John Swinney

So the commitment I give you today, in the spirit of what I've just said about the engagement that enhances public and government policy, is that we will work constructively and closely with you on how this cap is implemented to ensure it…

[It is important that] essential food items, and I stress essential food items, remain affordable to members of the public.

Very disappointed with the result in Aberdeen South, @theSNP vote remains strong but it is clear that tactical voting has had a real impact on the result.

Lady Ross’s judgment has just been given down and it is a very comprehensive judgment, the Government will of course respect the judgment Lady Ross has put forward and consider its implications and we will set out our response in due…

I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.

We will consider all of these details because there are complex issues that are involved, but at this early stage I acknowledge the outcome of the judgement from Lady Ross and the government will consider its findings.

Deeply concerned by the train crash in Bedford and hope for the recovery of all involved. Grateful thanks to the emergency services.

There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.

I am delighted that the SNP has won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election and that Lara Bird will take her place as the SNP’s newest MP.

We need to consider the implications of that result.

They’ve created goodwill on behalf of the country.

The Tartan Army have been extraordinary advocates and ambassadors for Scotland.

Another win would set us in an incredible position in relation to the World Cup, and that’s what the team should go after.

But I think we’ve got the confidence of having a win under our belt, and that’s more than Morocco has got as they approach this particular match.

Yes, I think it will be a tougher game, it’ll be a tougher match.

I think that provides a really strong foundation for the team going into the Morocco game with renewed and sustained confidence, and with verve, energy, and the ability to make sure that we get a win when the match takes place against…

To Steve Clarke, to Andy Robertson and the Scotland national team, I would express my warmest thanks and the thanks of everyone in Scotland for reaching the World Cup and then also to be able to get the first game as a win and to get that…

Scotland has a better alternative – we can be free of Westminster chaos for good with the fresh start of independence.

But while we will continue delivering on the people’s priorities, the contrast with the Westminster system could not be clearer.

It’s a resounding endorsement of the SNP and the election of a fantastic Member of Parliament for this constituency in Lara Bird.

We have all got to consider the implications of the by-election result, and that is what we will do.

I congratulate them on their victory and obviously my party needs to reflect and consider on all these issues.

Also, they were able to capture the anger, the understandable anger, that is felt in Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland around the issues in connection with oil and gas.

There must be a “shift in UK priorities to protect our coastline”

The UK needs to “reshape” its defence priorities in the wake of the “threats we face from Russia under the Putin regime”