which we have all become so accustomed are an extension, not an alternative, for our shared leadership and hard power. uk diplomacy should work hand—in—hand with the uk armed forces abroad and we will invest in our defence diplomacy network in order to strengthen the influence we can bring to bear. whose professionalism and dedication is every bit as vital to uk security as all the other component parts of the defence enterprise. likewise, in the defence enterprise. likewise, in the past we've been too tempted to fund equipment at the expense of our service personnel as a lived experience. that is why the next four years we will spend £1.5 billion on proving single living accommodation. and 1.5 billion on wraparound childcare over the next decade. the governments commitment

to spending 1.180 £8 billion on defence over the coming next four years an increase of 2a billion or 14% is an investment in the prime ministers vision of security, prosperity in 2030. previous reviews have been over ambitious and underfunded. leaving forces that were overstretched and underequipped. this increase in funding offers defence in exciting opportunity to turn our current forces into credible ones. modernising for the threat of 2020 and beyond and contributing to national prosperity in the process. it marks a shift from mass mobilisation to information age speed. readiness and relevance for confronting the threats of the future. these principles will guide our doctrine and are forced development. the integrated operating concept published last year recognises a change in the information and political environments. now impact not just now impact notjust the contacts but conduct of military operations. the

notion of war and peace as binary states have given way to continuum of conflict requiring us to prepare our forces are of conflict requiring us to prepare ourforces are more persistent global engagement and constant campaigning. moving seamlessly from operating to war fighting if that is required. the armed forces working with the rest of government must think and act differently. they will no longer be held as a force of last resort. but become a more present and active forces around the world. our forces will still going to war 0ur forces will still going to war fight as a primary function. they will also have a role to play before and after what we traditionally consider as war. whether that is supporting humanitarian projects, conflict prevention and stabilisation for united nations peacekeeping. but technological proliferation, use of proxies and adversities operating below the threshold of open conflict means that the united kingdom must also play a role in encountering such aggressive acts. so the steps to

sustaining uk leadership and defence it must start with ensuring we are credible and truly threat orientated organisation. we must do so in conjunction with our allies and friends. these are today continued to meet our nato commitments on land and enhance our contributions at sea. as a second—biggest spender in nato in a major contributor across all five domains we have a responsibility to support the alliances own transformation for this more competitive age. today i'm setting out this defence command paper, the threats we are facing our operating concept for countering them and the investment in our forces that are required to deliver the nations defenses. that threat demands that we make the following investments and adjustments to the services. we have been a maritime nation for many, many centuries. it is vital that we have a nato that is both global and powerful. the royal

navy because of our investment in the type 26, type 31 and type 32 will by the start of next decade have over 20 frigates and destroyers. we will also commission a new multi role of ocean surveillance ship which will protect the integrity of the uk's maritime zones and undersea critical national infrastructure. we will deploy a new automated mine hunting systems which will replace the sander and hunt classes as they retire through the decade. the interim service to service guided weapon will replace the typhon midsole and we will upgrade the air defence weapon systems on a type a5s to better protect them from new threats. we will invest further to amend the submarine fleet and start development of the next generations of subsea systems in the 20 40s. the role marines will develop from being in amphibious infantry held at readiness to forward base highly capable, it maritime for future

commando force. further enabled by the conversion of bay class landing ship to enable literal strike. 0ur land forces have been for too long deprived of investment. and that is why over the next four years we will spend £23 billion on their modernisation. the british army will reorganise into seven brigade combat teams. to delete one deep strike, one air manoeuvre and to light plus a combat aviation brigade. in addition the newly formed security forces systems brigade will provide the skills and capability to build the skills and capability to build the capacity of partner nations. in recognition of the growing demand for enhanced assistance and our commitment to delivering resilience to those partners we will establish an army special operation brigade built around the four battalions of the new regiments. this new regiment will be seated from one royal scots, to prints of royal scott 2nd

battalion duke of legs and 11th battalion, the rifles. 0ur set up or even on rapid deploy abilities so we will enhance the existing 16 air assault brigade with an additional infantry unit supported by upgraded apache attack helicopters. together they were create a global response force for war fighting. the third division will remain in the heart of a warfighting division will remain in the heart of a war fighting capability leading division will remain in the heart of a warfighting capability leading in nato with to modernise heavy brigades in order to ensure we are more lethal and better protected they will be built around a monitored two modern army nucleus for 148 challenger three tanks. ajax armoured reconnaissance vehicles and accelerated introduction box or armoured personnel carriers. as i've repeatedly said, we sent lessons from conflicts in syria and the caucuses have shown the vulnerable nullity of armor. we've increased both manning investments and electronic warfare regiments air defence and unaccrued daily iliac

area surveillance systems was of all complemented by cyber capabilities. the armies increase deploy ability and technologic events will meet a greater effect could be delivered by fewer people. i therefore take the rescission to reduce the size of the army from today's current strength of 76,500 trained personnel to 72,500 by 2025. the army has not been at it it is to establish strength of 82,000 since the middle of last decade. these changes will not require redundancies. and wish to build on the work already done on utilising our reserves to make sure that the health falls better integrated and more productive. there will be no loss of edges. the new structures will require fewer units and therefore the 2nd battalion will be amalgamated with the 1st battalion to form a new box amounted battalion. to administer the new infantry will reorganise the

regiments to sit in four interim teacher visions. regiments to sit in four interim teachervisions. each regiments to sit in four interim teacher visions. each will compromise it balanced number of battalions to give the men and women serving them a wider reign of choices and pursuing their careers and specialties. in order to ensure that there is a balanced allocation recruits we will introduce intelligent recruiting for the infantry and each division of interest steeple and beat the fort range of italians without final details of these administrators along with wider army restructuring will be announced before the summer and no major unit deletions further it will be required. today's force now deploying well leaving capabilities p8 with a far hundred air and the latest typhoons. the f 35, the worlds most capable combat aircraft is now being deployed to front line squadrons. in recognition of its capabilities we will commit to greater fleet within 48 aircraft. the e3, d century to generations behind its contemporaries will be replaced by a more capable fleet of

three e—7 wedge tail in 2023. these will be based on raf transforming the united kingdom early warning and control capabilities as well as contributing to nato. as the transport fleet improves we will retire the c—130j hercules in 2023 after 24 year service. 22 a for a hundred atoms alongside the c7 teams will provide a more capable and flexible transport fleet. a counterterrorism operative rations are currently supported by nine reaper drones which will be replaced by protectors in 2020 for. these new platforms will provide enhanced strategic isr and strike capabilities that are so vital for all of our forces. all forces evolved in increasingly competitive and complex air environment means we must set the foundations it now for our sixth generation of fighter. the typhoon has been a tremendous success for the british aerospace industry and we will seek to repeat

that with £2 billion of investment in the future combat air systems over the next four years. alongside further development of the linker use the av system we will continue to seek further international collaboration all services recognise the importance of unmanned aerial systems which is why we will also develop combat drone technology. in order to ensure our current platforms have the necessary protection we will also upgrade the typhoon radar and introduce beer three deep strike capability. the lessons of current conflict demonstrate that however capable individual forces may be they are vulnerable without integration. us strategic command will therefore invest 1.5 billion over the next decade to build and sustain a digital backbone to share and exploit vast amounts of data through the cloud and secure networks. to ensure our workforce are able to

exploit new domains and enhance productivity the command would invest in synthetics and simulation providing a step change in our training. the national cyber force will lie at the heart of defence and gca h use defensive cyber technology and be based in the northwest of england. keeping overseas informed of the threat and ahead of our rivals it means that defence intelligence will be at the heart of our enterprise. we will exploit a wider network of advanced surveillance, platforms all classifications of data and enhance analysing using artificial intelligence. strategic command will partner alongside the raf to deliver a step change in our space capabilities from next year we will start delivering eight uk built intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance satellite constellation. space isjust one area in which the ministry of defence will prioritise more than £6.6 billion of research development and experimentation over the next four years. these investments in our

future capabilities will be guided by the science and technology strategy of 2020 and new defence and security industrial strategy published tomorrow. 0ur security industrial strategy published tomorrow. our special forces are world leading. we are committed to investing in their cutting—edge capabilities to make sure they retain their excellence in counterterrorism. while becoming increasingly capable hostile... to conclude if this commands papers anything its honest assessment of what we can do, what we can do. we will ensure a defensive threat focused modernising financially sustainable, ready to confront future challenges, seizing opportunities for global britain and lay a foundation that are more secure and prosperous united kingdom. we both of the first time in decades match genuine money to credible ambition. we will retire platforms to make way for new systems and approaches was up and we will invest in the most commodity of all the people of our armed forces.

