Frozen rent , scrapping not proven and a referendum - Sturgeon's programme for government

The First Minister has outlined the programme for Government in the Scottish Parliament.

Included in Nicola Sturgeons plans are freezing both rent and ScotRail fares, increasing the child payment, abolishing the not proven verdict and an independence referendum bill.

Cost of living measures:

The First Minister has urged new Prime Minister Liz Truss to organise an emergency summit on the cost of living crisis between the four nations.

But in Holyrood the FM has announced what she is doing on a Scotland wide basis.

"In what is perhaps the most significant announcement I will make today I can confirm to Parliament we will take immediate action to protect tenants in the private and in the social rented sectors." She said.

Sturgeon said emergency legislation would be introduced to Parliament, continuing:

"The purpose of the emergency law will be two-fold.

"Firstly, it will aim to give people security about the roof over their head this winter through a moratorium on evictions.

"Secondly, the legislation will include measures to deliver a rent freeze."

In addition she also announced that ScotRail fares will be frozen until at least March 2023, and that the Scottish Child Payment will increase to £25 per week per child, with that help now available for children aged up to 16.

Scrapping not proven:

The Scottish Government will introduce a criminal justice bill which will the controversial not proven verdict abolished.

If approved, it will be a "change of truly historic significance in Scotland", Nicola Sturgeon said.

A Police Complaints and Misconduct Handling Bill will also be introduced in a bid to improve the way in which complaints about the police are managed and investigated.

Referendum:

Nicola Sturgeon's Programme for Government includes a Scottish Independence Referendum Bill.

If the Supreme Court rules that a vote is within the competence of the Scottish Parliament, her government will legislate for a referendum on October 19 2023, she said.

"This current crisis highlights - starkly - the pressing need for independence," Ms Sturgeon said.

"We are being reminded every day that where, and in whose hands, power lies really matters.

"This crisis is much worse in the UK than in other developed countries because of a Brexit that Scotland voted against but was powerless to stop."

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