the renewables explosion, which scotland — the renewables explosion, which scotland is equally well— placed to benefit _ scotland is equally well— placed to benefit from. but we do not control energy _ benefit from. but we do not control energy it _ benefit from. but we do not control energy it is— benefit from. but we do not control energy. it is completely reserved to westminster. that is another example of how, _ westminster. that is another example of how. if— westminster. that is another example of how, if you want to restart our economy, — of how, if you want to restart our economy, you need have all the levers _ economy, you need have all the levers currently that are in the hands — levers currently that are in the hands of — levers currently that are in the hands of westminster. just levers currently that are in the hands of westminster.- levers currently that are in the hands of westminster. just a final thou . ht hands of westminster. just a final thought before _ hands of westminster. just a final thought before the _ hands of westminster. just a final thought before the debate - hands of westminster. just a final thought before the debate starts. | hands of westminster. just a final. thought before the debate starts. in terms of the way opinion polls are changing about independence, certainly in the last perhaps a month or so,? we certainly in the last perhaps a month or so,?_ certainly in the last perhaps a month or so,? certainly in the last perhaps a month orso,?~ . , :: month or so,? we are basically 50 50. in month or so,? we are basically 50 50- in doing _ month or so,? we are basically 50 50. in doing the _ month or so,? we are basically 50 50. in doing the heat _ month or so,? we are basically 50 50. in doing the heat of _ month or so,? we are basically 50 50. in doing the heat of the - 50. in doing the heat of the pandemic, it looked as though support for independence was rising. of the fact that a group of voters who voted no in 2014 it came to the conclusion that perhaps scotland would have handled the pandemic better as an independent country. that made seems to have fallen back a bit. the truth is this country is split down the middle about how it should be governed. i think that is

going to be an important backdrop to the whole of this election campaign, all the way through to may the 6th. lets see how it plays out in the debate, which is due to start in the next few minutes. let's take you live to the corn exchange in edinburgh. built in 1909, live to the corn exchange in edinburgh. built in1909, now live to the corn exchange in edinburgh. built in 1909, now a conference centre, banqueting hall and live music venue. tonight it is the same for the first scottish leaders' debate, moderated by sarah smith. i was expecting the titles of the programme to start there. obviously... here we go, let's go into it now.

welcome to the first leaders' debate of the 2021 election for the scottish parliament. i have with me the leaders of scotland's larger political parties to answer questions forjust over the next hour. you'll know all of them, i'm sure, but let me introduce them. the leader of the scottish national party, nicola sturgeon. the leader of the scottish conservatives, douglas ross. scottish labour's leader, anas sarwar. one of the co—leaders of the scottish greens, lorna slater. and the leader of the scottish liberal democrats, willie rennie. please welcome them all to the show.

and a very warm welcome to our audience who, as you're no doubt used to seeing now, are joining us from the comfort and safety of their own homes. you'll have noticed that there's a little more physical distance between those of us on the stage tonight, too. that's all due to social distancing, but we're grateful that the party leaders have agreed to come together tonight for the benefit of you at home. our virtual audience represents a wide range of scottish public opinion — on party lines, on some of the key issues, and to represent the length and breadth of the electorate. we're live on both bbc one scotland and the bbc news channel. before we came on air, all the parties randomly selected the order which they would each make a short opening statement. the party who selected the first statement were scottish labour firstly, give us your opening statement, anas sarwar. the question is, you have 45 seconds to tell the audience why they should trust you

with their vote. this audience why they should trust you with their vote.— with their vote. this year has been the hardest _ with their vote. this year has been the hardest of _ with their vote. this year has been the hardest of our _ with their vote. this year has been the hardest of our lifetime. - with their vote. this year has been the hardest of our lifetime. that . with their vote. this year has been the hardest of our lifetime. that is why this election must be about you, your family and our national recovery. not egos, settling scores or going back to the old arguments. scotland deserves better than that. coming through covid, we can choose something different. alongside defeating the virus, i'm determined to restart our economy and create jobs, restore our children's education and look after their mental health, and renew our nhs so it never again has to choose between treating a virus or treating cancer. i will focus on what unites us as a country, not what divides us so that together we can build a fairer and stronger scotland.— stronger scotland. anas sarwar, thank ou stronger scotland. anas sarwar, thank you very _ stronger scotland. anas sarwar, thank you very much. _ stronger scotland. anas sarwar, thank you very much. next - stronger scotland. anas sarwar, thank you very much. next is i stronger scotland. anas sarwar, i thank you very much. next is willie rennie from the liberal democrats. 45 seconds to tell the audience why they should trust you with their vote on the 6th of may.- they should trust you with their vote on the 6th of may. after the ear vote on the 6th of may. after the

year we've _ vote on the 6th of may. after the year we've endured, _ vote on the 6th of may. after the year we've endured, i _ vote on the 6th of may. after the year we've endured, i want - vote on the 6th of may. after the year we've endured, i want to - vote on the 6th of may. after the i year we've endured, i want to spend every— year we've endured, i want to spend every moment of the next five years of the _ every moment of the next five years of the parliament focusing on putting — of the parliament focusing on putting the recovery first. that means — putting the recovery first. that means cutting mental health waiting, bounce _ means cutting mental health waiting, bounce back supports for pupils in school, _ bounce back supports for pupils in school, creating jobs for people desperate for work, and it means taking _ desperate for work, and it means taking action on the climate. this is not _ taking action on the climate. this is not the — taking action on the climate. this is not the moment for another referendum. we need to put the division — referendum. we need to put the division is — referendum. we need to put the division is behind us and bring the country— division is behind us and bring the country together. i've got 15 years' experience _ country together. i've got 15 years' experience in parliament in london and edinburgh, ten years leading my partv _ and edinburgh, ten years leading my partv i've _ and edinburgh, ten years leading my party. i've built bridges, got things— party. i've built bridges, got things done. i can deliver this. so, if you _ things done. i can deliver this. so, if you want— things done. i can deliver this. so, if you want to put recovery first, vote _ if you want to put recovery first, vote for— if you want to put recovery first, vote for me _ if you want to put recovery first, vote for me and the scottish liberal democrats — vote for me and the scottish liberal democrats. ~ . ~ vote for me and the scottish liberal democrats. ~ . ,, , ., democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next, democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next. lorna — democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next, lorna slater— democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next, lorna slater of _ democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next, lorna slater of the _ democrats. willie rennie, thank you. next, lorna slater of the scottish - next, lorna slater of the scottish greens. tell people at home why they should trust you with their vote on the 6th of may. in should trust you with their vote on the 6th of may-— the 6th of may. in this election, our future _ the 6th of may. in this election, our future is _ the 6th of may. in this election, our future is at _ the 6th of may. in this election, our future is at stake. _ the 6th of may. in this election, our future is at stake. the - the 6th of may. in this election, - our future is at stake. the pandemic is highlighted —

our future is at stake. the pandemic is highlighted that _ our future is at stake. the pandemic is highlighted that scotland's - is highlighted that scotland's economy— is highlighted that scotland's economy is— is highlighted that scotland's economy is propped - is highlighted that scotland's economy is propped up- is highlighted that scotland's economy is propped up by. is highlighted that scotland'si economy is propped up by low is highlighted that scotland's - economy is propped up by low wages, insecure _ economy is propped up by low wages, insecure work — economy is propped up by low wages, insecure work and _ economy is propped up by low wages, insecure work and a _ economy is propped up by low wages, insecure work and a social— economy is propped up by low wages, insecure work and a social security - insecure work and a social security net futt _ insecure work and a social security net full of — insecure work and a social security net full of holes. _ insecure work and a social security net full of holes. we _ insecure work and a social security net full of holes. we must - insecure work and a social security net full of holes. we must not- insecure work and a social security net full of holes. we must not go. net full of holes. we must not go back— net full of holes. we must not go back to _ net full of holes. we must not go back to this— net full of holes. we must not go back to this broken _ net full of holes. we must not go back to this broken system. - net full of holes. we must not go i back to this broken system. science tells us _ back to this broken system. science tells us we — back to this broken system. science tells us we have _ back to this broken system. science tells us we have less _ back to this broken system. science tells us we have less than _ back to this broken system. science tells us we have less than ten - back to this broken system. science tells us we have less than ten yearsi tells us we have less than ten years before _ tells us we have less than ten years before the — tells us we have less than ten years before the climate _ tells us we have less than ten years before the climate breakdown - tells us we have less than ten years before the climate breakdown goes| before the climate breakdown goes past the _ before the climate breakdown goes past the point _ before the climate breakdown goes past the point of— before the climate breakdown goes past the point of no _ before the climate breakdown goes past the point of no return. - before the climate breakdown goes past the point of no return. the - past the point of no return. the time _ past the point of no return. the time to— past the point of no return. the time to act— past the point of no return. the time to act is— past the point of no return. the time to act is now. _ past the point of no return. the time to act is now. the - past the point of no return. the time to act is now. the scottish greens— time to act is now. the scottish greens have _ time to act is now. the scottish greens have a _ time to act is now. the scottish greens have a plan _ time to act is now. the scottish greens have a plan for- time to act is now. the scottish greens have a plan for a - time to act is now. the scottish greens have a plan for a fair- time to act is now. the scottishi greens have a plan for a fair and green— greens have a plan for a fair and green recoverv _ greens have a plan for a fair and green recovery. by— greens have a plan for a fair and green recovery. by investing - greens have a plan for a fair and green recovery. by investing in i green recovery. by investing in public— green recovery. by investing in public transportation, - green recovery. by investing in i public transportation, renewable energy. — public transportation, renewable energy. warm _ public transportation, renewable energy, warm homes _ public transportation, renewable energy, warm homes and - public transportation, renewable . energy, warm homes and restoring public transportation, renewable - energy, warm homes and restoring our natural— energy, warm homes and restoring our natural environment, _ energy, warm homes and restoring our natural environment, we _ energy, warm homes and restoring our natural environment, we can— energy, warm homes and restoring our natural environment, we can create - natural environment, we can create tens of— natural environment, we can create tens of thousands _ natural environment, we can create tens of thousands of _ natural environment, we can create tens of thousands ofjobs _ natural environment, we can create tens of thousands ofjobs and - natural environment, we can create| tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate — tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate crisis. _ tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate crisis. the _ tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate crisis. the time - tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate crisis. the time to - tens of thousands ofjobs and tackle the climate crisis. the time to votei the climate crisis. the time to vote green _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now it _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now. it is _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now. it is time _ the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now. it is time to- the climate crisis. the time to vote green is now. it is time to vote - green is now. it is time to vote like _ green is now. it is time to vote like our— green is now. it is time to vote like our futures— green is now. it is time to vote like our futures depend - green is now. it is time to vote like our futures depend on- green is now. it is time to vote like our futures depend on it. l green is now. it is time to vote like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, like our futures depend on it. lorna slater. thank _ like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, thank you. _ like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, thank you. now _ like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, thank you. now we - like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, thank you. now we turn - like our futures depend on it. lorna slater, thank you. now we turn to i slater, thank you. now we turn to douglas ross of the scottish conservatives. you have 45 seconds — why should people trust you with their vote? irate why should people trust you with their vote?— their vote? we are still battling throu~h their vote? we are still battling through the _ their vote? we are still battling through the health _ their vote? we are still battling through the health and - their vote? we are still battling. through the health and economic crisis, and we have to focus on rebuilding scotland. and focus on delivering opportunities for the

next generation. like my wee boy, alistair, like your kids and grandkids, your nieces and nephews. all the parties tonight are talking about recovery, but there's one big difference — the snp want to take us through another device of independent referendum and the scottish conservatives want to stop them. the future of our country is at stake, so if you want to stop that referendum, protectjobs, that referendum, protect jobs, restore that referendum, protectjobs, restore schools and rebuild scotland's economy, then vote scottish conservative.- scotland's economy, then vote scottish conservative. douglas ross, thank ou. scottish conservative. douglas ross, thank you- lastly. — scottish conservative. douglas ross, thank you. lastly, the _ scottish conservative. douglas ross, thank you. lastly, the snp _ scottish conservative. douglas ross, thank you. lastly, the snp and - thank you. lastly, the snp and nicola sturgeon. why should the voters trust you with their vote was mike these are serious times and they demand serious leadership. in they demand serious leadership. in they demand serious leadership. in the past year, i have done my very best to _ the past year, i have done my very best to guide us through this pandemic. in asking you to re—elect me in— pandemic. in asking you to re—elect me in the _ pandemic. in asking you to re—elect me in the snp, i offer you this continued _ me in the snp, i offer you this continued strong leadership to guide us through crisis. covid is not over yet us through crisis. covid is not over vet and _ us through crisis. covid is not over vet and we — us through crisis. covid is not over yet and we need an experienced hand

at the _ yet and we need an experienced hand at the wheel. bold policies to drive our recovery, like a national care service, — our recovery, like a national care service, a — our recovery, like a national care service, a young persons' guarantee, tackling _ service, a young persons' guarantee, tackling climate change and ending child poverty. and when the crisis has passed, a choice on independence so that— has passed, a choice on independence so that decisions about our future lie here _ so that decisions about our future lie here in— so that decisions about our future lie here in scotland, not with boris johnson _ lie here in scotland, not with boris johnson at — lie here in scotland, not with boris johnson at westminster. if you want to secure _ johnson at westminster. if you want to secure all of that, do not leave it to chance. _ to secure all of that, do not leave it to chance, cost both of your votes — it to chance, cost both of your votes for _ it to chance, cost both of your votes for the snp on the 6th of may. thank— votes for the snp on the 6th of may. thank you. _ votes for the snp on the 6th of may. thank you, thanks to all of you. it's now over to the audience. if you're at home and want to join in the discussion and debate, use the hashtag #bbcleadersdebate. we want to have a robust and respectful debate tonight, and get the audience some answers to their questions. i will step in if a point needs clarifying, or if i need to bring you back to the question asked. and a reminder to everyone in our virtual audience tonight — please remember to unmute when i come to you.

we've been practising that all afternoon! hopefully not now, because our first question comes from sue price. what would you like to ask? what question comes from sue price. what would you like to ask?— would you like to ask? what is your ian for would you like to ask? what is your plan for the — would you like to ask? what is your plan for the economy _ would you like to ask? what is your plan for the economy of— would you like to ask? what is your plan for the economy of scotland i would you like to ask? what is your| plan for the economy of scotland for the next _ plan for the economy of scotland for the next 3-5— plan for the economy of scotland for the next 3—5 years? _ plan for the economy of scotland for the next 3—5 years? how— plan for the economy of scotland for the next 3—5 years? how do - plan for the economy of scotland for the next 3—5 years? how do you - plan for the economy of scotland for| the next 3—5 years? how do you plan to rebuild _ the next 3—5 years? how do you plan to rebuild our— the next 3—5 years? how do you plan to rebuild our economy— the next 3—5 years? how do you plan to rebuild our economy post - to rebuild our economy post pandemic? _ to rebuild our economy post pandemic? l— to rebuild our economy post pandemic?— to rebuild our economy post andemic? ., , ., , pandemic? i will turn to you first, dou~las pandemic? i will turn to you first, douglas ross — pandemic? i will turn to you first, douglas ross. how _ pandemic? i will turn to you first, douglas ross. how do _ pandemic? i will turn to you first, douglas ross. how do you - pandemic? i will turn to you first, douglas ross. how do you plan i pandemic? i will turn to you first, | douglas ross. how do you plan to rebuild the economy because it's the most important thing we are facing right now, protecting jobs that people have at the moment, and protecting people staying in employment, and getting people back into work if they lose theirjobs, because we know there is an economic crisis looming, so scottish conservatives are put forward ideas for a job security account, a retraining grant to give people the skills they need to get back into work. ~ ., , . skills they need to get back into work. a, , ., ., ., “ skills they need to get back into work. a, , . ., ., ,, . work. more widely, we are looking at investment up _ work. more widely, we are looking at investment up and _ work. more widely, we are looking at investment up and down _ work. more widely, we are looking at investment up and down the -

