 Ieolwydd gyhoeddwch i gwneudodd gyda'r edrych dlineg gyda'r cyfnodio? The Russian War Against Ukraine began. yesterday the tragic events hit a new low with a children hospital being reduced to rubble. Russians bombed a hospital and the targeted children. young innocent lives have been lost in the most despicable and atrocious way. Mae'n gweithio gael cyntafol sy'n gweithio i ddwyfeithio a gweithio sy'n dechrau sy'n dwyfeithio y gweithio. Rwy'n gweithio i'r parlyfion i'ch gweithio a'r Présiedyn Selensgau i'r Cymru. Mae'n gweithio i'r 50 oed o gyfuniaeth yn eich cyfrifol, ac ar y cysylltu yn gweithio, oherwydd sy'n gweithio i'r bwysig yn cyfrifol a'r gweithio i ddych chi'n gweithio i'r llyfr. The people of Ukraine are all in our thoughts and prayers just now. Finally, I know that we all agree that more needs to be done to help refugees escaping war, and that needs to happen now. This situation has to be urgently addressed because those who are fleeing for their lives need the safety and security here in the United Kingdom, and we have to do everything we can to support them. Can I ask the First Minister, in light of Russia's actions, will the Scottish Government update its energy strategy to outline how they plan to protect our energy security? First Minister, all of us are horrified and deeply distressed by what we are witnessing unfold in Ukraine, not just on a daily basis but on an hourly basis. Yesterday's developments were a new low, a low that I believe all of us hoped we would never see the targeting of children and babies in a maternity hospital. Vladimir Putin is committing, on a daily basis, crimes against international law. He is committing crimes against humanity. He is committing war crimes. It is important to do everything that is possible to stop Vladimir Putin, but it is also important to ensure that he pays the severest price for the actions that he is undertaking and the crimes that he is committing. On refugees, I welcome the limited movement that we have heard this morning from the Home Secretary. I think that it needs to go further. I repeat my appeal to the Prime Minister to emulate the example of the Republic of Ireland of countries across the European Union to waive visa requirements to put sanctuary first and paperwork second. I intend to write to the Prime Minister again later today to make that call again. I would welcome the signatures of Douglas Ross, Anna Sarwar and Alec Cole-Hamilton on that letter, and I will laze with our offices later today. Those are important matters, although refugee entry is a reserved matter. Let me also be clear that the Scottish Government is actively working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Refugee Council to ensure that we are ready and able to welcome refugees here from Ukraine and give them the support that they need. To the question that Douglas Ross has posed, as he knows, the Scottish Government is in the process of updating our energy strategy. That work commenced prior to the horror in Ukraine that is now unfolding, but, of course, the situation in Ukraine and the implications that it has for energy crises are not so much in Scotland or the UK for security of energy supply, since we are not dependent on Russian oil and gas in the way that many other countries, particularly in Europe, are, but, of course, we will all bear the burden of increased prices. Obviously, those developments will now be factored into the work on the energy strategy, and that will be published when that work is complete. On refugees a week, I have been working with colleagues in the UK Government to see what more can be done. I welcome the steps that have been taken this morning by the Home Secretary, but I agree that much more needs to be done to protect people who are fleeing for their lives. The First Minister mentioned the updated energy strategy, but Russia's appalling actions have put a renewed focus on energy security. In Scotland, we have the natural resources to protect our own supply and we have the resources to export to other countries to reduce Europe's dependence on Russian gas. Last night, the former SNP energy minister said, and I quote, In principle, we do need more oil and gas. He continued, we need all the oil and gas production we can get. I agree with Fergus Ewing. We can protect Scottish jobs, Patrick Harvie laughs, but we can protect Scottish jobs and we can secure our energy supply. First Minister, surely now is the time to maximise oil and gas production in Scotland using the energy on our own doorstep? Those are important issues, and in light of what is happening in Ukraine, of course we have to look carefully at all of these issues. The work on our energy strategy, as I said, is under way. That will allow us to properly understand our energy requirements as we make that transition to net zero. On the issue of exports of oil and gas, I think that around 80 per cent of Nazi production is already exported, a fact that I think is important to bear in mind. It is, of course, the case that we need to consider very carefully the implications of the changes volatility in the energy market right now for us. Let me repeat again, this is not for the UK an issue of security of supply. Only around 3 per cent of our gas supplies and around 8 per cent of our oil and petroleum supplies come from Russia, but we will all bear the burden of global price increases for energy and indeed for food, which is driving inflation and the cost of living. I think that it is important, though, that we understand the realities here, and even if, which none of us should do, of course, because the climate crisis has not gone away, but even if we were to put to one side the environmental considerations, given the timescales and the practicalities involved, it is not credible to suggest that the short-term solution to this crisis lies in increasing North Sea production. Existing fields in the North Sea are not currently operating under capacity. Expanding existing fields is possible, but that would take months, if not years, and new fields take years, if not decades, to plan and develop. We should not go after solutions that might sound superficially attractive, but do not stand scrutiny around the practicalities and the