Alan Smith
@Political_AlanS
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Political Editor for @forth1news @clyde1news @radiotaynews @northsoundnews @mfrnews @westfmnews and @ghrnewsuk send your stories to [email protected]
Edinburgh, Scotland
Joined August 2015
The First Minister’s calling for the UK Parliament to be recalled to deal with the economic crisis . @NicolaSturgeon has labelled the Chancellor’s mini budget as “morally abhorrent”. On calls to match UK tax cuts for the highest earners - the FM says “we will not do that”
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The First Minister says using the conflict in Ukraine as a reason to keep Boris Johnson in office is “the lowest of the low”. @NicolaSturgeon is hitting out at Tory MP’s defending the Prime Minister over #Partygate and says they’re riding roughshod over the norms of democracy
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“Forget about love bombing, how about some basic respect?”. @NicolaSturgeon will speak with @BorisJohnson later after @theSNP ‘s victory in the Holyrood election. The PM’s expected to go on a Scottish charm offensive in response to calls for another independence referendum
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“I am deeply aggrieved that any member thought that was an appropriate thing to say”. @NicolaSturgeon says she’s “so deeply offended” by comments made by an MSP during her response to a question on anti-Irish racism and anti-Catholic prejudice
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about Donald Trump’s visit and responding to his claim that “everything is on the table” when asked if the NHS would be included in post-Brexit trade talks
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about her phone call with Boris Johnson last night and her plans for a second independence referendum
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NEW: @AshReganSNP says Peter Murrell should step down as SNP Chief Executive . She believes there’s a conflict of interest . On continuing the partnership with the Greens - the SNP leadership hopeful says “I’m not going to make any decision about that right now”
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Sinn Fein leader Michelle O’Neil has arrived at Bute House in Edinburgh for talks with Nicola Sturgeon . The Northern Ireland protocol and the cost of living crisis are on the agenda this afternoon
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“I think the stigma for younger children of some people getting free school meals and others not is something we should wash away”. @NicolaSturgeon says @theSNP will provide free breakfasts and lunches to every primary pupil all year round if re-elected
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Medical supplies are to be sent from Scotland to Ukraine later today . @NicolaSturgeon visited the NHS distribution centre this morning . The First Minister wants the PM to waive visas and believes the UK is “passing the buck to other countries” when it comes to helping refugees
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“She doesn’t understand the situation, and thank goodness it’s the UK Government that take these decisions”. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack responds to @NicolaSturgeon’s comments on a no-fly zone over Ukraine
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“Exercise that patience, build the case, win the arguments”. @NicolaSturgeon has been speaking on the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum . The former First Minister remains certain Scotland will become independent well within her lifetime
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Scotland’s new National Investment Bank has officially launched . It will be backed by £2bn of Scottish Government funding over the next decade . First Minister @NicolaSturgeon says investments will be mission led with a focus on tackling climate change
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon at this afternoon’s Covid 19 update . The First Minister has a message for the owners of pubs that opened last night . “you put lives at risk by being open last night - don’t do it again today”
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.@NicolaSturgeon has welcomed the Scottish Conservatives decision to suspend Tory activist Jane Lax - describing her comments on Twitter as “hurtful”
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“Every person in Gaza is waiting to die, every person in Gaza is being terrorised”. Nadia El Nakla, wife of @HumzaYousaf, addresses SNP conference in Aberdeen. Her parents remain trapped in Gaza
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As the Tory leadership contest deadline looms - the First Minister is renewing calls for a general election . @NicolaSturgeon is calling the current situation “preposterous democratically”. However, she doesn’t think the Conservatives will call an election
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“Every day that it fails to act, it’s consigning more people to the misery that too many are already suffering”. @NicolaSturgeon says the UK Govt appears “paralysed” when it comes to dealing with the cost of living crisis . The FM wants an emergency meeting of devolved nations
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In Glasgow - @NicolaSturgeon has unveiled a new poster and announced a nationwide virtual tour . @theSNP leader says the party is offering a “transformational policy programme” and the choice of independence after the Covid crisis
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“We often have to act before the data is telling us there is a problem”. @NicolaSturgeon is hoping further restrictions won’t be needed to tackle the spread of Omicron but is stressing that it can’t be ruled out . The FM says she has to be prepared to take unpopular decisions
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“No-one has dared to ask the question what bearing the trial of Alex Salmond or Operation Branchform had on the deletion of WhatsApps”. @AamerAnwar gives a statement outside the UK Covid Inquiry ahead of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s evidence session
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the decision to close Scotland’s schools from Friday . The First Minister insists it’s the most difficult decision so far and is making no promises on when they will reopen
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon at the start of the #SP21 election campaign . @theSNP leader says there are two key questions facing voters in May . We also spoke about issues of trust
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“It’s young people that are powering this agenda”. @NicolaSturgeon is paying tribute to those marching across Glasgow today . The First Minister adds “be peaceful, make your voices heard”
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the Scottish Child Payment being increased to £25 and extended to include eligible children up to age 16. The First Minister says it’s a “massive moment”, but warns efforts to tackle poverty could be undermined by UK Govt spending decisions
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Speaking with @KennyMacAskill about the death of Alex Salmond. The @AlbaParty deputy leader says he was a master tactician and strategist . He says the former First Minister was “badly treated by those he created” and was hurt by the “deviousness and callousness of individuals”
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“Someone needs to pay the price, ultimately that’s the Prime Minister isn’t it?”. