this is bbc news. i'm simon mccoy. the headlines... on the anniversary of the first lockdown, a minute's silence is observed across the nation to remember those who have died during the covid pandemic let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives. a £5,000 fine for anyone trying to travel abroad without good reason to come into force next week. msps say nicola sturgeon "misled" the inquiry into the handling of harassment allegations against her predecessor alex salmond. and the discovery by scientists in switzerland which could change how we view the universe and everything in it.

good afternoon. one year since the first lockdown the queen has reflected on the �*grief and loss felt by so many�* during the pandemic. in this message attached to flowers she sent to the hospital where the duke of edinburgh was treated she also praised the "immeasurable service of those who have supported us over the last 12 months". prime minister borisjohnson has remembered the more than 126 thousand people who have died during what he's called �*a very dark and difficult year'. tonight, people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8 o'clock with phones, candles and torches to signify a �*beacon of remembrance�*. duncan kennedy reports. a cross of hope, after what has seemed like a never ending circle of despair. made of real grass it symbolises life after death. 0ptimism following darkness.

winchester is just one place to mark this day of national reflection with words of contemplation from the dean of the cathedral, to begin a minute's silence. on this solemn and significant national anniversary, we take time to reflect on the year past, and to remember, mourn and honour, those who have lost their lives as a result of contracting coronavirus. bell rings.

the queen marked today by sending flowers to st bartholomew's hospital in london where the duke of edinburgh underwent heart surgery. in a message, the queen paid tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year. the duke and duchess of cambridge also took part in a private moment of reflection at westminster abbey. the prime minister today released his own message saying... and we owe both the nhs staff and those on the front lines and all the families of those who have died, to learn the lessons of the last 12 months, to have an inquiry and to learn

what went wrong, to make sure we never repeat that. it was on this day last year that lockdown began. when our streets emptied, and our lives transformed. a contagion had come among us, and put everyone in peril. from this evening i must give the british people a very simple instruction. you must stay at home. the way ahead is hard. and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost. since those words, our hospitals have fought to save us, but more than 126,000 people have lost their lives to covid. some 6 million people have been bereaved by covid. today, prince charles spoke of our national ordeal. over the past year, our country has been through a trial which has tested our resolve and resilience

in countless ways. we have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed. humbled by the dedication shown by so many. and moved beyond words by the sacrifices we have seen. like all reflections, this day of reflection is a stage upon which to look at ourselves, who we are, who we have lost, sacrifice, change, pain, hope. duncan kennedy, bbc news. and borisjohnson will lead a downing street news conference on coronavirus this afternoon. coverage starts on bbc one and the bbc news channel at a50. with the news conference due at 5. scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon is speaking to the scottish parliament —

let's cross there live now. 341 people are currently in hospital which is 12 fewer than yesterday and 28 people are receiving intensive care which has five fewer than yesterday, but i regret to report that in the past 24 hours a further seven deaths per registered of patients who first tested positive in the previous 28 days. the total number of deaths under this measurement is now 7559. tomorrow, however, national records of scotland will publish its weekly update which uses a wider definition and that will show that almost 10,000 people in scotland have now died of covid. every single one of those deaths is a tragedy, each one has left a gaping hole in the lives of the people who love them and yet again, i want to pass on my condolences to all those who are grieving. yesterday i met with representatives of the families bereaved as a result of covid and i want to pay tribute to their

strength and resolve. in that discussion i acknowledged, as i have done before, that the scottish government did not get everything right in our response to the pandemic, i don't think any government did. it is vital we reflect on that and we learn lessons from that, which is why i also confirmed that establishing a statutory public enquiry will be a priority for this government if we return at the election. returning to the sad anniversary, today has been designated a national day of reflection and i know many people will be thinking about those we have lost during the year. whatever because of their death. earlier today i stood with others to observe a minutes silence, that silence was observed by many thousands across the country. they should this evening, scottish government premises and other buildings across the country will be lit up in yellow. the scottish government is helping to fund the creation of a

national memorial garden in pollok park in glasgow as part of a initiative led by the herald newspaper and we have confirmed today that we will support covid community memorial projects in locations across the country. artists from green space scotland will work with community groups, faith groups and those hit hardest by the pandemic to develop projects such as collaborative gardens, memorials and public artworks. these acts of collective remembrance are especially important because one of the cruellest aspects of this pandemic has been its impact on our ability to grieve. it is a natural human response when someone we love dies to gather together with others to mourn our loss and to celebrate their life. the fact that this shared and important ritual has not been possible has been an additional source of grief for many during this most difficult of years, so i hope today's day of reflections and be memorials that communities will plan

will help. they are a way in which we can begin to pay those we have lost the tribute that they deserve. todayis lost the tribute that they deserve. today is also a time to mark the sacrifices that so many people have made over the past 12 months, many of us will be thinking especially today about our health and care workers. we have been reminded once again how much we owe to their dedication, expertise and compassion. i am acutely aware that no words of thanks can ever be sufficient for the service that has been given over the past year but i am sure i speakfor been given over the past year but i am sure i speak for everyone, been given over the past year but i am sure i speakfor everyone, not just in parliament but across the country, in stressing again how deeply grateful we are for everything they have done and continue to do. other public servants have also played a crucial rule, our police officers and their support staff have enforced tough restrictions proportionately and sensitively. 0ur teachers are not those who were in schools have done an outstanding job in difficult and regularly changing circumstances.

0ther regularly changing circumstances. other local authority staff have provided vital help and support to those who most need it. in some cases, for example the speed with which they help to protect homeless people, they have provided us with valuable lessons for the future. i want to pay tribute to scotland's diverse business community. many companies have met specific needs relating to the pandemic. at the start of the pandemic some distilleries started making hand sanitiser. we have also able to develop a ppe supply chain in scotland which did not exist before the start of the pandemic. and virtually all companies have gone to immense efforts to create safe conditions for staff and customers. they have supported home—working for employees, complied with regulations which have often stopped them trading normally, and shown a sense of social responsibility through all of social responsibility through all of the concerns they have been faced. the scottish government has continue to do everything we can to

support the business sector, but i know this has been the most difficult year that many employers and their workforces have ever faced and their workforces have ever faced and again, i am immensely grateful for all of those efforts. i am also grateful to scotland's faith groups who have helped their communities and found new ways of reaching out their followers. and found new ways of reaching out theirfollowers. i am pleased and found new ways of reaching out their followers. i am pleased to confirm today that from friday collective worship will again be permitted in groups of up to 50, if the premises can support such a gathering with appropriate physical distancing. this is an important change and i hope it will be especially welcomed we head towards important religious festivals of the next few weeks. community groups and third sector organisations have also rallied around, helped by the support of hundreds of thousands of people across the country. the great outpouring of community spirit we have seen has really been a source of light in an otherwise dark year. last march when we launched the scotland cares website to help find rules for people who wanted to volunteer, that site received more

than 80,000 sign—ups, and there are many more people who might never have registered formally as volunteers but you have gone out of their way to support others, helping out with shopping, calling on friends and neighbours who needed company, providing essential care for those in need. i think all of us have really struggled in the past year with the paradox this virus has created, we have had to stay physically apart from each other, from those we love most at a time when we have never needed each other more. none of us though should be surprised that this year, it has been filled with difficulty and anxiety, and for too many people, with greece. i think we can, and should, also take some heart from the extent to which it has also been filled with compassion and love. that is true also of one of the most important ways in which we have all tried to look after each other. by sticking to incredibly tough rules and restrictions, all of us have

helped to save lives. we have helped to keep this virus under control. we have helped to create the situation we are now in where we can start to plan our route out of lockdown. the final point i want to meet you today about our collective efforts during the past year is directed towards our young people. for children, the past year is directed towards ouryoung people. for children, if there are any children watching this, which i doubt, i know how difficult it has been for you to spend time out of school and to have such strict restrictions placed on how and when you can see your friends, but you have been truly magnificent during the strange and worrying times. you have stuck to the rules, daniel home—schooling, i am sure most of the time, and you have helped out your parents and carers. everybody across the country is incredibly proud of you. thank you for everything you have done. i want to acknowledge the impact of the patio on young adults. many young people have been furloughed, many have lost theirjobs. anyone

who has been a college or university has had significant restrictions placed on how they study and in some cases where they live, at one of the most formative times of any young person's life. although the restrictions on socialising i difficult for all of us, they are especially tough people in their late teens and early 20s. by sticking to the rules, as the vast majority have done, you have protected yourselves but also help to protect older adults, and i hugely appreciate that, as does the entire country. presiding officer, for all these reasons, one of my overwhelming emotions looking back overwhelming emotions looking back over the last year, which is why richard's remarks resonated so strongly, is gratitude. i will never be able to thank people enough for the sacrifices made and everything that has been endured over the past 12 months. in addition to gratitude, i think all of us should feel a sense of resolve, perhaps politicians in particular. as we recover from this pandemic,

politicians in particular. as we recoverfrom this pandemic, as we well, we must create a better and fairer country for everyone. the way in which people have responded to the pandemic has been defined by solidarity, compassion, love and sacrifice, but the way in which people have been affected have been defined by the inequalities that still scar our society. inequality has massively affected people plasma quality of life during lockdown, and of quest deprivation has significantly increased some people's chances of getting covid down from it. nobody can be satisfied by the idea of returning to life exactly as it was before. that is why, for example, the scottish young personguaranty makes it clear that our young people must not pay the price of this pandemic throughout their lives, all of them must get a fair shot at education, employment and training as a straight out in life. it is also where we are working to establish a new national care service. the last

year has powerfully reminded us of the importance of care and of the dedication of our care workers, but the death toll in care homes has been a national tragedy. we must consider, reconsiderand reimagine consider, reconsider and reimagine how consider, reconsiderand reimagine how we support our care workers and look after our older citizens. we must also learn lessons from this pandemic, and that does include reflecting on abbott mistakes, the timing of the first lockdown, the decision to ease travel restrictions during the summer. but also includes ensuring we prepare for future public health emergencies. and more generally, there is a lesson for of us never ever seen any change want to make is unthinkable or unachievable. the past 12 months have shown us that when it is necessary, human beings can achieve quite incredible and extraordinary things. scientists across the globe have developed vaccines at record speeds, testing structures have been

established from scratch, people have changed their behaviour and their way of life at a moment's notice to protect and care for each other. the conditions that the next scottish parliament faces will, i hope, be nothing, nothing like the ones we have encountered and endured in the past year. that parliament will have an even greater responsibility than this and previous ones to tackle inequality, to support economic recovery and achieve a just transition to a net zero society. every can someone just some of the urgency resolve and solidarity we have shown in the face of the virus, and bring that to bear in tackling some of these big issues in tackling some of these big issues in others, then i hope we can ensure we don't simply return to normal, but instead we create a better and fairer normality for the future. these choices will be for the next parliament and the next government. for today, parliament and the next government. fortoday, i parliament and the next government. for today, i know the focus for everyone is on remembrance and

reflection. but since this is the last time i will speak about covid in this chamber before the election, i want to say few words but the weeks ahead. updates will be much less regular during the pre—election period, but the government will still be monitoring the pandemic constantly. i will be doing so on a daily basis and taking and announcing decisions as required. that is vital because although we can see a route out of lockdown, difficultjudgments i do continue to lie ahead. in the past three months we have significantly bridges the number of covid cases in scotland. we'll be the vaccination programme is now reducing deaths and recent research gives us confidence that vaccination will reduce transmission rates. that opens up the prospect, the fantastic prospect, that we can come out of lockdown on a sustainable basis. i can confirm that from 6pm tomorrow the western

isles will move from level four restrictions to level three, the level that currently applies to 0rkney and shetland must scotland's other islands, and that reflects their success in reducing transmission in recent weeks. across the country, during april, we hope to be open parts of the economy with more retail services reopening, and a full reopening shops on the 26. we hope hospitality will not to reopen on the 26th of april and travel restrictions in the minds scotland will come to an end on the same day. above all, we hope to see our children back in school after the easter holidays. we look forward to becoming easierfor all easter holidays. we look forward to becoming easier for all of us to meet up again, particular when loved ones, in outdoor settings then we hope indoors as well. as we go further into spring, life should feel a bit less restricted and more hopeful than perhaps it has done for some time. and as a higher and higher proportion of the population

gets the first dose of vaccine, we hope to be able to relax restrictions even more. as i indicated last week, we have real hope that later on this year, cakes can be allowed to gain, night clubs can be allowed to gain, night clubs can reopen, social gatherings can be permitted and family reunions can take place so we can all enjoy simple pleasures such as hugging loved ones, pleasures showed none of us will ever take quite as much for granted again. but although that point may be in sight, that end is not quite here yet. at the moment, hundreds of people are still getting this virus every day in scotland. it is still highly infectious and still dangerous, including to make other people. many countries across europe appear now to be on the brink of the third wave. all of this should remind us of the need to be careful and cautious. as we emerge from lockdown, we must distill steadily and surely end in a way that does not allow the virus to run out of

control, and we must keep in place other measures such as travel restrictions for as long as they are needed. two left restrictions in the future, we need to keep the virus now. everyone across the country, continue to stay within the rules, for your own safety and the safety of everyone else. stay at home for now, except for a specific essential purposes. please do not meet people from other households in the us and remember to follow the facts and advice when you are out and about. —— when indoors. we have helped us get through the most difficult challenging and exhausting year of our lives by continuing to do all of this in the coming weeks, we can continue to look after each other, and we can start to look ahead to the future, notjust in hope but with increasing expectation of the better and brighter days that lie ahead. my sincere thanks to everyone across the country for all the

sacrifices of the past of months. studio: the first minister of scotland reflecting on the one—year anniversary of the first lockdown. that is ruth davidson, the leader of the scottish conservatives in the scottish parliament. we will monitor what she has to say. we will be returning to scotland a little later because it is the vote of no confidence, the debate over that in about an hour's time, we will be returning to the scottish parliament a little bit later. let's hearfrom ruth davidson. it a little bit later. let's hear from ruth davidson.— a little bit later. let's hear from ruth davidson. it has taken a huge toll on those _ ruth davidson. it has taken a huge toll on those who _ ruth davidson. it has taken a huge toll on those who have _ ruth davidson. it has taken a huge toll on those who have not - toll on those who have not contracted the condition. i echo the words _ contracted the condition. i echo the words of— contracted the condition. i echo the words of doctor richard holloway in his gratitude to other doctors, nurses, — his gratitude to other doctors, nurses, bin collectors and shop workers — nurses, bin collectors and shop workers who have kept us going over the past _ workers who have kept us going over the past year. we support the continuing efforts of the vaccination teams across the country and 22— vaccination teams across the country and 2.2 million best doses is a real achievement. however, a newspaper

report— achievement. however, a newspaper report today reveals that last week one in _ report today reveals that last week one in seven vaccine appointments were _ one in seven vaccine appointments were missed because of delays in delivering — were missed because of delays in delivering the letters. the delay impacted around 60,000 people and for that_ impacted around 60,000 people and for that reason, the central vaccine target _ for that reason, the central vaccine target was — for that reason, the central vaccine target was missed. a scottish government spokesman said this issue was leter— government spokesman said this issue was later resolved and the added they were — was later resolved and the added they were still establishing whether it was— they were still establishing whether it was a _ they were still establishing whether it was a localised issue or more widespread. we are pleased to note that the _ widespread. we are pleased to note that the vaccine will a powering ahead, — that the vaccine will a powering ahead, but can i ask the first minister— ahead, but can i ask the first minister to clarify whether the issue — minister to clarify whether the issue was localised or whether it was countrywide. for those people who missed appointments, have they been contacted again and when can we expect— been contacted again and when can we expect a _ been contacted again and when can we expect a new date? if anyone is understandably worried that they have missed their chance, where chemicai— have missed their chance, where chemical for information and reassurance? —— where can they go. i reassurance? —— where can they go. think, not only reassurance? —— where can they go. i think, not only of those who lost their lives and their grieving families, but to everyone whose lives have been lost over the past

year and those who are missing and grieving them. this, last year, and all of the difficulties and challenges it is there an app has affected people in a multitude of ways, and it is important we reflect on that day and remember all of that. the vaccination programme is progressing extremely well. if i cast my mind back to the turn of this year, i was optimistic about the speed and the scale of the roll—out of vaccination, but i would have been sceptical if you had told me then that we would have reached quite so many people as we have now. i want to put on record today thanks to everybody in the central team, but all of the vaccinate shows and teams across the country who are responsible for that success. when we implement a programme of the scale and at this speed, it is inevitable, unfortunately, that there will be glitches and things that do not go as well as we want. that is true of the scheduling, printing and posting of letters

associated with the programme. we are aware of issues with the delivery of appointment letters in the early part of last week. they are still trying with national services scotland and royal mail to understand all of the detail of that, but i have been given an assurance that the issue has been resolved. i want to apologise to anybody affected. there were around 60,000 appointments last week that were not attended stop of the are closely monitoring day—to—day uptake versus projections and trying to make sure that we understand the reasons why people may not be attending for appointment. undoubtably last week that would have been partly down to the issue with letters, but there will also be other issues we... for example were concerned last week, although i think those concerns have not materialised, about the publicity around the astrazeneca vaccine and the impact that might have, and we are working on these issues all of the time to make sure people are coming forward for appointments and

