Humza Yousaf announces priorities in programme for government
The First Minister addressed MSPs in parliament laying out his priorities for the year ahead
First Minister Humza Yousaf has addressed MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to lay out priorities for the year ahead.
Describing his programme for government, the First Minister said it's "unashamedly anti-poverty and pro-growth."
14 bills where laid out in the programme. Some of the key points addressed are:
Childcare
Commitments towards childcare was a key priority in the First Minister's programme for government.
Social care workers in a direct care role and frontline staff providing funded early learning and childcare in the private, voluntary and independent sector will be paid a minimum of £12 per-hour from April.
The First Minister also committed to accelerating the rollout of childcare to two-year-olds with funding also being provided for six councils to pilot care for children between nine months and two years old.
Miscarriage
Humza Yousaf pledged to improve the treatment of women and their families after a miscarriage.
A variety of new improvements will be put in place including securing separate spaces within maternity wards for women who suffer a miscarriage.
The First Minister discussed his own experience with baby loss, saying: "I know how that sense of loss, regardless of when it happens during a pregnancy, is one that stays with you for life.
"Each loss Nadia and I have suffered has been difficult, and there is no doubt in my mind that we can better support those who experience miscarriage.
"The Programme for Government today outlines how we will continue to improve care and support for miscarriage, including ensuring women do not have to wait until a third miscarriage to receive tailored support; providing access to progesterone prescriptions; and securing separate spaces in hospitals within maternity wards for women who suffer a miscarriage."
Energy
Renewable energy projects are set to be sped up with the Scottish Government to agree a "sector deal" with the onshore wind industry.
The First Minister says the deal will "halve the consenting time for new section 36 wind farms."
A9 and A96
The First Minister announced the procurement process of of dualling the Tomatin to Moy section of the A9 has been launched.
Humza Yousaf said: "Let me be crystal clear, Presiding Officer: this government, my government, will dual the A9 from Inverness to Perth,
"I can confirm today we have launched the procurement for the Tomatin to Moy section as the next step in that work."
He also outlined intentions to make improvements to the A96, including dualling Inverness to Nairn and publish the review of the A96 Dualling Programme.
The lack of announcement regarding the full dualling of the road between Aberdeen and Huntly provoked anger from opposition parties.
Disposable Vapes
A Scottish Government consultation on single-use-vapes is being launched.
Due to come next year, the consultation could lead to a ban on the devices.
The First Minister said: "In the next year, we will take action to reduce vaping and particularly amongst children.
"The Government will also consult on curbing the sale of disposable vapes, including consulting on an outright ban."
However, opposition parties say the plans don't address key issues people in Scotland face.
Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross feels Yousaf is focusing on the "political obsessions of the SNP".
He said: "All Humza Yousaf can offer Scotland is a poor Nicola Sturgeon tribute act.
“He’s still diverting public money towards campaigning for independence when families are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis."
Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar welcomed some of the plans including improving pay for social care staff, but feels Yousaf was a "continuity candidate"
He said: "When it comes to the substance as we've seen today, there may be an attempt to change the headline, but it can't hide a more difficult truth.
"The First Minister was a continuity candidate, who is now left painting the windows on a Government responsible for 16 years of failure."
Scottish Liberal Democrats Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said Scotland's public services were at a "breaking point", and the policy agenda would not address this.