work. more widely, we are looking at investment up and down the country| investment up and down the country investment up and down the country in infrastructure projects and rolling out the full fibre broadband to every business and —— every business and property. those are some of the plans we have to restore our economy, fix the mess we are in right now, but none of that is possible if we have to go through another divisive referendum. we can't have a recovery under referendum. that's the simple choice we are facing. i want to support jobs, protect them and invest up and down scotland, but that is under threat if we have another divisive referendum. threat if we have another divisive referendum-— threat if we have another divisive referendum. nicola sturgeon, the . uestion referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is. _ referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is, what _ referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is, what is _ referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is, what is your - referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is, what is your plan - referendum. nicola sturgeon, the question is, what is your plan for| question is, what is your plan for the economy of scotland over the next 3—5 years? the economy of scotland over the next 3-5 years?— next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress _ next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress covid _ next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress covid so _ next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress covid so that - next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress covid so that we - next 3-5 years? sure. first, to suppress covid so that we can | next 3-5 years? sure. first, to i suppress covid so that we can get our economy restarted again. business _ our economy restarted again. business is the length and breadth of the _ business is the length and breadth of the country want to start trading. _ of the country want to start trading, and that is my immediate focus _ trading, and that is my immediate focus as— trading, and that is my immediate focus. as we recover our economy, we need _ focus. as we recover our economy, we need to— focus. as we recover our economy, we need to continue to support businesses. we will pay in april start-up — businesses. we will pay in april start—up grants as businesses stop to trade _ start—up grants as businesses stop to trade again. we have also guaranteed 100% rates relief for the

next financial year for the sectors most _ next financial year for the sectors most affected, to give vital help for a _ most affected, to give vital help for a period longer. we also need to make _ for a period longer. we also need to make sure _ for a period longer. we also need to make sure we are supporting people to rhys— make sure we are supporting people to rhys gill was not a national transition _ to rhys gill was not a national transition training fund is our policy. — transition training fund is our policy. as— transition training fund is our policy, as is a young person is' guarantee _ policy, as is a young person is' guarantee. it is key that we don't allow— guarantee. it is key that we don't allow young people today are the legacy— allow young people today are the legacy of— allow young people today are the legacy of this pandemic. longer term. _ legacy of this pandemic. longer term. a — legacy of this pandemic. longer term, a massive investment in infrastructure. 100,000 new, affordable homes that will support 14.000 _ affordable homes that will support 14,000 jobs a year, and aligning our economic— 14,000 jobs a year, and aligning our economic recovery with the imperative to tackle climate change, so investment in renewable heating of our— so investment in renewable heating of our homes, in greenjobs. and of course. _ of our homes, in greenjobs. and of course. given— of our homes, in greenjobs. and of course, given that we are talking about _ course, given that we are talking about the — course, given that we are talking about the lifetime of the next parliament, trying to get ourselves back into _ parliament, trying to get ourselves back into the european single market so we _ back into the european single market so we can— back into the european single market so we can trade across europe freely again. _ so we can trade across europe freely again. which— so we can trade across europe freely again, which of course is seven times— again, which of course is seven times the — again, which of course is seven times the size of the uk market. being _ times the size of the uk market. being out— times the size of the uk market. being out of that single market, in addition _ being out of that single market, in addition to— being out of that single market, in addition to covid, is costing our exporters— addition to covid, is costing our exporters dearly. to addition to covid, is costing our exporters dearly.— addition to covid, is costing our exporters dearly. to get back in,

presumably _ exporters dearly. to get back in, presumably you _ exporters dearly. to get back in, presumably you mean _ exporters dearly. to get back in, presumably you mean scotland | presumably you mean scotland becoming an independent country that joins the eu?— joins the eu? yes. as i said, only when the crisis _ joins the eu? yes. as i said, only when the crisis is _ joins the eu? yes. as i said, only when the crisis is passed. - joins the eu? yes. as i said, only when the crisis is passed. people j when the crisis is passed. people can look— when the crisis is passed. people can look at— when the crisis is passed. people can look at me in the last year and see that _ can look at me in the last year and see that my— can look at me in the last year and see that my focus is on steering the country— see that my focus is on steering the country through covid. if we want to make _ country through covid. if we want to make sure _ country through covid. if we want to make sure the recovery is in scotland's hands, that the decisions we take _ scotland's hands, that the decisions we take are — scotland's hands, that the decisions we take are the ones we want to take, _ we take are the ones we want to take. then — we take are the ones we want to take, then giving people the choice of independence once the crisis is passed _ of independence once the crisis is passed is— of independence once the crisis is passed is important to make sure it is not _ passed is important to make sure it is not boris — passed is important to make sure it is not borisjohnson determining the terms _ is not borisjohnson determining the terms of— is not borisjohnson determining the terms of our economic recovery but people _ terms of our economic recovery but people who — terms of our economic recovery but people who live here in scotland. and i_ people who live here in scotland. and i saw — people who live here in scotland. and i saw were, what would be your plan for the economy of scotland because how would you rebuild our economy because mike the first thing it is important to say is that we are not yet passed this pandemic, and my condolences go to everyone who has lost a loved one across the country. who has lost a loved one across the count . . who has lost a loved one across the count . ,, . ,, , . . country. sue makes an important oint. country. sue makes an important point- this _ country. sue makes an important point. this crisis _ country. sue makes an important point. this crisis doesn't - country. sue makes an important point. this crisis doesn't end - country. sue makes an important point. this crisis doesn't end the | point. this crisis doesn't end the day the — point. this crisis doesn't end the day the lockdown _ point. this crisis doesn't end the day the lockdown ends. - point. this crisis doesn't end the day the lockdown ends. it - point. this crisis doesn't end the day the lockdown ends. it will i point. this crisis doesn't end the . day the lockdown ends. it will take years _ day the lockdown ends. it will take years to _ day the lockdown ends. it will take years to recover. _ day the lockdown ends. it will take years to recover. covid _ day the lockdown ends. it will take years to recover. covid has- day the lockdown ends. it will take years to recover. covid has hit- years to recover. covid has hit people — years to recover. covid has hit people equally, _ years to recover. covid has hit people equally, whether- years to recover. covid has hit people equally, whether they| years to recover. covid has hit- people equally, whether they were yes, people equally, whether they were yes. no. _ people equally, whether they were yes. no. leave _ people equally, whether they were yes. no. leave or— people equally, whether they were yes, no, leave or remain. - people equally, whether they were yes, no, leave or remain. we - people equally, whether they were yes, no, leave or remain. we havej people equally, whether they were .

yes, no, leave or remain. we have to pull the _ yes, no, leave or remain. we have to pull the country— yes, no, leave or remain. we have to pull the country together. _ yes, no, leave or remain. we have to pull the country together. the - yes, no, leave or remain. we have to pull the country together. the idea i pull the country together. the idea that businesses— pull the country together. the idea that businesses will— pull the country together. the idea that businesses will automatically, j that businesses will automatically, when _ that businesses will automatically, when the _ that businesses will automatically, when the shutters _ that businesses will automatically, when the shutters go _ that businesses will automatically, when the shutters go up, - that businesses will automatically, when the shutters go up, go- that businesses will automatically, when the shutters go up, go backl that businesses will automatically, i when the shutters go up, go back to normal— when the shutters go up, go back to normal is _ when the shutters go up, go back to normal is not — when the shutters go up, go back to normal is not credible. _ when the shutters go up, go back to normal is not credible. that's - when the shutters go up, go back to normal is not credible. that's why . normal is not credible. that's why we have _ normal is not credible. that's why we have to — normal is not credible. that's why we have to continue _ normal is not credible. that's why we have to continue and - normal is not credible. that's why we have to continue and support i normal is not credible. that's whyl we have to continue and support in normal is not credible. that's why i we have to continue and support in a tapered _ we have to continue and support in a tapered way— we have to continue and support in a tapered way so — we have to continue and support in a tapered way so they— we have to continue and support in a tapered way so they can _ we have to continue and support in a tapered way so they can get - we have to continue and support in a tapered way so they can get back- we have to continue and support in a tapered way so they can get back to| tapered way so they can get back to pre-pandemic— tapered way so they can get back to pre—pandemic levels. _ tapered way so they can get back to pre—pandemic levels. we _ tapered way so they can get back to pre—pandemic levels. we have i tapered way so they can get back to pre—pandemic levels. we have to. pre—pandemic levels. we have to recognise — pre—pandemic levels. we have to recognise that _ pre—pandemic levels. we have to recognise that there _ pre—pandemic levels. we have to recognise that there are - pre—pandemic levels. we have to| recognise that there are hundreds pre—pandemic levels. we have to. recognise that there are hundreds of thousands— recognise that there are hundreds of thousands of— recognise that there are hundreds of thousands of people _ recognise that there are hundreds of thousands of people on _ recognise that there are hundreds of thousands of people on furlough i thousands of people on furlough worried — thousands of people on furlough worried about _ thousands of people on furlough worried about having _ thousands of people on furlough worried about having a - thousands of people on furlough worried about having a job i thousands of people on furlough worried about having a job to i thousands of people on furlough worried about having a job to go| worried about having a job to go back— worried about having a job to go back to — worried about having a job to go back to we _ worried about having a job to go back to. we want _ worried about having a job to go back to. we want to _ worried about having a job to go back to. we want to make i worried about having a job to go back to. we want to make sure i worried about having a job to go i back to. we want to make sure we invest— back to. we want to make sure we invest in— back to. we want to make sure we invest in the — back to. we want to make sure we invest in the new _ back to. we want to make sure we invest in the new technologies i back to. we want to make sure we invest in the new technologies and industries — invest in the new technologies and industries of — invest in the new technologies and industries of the _ invest in the new technologies and industries of the future. _ invest in the new technologies and industries of the future. we - invest in the new technologies and industries of the future. we will. industries of the future. we will make _ industries of the future. we will make sure _ industries of the future. we will make sure it— industries of the future. we will make sure it is— industries of the future. we will make sure it is a _ industries of the future. we will make sure it is a recovery- industries of the future. we will make sure it is a recovery that. make sure it is a recovery that works — make sure it is a recovery that works for— make sure it is a recovery that works for everyone. _ make sure it is a recovery that works for everyone. it - make sure it is a recovery that works for everyone. it has i make sure it is a recovery that works for everyone. it has to i make sure it is a recovery that. works for everyone. it has to be rural. _ works for everyone. it has to be rural, coastal, _ works for everyone. it has to be rural, coastal, island, _ works for everyone. it has to be rural, coastal, island, urban- rural, coastal, island, urban economy. _ rural, coastal, island, urban economy, which— rural, coastal, island, urban economy, which is- rural, coastal, island, urban economy, which is why- rural, coastal, island, urban economy, which is why we i rural, coastal, island, urban- economy, which is why we need to push _ economy, which is why we need to push power— economy, which is why we need to push power out _ economy, which is why we need to push power out of _ economy, which is why we need to push power out of the _ economy, which is why we need to push power out of the parliamenti economy, which is why we need to i push power out of the parliament and into regional— push power out of the parliament and into regional hub— push power out of the parliament and into regional hub so— push power out of the parliament and into regional hub so we _ push power out of the parliament and into regional hub so we have - into regional hub so we have regional— into regional hub so we have regional decision—making i into regional hub so we have i regional decision—making power into regional hub so we have - regional decision—making power and resources _ regional decision—making power and resources and _ regional decision—making power and resources and we _ regional decision—making power and resources. and we have _ regional decision—making power and resources. and we have a _ regional decision—making power and resources. and we have a youth i regional decision—making power and j resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee _ resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that — resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that says _ resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that says what _ resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that says what it - resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that says what it will i resources. and we have a youth jobs guarantee that says what it will do, i guarantee that says what it will do, that is— guarantee that says what it will do, that is support _ guarantee that says what it will do, that is support young _ guarantee that says what it will do, that is support young people - guarantee that says what it will do, j that is support young people across the country — that is support young people across the country so _ that is support young people across the country so they— that is support young people across the country so they are _ that is support young people across the country so they are not - that is support young people across the country so they are not out i that is support young people across the country so they are not out of l the country so they are not out of work _ the country so they are not out of work for — the country so they are not out of work for too — the country so they are not out of work for too long _ the country so they are not out of work for too long and _ the country so they are not out of work for too long and we - the country so they are not out of work for too long and we don't i the country so they are not out of i work for too long and we don't have a lost _ work for too long and we don't have a lost generation. _ work for too long and we don't have a lost generation. that— work for too long and we don't have a lost generation. that should i work for too long and we don't have a lost generation. that should be i a lost generation. that should be collected — a lost generation. that should be collected not _ a lost generation. that should be collected not arguments - a lost generation. that should be collected not arguments about i collected not arguments about referendums, _ collected not arguments about referendums, yes, _ collected not arguments about referendums, yes, no, - collected not arguments about referendums, yes, no, leave i collected not arguments about i referendums, yes, no, leave or remain — referendums, yes, no, leave or remain. ~ . ., referendums, yes, no, leave or remain. . ., ., referendums, yes, no, leave or remain. ~ . ., ., . remain. what would you say to sue about how you _

remain. what would you say to sue about how you would _ remain. what would you say to sue about how you would plan - remain. what would you say to sue about how you would plan the i about how you would plan the economy?— about how you would plan the econom ? ., , , , . economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans _ economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans for _ economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans for a _ economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans for a fair _ economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans for a fair and i economy? the scottish greens have ambitious plans for a fair and green | ambitious plans for a fair and green recovery. we have a vision for a really positive future. in our manifesto, you will find costed policies which i call the three—way win. they are good for the economy, create jobs, win. they are good for the economy, createjobs, they win. they are good for the economy, create jobs, they are good for the people of scotland, and they help reduce our emissions. things like our railfor all reduce our emissions. things like our rail for all programme, upgrading right away so that everyone, including in rural areas, has access to affordable and reliable rail travel. upgrading scotland's holmes, a great way to create jobs whilst reducing people's bills and reducing emissions. our manifesto is full of these practical policies. i'm an engineer and i work in renewable energy, and a big part of our programme would be investment in renewable energy so that scotland can create jobs, sustainable jobs that will last as long in into the future. ~ ., ., , ., future. willie rennie, how would you ian a future. willie rennie, how would you plan a recovery _ future. willie rennie, how would you plan a recovery in — future. willie rennie, how would you plan a recovery in the _ future. willie rennie, how would you plan a recovery in the next _ future. willie rennie, how would you plan a recovery in the next 3-5 i plan a recovery in the next 3—5 years? plan a recovery in the next 3-5

ears? ., . ., . , plan a recovery in the next 3-5 ears? . . , , plan a recovery in the next 3-5 ears? . . , years? scotland has many skills and talents, years? scotland has many skills and talents. but — years? scotland has many skills and talents, but the _ years? scotland has many skills and talents, but the biggest _ years? scotland has many skills and talents, but the biggest is _ years? scotland has many skills and talents, but the biggest is its i talents, but the biggest is its people — talents, but the biggest is its people. we need to invest in education, and retraining. giving the opportunity to find newjobs and opportunities. we also have some of the world's— opportunities. we also have some of the world's best universities with some _ the world's best universities with some of— the world's best universities with some of the best ideas. technology spin outs. _ some of the best ideas. technology spin outs, intellectual property. we need to— spin outs, intellectual property. we need to fully utilise those, in things— need to fully utilise those, in things like hydrogen, which will be at the _ things like hydrogen, which will be at the centre of new energy sources for the _ at the centre of new energy sources for the future. we need a youthjobs guarantee _ for the future. we need a youthjobs guarantee will stop we need to make sure, _ guarantee will stop we need to make sure. as _ guarantee will stop we need to make sure. as we — guarantee will stop we need to make sure, as we transition out of the pandemic. — sure, as we transition out of the pandemic, that we've got the support there for— pandemic, that we've got the support there for all— pandemic, that we've got the support there for all those hundreds of thousands of people who have been missed _ thousands of people who have been missed out of support altogether. they deserve extra support. the most important _ they deserve extra support. the most important thing is that we need to bring _ important thing is that we need to bring the — important thing is that we need to bring the country together. we will not get _ bring the country together. we will not get through this pandemic and we will not _ not get through this pandemic and we will not get a recovery that benefits _ will not get a recovery that benefits everyone if we are arguing amongst _ benefits everyone if we are arguing amongst ourselves all the time. we need to— amongst ourselves all the time. we need to put— amongst ourselves all the time. we need to put the divisions and arguments, exhausting arguments of the past. _

arguments, exhausting arguments of the past, behind us and focus on the recovery _ the past, behind us and focus on the recovery if— the past, behind us and focus on the recovery. if we can do that, i think everyone _ recovery. if we can do that, i think everyone here can make a contribution, so let's unite and get this recovery done together. we cross our this recovery done together. , cross our fingers now and have the technology works. from our audience panel, selwyn, tojoin the discussion. thank you, nicola sturgeon said she is focused on covid and all that goes with it. in that case how did she spend time... through parliament. that is not a focus. my parliament. that is not a focus. my question is very much similar in that back in november 2020, nicola sturgeon was pushing for another independence referendum so is the focus really on a covid recovery or