are being supported to do so. in terms of rebooking, it is under way and that will be done as quickly as possible and people are able to telephone the helpline on oh 800 oh 3013... if they have any issues they wish advice or support on. studio: we will pull away from holyrood, but we'll be returning a little later because the air is the debate and vote of no—confidence in nicola sturgeon, a bush is expected see through canterbury given the support of the scottish greens. —— eight vote she is expected to see through comfortably. throughout the past 12 months we've all become familiar with public health messages aimed at saving lives and protecting the nhs. there have been huge medical advances — as day by day scientists have gained more knowledge about how to tackle coronavirus. this morning there was the further good news that the number of weekly

deaths in england and wales has fallen below the five year average for the first time since last august. our health correspondent catherine burns reports. know your enemy, that's the first rule of warfare. but as our battle began, coronavirus was new and unfamiliar. as the prime minister reminded us, the main weapons most of us had were soap and hot water. from the start the worry was making sure that the health service would not collapse under the pressure. at the worst case scenario, the nhs would not cope with the number of ventilator beds that were required, nor could any health care system. and so that system braced itself, conference halls were converted to field hospitals, in the end though the nightingale hospitals were barely used. instead, on the front line, operating theatres and empty wards were turned into intensive care units. we had no life—saving drug, the sickest hospital patients were put on ventilators. medics used a technique called pruning, turning people onto the front to take

the pressure of their lungs. ——proning. it was painstaking work. we just have worked our first case, took seven of us. scientists were battling away behind the scenes, clinical trials testing possible treatment, and injune, the breakthrough. not only is this the first drug that improves survival, but it's available worldwide, immediately and is affordable. that's fantastic news for patients. and of course the vaccine. the first volunteers tested them in oxford last spring. all done. by december, another first, margaret keenan became the first patient in the uk to get a vaccine out of clinical trials. and now, almost 28 million people have had theirfirst dose. the new year though was brutalfor the nhs. hospital admissions and deaths were higher than ever before. the office for national statistics says there

have been more than 145,000 deaths involving coronavirus since lockdown started. but things are getting better. for the first time since september, uk deaths are now below the level you would normally expect. today, though, a warning. there are going to be lots of bumps and twists on the road from here on in. there will definitely be another surge at some point, whether it's before winter or later, we don't know. the fight to keep pace with the virus will continue. at the same time the nhs has record waiting lists and also, to deal with the long—term effects of covid. now though, is a moment to mark just how far we have come. catherine burns, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with louise lear. good afternoon. in comparison to yesterday, it is a much cloudier story out there, but it is still quite quiet, and there is a good deal of dry weather to be found as well. from time to time, we will continue

to see a few brief glimpses of sunshine, but the emphasis is with that dull afternoon to follow. and in actual fact, the winds will strengthen further west and we will see some rain pushing into western fringes of scotland and northern ireland by the end of the day. not quite as warm either in comparison to yesterday, highs of nine to 12 celsius. now, the rain will be quite heavy for a time, but it is going to be pushed through by some pretty strong, gale—force gusts of wind. that rain gradually will drift its way out of the scottish borders into the north of england and wales through the night. here, we will keep temperatures up with that blanket of cloud and light patchy rain by then. six to eight celsius, a cooler start into scotland. with a few scattered showers into the far north—west on wednesday, we keep the cloudy skies further south, but not that much in the way of significant rain. take care. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... on the anniversary of the first

lockdown, a minute's silence is observed across the nation to remember those who have died during the covid pandemic. let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives. a £5,000 fine for anyone trying to travel abroad without good reason is to come into force next week. msps say nicola sturgeon "misled" the inquiry into the handling of harassment allegations against her predecessor alex salmond. and the discovery by scientists in switzerland which could change how we view the universe and everything in it. sport now, and a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. england have lost two wickets in quick succession in the opening one—day match against india in pune, but they have been building the runs. set 318 to win, jason roy and johnny bairstow

were building a good partnership, until roy went for 46. ben stokes then went cheaply forjust 1, an easy catch by shubman gill. he was replaced by the captain eoin morgan who was lucky. dropped on his first ball by virat kohli. jenny bairstow has just gone. india made a decent total, 317 for 5, despite ben stokes' best efforts — he took three wickets in his first odi since england's victorious world cup final in 2019. england i hope currently 171 for three after 21 overs. the former huddersfield, leicester and bolton striker frank worthington has died at the age of 72. he'd been unwell for several years. he'll be best remembered for scoring one of the greatest goals ever seen, playing for bolton in 1979. even the referee applauded. worthington won the golden boot that season, beating kenny dalglish to the leading scorer�*s award. after starting his career

at huddersfield in the �*60s he played for more than 20 clubs and was capped eight times for england. once described by former huddersfield and bolton manager ian greaves as "the working man's george best", worthington was known as much for his flamboyant antics off the pitch as he was for his talents on it. he made more than 200 appearances for leicester, and another former striker gary linkeker tweeted, "profoundly saddened to hear that frank worthington has died. he was my boyhood hero when he was at leicester city. a beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice when he joined the club. rip frank (elvis)." that refers to worthington�*s great admiration for elvis presley — he grew his famous sideburns in his honour. frank worthington, who's died at the age of 72. aberdeen have confirmed that former player stephen glass is the club's new manager,

replacing derek mcinnes. glass started his career at pitodrie and made 131 appearances in an aberdeen shirt. he also played for newcastle, watford and hibs. glass has come from atlanta united's mls team, where he was interim coach following the departure of frank de boer. a 17—year—old has been charged with allegedly posting racist abuse on social media, directed at rangers striker alfredo morelos. police scotland began an investigation after several complaints about an offensive video, which appeared during sunday's match at celtic park. morelos scored his first old firm goal in the 1—1 draw. the teenager is due to appear in court on the 22nd of april. the rfu are conducting their usual post—six nations review, and the future of head coach eddiejones will doubtless be on the agenda. after finishing fifth in the table, there have been suggestions that a break clause in his contract may be activated. jones says he is rebuilding the side, as he did before the 2019 world cup, where they reached the final. former england captain chris robshaw

thinks the rfu would be foolish to let him go. questions will be asked and they will have to be answered. could we have done things better? potentially. i think also you have to, and i know other teams may have dealt with it, but the mental side of this tournament, this would have been massive challenging for all those guys. and i know it happens in a lot of sports, in a lot of environments. i think they could only have gone home twice throughout the whole two—month campaign. they won't be pleased with how it's gone, but, look, i very much believe that eddie is still the right man for this england team. he's one of the best coaches i've worked with. he's the best manager i've ever worked with, and i would give him my full backing. that's all the sport for now. heading abroad could now land you with a £5,000 fine. the government says new coronavirus laws,

due to come into force next week, will target people from england travelling without good reason. our transport correspondent caroline davies reports. the empty beaches may be calling, but they aren't in reach yet. holidays are already illegal and anyone travelling abroad needs to have a declaration form. in addition, on monday, when the stay at home rule ends, the government plans to introduce a £5,000 fine for anyone travelling internationally without a legally permissible reason. those include work where it is not reasonably possible to do it from the uk, study where it is considered necessary, elite sports, for training or competition, medical, such as a clinical appointment, funeral or wedding of a close family member living outside the uk. these are very similar to the existing rules. this doesn't include visiting grandparents, so, families like this one, whose parents are in poland, will have to wait to be reunited with their grandson. you mention grandma and grandpa and the rest of the family, and hejust goes kind of quiet and silent and withdraws, and it is worrying me. i think so many of us have valid

reasons to want to go on holiday, but i do think that there is a difference between going for leisure versus going to see your family, especially if young children are involved who perhaps haven't met or haven't seen their close family. the law could be in place until the 30th ofjune, but the government say this doesn't change the timeline where international travel could restart on the 17th of may. i entirely understand people's yearning to get away and have a summer holiday, and we're looking at that question right now, as part of the global travel task force, as it's called, which will report in the middle of next month, and we... the earliest that we will take any steps will be the 17th of may. but some in the travel industry are worried that this is sending mixed messages. it's just so frustrating. finally, there is some light at the end of the tunnel, we had some optimism, and then the travel industry wakes

up to headlines like this. itjust creates more uncertainty, when actually we still don't know anything. all of this speculation is exactly that, it is speculation, until the travel task force reports back on the 12th of april. to have these fines come in right now, it's just another blow. if the government wanted these draconian measures, they should have been introduced back when international holidays were first banned, it is more scaremongering. the industry is keeping its eyes fixed on the government's next announcement in the hope that it will bring them certainty and brighter news. caroline davies, bbc news. let's talk to the travel documentary maker and presenter, simon reeve. good to see you. all eyes on the 17th of may as we were hearing then, but when do you think you will be leaving england for a break? filth. but when do you think you will be leaving england for a break? oh, my aoodness. leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness i— leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness i just _ leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness. i just don't _ leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness. ijust don't know. - leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness. ijust don't know. i - leaving england for a break? oh, my goodness. ijust don't know. i don'tl goodness. ijust don't know. i don't think any of us is really, in your package that you just had there they were saying everything is speculation at the moment. we don't know what is going to happen. but we

have to make it viable impossible. travelling so important. we can't just think of it as a break. it is such a critical aspect of our lives, the ability and the freedom to go out and travel and explore. you still can at the moment. under the existing laws you can still travel. essential travel, some of the reasons were mentioned just then. also, if you are going to a wedding or getting married yourself, if you are attending a funeral, if you have legal obligations to vote, these are all reasons you are allowed to travel. it's very important that people swot up on one —— and what travellers in able to do and swot up on the rules and regulations in relation to testing and insurance. it's critical that people think about travel a little bit more than perhaps we used to, but critical that we do because it is really important. we mustn't lose the

chance to go on journeys, we mustn't lose that ability. we have to do what we have to do to enable us to go away, i would say. in what we have to do to enable us to go away, i would say.— go away, i would say. in terms of the psychology _ go away, i would say. in terms of the psychology of _ go away, i would say. in terms of the psychology of all _ go away, i would say. in terms of the psychology of all of this, - go away, i would say. in terms of the psychology of all of this, you | the psychology of all of this, you talk about sticking to the rules. many people are getting vaccinated, and there is a belief that that is the hope. once you got a vaccination, you are going to be able to travel more freely. yet, new research says people are not thinking like that. the research says people are not thinking like that.— thinking like that. the new research. _ thinking like that. the new research, i— thinking like that. the new research, i think, - thinking like that. the new research, ithink, is- thinking like that. the new- research, ithink, is fascinating. research, i think, is fascinating. it has been done by an insurance company and looks into whether people are willing to carry a covid—19 vaccination passport. the researchers quite worried about this. it shows that people aren't confident about it. only a small number are willing to carry a passport and are only a small numbing numberare passport and are only a small numbing number are willing to pay a sensible amount for a covid—19 test. i already have to have a travel medical passport. this is it. it's

small and not very impressive, but it has some of the details of some of the vaccines that i have had to have. it shows that my tick—borne encephalitis is up the review. —— up for renewal. it is something we have to do the more exotic parts of the world. it might be something we have to do further places closer to home. i want to remind people of the value of going on holiday and travelling. it is about expanding your mind on living your life. it is so important and essential for countries that we know and love web millions of people depend on the tourism industry to survive. there are areas out there that need people to go and pay their entrance fee to a national park is something like that. it is important we travel and we need to ensure people it is important —— that we will be able to travel, we will get through this and will be able to get out there and explore again. but i think we need to be a bit more

realistic about it. we may need to take a few more boxes, check a few more websites about restrictions, and think about things like covid—19 tests, passport and insurance. i think everyone would agree with you about the need to travel and we would love to, but we are in the middle of a global pandemic and at the moment looking particularly at the moment looking particularly at the situation in europe, the idea of being able to travel seems very far—fetched. being able to travel seems very far-fetched.— being able to travel seems very far-fetched. , . ., ., far-fetched. keep that flame alive thou . h. far-fetched. keep that flame alive though- we _ far-fetched. keep that flame alive though. we have _ far-fetched. keep that flame alive though. we have to. _ far-fetched. keep that flame alive though. we have to. we _ far-fetched. keep that flame alive though. we have to. we talked i though. we have to. we talked initially about a covid—19 vaccination passport. there are a lot of people that believe this is absolutely a route to making travel possible. i had my covid—19 vaccination last week. incredibly young of course but i have a pre—existing condition apparently. but all i get is this tiny piece of paper here showing i have had the vaccination. that is not gonna what if i turn up at the border fence i am ok and completely safe. we need the government, frankly, to get

involved with the industry with organising some sort of scheme, whereby people who have been vaccinated and have antibodies within them who are safe to mingle and travel, have proved that they have that ability and right. travel is so fundamental. of course you are so right. there is a pandemic and we do know people dying. but we also need to live, and travel is an essential part of that many of us. it was good to talk to you. thank you very much for your time. ijust want to bring in some breaking news from boulder in colorado. the shooting suspect who was arrested after ten people including a police officer were killed, after an hour—long stand—off at a grocery store in colorado, the suspect has just been charged with ten counts of murder in the first degree. included in those counts, the 51—year—old police officer who was the first police officer who was the first police officer who was the first police officer to respond to reports

of the shooting. it happened at groceries door in boulder which is in north central colorado. about 30 miles away from the state capital of denver. the shooting suspect has been charged with ten counts of first—degree murder. you are watching bbc news. in germany, chancellor angela merkel has announced that the country is to enter a strict five—day shutdown over easter, and nationwide lockdown restrictions will be extended to april 18th. almost all shops will be shut during the five days, and religious services will be moved online over easter. social contacts will be limited to five people from two households. our correspondentjenny hill sent this update from a vaccination centre in bremen. this is germany's largest vaccination centre. they can vaccinate 14,000 people per day here. at the moment, they are doing just 2000. and that's because, like every other centre in the country, they simply don't have enough vaccine. that's a problem, because germany is now in the grip of a third wave of infection.

case numbers are rising exponentially, fuelled by the b117 variant which was first discovered in england. last night, angela merkel sat down for what, by all accounts, was a very stormy meeting with regional leaders. she has always favoured tough restrictions. some of them disagree. this country was on the verge of opening up, relaxing. not any more. current restrictions will continue to stay in place, parts of the country with high levels of infection will actually impose stricter restrictions, including potentially localised curfews. and easter, a time which for many germans is very special, has been all but cancelled. all this, while growing frustration over the lack of a vaccine in this country. you will recall thatjust last week the german government suspended temporarily the use of the astrazeneca vaccine. it has now resumed use, but there are concerns that people now won't want to take it. staff here at the centre say it is a good and efficient vaccine,

and they can't get enough of it. and the people we have spoken to here, some of them have had some concerns which they can talk about with doctors at the centre, and staff here said that at the weekend, when they began to use astrazeneca again, just ten people out of 3000 on saturday did not show up for their appointment. it gives you an idea, perhaps, of the situation regarding astrazeneca. i must say, when you stand here, in this huge hole, you see the empty chairs behind me, you look at the rising case numbers, it is very tempting to use that cliche, it is a race against time. and for germany, i think now it really is. the headlines on bbc news... on the anniversary of the first lockdown, a minute's silence is observed across the nation to remember those who have died during the covid pandemic. a £5,000 fine for anyone trying to travel abroad without good reason is to come into force next week. msps say nicola sturgeon "misled" the inquiry into the handling

of harassment allegations against her predecessor alex salmond. today marks a year since borisjohnson announced the uk's first national lockdown, as coronavirus spread across not just the country but the world. it turned our lives on their heads but for one entrepreneur it created an opportunity to avoid bankruptcy and create a multi—million pound business selling household items from beard trimmers to baby products online. we can speak now to jack lear now. welcome to the programme. when i say turnaround, a year ago at the start of this, you were in deep trouble. yes, we had just ordered 200,000 fancy dress costumes and we placed our order for halloween, so unfortunately that was million pounds worth of stock for halloween and i could not get out of those

contracts and they were due for payment in august. i was in a big hole at that point.— payment in august. i was in a big hole at that point. what did you do? we had to think _ hole at that point. what did you do? we had to think fast _ hole at that point. what did you do? we had to think fast and _ hole at that point. what did you do? we had to think fast and logically. . we had to think fast and logically. what skill set did the company have. i had a great team of individuals working with me, great at marketing, warehousing. one of the first products we started selling wares beard trimmers and it seemed like a logical approach at the time to try and diversify in that direction. mas and diversify in that direction. was that our and diversify in that direction. was that your idea? _ and diversify in that direction. was that your idea? who came up with the idea of, we are in lockdown, you won't be able to get a haircut, these things could sell? it won't be able to get a haircut, these things could sell? it was all over the news. _ these things could sell? it was all over the news. these _ these things could sell? it was all over the news. these consumer l these things could sell? it was all - over the news. these consumer goods companies were booming at the time, with extra staff and i was thinking we are in trouble here, we have these costumes in a warehouse that aren't selling with big liabilities and debts. what are we going to do? for me, if we did nothing at all, that would be the end of the