0ne all the people of our armed forces. one of the greatest serving the league dictate to keep keeping this country safe upholding our values and defending those who cannot defend themselves. putting yourself in harms way and a service to your country is something that fortunately few are ever required to do. but we all have a duty to ensure that those who do so on our behalf as are as well prepared and as equipped as well as possible. so the success of this defence command paper should not bejudged on the sophistication of its words but on the implementation of its reforms. and ultimately on the delivery of its capabilities into the hands of the men and women of the armed forces. it is they who keep us safe and will continue to do so in the years ahead. it is to them, their families and all those across defence that we owe it to make this policy into a reality. they work to do has onlyjust begun. we

policy into a reality. they work to do has onlyjust begun.— policy into a reality. they work to do has onlyjust begun. do has only “ust begun. we now come to the do has onlyjust begun. we now come to the shadow — do has onlyjust begun. we now come to the shadow secretary _ do has onlyjust begun. we now come to the shadow secretary of _ do has onlyjust begun. we now come to the shadow secretary of state. - to the shadow secretary of state. thank _ to the shadow secretary of state. thank you — to the shadow secretary of state. thank you mr speaker. can i thank the secretary of state for the advance copy of his statement and the advance copy of the white paper earlier. i believe mr speaker that the house will share my dismay that so much of the content of this white paper had been given in advance to the media over the last week despite your warning to the house into the defence secretary last monday. 0ur forces deserve better. public and parliament deserve better. this defence review could not be more important. last year we were promised and i quote, the most radical reassessment of the uk's place in the world since the end of the cold war. we need just that. the integrative review last week confirmed state threats to the uk and our allies are growing and diversifying. the secretary of state was right in the defence review

today to detail gray's own warfare or terrorism, climate change, organise crime which means the threats to our national security and to international stability are becoming less conventional, less predictable, more continuous. we need there's reassessment because the last two conservative defence reviews have weakened the foundations of our armed forces. cut our full—time armed forces foundations of our armed forces. cut ourfull—time armed forces by 45,000, cut the defence budget by 8 billion, cut critical defence capabilities and upgrades largely to deal with budget pressures. the prime minister promised an end to this era of retreat. the defence secretary pledge this review would be different. yet i fear at this defence review is set to repeat many of the same mistakes. the strength of the same mistakes. the strength of our armed forces cut again. crucial military capabilities cut

again. plans to complete a full overload would not overhaul of the army ten years time, again. so how can i say to the secretary of state, does the government square this circle? the threats to britain are increasing, ourforces circle? the threats to britain are increasing, our forces will be full deployed further from home yet this is a plan for fewer troops, fewer ships, fewer planes over the next few years. our armed forces are rightly respected worldwide. for their professionalism and they are excellence. but size matters. 0ur full—time forces are already nearly 10,000 below the strength that minister said in 2015 was needed to meet the threats britain faces. and the defence secretary goes further today confirming the army alone will have its established strength cut by 10,000 to just 72 and half thousand over the next four years. how can

the secretary of state argued that these deeper cuts will not limit our forces capacity simultaneously to deploy overseas, support allies, maintain strong national defences and also reinforce domestic resilience as they have been helping our country through the recent covid crisis? what does he say to the ex—chief of the defence staff who recently said for the cuts to the army would be in the uk was no longer taken seriously as a military power and that this would damage our relationship with the us and our position in nato? what does the defence secretary say to each and every voter who heard the prime minister say it would launch the conservatives 2019 election campaign i quote, we will not be cutting our armed forces in any forum. we are

auoin to armed forces in any forum. we are going to straight — armed forces in any forum. we are going to straight to _ armed forces in any forum. we are going to straight to number- armed forces in any forum. we are going to straight to number nicola | going to straight to number nicola sturgeon is speaking.... i did going to straight to number nicola sturgeon is speaking. . . ._ sturgeon is speaking.... i did not breach the _ sturgeon is speaking.... i did not breach the ministerial— sturgeon is speaking.... i did not breach the ministerial code - sturgeon is speaking.... i did not breach the ministerial code in - sturgeon is speaking.... i did not| breach the ministerial code in any of the _ breach the ministerial code in any of the allegations that were made against _ of the allegations that were made against me. i've always been of that view but _ against me. i've always been of that view but independent adjudication of that is— view but independent adjudication of that is important to me but it's also _ that is important to me but it's also important to the scottish public— also important to the scottish public to— also important to the scottish public to know that in the opinion of somebody whose independence is completely beyond reproach, and i did not— completely beyond reproach, and i did not breach the ministerial code. so i'm _ did not breach the ministerial code. so i'm delighted and of course relieved — so i'm delighted and of course relieved about that. i so i'm delighted and of course relieved about that.— so i'm delighted and of course relieved about that. i wonder if you erha -s relieved about that. i wonder if you perhaps breathe — relieved about that. i wonder if you perhaps breathe a _ relieved about that. i wonder if you perhaps breathe a sigh _ relieved about that. i wonder if you perhaps breathe a sigh of- relieved about that. i wonder if you perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. i perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. what _ perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. what was — perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. what was your _ perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. what was your immediate - perhaps breathe a sigh of relief. . what was your immediate reaction when _ what was your immediate reaction when he _ what was your immediate reaction when he saw— what was your immediate reaction when he saw the _ what was your immediate reaction when he saw the conclusion- what was your immediate reaction when he saw the conclusion to - what was your immediate reactionj when he saw the conclusion to this report? _ when he saw the conclusion to this reort? , ., , , , report? obviously relieved. pretty rim report? obviously relieved. pretty grim allegations _ report? obviously relieved. pretty grim allegations have _ report? obviously relieved. pretty grim allegations have been - report? obviously relieved. pretty| grim allegations have been leveled at me _ grim allegations have been leveled at me over the past months. they have _ at me over the past months. they have not— at me over the past months. they have not been easy, they been difficult — have not been easy, they been difficult to contend with. i have been _ difficult to contend with. i have been at — difficult to contend with. i have been at peace with my own conscious on all— been at peace with my own conscious on all of— been at peace with my own conscious on all of these matters. i have been very clear— on all of these matters. i have been very clear in— on all of these matters. i have been very clear in my own mind that i acted _ very clear in my own mind that i acted appropriately and did not breach— acted appropriately and did not breach the ministerial code but

white _ breach the ministerial code but while that might be necessary is not sufficient _ while that might be necessary is not sufficient. it's important to the scottish— sufficient. it's important to the scottish people that they have independent verification and adjudication of that. that of course is what _ adjudication of that. that of course is what we — adjudication of that. that of course is what we now have. any adjudication of that. that of course is what we now have.— adjudication of that. that of course is what we now have. any high stated that ou is what we now have. any high stated that you set — is what we now have. any high stated that you set for _ is what we now have. any high stated that you set for yourself _ is what we now have. any high stated that you set for yourself when - is what we now have. any high stated that you set for yourself when you - that you set for yourself when you introduce — that you set for yourself when you introduce the _ that you set for yourself when you introduce the ministerial- that you set for yourself when you introduce the ministerial code - that you set for yourself when you i introduce the ministerial code when you examine — introduce the ministerial code when you examine it _ introduce the ministerial code when you examine it closely _ introduce the ministerial code when you examine it closely up _ introduce the ministerial code when you examine it closely up to - introduce the ministerial code when you examine it closely up to the - you examine it closely up to the spirit _ you examine it closely up to the sirit. , , ., . spirit. yes, i believe i have. but more importantly _ spirit. yes, i believe i have. but more importantly so _ spirit. yes, i believe i have. but more importantly so does - spirit. yes, i believe i have. but- more importantly so does somebody whose _ more importantly so does somebody whose independence is beyond doubt james _ whose independence is beyond doubt james hamilton has looked at all of the allegations that were made about me and _ the allegations that were made about me and respect to the ministerial code _ me and respect to the ministerial code and — me and respect to the ministerial code. and each and every one of them has considered that i did not breach the ministerial code for the top i was confronted with a very difficult situation — was confronted with a very difficult situation i— was confronted with a very difficult situation. i readily accepted and i did so— situation. i readily accepted and i did so before the parliamentary committee that some people in being confronted _ with a similar situation made make different— with a similar situation made make differentjudgment from with a similar situation made make different judgment from the ones that i_ different judgment from the ones that i may. but i believe i acted appropriately in a difficult situation. and i'm pleased i have the independent verification of