realities. In the short term, what we must see in terms of rises in global prices is action from the chancellor, substantial and significant action from the chancellor, to shield households across the UK from that impact, including, as I am hearing, from a sedentary position behind me, action on reducing VAT. Medium to longer term, the reality is, and in fact I have heard UK ministers make this point, as well as the European Commission make this point in recent days, medium to longer term, the action the world needs to take to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels is exactly the same action that the world needs to take to address the climate emergency. We must accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy, and that is what the Scottish Government remains focused on. Douglas Ross. First Minister started her answer by saying that she and her Government would look at all of the issues and all of the options, but refused to say if she agrees with myself and the Scottish Conservatives that we have to maximise oil and gas production in Scotland at the moment to help with the crisis and the crisis going forward. Because, of course, the First Minister has previously said that no new oil fields should be developed. That's just not a realistic solution. It will simply lead to more imports from other countries. Right now we purchase £3 billion of oil and gas every year from countries including Russia. If the First Minister is not prepared to move on domestic oil and gas supply, then what are her alternatives? Scottish Conservatives support the increased use of nuclear energy, its low-carbon and its safe. Shouldn't nuclear be in Scotland's energy mix if we want to stop relying on Russian oil and gas and move to net zero? First Minister. I think that Douglas Ross had listeners. I'm sure he did. What I'm trying to do is explain the practicalities in the short term. It's also worth he's quoting my colleagues at me, which is perfectly legitimate, let me quote one of his colleagues at him just from Sunday past, the energy secretary, the UK energy secretary, quasi-quarting. He said, and I'm quoting now, for as long as we depend on oil and gas, wherever it's from, we're all vulnerable to Putin's malign influence on global markets. That is true. That is the reality. Douglas Ross's colleagues recognise that. Perhaps he should as well. But he's right to say what are our solutions and all of us are grappling with what the right, best and deliverable solutions are to this. In the short term, in terms of rising prices, I think that it is inescapably the case that we need to see a substantial financial intervention from the chancellor to shield households across the country from the impact of rising inflation. Of course we need to look at our energy mix going forward, but I come back to the practical point that I was making. Increasing production from the North Sea in the short term is not a practically deliverable solution. You take Campbell and we disagree perhaps in this chamber on whether Campbell should get the go-ahead, but even if Campbell got the go-ahead, 2026 is when it would first produce any oil, nuclear as well. Even if, and it's not a position that I support for the avoidance of doubt, but even if we were to give the go-ahead to new nuclear energy today, it would be years if not decades before any of that came on stream. That's the practical reality. We need to find the solutions now and we need to make sure that we are accelerating that transition to renewable and low-carbon energy because that's the solution to dependence on Russian oil and gas over the medium to long-term, but it's also frankly the responsible action to take in response to the climate emergency, which I repeat has not gone away. It's not gone away, which is why I've mentioned the drive towards net zero in my questions, but we've also got to see the situation has changed fundamentally, not just in months and years, but in recent weeks. The First Minister's position doesn't seem to recognise this new reality. Russia's war has changed the situation and we have to accept that. Scotland could deal a blow to Vladimir Putin by increasing domestic oil and gas production. We could increase that production now. We could end the need to import foreign oil and gas and export more to reduce international reliance on Russian energy. It's not the time to be ideological. It's the time to be practical and realistic and we've heard that from SNP voices. We've heard that from Fergus Ewing. We've heard that from Ian Blackford. Why don't we hear it from the First Minister? First Minister. I'm not being ideological. I'm trying to set out hard practical reasons why what Douglas Ross is calling for and I recognise because we all feel this desire right now to find the solutions to what is happening on a humanitarian level, even on a military level and in terms of the implications for energy and for inflation and for the impact on all of us. We don't do anybody any favours if we put forward solutions that don't provide that panacea in the short term. What I've said to Douglas Ross and he hasn't engaged with this at all. If we were to give the go-ahead to Campbell right now, 2026 would be the earliest that could start producing oil. With new nuclear, if we were to give the go-ahead today, it would be years if not decades before that would come on stream. Even if I was to agree and I don't agree on all of these matters, they were the right things to do. They do not offer the solution that Douglas Ross is trying to suggest that they do. That doesn't do anybody any favours. Instead, we've got to look at what the solutions are. In terms of the immediate term, financial intervention to shield people from the impact of inflation is essential and necessary. Perhaps we would be better advised to come together in this chamber to call on the chancellor to do that, to act in the way he acted at the start of the pandemic and provide that assistance. To come together to look at every opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable and low-carbon sources of energy. The other point that Douglas Ross didn't engage in in his latest questions is the quasi-acquarting quote that I have just shared. We remain dependent