business, so i had to spend the last 12 years of my life building up. having the idea is one thing and then getting the money to get it going is another particularly as you had debt as you described. it going is another particularly as you had debt as you described.- going is another particularly as you had debt as you described. it was a bi roll of had debt as you described. it was a big roll of the _ had debt as you described. it was a big roll of the dice. _ had debt as you described. it was a big roll of the dice. if— had debt as you described. it was a big roll of the dice. if it _ had debt as you described. it was a big roll of the dice. if it failed - big roll of the dice. if it failed it was game over for sure. but luckily i was able to capitalise on back loans and use them for it to be able to pay. that would purchase the costumes and start the new company. but you are right, if it didn't work, we would have been in big trouble and that would be the end of it. luckily, we managed to retain those jobs we already had with body sucks and that we have 15 people working for the company. had there not been a pandemic, _ working for the company. had there not been a pandemic, what - working for the company. had there not been a pandemic, what would . working for the company. had there i not been a pandemic, what would have happened to you? it’s a not been a pandemic, what would have happened to you?— happened to you? it's a good auestion happened to you? it's a good question actually, _ happened to you? it's a good question actually, because i happened to you? it's a good question actually, because if| happened to you? it's a good - question actually, because if there was no pandemic we would have been continuing to sell costumes and probably have a lot less debt over

our heads. but it is great that we have started this business and created this new employment within the area, and actually an area which is a very tourist area in pembrokeshire in wales. manyjobs would have been lost at the time, so we've been able to keep those jobs and bring them into the company and help us. and bring them into the company and hel us. , , , ., , help us. interestingly, the people fiuures help us. interestingly, the people figures released _ help us. interestingly, the people figures released again _ help us. interestingly, the people figures released again that - help us. interestingly, the people figures released again that those | figures released again that those people who have lostjobs, the vast majority are young people. i'm just wondering what you think, with your front line experience, but this is done to the hopes and aspirations of young people. it’s done to the hopes and aspirations of young people-— young people. it's really tricky. you're right- — young people. it's really tricky. you're right. it's _ young people. it's really tricky. you're right. it's mostly - young people. it's really tricky. you're right. it's mostly young | you're right. it's mostly young people that have been affected with job losses, and there is not a lot of hope there. but if we can give a bit of hope to the local area by recruiting young staff. one of the first groups we employed were lifeguards in the area. the beaches were closed and we were able to capitalise on that and get the lifeguards in to help us launch the

business. we've been able to make use of other people pass mac to support you with job losses in the area. support you with 'ob losses in the area. ., . y support you with 'ob losses in the area. ., , , ~ area. you may 'ust be thinking there is liuht at area. you may 'ust be thinking there is right at the — area. you mayjust be thinking there is light at the end _ area. you mayjust be thinking there is light at the end of _ area. you mayjust be thinking there is light at the end of the _ area. you mayjust be thinking there is light at the end of the tunnel - is light at the end of the tunnel but what do i do? what advice would you give? i but what do i do? what advice would ou cive? ~' ., but what do i do? what advice would ou cive? ~' . ., , you give? i think there are always trains leaving _ you give? i think there are always trains leaving the _ you give? i think there are always trains leaving the station. - trains leaving the station. especially during times of, when things are unpredictable and there is fast change there is even more opportunity. keep an eye out for that. take calculated risks. if you are already within business, the key is never be content with your service or product and continually develop and improve what you are doing. if you do not push forward, you will pull behind. itruieiiii doing. if you do not push forward, you will pull behind.— you will pull behind. well thank ou. it's you will pull behind. well thank you- it's really _ you will pull behind. well thank you. it's really positive - you will pull behind. well thank you. it's really positive to - you will pull behind. well thank you. it's really positive to have| you. it's really positive to have some —— it's really good to have some —— it's really good to have some positive news today. researchers have found evidence that the virus that causes the common cold could help protect the body from covid 19. researchers at the university of glasgow say the cold virus can

effectively �*boot�* the covid virus out of cells. they suggest the cold virus is so widespread that it could help suppress the spread of covid. some viruses are known to �*compete' in order to be the one that causes an infection. (pres)the domestic abuse charity refuge says it has seen a 60 the domestic abuse charity refuge says it has seen a 60% rise in calls to its helpline since the start of the first lockdown. the charity received more than 131—thousand calls between april of last year and february of this year, with nearly a fifth of those from women who said their abuser had threatened to kill them. lockdown in the last year has made things even harder. those we were experiencing abuse prior to covid—19, will probably have had during this very testing town where people have been —— time where people have been —— time where people have been locked indoors their partners.

now — some potentially earth—shattering news. scientists working at the large hadron collider at cern in switzerland have made a breakthrough discovery about how a certain sub—atomic particle behaves — and it could change our understanding of how the universe works. this report from our science correspondent pallab ghosh. the large hadron collider was built to discover brand—new particles, and transform our understanding of physics. by crushing particles together harder than they have been smashed before, the researchers there may have done just that. they have observed subatomic particles behaving in a way that can't be explained by the current theory of physics. scientists may have made one of the biggest discoveries in physics. we were literally shaking. we were shaking like a leaf, the first time we looked at these results, because if it does turn out to be real, it could have profound consequences for physics in general.

the team have been creating a particle called a beauty quirk, which exists for only a fragment of a second before decaying into two other particles, which it should do so in equal numbers, but it doesn't, possibly because a mystery force is interrupting the process. physicists can explain the world around us through the action of four fundamental forces — electricity, gravity and two nuclear forces. but in recent times, these forces have not been able to explain a few things, such as the movement of galaxies, or indeed why the universe exists at all. but this new finding is creating a lot of excitement because it contains hints that there might be a fifth force of nature that is completely new to science. if there is a fifth force, it could answer a lot of questions currently battling astronomers.

—— battling astronomers stop there are these big questions in physics that we don't have the answers to. and the hope would be, as the lhc continues to make discoveries, maybe we could shed some light on those big questions in physics. these very early results aren't definitive yet, more data is needed. but they are generating a lot of excitement about the prospect of a giant leap forward in our understanding of the universe. pallab ghosh, bbc news. now, it's time for a look at the weather. good afternoon. if we have light winds and plenty of sunshine at this time of year, it starts to feel quite pleasant out there. that was the story out there yesterday, wasn't it? lots of sunshine to be found out there as well across a good portion of the country, with highs of 16 celsius in aberdeenshire, 61 fahrenheit. but unfortunately, what a difference a day makes. quite a lot of cloud generally across the country today. there are some breaks and some brief glimpses of sunshine, but the emphasis as we go through the afternoon is pretty dull. that is the story, and the winds

will start to pick up from the west, with some rain arriving into western scotland and the western fringes of northern ireland by the end of the afternoon. so, temperatures not as high this afternoon. nine to 12 celsius. the rain will turn quite heavy, but it is going to be pushed through quite swiftly by some strong gusty winds, gusts in excess of 40 gusts in excess of 40 mph, may be as strong as 60 mph as that rain moves into scotland. so, that weather front will continue to push its way steadily south and east during the early hours. still pretty windy behind it, is still a gust of showers wandering in as well. the front will be sitting across northern england, wales and into the midlands during the early hours of wednesday. that means underneath the cloud in the rain, those temperatures will hold up to around five to eight celsius. but clearer skies to the north means may be a chilly start in the far north of scotland. we still continue with the risk of a blustery day with plenty of showers developing here into long spells of rain by the afternoon. our weather front slowly meanders its way south and east,

a band of light patchy rain, and sandwiched in between the two there will be such a little more sunshine coming through, with highs once again at 13 celsius. sunshine coming through, their sunshine coming through, stay will be a little bit rr straightforward. their stay will be a little bit more straightforward.— straightforward. once again, the real change _ straightforward. once again, the real change arrives _ straightforward. once again, the real change arrives as _ straightforward. once again, the real change arrives as we - straightforward. once again, the real change arrives as we go - straightforward. once again, the - real change arrives as we go through thursday into friday. a cold front, pushing in from the north—west, will drag in colderair pushing in from the north—west, will drag in colder air behind. noticeably cold of us on friday. it will not last very long, but it is worth bearing in mind. people will notice the difference with the feel of the weather from the word go. some of the showers will be above 200 metres with hail. factoring the strength of the wind and you might need an extra layer if you are out for some daily exercise on friday. top temperature is 79 celsius.

this is bbc news, i'm simon mccoy. the headlines... on the anniversary of the first lockdown, a minute's silence is observed across the nation to remember those who have died during the covid pandemic. let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives. msps say nicola sturgeon "misled" the inquiry into the handling of harassment allegations against her predecessor alex salmond. and scottish conservatives will hold a vote of no confidence in the first minister later this hour. a 5,000 pound fine — for anyone trying to travel abroad without good reason — is to come into force next week.

good afternoon. one year since the first lockdown the queen has reflected on the �*grief and loss felt by so many�* during the pandemic. in this message, attached to flowers she sent to the hospital where the duke of edinburgh was treated, she also praised the "immeasurable service of those who have supported us over the last 12 months". the prime minister borisjohnson has remembered those who have died died during what he�*s called �*a very dark and difficult year�*. tonight, people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8 o�*clock with phones, candles and torches to signify a �*beacon of remembrance�*. duncan kennedy reports. a cross of hope, after what has seemed like a never ending circle of despair. made of real grass it symbolises life after death. optimism following darkness. winchester is just one place to mark this day of national reflection

with words of contemplation from the dean of the cathedral, to begin a minute�*s silence. on this solemn and significant national anniversary, we take time to reflect on the year past, and to remember, mourn and honour, those who have lost their lives as a result of contracting coronavirus. bell rings. the queen marked today by sending flowers to st bartholomew�*s hospital

in london where the duke of edinburgh underwent heart surgery. in a message, the queen paid tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year. the duke and duchess of cambridge also took part in a private moment of reflection at westminster abbey. the prime minister today released his own message saying... and we owe both the nhs staff and those on the front lines and all the families of those who have died, to learn the lessons of the last 12 months, to have an inquiry and to learn what went wrong, to make sure

we never repeat that. it was on this day last year that lockdown began. when our streets emptied, and our lives transformed. a contagion had come among us, and put everyone in peril. from this evening i must give the british people a very simple instruction. you must stay at home. the way ahead is hard. and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost. since those words, our hospitals have fought to save us, but more than 126,000 people have lost their lives to covid. some 6 million people have been bereaved by covid. today, prince charles spoke of our national ordeal. over the past year, our country has been through a trial which has tested our resolve and resilience in countless ways.

we have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed. humbled by the dedication shown by so many. and moved beyond words by the sacrifices we have seen. like all reflections, this day of reflection is a stage upon which to look at ourselves, who we are, who we have lost, sacrifice, change, pain, hope. duncan kennedy, bbc news. and borisjohnson will lead a downing street news conference on coronavirus this afternoon. coverage starts on bbc one and the bbc news channel at 4.30. with the news conference due at 5. scotland�*s first minister nicola sturgeon has been accused of misleading the scottish parliament committee which was looking at the way harassment allegations against her predecessor alex salmond were investigated.

a report from msps has also called the scottish government�*s handling of the investigation "seriously flawed". a separate report by a senior lawyer yesterday cleared the first minister of breaking the ministerial code. our political correspondent nick eardley reports. after weeks of questions over herfuture, nicola sturgeon left home this morning knowing she had been cleared of breaking the ministerial code. that means there is no prospect of her standing down. she will lead the snp into the election in may. this was the first minister last night. obviously i�*m very pleased that james hamilton has concluded that i did not breach the ministerial code in respect of any of the allegations. today, though, a report that will make difficult reading. a committee of msps has concluded that ms sturgeon�*s government�*s handling of allegations against alex salmond was not satisfactory. in a lengthy report, the committee said the handling of complaints was seriously flawed,

that ms sturgeon misled the committee on meetings with alex salmond, a potential breach of the ministerial code and that her account of when she found out about concerns about mr salmond was hard to believe. well, first of all it is a shame that a committee report of this nature has become tainted by very obvious political bias, along party lines, in some conclusions. but actually, where there are reflections, and the government has always said, we made mistakes when it comes to the implementation of the procedure looking at a complaint into alex salmond, we have got to learn from that and hold our hands up. the fact that the independent adviser cleared ms sturgeon the committee report also includes testimony from two women who originally complained about mr salmond. they raised concerns about the situation being politicised. one also raises concerns about the lack of support from the government. the fact that the independent

adviser cleared mr sturgeon means herjob is safe, but with just six weeks into cotton goes to the polls, the political questions will continue to be asked. snp members of the committees have distanced themselves from the findings, but opposition members say the conclusions leave big questions. late conclusions leave big questions. we want conclusions leave big questions. - want to stand up for the work of the parliamentary committee as it has thoroughly investigated this matter and come to conclusions about catastrophic failures within the scottish government has come to the conclusion that nicola sturgeon misled the scottish parliament. we think the right thing for her to do is to step down. that think the right thing for her to do is to step down.— think the right thing for her to do is to step down. at the heart of our ennui is to step down. at the heart of our enquiry has — is to step down. at the heart of our enquiry has been — is to step down. at the heart of our enquiry has been to _ is to step down. at the heart of our enquiry has been to e-mail - is to step down. at the heart of our enquiry has been to e-mail civil- enquiry has been to e—mail civil servants— enquiry has been to e—mail civil servants who have been competitively failed by— servants who have been competitively failed by the scottish government. -- two _ failed by the scottish government. —— two female civil servants. and nobody _ —— two female civil servants. and nobody has — —— two female civil servants. and nobody has taken responsibility for that _ nobody has taken responsibility for that. .., . nobody has taken responsibility for that. _, ., ,, ., , nobody has taken responsibility for that. ., ,, ., , , .,

that. nicola sturgeon still faces a confidence _ that. nicola sturgeon still faces a confidence vote _ that. nicola sturgeon still faces a confidence vote this _ that. nicola sturgeon still faces a confidence vote this afternoon, i that. nicola sturgeon still faces a i confidence vote this afternoon, but she will win it with support from the greens. this has been an incredibly tumultuous time in scottish politics, and there is still the question of whether we will hear from alex salmond again. remember, this is a row between two of the most senior figures in the independence and snp movements in recent years. but in six weeks�* time, it will be up to the electorate here to make their own decision on how this has all panned out. hannah bardell is the snp mp for livingston. good afternoon. how damaged has the snp been by all of this? i good afternoon. how damaged has the snp been by all of this?— snp been by all of this? i think what is clear— snp been by all of this? i think what is clear from _ snp been by all of this? i think what is clear from the - snp been by all of this? i think what is clear from the report i snp been by all of this? i think what is clear from the report is j what is clear from the report is there are lessons to be learned, but what is very telling as we have a leader in nicola sturgeon who is willing to face up to those issues, she has said very openly how saddened she is by that. and a real and proper leaderfaces saddened she is by that. and a real and proper leader faces up to those issues, takes them head—on, as she has done, and she seems very

determined, as i know those in the scottish government will be, to fix thoseissues scottish government will be, to fix those issues and make sure the experiences of those women who, i have to say is heartbreaking to read, is not ignored and is not used any further as it has been for political gain by some opposition members, which has been utterly shameless. members, which has been utterly shameless-— members, which has been utterly shameless. ., , , , shameless. you say fix the issues, two women _ shameless. you say fix the issues, two women have _ shameless. you say fix the issues, two women have been _ shameless. you say fix the issues, two women have been very - shameless. you say fix the issues, two women have been very badly l shameless. you say fix the issues, i two women have been very badly let down by this procedure. half £1 million has been spent clearly without knees, and he seriously flawed investigation has been revealed by this report. —— clearly without need. that cannot be fixed. the whole point of the investigation was to look into why those women were let down, what happened. the report recognises the context of this, which was the tsunami which was the meaty movement, that there was the meaty movement, that there was obviously a deep desire across many organisations to make sure that

women felt able to speak up and to come forward —— the me too movement. the report makes helpful recommendations, however what has been incredibly infuriating are seeing some of those opposition members grandstanding off the backs of the experiences of those women rather than focusing on the job at hand, which is to put forward real solutions. it hand, which is to put forward real solutions. ., , hand, which is to put forward real solutions. . , ,., solutions. it was the government that let them _ solutions. it was the government that let them down. _ solutions. it was the government that let them down. you - solutions. it was the government that let them down. you talk - solutions. it was the government l that let them down. you talk about grandstanding, they were let down by the government.— the government. absolutely, and we acce -t that the government. absolutely, and we accept that reality. _ the government. absolutely, and we accept that reality. nicola _ the government. absolutely, and we accept that reality. nicola sturgeon i accept that reality. nicola sturgeon has said, as have many of us, that thoseissues has said, as have many of us, that those issues need to be reviewed. the report was published this morning, so you will forgive us, or give us an opportunity to reflect on that, and many people from across my party have been on the media and in

the immediate speaking and have said those recommendations need to be taken seriously, but what has hampered the investigation and what has hampered the narrative is that those opposition members commenting, leaking information from that committee. we need to get on and do ourjob now and make sure that an atmosphere and culture and processes are in place to make sure that women feel able to come forward and speak up feel able to come forward and speak up if they are harassed in the workplace. up if they are harassed in the workplace-— up if they are harassed in the workplace. up if they are harassed in the worklace. ., ., ., ., , up if they are harassed in the worklace. ., ., ., , workplace. how damaged has the party been b this workplace. how damaged has the party been by this huge _ workplace. how damaged has the party been by this huge rift _ workplace. how damaged has the party been by this huge rift that _ workplace. how damaged has the party been by this huge rift that is _ been by this huge rift that is clearly there are now between nicola sturgeon and her predecessor alex salmond? i sturgeon and her predecessor alex salmond? ., sturgeon and her predecessor alex salmond? ~' ., , ., ., , salmond? i think the vast ma'ority of --eole salmond? i think the vast ma'ority of people in — salmond? i think the vast ma'ority of people in the i salmond? i think the vast ma'ority of people in the snp, * salmond? i think the vast majority of people in the snp, whether - salmond? i think the vast majority| of people in the snp, whether they are members, activists or elected representatives, want to get on and fight the election and continue the good work of art leader who has led with dignity, determination and dignity throughout this global pandemic, when the election and make sure the people of scotland are