is your focus on a referendum? if focus really on a covid recovery or is your focus on a referendum? iii is your focus on a referendum? if i can answer selwyn's point first of all, can answer selwyn's point first of all. we _ can answer selwyn's point first of all, we haven't put an independence referendum bill through the parliament. we have published a draft _ parliament. we have published a draft nine — parliament. we have published a draft nine pages long. i will leave other— draft nine pages long. i will leave other people tojudge draft nine pages long. i will leave other people to judge whether my focus _ other people to judge whether my focus has — other people to judge whether my focus has been on the pandemic or not over— focus has been on the pandemic or not over the — focus has been on the pandemic or not over the last year. people have seen _ not over the last year. people have seen me _ not over the last year. people have seen me literally every single day lead the — seen me literally every single day lead the fight against covid and i have _ lead the fight against covid and i have literally spent almost every week— have literally spent almost every week and — have literally spent almost every week and moment —— waking moment doing _ week and moment —— waking moment doing that _ week and moment —— waking moment doing that as — week and moment —— waking moment doing that as first minister and i will continue to do that for every single _ will continue to do that for every single day— will continue to do that for every single day required because it's not over yet _ single day required because it's not over yet i— single day required because it's not over yet. i have spent today not on the campaign trail but talking with clinical— the campaign trail but talking with clinical advisers, the campaign trail but talking with clinicaladvisers, making the campaign trail but talking with clinical advisers, making sure we are continuing to try to make all the right— are continuing to try to make all the right decisions. as we focus on recovery— the right decisions. as we focus on recovery as — the right decisions. as we focus on recovery as we need to do, recovery is not _ recovery as we need to do, recovery is not a _ recovery as we need to do, recovery is not a neutral thing. what you recover— is not a neutral thing. what you recover to. _ is not a neutral thing. what you recover to, what kind of country are trying _ recover to, what kind of country are trying to _ recover to, what kind of country are trying to rebuild, depends on decisions _ trying to rebuild, depends on

decisions taken. as long as so many of the _ decisions taken. as long as so many of the decisions lie in government at westminster that often people in scotland _ at westminster that often people in scotland haven't voted for, then the danger— scotland haven't voted for, then the danger is _ scotland haven't voted for, then the danger is we take the wrong decisions and go in the wrong direction _ decisions and go in the wrong directionjust as we decisions and go in the wrong direction just as we have decisions and go in the wrong directionjust as we have been dragged — directionjust as we have been dragged out of the eu against our will. right now my focus every day is on _ will. right now my focus every day is on covid — will. right now my focus every day is on covid. and i covid hasn't affected — is on covid. and i covid hasn't affected everybody equally, people in poverty have been affected more, so part _ in poverty have been affected more, so part of— in poverty have been affected more, so part of our recovery has to be tackling — so part of our recovery has to be tackling poverty and inequality as well _ tackling poverty and inequality as well it _ tackling poverty and inequality as well. it should be a wellbeing based recovery. _ well. it should be a wellbeing based recovery, which is why other things i'd recovery, which is why other things i'd like _ recovery, which is why other things i'd like to— recovery, which is why other things i'd like to do— recovery, which is why other things i'd like to do if i'm re—elected is look— i'd like to do if i'm re—elected is look at — i'd like to do if i'm re—elected is look at how— i'd like to do if i'm re—elected is look at how we explore things like a four day— look at how we explore things like a four day working week to get the balance — four day working week to get the balance between working life better though— balance between working life better though there is lots i would like to do. �* . though there is lots i would like to do. 3 . though there is lots i would like to do. �*, , ., ., though there is lots i would like to do. �*, , ., . . ., do. let'sjust go to our audience to contribute to _ do. let'sjust go to our audience to contribute to this. _ do. let'sjust go to our audience to contribute to this. thank— do. let'sjust go to our audience to contribute to this. thank you, i contribute to this. thank you, sarah. i wanted _ contribute to this. thank you, sarah. i wanted to _ contribute to this. thank you,

sarah. i wanted to say i contribute to this. thank you, sarah. i wanted to say that i contribute to this. thank you, i sarah. i wanted to say that while it has been a unique experience even nobody had prior experience of the pandemic, at times it has felt like the public health messaging has been inconsistent and that has had a direct effect on the economy. maybe one example would be the planning around the christmas day leave on restrictions. isn't there a need for more consistent public health messaging? it more consistent public health messaging?— messaging? it is the scottish government _ messaging? it is the scottish government who _ messaging? it is the scottish government who have i messaging? it is the scottish government who have been i messaging? it is the scottish | government who have been in messaging? it is the scottish - government who have been in charge of that but i have to make sure everybody gets a fair shout in this debate so let me go to anas sarwar for labour. to debate so let me go to anas sarwar for labour. ., , . . debate so let me go to anas sarwar for labour-— for labour. to be clear, what i was sa in: for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about _ for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about hitting _ for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about hitting us _ for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about hitting us all- for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about hitting us all is i for labour. to be clear, what i was saying about hitting us all is covid| saying about hitting us all is covid hasn'tjudged between yes or no, it's about pulling the country back together again. credit where credit is due, the first minister has been out every day talking about covid

and trying to lead from the front but i fear she has a blind spot when it comes to the referendum. it is very noble for nicola sturgeon to talk about poverty, but she has been in government for 14 years, she has been first ministerfor in government for 14 years, she has been first minister for seven years and in that time one in four children in scotland live in poverty. in her own constituency almost 50% of children live in poverty and if she obsessed with fighting poverty as much as she did with the constitution, imagine how scotland could be as a result. that's what our focus should be on, not fighting for the constitution. poverty rates are too high but actually — poverty rates are too high but actually in scotland they are lower than in _ actually in scotland they are lower than in other parts of the uk and in the last— than in other parts of the uk and in the last year alone in the uk we have _ the last year alone in the uk we have established the scottish child payment _ have established the scottish child payment which i want to double in the next _ payment which i want to double in the next term of parliament. one of the next term of parliament. one of the things— the next term of parliament. one of the things causing child poverty in all parts _ the things causing child poverty in all parts of the uk to rise again is the assault— all parts of the uk to rise again is the assault on social and welfare

security— the assault on social and welfare security from a tory government, that is— security from a tory government, that is an — security from a tory government, that is an illustration why we need more _ that is an illustration why we need more power in the hands of scottish government of whatever party is elected — government of whatever party is elected here. government of whatever party is elected here-— government of whatever party is elected here. ., . . ., , , elected here. you had an opportunity to take control— elected here. you had an opportunity to take control of— elected here. you had an opportunity to take control of social _ elected here. you had an opportunity to take control of social security i to take control of social security powers — to take control of social security powers but _ to take control of social security powers but you _ to take control of social security powers but you handed - to take control of social security powers but you handed them i to take control of social security. powers but you handed them back to take control of social security- powers but you handed them back to westminster — powers but you handed them back to westminster. you _ powers but you handed them back to westminster. you delayed _ powers but you handed them back to westminster. you delayed the - westminster. you delayed the implementation _ westminster. you delayed the implementation of— westminster. you delayed the implementation of it - westminster. you delayed the implementation of it by- westminster. you delayed the implementation of it by years. westminster. you delayed the i implementation of it by years. you could _ implementation of it by years. you could have — implementation of it by years. you could have dealt _ implementation of it by years. you could have dealt with _ implementation of it by years. you could have dealt with this - implementation of it by years. you could have dealt with this earlier, i could have dealt with this earlier, so when — could have dealt with this earlier, so when you _ could have dealt with this earlier, so when you get _ could have dealt with this earlier, so when you get the _ could have dealt with this earlier, so when you get the powers - could have dealt with this earlier, so when you get the powers you i could have dealt with this earlier, i so when you get the powers you do not use _ so when you get the powers you do not use them — so when you get the powers you do not use them and _ so when you get the powers you do not use them and that _ so when you get the powers you do not use them and that is _ so when you get the powers you do not use them and that is the - so when you get the powers you doi not use them and that is the trouble with this _ not use them and that is the trouble with this government. _ not use them and that is the trouble with this government. it _ not use them and that is the trouble with this government. it is - not use them and that is the trouble with this government. it is focused i with this government. it is focused on the _ with this government. it is focused on the whole — with this government. it is focused on the whole constitutional - with this government. it is focused on the whole constitutional issue. i on the whole constitutional issue. and you _ on the whole constitutional issue. and you make _ on the whole constitutional issue. and you make it _ on the whole constitutional issue. and you make it sound _ on the whole constitutional issue. and you make it sound a - on the whole constitutional issue. and you make it sound a simple l and you make it sound a simple thing. _ and you make it sound a simple thing. as— and you make it sound a simple thing. as if_ and you make it sound a simple thing. as if we _ and you make it sound a simple thing, as if we can _ and you make it sound a simple thing, as if we canjust- and you make it sound a simple thing, as if we canjust get- thing, as if we canjust get independence _ thing, as if we canjust get independence just - thing, as if we canjust get independence just like - thing, as if we canjust geti independence just like that, thing, as if we canjust get- independence just like that, but we know— independence just like that, but we know it _ independence just like that, but we know it witt— independence just like that, but we know it will be _ independence just like that, but we know it will be a _ independence just like that, but we know it will be a long, _ independence just like that, but we know it will be a long, divisive - know it will be a long, divisive argument _ know it will be a long, divisive argument we _ know it will be a long, divisive argument. we have _ know it will be a long, divisive argument. we have seen - know it will be a long, divisive argument. we have seen the| know it will be a long, divisive - argument. we have seen the arguments in the _ argument. we have seen the arguments in the last— argument. we have seen the arguments in the last few— argument. we have seen the arguments in the last few weeks _ argument. we have seen the arguments in the last few weeks with _ argument. we have seen the arguments in the last few weeks with alex - in the last few weeks with alex satmond — in the last few weeks with alex salmond over— in the last few weeks with alex salmond over these _ in the last few weeks with alex salmond over these issues. . in the last few weeks with alex salmond over these issues. iti in the last few weeks with alex i salmond over these issues. it will be bitter— salmond over these issues. it will be bitter and _ salmond over these issues. it will be bitter and last _ salmond over these issues. it will be bitter and last for— salmond over these issues. it will be bitter and last for years. - salmond over these issues. it will be bitter and last for years. it - be bitter and last for years. it will be — be bitter and last for years. it will be just— be bitter and last for years. it will be just like _ be bitter and last for years. it will be just like brexit, - be bitter and last for years. it will be just like brexit, that. be bitter and last for years. it will be just like brexit, that is the difficulty. _ will be just like brexit, that is the difficulty. we _ will be just like brexit, that is the difficulty.— the difficulty. we need to make sure everybody gets _ the difficulty. we need to make sure everybody gets their say. _ the difficulty. we need to make sure everybody gets their say. let's - everybody gets their say. let's go to douglas ross. irate everybody gets their say. let's go to douglas ross.— to douglas ross. we have heard oliticians to douglas ross. we have heard politicians again _ to douglas ross. we have heard

politicians again arguing - to douglas ross. we have heardl politicians again arguing amongst each other but not answering the questions — each other but not answering the questions we have got. has the guidance — questions we have got. has the guidance being too confusing? yes. thats— guidance being too confusing? yes. that's why— guidance being too confusing? yes. that's why two of nicola sturgeon's ministers _ that's why two of nicola sturgeon's ministers have had to apologise for tireaching _ ministers have had to apologise for breaching the guidance. there is not a consistent— breaching the guidance. there is not a consistent message and we have got to make _ a consistent message and we have got to make sure we get the right messaging that is easy for people to understand and follow. selwyn and angettica _ understand and follow. selwyn and angellica were absolutely right. nicota _ angellica were absolutely right. nicola sturgeon is trying to say she didn't— nicola sturgeon is trying to say she didn't pass — nicola sturgeon is trying to say she didn't pass the bill through parliament but she did lodge it in the tast— parliament but she did lodge it in the last few days, so you cannot then _ the last few days, so you cannot then go— the last few days, so you cannot then go on— the last few days, so you cannot then go on to speak about poverty, education _ then go on to speak about poverty, education or rebuilding the country when _ education or rebuilding the country when you _ education or rebuilding the country when you didn't put forward legislation to tackle poverty. he didn't— legislation to tackle poverty. he didn't put forward legislation for our economic recovery. i didn't put forward legislation for our economic recovery.- didn't put forward legislation for our economic recovery. i did. all of that was put _ our economic recovery. i did. all of that was put to _ our economic recovery. i did. all of that was put to the _ our economic recovery. i did. all of that was put to the side _ our economic recovery. i did. all of that was put to the side so - our economic recovery. i c c all of that was put to the side so nicola sturgeon — that was put to the side so nicola sturgeon and the snp could push forwardm — sturgeon and the snp could push forward... . . sturgeon and the snp could push forward... ., , ., , sturgeon and the snp could push forward... ., ., forward... that is factually wrong. it's not because _ forward... that is factually wrong. it's not because the _ forward... that is factually wrong. it's not because the final - forward... that is factually wrong. it's not because the final piece - forward... that is factually wrong. it's not because the final piece of| it's not because the final piece of legislation the snp laid in front of parliament was one about

independence because that is their political— independence because that is their political priority. we have heard from _ political priority. we have heard from the — political priority. we have heard from the studio so far today it is not the — from the studio so far today it is not the public's priority and that is where — not the public's priority and that is where nicola sturgeon is wrong, and that's— is where nicola sturgeon is wrong, and that's why we can't have a recovery— and that's why we can't have a recovery when the snp are only focused — recovery when the snp are only focused on another referendum. let�*s focused on another referendum. let's no to jenn focused on another referendum. let's go to jenny in — focused on another referendum. let's go to jenny in the _ focused on another referendum. let�*s go to jenny in the audience. focused on another referendum. let's go to jenny in the audience. first - go to jenny in the audience. first of all i go to jenny in the audience. first of all i want _ go to jenny in the audience. first of all i want to _ go to jenny in the audience. first of all i want to say _ go to jenny in the audience. first of all i want to say on _ go tojenny in the audience. f “st of all i want to say on covid that i think we have done remarkably well. my think we have done remarkably well. my husband and i had our second vaccinations today which is incredible. but while you all talk about recovery, ijust wonder how you are going to move forward when there are so many empty shops and people desperate to get back to work. ijust wonder how it's going to be for my grandchildren. will they ever have the opportunities that i had? they ever have the opportunities that i had?— they ever have the opportunities that i had?- i _ they ever have the opportunities that i had?- i have - they ever have the opportunities that i had?- i have had - they ever have the opportunitiesj that i had?- i have had my that i had? lorna. i have had my first vaccination _ that i had? lorna. i have had my first vaccination and _ that i had? lorna. i have had my first vaccination and i'm - that i had? lorna. i have had my first vaccination and i'm excited | first vaccination and i'm excited with— first vaccination and i'm excited with how — first vaccination and i'm excited with how well the vaccination programme is rolling out in

scotland. i think this shows the strength— scotland. i think this shows the strength of having a fully public nhs, _ strength of having a fully public nhs, something i am committed to. your children will not have the same opportunities you had because we are now outside the european union. we have lost— now outside the european union. we have lost the ability for young people — have lost the ability for young people to use the erasmus scheme, to travel, _ people to use the erasmus scheme, to travel, live _ people to use the erasmus scheme, to travel, live and work in 27 countries _ travel, live and work in 27 countries around europe and i think that is— countries around europe and i think that is such — countries around europe and i think that is such a shame. of course i think— that is such a shame. of course i think it's — that is such a shame. of course i think it's also very interesting who in this— think it's also very interesting who in this room — think it's also very interesting who in this room has been repeatedly obsessing — in this room has been repeatedly obsessing over constitutional issues and who— obsessing over constitutional issues and who hasn't, for example. i know the scottish— and who hasn't, for example. i know the scottish greens throughout the covid _ the scottish greens throughout the covid crisis have been working hard for the _ covid crisis have been working hard for the scottish people. we pushed from the _ for the scottish people. we pushed from the beginning for testing of front— from the beginning for testing of front line — from the beginning for testing of front line workers, teachers and care _ front line workers, teachers and care workers for asymptomatic regular— care workers for asymptomatic regular testing. we stopped evictions during the covid pandemic, and during _ evictions during the covid pandemic, and during our budget negotiations we won— and during our budget negotiations we won pandemic support payments for poorest— we won pandemic support payments for poorest families. these are the kind of things— poorest families. these are the kind of things to — poorest families. these are the kind of things to tackle, inequality and to help _ of things to tackle, inequality and to help the recovery you can expect from _ to help the recovery you can expect from the _ to help the recovery you can expect

