 Yn gwrth gwrth gwrs, y brydwyr dmentedidol yw'r perthylio'r cwysydd ar gyfer'r perthylio ac yw'r perthylio'r cwysydd yr llawn cyfrnwyr ymoedd cynneinyd, ymmdegion y troiaeth y mae'r cwysydd yn cyrfor a llyfl sy'n cyfrnwyr, mae'n cwrsol ymdegion i'r cyfrnwyr sy'n cyfrnwyr, diwrnod o'n cyfrnwyr cyfrnwyr, oedd yn cwrsol ar gyfer'r llyfr a llyfr â'r cyfrnwyr. I would again make a plea for short and succinct questions and answers to match in order to get in as many members as possible. Question number one, Karen Adam. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the reported, on-going political instability within the UK Government impacts on the timing of its plans to ask the constitutional question of whether Scotland should be an independent country. UK Government policies are making major economic challenges such as inflation, inequality and the cost of living crisis worse. Instability and uncertainty are increasing as financial markets express a lack of confidence in the UK Government's economic management and competence. Scotland has an abundance of skilled people, innovative businesses and natural resources. We have everything it takes to be just as successful as comparable independent European countries. Independence is essential to build a stronger economy, a more just society and a Scotland that works for everyone for this and future generations. We are fully committed to holding an independence referendum in October next year, pending the decision of the Supreme Court. Karen Adam. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. With Liz Truss having become Prime Minister, with the backing of just 80,000 voters and now Rushi Sunak coordinated by a cluster of Tory MPs, the Conservative Party's democratic mandate is becoming more and more diluted. Does the cabinet secretary agree with me then that the Tories have no leg to stand on when the question is Scottish Government's cast iron mandate to hold an independence referendum next year? I thank Karen Adam for that supplementary. The Scottish Government will certainly not take any lectures from the party that has not won a single national election in Scotland since the 1950s. There was a Scottish Parliament election last year. A record number of members of this chamber were elected on a manifest of commitment that the people should be able to take their view on Scotland's constitutional futures in independent country. We still live in a democratic state. The people have had their say. The people's decision should be respected and they should have a vote next autumn on Scotland's independent future. I would advise those parties that are pursuing this argument of democracy denial is that they really should give up on it. I have three supplementaries. I intend to take each of them. It's supplementary from Donald Cameron. The question mentions political instability. Isn't the truth that the only threat to the political stability of the United Kingdom is the Scottish Government's blinkered commitment to a divisive polarising referendum, which is creating uncertainty for people and businesses across Scotland? Donald Cameron is making the mistake of rereading his election leaflets from last year when that was the position of the Scottish Conservative Party. The position of the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Green Party was that the people should have their say in a referendum. His party lost the election and the SNP and the Greens won the election. We form a government in this place. A majority of MSPs wish the people to have a say in a referendum. So long as we live in a democracy, we should act on the wishes of the electorate. It's a shame that some parties in this chamber don't believe that as well. I agree with the cabinet secretary that the Tories have created massive inequalities and divisions, but won't he accept that our focus in Scotland now should be tackling the cost of living crisis, not replicating that division and wasting £20 million in a referendum that people simply don't want? I referred Sarah Boyack to the answer that I gave a moment ago. She was elected to this place opposing a referendum on Scotland's future, but a majority of MSPs were elected to do that. It's not an either or question. Yes, we need to deal with the social and economic challenges, in particular those that are being exacerbated by the UK Tory party. The idea that we should somehow park democracy while that takes place is misguided and wrong. We should, as Democrats, deliver on what the public has voted for and not block democratic choice. By the road admission, an independent Scotland would be using the currency of a foreign country with no influence over its economic policy. For at least 10 years, it would be outside both the UK and the EU single markets. Is that not the case that the Scottish Government's plans for independence would repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss's economic plans rather than learn those lessons? I could just simply answer the question by saying no, but I'd go on to make the point that I've made in this chamber a number of times before. It is not a liberal nor is it a democratic position to block democratic votes on the constitutional future of a country. I understand that the Liberal Democrats in Scotland would prefer power to be exercised over Scotland's future at Westminster. I understand that we have a different view on that. Can we not be agreed as Democrats that when the public elects a Parliament on a manifesto commitment that there should be a referendum as Democrats, at least we should agree that a referendum should take place, then we can have the substantive debate and discussion about the different policy questions? I would, even at this late stage, appeal to the Liberal Democrats to re-examine their liberalism and their belief in democracy because the present time is not much of it on show. To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered all the implications of a border between an independent Scotland and England. The implication of independence is that Scotland will be both wealthier and fairer. On average, comparable independent countries to Scotland cited in the first paper in the updated independence prospectus have national incomes per head £14,000 greater than ours. Minister Bibby will be aware that the leader of the UK Labour Party has said, and I quote him, Let me be very clear with Labour Britain will not go back into the EU. We will not be joining the single market. We will not be joining a customs union. That is the bad news, but there is some better news. Mr Stalmer has also pledged this. Labour would eliminate most border checks created by the Tory Brexit deal. There are standing orders, Presiding Officer, that the members are meant to address the question that I do not believe the minister has addressed in the question that I have asked, which was about the full implications of a border between an independent Scotland. The answer seems to be about national incomes and various other things. I suggest that the member has his now supplementary and perhaps will be able to tease out further information, Mr Bibby. Thank you, Presiding Officer. I thank the minister for that answer, which was not an answer to the question on the other paper that was put. The Scottish Government has asserted that it will not be required to accept the Schengen agreement, which the EU has been clear applies to any new state that wishes to enter the bloc, instead of indicating its desire to continue being part of the British and Irish common travel area. In order to make that work, does that therefore mean that the Scottish Government has accepted that an independent Scotland would be required to align its immigration policies with the continuing United Kingdom? I gently suggest to Neil Bibby that, if he wants to have full answers to questions, making points of order in the middle of ministers trying to answer them is probably not the best way to get answers. The best path for Scotland's future is to become independent, to rejoin the European Union, to manage our borders appropriately and to escape the disastrous Brexit-based economy, both Labour and the Tories are intent on inflicting the people of Scotland. I would ask Neil Bibby to reflect on the commitment by Sir Keir Starmer, who has pledged that Labour would eliminate most border checks created by the Tory Brexit deal. Is that a commitment, or is it not? I think that this is questions to the Government, so I'm not entirely sure that Mr Bibby is to answer in this context any questions. Moving on to the supplementary request from Emma Harper. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Under the common travel area—this is a direct border question—the Scotland will, like Ireland, retain freedom of movement across the British Isles and Ireland. That means that people like my constituents, living on one side of the border but working on the other, will continue to be able to do so and move freely between Scotland and England. Can the cabinet secretary confirm that that will be the case and indicate whether he would expect the UK Government to try to mess with the CTA arrangements that predates the European Union? I agree entirely with what Emma Harper has said. Let's remember the reason it is Brexit that is creating borders. If the UK Government takes a sensible approach to its relationship with the EU, many measures that we've talked about in our paper could be extremely minimal. Nobody sensible would argue that Scotland couldn't remain in the common travel area. Of course, I can't speak for the UK Government, but this isn't just in Scotland's interests but in the interests of everybody in the United Kingdom. Question 3, not lodged. I call question number 4, Elena Whitham. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any discussions with the UK Government in light of the concerns raised with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy regarding the retained EU law, revocation and reform bill. On 11 October, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy replied to my letter of the 5 October, which outlined the Scottish Government's fundamental opposition to this bill. Our position remains that we would like to see the bill withdrawn or, at the very least, significantly changed in order for Scotland's interests and devolution generally to be protected. Mr Rees-Mogg's response did not alleviate our concerns of the bill and my officials have been engaging weekly with UK Government officials in charge of the bill to make clear the necessity of those changes along with devolved Government colleagues. Elena Whitham. I thank the cabinet secretary for his answer and I know he agrees with me that with the sunsetting of retained EU law by 31 December this year, we risk removing restrictions that currently protect holiday pay, safe limits of working hours and parental leave and will become subject to amendment by the UK Government with an open ambition of deregulation. The bill represents the significant undermining of devolution by allowing whatever Government Minister of the UK of the day to act in policy areas that are devolved. Importantly, without the consent of the Scottish Minister or this Parliament, does he therefore agree with me that this is a democratic deficit that Scotland faces is not a new phenomenon and that this is again more stark evidence of what Scotland's people need right now is the choice to choose who they trust to navigate us out of this Brexit chaos? I agree with the member. Recent events demonstrate clear than ever the democratic deficit that Scotland experiences under Westminster control. Using Brexit as a pretext to undermine the fundamental principles of devolution, the UK Government has taken forward legislation without the consent of the Scottish Parliament on seven occasions. It has taken powers to change devolved powers unilaterally through Westminster regulations made by UK ministers alone and is rushed through without consent legislation constraining devolved competences and taking new powers to spend money for devolved purposes in Scotland. Under current arrangement, the UK House of Commons and the unelected House of Lords could change the powers of the Scottish Parliament or even abolish it at any time. The opportunities of independence stand in stark contrast to the damage created by Brexit. Does the minister agree with me that the so-called Brexit freedoms bill not only threatens our rights in the environment but that the unfettered nature of the bill will also act as an unwelcome intervention for Scotland's businesses right at the time when they most need the economic security of good and stable governance? I agree with the member. The legislation threatens to remove the rights and high standards, including standards of environmental protection that the people of Scotland have become used to. This will allow legislation to