that _ the independent verification of that. ., , ., that. the doubt at some point he sa s it's that. the doubt at some point he says it's regrettable _ that. the doubt at some point he says it's regrettable that... - that. the doubt at some point he says it's regrettable that... went to parliament— says it's regrettable that... went to parliament it _ says it's regrettable that... went to parliament it seems _ says it's regrettable that... went to parliament it seems to- says it's regrettable that... went to parliament it seems to have . to parliament it seems to have brought— to parliament it seems to have brought your _ to parliament it seems to have brought your explanation - to parliament it seems to have i brought your explanation because to parliament it seems to have - brought your explanation because it was impossible _ brought your explanation because it was impossible you _ brought your explanation because it was impossible you may _ brought your explanation because it was impossible you may have - brought your explanation because it. was impossible you may have forgot. sorry— was impossible you may have forgot. sorry it's _ was impossible you may have forgot. sorry it's disappointing... _ was impossible you may have forgot. sorry it's disappointing... section- sorry it's disappointing... section 18 of— sorry it's disappointing... section 18 of that — sorry it's disappointing... section 18 of that report is unequivocal. he says in— 18 of that report is unequivocal. he says in terms of having looked at all of _ says in terms of having looked at all of the — says in terms of having looked at all of the four key allegations made against _ all of the four key allegations made against me in relation to the ministerial code and he's considered all of— ministerial code and he's considered all of the _ ministerial code and he's considered all of the evidence, he's considered all of the evidence, he's considered all of— all of the evidence, he's considered all of the _ all of the evidence, he's considered all of the material that was put to him and _ all of the material that was put to him and unequivocally not on the one hand on— him and unequivocally not on the one hand on the _ him and unequivocally not on the one hand on the other hand but unequivocally he says i did not breach — unequivocally he says i did not breach the ministerial code. i think that is— breach the ministerial code. i think that is important and i said i would accept _ that is important and i said i would accept the — that is important and i said i would accept the outcome of mr hamiltons inquiry _ accept the outcome of mr hamiltons inquiry. and i think it is now incumbent _ inquiry. and i think it is now incumbent on others to accept the outcome _ incumbent on others to accept the outcome as well.— incumbent on others to accept the outcome as well. when we look at that back in _ outcome as well. when we look at that back in the _ outcome as well. when we look at that back in the 2nd _ outcome as well. when we look at

that back in the 2nd of _ outcome as well. when we look at that back in the 2nd of april- outcome as well. when we look at that back in the 2nd of april 2018, | that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you _ that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear— that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear that _ that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear that that _ that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear that that is - that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear that that is a - that back in the 2nd of april 2018, are you clear that that is a party. are you clear that that is a party meeting — are you clear that that is a party meeting or— are you clear that that is a party meeting or a _ are you clear that that is a party meeting or a government- are you clear that that is a party. meeting or a government meeting because _ meeting or a government meeting because it — meeting or a government meeting because it was _ meeting or a government meeting because it was always _ meeting or a government meeting because it was always confusion . because it was always confusion around — because it was always confusion around that? _ because it was always confusion around that? i— because it was always confusion around that?— because it was always confusion around that? , , ., ., , around that? i set this out in hours of evidence — around that? i set this out in hours of evidence to _ around that? i set this out in hours of evidence to the _ around that? i set this out in hours of evidence to the parliamentary i of evidence to the parliamentary inquiry — of evidence to the parliamentary inquiry i— of evidence to the parliamentary inquiry. i think one of the things that i_ inquiry. i think one of the things that i take — inquiry. i think one of the things that i take responsibility for it was allowing that party government distinction to take on more significance that it had. i agreed to meet— significance that it had. i agreed to meet him on the basis of party and personal considerations. clearly he then— and personal considerations. clearly he then came to me to talk about a government inquiry. as i said to the committee — government inquiry. as i said to the committee and as i have set out in other— committee and as i have set out in other ways, — committee and as i have set out in other ways, the reasons i didn't then— other ways, the reasons i didn't then report under the ministerial code _ then report under the ministerial code was— then report under the ministerial code was not to do with that distinction. it was to do and james hamiiton— distinction. it was to do and james hamilton agrees with this, because for me _ hamilton agrees with this, because for me to _ hamilton agrees with this, because for me to report those meetings would _ for me to report those meetings would have compromised the independence and the confidentiality of the _ independence and the confidentiality of the process. he independence and the confidentiality of the process-— of the process. he says that it's for parliament _ of the process. he says that it's for parliament to _ of the process. he says that it's for parliament to decide - of the process. he says that it's| for parliament to decide whether of the process. he says that it's - for parliament to decide whether or not it— for parliament to decide whether or not it was— for parliament to decide whether or not it was misled. _ for parliament to decide whether or not it was misled. we _ for parliament to decide whether or not it was misled. we know- for parliament to decide whether or not it was misled. we know as - for parliament to decide whether or not it was misled. we know as a . not it was misled. we know as a resuit— not it was misled. we know as a result of— not it was misled. we know as a result of a — not it was misled. we know as a result of a leak _ not it was misled. we know as a result of a leak that _ not it was misled. we know as a result of a leak that parliamentl

not it was misled. we know as a i result of a leak that parliament or at least _ result of a leak that parliament or at least a — result of a leak that parliament or at least a majority _ result of a leak that parliament or at least a majority on _ result of a leak that parliament or at least a majority on the - result of a leak that parliament or i at least a majority on the committee conducting _ at least a majority on the committee conducting a — at least a majority on the committee conducting a separate _ at least a majority on the committee conducting a separate inquiry- at least a majority on the committee conducting a separate inquiry has. conducting a separate inquiry has decided _ conducting a separate inquiry has decided that _ conducting a separate inquiry has decided that you _ conducting a separate inquiry has decided that you did _ conducting a separate inquiry has decided that you did mislead - conducting a separate inquiry has. decided that you did mislead them. what your— decided that you did mislead them. what your response _ decided that you did mislead them. what your response to _ decided that you did mislead them. what your response to that? - decided that you did mislead them. what your response to that? firstly, james hamilton _ what your response to that? firstly, james hamilton was _ what your response to that? firstly, james hamilton was given _ what your response to that? firstly, james hamilton was given the - what your response to that? firstly, james hamilton was given the task. what your response to that? firstly, | james hamilton was given the task of determining whether or not i breach the ministerial code was up and he's decided _ the ministerial code was up and he's decided that i did not breach the ministerial code. 0ne decided that i did not breach the ministerial code. one of the allegations that he reach that conclusion on was whether or not i misled _ conclusion on was whether or not i misled parliament was up subjectively for parliament to decide — subjectively for parliament to decide that but i look forward if that's— decide that but i look forward if that's the — decide that but i look forward if that's the right expression, to the committee report being published tomorrow. we will look at that in great _ tomorrow. we will look at that in great detail. but i cannot escape the conclusion that there are some members — the conclusion that there are some members of that committee because the public— members of that committee because the public eye to ensure there is decided — the public eye to ensure there is decided before a single word have evidence — decided before a single word have evidence have been taken that i was guilty— evidence have been taken that i was guilty of— evidence have been taken that i was guilty of something. and nothing was --oin guilty of something. and nothing was going to _ guilty of something. and nothing was going to remove them from that view. this is— going to remove them from that view. this is the _ going to remove them from that view. this is the independent report that has concluded i did not mislead parliament and i didn't breach the ministerial— parliament and i didn't breach the ministerial code in any respect. but where ou ministerial code in any respect. but where you point to somebody at the committee — where you point to somebody at the committee and _ where you point to somebody at the committee and say _ where you point to somebody at the committee and say there's - where you point to somebody at the committee and say there's patters i committee and say there's patters are and _

committee and say there's patters are and why— committee and say there's patters are and why shouldn't _ committee and say there's patters are and why shouldn't we - committee and say there's patters are and why shouldn't we considerj are and why shouldn't we consider that the _ are and why shouldn't we consider that the smp— are and why shouldn't we consider that the smp members _ are and why shouldn't we consider that the smp members that - are and why shouldn't we consider that the smp members that took. are and why shouldn't we consider- that the smp members that took your side, why— that the smp members that took your side, why should _ that the smp members that took your side, why should we _ that the smp members that took your side, why should we conclude - that the smp members that took your side, why should we conclude that. side, why should we conclude that they are _ side, why should we conclude that they are in — side, why should we conclude that theyare in part— side, why should we conclude that they are in part as _ side, why should we conclude that they are in part as an? _ side, why should we conclude that they are in part as an?— they are in part as an? basically askin: they are in part as an? basically asking people — they are in part as an? basically asking people to _ they are in part as an? basically asking people to conclude - they are in part as an? basically asking people to conclude that l asking people to conclude that somebody who has no political axe to -rind somebody who has no political axe to grind on _ somebody who has no political axe to grind on either side but is an independent lawyer who has looked at this independently has reached the conclusion that he has. in attacking the look of — conclusion that he has. in attacking the look of the _ conclusion that he has. in attacking the look of the parliamentary - the look of the parliamentary committee _ the look of the parliamentary committee i_ the look of the parliamentary committee ijust_ the look of the parliamentary committee ijust want - the look of the parliamentary committee ijust want to - the look of the parliamentary committee ijust want to be i the look of the parliamentary- committee ijust want to be clear, is that— committee ijust want to be clear, is that to — committee ijust want to be clear, is that to say _ committee ijust want to be clear, is that to say you _ committee ijust want to be clear, is that to say you will— committee ijust want to be clear, is that to say you will reject - committee ijust want to be clear, is that to say you will reject the i is that to say you will reject the rest of— is that to say you will reject the rest of the _ is that to say you will reject the rest of the report _ is that to say you will reject the rest of the report on _ is that to say you will reject the rest of the report on where - is that to say you will reject the | rest of the report on where they have _ rest of the report on where they have made _ rest of the report on where they have made unanimous - rest of the report on where they. have made unanimous conclusion rest of the report on where they - have made unanimous conclusion that you're _ have made unanimous conclusion that you're going _ have made unanimous conclusion that you're going to— have made unanimous conclusion that you're going to accept— have made unanimous conclusion that you're going to accept at? _ have made unanimous conclusion that you're going to accept at? i— have made unanimous conclusion that you're going to accept at? i fartill- you're going to accept at? i will look carefully _ you're going to accept at? i will look carefully at _ you're going to accept at? i will look carefully at the _ you're going to accept at?“ look carefully at the committee. notwithstanding the fact that i've been cleared of wrongdoing and breaching the mayor is still your code _ breaching the mayor is still your code the — breaching the mayor is still your code the scottish government made a mistake _ code the scottish government made a mistake in— code the scottish government made a mistake in handling the complaints against _ mistake in handling the complaints against alex salmond. two women will let down— against alex salmond. two women will let down as _ against alex salmond. two women will let down as a result of that. i take that very— let down as a result of that. i take that very seriously vels up and i hope _ that very seriously vels up and i hope the — that very seriously vels up and i hope the committee has things to us day that— hope the committee has things to us day that will contribute to the process — day that will contribute to the process of learning lessons about that _ process of learning lessons about that do — process of learning lessons about that. , ., process of learning lessons about that. , ,

