and is scotland's longest serving deputy first minister to date. he also served as leader of the scottish national party between 2000 and 2004, when the party was in opposition. as education secretary in 2020, he managed to survive a no—confidence vote over a controversial exam results policy — which the government was forced to u—turn on. a reminder that there is currently no leader of the snp or first minister after humza yousaf, the leader of the snp, resigned on monday following his calling to an end to the power—sharing agreement with the greens and this is mari mccullum. let's listen in. scotland's interests and a cause to which we all dedicate ourselves, so please show your appreciation with that forjohn swinney.

applause thank you forjoining me at the grassmarket community project, a venture _ grassmarket community project, a venture that brings hope to some of the most _ venture that brings hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our society— the most vulnerable people in our society and the setting of a social enterprise. this place reflects my values, _ enterprise. this place reflects my values, who i am, and it is therefore _ values, who i am, and it is therefore the right place for me to confirm _ therefore the right place for me to confirm that i intends to stand for election— confirm that i intends to stand for election as — confirm that i intends to stand for election as leader of the scottish nationat— election as leader of the scottish national party. i want to build on the work— national party. i want to build on the work of the snp government to create _ the work of the snp government to create a _ the work of the snp government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic scotland _ create a modern, diverse, dynamic scotland that will ensure opportunity for all of her citizens. i want _ opportunity for all of her citizens. i want to — opportunity for all of her citizens. i want to unite the snp and unite

scotland — i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. 0ne i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. one of the benefits of stepping back from front tine — the benefits of stepping back from front line politics a year ago is that— front line politics a year ago is that i— front line politics a year ago is that i have had the time and the opportunity to see our political situation — opportunity to see our political situation from a different perspective than before. there is a huge _ perspective than before. there is a huge amount that the snp has achieved — huge amount that the snp has achieved on the health of the people of scotland and much about which we should _ of scotland and much about which we should feet— of scotland and much about which we should feel very, very proud. the scottish— should feel very, very proud. the scottish child payment, free university tuition, the massive expansion— university tuition, the massive expansion of childcare and much, much _ expansion of childcare and much, much more _ expansion of childcare and much, much more. snp policies transform lives _ much more. snp policies transform lives they— much more. snp policies transform lives. they lift children from poverty. _ lives. they lift children from poverty, give them a better start in life and _ poverty, give them a better start in life and enable them to go to university. looking across these islands — university. looking across these islands with a uk election looming, the snp _ islands with a uk election looming, the snp alone stands up for ordinary people. _ the snp alone stands up for ordinary people. for— the snp alone stands up for ordinary people, for workers, for families. the tories — people, for workers, for families. the tories are targeting the weakest and blaming the vulnerable look for

the disaster they have made of the uk economy. they seek to divide, to htanre, _ uk economy. they seek to divide, to htanre, to— uk economy. they seek to divide, to blame, to polarise, and labour disappoint _ blame, to polarise, and labour disappoint with policy after policy dumped — disappoint with policy after policy dumped in the empty pursuit of power — dumped in the empty pursuit of power. only the snp stand for the majority— power. only the snp stand for the majority of people, what they want their government to be, in the moderate _ their government to be, in the moderate centre—left of scottish politics — moderate centre—left of scottish politics. that is where i stand. and if elected _ politics. that is where i stand. and if elected by my party and parliament, my goals as first minister— parliament, my goals as first minister will come straight from that centre—left tradition, the pursuit— that centre—left tradition, the pursuit of— that centre—left tradition, the pursuit of economic growth and social— pursuit of economic growth and socialjustice. economic growth not for its _ socialjustice. economic growth not for its own— socialjustice. economic growth not for its own sake but you support these _ for its own sake but you support these services and the society we all want _ these services and the society we all want to— these services and the society we all want to see. i will pursue priorities— all want to see. i will pursue priorities that will make scotland the best— priorities that will make scotland the best our country can be as a modern, — the best our country can be as a modern, innovative, dynamic nation.

in modern, innovative, dynamic nation. in an— modern, innovative, dynamic nation. in an advanced western society, chitd _ in an advanced western society, child poverty is a curse. the government i aspire to lead will be focused _ government i aspire to lead will be focused on — government i aspire to lead will be focused on doing all in its power to eradicate _ focused on doing all in its power to eradicate child poverty, the scottish— eradicate child poverty, the scottish child payment is a significant step, but we need to do more _ significant step, but we need to do more to— significant step, but we need to do more to raise more children out of poverty _ more to raise more children out of poverty. the — more to raise more children out of poverty. the climate emergency is a real and _ poverty. the climate emergency is a real and present threat to our society, — real and present threat to our society, but we must design an approach — society, but we must design an approach to net zero that takes peopte — approach to net zero that takes people and business with us. when resources _ people and business with us. when resources are limited, they must be used forensically to make the greatest impact on the challenge that we _ greatest impact on the challenge that we face. government must use its powers— that we face. government must use its powers and resources to support economic— its powers and resources to support economic growth and to ensure we create _ economic growth and to ensure we create a _ economic growth and to ensure we create a vibrant economy in every part of— create a vibrant economy in every part of our— create a vibrant economy in every part of our country. that means every _ part of our country. that means every aspect of policy, on planning, on skills. _ every aspect of policy, on planning, on skills. on— every aspect of policy, on planning, on skills, on infrastructure, must be aligned — on skills, on infrastructure, must be aligned to support our aim of creating —

