FM says talks with UK Gov were 'inconclusive'

The First Minister says she has had a constructive – though inconclusive – discussions with the Prime Minister about Omicron this afternoon.

In a statement she also said Boris Johnson has agreed there needs to be swift engagement with the Treasury on the immediate action needed, and committed to further talks over the weekend.

It is as it is confirmed Omicron is now the most dominant strain of Covid the country.

Fans are still due at Ibrox tomorrow and at Hampden on Sunday for the League Cup final between Celtic and Hibs.

Commenting on this afternoon’s telephone call between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a spokesperson for the First Minister said:

“The First Minister had a constructive – though at this stage inconclusive – discussion with the Prime Minister. They shared respective views on the current Omicron situation and agreed that it represents a significant threat to health and the economy.

“The First Minister emphasised the extreme urgency of the crisis for businesses in the hospitality, events, culture and related sectors which are already suffering a severe financial impact, and stressed that they needed immediate assurances of support from the Treasury. The Prime Minister agreed that there needed to be swift engagement with the Treasury on the immediate action needed, and committed to further talks over the weekend.

“The First Minister also made clear that the devolved administrations require clarity that additional funding support would be available – and also on how it can be triggered by any or all of the UK administrations – in the event of further protective measures being necessary to tackle the virus in the period ahead.”

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