on oil and gas. We are all dependent and vulnerable to Putin's malign influence. That is the point. Let's not be ideological. Douglas Ross is saying to me that let's produce more domestically. I have twice now set out to him the timescales and existing fields are not operating under capacity. This is about new production and I've set out the timescales of that. We all want to find the solutions but let's look at realistic solutions and let's I think avoid the tendency to use this as a way of having a go at each other. Instead, come together and find sensible solutions in the interests of the people we serve. Question 2, Anas Sarwar. Presiding Officer, can I firstly join other party leaders in expressing our continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine? We all continue to be horrified and heartbroken by the scenes that are rolling on our screens of the tragedies taking place in Ukraine. People suffering, people fleeing but nothing more heartbreaking than the sight of seeing a maternity unit bombed by Russian forces. Vladimir Putin must fail but let's also be clear Vladimir Putin is a war criminal and he must face justice. I want to express just two other points. I want to thank you to all those across Scotland in the UK who continue to donate to the appeals to support the people of Ukraine but also all those doing collections to try and send supplies to Ukraine. There are frustrations about how those supplies actually get to Ukraine and the neighbouring countries so I think we all need to do more to encourage free flow of supplies. The second one is on refugees. This goes beyond party politics. This is about people fleeing war and needing not just sanctuary but home here in Scotland. I am willing to join with every other party leader to make sure that we are calling on the Home Secretary and the Home Office to do everything necessary to allow those to flee and make home here in Scotland. Today my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in this chamber will also be with the family and friends of Brett McCulloch, Donald Dinney and Christopher Stucbury who died in the Stonehaven rail crash in 2020. Their deaths were a tragedy and they were avoidable. This morning's report should shame Network Rail and Krillin but there are questions for Abellio and the Scottish Government too. The train that was operating on this route was decades old. They were first introduced into service in the mid-70s and didn't comply with safety standards set in 1994. This is what the report says about them today. It is more likely than not that the outcome would have been better if the train had been compliant with modern safety standards and it goes on. The damage to the train was very extensive. A significantly higher casualty toll would have been likely if the train had been heavily loaded with passengers. First Minister, why did the Government agree to run trains that were over 40 years old and didn't meet modern safety standards? Will you now listen to staff and unions and withdraw them from service? First, my thoughts are very much today with the family and friends of Donald Dinney, Brett McCulloch and Christopher Stucbury. Indeed, all those who were injured and affected by this dreadful crash will be an extremely difficult time for the families of the three men who tragically lost their lives and I think we should all be thinking of them today. This will be of no comfort to his loved ones but it is important to point out that a key finding of this report is that there was nothing in the way of driving the train that caused the accident. He was driving within the rules and the instructions given to him and I think it is important to record that today. I want to thank the real accident investigation branch staff for this important work for their thorough approach and the clarity of findings and recommendations and it is important now that those recommendations are implemented. It is important in relation to the specific point that Anna Sarwar raises to say, as indeed the report notes, the refurbished high-speed train that derailed was fully compliant with legal requirements to operate. However, since it was designed and constructed, railways standards have continued to improve, reflecting lessons learned from investigations of this type. The train operator, in this case ScotRail, has the statutory duty to ensure that the trains they operate are safe and of course it is the statutory duty of the Office of Rail and Road as regulator to oversee that duty with enforcement if and when necessary and the Office of Rail and Road will monitor the work being undertaken to address recommendations of the real accident investigation branch. That duty of course will pass to the new publicly owned and controlled ScotRail on 1 April but of course ScotRail at the time of this crash was not owned by the Scottish Government in the way that it will be in future. The final point that it is important to make is that while this report is important, very important in fact, it will not be the last report into this tragic incident. There is a further report being undertaken by the Office of Rail and Road and that is a joint investigation with Police Scotland and the British Transport Police and that will report to the Procurator Fiscal later this year and that will allow prosecutors to consider questions of criminal prosecutions and a fatal accident inquiry however these of course are matters for the Lord Advocate. Annas Sarwar I think it's safe to say that we shouldn't have allowed unsaved trains or trains that didn't meet standards to be on our railways and I would hope when we do have under public ownership that that is corrected immediately. Priorities of three families have been failed staff are continuing to be failed because they are being asked to operate on trains that don't meet safety standards and again repeat set in 1994. We know that network rail plans have plans to make over 2,000 staff redundant across the UK that is unacceptable. The Scottish Government which takes ownership of Scotland in a few weeks is still refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies here in Scotland. Let's not forget that these are workers who kept us going during the pandemic and we