be amended or sunsetted without the consultation and parliamentary scrutiny that good and stable governance requires. Added to that, the sunset date of 2023 introduces an entirely unrealistic timeframe that will force businesses to comply with new legislation while struggling with the consequences of Covid, the economic crisis and the consequences of Brexit. That is why we have repeatedly called on the UK Government to abandon this completely unnecessary and ideologically driven bill. To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to support the museum and gallery sector during the cost of living crisis. Minister Neil Cree. I thank Claire Baker for her question. I understand how deeply the sector has been affected by rising energy costs and the cost of living crisis, which has come just as they are trying to recover from the pandemic. The Scottish Government is in close communication with Museum Gallery Scotland to fully understand the challenges facing the museum and gallery sector. As a result, it agreed that Museum Gallery Scotland should repurpose the grants that it receives from the Scottish Government into a new resilience fund. This will support museums to build their resilience through activity that will reduce cost, increase income and support communities. The new fund was announced on 12 October, with an expression of interest deadline for 17 November. Claire Baker. Thank you. In evidence to the culture committee recently, the cabinet secretary spoke of museums and galleries providing warm spaces for communities, but they can only do that if they are able to remain open. I note that, in response to Sarah Boyack earlier this week, the minister advised that engagement was taking place with Creative Scotland to support organisations in the arts and culture sector who are facing immediate challenges. I recognise that he spoke today about a new resilience fund, but is he confident that the resilience fund will meet the needs of the sector? We know that the National Gallery has announced closures. The film house has recently closed. There are threats across the country of venues being closed. Is he confident that money is enough to get them through this winter? Minister. I thank Claire Baker for her question, and just to be clear, I think that it is a damning indictment on where we are in the UK, where energy rich Scotland requires to have public buildings used for warmth sharing. It is a terrible situation that people are facing. Of course, we are continuing to engage with the culture sector around the extreme challenges that they face. We will continue to do so. Obviously, that highlights the folly, in my view, of the UK Government cutting back on its Covid recovery funding before a meaningful recovery had actually taken place within the sector, and we are seeing the implications of that now. We are going to continue to work with the sector to do everything that we can to see the museums and gallery sector as well as other sectors, others across the cultural sector, to continue that recovery. We cannot hide from the fact that we are facing an incredible challenging period ahead. The impact of the cost of living crisis on our cultural sector was starkly highlighted when Aberdeen's iconic Belmont cinema closed its doors. Weeks ago, the Scottish Government were warned what was coming and did nothing. The people of Aberdeen this morning heard accusations that there is a naivety about cinemas and the wider arts, and they were stunned to hear the Cabinet Secretary's bizarre claims in Iceland that all was going swimmingly. If the Minister genuinely wants to engage, will he join me and other local representatives in a formal meeting with the Belmont backers and Aberdeen City Council to thrash out a rescue for the Belmont? Minister, obviously we are straining to the wider cultural sector here, but presumably the minister will be happy to respond to the point that Mr King. Yes, thank you, Presiding Officer. I thank Liam Kerr for bringing this issue up. It's not true. His characterisation of government action is not true, first of all. Secondly, I have to be careful, I say with regards to CMI because obviously there are legal matters going on in terms of the administration process that is going there. However, I can give him the guarantee that both Government colleagues, Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland colleagues are working very hard to try to find a solution. I've been more than happy to meet Liam Kerr within the confines of those legal parameters of which I speak, but obviously we want in all scenarios to see the important cultural institutions continue to thrive. We know the significance of the Belmont in Aberdeen, not just in terms of its cultural perspective, but from an economic perspective as well, the same with the film house here in Edinburgh. We will do everything that we can to ensure that we can protect those institutions as best as possible. Although, I have to say, his colleagues in London, who I presume he still supports, would wish to look at this from a UK-wide perspective because those are not issues that are isolated just to Scotland. This is a UK-wide issue and his government has a responsibility to stop austerity and to ensure that our cultural centres are properly supported. During what he has acknowledged to be an anxious time for many in the museums and galleries sector, does the minister agree that those issues are compounded for many smaller museums and galleries in particular, given the Tories' cruel and reckless austerity policies that mean, presumably, fewer people have the means to visit a gallery in the first place? Yes, I do agree with that. There is a very challenging set of scenarios facing our cultural institutions right now, which is rising energy costs, rising inflation of which the UK Government has a clear responsibility and its actions have actually made the problems worse in recent weeks. The money in people's pockets, as a result, means that their spending power in the local economy is reduced. It is a very challenging situation, one that we are going to do what we can within our resources to respond to as best as possible, but there is no doubt that the UK Government has a clear responsibility here to ensure that they are supporting cultural institutions, which then has an awkward impact on the finances that we have in order to respond to their crisis too. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its international work following the constitution secretary's attendance at the recent Arctic Circle Assembly. The Government continues to engage with international partners to encourage cultural, economic and policy collaboration that attract investment and create domestic opportunities for people in Scotland. My visit to Iceland for the Arctic Circle Assembly allowed me to promote Scotland's expertise in relation to challenges and ambitions that we share with our Arctic neighbours, including in relation to decarbonisation, energy solutions and rural wellbeing. It was hugely worthwhile to attend the assembly to present an update on the Scottish Government's Arctic co-operation and holding bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iceland, Ministers from Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Canada and Singapore, delegates from the United States, Norway, Japan and hosting the largest ever contingent from Scotland. May I put on record my appreciation to President Oliver Ragnar Grimmsen for organising the Arctic Circle Assembly? I thank the cabinet secretary for that response. Given changing international security threats globally due to Russia's war in Ukraine and increases to maritime routes in the Arctic Circle because of warming seas, does the cabinet secretary agree that there must be consideration of new maritime security threats to the Norwegian sea and the North Sea? Will that be a matter of focus alongside our Arctic Circle related climate commitments with our partners in the new Nordic office? The exponential pace at which the Arctic region is warming is a matter of deep concern. As one of the first countries in the world to declare a climate emergency, we recognise the vital importance of taking immediate action domestically and encourage ambitious measures internationally. The Scottish Government is fully aware of Scotland's key-gears strategic position as the world's most northerly non-Arctic nation. As new shipping routes become viable, we are ideally located and have clear credentials to become a sub-Arctic maritime transport and logistics hub. However, receding sea ice in the Arctic creates threats as well, which we must be alert to. At a time when the Arctic is the focus of renewed geopolitical and security considerations, it is crucial that we develop a full understanding of the threats that our communities and critical infrastructure could face. To ask the Scottish Government what activities it plans to hold to commemorate 800 years since Dumbarton became a royal borough. I hope that the member is pleased when I say that the Scottish Government recognises the significance of the 800th anniversary of Dumbarton becoming a royal borough. Being able to connect with local history is important for the health and wellbeing of Scotland's communities as well as our national identity. I am pleased that this year's Rock of Ages event, themed for Dumbarton 800, was such a successful part of the official celebrations. Historic Environment Scotland, who worked on that project with the anniversary organisers, are happy to explore future events with West Dumbartonshire Council and the community. I will take it from that response that there is nothing going on. I have written to the Cabinet Secretary about this before. Dumbarton Castle is closed, it is covered in scaffolding. The Rock of Ages event had its second day cancelled due to the weather and 800-year celebration amounted to a Tannoy announcement. That is a hugely significant event for any town, but the Scottish Government does not appear to want to celebrate it. I am sure that the Cabinet Secretary does not wish to imply that there is any snub to the good people of Dumbarton. Let me give him another chance. What will he do? I am pleased that the inspection of Dumbarton Castle is now complete. I understand that Historic Environment Scotland is preparing a technical report ahead of the November community engagement event, which I understand the member and the chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland are attending. The review will result in decisions being made around the opening or partial opening of the site, and any repair works identified will be scheduled into the wider high-level maintenance repair programme. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any discussions that it has had with the Scottish events campus in Glasgow regarding capital investment in the facility. Due to emerging budgetary pressures of which I have already spoken and the reassessment of budget priorities as set out in the resource vendor review, we are unable to commit to support via a capital finance package for the expansion of the conference centre. There have been no specific discussions on capital investment at the SEC since the Cabinet Secretary met Peter Duthey on 27 April. We continue to engage with the SEC and others on how the national event strategy review can build on the industry's success and deliver on government priorities. I must say it's disappointing response from the Government. Investment in SEC expansion is critical for Glasgow's economy with campus activity seeding footfall in local hospitality venues, increasing taxi and transport demand and supporting businesses across the region. I previously asked the Cabinet Secretary if the Government would support that capital financing but he had indicated that that discussion had been paused with the SEC management. This is the time for progressing, not pausing investment in Glasgow lest we see further decline in Glasgow's economy and most recently marked by the failure to secure the Eurovision contest. Will the Cabinet Secretary and the Minister therefore reconsider their decision to pause these discussions in the interest of stimulating Glasgow's economy, ensuring we get economic growth and securing the international competitiveness of the SEC for conferences and major events? I absolutely agree with him the importance that the SEC plays not just in the Glasgow economy but the overall Scottish economy as well. It's clearly very important. I was very sad personally given the limited involvement that I had in Glasgow's bid that we were very supportive of that Eurovision isn't taking place there. We absolutely recognise the importance of the SEC. Unfortunately, our budgetary situation is such that very difficult decisions have had to be taken. We'll continue to have discussions with the SEC, others across the major events sector through