John Swinney

The SNP has nothing to fear from a properly independent review.

Well, Scotland has become like this because people over on that side of this chamber, Malcolm Offord, Thomas Kerr, various others, are inciting racial division in our society, and this government will stand up to all of that.

Because the language that's been used about ‘strangers’, about creating division between people who walk the same streets of our country ...

I think what parliament and the country has just heard for the first time in this parliamentary session is exactly what I was warning about during the election campaign.

I just want to call it out for what it is, because during the election campaign, I made it abundantly clear I would not cooperate with Reform in this parliament because of the way in which they pursue this issue which incites racial hatred…

But there is a deeper point that is exposed by the question that Mr Offord puts to me, and that is that Mr Offord is trying to pursue an issue on immigration at the same time as his party is associated with the stirring up of hatred within…

Mr Offord is under a misconception about the local connection rules because the local connection rules that were changed by this government in 2022 did not change local connection rules for refugee households.

Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities.

The scenes we saw in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr last night are unacceptable.

Racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland

No one should be made to feel scared in a place they call home, and the actions of those involved do not reflect Scotland’s values.

I confirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue to develop and enhance the services and support that are available to women.

I therefore do not support the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry, because we have had an investigation and it convicted somebody for embezzling from my party’s funds.

The idea of political rivals scrutinising the internal business of other political parties is, well, let me just say an interesting precedent to set, that people should think twice about.

I think it’s inappropriate for there to be an inquiry into these matters, because they affect the internal governance of the SNP, which I have sorted out.

...we will continue to press the UK Government to remove the EPL at the earliest possible opportunity.

What I can assure Mr Middleton about is that the Scottish Government will do everything we can to ensure that the Northeast economy is supported with the investment that is made.

I've made it very clear to the Prime Minister the importance I attach to the removal of the energy profits levy, which is sucking the economic life out of one of Scotland's most important industries.

That has been undertaken, and we will do all that we can to help out to resolve these issues.

Unfortunately, in such cases, detailed explanations are not always provided to applicants.

I appreciate how frustrating the situation is for any Scotland supporter who has had their Esta revoked.

Our party was betrayed by Peter Murrell and, while this may take some time, if we are successful we will use that money for the purpose in which it was donated – securing Scotland’s rightful place as an independent country.

I am absolutely confident that we have the highest standards of financial governance in place with all appropriate checks and balances in place.

It’s not about having too much power. It’s about abusing the systems that were in place.

I feel absolutely gutted at the behaviour that has been perpetrated against decent hardworking members of the party who just simply wanted to do their best for the cause, and they have been betrayed.