can't have a safe railway if we don't have a properly staffed railway too. In light of today's report will the First Minister commit to no compulsory redundancies and failing that will she at least commit to no compulsory redundancies in safety critical roles on Scotland's railway? First Minister, I repeat that all of our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones. This was a tragedy and nothing that any of us can say and nothing that any report can say will remove or lessen the pain that they are going through and that lessons are learned from any tragic incident like this and it's important that that will be the case here as well. I won't repeat what I've already said in that regard but it is important just to underline this point that the accident according to this report was caused by a failure of the infrastructure not the train which was confirmed to have been properly licensed and approved to operate albeit I would refer back to the comments that I made earlier. I think that we have got off ScotRail to public ownership something that I'm very proud that this Government is undertaking. We will of course continue to negotiate with the unions around all of these matters as I think would be expected of us and I will not pre-empt any of that. But what I will say is that this Government has a very strong record of no compulsory redundancies within those agencies that we have responsibility for. I think that commitment is important across a whole range of our responsibilities and the principles that have guided us to date will continue to guide us as we take over ownership and responsibility for ScotRail next month. I think that the real unions will welcome an unequivocal confirmation from the First Minister that we know compulsory redundancies particularly those in safety critical roles. Despite this report today there are still unanswered questions and we can't allow this to be a report where people say one word but no meaningful action follows. The First Minister is right that we still have criminal investigations to conclude. There remain questions about the standard of trains and the levels of staffing but what we must never forget is that the heart of this are victims and families who have been failed by a powerful corporation and public bodies and they shouldn't have to wait years to get answers. We can't allow this to become yet another in a long line of public scandals and tragedies in Scotland where no one is held to account and where institutions protect themselves rather than the public. As Kevin Lindsay said we must do everything we can to bring those responsible for this catastrophic event to justice. Will the First Minister do the same? First Minister. I have read Asleeff's comments this morning. I totally understand them and I understand without hesitation how strongly, why they feel as strongly about this report and its findings. The real family in Scotland, as it is in many countries, is a very close knit one. They've lost one of their own in this tragedy and I absolutely understand why they're making the comments that they are making. I think it's important to stress this point. Anna Sarwar poses his questions rightly to me but it's important to stress the independence of these investigations and it is important to repeat and Anna Sarwar has acknowledged this but the report today it's not just that it's not the final report the remit of the real accident investigation branch is to investigate these incidents on a no-blame basis so it is not there to apportion blame it's there to establish the facts and that is what it has done. The further investigation that is under way with the Office of Rail and Road in parallel with Police Scotland and the British Transport Police that will report to the Procurator Fiscal and the Crown Office to determine whether there should be criminal prosecutions or whether indeed there should be a fatal accident inquiry and of course that would be the moment to consider any wider issues of accountability as well but it would be completely wrong for me to pre-empt those investigations or to try to curtail those investigations in any way in terms of commenting about the appropriate timescale for that that latter investigation is due to report as I understand it later this year. The final point I would make the comments that have been made about the trains of course after the operating company that is ScotRail from 1 April that will be a publicly owned ScotRail but the comments in the report about the infrastructure and it was a failure in terms of infrastructure are matters for Network Rail and I would point out again that Network Rail remains a reserved body accountable to the UK Government not directly accountable to this Government but also reserved and perhaps one of the wider longer term lessons we will want to reflect on in this Parliament is whether that is right or whether we could come together as a Parliament and make the case for that to change so that we can have devolution not just of the operation of the railway but of the infrastructure that it operates on as well so there's lots of lessons to learn here and I'm certainly committed to making sure that I do everything possible to ensure that they are learned Thank you, take some supplementaries and I call Co-Cab Stewart Thank you, Presiding Officer When talking about emergency visa waivers at Westminster yesterday the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK told the Home Affairs Committee that at particular times drastic measures should be taken I believe something like dropping everything could be considered as well In the light of that direct plea from the ambassador to our war ravaged European neighbours does the First Minister agree that UK Government should adopt the position of the Irish Government where all visa barriers have been removed to allow refugees to be welcomed quickly safely and securely without delay and post arrival paperwork and biometric work is conducted in concert with the Ukrainian consul so arrivals can securely settle anywhere across the UK's common travel area First Minister Yes, I do. I strongly support that position and that is the position that has been adopted by the Republic of Ireland and by countries