the review and I would encourage Mr Sweeney to engage in that so that his interests can be put forward and that of the constituents that he represents. We will now move on to the next portfolio, which is justice and veterans. I remind Members that questions 2 and 7 are grouped together and that therefore I will take any supplementaries on these questions once both questions have been answered. If a member wishes to request a supplementary they should press the request to speak button during the relevant question and they should indicate so if online in the chat function by entering the letter R. Again, I would make a plea for succinct questions and answers in order to get in as many members as possible. To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to support women in custody reintegrate back into their communities. The Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service are committed to ensuring that women leaving custody receive the support that they need to reintegrate successfully. The new female estate, including two innovative community custody units, supports that commitment, underpinned by a revised strategy for women in custody, which is gender specific and trauma informed. The CCUs support a change to rehabilitation of women in custody, linking them to local services and preparing them for their eventual return to the community. We also provide £1.4 million per year to fund a national shine third sector partnership, which provides support to women leaving custody in remand. Jackie Dunbar. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. It's important that we acknowledge that recidivism is also a risk amongst those who have offended and spent time in custody. What steps has the Scottish Government taken to ensure that women released from custody do not end up back in custody again? I'm sure that the member appreciates that there's not one specific step on its own that can prevent reoffending or, indeed, to help an individual to reintegrate into the community successfully. There needs to be an holistic approach across justice services and a wider public services. First of all, it's important to recognise that short custodial sentences are less successful at reducing reoffending. The presumption against short sentences and the continuing development of bail supervision is helping to prevent women being taken into custody unless absolutely necessary. As I've said, the SPS has established a new strategy for women in custody that will take support for the development of women's agency through opportunities to make choices. All plans, interventions and approaches and activities will be based on sound evidence and designed to boost the factors known to promote assistance from crime and improve life chances. Supplementary Katie Clark. What discussions has there been with domestic abuse specialists about the engagement with women being released from custody? There's been substantial discussions with specialists and also the organisations that are most closely involved in that sector. The member will know the organisations that I'm referring to. Over and above that, when SPS looks towards establishing those two units, they have taken into account international, academic and the best possible advice as to how to properly affect rehabilitation. They are unique. There's only two of those in the UK. They are both in Scotland. They represent, in my view, the way forward and it will allow women to reintegrate back into society in a much more effective way and a way in which we can reduce future crime. I hope that they will have the support of all members in the chamber. Question 2, Paul McLennan. To ask the Scottish Government what steps have been taken to ensure that retailers are aware and comply with the measures in the fireworks and paratintic articles of the Scotland Act 2022 that came into effect on 10 October. Measures commenced this month, which will enhance community safety over the fireworks season. As part of the implementation of those measures, the Scottish Government has engaged in shared guidance with the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Scottish Grosses Federation, supermarkets and industry representative bodies. The importance of involving retailers during the roll-out of new measures in the act is recognised. Additionally, the Scottish Government is funding trading standards to undertake a fireworks enforcement project with retailers. That follows on from a similar project last year to support the implementation of new regulations and involves engaging with retailers on measures being introduced through the act, as well as reinforcing existing legislation. Paul McLennan. I am glad to hear about the joint working between the Scottish Government and retailers to ensure compliance with the new measures. Can I ask what steps the Scottish Government has taken to ensure wider public awareness across the country of the impact that fireworks can have on people, animals and to raise awareness of the new measures that commenced earlier this month? I am pleased to advise the member that the Scottish Government, again with our partners, has once again launched the three public awareness-raising campaigns to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks. Key information on the new proxy purchase offence has been integrated into each of the campaigns to ensure people are aware of this new offence. We have also worked with our stakeholders, including Police Scotland, to share messages across our social media channels on the new statutory aggregation for attacks against emergency workers using fireworks. The campaigns run in partnership with partners, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Crime Stoppers and Trading Standards, to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks and to cover a wide range of media, including social media, radio and posters and leaflets, than retail outlets selling fireworks. I ask the Scottish Government how the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Scotland Act 2022 will make this year's bonfire night safer for our communities. I would highlight the two key provisions to the member that came into effect this month. One makes it an offence for adults to purchase fireworks on behalf of or make these available to under-18s to strengthen the protection of young people and communities. The other provision relates to a statutory aggregation for courts sentencing where fireworks