from the scottish greens. let�*s to help the recovery you can expect from the scottish greens. let's move onto another— from the scottish greens. let's move onto another question _ from the scottish greens. let's move onto another question from - from the scottish greens. let's move onto another question from the - onto another question from the audience jackie wilson.- audience jackie wilson. good evenina. audience jackie wilson. good evening- l — audience jackie wilson. good evening. i would _ audience jackie wilson. good evening. i would just - audience jackie wilson. good evening. i would just like - audience jackie wilson. good evening. i would just like to l audience jackie wilson. good i evening. i would just like to ask why can't we actually get through the pandemic instead ofjust focusing on another referendum? nicola sturgeon. taste focusing on another referendum? nicola sturgeon.— focusing on another referendum? nicola sturgeon. we are focusing on caettin nicola sturgeon. we are focusing on getting through _ nicola sturgeon. we are focusing on getting through the _ nicola sturgeon. we are focusing on getting through the pandemic. - nicola sturgeon. we are focusing on getting through the pandemic. i - getting through the pandemic. i think— getting through the pandemic. i think everybody knows my view that we shouldn't leave our future in the hands _ we shouldn't leave our future in the hands of— we shouldn't leave our future in the hands of governments we don't vote for, hands of governments we don't vote for. we _ hands of governments we don't vote for, we should take our future into our own— for, we should take our future into our own hands but that will come when _ our own hands but that will come when we — our own hands but that will come when we are out of this crisis because _ when we are out of this crisis because it _ when we are out of this crisis because it is important to the rebuilding exercise. right now the focus _ rebuilding exercise. right now the focus is _ rebuilding exercise. right now the focus is on — rebuilding exercise. right now the focus is on getting through the pandemic. going back to the question about— pandemic. going back to the question about retail, because of the efforts of everybody across the country, because — of everybody across the country, because of— of everybody across the country, because of the amazing efforts of our vaccination teams in every part of scotland — our vaccination teams in every part of scotland right now, we will begin to reopen _ of scotland right now, we will begin to reopen retail services from monday— to reopen retail services from monday next week. hopefully we will see retail— monday next week. hopefully we will see retail reopen completely at the end of— see retail reopen completely at the end of april and then we will see a

more _ end of april and then we will see a more substantial reopening of our economy— more substantial reopening of our economy as we go into may. that is possible _ economy as we go into may. that is possible because of the focus not 'ust possible because of the focus not just of— possible because of the focus not just of government, it is government'sjob to just of government, it is government's job to lead, but that has been _ government's job to lead, but that has been made possible because of the focus _ has been made possible because of the focus of people across the country — the focus of people across the country i_ the focus of people across the country. i was in parliament during the last— country. i was in parliament during the last big — country. i was in parliament during the last big crisis, the last financial— the last big crisis, the last financial crash and the recession that followed that, and politicians of other— that followed that, and politicians of other parties then said you can't think— of other parties then said you can't think about — of other parties then said you can't think about scotland's future and where _ think about scotland's future and where decision—making lies. what happened — where decision—making lies. what happened then was we had ten years of tory— happened then was we had ten years of tory austerity and we were taking out of _ of tory austerity and we were taking out of -- _ of tory austerity and we were taking out of —— taken out of the eu. that's— out of —— taken out of the eu. that's what— out of —— taken out of the eu. that's what happens to you when you allow _ that's what happens to you when you allow decisions to be made by others for you _ allow decisions to be made by others for you in— allow decisions to be made by others for you. in the fullness of time, thinking — for you. in the fullness of time, thinking about these things is not a distraction — thinking about these things is not a distraction from a recovery, it is essential— distraction from a recovery, it is essential to— distraction from a recovery, it is essential to making sure that the recovery— essential to making sure that the recovery is— essential to making sure that the recovery is the one we want and we are rebuilding the country the way we wanted to be rebuilt. nobody should _ we wanted to be rebuilt. nobody should be in any doubt where my

lies, _ should be in any doubt where my lies, just — should be in any doubt where my lies, just as — should be in any doubt where my lies, just as it has every day of the last— lies, just as it has every day of the last year, on the pandemic. should — the last year, on the pandemic. should we — the last year, on the pandemic. should we get through the pandemic and start to recover before we think about the referendum, willie rennie? jackie is on the button. it is important to focus on the recovery. there _ important to focus on the recovery. there are _ important to focus on the recovery. there are three areas which are incredibly— there are three areas which are incredibly important. one is mental health. _ incredibly important. one is mental health. we — incredibly important. one is mental health, we have 1500 young people waiting _ health, we have 1500 young people waiting for mental health support for over— waiting for mental health support for over a — waiting for mental health support for over a year so we need to get mental— for over a year so we need to get mental health services back up to scratch _ mental health services back up to scratch again. i want to make them world _ scratch again. i want to make them world leading. secondly we need reform _ world leading. secondly we need reform of— world leading. secondly we need reform of the social care sector. social— reform of the social care sector. social care — reform of the social care sector. social care workers have been on the front line _ social care workers have been on the front line through this pandemic, they have — front line through this pandemic, they have done an incredible job protecting elderly people. they don't _ protecting elderly people. they don't get paid enough, they need to -et don't get paid enough, they need to get paid _ don't get paid enough, they need to get paid more to make it a sustainable position. then we need bounce _ sustainable position. then we need bounce back support for education. children— bounce back support for education. children have lost too much education. we need a pupil equity fund supplement to make sure we can

-ive fund supplement to make sure we can give those _ fund supplement to make sure we can give those from disadvantaged backgrounds... invite all children in backgrounds. .. invite all children in school— backgrounds... invite all children in school the extra support they need _ in school the extra support they need to— in school the extra support they need to bounce back because they are our future _ need to bounce back because they are our future. all of that will take a huge _ our future. all of that will take a huge amount of time to fix. we need everybody— huge amount of time to fix. we need everybody in this room to be focused on it _ everybody in this room to be focused on it i_ everybody in this room to be focused on it i know. — everybody in this room to be focused on it. i know, i have seen a window into the _ on it. i know, i have seen a window into the next— on it. i know, i have seen a window into the next five years in the last few weeks — into the next five years in the last few weeks. arguments over the constitution, arguments between nicola _ constitution, arguments between nicola sturgeon and alex and which have been— nicola sturgeon and alex and which have been poisonous and unpleasant, and we _ have been poisonous and unpleasant, and we need to put all of that behind — and we need to put all of that behind us _ and we need to put all of that behind us and choose a different future~ _ behind us and choose a different future if — behind us and choose a different future. if we can do that we can tackle _ future. if we can do that we can tackle mental health, we can tackle education _ tackle mental health, we can tackle education but we can also make sure our social— education but we can also make sure our social care workers get the pay they deserve. | our social care workers get the pay they deserve-— they deserve. i will make sure everybody _ they deserve. i will make sure everybody gets _ they deserve. i will make sure everybody gets their - they deserve. i will make sure everybody gets their say - they deserve. i will make sure everybody gets their say on i they deserve. i will make sure - everybody gets their say on whether we should have another referendum but let's ask qian in the audience first. i but let's ask qian in the audience first. ., ., ,, .

first. i am quite wondering... since is the point — first. i am quite wondering... since is the point has _ first. i am quite wondering... since is the point has been _ first. i am quite wondering... since is the point has been made - first. i am quite wondering... since is the point has been made that. first. i am quite wondering... since is the point has been made that it. is the point has been made that it is the point has been made that it is too divisive and time—consuming to hold a second referendum while we are in the midst of the covid recovery, i do wonder if that doesn't speak on your ability or perhaps a lack of ability to multitask while legislating. i don't personally see how that is that big of an issue. personally see how that is that big of an issue-— of an issue. thanks for that. to make sure _ of an issue. thanks for that. to make sure everybody _ of an issue. thanks for that. to make sure everybody gets - of an issue. thanks for that. to make sure everybody gets a . of an issue. thanks for that. to i make sure everybody gets a shot, lorna, are the greens happy with the timetable that has been outlined by the snp for another referendum within the first half of the next parliament, within two and a half years? i parliament, within two and a half ears? ~ �* . parliament, within two and a half ears? ,, �* , ., , years? i think it's really interesting _ years? i think it's really interesting that - years? i think it's really interesting that around | years? i think it's really i interesting that around the years? i think it's really - interesting that around the room years? i think it's really _ interesting that around the room we hear people in favour of the union not actually arguing for the union but instead arguing that the people of scotland shouldn't have the right to choose. but of scotland shouldn't have the right to choose. �* , ., , ., to choose. but the question is about the timinu.

to choose. but the question is about the timing. during _ to choose. but the question is about the timing. during covid _ to choose. but the question is about the timing. during covid recovery, i the timing. during covid recovery, who do we — the timing. during covid recovery, who do we want _ the timing. during covid recovery, who do we want to _ the timing. during covid recovery, who do we want to making - the timing. during covid recovery, who do we want to making the - who do we want to making the decisions? borisjohnson, the government we didn't elect making those decisions? or do we want those decisions made in scotland by a government we have elected? the scottish greens would support a referendum in this term of parliament because we think decisions about scotland should be made by the scottish people. and made by the scottish people. and within the next _ made by the scottish people. and within the next two and half years? within the next term of parliament. who is making the case for the union? — who is making the case for the union? jenny has had both covid vaccinations and she's one of 2.5 million _ vaccinations and she's one of 2.5 million almost people in scotland who have — million almost people in scotland who have had the first vaccination. that is _ who have had the first vaccination. that is the — who have had the first vaccination. that is the union working, the uk getting _ that is the union working, the uk getting the vaccine, which are delivered _ getting the vaccine, which are delivered by nhs staff, armed forces and volunteers. i volunteered at a local— and volunteers. i volunteered at a local vaccination site in murray and that is—

local vaccination site in murray and that is working for people right now _ that is working for people right now to— that is working for people right now. to go back to the point, why are we _ now. to go back to the point, why are we having this debate about another— are we having this debate about another referendum when we should be focused _ another referendum when we should be focused on _ another referendum when we should be focused on our recovery, i agree. why— focused on our recovery, i agree. why are — focused on our recovery, i agree. why are we — focused on our recovery, i agree. why are we doing that? do —— why do we have _ why are we doing that? do —— why do we have bills — why are we doing that? do —— why do we have bills about that but not to support _ we have bills about that but not to support education, to support educational standards, to help businesses, to protectjobs? none of that is— businesses, to protectjobs? none of that is happening because the scottish— that is happening because the scottish government and snp are focused _ scottish government and snp are focused on another on independence referendum. nicola sturgeon, when do you want a referendum _ nicola sturgeon, when do you want a referendum to be held? my nicola sturgeon, when do you want a referendum to be held?— nicola sturgeon, when do you want a referendum to be held? my aim would be the first half— referendum to be held? my aim would be the first half of— referendum to be held? my aim would be the first half of this _ be the first half of this parliament.— be the first half of this parliament. .. be the first half of this parliament. ., ., ., parliament. so the next two and a half ears parliament. so the next two and a half years chris _ parliament. so the next two and a half years chris packham - parliament. so the next two and a half years chris packham let - parliament. so the next two and a half years chris packham let me . parliament. so the next two and a i half years chris packham let me take you on— half years chris packham let me take you on on— half years chris packham let me take you on on some of that. you half years chris packham let me take you on on some of that.— you on on some of that. you said we hadn't passed _ you on on some of that. you said we hadn't passed legislation _ you on on some of that. you said we hadn't passed legislation on -

you on on some of that. you said we hadn't passed legislation on social. hadn't passed legislation on social security. we have established the scottish gel payment, lifting children out of poverty. we have confirmed that for the next financial year, businesses will get 100% rates relief. we are spending more per pupil on education, more on health per head than the rest of the uk, and we havejust made an offer to nhs staff of a 1t% pay increase, compared to the 1% insult offered by the government in london, so these are the priorities we are focusing on, each and every day, and it's because we want to have more decisions like those capable of being made in scotland that at the right time we want to give, as lorna rightly says, the people of scotland the right to choose. it's not up to any of us whether scotland becomes independent or not, it's up to the people of scotland to decide, and i don't know what it is about that choice that other politicians are so obviously nervous about. hold choice that other politicians are so obviously nervous about.— choice that other politicians are so obviously nervous about. hold on a second. obviously nervous about. hold on a second- we — obviously nervous about. hold on a second. we need _ obviously nervous about. hold on a second. we need to _ obviously nervous about. hold on a

second. we need to get _ obviously nervous about. hold on a second. we need to get to - obviously nervous about. hold on a second. we need to get to anas i second. we need to get to anas sarwar. first, colin. hi second. we need to get to anas sarwar. first, colin.— sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i wouldn't— sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i wouldn't want _ sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i wouldn't want anyone - sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i wouldn't want anyone on - sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i wouldn't want anyone on the l sarwar. first, colin. hi there. i- wouldn't want anyone on the panel to think the _ wouldn't want anyone on the panel to think the audience _ wouldn't want anyone on the panel to think the audience is _ wouldn't want anyone on the panel to think the audience is not— wouldn't want anyone on the panel to think the audience is not interested l think the audience is not interested in constitutional— think the audience is not interested in constitutional issues, _ think the audience is not interested in constitutional issues, because i think the audience is not interested| in constitutional issues, because we certainly— in constitutional issues, because we certainly are — in constitutional issues, because we certainly are. there _ in constitutional issues, because we certainly are. there are _ in constitutional issues, because we certainly are. there are lots - in constitutional issues, because we certainly are. there are lots of - certainly are. there are lots of pejorative _ certainly are. there are lots of pejorative terms _ certainly are. there are lots of pejorative terms — _ certainly are. there are lots of pejorative terms — you - certainly are. there are lots of pejorative terms — you call- certainly are. there are lots of pejorative terms — you call usi pejorative terms — you call us nationalist, _ pejorative terms — you call us nationalist, i— pejorative terms — you call us nationalist, i would - pejorative terms — you call us nationalist, i would say- pejorative terms — you call us nationalist, i would say we i pejorative terms — you call us. nationalist, i would say we are interested _ nationalist, i would say we are interested in— nationalist, i would say we are i interested in self—determination. you are _ interested in self—determination. you are unionist, _ interested in self—determination. you are unionist, nothing - interested in self—determination. you are unionist, nothing more l interested in self—determination. i you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists— you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists wanting _ you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists wanting to _ you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists wanting to rule - you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists wanting to rule like - you are unionist, nothing more than imperialists wanting to rule like in. imperialists wanting to rule like in the last— imperialists wanting to rule like in the last century, _ imperialists wanting to rule like in the last century, you _ imperialists wanting to rule like in the last century, you want - imperialists wanting to rule like in the last century, you want to - imperialists wanting to rule like in the last century, you want to rule| the last century, you want to rule from _ the last century, you want to rule from london _ the last century, you want to rule from london. the _ the last century, you want to rule from london. the three - the last century, you want to rule - from london. the three westminster parties. _ from london. the three westminster parties. you — from london. the three westminster parties. you are _ from london. the three westminster parties, you are not _ from london. the three westminster parties, you are not even _ from london. the three westminster parties, you are not even any- from london. the three westminster parties, you are not even any more l parties, you are not even any more than _ parties, you are not even any more than branch— parties, you are not even any more than branch offices _ parties, you are not even any more than branch offices in— parties, you are not even any more than branch offices in scotland. - parties, you are not even any more | than branch offices in scotland. you take your _ than branch offices in scotland. you take your orders _ than branch offices in scotland. you take your orders from _ than branch offices in scotland. youj take your orders from westminster. colin, _ take your orders from westminster. colin. we _ take your orders from westminster. colin. we need _ take your orders from westminster. colin, we need to _ take your orders from westminster. colin, we need to keep— take your orders from westminster. colin, we need to keep this - colin, we need to keep this respectful, but let me ask you a different question. there is of course another party that will be competing for your vote, alba. are you tempted to vote for them with your second list vote? pig. you tempted to vote for them with your second list vote?— you tempted to vote for them with your second list vote? no, i'm not. i'm also your second list vote? no, i'm not. l'm also an — your second list vote? no, i'm not.