across the European Union I spoke myself to a Ukrainian living here in Scotland a man who lives in Glasgow I spoke to him yesterday and this will be one of many stories he spoke to me about the efforts to get to his family members, his sister to this country she had managed to get to Poland after an arduous journey and the wall of bureaucracy that met her and trying then to get to the UK was mind boggling and inhumane in the circumstances I welcome as I said earlier on the movement we appear to have heard from Pretty Patel in the Home Office this morning as I understand it and I am still when I came to the chamber was still trying to absorb all of the details of it as I understand it, Ukrainians passport will be able now to apply for a visa but only through the family route which is the only route open right now online rather than have to go to a visa application centre that is movement and I understand that for them the biometric processes will be completed when they come to the UK but it is still requiring a visa application process and that is not good enough we need to wave that process allow people to get here and then do the paperwork after that that is not just the humanitarian thing to do that is what other countries are doing as well finally we hope we will have confirmation over the next couple of days from the UK government of the opening of the community sponsorship route that has been overseen by Michael Gove rather than the Home Office I have had constructive discussions with Michael Gove in the last couple of days about this the Scottish government has put a proposition to him and his officials that we should allow the Scottish Government in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council with COSLA effectively to run that scheme here in Scotland so that we can make sure people coming through it get the right support because I think the vast majority of people in Scotland want to welcome them with open arms and that is what we are intent on doing if we possibly can if the UK government procedures allow us to do so Rachael Hamilton Scottish Borders Council papers reveal that the Scottish Government seek removal of any indication of a preferred route for a borders rail extension from Tweedbank to Carlisle via Hoig. Can the First Minister give my constituents assurances that the SNP Government will not derail the project and the route will go via Newcastleton? First Minister As I understand it as I recall these are matters that are being looked at in terms of the Borderlands deal we want to encourage the greatest possible connectivity and to get the greatest possible benefits from the borders rail link and any extension from that. I'll ask the Transport Minister to write in greater detail about the processes that will be followed. Jackie Baillie Christmas Eve IVF treatment was suspended across Scotland for women who were not up to date with their Covid vaccinations. Scotland was the only part of the UK to do so and it was the only service in the NHS on which treatment was conditional on vaccination. The chief medical officer announced that the service would resume last week which is welcome. However women arriving for IVF treatment were sent away because a consent form from the Scottish Government's central legal office had not yet been processed. This is causing a continuing delay to treatment which is reducing the chances of women falling pregnant. Will the First Minister intervene to ensure that IVF treatment is not delayed any further? It's really important to stress that the recommendation to temporarily defer fertility treatment for women not fully vaccinated was taken as a clinical decision in response to emerging evidence and clinical concerns raised by lead clinicians in the four NHS assisted conception units about the risk to mothers and babies of not being vaccinated. The decision affected a small number of patients although I understand the distress and trauma that will have been caused but for the vast majority of women treatment was able to proceed without delay. The chief medical officer is now recommending that fertility treatment for unvaccinated patients no longer needs to be deferred. That is a decision that will be given immediate effect so that treatment of patients can recommend the administrative issue that is raised. I am not aware of that but I will look into that and make sure that if that is an issue that subsists that it is rectified as soon as possible. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government will do to mitigate the impact of volatile gas prices. Rising gas prices are causing many people to worry about energy bills especially of course with the price cap increase coming in April alongside a wider package of cost of living support. The Scottish Government is providing a further £10 million for our fuel insecurity fund to ensure support remains available for people at risk of self-disconnecting or severely rationing their energy use. However, energy markets are reserved so we must and do urge the UK Government to do much more significantly more now to support consumers and that should include a cut to that on energy. Longer term, the gas price surge as I was reflecting earlier reinforces the need to end our dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition something that the European Commission and indeed UK Government ministers have also been calling for this week. Arian Burgess. I have the First Minister for her response. The Conservatives have shamelessly used the Russian invasion of Ukraine as an excuse to further expand fossil fuel production. Indeed, Douglas Ross has called for the Scottish Government to ignore climate science and ramp it up. Not only does this dismiss the advice of the UN the international energy agency and the climate change committee but it also contradicts the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy which states that ensuring the supply of secure, affordable and clean energy is essential to the UK's national interests. Isn't it the case that the best way that we can promote peace and security tackle fuel poverty and our energy supply is by reducing our reliance on gas through the net zero building strategy and by supporting a scaling up of renewable