that. do you accept in full findings ofthe that. do you accept in full findings of the board _ that. do you accept in full findings of the board which _ that. do you accept in full findings of the board which requests - that. do you accept in full findings l of the board which requests suggest revisions _ of the board which requests suggest revisions to — of the board which requests suggest revisions to your— of the board which requests suggest revisions to your procedures - of the board which requests suggest revisions to your procedures for- revisions to your procedures for dealing? — revisions to your procedures for deauna? ,. g revisions to your procedures for dealin: ? ,., ., , revisions to your procedures for dealin ? ,., ., , ,., .,, dealing? the part two they said last week will take _ dealing? the part two they said last week will take revision _ dealing? the part two they said last week will take revision of _ dealing? the part two they said last week will take revision of the - week will take revision of the review— week will take revision of the review and take the time we will get this right _ review and take the time we will get this right i— review and take the time we will get this right. i am very very conscious of the _ this right. i am very very conscious of the fact— this right. i am very very conscious of the fact that there is a process to be _ of the fact that there is a process to be undergone about rebuilding trust and — to be undergone about rebuilding trust and learning lessons from the mistakes _ trust and learning lessons from the mistakes of the commerce stood back scottish— mistakes of the commerce stood back scottish government made. i will continue — scottish government made. i will continue to say that was a mistake made _ continue to say that was a mistake made in _ continue to say that was a mistake made in the — continue to say that was a mistake made in the course of the government trying _ made in the course of the government trying to— made in the course of the government trying to do— made in the course of the government trying to do the right thing. in days— trying to do the right thing. in days gone by the mistake wouldn't have happened because complaints of this nature _ have happened because complaints of this nature would have been swept under— this nature would have been swept under the — this nature would have been swept under the carpet. it's important we learn _ under the carpet. it's important we learn those — under the carpet. it's important we learn those lessons and have a situation — learn those lessons and have a situation where anybody who feels that they — situation where anybody who feels that they have been subject to harassment by a minister past or present— harassment by a minister past or present has the confidence to come forward _ present has the confidence to come forward and know that they will be listened _ forward and know that they will be listened to. fire forward and know that they will be listened to-— listened to. are you confident that our listened to. are you confident that your special _ listened to. are you confident that your special advisers _ listened to. are you confident that your special advisers through - listened to. are you confident that| your special advisers through this? yes i _ your special advisers through this? yes i am — your special advisers through this? yes i am let's_ your special advisers through this? yes i am. let's not— your special advisers through this? yes i am. let's not forget- your special advisers through this? yes i am. let's not forget that - yes i am. let's not forget that serious — yes i am. let's not forget that serious allegations have been made. serious _ serious allegations have been made. serious allegations have been made about— serious allegations have been made about me _

serious allegations have been made about me and the conclusion of an independent report is that i was not guilty— independent report is that i was not guilty of— independent report is that i was not guilty of those allegations. this in . ui guilty of those allegations. this inquiry ponders _ guilty of those allegations. this inquiry ponders whether special advisers — inquiry ponders whether special advisers should _ inquiry ponders whether special advisers should come _ inquiry ponders whether special advisers should come under- inquiry ponders whether specialj advisers should come under the ministerial— advisers should come under the ministerial code. _ advisers should come under the ministerial code. and _ advisers should come under the ministerial code. and you - advisers should come under the ministerial code. and you havel advisers should come under thei ministerial code. and you have a advisers should come under the i ministerial code. and you have a g on that _ ministerial code. and you have a g on that but — ministerial code. and you have a g on that but in— ministerial code. and you have a g on that. but in looking _ ministerial code. and you have a g on that. but in looking at - ministerial code. and you have a g on that. but in looking at some - ministerial code. and you have a g on that. but in looking at some ofl on that. but in looking at some of the evidence, _ on that. but in looking at some of the evidence, hamilton _ on that. but in looking at some of the evidence, hamilton finds - on that. but in looking at some of the evidence, hamilton finds it i the evidence, hamilton finds it credible — the evidence, hamilton finds it credible that _ the evidence, hamilton finds it credible that alex _ the evidence, hamilton finds it credible that alex salmond - the evidence, hamilton finds it. credible that alex salmond former chief of— credible that alex salmond former chief of staff — credible that alex salmond former chief of staff gave _ credible that alex salmond former chief of staff gave an _ credible that alex salmond former chief of staff gave an account - credible that alex salmond former chief of staff gave an account of i credible that alex salmond former chief of staff gave an account of a i chief of staff gave an account of a meeting — chief of staff gave an account of a meeting with _ chief of staff gave an account of a meeting with a _ chief of staff gave an account of a meeting with a senior— chief of staff gave an account of a meeting with a senior official i chief of staff gave an account of a meeting with a senior official in l meeting with a senior official in your— meeting with a senior official in your administration— meeting with a senior official in your administration where i meeting with a senior official in your administration where it i meeting with a senior official inl your administration where it was suggested — your administration where it was suggested there _ your administration where it was suggested there had _ your administration where it was suggested there had been- your administration where it was suggested there had been a i your administration where it wasj suggested there had been a leak your administration where it was i suggested there had been a leak of information — suggested there had been a leak of information. does _ suggested there had been a leak of information. does that _ suggested there had been a leak of information. does that require i information. does that require further— information. does that require further investigation? - information. does that require further investigation? i - information. does that require further investigation? i understand there is a complaint _ further investigation? i understand there is a complaint been - further investigation? i understand there is a complaint been made i further investigation? i understand i there is a complaint been made about that which— there is a complaint been made about that which will be taken forward in the proper— that which will be taken forward in the proper way. let me be clear about— the proper way. let me be clear about this, _ the proper way. let me be clear about this, mr hamilton has been asked _ about this, mr hamilton has been asked to — about this, mr hamilton has been asked to look at different accounts of meetings and discussions, he has assessed _ of meetings and discussions, he has assessed all of that. but what mr hamilton— assessed all of that. but what mr hamilton has less to adjudicate on, taking _ hamilton has less to adjudicate on, taking all— hamilton has less to adjudicate on, taking all of that into account is whether— taking all of that into account is whether or not i breach the ministerial code. and he has been very clear—