i'm also an engineer. _ your second list vote? no, i'm not. i'm also an engineer. i _ your second list vote? no, i'm not. i'm also an engineer. iwill- your second list vote? no, i'm not. i'm also an engineer. i will be - i'm also an engineer. i will be voting— i'm also an engineer. i will be voting green— i'm also an engineer. i will be voting green my— i'm also an engineer. i will be voting green my second - i'm also an engineer. i will be voting green my second vote i i'm also an engineer. i will be - voting green my second vote because the climate _ voting green my second vote because the climate is — voting green my second vote because the climate is massively— voting green my second vote because the climate is massively important. i the climate is massively important. on the climate is massively important. 0n the _ the climate is massively important. 0n the question— the climate is massively important. on the question of— the climate is massively important. on the question of whether - the climate is massively important. on the question of whether or- the climate is massively important. on the question of whether or not i the climate is massively important. l on the question of whether or not we should be through the pandemic before thinking about another independence referendum, we haven't heard from you, anas sarwar. back independence referendum, we haven't heard from you, anas sarwar.- heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question. _ heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question, and _ heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question, and what _ heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question, and what i - heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question, and what i say - heard from you, anas sarwar. back to jackie's question, and what i say to i jackie's question, and what i say to colin is, we are in the middle of a pandemic, this is not nationalist, unionists, it is mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandmothers and grandads who are facing this challenge. at the start of this debate, i talked about not having to choose between treating the virus or treating cancer. let me give you a practical example of how stark a challenge that is. this week, i spoke to the family of mary. she had been diagnosed with tertiary cancer and had been told by the nhs in scotland that due to the back log because of covid, they are not treating recurring cancers and are only working on first cancers, meaning she could not get her treatment in scotland, and she has

been forced to travel south in order to get that operation. that should be getting us exercised in this debate, that is what we should be obsessing about, it is what our argument should be about. not an argument should be about. not an argument between douglas, nicola and everybody else. these other things that matter to people, and they don't care about the badgers or the name—calling colin is talking about. they are interested in what scotland can do, not what it can't. fin they are interested in what scotland can do, not what it can't.— can do, not what it can't. on the theme of— can do, not what it can't. on the theme of what _ can do, not what it can't. on the theme of what will _ can do, not what it can't. on the theme of what will happen - can do, not what it can't. on the theme of what will happen with l can do, not what it can't. on the i theme of what will happen with our we have a question from zach hassan. thanks. do the parties have a realistic— thanks. do the parties have a realistic plan _ thanks. do the parties have a realistic plan to _ thanks. do the parties have a realistic plan to help - thanks. do the parties have a realistic plan to help the - thanks. do the parties have a realistic plan to help the nhs| thanks. do the parties have a - realistic plan to help the nhs deal with the _ realistic plan to help the nhs deal with the back— realistic plan to help the nhs deal with the back log _ realistic plan to help the nhs deal with the back log of _ realistic plan to help the nhs deal with the back log of surgeries, - with the back log of surgeries, investigations— with the back log of surgeries, investigations and _ with the back log of surgeries, l investigations and appointments created — investigations and appointments created by— investigations and appointments created by the _ investigations and appointments created by the pandemic? - investigations and appointments created by the pandemic? finasl created by the pandemic? anas sarwar, created by the pandemic? anas sarwar. you _ created by the pandemic? anas sarwar, you have _ created by the pandemic? anas sarwar, you have outlined - created by the pandemic? sarwar, you have outlined the problem — do you have a plan for how to clear the backlog? problem - do you have a plan for how to clear the backlog?— to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to ut to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to put the _ to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to put the nhs _ to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to put the nhs restart - to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to put the nhs restart plan - to clear the backlog? absolutely. we have to put the nhs restart plan at l have to put the nhs restart plan at the heart of our covid recovery, which means having a cancer restart plan, rapid diagnosis centres, catch

up plan, rapid diagnosis centres, catch up on the missed diagnoses we've had across the country, investing in mental health services. on 25,000 occasions during this pandemic, one of ourfellow occasions during this pandemic, one of our fellow citizens has built up the courage, picked up the phone, call the crisis mental health service and the call has gone unanswered. it has devastating consequences for people across the country. let's invest in mental health services, put them in gp practices, college and university campuses across the country as well as classrooms if we are going to handle the pandemic that is coming. and alongside that, let's resource the workforce. they were under rule valued and over want before the pandemic, and even more now. i welcome the pay rise for nhs staff. we have to give social care staff a pay rise and we have to invest in the workforce so we have more of them so they are not overworked and overstretched. that's what we should dedicate our politics to win the next six weeks and it is the kind of

parliament we need to have in the next five years.— next five years. douglas ross, do ou have next five years. douglas ross, do you have a _ next five years. douglas ross, do you have a realistic _ next five years. douglas ross, do you have a realistic plan - next five years. douglas ross, do you have a realistic plan to - next five years. douglas ross, do you have a realistic plan to help l you have a realistic plan to help deal with the backlog, and what would you for nhs staff as a pay rise? i would you for nhs staff as a pay rise? ., ., ., ,, ,., rise? i want to thank everyone in the nhs who _ rise? i want to thank everyone in the nhs who have _ rise? i want to thank everyone in the nhs who have gone - rise? i want to thank everyone in the nhs who have gone above i rise? i want to thank everyone in i the nhs who have gone above and beyond _ the nhs who have gone above and beyond in — the nhs who have gone above and beyond in the last 12 months. they have always been there for us but even _ have always been there for us but even more — have always been there for us but even more so during this pandemic. yest _ even more so during this pandemic. yes. we _ even more so during this pandemic. yes. we are — even more so during this pandemic. yes, we are coming close to 10,000 lives being _ yes, we are coming close to 10,000 lives being lost here in scotland as a result _ lives being lost here in scotland as a result of— lives being lost here in scotland as a result of covid—19, and that's a figure _ a result of covid—19, and that's a figure that — a result of covid—19, and that's a figure that shames us all. that is 10,000 _ figure that shames us all. that is 10,000 families and friends who have lost loved _ 10,000 families and friends who have lost loved ones, but it would have been _ lost loved ones, but it would have been higher if it had not been for the incredible efforts of our nhs staff _ the incredible efforts of our nhs staff we — the incredible efforts of our nhs staff. we do need to look at the problems— staff. we do need to look at the problems in the nhs right now but also the _ problems in the nhs right now but also the problems before covid—19. this is— also the problems before covid—19. this is not— also the problems before covid—19. this is not a — also the problems before covid—19. this is not a new issue, we had issues — this is not a new issue, we had issues before the pandemic hit. we had hospitals being built by the snp that couldn't accept any patients, and it— that couldn't accept any patients, and it all— that couldn't accept any patients, and it all goes back to when a government is focused on one issue, such as _ government is focused on one issue, such as a _ government is focused on one issue, such as a referendum, they are not focused _ such as a referendum, they are not focused on — such as a referendum, they are not focused on our nhs, not focused on standing _ focused on our nhs, not focused on

standing up — focused on our nhs, not focused on standing up nhs staff, on getting down _ standing up nhs staff, on getting down treatment times. the treatment time guarantee that nicola sturgeon's government introduced has never— sturgeon's government introduced has never been _ sturgeon's government introduced has never been met while she has been first minister of scotland. to quickly— first minister of scotland. to quickly go back to a couple of pointsm _ quickly go back to a couple of oints. .. , a quickly go back to a couple of oints... , a , quickly go back to a couple of points- - -_ quickly go back to a couple of oints... , a , ., .. points... let me pick up on one thing just _ points... let me pick up on one thing just now. _ points... let me pick up on one thing just now. anas _ points... let me pick up on one thing just now. anas sarwar - points... let me pick up on one | thing just now. anas sarwar said points... let me pick up on one - thing just now. anas sarwar said he welcomed a 1t% pay rise the scottish government is offering. what would the tories offer? i government is offering. what would the tories offer?— the tories offer? i welcome the pay rise for our — the tories offer? i welcome the pay rise for our nhs _ the tories offer? i welcome the pay rise for our nhs staff... _ the tories offer? i welcome the pay rise for our nhs staff... so, - the tories offer? i welcome the pay rise for our nhs staff... so, that i rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain _ rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain if— rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain if there _ rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain if there is _ rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain if there is a - rise for our nhs staff... so, that will remain if there is a tory - will remain if there is a tory government after this election? latte government after this election? we have to remember that throughout the pandemic— have to remember that throughout the pandemic are nhs staff did incredible work, but also did many key workers. police officers, teachers. _ key workers. police officers, teachers, and they have done great work as— teachers, and they have done great work as well. that's why i want to id work as well. that's why i want to go back— work as well. that's why i want to go back to — work as well. that's why i want to go back to nicola sturgeon's point, because _ go back to nicola sturgeon's point, because she said how she has been helping _ because she said how she has been helping young people. did really helping young people. did really help young people who have been out of school _ help young people who have been out of school for the last year to offer a free _ of school for the last year to offer a free device at the start of an election— a free device at the start of an election campaign rather than at the start a _ election campaign rather than at the start a pandemic? we election campaign rather than at the start a pandemic?— election campaign rather than at the

start a pandemic? we focused at the start a pandemic? we focused at the start getting — start a pandemic? we focused at the start getting free _ start a pandemic? we focused at the start getting free devices _ start a pandemic? we focused at the start getting free devices and - start getting free devices and internet connections to those most internet connections to those most in need. there was an audit that found there were 70,000 young people who needed devices but didn't have them, and we provided to make available so farjust them, and we provided to make available so far just short them, and we provided to make available so farjust short of 70,000 devices. rightly or improperly, those devices have been delivered to people in need. rightly improperly at the start of the pandemic we focused on those most in need, but looking ahead, we think it is like that every young person, regardless of background, in the way that i got a jotter and a pencil at school, gets a device. the question that zach asked what about the nhs. before directly answering the question, in terms of before covid, when i stood here five years ago, it doesn't feel like it, i committed to us investing £500 million in real terms in the nhs over the life of this parliament, and we have done three times that, not including the

covid investment, so that's a sign of the way we were investing, reforming, integrating health and social care to start to bring down waiting times. covid struck and has had a devastating impact on the ability of our nhs. it has performed magnificently. do we have a plan because mike i have not been on the campaign trail today but thinking about these very things. right now, we are working on the plans to bring to bear temporary operating facilities, mobile units, to very quickly, oras facilities, mobile units, to very quickly, or as quickly as possible, bring down the backlog. now, we have six permanent elective centres in train. we are planning, and there are three that will be operational by the end of may this year, fast—track cancer diagnostic centres. one of the problems with diagnosis is that many people are not diagnosed early enough, so these centres will look at people who have

nonstandard symptoms of cancer to try to get diagnosis more quickly. the point i'm making is that, for me, this is notjust about plans to put forward at an election, it is work that is under way as we speak right now. work that is under way as we speak ritht now. work that is under way as we speak rithtnow. , ., right now. there were supposed to have been two _ right now. there were supposed to have been two specialist _ right now. there were supposed to have been two specialist cancer- have been two specialist cancer centres opened already, which could have answered anas. latte centres opened already, which could have answered anas._ have answered anas. we said they would be open _ have answered anas. we said they would be open at _ have answered anas. we said they would be open at the _ have answered anas. we said they would be open at the end - have answered anas. we said they would be open at the end of- have answered anas. we said they would be open at the end of may, | have answered anas. we said they i would be open at the end of may, and we have gone from two to three, and over the parliament, it is our intention to have one in every health board area.— intention to have one in every health board area. cancer research uk say there _ health board area. cancer research uk say there will— health board area. cancer research uk say there will be _ health board area. cancer research uk say there will be 7000 - uk say there will be 7000 undiagnosed councils across the country — undiagnosed councils across the country. 7000 of our fellow citizens who have _ country. 7000 of our fellow citizens who have cancer don't know they have it, who have cancer don't know they have it. can't _ who have cancer don't know they have it. can't stop — who have cancer don't know they have it, can't stop their treatment and we know— it, can't stop their treatment and we know there is a link between speed _ we know there is a link between speed of— we know there is a link between speed of diagnosis, start of treatment and survival rates. i've not heard — treatment and survival rates. i've not heard the first minister response of the point i made about not treating secondary or tertiary cancers — not treating secondary or tertiary cancers it — not treating secondary or tertiary cancers. it is completely unacceptable. we cannot have people

not getting basic cancer treatment. i not getting basic cancer treatment. i know— not getting basic cancer treatment. i know covid has presented challenges and i am not disputing that~ _ challenges and i am not disputing that the — challenges and i am not disputing that. the nhs have gone above and beyond. _ that. the nhs have gone above and beyond, but cancer remains scotland's biggest killer. absolutely. to go to the first point about tertiary cancers, that is not acceptable. it is part of the re—mobilisation plans under way. in terms of undiagnosed cancer is, we have had for the last few years a detect cancer early programme. the fast track centres are part of the next phase of that. we had to pause screening because of covid. they have all restarted, so people are starting. public health scotland have published figures today showing an increase in the most recent three months of urgent cancer referrals, so 15% up on the previous three months, still a bit below levels before covid, but the recovery is under way. before covid, but the recovery is underway. it before covid, but the recovery is under way. it is important for all of us to get across that anybody who has worries about symptoms that could be indicative of cancer should come forward because the nhs is

open. come forward because the nhs is oen. .. come forward because the nhs is o len- ., ., come forward because the nhs is oen. ., ., , come forward because the nhs is open-_ that - come forward because the nhs is open-_ that is - come forward because the nhs is open._ that is part i come forward because the nhs is' open._ that is part of open. not for mary. that is part of the re-mobilisation _ open. not for mary. that is part of the re-mobilisation that _ open. not for mary. that is part of the re-mobilisation that we - open. not for mary. that is part of the re-mobilisation that we need i open. not for mary. that is part of. the re-mobilisation that we need to the re—mobilisation that we need to get under way under accelerate. it does take time. our nhs, the pressure from covid, thankfully, is now easing, and that's why we have to keep covid under control, to make sure our beds and intensive care capacity are not overly consumed by covid, but as the pressure eases, we can start to re—mobilise. taking account, of course, that many of those working in our nhs would have done such a magnificentjob are tired and exhausted and traumatised by covid and we need to support them as we go into the re—mobilisation. let's go to a leak in the audience. that's like a member of the audience. i that's like a member of the audience-— that's like a member of the audience. ., ., , ., , audience. i have a personal interest as a trans- — audience. i have a personal interest as a trans- woman. _ audience. i have a personal interest as a trans- woman. trans- - audience. i have a personal interest| as a trans- woman. trans- specialist as a trans— woman. trans— specialist waiting _ as a trans— woman. trans— specialist waiting lists — as a trans— woman. trans— specialist waiting lists have _ as a trans— woman. trans— specialist waiting lists have increased - as a trans— woman. trans— specialist waiting lists have increased during i waiting lists have increased during covid _ waiting lists have increased during covid gender— waiting lists have increased during covid. gender identity— waiting lists have increased during covid. gender identity clinics - waiting lists have increased during covid. gender identity clinics are l covid. gender identity clinics are one of—

covid. gender identity clinics are one of the — covid. gender identity clinics are one of the most _ covid. gender identity clinics are one of the most underfunded - covid. gender identity clinics are i one of the most underfunded parts covid. gender identity clinics are - one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs _ one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and — one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and i— one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and i wonder— one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and i wonder if— one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and i wonder if the _ one of the most underfunded parts of the nhs and i wonder if the panel- the nhs and i wonder if the panel had any— the nhs and i wonder if the panel had any comments _ the nhs and i wonder if the panel had any comments on _ the nhs and i wonder if the panel had any comments on how- the nhs and i wonder if the panel had any comments on how to - the nhs and i wonder if the panel. had any comments on how to speed the nhs and i wonder if the panel- had any comments on how to speed up waiting _ had any comments on how to speed up waiting lists, _ had any comments on how to speed up waiting lists, especially— had any comments on how to speed up waiting lists, especially in _ had any comments on how to speed up waiting lists, especially in transit - waiting lists, especially in transit health— waiting lists, especially in transit health care _ waiting lists, especially in transit health care-— health care. willie rennie? absolutely. _ health care. willie rennie? absolutely, it _ health care. willie rennie? absolutely, it needs - health care. willie rennie? absolutely, it needs to - health care. willie rennie? - absolutely, it needs to improve. it is not good enough. it needs to have parity with the rest of the nhs, and it needs that support. i can give you that commitment that i will argue for that to happen. there's no pretending that the pandemic has knocked our nhs sideways. it has created massive waiting lists, so how do we deal with the? at the fundamental end, we need to make sure that primary care has the proper investment. we need to have mental health services that are up to scratch because they put huge pressure on the nhs. we also need to make sure we never go back to the days of massive delayed discharge. people were stock in hospital because there wasn't a social care place in the community, so we need to get social care up and running. then we need to put the professionals in charge of setting

the targets and the ambitions for dealing with the backlog of operations. they are best placed to meet the targets, set the targets, use the new technology that has been made available now, technology that the nhs are using extension now, saving a huge amount of time and effort, meaning more people can get access to services. we need to use technology, use the professionals, make sure that mental health services are up to scratch so they are not putting pressure on the rest of the nhs. the social care sector, never go back to the way we were, but we also need to recognise that the pandemic has been huge. it will not be a quick fix, but we need to make the investment so that we can never go back to the situation. one more thing — we were promised that nobody would wait longer than 12 weeks. it was a legal guarantee, agreed by the first minister when she was health secretary. that has been breached 300,000 times. 380,000