energy? Yes, I do agree with that. I am not going to repeat all the points that I made in response to Douglas Ross. However, while I don't agree with the UK Government on all of these matters, these are arguments that are being made by UK Government ministers as well. Anybody who thinks that the horror in Ukraine while, of course, it is taking all of our attention rightly at the moment means that the climate crisis has gone away and need only read the IPCC's latest report published last week. It has not. Indeed, the impacts of climate breakdown are accelerating and we have a duty to take that extremely seriously. We have to accelerate the transition to clean sources of energy that is right for the sake of the planet and the wider issues of energy security as well. We have all got to focus on doing that and that is what the Scottish Government is doing. Douglas Lumsden. Fergus Ewing in MSP has said that voluntary ceasing exploration in the North Sea would increase Scotland's carbon footprint by making it more reliant on fossil fuels from other countries. Alan Smith has said that its legitimate question whether North Sea oil and gas production should be extended amid the war in Ukraine. Ian Blackford has pointed out that we can bring maximum pressure to be felt by Putin by cutting off Western demand for Russian oil. Does the First Minister recognise that support for her opposition to further North Sea exploration is now crumbling within her own party and that it's time to change course? First Minister. Members of my party are engaging in an intelligent way about these issues which I think is incumbent on all of us to do. In terms of Ian Blackford's comment, we should cut off demand for Russian oil and gas for as long as states or companies are buying Russian oil and gas. However, we are inadvertently helping to fund his illegal war and probably in the process prolonging that war. I call for import bans on Russian oil and gas by states and by countries. I welcome the albeit still limited action that the UK Government announced in this regard earlier this week. I don't know if Douglas Lumsden was listening to the answers that I gave to Douglas Ross. If I was to stand here right now, which I'm obviously, I take a different view on some of these things, but even if I was to stand here right now and say, let's increase Nossie production, the timescales and the practicalities of that do not mean that that offers a solution to the immediate challenges we're facing. I set out in some detail the timescales that would be involved. Campbell, the one that is closest to being given approval potentially by the UK Government 2026 would be the earliest that it started producing oil. So let's not grasp at false solutions. Instead, let's focus on our obligations. Oil and gas is part of our energy mix right now. It's going to continue to be part of our energy mix during the transition. It is important to recognise that, but existing fields are not operating under capacity. But we must now focus on that transition or making sure that it's a just transition that we're investing in the alternative that we're protecting the jobs because that's in the interests not just of helping defeat Putin but of ensuring energy security and also protecting our planet. Research from Energy Action Scotland shows that nearly 40 per cent of households will no longer be able to afford to heat their own homes adequately at energy prices. Yet the Scottish Government have rode back on their promise to create a publicly owned energy company despite the outline business case showing it would have produced annual savings for customers. So I'm seeking some clarity from the First Minister. Does she believe as I do that essential resources like energy must be available to everyone on the basis of need not ability to pay? First Minister, we've set out before the position in terms of a publicly owned energy company why we changed our preexisting position and what we are focused on delivering now. I'm not going to rehearse all of that today but I do agree that energy is not a luxury people have to be able to heat their homes that is why it's so important now that we are doing everything we can within our powers and resources to help people with that but these matters still remain largely reserved to the UK Government and therefore it is incumbent on all of us to ask the Chancellor to take the requisite action that we need to see right now. Labour, I can understand why the Tories might be groaning at that answer I really don't understand why Labour because they are exactly the same arguments that Labour's colleagues in London are making right now. The Chancellor must step up and act to protect households the length and breadth of the country we are calling for that the question and the mystery that is so upset by the fact that we are calling for that action question number 4, Bob Dorris Thank you, Presiding Officer to ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the MND Scotland report No Time to Lose addressing the housing needs of people with MND which highlights the barriers faced by people with MND securing adaptations for accessible homes First Minister I welcome the report produced by MND Scotland and recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that people with degenerative illnesses such as MND have choice, dignity and freedom to access suitable homes We know that there are issues with the way adaptations are being accessed and delivered locally and are considering how the process can be streamlined and made easier for people who need adaptations We're also working of course to increase the supply of accessible and adapted homes and wherever possible all new affordable homes that are designed to be flexible to meet people's needs as they change over time We're also delivering a programme to retrofit homes in the social rented sector to make them more accessible Bob Dorris I thank the First Minister for that answer The report tells of one man who was being washed on his decking because the family were awaited accessible shower facilities and the average life expectancy with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis some will never get the adaptations that they need As the report