were used to attack emergency workers. That clearly signals that such vile behaviour will be firmly addressed. To share the public safety message with communities, our awareness-raising campaigns have been updated and the Scottish Government is working alongside a range of partners, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, to actively engage and prepare ahead of bonfire night. It is great to hear movement in this area. It is something that I get an awful lot of correspondence about in my constituency. I welcome our support for emergency services as they face aggravated attacks during this period. I would like to ask the Cabinet Secretary to join me in condemning the attacks ahead of bonfire night. I also want to ask what aspects of the provisions of the bill will be rolled out in time for next year's bonfire night celebrations. First of all, we have demonstrated that we are committed to progressing positive change for communities by acting as swiftly as possible. I would like to reassure the member that this approach will continue as we implement the remaining measures within the act, as she has asked. I think that it is important to join the member in condemning the attacks against our hard-working emergency service workers in the strongest possible terms. These are people that we rely on in very extreme circumstances very often. It seems unacceptable and incomprehensible that a minority chooses to act in this vile manner towards those who are dedicated to keeping our communities and each and every one of us safe. Of course, the member will know that there are already specific laws in place to protect emergency workers, but I hope that the new statutory aggravation for offences involving attacks using fireworks against them provides reassurance that this Government is committed to such cases being dealt with robustly with penalties that reflect the serious nature of such offending. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our emergency workers, all their partners for the vast amount of work undertaken in preparation for bonfire night. I commit to write to the member with more information about the implementation timetable for the other parts of the act. I thank the Government for accepting my amendment, including that aggravator in the fireworks bill. It is an important message to send to the public. During the passage of the bill, the Government said that there was little evidence to suggest that the bill would lead to an increase in black market activity. Last week, trading standard officers in Glasgow confiscated 250 fireworks from a barbershop in the city, poorly stored and clearly putting lives at danger. Was not that assessment of the black market during that bill somewhat naive given that context? What is the Government doing to ensure that they are cracking down on the potential of a real potential growth in the black market and fireworks sales? I think I've outlined some of the actions that we are taking with the partners that we have, whether it's through trading standards, Police Scotland and others, to make sure that we do this. I don't think it's possible to say at this stage. In the very early stages of this act being implemented, that does prove that there's been a wrongful assessment of the black market activity. I'm aware of the case that Jamie Greene talks about, of course, and we condemn it. However, I think that we do have to wait to see how that works out over a period of time. As I said, a lot of the public awareness raising is going on just now. That will continue to be built upon in future years, and hopefully that drives out and makes much more socially unacceptable the kind of black market activities that Jamie Greene refers to. As the Scottish Government, what action it can take to support armed forces and weapons families in Scotland during the cost of living crisis in light of recent reports that almost 3,000 serving military personnel in the UK are reliant on universal credit? The Scottish Government is undertaking an emergency budget review to assess all opportunities to redirect additional resources to those most in need and to reduce the burdens on business and stimulate the Scottish economy. There is also further support available to the armed forces community, and I know that the member will be aware, given how instrumentally it was in making sure that this happened, which includes the £500,000 provided annually through the Scottish Veterans Fund, which launched earlier this month. This year, that fund prioritises projects that offer support to those affected by the cost of living crisis. Of course, we will continue to engage with stakeholders across the community more widely to develop our response. I thank the cabinet secretary for the answer, but it is not just the fact that nearly 3,000 serving personnel are having to turn to universal credit to get by that betrays the Tories' contempt for our armed forces. There are also issues with the standard of accommodation provided them. RM Condor in my constituency has long been the subject of commentary on the quality of accommodation available to the Marines there, and contrary to recent media reports, I understand that there are no plans on the part of the MOD to address us. Does the cabinet secretary agree with me that it is long past time that we saw proper investment in the accommodation element of military facilities in Scotland to bring them up to an acceptable standard? I quite agree with the member. The Scottish Government recognises the dedication of the many women who are willing to serve their country, and they themselves and their families deserve quality accommodation that meets their needs. They have a budget of £48 billion in the MOD, and they are failing to meet the responsibility to address this matter. It is also true to say that around 3,000 serving personnel in Scotland accessing universal credit will come as a shock to many people in Scotland, or that the 38,000 figure is for the rest of the UK. The armed forces personnel having to draw down on universal credit is absolutely right to say that this is a scandal. It is also true to say that in Scotland we have at least the £19 tax, which makes sure that people in Scotland and the armed forces at that level pay less tax than they do in the rest of the UK to add to the fact that most people in Scotland pay less tax than people in the rest of the UK do. That is a scandal. If they want to seriously address the issues of recruitment, retention and respect for armed forces, they should pay proper wages. In terms of the accommodation, the member will know and will be very familiar with the base that he talks about. Similarly, the personnel on that base deserve proper decent accommodation, and the MOD should address that as soon as possible. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the provision of community policing, including community safety patrols, in the South Scotland region. The member will know that the deployment of police resources, including community patrols, is a matter for Police Scotland. They work closely with local authorities on preventing and tackling a range of issues, including anti-social behaviour within their geographical areas. However, supporting Police Scotland to keep immunity safe remains a priority for the Government, and policing services have been maintained and improved, and we have invested over £10 billion in policing since the creation of the single service in 2013. Emma Harper. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. At my recent surgery in Summerhill in Dumfries, I heard concerns from local residents about what they believe to be increased levels of anti-social behaviour in that area. We know that engagement and education are the best ways to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour happening in the first place. I have called for a multi-agency meeting with the police, the housing authority and community safety team to address constituents' concerns. However, can the cabinet secretary comment on how the Scottish Government is supporting the police and the community's safety, and can he urge them to engage with me and the local residents on those matters? First of all, the Scottish Government recognises that everyone has the right to be and to feel safe in their own communities, and that is why we are committed to tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour. Police Scotland and local authorities lead on interventions and have a range of options available when tackling anti-social behaviour. We recognise that no single approach will tackle all anti-social behaviour, which is why we support a suite of activities that includes anti-social behaviour orders, fixed penalty notices, alongside diversionary and early intervention activities. I was heavily involved in this area when I was a councillor to myself and I know that there can be different approaches in different local authority areas. For our part, we are committed to ensuring that all agencies have the powers and resources that are needed and that we are willing to discuss any changes that could improve prevention and respond to anti-social behaviour with all relevant bodies. 5. Willie Coffey Thank you to ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider additional measures to deal with the reported increase in anti-social behaviour, including on the bus network. As I mentioned in the previous answer, everyone has the right to be and to feel safe in their community, or when using public transport. Reported anti-social behaviour has broadly been in decline over the last decade. However, we know that, where issues arise, they can have a very serious impact for many people in our communities. That is why we continue to support the activity that we undertake to prevent it wherever it occurs. As I mentioned already, no single approach will tackle all anti-social behaviour, and that is why we continue to ensure that partners can call on a range of measures, including the ones that have been mentioned such as anti-social behaviour orders and fixed penalty notices, as well as diversionary and preventative activities. We fully support Police Scotland in its attempts to take appropriate and proportionate actions in response to reported incidents. We also fully support its continued working partnership with transport operators and local authorities to continue to make public transport safe for both passengers and staff. Willie Coffey I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. He will be aware of local anti-social incidents, some extremely serious, occurring recently in Kilmarmuck, both on the bus network and bus station, resulting in the station being closed. Can I ask the minister what can he do to help tackle this problem and, if necessary, liaise with other portfolios within government to ensure that the public can travel in safety? I can confirm to the member that I am aware of the incident that refers to, and I was shocked by it, the incident in Kilmarmuck. I would also add that my thoughts are with the young man and his family of what must be an exceptionally difficult time for them. The member will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment on a live case, but I do understand that Police Scotland is treating this as an isolated incident, and they are maintaining a strong presence in and around the town centre. I am also aware of the issues in East Ayrshire that have involved the bus network and the bus station and share the concerns that this must be causing both the member but his constituents as well. It is, of course, essential that all passengers are able to travel safely. We have been liaising with Police Scotland and the local authority, and I understand that an extensive partnership response is being deployed at local level led by a multi-agency resilience group involving a range of partners, including the council, education, police and transport authorities, to address and tackle this unacceptable behaviour. The Scottish Government is, of course, open to considering all options for attacking antisocial behaviour. I will raise this with those responsible for the bus pass scheme, for example, to gather views on whether the option that has been mentioned elsewhere on whether withdrawal of bus passes might present some kind of a solution to gather views. I am also clear that those who have been involved in the antisocial behaviour represent a very small number of individuals, and we are absolutely clear that such incidents are not an indictment of the bus pass scheme as a whole. The scheme has and will continue to deliver many positive outcomes for people across Scotland. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has warned that free bus travel for under 22s is quote, certainly not helping with antisocial behaviour, and there are reports of youth using buses to engage in violence and other criminality. In light of today's stark and unprecedented budget warnings from Police Scotland, what reassurances can the cabinet secretary give to the public? I think I mentioned a number of ways in which the partnership working, which I think is very important to this, whether it's Glasgow or Kilmarnock, will be followed through. In relation to the budget situation, it's worth just remembering a couple of facts, which of course people in Scotland are substantially less likely to experience crime than they were in 2007. There are far more police officers now than there were when we came into office in 2007. The officers within Scotland are paid £5,000 a year more than their counterparts in England and Wales. Also, we have seen very recently an all-time low record in terms of crime down to 1970s levels when records were first began. As well as yesterday, we have seen that they are lowest ever recorded number of homicides. It would be nice on occasion to hear one or two good things said about the police by the Conservative benches. Unfortunately, it's not happening today once again, but the rest of us will make sure that we give due credit to the police. Of course, any form of human trafficking or exploitation is completely unacceptable, and the Government continues to work closely with partners to tackle this horrific crime. The fifth annual report on our trafficking and exploitation strategy is due for publication in early 2023. We also marked anti-slavery day on 18 October by initiating a review of the strategy beginning with the launch of a public survey on trafficking and exploitation in Scotland running until mid-December. Responses will shape the review alongside engagement with partners across the strategy's main action areas of identifying victims, disrupting perpetrators and addressing the underlying causes of exploitation. I thank the cabinet secretary for his response. A recent operation in Dundee has brought modern slavery charges against two men with investigators saying that this could just be the tip of the iceberg, as highlighted by Alistair Clark in the Courier. Can the cabinet secretary advise what support the Scottish Government is providing Police Scotland to deal with this specialised area of criminal investigation and ensure that victims are provided with the necessary support? I would say to the member that there has been work done on this now over a number of years, including, I think, two law and advocates ago to make sure that as much protection as possible can be provided to the victims. But we are clear that commercial sexual exploitation, of which prostitution is one aspect, is a form of gendered violence and support our law enforcement agencies and third sector support agencies in working together to address it. The Victim Centered Approach Fund includes significantly increased funding for support organisations. Tara and Migrant Help will share over £6.35 million over the next three years to provide support and assistance to adult victims of trafficking and exploitation. We are also providing over £900,000 to other support organisations, providing support to those recovering from this horrific crime. I advise the member that the Minister for Community Safety met key partners in Aberdeen yesterday to learn more about their approach to helping to support individuals involved in prostitution, with often complex underlying issues in order to reduce their vulnerability. 8. Rhoda Grant To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the steps that it is taking to tackle violence against women. In June 2022, a refresher of the Equally Safe Delivery Plan was published outlining the joint commitment of the Scottish Government and COSLA to preventing and eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls and tackling the underpinning attitudes that perpetuate it. Through the justice portfolio and the Victim Centered Approach Fund, we have invested £18.5 million in specialist advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence and the Delivering Equally Safe Fund is providing £90 million per year to support projects that are focused on early intervention and support. It is only through fundamental societal change that women can be fully protected. Rhoda Grant Cymru sexual exploitation is recognised by the Scottish Government as violence against women and indeed has been for many years. While we have had legislation on almost every other aspect of violence against women, which is very welcome, commercial sexual exploitation has had no legislation to combat the harm it causes. Can I ask when the Scottish Government will bring forward such legislation? The bill that has been referred to previously, the criminal justice reform bill in the programme of government, will aim to improve the experience of victims in the justice system. It will help to deliver reforms building on the recent consultation on improving victims' experience of the justice system. Also, the member will be aware that the recommendations from Lady Dorian's review on improving the management of sexual offence cases will also be addressed. That will include proposals to introduce, for example, a strategy to write to anonymity for complainers in sexual offence cases. On a related matter, the member will know, of course, that we intend to abolish the not proven verdict. A number of other work streams that the minister is involved with will continue. Of course, if there is a possibility of further legislation, that will be considered also. Katie Clark In a debate on booking office closures and staffing levels on the railways, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport committed to a review of women's safety on public transport. Will the Cabinet Secretary ensure that his department feed into this review and what measures are needed to help prevent, deal with antisocial behaviour and violence against women on public transport? I can tell the member that I have had preliminary discussions with the minister responsible. Of course, the member will be aware that the link there would be with British Transport Police, which she is quite right, is a justice function. I am so happy to continue to engage with the minister to see how we can make sure, and it relates back to previous questions as well, that women, girls and everybody is safe on public transport. That concludes portfolio questions on justice and veterans. I will allow a short pause to allow front bench teams to move position.