be aligned to support our aim of creating a — be aligned to support our aim of creating a successful economy. i want _ creating a successful economy. i want ministers to be focused on the delivery— want ministers to be focused on the delivery of— want ministers to be focused on the delivery of services on which the public— delivery of services on which the public depend, on health, an education, housing, transport, so people— education, housing, transport, so peopte see — education, housing, transport, so people see their lives are getting better, _ people see their lives are getting better, as — people see their lives are getting better, as a result of the actions of their— better, as a result of the actions of their government. of course, the pursuit— of their government. of course, the pursuit of— of their government. of course, the pursuit of many of these priorities would _ pursuit of many of these priorities would make a greater impact if the scottish— would make a greater impact if the scottish parliament had the full range _ scottish parliament had the full range of— scottish parliament had the full range of powers of any normal country~ — range of powers of any normal country i_ range of powers of any normal country. i believed all of my adult life that _ country. i believed all of my adult life that scotland's future is best served _ life that scotland's future is best served as — life that scotland's future is best served as an independent country but i served as an independent country but i recognise _ served as an independent country but i recognise that more people need to be convinced of that point before independence can be achieved. i want to focus— independence can be achieved. i want to focus my— independence can be achieved. i want to focus my efforts on reaching out in scotland — to focus my efforts on reaching out in scotland with respect and courtesy— in scotland with respect and courtesy to address the obstacles in the way— courtesy to address the obstacles in the way of— courtesy to address the obstacles in the way of winning the case for independence, to persuade people that scotland's future is best served — that scotland's future is best served with the powers of independence. there is no better way

than that— independence. there is no better way than that to _ independence. there is no better way than that to build the levels of greater— than that to build the levels of greater support for independence that are _ greater support for independence that are necessary to achieve independence. but today, i have to accept _ independence. but today, i have to accept that— independence. but today, i have to accept that my party is not as cohesive _ accept that my party is not as cohesive as it needs to be to achieve _ cohesive as it needs to be to achieve all of that. that has to change — achieve all of that. that has to change i_ achieve all of that. that has to change. i could have stood back and hope _ change. i could have stood back and hope to— change. i could have stood back and hope to others would sort things out, but — hope to others would sort things out, but i — hope to others would sort things out, but i care too much about the future _ out, but i care too much about the future of _ out, but i care too much about the future of scotland and the scottish national _ future of scotland and the scottish national party to walk on by. having joined _ national party to walk on by. having joined the _ national party to walk on by. having joined the snp as a teenager, having hetped _ joined the snp as a teenager, having helped bring my party from the fringes — helped bring my party from the fringes of politics to being the government of scotland, having served — government of scotland, having served as — government of scotland, having served as a senior minister for 16 years— served as a senior minister for 16 years and — served as a senior minister for 16 years and having helped steer scotland — years and having helped steer scotland so close to independence in 2014. _ scotland so close to independence in 2014. i_ scotland so close to independence in 2014, i want to give all that i have in me _ 2014, i want to give all that i have in me to _ 2014, i want to give all that i have in me to ensure the success of our

cause _ in me to ensure the success of our cause i_ in me to ensure the success of our cause. i believe i have experience, the skills. — cause. i believe i have experience, the skills, and i command the trust and confidence of people across this country— and confidence of people across this country to— and confidence of people across this country to bring the snp back together again and get us focused on what we _ together again and get us focused on what we do _ together again and get us focused on what we do best, uniting scotland, detivering — what we do best, uniting scotland, delivering for the people and working _ delivering for the people and working to create the best future for our _ working to create the best future for our country. the challenges the country _ for our country. the challenges the country faces, from the cost of living _ country faces, from the cost of living crisis— country faces, from the cost of living crisis to the disastrous tory brexit— living crisis to the disastrous tory brexit mean that we need all the talents— brexit mean that we need all the talents that are available to us. if elected. — talents that are available to us. if elected. i— talents that are available to us. if elected, i will bring together the strengths and abilities of all of our people in a cohesive, inclusive team, _ our people in a cohesive, inclusive team, including our counsellors throughout scotland, are members of parliament in westminster and are members— parliament in westminster and are members of the scottish parliament at holyrood. we have many talented people _ at holyrood. we have many talented people leading the work of the scottish— people leading the work of the scottish government. i want kate forbes _ scottish government. i want kate forbes to— scottish government. i want kate forbes to play a significant part in

that teanf — forbes to play a significant part in that team. she is an intelligent, creative. — that team. she is an intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has much _ creative, thoughtful person who has much to _ creative, thoughtful person who has much to contribute to our national life. much to contribute to our national life and _ much to contribute to our national life and if— much to contribute to our national life. and if elected, i will make sure _ life. and if elected, i will make sure that — life. and if elected, i will make sure that kate is able to make that contribution. and that will be part of a united — contribution. and that will be part of a united team that draws together our whole _ of a united team that draws together our whole party, which given my deep, _ our whole party, which given my deep, deep devotion to the snp, i think— deep, deep devotion to the snp, i think i_ deep, deep devotion to the snp, i think i am — deep, deep devotion to the snp, i think i am best placed to put together. that unity must extend beyond _ together. that unity must extend beyond the government, that unity cannot— beyond the government, that unity cannot be — beyond the government, that unity cannot be imposed, cannot only be a product _ cannot be imposed, cannot only be a product... can only be a product of how we _ product... can only be a product of how we conduct our politics. our party— how we conduct our politics. our party must — how we conduct our politics. our party must have a vibrant democracy. a few— party must have a vibrant democracy. a few months after ijoined the snp, i a few months after ijoined the snp, i was _ a few months after ijoined the snp, i was encouraged tojoin a meeting of the _ i was encouraged tojoin a meeting of the party's national council and isaw— of the party's national council and i saw at _ of the party's national council and i saw at first hand internal democracy in action, party leaders, my dear—