rightly states people with MND should be making precious memories to friends and family the time they have left not fighting for the adaptations that accessible homes urgently need Will the Scottish Government meet MND Scotland to discuss their recommendations and do all that it can in collaboration with partners and local government to ensure that people with MND can live and accessible homes with the care and dignity that everyone is entitled to First Minister We want everyone particularly at a time in their life when they're living with ill health or a condition such as MND to be given the support they need to be able to live in their own home and have their own home suitable for them and for their needs As I said a moment ago I know that the adaptation system requires improvement and I recognise the particular need for speed for those with MND I or indeed the housing secretary would of course be happy to meet with MND Scotland as we take forward the review to listen to their views and of course hear more about their report and recommendations Pam Duncan-Glancy Last night the Glasgow Film Festival premiered a film about a man with MND, Addy Bartman and his activism I commend it to all across the chamber At present, only 1 per cent of housing is fully accessible for wheelchair users around 10,000 disabled people are on waiting lists and I have constituents disabled people who have waited over six years for an accessible home Does the First Minister agree with me that this is unacceptable and what urgent action will the Scottish Government take to meet disabled people's housing needs? First Minister I do think that more action is needed I've already made that point In 2021 2021 95 per cent of new-build homes delivered by housing associations and councils where information was returned on housing for varying needs met the standards set out on those accessibility standards but there is much more needs to be done across all 10 years of housing We are currently reviewing the housing for varying needs design guide that is a good standard but it is now over 20 years old We have also flexible grant funding arrangements in place ensuring that specialist housing provision identified by local authorities as a priority can be supported so we will continue to focus on all of these issues I have already recognised how important they are for everybody who has particular needs but particularly those living with conditions like MND and I will make a point of looking and watching the film that Pam Duncan Glancy has brought to my attention Question 5 Donald Cameron To ask the First Minister whether she will provide an update on the spring roll-out of the Covid-19 boost of vaccine Vaccination, of course, remains a critical component in our Covid response To date, 86.3% of eligible people aged 18 and over have received a third or booster dose of vaccine in Scotland and indeed we continue to deliver the highest vaccine delivery rates anywhere in the UK We welcome the JCVI's recommendation to offer some of the most vulnerable groups an additional vaccine dose in spring of this year Indeed from the start of this week we began the process of initially delivering this within care homes and also started to invite all of those who are now eligible for their additional booster. These vaccinations will continue over the next few months as these individuals become eligible and that is when they reach six months from the date of their last dose. We continue to act on JCVI advice and are planning for a number of different scenarios including an annual booster programme that will reduce most at risk Donald Cameron The First Minister will recall that during the previous vaccine booster campaign there were several issues with the roll-out in the Highlands and Islands including incorrect details on letters going out to the public in terms of where people should go to get their booster Given this spring campaign is targeted at the most vulnerable groups in society what action has the Scottish Government taken to prevent such mistakes We have had engagement dialogue with NHS Highland about the experience previously and I would hope that that would not be repeated It is important though to point out that the NHS Highland uptake amongst JCVI priority groups has generally been very good particularly amongst care home residents with 98 per cent having received a booster or third dose so the delivery roll-out has gone well but of course we do take action to ensure that any administrative difficulties are learned from and not repeated That is the case with NHS Highland and any other health board Christine Grahame Thank you very much While welcoming the programme for roll-out of boosters in the spring I declare an interest, I might be lucky enough to be in one of the cohorts With the potential removal of mandatory face coverings and social distancing and the increasing prevalence of Covid infections Does the First Minister agree with me that lateral flow tests should remain and be free in request and what discussions has the Scottish Government had with the UK Treasury in this regard? Given that I know the age at which we are offering these additional boosters right now I'm too scared to suggest whether or not Christine Grahame is likely to be included in these groups so I think I'll err on the side of caution on that front In terms of testing it's an important issue we are, as I set out in the chamber we are developing a managed transition plan to ensure that Scotland continues to have an effective, albeit proportionate testing response and an effective surveillance infrastructure Access to PCR and lateral flow tests will continue to be supported throughout the transition phase and lateral flow tests will remain free of charge for any purpose that we continue to advise that testing is required The health secretary and I have been in regular dialogue with the UK Government about the future of the UK testing programme so that we don't have clarity on the impact to Scottish Government funding but we continue to engage urgently with them to gain this clarity and I hope that we will do so soon Question 6 has been withdrawn I'll take a couple of supplementaries if they are brief and I call Alistair Allan The First