ministerial code. and he has been very clear and unequivocal in his conclusion— very clear and unequivocal in his conclusion that i did not. do very clear and unequivocal in his conclusion that i did not.- conclusion that i did not. do you think there _ conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs _ conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs to _ conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs to be - conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs to be a - conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs to be a police | think there needs to be a police inquiry— think there needs to be a police inquiry into— think there needs to be a police inquiry into the _ think there needs to be a police inquiry into the leak— think there needs to be a police inquiry into the leak of - think there needs to be a police inquiry into the leak of the i inquiry into the leak of the findings _ inquiry into the leak of the findings of— inquiry into the leak of the findings of the _ inquiry into the leak of the findings of the original- findings of the original investigation - findings of the original investigation into- findings of the original investigation into mr. findings of the original- investigation into mr salmon? findings of the original— investigation into mr salmon? he suggested — investigation into mr salmon? he suggested the _ investigation into mr salmon? he suggested the play— investigation into mr salmon? he suggested the play should - investigation into mr salmon? he suggested the play should get i suggested the play should get involved — suggested the play should get involved ball. _ suggested the play should get involved ball. he _ suggested the play should get involved ball. he believes- suggested the play should get i involved ball. he believes there suggested the play should get - involved ball. he believes there was a leak— involved ball. he believes there was a leak from — involved ball. he believes there was a leak from your— involved ball. he believes there was a leak from your government. - involved ball. he believes there was a leak from your government. there's absolutely no — a leak from your government. there's absolutely no evidence _ a leak from your government. there's absolutely no evidence whatsoever i a leak from your government. there's absolutely no evidence whatsoever to| absolutely no evidence whatsoever to say there _ absolutely no evidence whatsoever to say there was a leak from my government. that information was written _ government. that information was written leak. with the greatest respect — written leak. with the greatest respect there was not evidence that there _ respect there was not evidence that there was— respect there was not evidence that there was a — respect there was not evidence that there was a leak from my government. there _ there was a leak from my government. there is— there was a leak from my government. there is not— there was a leak from my government. there is not a — there was a leak from my government. there is not a leak from each of the very best _ there is not a leak from each of the very best of— there is not a leak from each of the very best of my knowledge there is not a _ very best of my knowledge there is not a leak— very best of my knowledge there is not a leak from anybody around me. and unequivocal in his conclusion that i_ and unequivocal in his conclusion that i did — and unequivocal in his conclusion that i did not. do you think there needs— that i did not. do you think there needs to — that i did not. do you think there needs to be a police inquiry into the leak— needs to be a police inquiry into the leak of— needs to be a police inquiry into the leak of the findings of the original— the leak of the findings of the original investigation into mr salmon? he suggested the play should -et salmon? he suggested the play should get involved. he believes there was a leak— get involved. he believes there was a leak from — get involved. he believes there was a leak from your government. there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to say— is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to say there was a leak from my government. that information was written _ government. that information was written leak. with the greatest respect — written leak. with the greatest respect there was not evidence that there _ respect there was not evidence that there was— respect there was not evidence that there was a — respect there was not evidence that there was a leak from my government. there _ there was a leak from my government. there is— there was a leak from my government. there is not— there was a leak from my government. there is not a — there was a leak from my government. there is not a leak from me to the very best — there is not a leak from me to the very best of— there is not a leak from me to the very best of my knowledge there is not a _ very best of my knowledge there is not a leak— very best of my knowledge there is not a leak from anybody around me. i mr salmon~~ — not a leak from anybody around me. i mrsalmon~ i— not a leak from anybody around me. i mr salmon... i would love to... that's— mr salmon... i would love to... that's a — mr salmon... i would love to... that's a matter for the police. i'm first minister i don't instruct the police _ first minister i don't instruct the police in — first minister i don't instruct the police in terms of what they do and do not _ police in terms of what they do and do not investigate as i think you probably—

do not investigate as i think you probably know. do not investigate as i think you probably know-— do not investigate as i think you probably know. do not investigate as i think you robabl know. , ., ., ., ., probably know. there is a vote of no confidence in _ probably know. there is a vote of no confidence in holyrood _ probably know. there is a vote of no confidence in holyrood tomorrow. i probably know. there is a vote of no | confidence in holyrood tomorrow. do you have _ confidence in holyrood tomorrow. do you have the — confidence in holyrood tomorrow. do you have the votes? _ confidence in holyrood tomorrow. do you have the votes? we _ confidence in holyrood tomorrow. do you have the votes?— you have the votes? we will see tomorrow- _ you have the votes? we will see tomorrow. i'm _ you have the votes? we will see tomorrow. i'm confident - you have the votes? we will see tomorrow. i'm confident that i you have the votes? we will see i tomorrow. i'm confident that vote will express confidence in me. let's remember— will express confidence in me. let's remember here, victoria said they would _ remember here, victoria said they would have — remember here, victoria said they would have a vote of confidence in me before — would have a vote of confidence in me before he uttered a single word before _ me before he uttered a single word before the — me before he uttered a single word before the parliament inquiry. they have decided this issue along time a-o. have decided this issue along time ago that's — have decided this issue along time ago. that's a political stunt being brought— ago. that's a political stunt being brought forward by the tories tomorrow. i can i say this as well? i'm tomorrow. i can i say this as well? i'm confident — tomorrow. i can i say this as well? i'm confident in the outcome of the vote tomorrow. at the day after tomorrow. _ vote tomorrow. at the day after tomorrow, this parliamentary term will come — tomorrow, this parliamentary term will come to conclusion. and it's now— will come to conclusion. and it's now for— will come to conclusion. and it's now for voters to decide who they want _ now for voters to decide who they want to— now for voters to decide who they want to be — now for voters to decide who they want to be first minister after this election — want to be first minister after this election. i'll be putting myself forward — election. i'll be putting myself forward as the candidate for a first minister— forward as the candidate for a first minister because it's a big job of work— minister because it's a big job of work to— minister because it's a big job of work to be — minister because it's a big job of work to be done to continue to lead this country— work to be done to continue to lead this country through a pandemic. i believe _ this country through a pandemic. i believe on — this country through a pandemic. i believe on the right person to do that _ believe on the right person to do that and — believe on the right person to do that and i— believe on the right person to do that. and i want to focus on these issues _ that. and i want to focus on these issues i_ that. and i want to focus on these issues hust— that. and i want to focus on these issues. ijust come off a call this morning — issues. ijust come off a call this morning with families who have been bereaved _ morning with families who have been bereaved as a result of covid. that's— bereaved as a result of covid. that's where my focus and attention needs— that's where my focus and attention needs to _ that's where my focus and attention needs to lie — that's where my focus and attention needs to lie and that's what it will be lying — needs to lie and that's what it will be i in. , , needs to lie and that's what it will be i inc. , , ., ~ needs to lie and that's what it will belina. , , ., be lying. first minister, thank you. nicola sturgeon _ be lying. first minister, thank you. nicola sturgeon the _ be lying. first minister, thank you. nicola sturgeon the first _ be lying. first minister, thank you. nicola sturgeon the first minister. nicola sturgeon the first minister of scotland with her first on camera comments following the independent finding from that inquiry. looking

into whether or not she breach the ministerial code. and potentially misled the scottish parliament in terms of what she knew and when she knew details concerning sexual harassment allegations against the former first minister alex salmond. let's get a little bit more now from the leader of scottish labor. good to see you. thanks for being with us. is this the end of this affair, is it all over now?— us. is this the end of this affair, is it all over now? we've made clear riaht is it all over now? we've made clear ri . ht from is it all over now? we've made clear right from the _ is it all over now? we've made clear right from the start _ is it all over now? we've made clear right from the start that _ is it all over now? we've made clear right from the start that the - is it all over now? we've made clear right from the start that the first i right from the start that the first minister deserves due process. she deserves the right to ask question and we would not prejudge the report for that another report due to be published tomorrow which is from the committee itself is looking into theseissues committee itself is looking into these issues and they are of already been a leak from that which is deeply unfortunate. we will see formally what that committee say tomorrow. there's a suggestion saying that the first minister has misled parliament. let's be honest

about this, whilst i acknowledge the findings of the hamilton inquiry today there are still some serious questions that need to be answered. we do still need to see the publication of the inquiry report tomorrow. and there are still issues about who is going to take response ability for some of these big feelings that the first manager said in her own comments they are to them terms of legal case, do we have a robust harassment policy against across our scottish public sector? the role of parliament and the principles and transparency which seems to have fractured in the last number of weeks was up and separating those powers between the person who leads the prosecution in scotland and then who's a chief advisor. there is still huge issues that need to be addressed. this is one part that need to be addressed. this is one -a - ., that need to be addressed. this is one la | ., ., one part through the view of the stora . e one part through the view of the storage and _ one part through the view of the storage and camp _ one part through the view of the storage and camp this _ one part through the view of the storage and camp this was i one part through the view of the. storage and camp this was always one part through the view of the i storage and camp this was always a political witch hunt. and various

committees are deciding that perhaps she did in their opinion miss lead parliament. it breaks down along party lines. she has a point doesn't she? this was an independent inquiry that looked into all the facts and it found that she did not mislead parliament. the it found that she did not mislead parliament-— it found that she did not mislead arliament. , , , , parliament. the inquiry himself sees this for parliament _ parliament. the inquiry himself sees this for parliament to _ parliament. the inquiry himself sees this for parliament to decide - this for parliament to decide whether they believe they have been misled. and they are cautioned that i would do on disparaging individual members of the committee is that calls into question every committee inquiry ever had either in scottish parliament or at west minister. to suggest that politicians from all political parties, i can turn it and say the four s&p were never to be truly independent, would never truly interested in doing not listen to and will always take this the side of their boss. that would be unacceptable for me to save us up so i don't know why it's unacceptable to have a go the other five members of that committee for some it's all