democracy in action, party leaders, my dear friend the late gordon witson— my dear friend the late gordon wilson amongst them, questioned and challenged about priorities. that is how it _ challenged about priorities. that is how it should be and that is the culture — how it should be and that is the culture i— how it should be and that is the culture i will encourage in the snp i culture i will encourage in the snp i tead _ culture i will encourage in the snp i lead it— culture i will encourage in the snp i lead it is— culture i will encourage in the snp i lead. it is by being open, willing to engage — i lead. it is by being open, willing to engage and happy to debate that we trring _ to engage and happy to debate that we bring people together. it is by giving _ we bring people together. it is by giving people the space to speak their mind and the respect their opinions — their mind and the respect their opinions deserve that they are willing — opinions deserve that they are willing to _ opinions deserve that they are willing to come together and unify once a _ willing to come together and unify once a decision is made. that is my approach _ once a decision is made. that is my approach to— once a decision is made. that is my approach to my party, and it will also be — approach to my party, and it will also be my— approach to my party, and it will also be my approach as first minister— also be my approach as first minister if i am elected to that post — minister if i am elected to that post i— minister if i am elected to that post. i believe in cabinets government. ministers who are absorbed — government. ministers who are absorbed in their individual responsibilities, but making the links— responsibilities, but making the links across responsibilities to tackle — links across responsibilities to tackle our biggest challenges. and ministers — tackle our biggest challenges. and ministers contributing to the common -ood ministers contributing to the common good by— ministers contributing to the common good by their participation in open, substantive cabinets discussion.

that is— substantive cabinets discussion. that is how good government comes about _ that is how good government comes about the _ that is how good government comes about. the snp government does not have a _ about. the snp government does not have a parliamentary majority. that means _ have a parliamentary majority. that means we _ have a parliamentary majority. that means we must work to seek common ground _ means we must work to seek common ground in— means we must work to seek common ground in the— means we must work to seek common ground in the scottish parliament in the interests of the public and of good _ the interests of the public and of good governance. that means our approach — good governance. that means our approach in — good governance. that means our approach in parliament will have to change. _ approach in parliament will have to change. to— approach in parliament will have to change, to listen, to compromise, to work— change, to listen, to compromise, to work with— change, to listen, to compromise, to work with att— change, to listen, to compromise, to work with all other political parties _ work with all other political parties. it might be a statement of the obvious, but i can defend myself robustly— the obvious, but i can defend myself robusttv in— the obvious, but i can defend myself robustly in parliament, and once or twice _ robustly in parliament, and once or twice over— robustly in parliament, and once or twice over the years, i have had to do so _ twice over the years, i have had to do so i_ twice over the years, i have had to do so ialso— twice over the years, i have had to do so. i also believe i have demonstrated that i can operate with courtesy— demonstrated that i can operate with courtesy and patience to pursue respectful dialogue and to achieve common— respectful dialogue and to achieve common ground with others. and lastly. _ common ground with others. and lastly, people will ask, common ground with others. and lastly, people willask, how long will i _ lastly, people willask, how long will i be — lastly, people willask, how long will i be around? i am no caretaker.

iam— will i be around? i am no caretaker. iam no— will i be around? i am no caretaker. i am no interim leader. i am offering— i am no interim leader. i am offering to— i am no interim leader. i am offering to lead my party through the westminster elections and to lead us _ the westminster elections and to lead us beyond the 2026 elections, two contests i intend to win for the snp and _ two contests i intend to win for the snp and for scotland. applause so, my message is crisp and simple, i am stepping forward to bring the snp together, to deliver economic growth _ snp together, to deliver economic growth and socialjustice, to deliver— growth and socialjustice, to deliver the very best future for everyone — deliver the very best future for everyone in a modern, dynamic, diverse — everyone in a modern, dynamic, diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp — diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. i invite everyone in the snp _ independence. i invite everyone in the snp and in our country wants to

'oin the snp and in our country wants to join me _ the snp and in our country wants to join me in— the snp and in our country wants to join me in thatjourney the snp and in our country wants to join me in that journey to the snp and in our country wants to join me in thatjourney to do so now _ join me in thatjourney to do so now thank— join me in thatjourney to do so now. thank you very much. applause john swinney there announcing his leadership bid to become snp leader and first minister. he is the former deputy foreign minister and he will be the first candidate to officially enter the race for the leadership of the snp. he said he will stand in the snp. he said he will stand in the moderate centre—left of scottish politics and he said where a majority of people want their government to stand him. he said that if elected, his goals as first minister will come straight from the centre—left tradition and he said the pursuit of economic growth and social justice the pursuit of economic growth and socialjustice is his goal and let's listen into the question and answer session with james cook, our scotland editor asking the first