served as they have been, by our excellent leader. i think people are understanding —— i think people understanding —— i think people understand that mistakes have been made and leadership is recognising those mistakes, in contrast to a prime minister whose ministers have broken the ministerial code, who himself has broken the law. we will learn the lessons of this report. we will put in action either pop �*s findings and i think people will recognise that and recognise that takes real and proper leadership —— put in action the report�*s findings. this falls into the narrative of the wish of your party but there is another referendum and soon. i am wondering if you sense, and i go back to my original question, the damage this has done to that because, given that a lot of people six weeks before an election are looking at a party that does seem to

be having some serious problems. i think what people will see is the james hamilton report which is very clear that nicola sturgeon did not break the ministerial code. i think people will see a leader that is willing to look at all of the issues and take them on, head—on, and make sure we put in place procedures that will make it easier and better, and a better culture for a woman going forward. i think all of us are focused on the future and want to draw a line under this matter. i would urge those in my own party, who have indulged themselves in smears and political nonsense, to look to the future because we very much need to come together and be unified as we go into the selection, and i think the events of the last few days and years, as difficult as they have been, people are ready to

move on, to draw a line and to do better. it move on, to draw a line and to do better. , p, , p, move on, to draw a line and to do better. , . , ., , move on, to draw a line and to do better. ,._ . i, . better. it is a year exactly since alex salmond _ better. it is a year exactly since alex salmond was _ better. it is a year exactly since alex salmond was exonerated i better. it is a year exactly since | alex salmond was exonerated in court. i am wondering how worried you are about what he might do insight next. i you are about what he might do insight next-— you are about what he might do insight next. ithink, and i speak to somebody _ insight next. ithink, and i speak to somebody who _ insight next. ithink, and i speak to somebody who has _ insight next. ithink, and i speak to somebody who has worked i insight next. ithink, and i speak| to somebody who has worked for insight next. i think, and i speak- to somebody who has worked for the former first minister, that he will, i hope, be reflected very seriously on the events of the last few days and i would like to think that he will reflect that this matter needs to have a line drawn under it and we need to move forward, there is a majority in scotland who want an independence referendum and the snp have shown, in government, as has nicola sturgeon as our leader, that as we have gone through the global pandemic, she has led exceptionally well, head and shoulders above other leaders, particularly the current prime minister. and i think what we need to be focused on is the future,

not harking back to the past. i hope alex salmond and those around him will recognise it is time to put a pin in the eagle and move on. thank ou for pin in the eagle and move on. thank you for your — pin in the eagle and move on. thank you for your time. _ pin in the eagle and move on. thank you for your time. we _ pin in the eagle and move on. thank you for your time. we are _ pin in the eagle and move on. thank you for your time. we are going - you for your time. we are going straight to holyrood because ruth davidson has started that debate on the no—confidence motion. we davidson has started that debate on the no-confidence motion.- the no-confidence motion. we are here because _ the no-confidence motion. we are here because the _ the no-confidence motion. we are here because the scottish - here because the scottish government, when subject to judicial review, sought to frustrate the court, in their own lawyers and attempt to defend the indefensible, costing the taxpayer over half £1 million in the process. nobody comes out of this well. apart from the original complainants and the external counsel to the scottish government. and nobody, nobody, has taken responsibility for the multiple failings at every level which occurred. getting to today has been a process using the making, and let�*s remember the promises that were made. i now intend fully, as

the first minister, to respect the work of the various investigations that have been established. the words of nicola sturgeon spoken from the place in which she is now sitting on the 17th of january 2019, and i took her at her word. a committee of the scottish parliament have been established to consider and report on the action of the first minister and special advisers on the botched investigation. that committee will take evidence, deliberate and deliver a judgment. the first minister demanded of members of this chamber at the same high standards that she claimed for herself. she said it strikes me that people cannot call for enquiries and they refused to respect the work of those enquiries. i will respect the work of those enquiries and the question is what others across the chamber? it was a fundamental question, to which it seemed pretty self—evident answer. what member of this parliament were not respect the verdict by a committee of this parliament? but now the verdict is in and we have the answer to that

fundamental question. those who have rubbished the work of the committee, throwing mud at its members, who have made baseless claims and have disrespected its conclusions are the members that are sitting behind the first minister. and are cackling from said entry position. —— said entry position. yesterday we publicly accepted the hamilton report, four days others have rejected the committee�*s. we note hamilton was crystal clear that the basis of this vote of no—confidence, weathered the first minister misled this parliament or not, is a decision for this parliament are for him. let�*s look at the committee�*s conclusions. in its 192 pages, the report directly conclude that the first minister misled the parliamentary committee regarding her initial meeting with alex salmond in a house in april 2018. we already know that her original statement, that this meeting with the pressures heard of any such complaint, was also misleading. and

once after she falsely stated that to parliament, she was forced to correct the record. the committee also concluded that the catastrophic failure to disclose documents through the adjacent review process was the reason for the high awarding of costs and the wasting of taxpayers money, saying those responsible should be held accountable. the committee was thwarted in its attempts to gather evidence and it scolding. this is an unacceptable position for a parliamentary committee to find itself in when trying to scrutinise the government. especially when both the government. especially when both the first minister and the permanent secretary stated there would be full cooperation with the enquiry, and how hollow that pledge now looks. the most difficult bit to read of this whole report for all of us, and i expect for the first minister as well, want to be original complainants themselves were badly let down. he talked of working in a culture where bad behaviour was endemic and such was permitted and a blind eye was turned to it. the

charge that was substantiated by the civil service union, the fda, who said its members, working for the scottish government, operated in a culture of fear and the issues are not historical, they are current. no matter what your political colours, it should aim at all that working for your country�*s government, which should be a matter of pride, is actually a test of strength because of unacceptable behaviour and blind eyes being turned. on the subject of behaviour, i want to put on record that i believe the leaking of this report�*s findings last week was both damaging and wrong, and i along with my party will support any investigation into that wrong doing. the presiding officer, the first minister proclaimed her respect for the work of this parliament�*s committee of enquiry, right up until the moment it became clear that the outcome would not suit her. then her respect for it vanished. i don�*t out of this committee report had cleared her of wrongdoing it be held up as being the will of parliament. the reported studies denounced as an

unprincipled hatchetjob. i have already said i respect the hamilton report�*s conclusions, but he publicly and specifically added the question of whether the first minister misled this parliament back to the parliament itself. and let�*s be clear about what the committee enquiry of this party has found. after taking months of evidence from dozens of witnesses, even including the first minister�*s eight hours of testimony, after all of that evidence gathering and deliberation, the committee found nicola sturgeon misled this parliament. and nothing can erase that fact, how inconvenient it is to the first minister and her supporters. inconvenient it is to the first ministerand hersupporters. by minister and her supporters. by misleading ministerand hersupporters. by misleading the scottish parliament, she misled the people of scotland. no first minister who truly wanted to live up to the idea of this parliament should feel able to continue in a post after having been judged guilty of misleading it. how can parliament have confidence in the words of the first minister whose words have been found to be false? the honourable thing would be

to resign. whether the first minister has that sense of honour is not between her and her conscience. i move the emotion in my name. == i move the emotion in my name. -- motion. i move the emotion in my name. -- motion- l: — i move the emotion in my name. -- motion- l: the _ i move the emotion in my name. —— motion. i: the first minister, nicola — motion. i: the first minister, nicola sturgeon. wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity _ wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity. those _ wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity. those are _ wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity. those are the - wisdom, justice, compassion, | integrity. those are the values described _ integrity. those are the values described and _ integrity. those are the values described and each _ integrity. those are the values described and each and - integrity. those are the values described and each and every. integrity. those are the values - described and each and every single one of— described and each and every single one of us— described and each and every single one of us has— described and each and every single one of us has a _ described and each and every single one of us has a duty _ described and each and every single one of us has a duty to _ described and each and every single one of us has a duty to uphold - described and each and every single | one of us has a duty to uphold them. before _ one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i_ one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i address _ one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i address my— one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i address my position, - one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i address my position, let- one of us has a duty to uphold them. before i address my position, let mej before i address my position, let me say this _ before i address my position, let me say this there — before i address my position, let me say this. there are _ before i address my position, let me say this. there are some _ before i address my position, let me say this. there are some in- before i address my position, let me say this. there are some in the - say this. there are some in the stupor— say this. there are some in the stupor have _ say this. there are some in the stupor have decided _ say this. there are some in the stupor have decided before - say this. there are some in the stupor have decided before a l say this. there are some in the - stupor have decided before a single shred _ stupor have decided before a single shred of— stupor have decided before a single shred of evidence _ stupor have decided before a single shred of evidence have _ stupor have decided before a single shred of evidence have been - stupor have decided before a single shred of evidence have been heardl shred of evidence have been heard that i_ shred of evidence have been heard that i was— shred of evidence have been heard that i was guilty— shred of evidence have been heard that i was guilty in— shred of evidence have been heard that i was guilty in relation- shred of evidence have been heard that i was guilty in relation to - shred of evidence have been heard that i was guilty in relation to the i that i was guilty in relation to the handling — that i was guilty in relation to the handling of— that i was guilty in relation to the handling of complaints _ that i was guilty in relation to the handling of complaints against i that i was guilty in relation to the l handling of complaints against the former— handling of complaints against the former first — handling of complaints against the former first minister. _ handling of complaints against the former first minister. the - handling of complaints against the former first minister. the only. former first minister. the only question— former first minister. the only question was _ former first minister. the only question was what _ former first minister. the only question was what they - former first minister. the only| question was what they pitches former first minister. the only. question was what they pitches to find me _ question was what they pitches to find me guilty— question was what they pitches to find me guilty of. _ question was what they pitches to find me guilty of. in— question was what they pitches to find me guilty of. in recent - question was what they pitches to i find me guilty of. in recent months faced _ find me guilty of. in recent months faced accusations— find me guilty of. in recent months faced accusations of— find me guilty of. in recent months faced accusations of conspiracy- faced accusations of conspiracy against, — faced accusations of conspiracy against, collusion _ faced accusations of conspiracy against, collusion with - faced accusations of conspiracy against, collusion with and - faced accusations of conspiracy. against, collusion with and cover faced accusations of conspiracy- against, collusion with and cover up on behalf— against, collusion with and cover up on behalf of— against, collusion with and cover up on behalf of alex _ against, collusion with and cover up on behalf of alex salmond. - against, collusion with and cover up on behalf of alex salmond. none i against, collusion with and cover up on behalf of alex salmond. none ofj on behalf of alex salmond. none of that is— on behalf of alex salmond. none of that is supported _ on behalf of alex salmond. none of that is supported by— on behalf of alex salmond. none of that is supported by evidence - that is supported by evidence because _ that is supported by evidence because none _ that is supported by evidence because none of— that is supported by evidence because none of that - that is supported by evidence because none of that is - that is supported by evidence because none of that is true. | that is supported by evidence - because none of that is true. but for some. — because none of that is true. but for some. as _ because none of that is true. but for some. as i _ because none of that is true. but for some, as i think— because none of that is true. but for some, as i think this - because none of that is true. but for some, as i think this a - because none of that is true. but for some, as i think this a tory. for some, as i think this a tory motion — for some, as i think this a tory motion makes _ for some, as i think this a tory motion makes clear, _ for some, as i think this a tory motion makes clear, getting . for some, as i think this a tory| motion makes clear, getting to for some, as i think this a tory-

motion makes clear, getting to the facts. _ motion makes clear, getting to the facts. learning _ motion makes clear, getting to the facts, learning lessons— motion makes clear, getting to the facts, learning lessons and - motion makes clear, getting to the facts, learning lessons and helpingj facts, learning lessons and helping ensure _ facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women _ facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women are _ facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women are not _ facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women are not let - facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women are not let down . facts, learning lessons and helping ensure women are not let down inl facts, learning lessons and helping. ensure women are not let down in the future _ ensure women are not let down in the future were _ ensure women are not let down in the future were always _ ensure women are not let down in the future were always secondary - future were always secondary considerations _ future were always secondary considerations to _ future were always secondary considerations to the - future were always secondary . considerations to the desperate attempt — considerations to the desperate attempt to— considerations to the desperate attempt to claim _ considerations to the desperate attempt to claim my— considerations to the desperate attempt to claim my political. considerations to the desperate - attempt to claim my political scalp. nevertheless. — attempt to claim my political scalp. nevertheless, he _ attempt to claim my political scalp. nevertheless, he committee's- attempt to claim my political scalp. i nevertheless, he committee's burke was important — nevertheless, he committee's burke was important and _ nevertheless, he committee's burke was important and i— nevertheless, he committee's burke was important and i give _ nevertheless, he committee's burke was important and i give any- was important and i give any assurance _ was important and i give any assurance today— was important and i give any assurance today that - was important and i give any assurance today that the - was important and i give any- assurance today that the government will study _ assurance today that the government will study its — assurance today that the government will study its report _ assurance today that the government will study its report closely— assurance today that the government will study its report closely and - will study its report closely and take its — will study its report closely and take its recommendations - will study its report closely and take its recommendations very| take its recommendations very seriously _ take its recommendations very seriously the _ take its recommendations very seriously. the mistakes - take its recommendations very seriously. the mistakes madel take its recommendations very. seriously. the mistakes made by take its recommendations very- seriously. the mistakes made by the government— seriously. the mistakes made by the government in— seriously. the mistakes made by the government in the _ seriously. the mistakes made by the government in the investigation - seriously. the mistakes made by the government in the investigation of. government in the investigation of the complaints— government in the investigation of the complaints against _ government in the investigation of the complaints against alex - government in the investigation of. the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a _ the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a mistake _ the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a mistake made _ the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a mistake made in _ the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a mistake made in the - the complaints against alex salmond, albeit a mistake made in the quest. albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying _ albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to— albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to do _ albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to do the _ albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to do the right _ albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to do the right thing, - albeit a mistake made in the quest of trying to do the right thing, was| of trying to do the right thing, was serious, _ of trying to do the right thing, was serious, as— of trying to do the right thing, was serious, as were _ of trying to do the right thing, was serious, as were the _ of trying to do the right thing, was| serious, as were the consequences of trying to do the right thing, was i serious, as were the consequences of it. serious, as were the consequences of it once _ serious, as were the consequences of it once again— serious, as were the consequences of it once again i — serious, as were the consequences of it. once again i want _ serious, as were the consequences of it. once again i want to— serious, as were the consequences of it. once again i want to apologise - it. once again i want to apologise unreservedly— it. once again i want to apologise unreservedly to _ it. once again i want to apologise unreservedly to the _ it. once again i want to apologise unreservedly to the woman - it. once again i want to apologise unreservedly to the woman who i it. once again i want to apologise - unreservedly to the woman who would like done _ unreservedly to the woman who would like done as— unreservedly to the woman who would like done as a — unreservedly to the woman who would like done as a result _ unreservedly to the woman who would like done as a result of— unreservedly to the woman who would like done as a result of that. _ unreservedly to the woman who would like done as a result of that. it - like done as a result of that. it will be — like done as a result of that. it will be a — like done as a result of that. it will be a priority— like done as a result of that. it will be a priority of— like done as a result of that. it will be a priority of mine - like done as a result of that. it will be a priority of mine for i like done as a result of that. it will be a priority of mine for as long _ will be a priority of mine for as long as — will be a priority of mine for as long as i — will be a priority of mine for as long as i invest— will be a priority of mine for as long as i invest minister- will be a priority of mine for as long as i invest minister to - will be a priority of mine for as . long as i invest minister to ensure that lessons — long as i invest minister to ensure that lessons are _ long as i invest minister to ensure that lessons are learnt _ long as i invest minister to ensure that lessons are learnt and - long as i invest minister to ensurel that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish — that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish -- _ that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for— that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for as _ that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for as long - that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for as long as - that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for as long as i - that lessons are learnt and trusted to establish —— for as long as i am| to establish —— for as long as i am first _ to establish —— for as long as i am first minister. _ to establish —— for as long as i am first minister. so— to establish —— for as long as i am first minister. so that _ to establish —— for as long as i am first minister. so that anyone - to establish —— for as long as i am first minister. so that anyone in l first minister. so that anyone in future _ first minister. so that anyone in future it— first minister. so that anyone in future it has— first minister. so that anyone in future it has the _ first minister. so that anyone in future it has the confidence - first minister. so that anyone in future it has the confidence to l first minister. so that anyone in - future it has the confidence to come forward _ future it has the confidence to come forward and — future it has the confidence to come forward and other— future it has the confidence to come forward and other concerns - future it has the confidence to come forward and other concerns will - future it has the confidence to come forward and other concerns will be i forward and other concerns will be listened _ forward and other concerns will be listened to — forward and other concerns will be listened to and _ forward and other concerns will be listened to and addressed. - forward and other concerns will be | listened to and addressed. turning to my— listened to and addressed. turning to my own—