times. but been breached 300,000 times. 380,000 times- but that — been breached 300,000 times. 380,000 times. but that was _ been breached 300,000 times. 380,000 times. but that was before _ been breached 300,000 times. 380,000 times. but that was before the _ times. but that was before the pandemic- _ times. but that was before the pandemic. that _ times. but that was before the pandemic. that is _ times. but that was before the i pandemic. that is unacceptable. times. but that was before the - pandemic. that is unacceptable. the nhs was running on hot before that came along and it can never be allowed to happen again, which is why we need to focus on putting the nhs first. �* , why we need to focus on putting the nhs first. �*, ., ., ., nhs first. let's hear from david on the panel- — nhs first. let's hear from david on the panel. good _ nhs first. let's hear from david on the panel. good evening. - nhs first. let's hear from david on the panel. good evening. money. nhs first. let's hear from david on i the panel. good evening. money will be ti . ht for the panel. good evening. money will be tight for the _ the panel. good evening. money will be tight for the next _ the panel. good evening. money will be tight for the next parliament - be tight for the next parliament anyway — be tight for the next parliament anyway. the _ be tight for the next parliament anyway. the entire _ be tight for the next parliament anyway. the entire economy. be tight for the next parliamenti anyway. the entire economy has be tight for the next parliament - anyway. the entire economy has been thrown _ anyway. the entire economy has been thrown at _ anyway. the entire economy has been thrown at the — anyway. the entire economy has been thrown at the recovery— anyway. the entire economy has been thrown at the recovery so _ anyway. the entire economy has been thrown at the recovery so far - thrown at the recovery so far against — thrown at the recovery so far against covid. _ thrown at the recovery so far against covid. wouldn't - thrown at the recovery so far against covid. wouldn't it. thrown at the recovery so far against covid. wouldn't it bej against covid. wouldn't it be better, — against covid. wouldn't it be better, just _ against covid. wouldn't it be better, just imagine - against covid. wouldn't it be better, just imagine how- against covid. wouldn't it be i better, just imagine how much against covid. wouldn't it be - better, just imagine how much we could _ better, just imagine how much we could accomplish _ better, just imagine how much we could accomplish if _ better, just imagine how much we could accomplish if we _ better, just imagine how much we could accomplish if we all - better, just imagine how much we could accomplish if we all came i could accomplish if we all came together, — could accomplish if we all came together, if— could accomplish if we all came together, if we _ could accomplish if we all came together, if we targeted - could accomplish if we all came together, if we targeted the - together, if we targeted the hospitals _ together, if we targeted the hospitals with— together, if we targeted the hospitals with the _ together, if we targeted the hospitals with the money. together, if we targeted the i hospitals with the money that together, if we targeted the - hospitals with the money that would otherwise _ hospitals with the money that would otherwise be — hospitals with the money that would otherwise be spent— hospitals with the money that would otherwise be spent on— hospitals with the money that would otherwise be spent on setting - hospitals with the money that would otherwise be spent on setting up - hospitals with the money that would otherwise be spent on setting up an| otherwise be spent on setting up an independent — otherwise be spent on setting up an independent scotland, _ otherwise be spent on setting up an independent scotland, the - otherwise be spent on setting up an independent scotland, the builders| independent scotland, the builders that would — independent scotland, the builders that would be — independent scotland, the builders that would be spent, _ independent scotland, the builders that would be spent, targeting - that would be spent, targeting education. _ that would be spent, targeting education, targeting _ that would be spent, targeting education, targeting hospitals| that would be spent, targeting - education, targeting hospitals and social— education, targeting hospitals and social care — education, targeting hospitals and social care and _ education, targeting hospitals and social care and mental— education, targeting hospitals and social care and mental health, - education, targeting hospitals and social care and mental health, asi social care and mental health, as other— social care and mental health, as other panellists— social care and mental health, as other panellists and _ social care and mental health, as other panellists and people - social care and mental health, as other panellists and people are i other panellists and people are saying? — other panellists and people are saying? why— other panellists and people are saying? why do _ other panellists and people are saying? why do we _ other panellists and people are saying? why do we have - other panellists and people are saying? why do we have to - other panellists and people arel saying? why do we have to look forward — saying? why do we have to look forward to — saying? why do we have to look forward to going _ saying? why do we have to look forward to going back— saying? why do we have to look forward to going back to - saying? why do we have to look forward to going back to the - saying? why do we have to look forward to going back to the old j forward to going back to the old ways? _ forward to going back to the old ways? it's—

forward to going back to the old ways? it's time. _ forward to going back to the old ways? it's time. for— forward to going back to the old ways? it's time. for me, - forward to going back to the old i ways? it's time. for me, education is the _ ways? it's time. for me, education is the silver— ways? it's time. for me, education is the silver bullet. _ ways? it's time. for me, education is the silver bullet. it _ ways? it's time. for me, education is the silver bullet. it is _ is the silver bullet. it is everything _ is the silver bullet. it is everything. it— is the silver bullet. it is everything. it doesn't l is the silver bullet. it is - everything. it doesn't need is the silver bullet. it is _ everything. it doesn't need massive changes, _ everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but— everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but that _ everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but that can _ everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but that can only - everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but that can only be - everything. it doesn't need massive changes, but that can only be done | changes, but that can only be done when _ changes, but that can only be done when we _ changes, but that can only be done when we have _ changes, but that can only be done when we have the _ changes, but that can only be done when we have the entire _ changes, but that can only be done when we have the entire attentioni changes, but that can only be done i when we have the entire attention of the government— when we have the entire attention of the government on— when we have the entire attention of the government on fixing _ when we have the entire attention of the government on fixing this. - when we have the entire attention of the government on fixing this. it - the government on fixing this. it won't _ the government on fixing this. it won't take — the government on fixing this. it won't take five _ the government on fixing this. it won't take five years _ the government on fixing this. it won't take five years or- the government on fixing this. it won't take five years or ten - the government on fixing this. it. won't take five years or ten years, it will— won't take five years or ten years, it will take — won't take five years or ten years, it will take much _ won't take five years or ten years, it will take much longer. - lorna. i disagree about there being a shortate lorna. i disagree about there being a shortage of— lorna. i disagree about there being a shortage of money. _ lorna. i disagree about there being a shortage of money. every - lorna. i disagree about there being a shortage of money. every singlel a shortage of money. every single party is committed to an investment led recovery but what are we investing in? we know in westminster borisjohnson can investing in? we know in westminster boris johnson can find investing in? we know in westminster borisjohnson can find the money to buy nuclear weapons and a new plane with more union jacks buy nuclear weapons and a new plane with more unionjacks on it, but he couldn't find the money to give nurses a fair pay rise. only 1%. i'm delighted to hear anas sarwar approves of the pay rise of the scottish greens. we need to work together and agree on policy. i'm also glad to hear there is

cross—party consensus for a national care service, this will absolutely reduce the pressure on the nhs and allow it to help recover from this pandemic. i think the voters like to see when parties work together on policies like a national care service that will benefit everybody and i very much look forward to doing that in the next parliament. let's hear from our doing that in the next parliament. let's hearfrom our audience. goad let's hear from our audience. good evenina. let's hear from our audience. good evening- first _ let's hear from our audience. good evening. first of _ let's hear from our audience. good evening. first of all _ let's hear from our audience. good evening. first of all thank - let's hear from our audience. good evening. first of all thank you - let's hear from our audience. (ems evening. first of all thank you for having me tonight, it is the first time i'm going to be voting and this is thanks to the change... and only one party is against people like us having the right to vote and i don't know why. having the right to vote and i don't know wh . ~ , .. having the right to vote and i don't knowwh .~ having the right to vote and i don't knowwh. , ~ know why. when you say people like us, do ou know why. when you say people like us. do you mean _ know why. when you say people like us, do you mean citizens _ know why. when you say people like us, do you mean citizens of - know why. when you say people like us, do you mean citizens of the - us, do you mean citizens of the european union? find us, do you mean citizens of the european union?— us, do you mean citizens of the european union? and it was the conservatives, _ european union? and it was the conservatives, the _ european union? and it was the conservatives, the party - european union? and it was the conservatives, the party that i conservatives, the party that doesn't trust me, they voted against

us having the right to vote. democracy is very important for me. i am from chile and lived under the dictatorship so the question of having the right to vote and decide our future for me is having the right to vote and decide ourfuture for me is not having the right to vote and decide our future for me is not the drama. i don't like politicians telling the people who don't want a referendum, many do want a referendum. in order to give questions all of you can answer about how much you really want to work together, my question is, well you agree in the next parliament term to vote forward a basic income for everyone in this country so that we can start the recovery in equal terms? and also, what are your priorities... the

climate is not a game and we need answers from you guys to see what you are committed to do in this parliament. you are committed to do in this parliament-— you are committed to do in this parliament. ., ,, , ., , . ., parliament. thank you very much for that, we parliament. thank you very much for that. we will— parliament. thank you very much for that, we will run _ parliament. thank you very much for that, we will run round _ parliament. thank you very much for that, we will run round the _ parliament. thank you very much for that, we will run round the panel- that, we will run round the panel quickly. it's a huge topic, universal basic income which is a proposal the government guarantees an income to every citizen so let's go for yes no. an income to every citizen so let's go for yes no— go for yes no. no, i've looked at what the joseph _ go for yes no. no, i've looked at what the joseph rowntree - go for yes no. no, i've looked at - what the joseph rowntree foundation what thejoseph rowntree foundation and others have said and i'm not convinced on the argument, but i am convinced... convinced on the argument, but i am convinced- - -— convinced... that is an answer, lorna. convinced... that is an answer, lorna- the _ convinced... that is an answer, lorna. the scottish _ convinced... that is an answer, lorna. the scottish greens - convinced... that is an answer, lorna. the scottish greens are| lorna. the scottish greens are committed _ lorna. the scottish greens are committed to _ lorna. the scottish greens are committed to working - lorna. the scottish greens are committed to working towards j lorna. the scottish greens are i committed to working towards a universal— committed to working towards a universal basic income.- committed to working towards a universal basic income. yes, and we art ued for universal basic income. yes, and we argued for it — universal basic income. yes, and we argued for it through _ universal basic income. yes, and we argued for it through the _ universal basic income. yes, and we argued for it through the pandemic. argued for it through the pandemic which _ argued for it through the pandemic which would — argued for it through the pandemic which would be _ argued for it through the pandemic which would be an _ argued for it through the pandemic which would be an ideal— argued for it through the pandemic which would be an ideal time - argued for it through the pandemic which would be an ideal time to. which would be an ideal time to pilot— which would be an ideal time to pilot it — which would be an ideal time to pilot it to— which would be an ideal time to pilot it to make _ which would be an ideal time to pilot it to make sure _ which would be an ideal time to pilot it to make sure no- which would be an ideal time to pilot it to make sure no one - which would be an ideal time to| pilot it to make sure no one was left behind _ pilot it to make sure no one was left behind. thousands - pilot it to make sure no one was left behind. thousands of- pilot it to make sure no one was| left behind. thousands of people missed _ left behind. thousands of people missed out— left behind. thousands of people missed out on— left behind. thousands of people missed out on support, - left behind. thousands of people missed out on support, this- left behind. thousands of peoplei missed out on support, this could have _ missed out on support, this could have solved — missed out on support, this could have solved that. _ missed out on support, this could have solved that. i— missed out on support, this could have solved that.— have solved that. i support trials, and the pandemic—

have solved that. i support trials, and the pandemic was _ have solved that. i support trials, and the pandemic was a - have solved that. i support trials, and the pandemic was a perfect i and the pandemic was a perfect opportunity to trial it across the country. opportunity to trial it across the count . ~ . . opportunity to trial it across the count . ~ .,, opportunity to trial it across the country-- we _ opportunity to trial it across the country.- we have - opportunity to trial it across the country.- we have been| country. was it? we have been sopporting _ country. was it? we have been sopporting some _ country. was it? we have been supporting some local - country. was it? we have been i supporting some local authorities country. was it? we have been - supporting some local authorities to explore _ supporting some local authorities to explore it _ supporting some local authorities to explore it. i'm very supportive of it and _ explore it. i'm very supportive of it and the — explore it. i'm very supportive of it and the pandemic has made me more supportive _ it and the pandemic has made me more supportive of— it and the pandemic has made me more supportive of it. without full control— supportive of it. without full control over tax and social security you cannot — control over tax and social security you cannot do it fully in scotland but without giving away my manifesto we will _ but without giving away my manifesto we will set _ but without giving away my manifesto we will set out how we will try to take some — we will set out how we will try to take some steps towards that even within— take some steps towards that even within the — take some steps towards that even within the powers of parliament currently — within the powers of parliament currently has. the point about working — currently has. the point about working together is an important one _ working together is an important one as — working together is an important one. as first minister, with the exception — one. as first minister, with the exception of the conservatives who never _ exception of the conservatives who never want — exception of the conservatives who never want to work with us, we have worked _ never want to work with us, we have worked with — never want to work with us, we have worked with all the parties here. we have worked with the liberals and -ot have worked with the liberals and got more — have worked with the liberals and got more money for mental health, we have worked _ got more money for mental health, we have worked with one and a sour's colleagues — have worked with one and a sour's colleagues to get free period products are working together is a good _ products are working together is a good thing and we have changed the law so— good thing and we have changed the law so everybody who is legally resident — law so everybody who is legally resident in scotland gets the chance to vote _ resident in scotland gets the chance to vote i_ resident in scotland gets the chance to vote. i think that is a sign of the open. _ to vote. i think that is a sign of the open, inclusive country that we

are. the open, inclusive country that we are~ l _ the open, inclusive country that we are. .. �* ., ., .. ~ the open, inclusive country that we are. ., �* ., ., ., ~ ., are. i don't want to work with a -a are. i don't want to work with a party that _ are. i don't want to work with a party that is — are. i don't want to work with a party that is going _ are. i don't want to work with a party that is going to _ are. i don't want to work with a party that is going to separate l are. i don't want to work with a i party that is going to separate our country. _ party that is going to separate our country. divide _ party that is going to separate our country, divide families _ party that is going to separate our country, divide families and - country, divide families and communities— country, divide families and communities all— country, divide families and communities all over- country, divide families andj communities all over again. country, divide families and - communities all over again. david was saying — communities all over again. david was saying this _ communities all over again. david was saying this is _ communities all over again. david was saying this is a _ communities all over again. david was saying this is a risk— communities all over again. david was saying this is a risk for- communities all over again. david was saying this is a risk for the i was saying this is a risk for the next _ was saying this is a risk for the next five — was saying this is a risk for the next five years _ was saying this is a risk for the next five years that _ was saying this is a risk for the next five years that we - was saying this is a risk for the next five years that we are - next five years that we are dominated _ next five years that we are dominated by _ next five years that we are dominated by this - next five years that we are - dominated by this constitutional politics — dominated by this constitutional politics trite _ dominated by this constitutional olitics. ~ ., dominated by this constitutional olitics. . ., , politics. we can disagree and still manated politics. we can disagree and still managed to _ politics. we can disagree and still managed to work _ politics. we can disagree and still managed to work together. - politics. we can disagree and still| managed to work together. nicola sturt eon managed to work together. nicola sturgeon has _ managed to work together. nicola sturgeon has said _ managed to work together. nicola sturgeon has said again _ managed to work together. nicola sturgeon has said again tonight i managed to work together. nicola sturgeon has said again tonight she wants— sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a _ sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a referendum _ sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a referendum in _ sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a referendum in the - sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a referendum in the next - sturgeon has said again tonight she wants a referendum in the next two years _ wants a referendum in the next two years when — wants a referendum in the next two years when we _ wants a referendum in the next two years when we are _ wants a referendum in the next two years when we are still _ wants a referendum in the next two years when we are still dealing - wants a referendum in the next two years when we are still dealing with this pandemic, _ years when we are still dealing with this pandemic, still— years when we are still dealing with this pandemic, still trying _ years when we are still dealing with this pandemic, still trying to- this pandemic, still trying to recover— this pandemic, still trying to recover our— this pandemic, still trying to recover our economy, - this pandemic, still trying to recover our economy, and i this pandemic, still trying to. recover our economy, and she this pandemic, still trying to- recover our economy, and she has said the _ recover our economy, and she has said the snp— recover our economy, and she has said the snp will— recover our economy, and she has said the snp will take _ recover our economy, and she has said the snp will take us - recover our economy, and she has said the snp will take us forward i said the snp will take us forward into another— said the snp will take us forward into another independence - said the snp will take us forward - into another independence referendum if they— into another independence referendum if they get— into another independence referendum if they get that — into another independence referendum if they get that majority. _ into another independence referendum if they get that majority. the _ into another independence referendum if they get that majority. the final - if they get that majority. the final point _ if they get that majority. the final point i _ if they get that majority. the final point i was — if they get that majority. the final point i was going _ if they get that majority. the final point i was going to _ if they get that majority. the final point i was going to say— if they get that majority. the final point i was going to say is - if they get that majority. the final point i was going to say is nicolai point i was going to say is nicola sturgeon — point i was going to say is nicola sturgeon was _ point i was going to say is nicola sturgeon was also _ point i was going to say is nicola sturgeon was also saying - point i was going to say is nicola sturgeon was also saying look. point i was going to say is nicolai sturgeon was also saying look out for what _ sturgeon was also saying look out for what is — sturgeon was also saying look out for what is going _ sturgeon was also saying look out for what is going to _ sturgeon was also saying look out for what is going to be _ sturgeon was also saying look out for what is going to be in - sturgeon was also saying look out for what is going to be in her- for what is going to be in her manifesto, _ for what is going to be in her manifesto, and _ for what is going to be in her manifesto, and i— for what is going to be in her manifesto, and i will- for what is going to be in her| manifesto, and i will because for what is going to be in her. manifesto, and i will because i for what is going to be in her- manifesto, and i will because i will look at _ manifesto, and i will because i will look at what — manifesto, and i will because i will look at what it _ manifesto, and i will because i will look at what it is _ manifesto, and i will because i will look at what it is going _ manifesto, and i will because i will look at what it is going to - manifesto, and i will because i will look at what it is going to say- look at what it is going to say about— look at what it is going to say about council— look at what it is going to say about council tax. _ look at what it is going to say about council tax. we - look at what it is going to say about council tax.— look at what it is going to say about council tax. we have frozen council tax- _ about council tax. we have frozen counciltax. in _ about council tax. we have frozen counciltax. in england _ about council tax. we have frozen counciltax. in england later- about council tax. we have frozen counciltax. in england later this. council tax. in england later this week, the average... plot counciltax. in england later this week, the average. . ._ counciltax. in england later this week, the average... not come from the audience —