question. scotland editor asking the first cuestion. ,., , scotland editor asking the first cuestion. , , ., , question. the party is not cohesive riaht now. question. the party is not cohesive right now we _ question. the party is not cohesive right now. we are _ question. the party is not cohesive right now. we are not _ question. the party is not cohesive right now. we are not together- question. the party is not cohesive| right now. we are not together and we are _ right now. we are not together and we are not— right now. we are not together and we are not operating as one big, unified _ we are not operating as one big, unified team. but what i am absolutely certain about is if the snp gets its act together, it will be a formidable force for good in scotland — be a formidable force for good in scotland and a formidable force for success _ scotland and a formidable force for success in — scotland and a formidable force for success in scotland as well and that is what _ success in scotland as well and that is what i _ success in scotland as well and that is what i offer. thank you. applause colin mackay. grid what sort of party _ colin mackay. grid what sort of party and — colin mackay. grid what sort of party and government will you have because _ party and government will you have because it — party and government will you have because it seems grid like a lot more _ because it seems grid like a lot more of— because it seems grid like a lot more of a — because it seems grid like a lot more of a difficultjob because it seems grid like a lot more of a difficult job to take on then— more of a difficult job to take on then you — more of a difficult job to take on then you had last year. in terms of kate forbes, i don't think i could have _ kate forbes, idon't think i could have been— kate forbes, i don't think i could have been clearer that i want kate forbes _ have been clearer that i want kate forbes to — have been clearer that i want kate forbes to be part of the snp and a

very involved, senior participant in the snp _ very involved, senior participant in the snp and of course i have had discussions with kate, she is a colleague _ discussions with kate, she is a colleague and friend, so why on earth _ colleague and friend, so why on earth would i not have discussions with kate — earth would i not have discussions with kate forbes, and she will obviously _ with kate forbes, and she will obviously speak for herself about her plans — obviously speak for herself about her plans and intentions and has to hear what — her plans and intentions and has to hear what i — her plans and intentions and has to hear what i have to say as well. but what _ hear what i have to say as well. but what i _ hear what i have to say as well. but what i want — hear what i have to say as well. but what i want to make sure is that we take forward the snp in a constructive and effective passion on the _ constructive and effective passion on the basis i have set out in my policy— on the basis i have set out in my policy perspectives today —— fashion~ _ policy perspectives today —— fashion~ i— policy perspectives today —— fashion. i don't think the characterisation of the situation as you put— characterisation of the situation as you put it — characterisation of the situation as you put it to me is nearly as tough as you _ you put it to me is nearly as tough as you set — you put it to me is nearly as tough as you set it— you put it to me is nearly as tough as you set it out. there are a lot of good — as you set it out. there are a lot of good things happening in scotland todav~ _ of good things happening in scotland today. there are a lot of good things — today. there are a lot of good things happening in scotland today that get— things happening in scotland today that get ignored and i want to build on the _ that get ignored and i want to build on the foundations of what the snp has achieved. we have a fantastic record _ has achieved. we have a fantastic record in— has achieved. we have a fantastic record in office, good things are

happening, 100,000 children today are not— happening, 100,000 children today are not in— happening, 100,000 children today are not in property because of the actions _ are not in property because of the actions that frankly kate forbes and i and actions that frankly kate forbes and i and other— actions that frankly kate forbes and i and other colleagues put in place. -- not— i and other colleagues put in place. -- not in— i and other colleagues put in place. —— not in property. when the scottish— —— not in property. when the scottish child payment was introduced. —— not in povert. scotland _ introduced. —— not in povert. scotland is _ introduced. —— not in povert. scotland is in a much better position— scotland is in a much better position than the characterisation that is— position than the characterisation that is often put out. —— not in povertv — that is often put out. —— not in poverty. to _ that is often put out. -- not in �*0ve . p, p, that is often put out. -- not in poverty-— that is often put out. -- not in poverty. to go back to kate forbes, mentioned the _ poverty. to go back to kate forbes, mentioned the discussions - poverty. to go back to kate forbes, mentioned the discussions you - poverty. to go back to kate forbes, j mentioned the discussions you have had with— mentioned the discussions you have had with her — mentioned the discussions you have had with her. will— mentioned the discussions you have had with her. will you _ mentioned the discussions you have had with her. will you offer- mentioned the discussions you have had with her. will you offer her- mentioned the discussions you have had with her. will you offer her thel had with her. will you offer her the post of— had with her. will you offer her the post of deputy _ had with her. will you offer her the post of deputy first _ had with her. will you offer her the post of deputy first minister? - had with her. will you offer her the post of deputy first minister? [- post of deputy first minister? 1 think post of deputy first minister? think we are getting a bit post of deputy first minister?“ think we are getting a bit ahead post of deputy first minister?- think we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves — think we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves. i quite literally spent the week— ourselves. i quite literally spent the week with lots of you getting ahead _ the week with lots of you getting ahead of— the week with lots of you getting ahead of yourselves and i had got to keep you _ ahead of yourselves and i had got to keep you in — ahead of yourselves and i had got to keep you in a sense of equilibrium and im— keep you in a sense of equilibrium and i'm very— keep you in a sense of equilibrium and i'm very concerned about you