Minister will be aware that Tyain and Chigall the housing agency in the Western Isles last week announced that it would no longer be able to administer Government-funded insulation projects because of any lack of funding but because of PAS 2035 regulations on ventilation which have caused demand for such schemes to collapse in the islands Given that the Western Isles is almost certainly one of the most fuel-poor communities in Europe what can the Scottish Government do to urgently ensure that these vital insulation installations can continue? First Minister I understand that what is a new UK-wide set of retrofit standards has created challenges in the Western Isles Over the past week, we have followed this up with the housing provider and the council to restate our commitment to finding a solution that enables them to continue to improve the warmth and ventilation of people's homes I know that Dr Allan has raised this issue before today and I believe he has received a copy of the most recent correspondence Officials are also working with the British Standards institution to further improve how the expertise is taken fully into account We value the housing work done in the Western Isles and hope that the issue can be reconsidered now in light of our further discussions and we will continue to see that expertise applied in the Western Isles Alexander Stewart Thank you, First Minister Clackmannanshire out of ours GP services is in crisis Assurances were sought regarding this late last year but the evidence was given by the local MSP and the council group leader that NHS 4th valley remained committed to providing services in Clackmannanshire The service despite the rhetoric is being eroded GPs who have been appointed to the service are being told they are no longer required and NHS 4th valley regularly goes into code black This is jeopardising the safety of patients Therefore what action can be put in place to maintain, retain the services for the people of Clackmannanshire First Minister This is a really important issue I am aware of the difficulty being faced by NHS 4th valley and have been assured that they are working hard to continue to provide a service and they remain committed to doing so and that is important The Scottish Government is currently working with NHS 4th valley to review this review in its early stages but the aim will be to ensure a safe service moving forward Officials are also following up with the chief executive as a matter of urgency to identify and secure solutions for the current situation and develop longer term plans The cabinet secretary has asked for further details this week on how the board intends to address the shortages and I am sure that he would be happy to correspond with the member with further detail when he receives that Mark Ruskell Today's announcement from the UK Government is significant but I agree with the First Minister that it does not go far enough Ukrainian seasonal workers across Scotland many of whom are my constituents in Fife are still barred from bringing their family members to safety and are still subject to the abhorrent no recourse to public funds conditions So can I ask the First Minister what further support and assistance can the Scottish Government provide to Ukrainian seasonal workers who are still at the harsh end First Minister We are trying to influence UK Government decisions on this every day right now Currently the only route open for Ukrainians is the family reunification scheme It is still too limited in my view but it is also as we have seen painfully seen in recent days horrendously bureaucratic We are asking for that to be streamlined We are asking for visa requirements to be waived but we are also seeking assurances and I hope it will be given that people coming here whether they come under that route or the community sponsorship route that I hope will open in the next few days will be able to work will have access to public funds and that the Scottish Government will be able to work with our partners to ensure full support for everybody who comes here So these are the discussions we continue to pursue with the UK Government and I hope it shouldn't take this and no country right now should have to be shamed into doing right that this is the case but I hope we do get to a position where we are as I said the other day not just opening our hearts to people in Ukraine I think that we have all done that but we are opening our doors as well allowing people to come here and then ensuring that they have the support they need to recover from their trauma and to try to rebuild some lives while we are all hoping for peace in their own country and Willie Rennie Jack Mackenzie Katie Allen John Kerr The five young people took their lives their own lives all within the last five years The Children and Young Persons Commissioner believes that the conditions for children in prison were in breach of the UNCRC and the prohibition on torture in human and degrading treatment or punishment in terms of article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights How many more damning reports will be published? How many more young people will have to die before the shameful situation comes to an end? First Minister Can I make very clear, we fully support a presumption against any people under the age of 18 being dealt with through the criminal justice system Since the shift towards prevention in 2007 there have been positive changes in youth justice According to official statistics at 30 June 2007 there were 221 young people under the age of 18 in custody As of Tuesday this week there were 15 between 2008-9 and 2019-20 there was an 85% reduction in the number of children and young people prosecuted in courts and a 93% reduction in 16 and 17 year olds sentenced to custody In line with our commitment to keeping the promise we are committed to reducing the number further We all want Scotland's young people to be safeguarded within the youth justice system and kept out of young offenders' institutions and we will be consulting shortly on necessary legislative changes to underpin the changes in practice that I have just narrated That concludes First Minister's questions There will be a brief pause before members' business