First Minister holding talks with party leaders ahead of new tier system

The First Minister will have discussions with other party leaders this afternoon (Tuesday 20th October) on a proposed new tier system for tackling coronavirus in Scotland.

Details are due to be published later this week ahead of a vote in Holyrood next week.

But Nicola Sturgeon is being urged to be honest about all options on the table and more details behind the decision making.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie says, “We need to see the science. Not just the epidemiology, but also the behavioural science. I want to understand the likely impact and responses from the public to any new measures.

“We need to have an open assessment of what is realistic. She says that these measures will reduce the R number below 1 but some of her advisors disagree. Let’s thrash that out in public so we can understand where we’re going.”

Meanwhile Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard wants more involvement from industries, not just politicians. He says, “The involvement of anyone affected by those big changes as far as possible is important.

“It’s also extremely important that Council leaders are involved in the formulation of any policy around greater measures of lockdown or indeed the easing of lockdown.

“I would hope that it would be much more of a partnership arrangement founded on knowledge and evidence as a basis for deciding what the best course of action is for any one part of the country.

Scottish Conservative Leader, Douglas Ross, says, “I really want to hear how the new frame work will work with businesses to give them ample warning to any new measures that will affect their area and that they get financial support from the Scottish Government.

“This is a virus that obviously has a health impact, but we’ve also got to look at the economic impact of decisions that Governments all over the world are also taking. That’s why I think it’s important that businesses do feel engaged, do have a voice and that voice is heard.”

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