rushing _ and i'm very concerned about you rushing ahead of yourself so we will come _ rushing ahead of yourself so we will come to— rushing ahead of yourself so we will come to att— rushing ahead of yourself so we will come to all of these questions in due course — come to all of these questions in due course but i think i have made it pretty— due course but i think i have made it pretty clear in what i have said to you _ it pretty clear in what i have said to you today that they will have to be change — to you today that they will have to be change. we just cannot go on as we are _ be change. we just cannot go on as we are today because if we... that is the _ we are today because if we... that is the reason — we are today because if we... that is the reason i'm standing, because if we _ is the reason i'm standing, because if we go _ is the reason i'm standing, because if we go on — is the reason i'm standing, because if we go on the reason we have gone on today, _ if we go on the reason we have gone on today, i— if we go on the reason we have gone on today, i think we will face tough times, _ on today, i think we will face tough times, but— on today, i think we will face tough times, but i'm stepping up to the plate _ times, but i'm stepping up to the plate to— times, but i'm stepping up to the plate to sort that, to make sure we deliver— plate to sort that, to make sure we deliver the — plate to sort that, to make sure we deliver the change we need to deliver. — deliver the change we need to deliver, whether it is in the party or in— deliver, whether it is in the party or in our— deliver, whether it is in the party or in our activities as a government or in our activities as a government or our— or in our activities as a government or our work— or in our activities as a government or our work in— or in our activities as a government or our work in westminster or our work— or our work in westminster or our work and — or our work in westminster or our work and our— or our work in westminster or our work and our local authority chambers, it will change, but i tell you one _ chambers, it will change, but i tell you one thing, once i draw the snp together— you one thing, once i draw the snp together as — you one thing, once i draw the snp together as one unified team, the opposition— together as one unified team, the opposition parties in scotland is better— opposition parties in scotland is better watch out what is coming towards — better watch out what is coming towards them. applause

could you tell me what you want to be teader— could you tell me what you want to be leader of— could you tell me what you want to be leader of the _ could you tell me what you want to be leader of the snp! _ could you tell me what you want to be leader of the snp! ? _ could you tell me what you want to be leader of the snp! ? l— could you tell me what you want to be leader of the snp! ?_ be leader of the snp! ? i think the moment is — be leader of the snp! ? i think the moment is right, _ be leader of the snp! ? i think the moment is right, to _ be leader of the snp! ? i think the moment is right, to be _ be leader of the snp! ? i think the moment is right, to be honest, . moment is right, to be honest, peter — moment is right, to be honest, peter i— moment is right, to be honest, peter. i think what the party needs 'ust peter. i think what the party needs just now— peter. i think what the party needs just now is — peter. i think what the party needs just now is a strong, reassuring, experienced, skilled individual who can create — experienced, skilled individual who can create the bridge to the future for our— can create the bridge to the future for our party at a moment of difficulty _ for our party at a moment of difficulty. i have been quite open today, _ difficulty. i have been quite open today, i— difficulty. i have been quite open today, i have accepted that my party is in some _ today, i have accepted that my party is in some difficulty. we have just lost a _ is in some difficulty. we have just lost a first — is in some difficulty. we have just lost a first minister, let's be realistic, _ lost a first minister, let's be realistic, are facing difficult times _ realistic, are facing difficult times. so in my view, the answer to that is— times. so in my view, the answer to that is someone who is known inside and outside — that is someone who is known inside and outside the snp, who is trusted inside _ and outside the snp, who is trusted inside and _ and outside the snp, who is trusted inside and outside the snp, who has a proven— inside and outside the snp, who has a proven track record of being able to bring _ a proven track record of being able to bring people together and if i

might— to bring people together and if i might say also, a formidable electoral track record under his belt as— electoral track record under his belt as well. applause catherine. �* p, applause catherine. . . , catherine. and channel 4 news. if kate forbes _ catherine. and channel 4 news. if kate forbes doesn't _ catherine. and channel 4 news. if kate forbes doesn't run, - catherine. and channel 4 news. if kate forbes doesn't run, do - catherine. and channel 4 news. if kate forbes doesn't run, do you i kate forbes doesn't run, do you think— kate forbes doesn't run, do you think that — kate forbes doesn't run, do you think that should _ kate forbes doesn't run, do you think that should be _ kate forbes doesn't run, do you think that should be a _ kate forbes doesn't run, do you think that should be a holyroodl think that should be a holyrood etection? — think that should be a holyrood etection? i— think that should be a holyrood election? ~' ., , election? i think the holyrood election? i think the holyrood election question _ election? i think the holyrood election question is _ election? i think the holyrood election question is a - election? i think the holyrood election question is a red - election? i think the holyrood i election question is a red herring because — election question is a red herring because holyrood is a fixed term parliament of five years which envisages changes of personnel during _ envisages changes of personnel during that period but the electorate are invited to go to the polls _ electorate are invited to go to the polls to _ electorate are invited to go to the polls to elect a party for a five year _ polls to elect a party for a five year term _ polls to elect a party for a five year term and that is what they have done and _ year term and that is what they have done and we should see at the time and if— done and we should see at the time and if i _ done and we should see at the time and if i am — done and we should see at the time and if i am successful to be chosen as first— and if i am successful to be chosen as first minister, when that is appropriate, i will see as first minister, when that is appropriate, iwill see it as first minister, when that is appropriate, i will see it out myself, _ appropriate, i will see it out myself, but i think we should just respect _ myself, but i think we should just respect the fact we work in a fixed term _ respect the fact we work in a fixed term parliamentary system where