week, the average... not come from the audience and... _ week, the average... not come from the audience and... no, _ week, the average... not come from the audience and... no, no, - week, the average... not come from the audience and... no, no, we - week, the average... not come from the audience and... no, no, we will. the audience and... no, no, we will move on. than the audience and... no, no, we will move on-— move on. an average of 496, in scotland it _ move on. an average of 496, in scotland it is _ move on. an average of 496, in scotland it is frozen _ move on. an average of 496, in scotland it is frozen in - move on. an average of 496, in scotland it is frozen in every i scotland it is frozen in every single council area.- scotland it is frozen in every single council area. why are people still -a in: single council area. why are people still paying council— single council area. why are people still paying council tax? _ single council area. why are people still paying council tax? we - single council area. why are people still paying council tax? we are - still paying council tax? we are freezin: still paying council tax? we are freezing council _ still paying council tax? we are freezing council tax _ still paying council tax? we are freezing council tax this - still paying council tax? we are freezing council tax this year, i still paying council tax? we are i freezing council tax this year, why is your party increasing it in the middle of a pandemic?- is your party increasing it in the middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear ou if middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear you if you _ middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear you if you all _ middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear you if you all speak _ middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear you if you all speak over - middle of a pandemic? nobody can hear you if you all speak over each | hear you if you all speak over each other, it's doing no service to the voters at all. once we finish here at nine o'clock, you will be able to see an analysis of everything being discussed. and take part in tonight's discussion on social media — use the hashtag #bbcleadersdebate. as glasgow prepares to hold the cop 26 climate conference, what will you do to ensure scotland's contribution

will return to preindustrial levels? that is right up our alley, thank you for— that is right up our alley, thank you for asking. the climate crisis has got _ you for asking. the climate crisis has got to— you for asking. the climate crisis has got to be our number one concern and only— has got to be our number one concern and only the _ has got to be our number one concern and only the scottish greens have a plan, _ and only the scottish greens have a plan, have — and only the scottish greens have a plan, have the solutions to the climate — plan, have the solutions to the climate crisis. the situation is so serious _ climate crisis. the situation is so serious that _ climate crisis. the situation is so serious that we have do notjust dabble — serious that we have do notjust dabble around the corners, not make half— hearted attempts, we dabble around the corners, not make half—hearted attempts, we have dabble around the corners, not make half— hearted attempts, we have to do everything _ half— hearted attempts, we have to do everything all at once now. we have to drive _ everything all at once now. we have to drive emissions down to zero as quickly— to drive emissions down to zero as quickly as— to drive emissions down to zero as quickly as we are able to and at the same _ quickly as we are able to and at the same time — quickly as we are able to and at the same time absorb out of the atmosphere carbon that is already there _ atmosphere carbon that is already there and — atmosphere carbon that is already there and the best way to do that is by restoring scotland's natural landscapes, reforestation, making wetlands _ landscapes, reforestation, making wetlands healthy again. let's work together— wetlands healthy again. let's work together to do those things were driving _ together to do those things were driving down emissions is key and its policies — driving down emissions is key and its policies like the ones i mentioned before, massive investment in renewable energy, upgrading trains— in renewable energy, upgrading trains and homes. these are all policies — trains and homes. these are all policies that create jobs, boost the economy— policies that create jobs, boost the economy and reduce emissions. they are almost—

economy and reduce emissions. they are almost no—brainers. by putting these _ are almost no—brainers. by putting these things in place we can tackle these things in place we can tackle the climate crisis and make sure young _ the climate crisis and make sure young people like you have a future. douglas _ young people like you have a future. douglas ross, wearing your manifesto will you be talking about reducing global warming rates to preindustrial levels? iterate global warming rates to preindustrial levels? global warming rates to reindustrial levels? ~ ., preindustrial levels? we will hear warm words _ preindustrial levels? we will hear warm words from _ preindustrial levels? we will hear warm words from all— preindustrial levels? we will hear warm words from all the - preindustrial levels? we will hear warm words from all the parties i preindustrial levels? we will hear i warm words from all the parties but i warm words from all the parties but i also _ warm words from all the parties but i also think— warm words from all the parties but i also think we — warm words from all the parties but i also think we need _ warm words from all the parties but i also think we need to _ warm words from all the parties but i also think we need to see - warm words from all the parties but i also think we need to see action i i also think we need to see action because _ i also think we need to see action because it — i also think we need to see action because it is _ i also think we need to see action because it is action _ i also think we need to see action because it is action that - i also think we need to see action because it is action that my- i also think we need to see action because it is action that my son's| because it is action that my son's generation— because it is action that my son's generation will— because it is action that my son's generation will expect _ because it is action that my son's generation will expect from - because it is action that my son's generation will expect from this i generation will expect from this generation— generation will expect from this generation of— generation will expect from this generation of politicians - generation will expect from this generation of politicians to - generation will expect from thisl generation of politicians to leave this country— generation of politicians to leave this country and _ generation of politicians to leave this country and our— generation of politicians to leave | this country and our environment generation of politicians to leave i this country and our environment in a better— this country and our environment in a better state — this country and our environment in a better state than _ this country and our environment in a better state than we _ this country and our environment in a better state than we got - this country and our environment in a better state than we got it - this country and our environment in a better state than we got it in - this country and our environment in a better state than we got it in and| a better state than we got it in and that's— a better state than we got it in and that's why— a better state than we got it in and that's why we _ a better state than we got it in and that's why we believe _ a better state than we got it in and that's why we believe you - a better state than we got it in and that's why we believe you have - a better state than we got it in and that's why we believe you have got to work— that's why we believe you have got to work together _ that's why we believe you have got to work together collaboratively i that's why we believe you have goti to work together collaboratively and constructively — to work together collaboratively and constructively. you _ to work together collaboratively and constructively.— constructively. you were 'ust saying ou constructively. you were 'ust saying youwouwn-t— constructively. you were 'ust saying you wouldn't work h constructively. you were 'ust saying you wouldn't work with h constructively. you were just saying you wouldn't work with any - constructively. you were just saying you wouldn't work with any party i you wouldn't work with any party that wanted a referendum. i thrill you wouldn't work with any party that wanted a referendum. i will not work with- -- — that wanted a referendum. i will not work with... even _ that wanted a referendum. i will not work with... even on _ that wanted a referendum. i will not work with... even on climate - that wanted a referendum. i will notl work with... even on climate change! and i ho -e work with... even on climate change! and i hope nicola _ work with... even on climate change! and i hope nicola sturgeon _ work with... even on climate change! and i hope nicola sturgeon will - work with... even on climate change! and i hope nicola sturgeon will work| and i hope nicola sturgeon will work with the _ and i hope nicola sturgeon will work with the uk— and i hope nicola sturgeon will work with the uk government _ and i hope nicola sturgeon will work with the uk government on - and i hope nicola sturgeon will work with the uk government on the - and i hope nicola sturgeon will work| with the uk government on the north sea transition — with the uk government on the north sea transition deal, _ with the uk government on the north sea transition deal, which _ with the uk government on the north sea transition deal, which would - sea transition deal, which would protect— sea transition deal, which would protectjobs_ sea transition deal, which would protectjobs and _ sea transition deal, which would protect jobs and the _ sea transition deal, which would i protect jobs and the environment, sea transition deal, which would - protectjobs and the environment, to transition _ protectjobs and the environment, to transition from — protectjobs and the environment, to transition from oil— protectjobs and the environment, to transition from oil and _ protectjobs and the environment, to transition from oil and gas _ protectjobs and the environment, to transition from oil and gas to - protectjobs and the environment, to transition from oil and gas to more i transition from oil and gas to more renewable — transition from oil and gas to more renewable forms _ transition from oil and gas to more renewable forms of— transition from oil and gas to more renewable forms of energy. -

transition from oil and gas to more renewable forms of energy. £16 i renewable forms of energy. £16 billion— renewable forms of energy. £16 billion going _ renewable forms of energy. £16 billion going to _ renewable forms of energy. £16 billion going to support - renewable forms of energy. £16 billion going to support that. i renewable forms of energy. £16 i billion going to support that. more mone for billion going to support that. more money for the _ billion going to support that. more money for the oil _ billion going to support that. more money for the oil and _ billion going to support that. money for the oil and gas billion going to support that.- money for the oil and gas companies. and you are still going to be giving out oil and gas licenses? we cannot keep emitting, there needs to be a plan to stop. keep emitting, there needs to be a plan to stop-— plan to stop. tens of thousands of 'obs plan to stop. tens of thousands of jobs protected _ plan to stop. tens of thousands of jobs protected with _ plan to stop. tens of thousands of jobs protected with the _ plan to stop. tens of thousands of jobs protected with the transition | jobs protected with the transition deal into— jobs protected with the transition deal into a more renewable energy, that is— deal into a more renewable energy, that is the _ deal into a more renewable energy, that is the type of action that can have _ that is the type of action that can have real, — that is the type of action that can have real, lasting effect, but those are the _ have real, lasting effect, but those are the types ofjobs that are under threat _ are the types ofjobs that are under threat with— are the types ofjobs that are under threat with nicola sturgeon. is threat with nicola sturgeon. [s it... threat with nicola sturgeon. it... at threat with nicola sturgeon. is it... at what point do you think we would stop extracting oil from the north sea? iterate would stop extracting oil from the north sea? ~ ., ., .. would stop extracting oil from the north sea?— would stop extracting oil from the north sea? ., ., ., ., ,, .. north sea? we have got to work for that transition _ north sea? we have got to work for that transition period. _ north sea? we have got to work for that transition period. within - north sea? we have got to work for that transition period. within the i that transition period. within the next parliament? _ that transition period. within the next parliament? oil— that transition period. within the next parliament? oil and - that transition period. within the next parliament? oil and gas - that transition period. within the - next parliament? oil and gas workers ritht now next parliament? oil and gas workers right now who — next parliament? oil and gas workers right now who have _ next parliament? oil and gas workers right now who have gone _ next parliament? oil and gas workers right now who have gone through - next parliament? oil and gas workers right now who have gone through a i right now who have gone through a lot in— right now who have gone through a lot in this _ right now who have gone through a lot in this pandemic... we understand _ lot in this pandemic... we understand the _ lot in this pandemic... a understand the problems with the industry, but for the climate's sake, at what point would we stop extracting? sake, at what point would we stop extractin: ? . �* . sake, at what point would we stop extracting?— extracting? that's why we are workin: extracting? that's why we are working with _ extracting? that's why we are working with the _ extracting? that's why we are working with the industry - extracting? that's why we are | working with the industry right extracting? that's why we are - working with the industry right now and that— working with the industry right now and that is— working with the industry right now and that is why the uk is the first country— and that is why the uk is the first

country in — and that is why the uk is the first country in the g7 to have this transition _ country in the g7 to have this transition deal. £16 billion to support— transition deal. £16 billion to support that transition while protecting vitaljobs that rely on it. protecting vital 'obs that rely on it. . ., , protecting vital 'obs that rely on it. . ., protecting vital 'obs that rely on it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out — it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out of— it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out of the _ it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out of the north _ it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out of the north sea - it. anas sarwar, can we continue to take oil out of the north sea and i take oil out of the north sea and have any hope of reducing global warming to preindustrial levels? this shows why this election is so important because let's notjust have a parliament that is against things, i don't support the referendum, but having an opposition that will try to push us towards a recovery, push us towards ideas that will make a better recovery, it is important. we cannotjust have a group of tories that want to talk about division and only shout about the constitution and put no ideas forward at all. i agree we have a failing government, but we also have a childish opposition. we need a better government and a better opposition. to the point about the green recovery, we have an opportunity in november when the world will be watching glasgow. it

is a huge economic opportunity for us that we need to grasp coming through covid so it helps our economic recovery but there is also a chance to recognise climate change does not see borders and we can be global leaders. i want us to come through cop 26 and agree the glasgow agreement, an historic agreement that shows the world is taking the climate emergency seriously. that means investment in greenjobs, investment in public transport, diversifying how we use transport across the country, investing in young people. our children will call us into question about what we did to challenge the climate emergency. our children are more alive to this than previous generations have ever been, we need to harness that energy and make sure cop 26 shows the best of glasgow and scotland. it is of glasgow and scotland. it is noticeable — of glasgow and scotland. it is noticeable amongst _ of glasgow and scotland. it is noticeable amongst our panel as many younger people have their hands up. danielle, you ask the question, what do you think so far? i’m

danielle, you ask the question, what do you think so far?— do you think so far? i'm a bit surprised _ do you think so far? i'm a bit surprised by _ do you think so far? i'm a bit surprised by douglas - do you think so far? i'm a bit surprised by douglas ross'sl surprised by douglas ross's response. i think to have an attitude like that towards the climate crisis will not get young people to believe in his party. i think anas sarwar has come across really well in his policies and commitment to listening to young people but i think there needs to be extreme action taken because as we said earlier, we don't have long to fix this problem and it cannot wait much longer. it needs to happen now. emily in our audience, what do you make of what you have heard? hi. i make of what you have heard? hi. i think it's quite _ make of what you have heard? h . i think it's quite shocking. we really need to do something because as young people we are scared about it. i was thinking that throughout my entire education i use single use plastic cutlery in contains, we have paper printouts that are just thrown away so i want to know what you would do to make schools more

environmentally friendly and sustainable.— environmentally friendly and sustainable. ., ,, ., ., sustainable. nicola sturgeon, a plan to reduce the _ sustainable. nicola sturgeon, a plan to reduce the global _ sustainable. nicola sturgeon, a plan to reduce the global rate _ sustainable. nicola sturgeon, a plan to reduce the global rate of- sustainable. nicola sturgeon, a planj to reduce the global rate of warming to reduce the global rate of warming to preindustrial levels. i thrill to reduce the global rate of warming to preindustrial levels.— to preindustrial levels. i will come onto that but _ to preindustrial levels. i will come onto that but can _ to preindustrial levels. i will come onto that but can i _ to preindustrial levels. i will come onto that but can i just _ to preindustrial levels. i will come onto that but can i just address i to preindustrial levels. i will come| onto that but can i just address the onto that but can ijust address the point _ onto that but can ijust address the point from — onto that but can ijust address the point from emily. i think young people — point from emily. i think young people are driving this and we want to the _ people are driving this and we want to the educating young people to be responsible citizens, and in my experience, they are the ones that will make — experience, they are the ones that will make people in my generation take action that is necessary. i'm not saying — take action that is necessary. i'm not saying this to rest on our laurels— not saying this to rest on our laurels because i think it should motivate — laurels because i think it should motivate others, scotland is already leading _ motivate others, scotland is already leading the world. we have reduced emissions, — leading the world. we have reduced emissions, 97% of our electricity already— emissions, 97% of our electricity already comes from renewable sources so we _ already comes from renewable sources so we should take that as motivation to go— so we should take that as motivation to go further. we have some of the most _ to go further. we have some of the most stretching targets in the world — most stretching targets in the world. we will end a contribution to climate _ world. we will end a contribution to climate change by becoming net zero emissions _ climate change by becoming net zero emissions by 2045 with a 75% reduction _ emissions by 2045 with a 75% reduction target by 2030, so we have -ot reduction target by 2030, so we have got to— reduction target by 2030, so we have got to take _ reduction target by 2030, so we have got to take the actions to meet those _ got to take the actions to meet those targets. we have got to match