listened to and addressed. turning to my own position, _ listened to and addressed. turning to my own position, as— listened to and addressed. turning to my own position, as i— listened to and addressed. turning to my own position, as i said - listened to and addressed. turning to my own position, as i said in - to my own position, as i said in evidence — to my own position, as i said in evidence to _ to my own position, as i said in evidence to the _ to my own position, as i said in evidence to the committee, - to my own position, as i said in evidence to the committee, i. to my own position, as i said in . evidence to the committee, i need not have _ evidence to the committee, i need not have got— evidence to the committee, i need not have got everything _ evidence to the committee, i need not have got everything right - evidence to the committee, i need not have got everything right in . evidence to the committee, i needj not have got everything right in my handling _ not have got everything right in my handling of— not have got everything right in my handling of the _ not have got everything right in my handling of the situation. - not have got everything right in my handling of the situation. this - handling of the situation. this situation _ handling of the situation. this situation i _ handling of the situation. this situation i was _ handling of the situation. this situation i was confronted - handling of the situation. this| situation i was confronted with handling of the situation. this - situation i was confronted with was extremely— situation i was confronted with was extremely difficult. _ situation i was confronted with was extremely difficult. politically, - extremely difficult. politically, socially — extremely difficult. politically, socially but _ extremely difficult. politically, socially but also _ extremely difficult. politically, socially but also personally. ii socially but also personally. i accept — socially but also personally. i accept and _ socially but also personally. i accept and respect _ socially but also personally. i accept and respect that - socially but also personally. i| accept and respect that some socially but also personally. i- accept and respect that some people face to— accept and respect that some people face to the _ accept and respect that some people face to the same _ accept and respect that some people face to the same situation _ accept and respect that some people face to the same situation may- accept and respect that some people face to the same situation may havel face to the same situation may have made _ face to the same situation may have made different— face to the same situation may have made different decisions, _ face to the same situation may have made different decisions, but- face to the same situation may have made different decisions, but i- face to the same situation may have made different decisions, but i am i made different decisions, but i am clear— made different decisions, but i am clear in— made different decisions, but i am clear in my— made different decisions, but i am clear in my mind— made different decisions, but i am clear in my mind that _ made different decisions, but i am clear in my mind that i _ made different decisions, but i am clear in my mind that i acted - clear in my mind that i acted appropriately— clear in my mind that i acted appropriately and _ clear in my mind that i acted appropriately and that - clear in my mind that i acted appropriately and that i - clear in my mind that i acted| appropriately and that i need clear in my mind that i acted - appropriately and that i need the film appropriately and that i need the rightjudgments _ appropriately and that i need the right judgments overall, - appropriately and that i need the rightjudgments overall, and - appropriately and that i need the rightjudgments overall, and i. rightjudgments overall, and i reject— rightjudgments overall, and i reject entirely— rightjudgments overall, and i reject entirely any _ rightjudgments overall, and i reject entirely any suggestion| rightjudgments overall, and i. reject entirely any suggestion of misleading _ reject entirely any suggestion of misleading this _ reject entirely any suggestion of misleading this parliament. - reject entirely any suggestion of misleading this parliament. for| reject entirely any suggestion of- misleading this parliament. for me, being _ misleading this parliament. for me, being at— misleading this parliament. for me, being at peace — misleading this parliament. for me, being at peace with _ misleading this parliament. for me, being at peace with my _ misleading this parliament. for me, being at peace with my own - being at peace with my own conscience, _ being at peace with my own conscience, as _ being at peace with my own conscience, as i _ being at peace with my own conscience, as i am - being at peace with my own conscience, as i am on - being at peace with my own. conscience, as i am on these matters, _ conscience, as i am on these matters, is _ conscience, as i am on these matters, is a _ conscience, as i am on these matters, is a necessary - conscience, as i am on these - matters, is a necessary condition of being _ matters, is a necessary condition of being able — matters, is a necessary condition of being able to — matters, is a necessary condition of being able to continue _ matters, is a necessary condition of being able to continue as— matters, is a necessary condition of being able to continue as first- being able to continue as first minister _ being able to continue as first minister. but— being able to continue as first minister. but i— being able to continue as first minister. but i note _ being able to continue as first minister. but i note that- being able to continue as first minister. but i note that thati being able to continue as firsti minister. but i note that that is not sufficient, _ minister. but i note that that is not sufficient, no _ minister. but i note that that is not sufficient, no politician - minister. but i note that that is not sufficient, no politician can| minister. but i note that that is i not sufficient, no politician can be her own _ not sufficient, no politician can be her ownjudge _ not sufficient, no politician can be her ownjudge and _ not sufficient, no politician can be her ownjudge and jury. _ not sufficient, no politician can be her ownjudge and jury. the - not sufficient, no politician can be| her ownjudge and jury. the public deserved — her ownjudge and jury. the public deserved independent— her ownjudge and jury. the public deserved independent verificationl deserved independent verification that i_ deserved independent verification that i had — deserved independent verification that i had not— deserved independent verification that i had not breached _ deserved independent verification that i had not breached the - that i had not breached the standards— that i had not breached the standards that _ that i had not breached the standards that i _ that i had not breached the standards that i am - that i had not breached the l standards that i am expected that i had not breached the - standards that i am expected to uphold — standards that i am expected to uphold and _ standards that i am expected to uphold and yesterday—

standards that i am expected to uphold and yesterday they - standards that i am expected to uphold and yesterday they got i standards that i am expected to i uphold and yesterday they got that assurance — uphold and yesterday they got that assurance from _ uphold and yesterday they got that assurance from james— uphold and yesterday they got that assurance from james hamilton's i assurance from james hamilton's report~ _ assurance from james hamilton's report mr— assurance from james hamilton's report. mr hamilton _ assurance from james hamilton's report. mr hamilton considered i assurance from james hamilton'si report. mr hamilton considered all of the _ report. mr hamilton considered all of the issues — report. mr hamilton considered all of the issues that _ report. mr hamilton considered all of the issues that were _ report. mr hamilton considered all of the issues that were alleged - report. mr hamilton considered all of the issues that were alleged toi of the issues that were alleged to amount— of the issues that were alleged to amount to — of the issues that were alleged to amount to a — of the issues that were alleged to amount to a breach _ of the issues that were alleged to amount to a breach of— of the issues that were alleged to amount to a breach of the - amount to a breach of the ministerial— amount to a breach of the ministerial code _ amount to a breach of the ministerial code including | amount to a breach of the - ministerial code including the question— ministerial code including the question of— ministerial code including the question of whether- ministerial code including the question of whether i - ministerial code including the question of whether i misled i question of whether i misled parliament. _ question of whether i misled parliament, and— question of whether i misled parliament, and this - question of whether i misled parliament, and this is - question of whether i misled parliament, and this is what| question of whether i misled . parliament, and this is what he concluded _ parliament, and this is what he concluded i_ parliament, and this is what he concluded. i am _ parliament, and this is what he concluded. i am of— parliament, and this is what he concluded. i am of the - parliament, and this is what he concluded. i am of the opinionl parliament, and this is what he - concluded. i am of the opinion that the first _ concluded. i am of the opinion that the first minister— concluded. i am of the opinion that the first minister did _ concluded. i am of the opinion that the first minister did not— concluded. i am of the opinion that the first minister did not breach i the first minister did not breach the first minister did not breach the provisions— the first minister did not breach the provisions of— the first minister did not breach the provisions of the _ the first minister did not breach the provisions of the ministerial| the provisions of the ministerial code _ the provisions of the ministerial code in— the provisions of the ministerial code in respect— the provisions of the ministerial code in respect of— the provisions of the ministerial code in respect of any, - the provisions of the ministerial code in respect of any, any, - the provisions of the ministerial code in respect of any, any, of. code in respect of any, any, of these — code in respect of any, any, of these matters. _ code in respect of any, any, of these matters. in _ code in respect of any, any, of these matters. in advance - code in respect of any, any, of these matters. in advance of. these matters. in advance of yesterday's _ these matters. in advance of yesterday's report, - these matters. in advance of yesterday's report, or- these matters. in advance of. yesterday's report, or practice these matters. in advance of- yesterday's report, or practice book of the _ yesterday's report, or practice book of the need — yesterday's report, or practice book of the need to— yesterday's report, or practice book of the need to respect _ yesterday's report, or practice book of the need to respect mr— yesterday's report, or practice book of the need to respect mr hamilton| of the need to respect mr hamilton put my— of the need to respect mr hamilton put my conclusions. _ of the need to respect mr hamilton put my conclusions. the _ of the need to respect mr hamilton put my conclusions. the report- of the need to respect mr hamilton put my conclusions. the report of. put my conclusions. the report of the committee _ put my conclusions. the report of the committee itself— put my conclusions. the report of the committee itself says - put my conclusions. the report of the committee itself says this, i the committee itself says this, james — the committee itself says this, james hamilton's— the committee itself says this, james hamilton's report - the committee itself says this, james hamilton's report is - the committee itself says this, james hamilton's report is the| the committee itself says this, - james hamilton's report is the most appropriate — james hamilton's report is the most appropriate place _ james hamilton's report is the most appropriate place to— james hamilton's report is the most appropriate place to address - james hamilton's report is the most appropriate place to address the - appropriate place to address the question— appropriate place to address the question of— appropriate place to address the question of whether— appropriate place to address the question of whether or- appropriate place to address the question of whether or not - appropriate place to address the question of whether or not the i appropriate place to address the i question of whether or not the first minister— question of whether or not the first minister has — question of whether or not the first minister has breached _ question of whether or not the first minister has breached the - minister has breached the ministerial— minister has breached the ministerial code. - minister has breached the ministerial code. let - minister has breached the ministerial code. let me i minister has breached the i ministerial code. let me be minister has breached the - ministerial code. let me be clear about— ministerial code. let me be clear about this — ministerial code. let me be clear about this. had _ ministerial code. let me be clear about this. had mr— ministerial code. let me be clear about this. had mr hamilton's i ministerial code. let me be clear- about this. had mr hamilton's report on the _ about this. had mr hamilton's report on the other— about this. had mr hamilton's report on the other way _ about this. had mr hamilton's report on the other way, i— about this. had mr hamilton's report on the other way, i would _ about this. had mr hamilton's report on the other way, i would have - on the other way, i would have accepted — on the other way, i would have accepted it _ on the other way, i would have accepted it. had _ on the other way, i would have accepted it. had he _ on the other way, i would have accepted it. had he found - on the other way, i would have accepted it. had he found that| on the other way, i would havel accepted it. had he found that i on the other way, i would have - accepted it. had he found that i had breached _ accepted it. had he found that i had breached the — accepted it. had he found that i had breached the code _ accepted it. had he found that i had breached the code in _ accepted it. had he found that i had breached the code in anything - accepted it. had he found that i had breached the code in anything other than the _ breached the code in anything other than the most — breached the code in anything other than the most technical _ breached the code in anything other than the most technical and - than the most technical and immaterial— than the most technical and immaterial of— than the most technical and immaterial of ways, - than the most technical and immaterial of ways, i- than the most technical and immaterial of ways, i would than the most technical and - immaterial of ways, i would have been _ immaterial of ways, i would have been standing _ immaterial of ways, i would have been standing here _ immaterial of ways, i would have been standing here right - immaterial of ways, i would have been standing here right now- been standing here right now tendering _ been standing here right now tendering my— been standing here right now tendering my resignation. . been standing here right now- tendering my resignation. because the integrity—

tendering my resignation. because the integrity of _ tendering my resignation. because the integrity of the _ tendering my resignation. because the integrity of the office _ tendering my resignation. because the integrity of the office i- tendering my resignation. because the integrity of the office i am - tendering my resignation. because the integrity of the office i am so. the integrity of the office i am so privileged — the integrity of the office i am so privileged to _ the integrity of the office i am so privileged to hold _ the integrity of the office i am so privileged to hold billy— the integrity of the office i am so privileged to hold billy does - the integrity of the office i am so. privileged to hold billy does matter to me _ privileged to hold billy does matter to me the — privileged to hold billy does matter to me. the office _ privileged to hold billy does matter to me. the office of— privileged to hold billy does matter to me. the office of first _ privileged to hold billy does matter to me. the office of first minister. to me. the office of first minister is more _ to me. the office of first minister is more important _ to me. the office of first minister is more important than _ to me. the office of first minister is more important than any - to me. the office of first minister- is more important than any temporary incumbent _ is more important than any temporary incumbent of— is more important than any temporary incumbent of it — is more important than any temporary incumbent of it. but _ is more important than any temporary incumbent of it. but given— is more important than any temporary incumbent of it. but given that - is more important than any temporary incumbent of it. but given that i - incumbent of it. but given that i have _ incumbent of it. but given that i have been— incumbent of it. but given that i have been cleared _ incumbent of it. but given that i have been cleared by _ incumbent of it. but given that i have been cleared by the - incumbent of it. but given that i - have been cleared by the independent report— have been cleared by the independent report of— have been cleared by the independent report of any— have been cleared by the independent report of any breach _ have been cleared by the independent report of any breach of _ have been cleared by the independent report of any breach of the _ report of any breach of the ministerial— report of any breach of the ministerial code, - report of any breach of the ministerial code, then - report of any breach of the ministerial code, then myl report of any breach of the - ministerial code, then my message report of any breach of the _ ministerial code, then my message to all those, _ ministerial code, then my message to all those, especially— ministerial code, then my message to all those, especially to _ ministerial code, then my message to all those, especially to the _ all those, especially to the conservatives, _ all those, especially to the conservatives, who - all those, especially to the conservatives, who now. all those, especially to the - conservatives, who now despite with davidson, _ conservatives, who now despite with davidson, refused _ conservatives, who now despite with davidson, refused to _ conservatives, who now despite with davidson, refused to accept - conservatives, who now despite with davidson, refused to accept mr- davidson, refused to accept mr hamilton's_ davidson, refused to accept mr hamilton's conclusions - davidson, refused to accept mr hamilton's conclusions as - davidson, refused to accept mr hamilton's conclusions as this, j davidson, refused to accept mr. hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think— hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think you _ hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think you can _ hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think you can bully— hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think you can bully me - hamilton's conclusions as this, if you think you can bully me out . hamilton's conclusions as this, if| you think you can bully me out of office. _ you think you can bully me out of office. you — you think you can bully me out of office. you are _ you think you can bully me out of office, you are mistaken- you think you can bully me out of office, you are mistaken and - you think you can bully me out of office, you are mistaken and you | office, you are mistaken and you must _ office, you are mistaken and you mustjudge — office, you are mistaken and you mustjudge me~ _ office, you are mistaken and you mustjudge me. if— office, you are mistaken and you must judge me. if you _ office, you are mistaken and you mustjudge me. if you want- office, you are mistaken and you must judge me. if you want to l office, you are mistaken and you - mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as _ mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as first _ mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as first minister— mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as first minister it— mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as first minister it in— mustjudge me. if you want to remove me as first minister it in an _ me as first minister it in an election _ election. i applause today�*s desperate political stunt today's desperate political stunt proves _ today's desperate political stunt proves anything. _ today's desperate political stunt proves anything, it _ today's desperate political stunt proves anything, it is _ today's desperate political stunt proves anything, it is that - today's desperate political stunt proves anything, it is that you i today's desperate political stunt i proves anything, it is that you have no confidence — proves anything, it is that you have no confidence whatsoever- proves anything, it is that you have no confidence whatsoever in - proves anything, it is that you have no confidence whatsoever in your i no confidence whatsoever in your ability _ no confidence whatsoever in your ability to — no confidence whatsoever in your ability to do — no confidence whatsoever in your ability to do so _ no confidence whatsoever in your ability to do so because - no confidence whatsoever in your ability to do so because you - no confidence whatsoever in your ability to do so because you have j ability to do so because you have nothing _ ability to do so because you have nothing positive _ ability to do so because you have nothing positive to _ ability to do so because you have nothing positive to offer - ability to do so because you have nothing positive to offer the - nothing positive to offer the scottish _ nothing positive to offer the scottish people. _ nothing positive to offer the scottish people. the - nothing positive to offer the scottish people. the last. nothing positive to offer the i scottish people. the last year nothing positive to offer the - scottish people. the last year has

