Alyn Smith

I am pleased to confirm we will partner with the UK Government to develop plans for DTECs in Scotland and build on the £3.7 billion to Scotland’s economy provided by the defence sector.

The SNP is united on independence, and we're always going to be a rambunctious bunch.

John Swinney as leader has put independence front and centre of what we're doing.

I want independence tomorrow. I want independence in 2014, I want independence as soon as we possibly can.

I’m concerned about dirty money in our democracy. I’m concerned about foreign influence in our democracy.

I don’t think the Electoral Commission is fit for purpose.

I think there are sufficient grounds for concern that there was dirty money in the EU referendum.

It’s certainly not going to be left at an offhand comment on a podcast, which was all this was.

One of the reasons Scottish institutions are at risk is because our universities are so excellent.

Protecting those relationships means ensuring that international engagement is underpinned by appropriate due diligence, robust risk management and access to the latest security advice.

Strong global relationships, including our academic and research links with China, make an important contribution to Scotland’s education, skills and research sector.

It is important that institutions are able to identify and manage security risks effectively while continuing to pursue responsible international collaboration.

I recognise that this alert may cause particular concern for institutions directly affected.

The Scottish Government takes this alert seriously.

Ministers are working closely with universities and colleges to develop a more sustainable and resilient model.

Many of the issues are outside the government's control and not unique to Scotland, such as visa restrictions, Brexit, inflation and National Insurance rises.

I recognise the challenges highlighted in both reports.

Scotland’s best hope for the future is as an independent nation firmly back in the heart of Europe.

An independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the EU, allowing the country to rebuild ties with our neighbours and build a wealthier Scotland, back at the heart of Europe where we belong.

These figures show Brexit has hammered our universities, but attracting the brightest and best overseas students to Scotland also meant those people made Scotland their home – that is an incredible economic benefit that Scotland has lost.

Scotland was dragged out of Europe against our will, but we are left facing the disastrous consequences every day – nowhere is that felt more than in our world-class universities.

Scotland is on a path to independence – and this is a key reminder of the prize once we get there: higher living standards, and a healthier, more educated population.

It is clear that the key difference is that these smaller countries have the ability to take decisions for themselves, as Scotland remains tethered to a Westminster system that is holding us back.

This research shows that without doubt Scotland’s best possible future is as an independent nation firmly back in the heart of Europe.