there _ term parliamentary system where there can — term parliamentary system where there can be a change of personnel within— there can be a change of personnel within that — there can be a change of personnel within that period. a there can be a change of personnel within that period.— within that period. a simple ruestion within that period. a simple question for _ within that period. a simple question for anyone - within that period. a simplej question for anyone running within that period. a simple i question for anyone running to within that period. a simple - question for anyone running to be snp teader. — question for anyone running to be snp teader. do— question for anyone running to be snp leader, do you _ question for anyone running to be snp leader, do you think- question for anyone running to be snp leader, do you think you - question for anyone running to be snp leader, do you think you will| snp leader, do you think you will deliver— snp leader, do you think you will deliver independence _ snp leader, do you think you will deliver independence for - snp leader, do you think you will . deliver independence for scotland? yes. applause this is where names might run out for me _ this is where names might run out for me. �* this is where names might run out for me. . , ., .,, this is where names might run out forme.�* , . ., for me. are steadfast, safe pair of hands, a mediator, _ for me. are steadfast, safe pair of hands, a mediator, or— for me. are steadfast, safe pair of hands, a mediator, or words- for me. are steadfast, safe pair of hands, a mediator, or words that l hands, a mediator, or words that have _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been— hands, a mediator, or words that have been used _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to describe - hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to describe you l hands, a mediator, or words that i have been used to describe you you. -- att— have been used to describe you you. -- all words — have been used to describe you you. -- all words— -- all words. lets look at what i've done over— -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i - -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i have - -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i have a i done over the years and i have a pretty— done over the years and i have a pretty formidable electoral track record _ pretty formidable electoral track record and i'm the longest serving parliamentarian in scotland and i have _ parliamentarian in scotland and i have won — parliamentarian in scotland and i have won every single election i had contested _ have won every single election i had contested with my name on the ballot

paper— contested with my name on the ballot paper since _ contested with my name on the ballot paper since 1997 and there is currently— paper since 1997 and there is currently no one else in scotland who has — currently no one else in scotland who has done that so electorally, attow— who has done that so electorally, allow me — who has done that so electorally, allow me to take the view that i kind of— allow me to take the view that i kind of know how to win votes. i have _ kind of know how to win votes. i have also — kind of know how to win votes. i have also steered to the snp government through some pretty tricky— government through some pretty tricky waters in the past. when we became _ tricky waters in the past. when we became a — tricky waters in the past. when we became a minority government in 2007. _ became a minority government in 2007, people said, he'll never be able to— 2007, people said, he'll never be able to get— 2007, people said, he'll never be able to get a budget through the scottish— able to get a budget through the scottish parliament. while, i got ten budgets through the scottish parliament, so some commentators are maybe _ parliament, so some commentators are maybe a _ parliament, so some commentators are maybe a little bit pessimistic about my prospects. i think when you weave all that— my prospects. i think when you weave all that together, i think what i can offer— all that together, i think what i can offer is the leadership that can bring _ can offer is the leadership that can bring people together and can work together— bring people together and can work together and can excite people about the prospects for scotland and our future, _ the prospects for scotland and our future, but — the prospects for scotland and our future, but crucially also, i will be able — future, but crucially also, i will be able to _ future, but crucially also, i will be able to bring together a team that witt— be able to bring together a team that will be able to complement all

of the _ that will be able to complement all of the attributes that i can bring to it. _ of the attributes that i can bring to it, because we have a huge amount of talent _ to it, because we have a huge amount of talent that i want to make sure is focused — of talent that i want to make sure is focused on the common good of the snp and _ is focused on the common good of the snp and scotland. now, i will take kieron _ snp and scotland. now, i will take kieron andrews at the back. you said that ou kieron andrews at the back. you said that you would _ kieron andrews at the back. you said that you would like _ kieron andrews at the back. you said that you would like to _ kieron andrews at the back. you said that you would like to serve - kieron andrews at the back. you said that you would like to serve beyond l that you would like to serve beyond the 2026 _ that you would like to serve beyond the 2026 elections. _ that you would like to serve beyond the 2026 elections. would - that you would like to serve beyond the 2026 elections. would you - that you would like to serve beyondl the 2026 elections. would you serve a full term? — the 2026 elections. would you serve a full term?— a full term? yes, that would be my intention. paul— a full term? yes, that would be my intention. paul hutcheon. - a full term? yes, that would be my intention. paul hutcheon. the - a full term? yes, that would be my i intention. paul hutcheon. the greens are refusing — intention. paul hutcheon. the greens are refusing to _ intention. paul hutcheon. the greens are refusing to share _ intention. paul hutcheon. the greens are refusing to share a _ intention. paul hutcheon. the greens are refusing to share a platform - are refusing to share a platform with alba, — are refusing to share a platform with alba, as _ are refusing to share a platform with alba, as in _ are refusing to share a platform with alba, as in if— are refusing to share a platform with alba, as in if the _ are refusing to share a platform with alba, as in if the case - are refusing to share a platform with alba, as in if the case thatl with alba, as in if the case that the independence _ with alba, as in if the case that the independence movement l with alba, as in if the case that| the independence movement is with alba, as in if the case that- the independence movement is broken? i the independence movement is broken? idon't _ the independence movement is broken? idon't take _ the independence movement is broken? idon't take that — the independence movement is broken? i don't take that view. _ the independence movement is broken? i don't take that view. i— the independence movement is broken? i don't take that view. i actually- i don't take that view. i actually don't _ idon't take that view. i actually don't think— i don't take that view. i actually don't think that characterises the debate _ don't think that characterises the debate about independence. what