been _ scottish people. the last year has been exhausting _ scottish people. the last year has been exhausting for— scottish people. the last year has been exhausting for everyone. - scottish people. the last year hasj been exhausting for everyone. my experience — been exhausting for everyone. my experience of— been exhausting for everyone. my experience of it _ been exhausting for everyone. my experience of it is _ been exhausting for everyone. my experience of it is as— been exhausting for everyone. my experience of it is as nothing - experience of it is as nothing compared _ experience of it is as nothing compared to— experience of it is as nothing compared to those _ experience of it is as nothing compared to those who - experience of it is as nothing compared to those who havej experience of it is as nothing - compared to those who have lost loved _ compared to those who have lost loved ones. _ compared to those who have lost loved ones, suffered _ compared to those who have lost loved ones, suffered illness - compared to those who have lost loved ones, suffered illness or. loved ones, suffered illness or watched — loved ones, suffered illness or watched businesses _ loved ones, suffered illness or watched businesses go - loved ones, suffered illness or watched businesses go to - loved ones, suffered illness or watched businesses go to thel loved ones, suffered illness or- watched businesses go to the wall. i have given _ watched businesses go to the wall. i have given my— watched businesses go to the wall. i have given my all _ watched businesses go to the wall. i have given my all. every— watched businesses go to the wall. i have given my all. every single - watched businesses go to the wall. i have given my all. every single day. have given my all. every single day trying _ have given my all. every single day trying to _ have given my all. every single day trying to lead — have given my all. every single day trying to lead us— have given my all. every single day trying to lead us through _ have given my all. every single day trying to lead us through this - trying to lead us through this ordeal — trying to lead us through this ordeal i_ trying to lead us through this ordeal. i don't _ trying to lead us through this ordeal. i don't mind - trying to lead us through thisi ordeal. i don't mind admitting trying to lead us through this - ordeal. i don't mind admitting that the ordeal. idon't mind admitting that the intensity— ordeal. i don't mind admitting that the intensity and _ ordeal. i don't mind admitting that the intensity and the _ ordeal. idon't mind admitting that the intensity and the gravity- ordeal. idon't mind admitting that the intensity and the gravity of- the intensity and the gravity of decision—making _ the intensity and the gravity of decision—making has— the intensity and the gravity of decision—making has taken - the intensity and the gravity of decision—making has taken its| the intensity and the gravity of- decision—making has taken its toll. the alex _ decision—making has taken its toll. the alex salmond _ decision—making has taken its toll. the alex salmond saga _ decision—making has taken its toll. the alex salmond saga and - decision—making has taken its toll. the alex salmond saga and the - the alex salmond saga and the assault— the alex salmond saga and the assault on— the alex salmond saga and the assault on my— the alex salmond saga and the assault on my character - the alex salmond saga and the assault on my character that. the alex salmond saga and the assault on my character that iti the alex salmond saga and the i assault on my character that it has entailed _ assault on my character that it has entailed has— assault on my character that it has entailed has certainly— assault on my character that it has entailed has certainly not - assault on my character that it has entailed has certainly not helped. i entailed has certainly not helped. this country— entailed has certainly not helped. this country needs _ entailed has certainly not helped. this country needs a _ entailed has certainly not helped. this country needs a strong, - this country needs a strong, experienced _ this country needs a strong, experienced and _ this country needs a strong, experienced and positive - this country needs a strong, - experienced and positive leadership as we _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue to _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate - experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate our- experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate our wayl as we continue to navigate our way through— as we continue to navigate our way through and — as we continue to navigate our way through and out— as we continue to navigate our way through and out of— as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this _ as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this crisis, - as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this crisis, and i through and out of this crisis, and presiding — through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer, _ through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer, that _ through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer, that is - through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer, that is what - through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer, that is what i. presiding officer, that is what i offer — presiding officer, that is what i offer which— presiding officer, that is what i offer. which takes _ presiding officer, that is what i offer. which takes me - presiding officer, that is what i offer. which takes me to - presiding officer, that is what i offer. which takes me to my. presiding officer, that is what i i offer. which takes me to my final and to— offer. which takes me to my final and to my— offer. which takes me to my final and to my most _ offer. which takes me to my final and to my most fundamental - offer. which takes me to my final. and to my most fundamental point. tomorrow, — and to my most fundamental point. tomorrow, this— and to my most fundamental point. tomorrow, this parliamentary- and to my most fundamental point. tomorrow, this parliamentary term| tomorrow, this parliamentary term reaches _ tomorrow, this parliamentary term reaches its — tomorrow, this parliamentary term reaches its conclusion, _ tomorrow, this parliamentary term reaches its conclusion, perhaps - tomorrow, this parliamentary termj reaches its conclusion, perhaps not a moment— reaches its conclusion, perhaps not a moment too— reaches its conclusion, perhaps not a moment too soon. _ reaches its conclusion, perhaps not a moment too soon. the _ reaches its conclusion, perhaps not a moment too soon. the toxic - a moment too soon. the toxic atmosphere _ a moment too soon. the toxic atmosphere that— a moment too soon. the toxic atmosphere that has - a moment too soon. the toxic atmosphere that has infectedl a moment too soon. the toxic - atmosphere that has infected this chamber— atmosphere that has infected this chamber in— atmosphere that has infected this chamber in recent _ atmosphere that has infected this chamber in recent months - atmosphere that has infected this chamber in recent months will. atmosphere that has infected thisi chamber in recent months will give way, _ chamber in recent months will give way, i— chamber in recent months will give way. i hope. — chamber in recent months will give way. i hope. to— chamber in recent months will give way. i hope. to the— chamber in recent months will give way, i hope, to the fresh— chamber in recent months will give way, i hope, to the fresh air- chamber in recent months will give way, i hope, to the fresh air of- chamber in recent months will give way, i hope, to the fresh air of an. way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election —

way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election i— way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election. i hope _ way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election. i hope the _ way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election. i hope the fresh - way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election. i hope the fresh air- way, i hope, to the fresh air of an election. i hope the fresh air willi election. i hope the fresh air will bring _ election. i hope the fresh air will bring with— election. i hope the fresh air will bring with it _ election. i hope the fresh air will bring with it a _ election. i hope the fresh air will bring with it a vigorous - election. i hope the fresh air will bring with it a vigorous and - bring with it a vigorous and positive _ bring with it a vigorous and positive debate, _ bring with it a vigorous and positive debate, not- bring with it a vigorous and positive debate, notjust . bring with it a vigorous and - positive debate, notjust about personalities, _ positive debate, notjust about personalities, but _ positive debate, notjust about personalities, but about - positive debate, notjust about personalities, but about the i positive debate, not just about i personalities, but about the kind positive debate, not just about - personalities, but about the kind of country _ personalities, but about the kind of country we — personalities, but about the kind of country we want _ personalities, but about the kind of country we want to _ personalities, but about the kind of country we want to be, _ personalities, but about the kind of country we want to be, about - personalities, but about the kind of country we want to be, about how. personalities, but about the kind of. country we want to be, about how we rebuild _ country we want to be, about how we rebuild the _ country we want to be, about how we rebuild the pandemic— country we want to be, about how we rebuild the pandemic and _ country we want to be, about how we rebuild the pandemic and create - country we want to be, about how we rebuild the pandemic and create a . rebuild the pandemic and create a fairer. _ rebuild the pandemic and create a fairer. more— rebuild the pandemic and create a fairer, more prosperous— rebuild the pandemic and create a fairer, more prosperous scotland. rebuild the pandemic and create a i fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now— fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now time — fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now time for— fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now time for the _ fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now time for the country- fairer, more prosperous scotland. it is now time for the country to - is now time for the country to decide — is now time for the country to decide. confidence _ is now time for the country to decide. confidence of- is now time for the country to decide. confidence of this - decide. confidence of this parliament— decide. confidence of this parliament matters, - decide. confidence of this parliament matters, of. decide. confidence of this - parliament matters, of course it does _ parliament matters, of course it does but— parliament matters, of course it does but it _ parliament matters, of course it does but it is _ parliament matters, of course it does. but it is the _ parliament matters, of course it does. but it is the confidence i parliament matters, of course it does. but it is the confidence of| does. but it is the confidence of the people _ does. but it is the confidence of the people scotland _ does. but it is the confidence of the people scotland that - does. but it is the confidence ofi the people scotland that matters most, _ the people scotland that matters most, and — the people scotland that matters most, and that, _ the people scotland that matters most, and that, the _ the people scotland that matters most, and that, the confidence i the people scotland that mattersl most, and that, the confidence of the people. — most, and that, the confidence of the people. is— most, and that, the confidence of the people, is what _ most, and that, the confidence of the people, is what i— most, and that, the confidence of the people, is what i will- most, and that, the confidence of the people, is what i will seek- most, and that, the confidence of the people, is what i will seek toi the people, is what i will seek to demonstrate _ the people, is what i will seek to demonstrate and _ the people, is what i will seek to demonstrate and stick _ the people, is what i will seek to demonstrate and stick to - the people, is what i will seek to demonstrate and stick to when i the people, is what i will seek to| demonstrate and stick to when in the people, is what i will seek to - demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks _ demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks that— demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks that lie — demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks that lie ahead. _ demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks that lie ahead. —— _ demonstrate and stick to when in the weeks that lie ahead. —— win. - weeks that lie ahead. —— win. applause _ earlier today we held the minutes silence on the steps outside the chamber to remember all those who lost their lives in the past year

and others grieving the loss of loved one. on this, the penultimate day before the parliament reaches the end of its five year term, i would much rather we were reflecting on impact of the pandemic and debating what we need to do to ensure our country recovers in the years ahead. instead we are confronted by a litany of government feelings which led to two women being so badly let down —— feelings. any tory party that cares not about the principles, but about the politics. the harassment policy failed. two women were let down. it chicken trust in the system and rest discouraging victims to come forward. it has called into question the integrity of government. it has undermined the principles of and accountability. we have seen a misuse of public money. there are huge failures and big questions to be answered. there are no winners in this debate. not the snp, the

spectacle of using a harassment enquiry, a harassment enquiry, as a recruiting tool was grotesque, and the tories, in the face of all these failures, playing politics, interested on getting a scalp. they announced they would bring a vote of no conference before the first minister had even given evidence to the committee. they lodged this motion on the 4th of march, before the hamilton enquiry, or the committee enquiry, had concluded. seriously? on one side is a litany of failings from a government that went down to women, on the other side in a position guilty of playing grubby party politics and issue as serious sexual harassment. this is a day of shame for our parliament. scotland deserves a better government and it deserves a better

opposition. from the outset, i have made it clear that we will not prejudice the outcome of inquiries. but we would remove party and personality. i accept the conclusion of the report published yesterday, but i also accept the conclusions of the cross—party report published today by a committee of this parliament which highlights a catalogue of errors. and yet still nobody has taken responsibility for the catastrophic feelings by this government. there are still serious questions for the permanent secretary and for the first minister because the buck ultimately stops with her. it cheapens this parliament to have the government attacking the work of the committee. the s&p�*s tactics risk calling into question the very verdict of every committee of this parliament ever. members have spent months scrutinising and investigating in an attempt to get to the truth, often in the face of obstruction from the government. there are huge

challenges ahead for our country. we cannot come back to a parliament like this after the 6th of may. using this chamber as a game designed to divide our country further. doi do i have confidence in the way her team have handled this matter? do i have confidence in the government�*s record? you�*ll need to see today the report about the attainment gap, when the first minister establish a judge had reckoned on and the ability to focus on coming to a national recovery as we come through

covid. no, ido national recovery as we come through covid. no, i do not. national recovery as we come through covid. no, ido not. but national recovery as we come through covid. no, i do not. but on what i hope is their second last day of scotland�*s main opposition party, i also have no confidence in the tory party which today seeks to use this awful episode in a country�*s history in the futile and vain pursuit of a cheap political scalp, contradicting what they say here to what they say in a different parliament elsewhere. we cannot support a motion which is designed not to deliver the kind of strong opposition they promised, but purely dividing our country into politics further. a feeling government on one hand, it came playing opposition on the other. our politics must be better than this. our people deserve better than this. for the sake of the people of scotland coming through covid and with a huge challenge and task that faces us, we cannot come back to this. scotland deserves a better

government and it deserves a better opposition. scottish politics today does not look pretty, talk of lynching, assassination, linking the private evidence — assassination, linking the private evidence of complainants. tabling motions— evidence of complainants. tabling motions attacking a committee because — motions attacking a committee because it does not agree with the first minister. loading the performance of political is below lot. performance of political is below lot~ as _ performance of political is below lot~ as if — performance of political is below lot. as if the show is more important than the facts. boasting about— important than the facts. boasting about recruiting new members on the back of— about recruiting new members on the back of this _ about recruiting new members on the back of this tragedy. no one wins from _ back of this tragedy. no one wins from this— back of this tragedy. no one wins from this ugly episode. not the first _ from this ugly episode. not the first minister, not douglas ross, and certainly not alex salmond who has been _ and certainly not alex salmond who has been exposed for what he really is. has been exposed for what he really is there _ has been exposed for what he really is there we — has been exposed for what he really

is. there we know who has been failed, _ is. there we know who has been failed, the — is. there we know who has been failed, the women who complained. when _ failed, the women who complained. when they— failed, the women who complained. when they stepped up, we were not there _ when they stepped up, we were not there for— when they stepped up, we were not there for them. when they stepped up, we were not there forthem. in when they stepped up, we were not there for them. in the committee report— there for them. in the committee report published today, one woman tells how _ report published today, one woman tells how she and her fellow complainer were dropped by the scottish— complainer were dropped by the scottish government and left to swim _ scottish government and left to swim. there are unresolved issues that i_ swim. there are unresolved issues that i wish— swim. there are unresolved issues that i wish to explore today so we would _ that i wish to explore today so we would have voted for the amendment in the _ would have voted for the amendment in the name _ would have voted for the amendment in the name of anna sarovar if it had been — in the name of anna sarovar if it had been selected. the conservatives have shown _ had been selected. the conservatives have shown themselves is only interested in removing nicola sturgeon from office, rather than the facts — sturgeon from office, rather than the facts of this terrible series of events — the facts of this terrible series of events. they have undermined the integrity _ events. they have undermined the integrity of — events. they have undermined the integrity of the independent investigator. yet even the most ardent— investigator. yet even the most ardent snp supporter must recognise that the _ ardent snp supporter must recognise that the woman who complained were let down— that the woman who complained were let down by— that the woman who complained were let down by the government, and that

£500,000 _ let down by the government, and that £500,000 was wasted defending the indefensible. we know the government will win— indefensible. we know the government will win today because they have the unconditional support. but this debate — unconditional support. but this debate and vote cannot be the end. in a debate and vote cannot be the end. ina summing debate and vote cannot be the end. in a summing up, i would like the deputy— in a summing up, i would like the deputy first ministerto in a summing up, i would like the deputy first minister to tell us where — deputy first minister to tell us where this goes from here. first, how does— where this goes from here. first, how does he explain whyjames hamilton— how does he explain whyjames hamilton was unable to conclude whether— hamilton was unable to conclude whether the first minister misled parliament over whether she offered to help _ parliament over whether she offered to help alex salmond when they met in her— to help alex salmond when they met in her home? james hamilton says it is up _ in her home? james hamilton says it is up to— in her home? james hamilton says it is up to the _ in her home? james hamilton says it is up to the parliament to determine whether— is up to the parliament to determine whether it _ is up to the parliament to determine whether it has been misled in this. we need _ whether it has been misled in this. we need an— whether it has been misled in this. we need an adequate explanation from the deputy— we need an adequate explanation from the deputy first minister. second, on the _ the deputy first minister. second, on the transfer of the name of the complement to alex salmond chief of staff, james hamilton believes that did happen. he says that version of events— did happen. he says that version of events is— did happen. he says that version of events is credible. that is a

terrible _ events is credible. that is a terrible breach of confidentiality. not only— terrible breach of confidentiality. not only where they left to swim, but their— not only where they left to swim, but their identity was let pass to a person— but their identity was let pass to a person they were complaining about. what is _ person they were complaining about. what is now— person they were complaining about. what is now to happen to the person responsible. third, the government made _ responsible. third, the government made a _ responsible. third, the government made a serious air error in defending the indefensible in the court _ defending the indefensible in the court case costing £500,000 and more _ court case costing £500,000 and more this — court case costing £500,000 and more. this is a colossal error that apparently— more. this is a colossal error that apparently no individual is responsible for. what will happen next? _ responsible for. what will happen next? finally, on the government put complaint _ next? finally, on the government put complaint process, confidence is rock bottom now. no one has complained in the last three years. what _ complained in the last three years. what will— complained in the last three years. what will the government do to convince — what will the government do to convince this parliament and women that this _ convince this parliament and women that this process will change? the snp is _ that this process will change? the snp is divided, has a terrible record — snp is divided, has a terrible record of— snp is divided, has a terrible record of delivery over 14 years in government, and they are serious questions — government, and they are serious questions about how women were

treated _ questions about how women were treated by this government. i would contest _ treated by this government. i would contest that they no longer should be in _ contest that they no longer should be in office. even as the government wins today, — be in office. even as the government wins today, the voters will have their— wins today, the voters will have their say— wins today, the voters will have their say in _ wins today, the voters will have their say in seven weeks. the country— their say in seven weeks. the country deserves a positive progressive alternative that will put recovery first. how we will vote today— put recovery first. how we will vote today will— put recovery first. how we will vote today will be determined by what answers — today will be determined by what answers we receive from the deputy first minister as he sums up today. thank— first minister as he sums up today. thank you — first minister as he sums up today. thank you. can i call patrick harvie _ thank you. can i call patrick harvie. . ., thank you. can i call patrick harvie. . ~' thank you. can i call patrick harvie. ., ,, , thank you. can i call patrick harvie. ., ,, ., ., harvie. thank you. this situation bean harvie. thank you. this situation began with _ harvie. thank you. this situation began with a _ harvie. thank you. this situation began with a serious _ harvie. thank you. this situation began with a serious issue. - harvie. thank you. this situation began with a serious issue. the. began with a serious issue. the mishandling of verdant the assessment of sexual harassment allegations. i honestly wish everyone focus had remained on that issue. what we have seen since then

has been the deliberate, systematic and entirely cynical exploitation of that issue to suit motives that are all too apparent today. the media in scotland and throughout the uk is awash with speculation about the sturgeon— salmond psychodrama. one question, what does this mean for the independence because. we should be asking what this means that the position of her harassment and those who want to call it out. sadly we know the answer to the question. multiple instances of msps on that committee prejudging the evidence and announcing their motivations to the world, and then the disgraceful betrayal of trust and complainers over the last weekend. what should have been a serious inquiry has descended into farce. i believe this is the deliberate choice of those who have nothing to offer the people