the work pointing out there are independent voices those not aligned to any party he's sought at the s&p budget to get them functioning as a government. i don't think we should be disparaging the work of the committee for some let's also not prejudge the work of the committee. let's see what it says and take the issue moving forward they're huge, huge challenges that need to be addressed at to get back the integrity on the role of the scottish government. and bring back integrity and the scottish institution given the conclusions, do you think a vote of confidence should go ahead and if so, which where you going to go? i and if so, which where you going to to? ~ and if so, which where you going to ro? ~' ., , and if so, which where you going to ro? ~ ., , ., ., ., go? i think it was unfortunate that the conservatives _ go? i think it was unfortunate that the conservatives of _ go? i think it was unfortunate that the conservatives of made - go? i think it was unfortunate that the conservatives of made their i go? i think it was unfortunate that i the conservatives of made their mind up the conservatives of made their mind up even before the even heard the evidence and what they want to call a vote of no—confidence and they wanted nichola sturgeon to resign. so principal there is none at all, we do not want to prejudge the inquiry, i do not want to prejudge

the inquiry tomorrow, so considering the inquiry tomorrow, so considering the inquiry tomorrow, so considering the inquiry based on that. thank the inquiry tomorrow, so considering the inquiry based on that.— the inquiry based on that. thank you ve much the inquiry based on that. thank you very much for— the inquiry based on that. thank you very much forjoining _ the inquiry based on that. thank you very much forjoining us. _ the inquiry based on that. thank you very much forjoining us. thank- the inquiry based on that. thank you very much forjoining us. thank you. j patrick harvie is co—convenor of the scottish green party hejoins me now. thank you for being with us. you have suggested that this was all political given james have suggested that this was all political givenjames hamiltons political given james hamiltons report. political givenjames hamiltons report. was this a witchhunt? the oriuin of report. was this a witchhunt? the origin of all— report. was this a witchhunt? the origin of all of _ report. was this a witchhunt? iia: origin of all of the report. was this a witchhunt? tia: origin of all of the this is with a very serious matter that deserves to be taken seriously. sexual harassment allegations in the mishandling within government which the government has acknowledged it, it mishandled those allegations and we need to take that issue seriously and look at why that happened and how to ensure that it could never happen again and rebuild trust with in the scottish public sector and the scottish government to ensure that such allegations can be made

and taken seriously. what we have seen over the last few weeks and months is this whole issue being turned into a piece of third—rate political theatre and now the conservatives have realised they do not get to write the last act. but we have now is an independent report that since the first minister has not broken the ministerial code we have a committee report being published tomorrow by committee which is already destroyed its own credibility by prejudging the evidence, by leaking persistently throughout this entire process just this weekend leaking the evidence given in private by the original complainers in the original sexual harassment allegation. they have treated those women with contempt, they of treating the scottish parliament with contempt, there should be a resignation of those who broke those rules in such a grievous way and we should see them step down from parliament and they should not

be candidates for reelection in six weeks' time. be candidates for reelection in six weeks' time-— be candidates for reelection in six weeks' time. , ., , ., ., , weeks' time. james hamilton did send a key paragraph _ weeks' time. james hamilton did send a key paragraph in _ weeks' time. james hamilton did send a key paragraph in this _ weeks' time. james hamilton did send a key paragraph in this report - weeks' time. james hamilton did send a key paragraph in this report that i a key paragraph in this report that this is in connection with whether or not the first minister knew about the alleged impropriety in the claim to have forgotten an earlier meeting with the chief of staff and he says that forgetting, which is what nicholas sturgeon said it happened is regrettable and inevitably, would be treated with suspicion but says he cannot think of a credible reason that she would want to conceal this early meeting. this ministerial code do you think it is fit for purpose? what do you think it should be adapted to take this kind of thing into account? the adapted to take this kind of thing into account?— adapted to take this kind of thing into account? the original referral was to look _ into account? the original referral was to look at _ into account? the original referral was to look at any _ into account? the original referral was to look at any potential i into account? the original referral i was to look at any potential changes in the ministerial code and it is conclusion that this issue was so urgent it's so important to report on for the election that that question about reviewing changes to the ministerial code for future

question about reviewing changes to the ministerial code forfuture has to be deferred and i think that is understandable, if we are not hearing the result of this question about whether nicholas sturgeon had preached the code until after the election, i don't think anyone would've had confidence in that. there will be a legitimate debate about changes to the ministerial code in the future, but very clearly, the parliamentary code also prevents them from leaking either private evidence or committee conclusions. that is happen repeatedly and i do not think we should consider that tolerable either. ., ., . ., ., ., either. vote of confidence tomorrow, should that go _ either. vote of confidence tomorrow, should that go ahead? _ either. vote of confidence tomorrow, should that go ahead? no. _ either. vote of confidence tomorrow, should that go ahead? no. the - should that go ahead? no. the conservatives _ should that go ahead? no. the conservatives have _ should that go ahead? no. the conservatives have been - should that go ahead? no. the | conservatives have been entirely duplicitous and opportunistic throughout this. they called for nicholas sturgeon�*s resignation nicholas stu rgeon�*s resignation before nicholas sturgeon�*s resignation before she'd even been allowed to give evidence to the parliamentary committee and have consistently prejudge the evidence before it has been heard. they now apparently want us to voting no confidence in the first minister was just been found

not to abridge the ministerial code women of the conservatives themselves have kept the home secretary in office after she has been found to breach the ministerial code in the uk government. absolutely no principle or consistency coming from the scottish conservatives what is worse is that there is nothing by way of positive vision for the people of scotland, we are about to have an election, a critically important election in six weeks' time but we are facing issues from the breakdown of our environmental life—support system, the chronic poverty and inequality, life and death issues, the conservatives seem to have nothing by way of positive vision for scotland and that is why they're resorting to this desperate political farce. resorting to this desperate politicalfarce. d0 resorting to this desperate political farce.— resorting to this desperate political farce. resorting to this desperate oliticalfarce. , ., , , political farce. do you believe this matter is now _ political farce. do you believe this matter is now closed _ political farce. do you believe this matter is now closed as _ political farce. do you believe this matter is now closed as we - political farce. do you believe this matter is now closed as we now i political farce. do you believe this| matter is now closed as we now go into very crucial parliamentary elections?— into very crucial parliamentary elections? , ., , ,, ., elections? the serious issue of the core of this — elections? the serious issue of the core of this is _ elections? the serious issue of the core of this is not _ elections? the serious issue of the core of this is not closed, - elections? the serious issue of the core of this is not closed, the - core of this is not closed, the serious issue is how we ensure that people, mostly women who need to

make complaints about allegations of sexual harassment or sexual inappropriate behaviour by people in power, mostly by men in power, need to make sure they have the confidence to do so without thinking that their lives are going to be turned into a media circus for months, or even years s what is happened in this case. the fact that the complainants in this original case this week and had to put out a statement via the organisation representing the position because their continued leaks in the media is a disgrace. we have a long way to go across the whole of the public sector and scottish politics are trying to rebuild that trust. but it is not going to be done by turning the last days in the scottish parliament into the kind of political farce that the tories wanted to be. we political farce that the tories wanted to be.— political farce that the tories wanted to be. ~ ., ., ., wanted to be. we are going to end there. wanted to be. we are going to end there- thank _ wanted to be. we are going to end there. thank you _ wanted to be. we are going to end there. thank you for _ wanted to be. we are going to end there. thank you forjoining - wanted to be. we are going to end there. thank you forjoining us. . wanted to be. we are going to end | there. thank you forjoining us. we are going to move on and boris johnson has been speaking to the french and german

borisjohnson has been speaking to the french and german leaders, as he attempts to persuade the eu not to ban astrazeneca vaccine exports to the uk. the european commission has criticised the company for failing to deliver enough doses to the eu — while providing regular shipments to the uk from its plants in europe. eu leaders will meet on thursday to consider an export ban. speaking this lunchtime the prime minister warned the uk could soon feel the effects of the surge in infections seen in europe. our political correspondent iain watson reports. a further shot in the arm for the vaccination programme. a record number ofjabs were delivered at the weekend. four out of ten of the uk population have been vaccinated, compared with just over one in ten across the eu. on thursday, european leaders will discuss how vaccine supply can be improved on the continent, and they haven't completely ruled out a ban on the export of vaccines from the eu. but, at a brussels briefing, a spokesman said eu leaders were more likely to focus on how to boost imports. it is a give and take, if you wish. we would be exporting, and these, the companies that are situated in those countries

to which we export would also be exporting to europe. you will have to wait for more specifics on this, but clearly this is the direction that we are going on. the current focus is on this factory in the netherlands. the eu are expected to approve the use of vaccines manufactured here soon. the company is a subcontractor for astrazeneca. some european leaders want to ensure supplies here are not sent to the uk first, as they say astrazeneca still hasn't fulfilled its obligations to the eu. today, the prime minister stressed the need for mutual cooperation with brussels on vaccines, but he emphasised there was a very good reason why the vaccination programme here needed to continue apace. on the continent right now, you can see that, sadly, there is a third wave under way, and people in this country should be