characterises the debate about independence is about how people are livin- independence is about how people are living their _ independence is about how people are living their lives today, and how people — living their lives today, and how people are living their lives today is that _ people are living their lives today is that in— people are living their lives today is that in this very venture we are in today, — is that in this very venture we are in today, there venture is having to pick up _ in today, there venture is having to pick up the — in today, there venture is having to pick up the pieces of the misery caused — pick up the pieces of the misery caused by— pick up the pieces of the misery caused by 14 years of austerity, control— caused by 14 years of austerity, control it — caused by 14 years of austerity, control it from the united kingdom government that has delivered austerity, it is having to pick up the pieces— austerity, it is having to pick up the pieces from a tory brexit is that we — the pieces from a tory brexit is that we in— the pieces from a tory brexit is that we in this country didn't vote for, that we in this country didn't vote for. which — that we in this country didn't vote for. which is _ that we in this country didn't vote for, which is inflicting misery on people — for, which is inflicting misery on people and on business. so, the debate _ people and on business. so, the debate about brexit isn't about the kind of— debate about brexit isn't about the kind of transactional debate of the political— kind of transactional debate of the political bubble. it is about how people — political bubble. it is about how people are living their lives. and what _ people are living their lives. and what i _ people are living their lives. and what i encounter in my parliamentary service _ what i encounter in my parliamentary service is _ what i encounter in my parliamentary service is people who are really toiting, — service is people who are really toiling, really struggling, and i want _ toiling, really struggling, and i want to— toiling, really struggling, and i want to say to them, look, the way out of— want to say to them, look, the way out of this— want to say to them, look, the way out of this is— want to say to them, look, the way out of this is to give our parliament the power was to change your life. _ parliament the power was to change your life. as— parliament the power was to change your life, as we have demonstrated

in a whole — your life, as we have demonstrated in a whole other host of areas, whether— in a whole other host of areas, whether it _ in a whole other host of areas, whether it is about poverty or the environment or transport or education or health, we have done many— education or health, we have done many good — education or health, we have done many good things but we could do much _ many good things but we could do much more — many good things but we could do much more of independence, and that is how— much more of independence, and that is how the _ much more of independence, and that is how the debate should be characterised.— is how the debate should be characterised. ., ,, . characterised. you were snp leader in 2002, 2004 — characterised. you were snp leader in 2002, 2004 and _ characterised. you were snp leader in 2002, 2004 and you _ characterised. you were snp leader in 2002, 2004 and you stood - characterised. you were snp leader in 2002, 2004 and you stood down| in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because _ in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because you — in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because you wanted _ in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because you wanted to _ in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because you wanted to stand - in 2002, 2004 and you stood down because you wanted to stand down| in 2002, 2004 and you stood down . because you wanted to stand down at that time _ because you wanted to stand down at that time what — because you wanted to stand down at that time. what would _ because you wanted to stand down at that time. what would you _ because you wanted to stand down at that time. what would you do - that time. what would you do differently? _ that time. what would you do differently? also _ that time. what would you do differently? also someone i that time. what would you dol differently? also someone had that time. what would you do - differently? also someone had told me you _ differently? also someone had told me you want — differently? also someone had told me you want from _ differently? also someone had told me you want from a _ differently? also someone had told me you want from a good - differently? also someone had told me you want from a good as - differently? also someone had told me you want from a good as leader differently? also someone had told . me you want from a good as leader at that time _ me you want from a good as leader at that time what — me you want from a good as leader at that time. what would _ me you want from a good as leader at that time. what would you _ me you want from a good as leader at that time. what would you say- me you want from a good as leader at that time. what would you say to - me you want from a good as leader at that time. what would you say to his. that time. what would you say to his comments _ that time. what would you say to his comments and — that time. what would you say to his comments and what _ that time. what would you say to his comments and what would _ that time. what would you say to his comments and what would you - that time. what would you say to his comments and what would you do i comments and what would you do diffe re ntty — comments and what would you do differently this— comments and what would you do differently this time? _ comments and what would you do differently this time? —— - comments and what would you do differently this time? —— john - differently this time? —— john curtice — differently this time? —— john curtice told _ differently this time? —— john curtice told me _ differently this time? —— john curtice told me you _ differently this time? —— john curtice told me you won't - differently this time? —— john i curtice told me you won't very differently this time? —— john - curtice told me you won't very good as leader— curtice told me you won't very good as leader at — curtice told me you won't very good as leader at that _ curtice told me you won't very good as leader at that time. _ curtice told me you won't very good as leader at that time.— as leader at that time. maybe i should sent — as leader at that time. maybe i should sent john _ as leader at that time. maybe i should sent john curtice - as leader at that time. maybe i should sent john curtice a - as leader at that time. maybe i - should sent john curtice a christmas should sentjohn curtice a christmas card and _ should sentjohn curtice a christmas card and try— should sentjohn curtice a christmas card and try to improve things a

bit. someone who is here today and will know— bit. someone who is here today and will know who i am, wrote to me and said, _ will know who i am, wrote to me and said. you _ will know who i am, wrote to me and said, you have to stand. you have to realise _ said, you have to stand. you have to realise that — said, you have to stand. you have to realise that the party led in 2000 to 2004— realise that the party led in 2000 to 2004 is— realise that the party led in 2000 to 2004 is different to the one that exists _ to 2004 is different to the one that exists today and my correspondence sent to _ exists today and my correspondence sent to me. — exists today and my correspondence sent to me, if you don't mind me saying _ sent to me, if you don't mind me saying so, — sent to me, if you don't mind me saying so, so— sent to me, if you don't mind me saying so, so too are you. you have a lots _ saying so, so too are you. you have a lots more — saying so, so too are you. you have a lots more under your belt in the intervening — a lots more under your belt in the intervening 20 years. and i have, i'm intervening 20 years. and i have, i'm a _ intervening 20 years. and i have, i'm a different character to what i was back— i'm a different character to what i was back then. i'm a stronger character— was back then. i'm a stronger character who's done a lot of tough stuff and _ character who's done a lot of tough stuff and i— character who's done a lot of tough stuff and i think that that will be the mark— stuff and i think that that will be the mark of howl stuff and i think that that will be the mark of how i take forward my leadership— the mark of how i take forward my leadership within the party. in relation — leadership within the party. in relation to where the snp progresses electorally, again, we are in a completely different position. look