of scotland. they looked at the devolved institutions and saw a high level of public trust in them and could not bear it. they set about trying to drag everything down to their level. they will fail. as a direct result of their actions, the women who complained about sexual harassment in the first place, had to put out a statement via rape crisis scotland that complained about the violation of their trust. here we are, on the one hand we have an independent report by someone with enough professionalism not to go hocking quotes to the press in advance. it clears the first minister of any breach of the ministerial code. on the other hand, we have a report by a committee of this parliament whose members have prejudged the evidence, calls for resignations before listening to it, betrayed the original complainers in their sexual harassment case and lick their own conclusions to the media. their actions are a betrayal

of the trust wheel placed in them when we have pointed this committee. calling out this behaviour does not reflect on the rest of our parliament. our parliament is better than this. but they have clearly destroyed the credibility of their own work and advertise to partisan motivations for all to see. far worse than that, they have sent a chilling message that anyone else considering complaining about harassment by powerful men, that if they do so, their lives can be turned into tawdry political theatre for months or even years. the only resignations i have any interest in debating today are those of the committee members who have so systematically broken our rules, abuse the trust of witnesses, and play childish games with the serious issue they were asked to examine. they are the ones who should be at residing today. any political party that wants to come out of this

episode with a shred of credibility will do whatever it takes to identify the culprits and ensure they are not able to stand for election in six weeks�* time. they have shown contempt for the serious issue of sexual harassment. they have shown contempt for their witnesses. they have shown contempt for the rules of this parliament and have failed in their attempt to drag scottish politics than to their level. they should just go. thank you, presiding officer. applause. can i call alistair allen. , can i call alistair allen. presiding officer. can i call alistair allen. presiding officer- the _ can i call alistair allen. presiding officer. the independent - officer. the independent investigation as now finally reported has unambiguously report cleared the first minister of all the charges that she had breached the charges that she had breached the ministerial code. those accusations were what today�*s flimsy motion of no confidence was built

on. judging by what i�*ve heard so far, they are a dead horse with which the tories looked determined to flog. it is worth collectively reminding ourselves that this whole and happy story is not confidently about politics. it is not about the conspiracy theories that the political world split at one point encompassed all those in scotland from the first minister to the staff to the complainers in the civil service and the prosecutors and even the lord advocate. in case we forget, this is ultimately the much simpler, sadder story of two women, to real human beings who made complaints. the scottish government passed my own complaints, as we all now know, completely failed them. it gives me no pleasure to say that some of the officials who were cast

with operating those positions —— those procedures. i have observed these past two years on this parliament�*s committee of inquiry into the handling of those complaints. like a number of other committee members, i decided many months ago not to give breathless running commentary to the media about the evidence and private deliberations. to say that our committee leaked like the titanic would be to do a considerable injustice to harland and wolff. the titanic only once. i can genuinely say that the whole point in my 14 years in this place was when i found out that the committee had gone so far as to link sensitive material linked to accounts by the two women that had not been authorised for release by them. that was a breach

of every assurance the women had been given about the trust they could place in us. such behaviour represents a challenge to the credibility of parliament. i think it is simply a challenge to the credibility of some members. but it does i am afraid to speak to the deep reserves of disfiguring political hatred which some people in this place apparently have of the first minister. a hatred born no doubt of long political rift frustration and register their no—confidence motion today. many things in the committee report on which we all agreed, and i hope those things will be useful to prevent people from being failed again in future. insinuations about the first minister that were tacked onto the end of the report in the last year or two of our meetings do not fall into that category. in any

case, mr hamilton�*s report is used as the basis for today�*s motion. the failure to record meetings, the allegation that the minister may have... she misled parliament or fail to comply with the law are all rejected. as this parliament draws to a close and this motion runs what are the opposition left with? they are the opposition left with? they are left facing an election which they have decided to make all about character. presiding officer, after this week, i wish them good luck with that one. applause we will turn now to closing speeches. i we will turn now to closing speeches-— we will turn now to closing seeches. . , ., ., ., , ., speeches. i am proud to have been a member of— speeches. i am proud to have been a member of the _ speeches. i am proud to have been a member of the scottish _ speeches. i am proud to have been a member of the scottish parliament i member of the scottish parliament since its inception, just like the

presiding officer in the first minister. a member of the class of 99. never in my 22 years here have i seen or imagined anything quite like this. the fallout between the former first minister in the current first minister has laid bare the deep divisions in the snp. it is laid bare the blurring of lines between party and government, and it has exposed the need for the scottish parliament, in my view, to have more powers to hold the government to account. i want to focus my comments on the committee report, but first let me say that the result on this vote of no confidence is there foregone conclusion. i have to question the motivation of the tories to have a vote of no confidence before james hamilton had even reported, before they had even seen the outcome of the committee inquiry. it is deeply irresponsible. the committee report published this morning details the catastrophic failings of the scottish government on a matter of the utmost

seriousness and sensitivity. despite the obstruction of the scottish government and the instruction was significant, the committee has managed to get beyond the veil of government secrecy. we must never forget, though, the two female civil servants who complained about harassment and who have been comprehensively failed by the scottish government. i welcome the first minister�*s acknowledgement of this and apology for it. but three years on, no one, but no one has taken responsibility for this. there have been no resignations, no sackings, yet we all acknowledge that the failure was catastrophic. the harassment policy was rushed through without any specialist advice or input. the handling of complaints was fundamentally flawed with the appointment of an investigating officer that was not independent from the process. and the person who had oversight of all of this, he was involved in every aspect of the procedure, it was the

permanent secretary. she must bear much of the responsibility. the scottish government still does not have a functioning harassment policy. so it is essential of the law —— of the report are carried through urgently. it is essential that the recommendations of the committee, the majority of which were unanimous, are carried forward to. the committee also felt that the scottish government has lacked determination to plough one, defending their position in the quarter succession when the prospects of success were minimal was irresponsible and cost the taxpayer in excess of £500,000. a majority also believe that the first minister midler —— misled the committee about whether she would him to been following her meeting with alex almond on the 2nd of april. i know this has been painted as a partisan decision, but let me say to you that one independent

member, one labour member, to tories and one lib dem agreed after hearing the evidence. that is not partisan. for snp members that voted together whenever, despite what they may have heard, were never going to vote to criticise the first minister. there remain many serious questions that need to be answered. they need to be answered about the judge judgment of the first minister, the scottish government�*s handling of harassment complaints, but above all, we need to ensure that women coming forward to ensure that women coming forward to complain about harassment are not let down by the scottish government ever again. applause presiding officer, it is my privilege to close this debate for the government and encourage parliament to reject this baseless

motion from the conservatives. at the heart of this debate, as many members have talked about, are two women who had the bravery and courage to complain about behaviour that was unacceptable. i say to parliament honestly that they were let down by the government. that has been acknowledged by the first minister, by me on countless occasions, and we accept that criticism and have apologised for it. as doctor alistair allen has just said, those women were also very badly let down by somebody who was a member of this committee by leaking and misrepresentation of their evidence to a sunday newspaper. that has added trauma upon trauma to these complainants. whoever was responsible for that should consider the issues raised by patrick harvie and his contribution, because they are unfit to be a member of this parliament.

applause the government accepts that mistakes were made. we apologise for them and will remedy them. there is much in the committee report that was published this morning of substance, which is a strong challenge to the procedures and processes of the government which the government must accept. it is good work that has been done there, and as it has just been done there, and as it has just been said, the overwhelming majority was delivered unanimously. the report was passed to the government last week, i have indicated publicly the government will take forward along with this report and that of mr hamilton to make sure that action is taken speedily to address the issues that need to be addressed, to ensure we have in place a policy framework in place that is fit for purpose to enable anyone who needs to complain when to complain with confidence. that will be the action for government and the ministers to

take that forward after the 16th of may. the substance of this motion and whether it is an appropriate motion for this parliament to consider. on the 2nd of march, douglas ross, mp said this. there is no longer any doubt that the nicola sturgeon lighters scottish parliament and broke the ministerial code on numerous counts. that is before she gave her testimony to the parliamentary committee. on the same day, a member of this parliament treated, " sturgeon light. we know that now. that is why she must feel sign. she lied. "ruth that now. that is why she must feel sign. she lied. " ruth davidson talked about high standards. i have say this is the lowest standard i have seen in my parliamentary life. applause my dearfriend the applause my dear friend the first minister talked about the toxic culture. if there was a toxic culture anywhere,

at top pins emptied a gallon of petrol and that toxic culture at the time. doctor bailey tucked a moment ago about how the committee was that... a dispassionate conclusion was arrived at by the votes of two conservatives, one labour and one lib dem member. in 2020, there was a tweet," the fm light again. " how lib dem member. in 2020, there was a tweet," the fm light again. "how on earth can we be expected to take seriously conclusions arrived at by five votes to four at the last gasp of the committee processes when the committee had already agreed to these words for all these reasons, these words for all these reasons, the committee believes that the james hamilton report is the most appropriate place to address the question of whether or not the scottish minister has breached the ministerial code and yesterday james

hamilton gave the opinion that she did not breach the ministerial code in respect of any of these matters. so the first minister on the committee�*s test was exonerated yesterday by mr hamilton and i am delighted that that has been the case. i have sat in close quarters to the first minister for many years. as colleagues, sometimes inactive disagreement about priorities, most of them, respectfully, first minister, about money, if i seem to remember. but throughout all of my days of dealing with the first minister, i have always known i was dealing with an individual of integrity, of character, i�*ve responsibility and of devotion. devotion to serving the people of this country. she has given every ounce of her energy to protect the people of this country in the last trying 12 months over covid—19. she has done everything

she could to protect the public, and the last thing she was deserves as this grubby motion from the conservatives and i urge parliament to check it out at the first available opportunity. applause thank you. applause thank ou. , , thank you. this myth, can i ask you to wind op — thank you. this myth, can i ask you to wind up the _ thank you. this myth, can i ask you to wind up the debate. _ thank you. this myth, can i ask you to wind up the debate. tomorrow, i to wind up the debate. tomorrow, every seat — to wind up the debate. tomorrow, every seat in _ to wind up the debate. tomorrow, every seat in this _ to wind up the debate. tomorrow, every seat in this parliament - every seat in this parliament becomes vacant again and all business in the chamber comes to an ending till we await their verdict of the voter on the 16th of may. as the first minister said, that it should be. i hope the newly elected members on the 6th of may will learn some very important lessons about what this whole sorry saga has meant for scottish politics. i hope these lessons will be learnt by every single politician, irrespective of his or her political views all syrian seniority, starting with the fact that the female complainants in

this case have been utterly failed by the serious flaws in the the scottish government public handling of the complaints process. that is not all. the fallout from both james hamilton�*s report and the parliamentary committee investigating the handling of the complaints process is significant. it is certain to have long—term ramifications. the first minister has been cleared of breaking the ministerial code, but she has not been cleared of her serious lack of judgment, presiding overa judgment, presiding over a dysfunctional government, judgment, presiding overa dysfunctional government, and crucially, of misleading the committee, most especially when it comes to her account of when she first heard of the concerns alex salmond. neithershould first heard of the concerns alex salmond. neither should we ignore the concerns that james hal milton makes clear that he was frustrated by the fact that legal constraints prevented him from publishing all the relevant details without redaction so that all of the

necessary evidence could be examined in the appropriate context. when political commentaries are written these days, it is often said, i won�*t mr sweeney, it is often said that politicians have sunk low in people�*s esteem. there is a dispute —— that there is a diminished level of integrity in politics and the diminished level of trust in the voter in the body politic. i agree with that, and that for me is what has happened in this case because it is symptomatic of the problem. at times, there has been a complete disregard for the will of parliament. how many times in recent times have we seen the scottish government completely ignore the outcome of votes in this chamber? we see a government determined to override the democratic process believing that it knows better than parliament. indeed, that is the main difference that i see my years at

holyrood. in that context, mr sweeney, if you are going to make comments i would be grateful if you could just listen to the next point. i hope the first minister will reflect on the findings ofjames hamilton when he says, and i quote," although i accept the first minister public statement that her agreeing to the meeting was personal political, and she may have sought to underscore this by hosting it in her private home and with no civil servant present and no expenditure of public money, it could not in my opinion be characterised as a party meeting. " that speaks volumes about the difference between party and government and how we should operate. in a further section in james hamilton�*s report he raises concerns that the car claim that one of her officials leaked the complaint of the complainer is

plausible. that must wreak alarm bells too. then there is the taxpayer money spent on the legal case that the first minister knew was legally flawed. presiding officer, this whole issue has principally raise issues about the operations of the first minister in the scottish government, but also about the effectiveness of holyrood. today�*s ministers who in recent weeks have been trying to pretend that this parliament is above reproach, i say no it is not. i do not subscribe to the view that holyrood is broken. but if it is to restore its reputation, it has a lot to think about in the next parliament, led by the next presiding officer whoever he or she may be. it needs to address the concerns about the in—built political bias of their system, the relationship between government and other important bodies including the crown, the absence of parliamentary privilege and the need to scrutinise

matters given the absence of a chamber. we fully support the committee recommendation that they should be a commission to review the relationship between the eggs executive and the legislature and make recommendations for change. i return to my earlier remark that this is all about women who were failed by the scottish government. it is also about the failed workings of government of the first minister and his senior officials and the weakened scrutiny of parliament which resulted from obfuscation, a lack of transparency and incomplete information provided by the scottish government. i would suggest that no one comes out of this well but principally the first minister, although she is cleared of breaking the ministerial code, has been found guilty of so many other failings, which have undermined the integrity of this whole political process. what the person out there in the real work can see is that staff have been bullied, evidence has been withheld, stories that don�*t add up,

and women complainants have been badly let down. and so when the political history of 2021 comes to be written, people will rightly ask, thank you and that concludes our debate _ thank you and that concludes our debate on — thank you and that concludes our debate on a motion of no confidence. we are _ debate on a motion of no confidence. we are going straight to the vote. the question is the emotion in the name _ the question is the emotion in the name of— the question is the emotion in the name of ruth davidson be agreed. are we all— name of ruth davidson be agreed. are we all agreed? we are not agreed. we are going _ we all agreed? we are not agreed. we are going to— we all agreed? we are not agreed. we are going to suspend for five minutes— are going to suspend for five minutes to allow members to access the voting _ minutes to allow members to access the voting app. parliament is suspended for five minutes. that was the presiding — suspended for five minutes. that was the presiding officer _ suspended for five minutes. that was the presiding officer of _ suspended for five minutes. that was the presiding officer of the _ the presiding officer of the scottish parliament ken macintosh colin that vote of confidence which msps will take part in now. no doubt the result is going to be, nicola sturgeon will get through that vote because the snp plus the greens make up because the snp plus the greens make up a majority in the scottish

parliament and the labour party have said they are not going to take part in the vote. quite an extraordinary hour of debate. i think we got a real sense of some of the raw emotion of the last few days and weeks in scottish politics. nicola sturgeon lodging a robust defence of her own actions, saying she entirely rejected the idea that she had misled parliament, as she has been accused of doing by a committee of msps this morning. she is relying on the report from her independent advisory in the ministerial code who said she hadn�*t broken the rules. for the first time, nicola sturgeon said if he had found her guilty of breaking the rules ministers have to follow, unless it was on a very specific technicality, miss sturgeon would have tendered her resignation. you also heard from the scottish conservatives that they are not

buying it. didn�*t accept her case and they say there has been a litany of mistakes of the last few months that ultimately should cost miss sturgeon herjob. you are going to see the scottish tory msps voting that they have no confidence in her, but some of the other parties in the scottish parliament are making clear their... ~ ., , ., scottish parliament are making clear their... ., , ., ., their... apologies, we are having some problems _ their... apologies, we are having some problems with _ their... apologies, we are having some problems with the - their... apologies, we are having some problems with the line - their... apologies, we are having i some problems with the line there their... apologies, we are having - some problems with the line there to holyrood. i am with you for the next couple of hours here on bbc news. while we wait until there is a results in that debate, i will bring you the latest coronavirus figures which we are getting through from the government. they said their 5379 new delhi cases reported in the past 24 hours —— new daily cases. hundred and 12 deaths have been reported.