under no illusions that previous experience has taught us that when a wave hits our friends, i am afraid it washes up on our shores as well. i expect that we will feel those effects in due course. that is why we are getting on with our vaccination programme as fast as we can. relations with the eu are prickly, but government and opposition are united in calling for the uk's vaccine contracts to be fulfilled, unhindered. idon't think the eu l is helping itself here, i don't think it has helped itself much in the last few weeks - and months on the whole question of vaccines - and i don't think they should go i down this road of banning exports. what we want is this resolved as quickly as possible, - because we don't want any shortage of vaccines to interrupt _ the roll—out in this country. but we know vaccine supplies will slow down next month,

even with no further restrictions from the eu, so what would this mean for the government's route map out of lockdown in england? ministers have been keen to reassure us any short—term slowdown will not make us wait any longer fora haircut, ora drink in a beer garden, because the nhs is still on track to offer vaccinations to all those over 505, and those at serious risk from illness by next month, and restrictions should still be further eased in england from april 12th. if you thought brexit would see the end of difficult talks with the eu, think again. ministers want to avoid a full—blown row and hope vaccine supply doesn't become a toxic issue. iain watson, bbc news, westminster. the government promises more ships, submarines and sailors. our security correspondentjoins us now. frank, lots of talk about transformational

change, retiring platforms and all that kind of stuff, fundamentally, let's get rid of the jargon here. fundamentally, we are going to have a smaller, leaner, nimble orforce to deal with the challenges of the zist to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. to deal with the challenges of the 21st century-— to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. yes, because, as are expressions — 21st century. yes, because, as are expressions that _ 21st century. yes, because, as are expressions that are _ 21st century. yes, because, as are expressions that are usually - 21st century. yes, because, as are expressions that are usually used | 21st century. yes, because, as are l expressions that are usually used as a cover for a expressions that are usually used as a coverfor a massive expressions that are usually used as a cover for a massive cost—cutting exercise that is not what this is. it is certainly no defence review for the sentimental because as you rightly pointed out, the size of the army has been cut yet again in practice, the arm is only 76 and a half thousand strong of its current strength it's going to go to 72 and a half, but with the chief says the capabilities is if this review works, then it will catapult the armed forces into a place where they are far more relevant to the 21st century threats. what are these threats? this review was trying up

against the backdrop of defence intelligence and investigation has been going on for years and they have concluded that the adversaries, russia and china have been conducting what is been threshold warfare. carrying out actions around the world would stop short of armed conflict but damage britain and the west entrance. for example, crimea taking over islands in the south china sea, expanding footprints in mozambique, places like that. the idea is to be more forward placing. they're going to put this around warships and queen elizabeth, the big aircraft carriers that goes out to the indochina area in the pacific area later this year and the army, instead of doing this the enormous great big set piece exercise on the canadian prairies, they're going to have small infantry doing special

operations in kenya. so it's going to be much more relevant to the 21st century and the idea of drones, cyber warfare and electric warfare in intelligence to bring it up to speed. in intelligence to bring it up to seed. , , , ., in intelligence to bring it up to seed. ,, , ., speed. nevertheless, they are losing boots on the — speed. nevertheless, they are losing boots on the ground, _ speed. nevertheless, they are losing boots on the ground, labour - speed. nevertheless, they are losing boots on the ground, labour is - boots on the ground, labour is saying that reducing the strength of the armed forces is a mistake. certainly as far as manpower is concerned, you know that the military establishment well, what is the general brigadier us in those the general brigadier us in those the top thinking about this? do you think these are the changes that one they were consulted on into the think you're any good? == they were consulted on into the think you're any good?- they were consulted on into the think you're any good? -- are any aood. think you're any good? -- are any good- the — think you're any good? -- are any good- the end — think you're any good? -- are any good. the end result _ think you're any good? -- are any good. the end result of— think you're any good? -- are any good. the end result of process i think you're any good? -- are any i good. the end result of process that has been sent back again and again with snow, try again, come back again. the head of the chief of general staff has repeatedly said to come back with plans which were finally acceptable to number ten and

now, they're saying that we are good with what we've got but the former chief of defence in all british armed forces has said very publicly that if for example the falklands were invaded again, we would not be able to retake them. some people would refute that and i think the days of big huge armoured divisions rolling across the north german plane into the gulf and huge numbers are probably over. the army is going to have to be more noble and if you've got a smaller army, that creates a smaller force that draws in the special forces, the new future command force and it is not without its problems, if you're going to be more forward leaning and going to be more forward leaning and go to parts of the world where you might welcome into conflict with her adversaries whether it is isis or whoever, there is a greater risk of

casualties. a that is not good for politicians to present to parliament when that starts happening.- when that starts happening. frank, many thanks _ when that starts happening. frank, many thanks for— when that starts happening. frank, many thanks for your _ when that starts happening. frank, many thanks for your perspective. l the independent report saying that she did not break the ministerial code. but to speak to the justice secretary. ministerial code. but to speak to thejustice secretary. thank ministerial code. but to speak to the justice secretary. thank you ministerial code. but to speak to thejustice secretary. thank you for being with us. the results clearly suggest that nicholas sturgeon was not involved in misleading parliament. there is still questions and concerns regarding allegations as far as where mr hamilton is concerned over her suggestion as to when she knew and when she was told of the allegations against alex salmon. she she could not of alex salmon, and

the story, this issue is it over? in short, let me take a bit of an issue with your premise, the report does not suggest that anything it states very clearly on the record black—and—white that the first minister did not breach it ministerial code and for specific elegant —— allegations of misleading the parliament and in each and every count, she has been completely and utterly exonerated. and of course she is given hours of evidence is the bbc news channel broadcasted at the bbc news channel broadcasted at the time to the parliamentary committee and that committee is becoming an involved in the political stitch up. let's get back to what we were doing before this,

which is focusing on recovering from covid—i9. which is focusing on recovering from covid-19. , ., ., ., covid-19. there is a vote of confidence _ covid-19. there is a vote of confidence tomorrow. - covid-19. there is a vote of confidence tomorrow. do i covid-19. there is a vote of. confidence tomorrow. do you covid-19. there is a vote of- confidence tomorrow. do you think that should still be going ahead? thatin that should still be going ahead? that in itself shows you how ridiculous this political stitch up has been. the conservatives launched the verb for confidence before this report even got published. before the committee report as i say, that we know from the weeks of the weekend as a political stitch up, that has not even been published in towards of no—confidence. remember, this was the same party that demanded the first minister resigned before she even uttered a word for it hours of evidence and so, yes, they will launched a vote of no—confidence, we don't fear it and we suspect that having read the independent report, that is all they have left to go on and the people will give their verdict. the scottish people give their verdict in six weeks' time. sang potentially that further— in six weeks' time. sang potentially

that further down _ in six weeks' time. sang potentially that further down the _ in six weeks' time. sang potentially that further down the line, - in six weeks' time. sang potentially that further down the line, it - in six weeks' time. sang potentially that further down the line, it could | that further down the line, it could be looked at but what do you think this whole affair has done as far as public trust is concerned and the organisation of the status quo? there's been a number of allegations, conspiracies, smears that have been thrown at us towards the government, but to the crown, to the government, but to the crown, to the scottish parliament, to a number of her scottish institutions. without a shred of evidence, all the allegations have been thrown at our institutions, but they have not stood up to scrutiny and where we can learn lessons and the government said, we never said that we got everything right, but the implementation of a procedure when it comes to complaints made against alex hammond as a former first minister, we have to learn from that and improve. but look, the independent nonpartisan nonpolitical report review investigation has included that there was no breach of

it ministerial code. it is time to move on and do with people in scotland wants to do which is to continue to focus on the recovery from covid—i9. continue to focus on the recovery from covid-19.— continue to focus on the recovery from covid-19. ~ , ., ., from covid-19. were there some that feel they cannot _ from covid-19. were there some that feel they cannot go _ from covid-19. were there some that feel they cannot go after— from covid-19. were there some that feel they cannot go after this. - from covid-19. were there some that feel they cannot go after this. i - feel they cannot go after this. i think the opposition who clearly have used the parliamentary committee for their own political smears need to have a good hard look at themselves. the other fact that we have to ensure that we never lose sight of it all of this is the women that came forward to make complaints about great power and yes, when people say that those are the women who were led down, we have to accept the fact that that is been the case and that the government, we need to learn, and implement those types of complaints and come forward, we would do everything we can in our power to make sure that we do not repeat those mistakes and i would encourage everybody in the opposition, included to do the same self reflection. you

