulation very seriously. Indeed, one of my many concerns about the Brexit process is the fact that we will see a fragmentation of that environmental protection through the process of the UK leaving the EU. Back to the issue of fracking, I would have thought that Patrick Harvie would have welcomed the fact that he is able to quote so many members of the SNP agreeing with his position. I have described myself previously and would continue to do so as somebody who is personally very sceptical about fracking for many of the reasons that Patrick Harvie has outlined. What we said in our manifesto around this absolutely stands, and that is the standard by which we will assess this issue. We have embarked on a process of consultation, which of course follows the process of expert research work that we did into a range of those issues. It is vital that we conclude that with all due process and in good faith. We will do that in the timescale that we set out and come to a final decision in that timescale. Lastly, as I said in my first answer, people in Scotland can be assured that, depending on the outcome of the process, there will be no fracking in Scotland. That is why the moratorium at the moment is so important. I thank you, Presiding Officer. Roaming charges within the EU have been abolished from today, meaning that we do not get billed excessive amounts for making calls and sending text messages abroad. Has the Scottish Government had any assurances from the UK Government that they will work to preserve this benefit from Brexit negotiations? To the best of my knowledge, absolutely no assurances from the UK Government on what is a very important issue for people who use mobile phones in other European countries. There is no doubt that the abolition of roaming charges is one of many benefits arising from the digital single market, and it is vitally important that Scottish consumers continue to benefit from this post-Brexit. In spite of continued lack of meaningful engagement on the part of the UK Government on any of those matters, the Scottish Government will continue to engage in good faith to ensure that our interests are represented as those negotiations get under way, as I would remind the chamber in just four days' time. Question 4, James Dornan. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to support LGBT rights. First Minister. I am very proud of this Government's record on LGBTI rights, including the introduction of civil partnerships and now equal marriage for same-sex couples. We have robust and inclusive hate crime legislation in place. We have established the LGBTI inclusive education working group and we also intend to reform gender recognition law. Those actions are why Scotland continues to be ranked as one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTI equality. Of course, it is not just the actions that we take for those living in Scotland that are important, but also our willingness to stand up for LGBTI rights across the world, something that this Government is determined to continue to do. James Dornan. I thank the First Minister for that answer. The First Minister will be aware that the LGBTI pride celebrations are happening across Scotland this month and in Belfast next month. At the same time, the Tories in a desperate attempt to cling on to power at Westminster will be dealing with the DUP who have used their veto to block legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland a total of five times. Does the First Minister share my concerns about the message that this arrangement sends out to members of the LGBTI community, along with many others, and does she agree with me that that just highlights the importance of complete transparency with any proposed Tory deal with the DUP before it is signed and sealed? Let me make a number of points. The first one before I make it, let me recognise up front that the issue of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland is one to be decided by politicians in Northern Ireland. It is not one for decision in this Parliament, but I think that it is regrettable that Northern Ireland is now the only part of the UK where loving same-sex couples cannot get married as they can in England, Wales and Scotland. I certainly would hope that we see that change for the better in the not-too-distant future. The second point that I would make is to record my deep-seated concern. I believe the deep-seated concern of many, not just in Scotland but across the UK right now, at the prospect of some kind of grubby deal between the Tories and the DUP to allow Theresa May to cling to office. I have just listened to Ruth Davidson talking about the national interest. I do not think that that kind of deal, particularly if it is not completely and utterly transparent, is in the national interest in any way, shape or form. I say that not just because of some of the views of the DUP that perhaps not all of us but many of us feel deeply uncomfortable about. I also say that because of a real concern about the disregard that is being shown for the Northern Irish peace process. I think that one of the most shameful aspects of the whole Brexit process, from the beginning to now, has been the disregard shown by many for that peace process. Under the Good Friday agreement, the UK Government is meant to be an impartial broker in Northern Ireland, and I think that there is a real question— First Minister, so this is about LGBT rights, please. John Major and others raised about whether that can be the case. I think that those matters are serious. I have seen this morning some suggestion that the deal, if there is a deal, between the Tories and the DUP will not be published in full. I think that that would be completely unacceptable. John Finnie. Thank you, Presiding Officer. First Minister, in September of 2015, the Scottish Government received a letter from Marlion Fraser, the present leader of the Democratic Unionist Party. Then our capacity as a Government Minister, and it was about Scotland's equal marriage legislation, my colleague Claire Bailey, Green MLA for South Belfast, describes us as part of Mrs Foster's anti-equality offensive. Rather than hide behind freedom of information, will you publish that letter? First Minister. I am happy to give consideration to that. My understanding is that that letter was about the translation of civil partnerships into marriages here, so I am certainly happy to consider that. The commitment of this Government—I believe that it is something that we should celebrate—is that this is a commitment shared across this Parliament to equality is beyond any question. We are responsible for our own actions in this regard, but on issues like equality, whether it is LGBTI equality or any other aspect of equality, the importance not just of doing the right thing at home but of standing up for the right thing in other countries and the world over is also important. That is a responsibility that I am very aware of. Question 5, Peter Chapman. I refer members to my register of interest. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Audit Scotland update on the CARP futures programme. One of those days, I am going to ask Peter Chapman to tell me which particular page of his register of interest he is referring to on those matters. Over the past year, we have made significant changes to the development and implementation of the CARP futures programme. Clearly, there is a lot more for us to do, but I welcome that the update report from Audit Scotland recognises some of the progress that we have made and reinforces the actions that we have taken since last May. We will now consider carefully the findings in the context of the significant improvement activity that is already under way. Peter Chapman. I am grateful to the First Minister for that answer. I have to say that I am absolutely shocked at how complacent the First Minister is here. Let me be clear that farming communities are not so relaxed about the issues that she is. This IT system has already created the worst farming crisis in a generation. Now we have learned that there is still no backup system. Should this IT system fail, there is the possibility of a £60 million in EU fines for non-compliance, and yet more money is needed to get the system working. Farmers across Scotland are still waiting for 2015 and 2016 payments, and worst of all, we face at least another year of this chaos until this system is fully compliant. In light of the cut-lug of errors, does the First Minister take responsibility for this catastrophe, and how can our farmers ever trust her again? As I have said in the chamber before, I take full responsibility for everything that this Government does. There is not a shred of complacency on the part of the Scottish Government about this issue. Fergus Ewing has already apologised—I have apologised to farmers for the failures that have been experienced in this system—but that is why a significant part of the time and energy of Fergus Ewing, each and every day right now, is taking up with ensuring that this system delivers as farmers have a right to expect it to do. Obviously, the member has made a number of comments there that require to be challenged. Fergus Ewing just before First Minister's questions started challenged some of them. This issue about disallowance risks. The figure of £60 million is entirely speculative, just as the figure of £125 million, which was quoted in the last year's Audit Scotland report, was also entirely speculative and turned out not to be the case. In terms of the issue about the budget, the financial ceiling for delivering a compliant cap system is being held to. In terms of payments to farmers, it is because we are acutely aware of the importance of cash flow for farmers that we put in place the loan scheme, making sure that farmers got their payments. Of course, as Fergus Ewing already said this morning, 99 per cent of payments in terms of the 2015 round have been made and we are continuing to work through the 2016 payment. We will continue to give this our absolute and full focus and attention to make sure that farmers get the service that they deserve. Mike Rumbles On 31 May last year, Fergus Ewing in his first appearance in the chamber after his appointment said, the farming industry needs to have confidence in the payment timetable and that we will do what we say. There must be no repeat of the problems that we have faced in 2015-16. No repeat. Does the First Minister have confidence that he has fulfilled that promise? The First Minister Yes, that is entirely what Fergus Ewing is focused on doing. That is why we have got the loan scheme in place. That is why we are taking the steps to make sure that farmers get the money that they are expecting while we take the steps that many of which are narrated in the Audit Scotland report today to make sure that the IT system is doing the job that it is there to do while we continue to pay attention to the overall budget and the value for money issues at the heart of this. We will continue, led by Fergus Ewing, to focus absolutely on making sure that we deliver in the way that farmers across the country have the right to expect. Lewis Macdonald To ask the First Minister whether work by Scottish Government officials on a second independence referendum will now cease. The First Minister In case I did not mention it earlier on, last week the SNP won the general election in Scotland with more MPs than all other parties combined. However, as I have already said, I will reflect carefully on the election result before setting out my views on the next steps. What is clear is that the people of the UK have rejected a hard Tory Brexit, and it is imperative that we now build a cross-party for-government approach that will protect all of our interests at this time. Lewis Macdonald She lost a heap of seats. Her flagship policy cost her votes, yet she seemed to think that she would have won the election. That was Theresa May last week, but Nicola Sturgeon this week seems to be equally in denial. Given that the First Minister has said that she wants to be involved in negotiating Brexit on behalf of the UK, will she not now recognise that she cannot possibly be sitting at the top table and heading for the exit at one and the same time? The First Minister I have made my position clear on the reflection that I will now give to the issue of an independence referendum. However, on the issue of Scotland being represented in those negotiations, whatever our disagreements and other matters might be, I would have thought that every MSP across this chamber of all parties would agree that Scotland should be represented in those negotiations. It really beat volumes. I would expect it from the Tories. The Tories want Scotland's position to just be to keep quiet and do whatever the Tories tell us to do. However, I am astounded that not just Labour but Lewis Macdonald in particular, who has actually been very sensible on these matters over the past year, is not getting behind the Scottish Government and demanding that Scotland, Wales and both sides in Northern Ireland are fully engaged in those negotiations. Anything else would be completely unacceptable, and I couldn't believe that Labour would ever go along with it. Question 7, Graham Dey. Thank you. To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is marking carers week. First Minister, I want to thank carers for all that they do. The Scottish Government continues to support carers week, which encourages all of us to better understand the challenging circumstances that unpaid carers across Scotland can face. Aileen Campbell and Jamie Hepburn yesterday visited Life Care in Edinburgh to recognise the work of carer positive employers, employers who support unpaid carers in their workplace. Our week-long benefit take-up campaign is also running this week in partnership with Young Scot to increase awareness and uptake of carers allowance among young adults with caring responsibilities. Graham Dey. I very much welcome the actions that I just highlighted. I wonder if the FFM could outline what further measures and support will be provided to unpaid carers in coming years. The Carers Act will extend and enhance the rights of carers to support from next April. That will help them to continue to care if they so wish, but also to maintain a fulfilling life alongside caring. We will also increase carers allowance to the same level as job seekers allowance from summer 2018, and we are committed to increasing carers allowance further for those looking after more than one disabled child. We will also continue to promote the carer positive scheme to employers, linking with our fair work agenda. 72 organisations have so far been recognised as carer positive employers, which covers just short of 300,000 employees. That helps carers balance caring and employment responsibilities, but also helps employers retain valuable staff. Across a whole range of issues, we are absolutely determined to do everything we can to support carers in the invaluable work that they do. Thank you very much. That concludes First Minister's questions. We now move on to members' business in the name of Christine Graham, and just take a few moments from members to change seats.