at a fantastic team of westminster mps we _ at a fantastic team of westminster mps we have, the strength and scottish— mps we have, the strength and scottish parliamentary group and that strength in our council chambers. we have a formidable group of people _ chambers. we have a formidable group of people working on our behalf and i of people working on our behalf and i intend _ of people working on our behalf and i intend to _ of people working on our behalf and i intend to bring them together. after— i intend to bring them together. after yesterday was my experience in the scottish— after yesterday was my experience in the scottish parliament, _ after yesterday was my experience in the scottish parliament, how- after yesterday was my experience in the scottish parliament, how can - after yesterday was my experience in the scottish parliament, how can youj the scottish parliament, how can you build bridges — the scottish parliament, how can you build bridges with _ the scottish parliament, how can you build bridges with the _ the scottish parliament, how can you build bridges with the tories - the scottish parliament, how can you build bridges with the tories now? i build bridges with the tories now? -- yesterday's _ build bridges with the tories now? —— yesterday's experience. - build bridges with the tories now? —— yesterday's experience. john i -- yesterday's experience. john swinney there _ -- yesterday's experience. john swinney there he _ -- yesterday's experience. john swinney there he was _ —— yesterday's experience. swinney there he was just —— yesterday's experiencem swinney there he was just announced his intention to stand as scotland's�*s next first minister if there are any other contenders he would be fighting an election against them. let's speak to lorna gordon in edinburgh. just remind us first of all whojohn swinney is. your mac is a vastly experience of the snp, campaigning since he was a teenager and young mackie is now 60 years old and

since he was a teenager and young mackie is now 60 years ol- mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp _ mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at — mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at one _ mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at one point _ mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at one point and i mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at one point and he i mackie is now 60 years old and he led the snp at one point and he is| led the snp at one point and he is making his pitch to lead it again and he said he has no caretaker, no interim leader, he is in it to win and he said he is strong, experienced, skilled and also admitted his party is not as cohesive as it needs to be. you have seen that over the last week and indeed, if you follow scottish politics closely, you have seen over the last month a kind of bringing to the last month a kind of bringing to the fore of the areas of policy where there are differences behind the scene, was becoming more public. interesting too, i thought, in that pitch he made for the top job that he focused on policies that polling would suggest is important to the people, to the voters. he talked of focusing on health, education, housing and transport and there has certainly been a sense amongst some commentators here in scotland that the snp has been distracted by niche issues like identity politics, those

politics around gender taking up a lot of the political oxygen here in scotland. john swinney being a very clear he wants to focus on issues like health and education should he become the next leader of the governing party here in scotland. 0f governing party here in scotland. of course, it is by no means certain that this would be a combination, it could be a contest. the other possible contenders for this job at the moment is kate forbes who was weighing up her options. —— that this would be a coronation. she may make an announcement later and he tipped his hat to kate forbes and they have not always had a clear and pleasant relationship and it was quite critical of her during the leadership contest last year but this time around, he said he wants her to be heavily involved in what her to be heavily involved in what he calls team snp, wanting kate forbes to play a significant part in that team and described her as intelligent, thoughtful and creative, so he is reaching out to

what could potentially be his main competitor for the top job here and we will find out later if she too will throw her hat into the ring. thank you. let's just take you live to the scenes at the university of california where the stand—off continues between police and protesters. the protesters have been told they must disperse by the university, who have said this is an illegal camp —— encampment. we have been told a new number of officers have just entered the university and local broadcasters say they are from california highway patrol and a column have been seen advancing with their batons out and shields up facing off of the protesters near the steps. stay with us. you are watching bbc news. —— facing off with the protesters.

live from london, this is bbc news this is the scene live at ucla at 2 in the morning where an increasingly dramatic standoff between police and pro—palestinian protesters is taking place. -- it is —— it is three o'clock in the morning. in la. i'm on the campus, where

camus in la. i'm on the campus, where campus protesters _ in la. i'm on the campus, where campus protesters have - in la. i'm on the campus, where campus protesters have formed | in la. i'm on the campus, where l campus protesters have formed a human chain as they continue the stand—off with authorities here on the ground. a special bbc investigation has uncovered new evidence about the killing of two boys by the israeli army. police in georgia have fired water cannons and fired tear gas at thousands of people protesting against a bill that they say targets free speech. hello, i'm samantha simmonds. we start in the us, where pro—palestinian protestors in an encampment at the ucla campus in california have been told to disperse by police or face arrest. these are live pictures outside the camp, where it's nowjust after 3am local time. the standoff is becoming increasingly dramatic, with more and more students gathering to show their support, as demonstrations against the war in gaza continue at universities across the united states. earlier, california's governor gavin

newsom accused the police of being too slow to respond, after counter—demonstrators attacked