opposition, included to do the same self reflection.— self reflection. you do understand this whole affair _ self reflection. you do understand this whole affair has _ self reflection. you do understand this whole affair has led _ self reflection. you do understand this whole affair has led to - this whole affair has led to mistakes being made and something has to be done about that. for mistakes being made and something has to be done about that.— has to be done about that. for sure. they would — has to be done about that. for sure. they would give _ has to be done about that. for sure. they would give evidence _ has to be done about that. for sure. they would give evidence in - has to be done about that. for sure. they would give evidence in front. has to be done about that. for sure. they would give evidence in front of| they would give evidence in front of the committee in various points, the government made a mistake. that is why ultimately, we consider the case when alexander brought forward the judicial review. in thousand implementation. i'm afraid this is an age—old story where there is a man was in a position of power who has admitted to acting inappropriately and allegations are made against that individual and he has asked somebody to intervene in that case, the first minister and refused to intervene and that independent report which highlights that this is an age old story but in the wake of me too, we'll have to do better. the scottish parliament, the scottish government, must also reflect on that end all reflect on that and see if we can do better. wood thank you forjoining us. thank

you. wood thank you for 'oining us. thank ou. ~ �* ., ., wood thank you for 'oining us. thank ou.~ �* ., ., ., wood thank you for 'oining us. thank ou. �* ., ., ., ., you. we've got some more reaction to all of this. douglas,, _ you. we've got some more reaction to all of this. douglas, , the _ you. we've got some more reaction to all of this. douglas, , the leader - you. we've got some more reaction to all of this. douglas, , the leader of - all of this. douglas,, the leader of the scottish conservatives has made it clear that he still believes that there are questions to be answered in relation to all of this. he says the report does not change the overwhelming evidence despite everything that nicholas sturgeon misled parliament —— nicola sturgeon wasted more than half £1 million of tax payers money. that is douglas murray, leader of the scottish conservatives there. we have more reactions to the story throughout the evening on the news channel. a year ago, the road was shutting down in that time, some two and million people have died from coronavirus, but if the government have been better prepared, things could've

been very different. that is the view of one of the leading experts of infectious diseases. dale fischer sent by the world health organization to the epicentre of the outbreak in china. an exclusive interview with the panorama programme, the the professor said there was two outbreaks of similar outbreaks in they were thus prepared. across the world, coronavirus is giving government the same, they have responded in very different ways. in south korea, the prime minister introduced strict rules even before there was a confirmed case. good afternoon, prime minister.— confirmed case. good afternoon, prime minister. from the very start, we ut in prime minister. from the very start, we put in place _ prime minister. from the very start, we put in place prevention _ prime minister. from the very start, j we put in place prevention measures to stop the same thing happening again, the stop history repeating itself, so the government acted in a much stronger way compared to the past.

track and trace teams use cctv. mobile phones and credit card dated to keep track on all confirmed cases in anyone they might�*ve come into contact with. seen from outside, these efforts may appear too intrusive but they have not had to lock down in south korea like many other countries have. dale fisher, says governments in the far east were by far the best prepared. if china is being brought to its knees in general, country of 1.4 billion, you have to treat this virus with incredible respect. it was like every country had to experience the problem before they would believe how big the problem was. in sweden where the law guarantees freedom of movement, there were no strict

rules, just advice. three from harsh restrictions, the virus spread and it was the elderly living and care homes were the most vulnerable. last april, thomas anderson, whose father was living in a care home had a call telling him that he had covid—19. i go into his room to say goodbye to him and _ go into his room to say goodbye to him and they have drugged him with morphine _ him and they have drugged him with morphine in such a high level that he was _ morphine in such a high level that he was not. — morphine in such a high level that he was not, i could not have any contact — he was not, i could not have any contact with _ he was not, i could not have any contact with the middle. he didn't know_ contact with the middle. he didn't know i_ contact with the middle. he didn't know i was— contact with the middle. he didn't know i was there. is contact with the middle. he didn't know i was there.— know i was there. is giving end-of-life _ know i was there. is giving end-of-life care _ know i was there. is giving end-of-life care rather- know i was there. is giving l end-of-life care rather than know i was there. is giving - end-of-life care rather than any end—of—life care rather than any treatment. it was only after he alerted the media that his father was put on a trip and started to get better. now he is doing well. he would be dead if it, if we did not turn _ would be dead if it, if we did not turn up — would be dead if it, if we did not turn u. �* . would be dead if it, if we did not turn u. . ., ., ., " turn up. almost half of covid-19

sweden deaths _ turn up. almost half of covid-19 sweden deaths have _ turn up. almost half of covid-19 sweden deaths have been - turn up. almost half of covid-19 sweden deaths have been in - turn up. almost half of covid-19 | sweden deaths have been in care homes and an investigation found that by allowing the virus to spread and denying some people hospital care, the state had failed to protect the elderly. {line care, the state had failed to protect the elderly.- care, the state had failed to protect the elderly. one of the worst things — protect the elderly. one of the worst things is _ protect the elderly. one of the worst things is that _ protect the elderly. one of the worst things is that when - protect the elderly. one of the worst things is that when this | protect the elderly. one of the l worst things is that when this is over, _ worst things is that when this is over. we — worst things is that when this is over. we just _ worst things is that when this is over. we just go _ worst things is that when this is over, we just go back— worst things is that when this is over, we just go back to - worst things is that when this isi over, we just go back to normal. worst things is that when this is i over, we just go back to normal. if you don't— over, we just go back to normal. if you don't learn— over, we just go back to normal. if you don't learn from _ over, we just go back to normal. if you don't learn from it, _ over, we just go back to normal. if you don't learn from it, history- you don't learn from it, history will repeat— you don't learn from it, history will repeat itself. _ hello there, was not a bad hello there. it wasn't a bad start to the working week was a? largely dry and feeling warm if you had some spring sunshine. but i suspect it's lulling us into a false sense of security because over the next few days the weather story changes somewhat. more cloud turning increasingly wet and windy and potential for a brief cold spell for all of us during friday. the high pressure has brought us this settled whether drifting off into the near continent allowing weather fronts to push in from the atlantic to stop certainly more cloud around for tuesday with some showers out to the west and by the end of the afternoon will see the wind

strengthening and some rain pushing into western fringes of northern ireland and to the west of scotland. pushing into western fringes of northern ireland and to the west of scotland. in terms of the feel of the weather, we are looking at around nine to 12 degrees. moving out of tuesday into wednesday, our weather front will bring a spell of heavy rain for a time but as it sinks its way steadily south and east, behind it quite a clearance. so those temperatures likely to fall away in scotland and northern ireland to low single figures. it stays relatively mild or through the night further south because of the cloud and the rain around foot up but the rain will weaken off as that frontal system sinks its way south and east. a band of nuisance cloud, really from lincolnshire down towards the bristol channel and the odd patch of light rain. behind it sunny spells, weather and turning increasingly windy out to the northwest of the great glen by wednesday afternoon.

captors should peak at around seven to 10 degrees here the highest values of 13 in the southeast corner. as we move out of wednesday into thursday, more isobars on the chart. noticeable blustery winds starts to develop and it's going to be a case of sunny spells and scattered showers. because of the wind direction likely to be showers further west you are, sheltered eastern areas seeing the best of the drier weather and the warmer weather with the southerly wind. highs of 14 degrees. but it's not expected to last because as we push into friday this is when the real change arrives. this cold front will move through under the influence of this low pressure and the wind direction changes to eight northwesterly. so that's driving colder air right across the country once again squeezing the yellow tones, the milder air back into the near continent. so sunny spells and scattered showers and that means that some of the showers across any elevation will beat wintry once again. windy with it, gusts of winds in excess of 30 to 40 miles an hour and places. and because it's coming from northwesterly direction, not going to feel very warm indeed. temperatures struggling for many

of us to climb into double digits. the wind direction changes again though as we move into the weekend. the milder air is set to return. still the potential on sunday for some wetter weather. particularly out to the west. this is going to be the trend for the early half of next week. southerly wind returns that's going to push milder air, the yellow tones once again back across the uk. but there is a large area of low pressure anchored up to the north that's going to influence the story into next week. however, look at this, high pressure likely to build in from the southwest and quiet and things down. what that generally means is that we potentially closed out the month of march on a wet and windy note. however, high pressure builds the beginning of april could be drier and warmer with temperatures may be slightly above the average for the time of year. that's it. take care.

tonight at six — the prime minister warns a third wave of covid could hit the uk, as the eu vaccine row intensifies. borisjohnson boris johnson says borisjohnson says the effectsing of a new rise in case on the continent will be felt here. people in this country should be under— people in this country should be under no — people in this country should be under no illusions that previous experience has taught us that that, when _ experience has taught us that that, when a _ experience has taught us that that, when a wave hits our friends, i am afraid _ when a wave hits our friends, i am afraid it _ when a wave hits our friends, i am afraid it washes up on our shores as welt _ well. much of wen. — much of france is back in well. much of france is back in lockdown as the number of cases more than doubles in a week, also ewe countries are bringing back restrictions. eu leaders will meet to discuss a possible export van for coronavirus vaccine vaccines.