what we _ those targets. we have got to match what we have done in electricity in other— what we have done in electricity in other areas. — what we have done in electricity in other areas, that means firstly decarbonising how we heat our homes. our manifesto will have a massive programme of investment proposed for decarbonising heat. we have got to do more _ decarbonising heat. we have got to do more to— decarbonising heat. we have got to do more to cut transport emissions. i do more to cut transport emissions. i want _ do more to cut transport emissions. i want to— do more to cut transport emissions. i want to see — do more to cut transport emissions. i want to see us reduce car kilometres by 20% at least by 2030, decarbonise our railways. one of our commitment is to take a railway into public— commitment is to take a railway into public ownership to help us to do that, _ public ownership to help us to do that, invest more in public transport. lorna is right about the natural— transport. lorna is right about the natural environment, more than 80% of all— natural environment, more than 80% of all the _ natural environment, more than 80% of all the trees planted in the uk are planted in scotland. we are investing — are planted in scotland. we are investing more in reforestation and restoring _ investing more in reforestation and restoring peat lands. in december last year— restoring peat lands. in december last year we published an updated climate _ last year we published an updated climate change plan with 100 new policies _ climate change plan with 100 new policies in — climate change plan with 100 new policies in that, 40 policies where we increased the scale of ambition. but this— we increased the scale of ambition. but this takes all of us to work together— but this takes all of us to work together and work with civic scotland and i will work with anybody _ scotland and i will work with anybody to make sure that we meet

that moral— anybody to make sure that we meet that moral obligation because it is a moral— that moral obligation because it is a moral obligation to end our contribution to climate change. we will talk to willie rennie about climate change, but first, let's hear from jim. climate change, but first, let's hearfromjim. hi. climate change, but first, let's hear from jim.— climate change, but first, let's hear from jim. ., ., hear from jim. hi. one of the topics about climate _ hear from jim. hi. one of the topics about climate change, _ hear from jim. hi. one of the topics about climate change, and - hear from jim. hi. one of the topics about climate change, and we - hear from jim. hi. one of the topics| about climate change, and we heard from the _ about climate change, and we heard from the greens— about climate change, and we heard from the greens about _ about climate change, and we heard from the greens about how- about climate change, and we heard from the greens about how they - about climate change, and we heard i from the greens about how they would want to _ from the greens about how they would want to stop _ from the greens about how they would want to stop oil — from the greens about how they would want to stop oil and _ from the greens about how they would want to stop oil and gas _ want to stop oil and gas exploration, _ want to stop oil and gas exploration, but - want to stop oil and gas exploration, but we - want to stop oil and gasi exploration, but we hear want to stop oil and gas - exploration, but we hear from all the parties — exploration, but we hear from all the parties about _ exploration, but we hear from all the parties about investing - exploration, but we hear from all the parties about investing in- the parties about investing in different— the parties about investing in different things, _ the parties about investing in different things, education, i the parties about investing in- different things, education, health, jobs _ different things, education, health, jobs but— different things, education, health, jobs but we— different things, education, health, jobs. but we don't _ different things, education, health, jobs. but we don't hear— different things, education, health, jobs. but we don't hear anything i jobs. but we don't hear anything from _ jobs. but we don't hear anything from any— jobs. but we don't hear anything from any of— jobs. but we don't hear anything from any of the _ jobs. but we don't hear anything from any of the parties - jobs. but we don't hear anything from any of the parties about. jobs. but we don't hear anything. from any of the parties about how they will— from any of the parties about how they will pay — from any of the parties about how they will pay for _ from any of the parties about how they will pay for it. _ from any of the parties about how they will pay for it. oil— from any of the parties about how they will pay for it. oil and - from any of the parties about how they will pay for it. oil and gas, i they will pay for it. oil and gas, despite — they will pay for it. oil and gas, despite the _ they will pay for it. oil and gas, despite the fact _ they will pay for it. oil and gas, despite the fact there _ they will pay for it. oil and gas, despite the fact there are - they will pay for it. oil and gas, | despite the fact there are issues around — despite the fact there are issues around about _ despite the fact there are issues around about the _ despite the fact there are issues around about the planet, - despite the fact there are issues - around about the planet, contributes significantly— around about the planet, contributes significantly to — around about the planet, contributes significantly to the _ around about the planet, contributes significantly to the scottish - significantly to the scottish economy, _ significantly to the scottish economy. so— significantly to the scottish economy, so how- significantly to the scottish economy, so how are - significantly to the scottish economy, so how are they| significantly to the scottish - economy, so how are they going to pay for— economy, so how are they going to pay for all— economy, so how are they going to pay for all the _ economy, so how are they going to pay for all the promises _ economy, so how are they going to pay for all the promises that - economy, so how are they going to pay for all the promises that the i pay for all the promises that the different— pay for all the promises that the different politicians _ pay for all the promises that the different politicians are - pay for all the promises that the | different politicians are making? let's _ different politicians are making? let's hear — different politicians are making? let's hear from _ different politicians are making? let's hear from marjorie - different politicians are making? let's hear from marjorie first. i different politicians are making? i let's hear from marjorie first. iiusit let's hear from mar'orie first. just to su ort let's hear from mar'orie first. just to support the — let's hear from marjorie first. just to support the previous comment, if we are _ to support the previous comment, if we are to _ to support the previous comment, if we are to take on board our share of

the public— we are to take on board our share of the public debt, the unprecedented public— the public debt, the unprecedented public debt that has come as a consequence of covid, in circumstances where we separate from the uk, _ circumstances where we separate from the uk, we _ circumstances where we separate from the uk, we would have to factor in that debt — the uk, we would have to factor in that debt to our future plans. without — that debt to our future plans. without any quarrel about the ambition— without any quarrel about the ambition of the plans, how does that square _ ambition of the plans, how does that square up _ ambition of the plans, how does that square up with paying off public debt that we would inherit for money that we _ debt that we would inherit for money that we have spent?— that we have spent? willie rennie, can we afford _ that we have spent? willie rennie, can we afford to _ that we have spent? willie rennie, can we afford to tackle _ that we have spent? willie rennie, can we afford to tackle climate - can we afford to tackle climate change? can we afford to tackle climate chance? . can we afford to tackle climate chance? , .. �* can we afford to tackle climate chance? , �* ., ., change? yes, we can't afford not to. we have had — change? yes, we can't afford not to. we have had a _ change? yes, we can't afford not to. we have had a national— change? yes, we can't afford not to. we have had a national purpose - we have had a national purpose through the pandemic. the country has come together and put a huge effort in, made massive sacrifices. we need the same national purpose to deal with climate change. it has given us a big jolt that it has shown that we don't have to hair around the country all the time in cars, shows that we can actually do an awful lot more remotely. we have tremendous assets in this country, whether it is the peat bogs that absorb so much of the carbon, or the

forests we are planting, or whether it is the renewable energy sources, offshore wind, unsure, we need to exploit all of those opportunities. what is crucial in paying for this is that this can't be like the transition in previous generations where people have lost out. we need to make sure the workers get the jobs for the future. that's why it's a travesty that we are about to build i think 114 wind turbines off the scottish coast. the production facility bid for four and gotten none stop —— a production facility. we can't afford for these to be built on the other side of the planet and shipped over here for workers in fife see them get built and not have any otherjobs. we need to have a just transition, but we can't afford not to do it.- to have a just transition, but we can't afford not to do it. thank you for that. can't afford not to do it. thank you for that we _ can't afford not to do it. thank you for that. we just _ can't afford not to do it. thank you for that. we just have _ can't afford not to do it. thank you for that. we just have a _ can't afford not to do it. thank you

for that. we just have a few- can't afford not to do it. thank you i for that. we just have a few minutes left, so i'm going to ask each of you, i think we all know that public discourse has never been more tribal or polarised as it is at the moment —— than it is at the moment. will you tackle any behaviour that takes place in this campaign in your party's name?— place in this campaign in your -a 's name? , , party's name? yes. unequivocally. and that means _ party's name? yes. unequivocally. and that means that _ party's name? yes. unequivocally. and that means that people - party's name? yes. unequivocally. and that means that people who . party's name? yes. unequivocally. l and that means that people who are taking to social media and may or may not be members of your party, you will say you are not helping or call them out if they are rude or name—calling or support other parties? name-calling or support other arties? ~ �* name-calling or support other arties? �* name-calling or support other arties? . �* , ., name-calling or support other arties? �* ,.'., . name-calling or support other arties? ,.'., . ., parties? we can't pick and choose on these issues- — parties? we can't pick and choose on these issues. i— parties? we can't pick and choose on these issues. i know _ parties? we can't pick and choose on these issues. i know from _ parties? we can't pick and choose on these issues. i know from the - parties? we can't pick and choose on| these issues. i know from the women on the panel, from my own experiences as an ethnic minority in politics, that we can't pick and choose. it doesn't matter where it comes from or who it is directed, we have a duty to condemn those perpetrators and a duty to show

solidarity with victims, that's a cast—iron commitment from me. some things go beyond party politics, and challenging prejudice and hatred has to go beyond party politics. 1stut’iiiiiie to go beyond party politics. willie rennie? absolutely. _ to go beyond party politics. willie rennie? absolutely. and - to go beyond party politics. willie rennie? absolutely. and i- to go beyond party politics. willie rennie? absolutely. and i think it is depressing that we get to such a stage _ is depressing that we get to such a stage in_ is depressing that we get to such a stage in public politics that we have _ stage in public politics that we have to — stage in public politics that we have to resort to abuse to get points — have to resort to abuse to get points across. i think we agree, we have _ points across. i think we agree, we have to _ points across. i think we agree, we have to work— points across. i think we agree, we have to work together, stand together. when anas was abused at the other— together. when anas was abused at the other day, we all stood with him against _ the other day, we all stood with him against the — the other day, we all stood with him against the abuser, and we need to do that— against the abuser, and we need to do that every single time. there will be _ do that every single time. there will be people in other parties who do this, _ will be people in other parties who do this, but how we react is incredibly— do this, but how we react is incredibly important, and i can guarantee i will react.- guarantee i will react. douglas ross, do guarantee i will react. douglas ross. do you _ guarantee i will react. douglas ross, do you have _ guarantee i will react. douglas ross, do you have a _ guarantee i will react. douglas . ross, do you have a responsibility to set the tone is a party leader and try to make sure people don't think they are helping your party by abusing people who don't support it because mike yes, i think we all do, and we all agree would take urgent action if that was highlighted. today i was doing an interview outside — today i was doing an interview outside the _ today i was doing an interview outside the scottish _ today i was doing an interview i outside the scottish parliament, today i was doing an interview - outside the scottish parliament, and someone _ outside the scottish parliament, and someone walking _ outside the scottish parliament, and someone walking past _

outside the scottish parliament, and someone walking past said - outside the scottish parliament, and someone walking past said they - someone walking past said they wanted — someone walking past said they wanted to— someone walking past said they wanted to shoot _ someone walking past said they wanted to shoot me, _ someone walking past said they wanted to shoot me, and - someone walking past said they i wanted to shoot me, and another wahted _ wanted to shoot me, and another wanted a — wanted to shoot me, and another wanted a socially _ wanted to shoot me, and another wanted a socially distanced - wanted to shoot me, and another| wanted a socially distanced selfie. that is _ wanted a socially distanced selfie. that is the — wanted a socially distanced selfie. that is the nature _ wanted a socially distanced selfie. that is the nature of— wanted a socially distanced selfie. that is the nature of scottish - that is the nature of scottish politics. _ that is the nature of scottish politics. we _ that is the nature of scottish politics, we are _ that is the nature of scottish politics, we are so _ that is the nature of scottish politics, we are so divided. i| politics, we are so divided. i wonder— politics, we are so divided. i wonder why— politics, we are so divided. i wonder why scottish- politics, we are so divided. i wonder why scottish labour| politics, we are so divided. i- wonder why scottish labour can't understand — wonder why scottish labour can't understand the _ wonder why scottish labour can't understand the threat _ wonder why scottish labour can't understand the threat we - wonder why scottish labour can't understand the threat we face. . wonder why scottish labour can't - understand the threat we face. every single _ understand the threat we face. every single question — understand the threat we face. every single question from _ understand the threat we face. every single question from our— understand the threat we face. every single question from our audience i single question from our audience today. _ single question from our audience today. on— single question from our audience today, on the _ single question from our audience today, on the education, - single question from our audience i today, on the education, economy, the health— today, on the education, economy, the health service, _ today, on the education, economy, the health service, it— today, on the education, economy, the health service, it all— today, on the education, economy, the health service, it all goes - today, on the education, economy, the health service, it all goes back| the health service, it all goes back to the _ the health service, it all goes back to the distraction _ the health service, it all goes back to the distraction of— the health service, it all goes back to the distraction of a _ the health service, it all goes backj to the distraction of a referendum. the audience — to the distraction of a referendum. the audience get _ to the distraction of a referendum. the audience get it, _ to the distraction of a referendum. the audience get it, why— to the distraction of a referendum. the audience get it, why don't - to the distraction of a referendum. i the audience get it, why don't you? this is— the audience get it, why don't you? this is an _ the audience get it, why don't you? this is an issue _ the audience get it, why don't you? this is an issue we _ the audience get it, why don't you? this is an issue we are _ the audience get it, why don't you? this is an issue we are talking - this is an issue we are talking about, prejudice in our society. douglas, you know i don't support independence, don't support a referendum, but grow up. have you not noticed we are in the midst of a pandemic because like that 10,000 fellow citizens have lost their lives because mike have you not notice the scale of the challenge our country faces? and you come to this stage one and issue of prejudice and hate when we are trying to come together as one, you can't help bring in... every single audience question. utterly shameful.

lorna, what can politicians do to try to raise the tone of the debate so we can discuss respectfully with people with whom we disagree without disrespecting? i people with whom we disagree without disresoecting?— disrespecting? i strong views. we need to have _ disrespecting? i strong views. we need to have a _ disrespecting? i strong views. we need to have a parliament - disrespecting? i strong views. we need to have a parliament that. need to have a parliament that really reflects the people of scotland. we need to have gender balance, more women, and we have too many old, wealthy, white men making decisions. they make decisions in a certain way, and we need to move on. more women involved in decision—making, more ethnic minorities, more disabled people, more trans— people. we need a party that looks like scotland, and i'm proud that i'm part of a candidate list that is 70% women, because we are committed to correcting that balance and making sure the parliament is truly representative. nicola sturgeon, there are a lot of your own supporters indulging in abusing people who don't agree with them. �* .. ., abusing people who don't agree with them. �* . ., them. and i will call that out when it needs to — them. and i will call that out when it needs to be. _ them. and i will call that out when it needs to be. it _ them. and i will call that out when it needs to be. it is _ them. and i will call that out when it needs to be. it is important - them. and i will call that out when it needs to be. it is important we i it needs to be. it is important we all recognise our responsibility for this and _ all recognise our responsibility for this and that we don't just call it out when — this and that we don't just call it out when it— this and that we don't just call it

out when it is another party doing it. out when it is another party doing it none _ out when it is another party doing it none of— out when it is another party doing it. none of us are perfect on this, but the _ it. none of us are perfect on this, but the experience of the pandemic has changed my perspective on some of this, _ has changed my perspective on some of this, and _ has changed my perspective on some of this, and i'm sure i'm not the only— of this, and i'm sure i'm not the oniyone. — of this, and i'm sure i'm not the only one, but let's rise to the occasion— only one, but let's rise to the occasion and try, given the legitimate differences between us, to focus _ legitimate differences between us, to focus on what we can agree on and not use _ to focus on what we can agree on and not use something like this is an opportunity to criticise and attack. attack— opportunity to criticise and attack. attack somebody who probably gets more abuse on social media than most of us _ more abuse on social media than most of us let's_ more abuse on social media than most of us let's all— more abuse on social media than most of us. let's all try to rise to the occasion— of us. let's all try to rise to the occasion of— of us. let's all try to rise to the occasion of having civilised discourse. there's nothing wrong in a democracy— discourse. there's nothing wrong in a democracy with passionately disagreeing. that's the essence of democracy, but let's do it in a civiiised — democracy, but let's do it in a civilised and respectful way. that's all we have time for tonight. the coverage of the debate and the campaign continues right across the bbc. you can keep up to date on the very latest on our website — visit bbc. co. uk/electionscotland. there are also some handy guides to the issues as well as more information on topics like how the voting system works. i want to thank my virtual audience for taking part and for their questions,

and thank all the party leaders for their time and their answers. i hope tonight has perhaps helped you decide who you may vote for in just over five weeks' time. stay safe, and thank you for watching.

welcome back to our special