people that have died within 20 days of a positive test. —— 28 days. it brings the total number of deaths to 126,284. and also some news on the vaccination programme that has been carried out, and so far we now have more than 28 million first doses that have been administered of that jab, one of the four available coronavirus jabs, 28,327,873 have been a minister so far, more than half the adult population in the uk. i think we can nowjoin nick again in holyrood. no, iam i think we can nowjoin nick again in holyrood. no, i am afraid we don�*t have that for you now. let�*s just tell you what is coming up later on. oh, we do have nick. nick, any moment now we are expecting a

result. . p, ., , result. yeah, and i think it is result. yeah, and i think it is pretty clear _ result. yeah, and i think it is pretty clear what _ result. yeah, and i think it is pretty clear what it _ result. yeah, and i think it is pretty clear what it is - result. yeah, and i think it is pretty clear what it is going i result. yeah, and i think it is| pretty clear what it is going to result. yeah, and i think it is - pretty clear what it is going to be. nicola sturgeon will win that vote pretty comfortably on the back of the report yesterday from the independent advisory of the ministerial code saying she hadn�*t broken it. i am not sure how much you got of what i was saying before but we got some of the raw emotion in scottish politics just now and some of the speeches we heard of at the last hour or so, that real tumultuous sense that there�*s been of the last couple of weeks, coming to the fore in that speech from nicola sturgeon where she told voters that had she been found guilty of breaking the ministerial code, unless it was a very technical reason, she would have resigned. when you think about it, that would have been quite extraordinary because tomorrow holyrood goes recess ahead of the scottish parliament election in six weeks. we are going to see a split parliament when that boat result comes back. the snp and the greens were back

nicola sturgeon, that is why she will bring that vote. the scottish tories don�*t trust and they say she should not be staying in her position, but we got a clear indication from the labour party that they are going to abstain. there is a good chance the liberal democrats will as well. nicola sturgeon is going to win that vote comfortably, but it sets up this extraordinary election campaign we are going to have of the next six weeks. you heard miss sturgeon and ruth davidson talking about the really tense atmosphere in scottish politics after the allegations that alex salmond made and some of the toing and froing of political debate we have seen of the last few weeks. ahead of that election, which is really crucial for the future of the uk, because as we know, if the snp when, they will say they have a mandate for another independence referendum. if they win a majority, they will say it is a cast—iron mandate and that is exactly what opposition parties are trying to stop. opposition parties are trying to sto -. ., opposition parties are trying to sto. ., ., ,, ., ., stop. for nicola sturgeon after the last few weeks _ stop. for nicola sturgeon after the last few weeks and _ stop. for nicola sturgeon after the last few weeks and months, - stop. for nicola sturgeon after the last few weeks and months, if - stop. for nicola sturgeon after the last few weeks and months, if she | last few weeks and months, if she

does when this vote, huge sigh of relief. i does when this vote, huge sigh of relief. ., p, does when this vote, huge sigh of relief. ,, ., , does when this vote, huge sigh of relief. ,, . , ., relief. i think that is right and i think the report _ relief. i think that is right and i think the report from - relief. i think that is right and i think the report from the - think the report from the independent adviser yesterday could not really have gone better for her because there have been a lot of speculation around holyrood that she might be found guilty of some sort of technical breach of the ministerial code. it wasn�*t even that. he basically gave her action a clean bill of health from where he was standing. brute clean bill of health from where he was standing-— was standing. we would told five minutes were _ was standing. we would told five minutes were going _ was standing. we would told five minutes were going to _ was standing. we would told five minutes were going to wait, - was standing. we would told five minutes were going to wait, tell| was standing. we would told five i minutes were going to wait, tell us what is happening at the moment. the scottish what is happening at the moment. tie: scottish parliament what is happening at the moment. iie: scottish parliament uses what is happening at the moment. i“ie: scottish parliament uses a different system from westminster. there is no walking through the lobbies are anything like that. it is all done electronically and the other thing to bear in mind is that a lot of people are voting remotely, so that is why the process takes a bit longer. normally it is done in about 30 seconds per let's go to the result.

still waiting quite clearly. a longer five minutes than we expected. tense times for nicola sturgeon or not really? is she pretty confident at winning this? well, look, ithink pretty confident at winning this? well, look, i think the snp are pretty confident going into the election. i think nicola sturgeon�*s team think that the events of the last couple of days have basically completely exonerated to her in the views of the public. it is slightly more complicated than that and the committee report did have some specific criticisms of her and her government's handling of these harassment allegations. but i think the hope in team sturgeon is that the hope in team sturgeon is that the debate will now, to a certain extent, move on. it will move onto some of the substantial issues that

are going to dominate the next term in holyrood, the independence question, management of the recovery from the pandemic, the various other devolved areas like education, health, income tax that the scottish parliament controls. there have been some polls that suggested a bit of a dent to snp support and support for independence, but not by a massive amount. it has always been... the question isn't so much to the snp when the election in scotland? 0r when the election in scotland? or the polls suggest that is the case, i don't think there is anyone in the holyrood chamber that suggest the snp are going to be the biggest party after the 6th of may. the question has always been do they win a majority in canada exactly what they want after the election? that is going to have a big bearing on the independence debate, but it could have a bearing on a lot of other things as well because of the next six weeks we are going to see considerable... i think got the result now. we

considerable. .. i think got the result "ow-— considerable... i think got the result now. ~ . ., ., ., ., result now. we are going to move on at the next — result now. we are going to move on at the next item _ result now. we are going to move on at the next item of _ result now. we are going to move on at the next item of business. - result now. we are going to move on at the next item of business. i - at the next item of business. i would — at the next item of business. i would remind members who need to leave _ would remind members who need to leave the _ would remind members who need to leave the chamber at the stage to follow _ leave the chamber at the stage to follow the one—way system, where they masks and make sure you observe a social_ they masks and make sure you observe a social distancing rules, and if you are — a social distancing rules, and if you are having to change desks, make sure they— you are having to change desks, make sure they are — you are having to change desks, make sure they are white... sifter you are having to change desks, make sure they are white. . ._ sure they are white... after all that waiting. _ sure they are white... after all that waiting, we _ sure they are white... after all that waiting, we miss - sure they are white... after all that waiting, we miss the - sure they are white... after all. that waiting, we miss the actual results, but she did, as you said, she was expected to, she did indeed win that vote. she was expected to, she did indeed win that vote-— win that vote. yes, pretty comfortable _ win that vote. yes, pretty comfortable there. - win that vote. yes, pretty comfortable there. i- win that vote. yes, pretty comfortable there. i have j win that vote. yes, pretty - comfortable there. i have just got the numbers. 31 people voting no confidence, 65 backing her, 27 abstain. broadly along the lines were expecting. she had a lot of support from pro—independence parties, the snp and the greens. the conservatives voting against, labour abstaining. this means that nicola sturgeon believed her party to the election on the 6th of may. —— will

read. i think we can be sure that after some of the monstrous events of the last few weeks, those extraordinary battles between alex salmond and nicola sturgeon, that this campaign is going to be pretty bruising, it is going to be pretty brutal. it is going to be about nicola sturgeon saying, look, i have been cleared by my independent adviser, i am sure the scottish conservatives will continue to say they don't think she can be trusted. that campaign will kick off officially tomorrow when parliament rises. . ~' , ., a year after the first lockdown began across the uk the queen has reflected on the �*grief and loss felt by so many�* during the pandemic. in a message attached to flowers she sent to the hospital in london where the duke of edinburgh was treated — she also praised the "immeasurable service of those who have supported us over the last 12 months". the prime minister borisjohnson has remembered those who have died during what he's called �*a very dark and difficult year'. tonight, people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8

o'clock with phones, candles and torches to signify a �*beacon of remembrance'. duncan kennedy reports. a cross of hope, after what has seemed like a never ending circle of despair. made of real grass it symbolises life after death. optimism following darkness. winchester is just one place to mark this day of national reflection with words of contemplation from the dean of the cathedral, to begin a minute's silence. on this solemn and significant national anniversary, we take time to reflect on the year past, and to remember, mourn and honour, those who have lost their lives as a result of contracting coronavirus. bell rings. the queen marked today by sending flowers to st bartholomew's hospital

in london where the duke of edinburgh underwent heart surgery. in a message, the queen paid tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year. the duke and duchess of cambridge also took part in a private moment of reflection at westminster abbey. the prime minister today released his own message saying...

and we owe both the nhs staff and those on the front lines and all the families of those who have died, to learn the lessons of the last 12 months, to have an inquiry and to learn what went wrong, to make sure we never repeat that. it was on this day last year that lockdown began. when our streets emptied, and our lives transformed. a contagion had come among us, and put everyone in peril. from this evening i must give the british people a very simple instruction. you must stay at home. the way ahead is hard. and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.

since those words, our hospitals have fought to save us, but more than 126,000 people have lost their lives to covid. some 6 million people have been bereaved by covid. today, prince charles spoke of our national ordeal. over the past year, our country has been through a trial which has tested our resolve and resilience in countless ways. we have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed. humbled by the dedication shown by so many. and moved beyond words by the sacrifices we have seen. like all reflections, this day of reflection is a stage upon which to look at ourselves, who we are, who we have lost, sacrifice, change, pain, hope. duncan kennedy, bbc news.

tara jane langston, a fit and healthy gym goer, filmed herself last march gasping for breath in intensive care with oxygen tubes fed into her nose. the video went viral. if anyone...is thinking of taking any chances, just take a look at me. i'm in the intensive care unit. i can't breathe without this. they have had to... sew that into my artery. i have got a cannula.

another cannula. and a catheter. i am actually ten times better right now than what i was... before, i don't even know, i've lost count of the days. if anyone still smokes, put the cigarettes down, because i am telling you now, you need your lungs. and, please, none of you, take any chances. i mean it. because if it gets really bad. you are going to end up here, 0k? thank you for all of your lovely messages. i really appreciate it.

and my body is fighting this. i have not seen richard or the girls since friday. and i'm just going to fight this. so, once again, don't take any chances. apologies for the swearing in that video. lam i am pleased to say terrorjoins us now a year later. what is it like watching that back? i now a year later. what is it like watching that back?— now a year later. what is it like watching that back? i could only hear it, i can't _ watching that back? i could only hear it, i can't actually - watching that back? i could only hear it, i can't actually see - watching that back? i could only hear it, i can't actually see it. watching that back? i could only hear it, i can't actually see it on| hear it, i can't actually see it on my screen, so when i saw ijust cringed. i could kick myself for swearing in that, but i was sending it to my work colleagues, i was on a group chat and they were going to

have a work meeting and they knew i was off sick, but they didn't know to what extent, how sick i was, and i was sending that message to say, don't take any chances. and in the hospitality industry, a lot of them are smokers. they were probablyjust so shocked by what i had sent them but they just shared it amongst friends and family, and very quickly it went viral. yeah, it kind ofjust takes me right back to that moment in time when i hear it. i takes me right back to that moment in time when i hear it.— in time when i hear it. i remember watchin: in time when i hear it. i remember watching it — in time when i hear it. i remember watching it when _ in time when i hear it. i remember watching it when it _ in time when i hear it. i remember watching it when it came _ in time when i hear it. i remember watching it when it came in - in time when i hear it. i remember watching it when it came in the - watching it when it came in the newsroom here because it was actually filmed... you are in intensive care, i think, it was the week before now. he went into hospital on friday the 13th, so i know you were just being discharged. it was at that point just know you were just being discharged. it was at that pointjust before lockdown, it was just before the complete shock that descended on the

country. and there are still a lot of people, and there were for quite a long time afterwards, he didn't understand what was happening in intensive care, family that you were. , ., . , were. yes, even for me and my famil , were. yes, even for me and my family. when — were. yes, even for me and my family. when i— were. yes, even for me and my family, when i was _ were. yes, even for me and my family, when i was taken - were. yes, even for me and my family, when i was taken into i family, when i was taken into hospital, i was talking to them on the phone, i was saying, it's ok, it's ok, it'sjust the phone, i was saying, it's ok, it's ok, it's just pneumonia, the phone, i was saying, it's ok, it's ok, it'sjust pneumonia, even though that is still serious. even for me, when i was in hospital and i got the results back that i had covid, it was just such a massive shock. friday the 13th, i went in and i will never forget that date because, obviously, yeah, it's supposed to be quite an unlucky day and then i was actually discharged from hospital mother's day last year which was the 22nd. and on the 23rd, thatis which was the 22nd. and on the 23rd, that is when we went into our national lockdown. i can remember

when my husband picked me up on the 22nd, i had got my appetite back and i said, please, 22nd, i had got my appetite back and isaid, please, take 22nd, i had got my appetite back and i said, please, take me to a mcdonald's drive—through. and we went back home to our girls without this mcdonald's and i am so glad we did because the very next day everything got shut down, and there was no mcdonald's. i think the country knew how serious it was when the lockdown happened. and country knew how serious it was when the lockdown happened.— the lockdown happened. and in intensive care, _ the lockdown happened. and in intensive care, you _ the lockdown happened. and in intensive care, you are - the lockdown happened. and in intensive care, you are not - the lockdown happened. and in intensive care, you are not put| the lockdown happened. and in i intensive care, you are not put on the lockdown happened. and in - intensive care, you are not put on a ventilator but you did have the cpap. it was new at that point, and i think people are aware of the different treatments used, but it was so new then, you must�*ve been fighting for you. was so new then, you must've been fighting for you-— fighting for you. yeah, so i didn't understand _ fighting for you. yeah, so i didn't understand what _ fighting for you. yeah, so i didn't understand what incubation - fighting for you. yeah, so i didn't. understand what incubation meant fighting for you. yeah, so i didn't - understand what incubation meant and they said you —— we may have to incubate you. i asked what they mean

and they said we may have to put you to sleep, i don't heard the expression with tory animals being put to sleep, and i generally thought i was going to be put to sleep and i wasn't going to wake up again. —— sickly animals. that was quite distressing. but i had people on either side of me who were incubated and i can remember looking at them and watching how the nursing staff and the doctors were treating them with such care and dignity and respect, and it put me at ease because i thought, 0k, respect, and it put me at ease because i thought, ok, if i continue to get worse and i go to that stage, then at least i know i am in very good hands. but fortunately they put the cpap on me, i had on four hours, and it is suffocating, but at the same time it is getting extra oxygen

to where it needs to go. fortunately, that helped me to turn a corner. ., �* ., . ~ . a corner. you're out a week later and ou a corner. you're out a week later and you have _ a corner. you're out a week later and you have obviously - a corner. you're out a week later and you have obviously made - a corner. you're out a week later and you have obviously made a l a corner. you're out a week later i and you have obviously made a very good recovery, but how quickly did you manage to recover? what has the past you'll be like for you, do you have any effects at all? i past you'll be like for you, do you have any effects at all?— have any effects at all? i put my very speedy _ have any effects at all? i put my very speedy recovery _ have any effects at all? i put my very speedy recovery down - have any effects at all? i put my very speedy recovery down to i have any effects at all? i put my . very speedy recovery down to being admitted into hospital and getting such great care, and i think there is a lot of people who are still struggling with long covid, because a lot of people had to go through it at home and my household here, we very quickly became even healthier than what we were before. we were like, right, we will need to get out, lead a healthy active lifestyle and, you know, isometimes out, lead a healthy active lifestyle and, you know, i sometimes get a little bit of brain fog and yeah.

fogginess with my head, but in comparison to some of the stories that i am hearing of other people with long covid, i am very lucky. very nice to see you a year on stop i do remember vividly single in the hospital a year ago. great to see you looking so well now. —— seen you. you looking so well now. -- seen ou. . ~' you looking so well now. -- seen ou. . ~ , ., you looking so well now. -- seen ou. . ~ . ., ., you. thank you, i am one of the lucky ones- _ the united states' top expert on infectious diseases says the authorities will independently review the astrazeneca vaccine and not rely solely on data provided by the company. anthony fauci said it was likely to be a very good vaccine but information published by astrazeneca about its efficacy might have been misleading. here's our global health correspondent, naomi grimley. this is somewhat of a turnaround from the information we were getting yesterday. from the information we were getting esterda . ~ . . ,, from the information we were getting esterda . . . . , , ., yesterday. what has happened? that is riaht,

yesterday. what has happened? that is right. yesterday — yesterday. what has happened? that is right, yesterday american - yesterday. what has happened? that is right, yesterday american health l is right, yesterday american health officials were actually heralding the fact that there was more us data on the astrazeneca vaccine that showed it was 79% effective against symptomatic covid and hundred percent effective against serious illness. what happened overnight with some officials got contact with doctor anthony felt and pointed out they didn't feel the data was up—to—date. it seemed to stop in mid—february, so they are calling on farmers and companies to issue new debt as quickly as possible. doctor fauci was trying to be diplomatic, he was stressing it was still a very good vaccine and that they didn't want to accuse anyone of anything, but it is another chapter in what has been a roller—coaster ride for this pharmaceutical company. absolutely, that is the point. it is about the confidence in that vaccine. . , , ,

vaccine. that is right, but this has been approved — vaccine. that is right, but this has been approved by _ vaccine. that is right, but this has been approved by 70 _ vaccine. that is right, but this has been approved by 70 regulators . been approved by 70 regulators around the world, so amazingly not yet in the us. the us has its own particular way of crunching the data, they actually reanalyse all the data of all be pharmaceutical companies to come out with their own analysis before they give it emergency use approval. and we are expecting this in the next month or so. the big question is will this pick—up with the data —— pick—up end “p pick—up with the data —— pick—up end up delaying that. and astrazeneca are going to have to bend over backwards to get that updated data to us as soon as possible. now it's time for a look at the weather with louise lear. good afternoon. in comparison to yesterday, it is a much cloudier story out there, but it is still quite quiet, and there is a good deal of dry

weather to be found as well. from time to time, we will continue to see a few brief glimpses of sunshine, but the emphasis is with that dull afternoon to follow. and in actual fact, the winds will strengthen further west and we will see some rain pushing into western fringes of scotland and northern ireland by the end of the day. not quite as warm either in comparison to yesterday, highs of nine to 12 celsius. now, the rain will be quite heavy for a time, but it is going to be pushed through by some pretty strong, gale—force gusts of wind. that rain gradually will drift its way out of the scottish borders into the north of england and wales through the night. here, we will keep temperatures up with that blanket of cloud and light patchy rain by then. six to eight celsius, a cooler start into scotland. with a few scattered showers into the far north—west on wednesday, we keep the cloudy skies further south, but not that much in the way of significant rain. take care.

in. let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives. a £5,000 fine for anyone in england trying to travel abroad without a reasonable excuse is to come into force next week. uk deaths have fallen below the five year average for the first time since the summer — an indication that lockdown and the vaccine rollout have saved lives — but england's chief medical officer warns we're not in the clear yet.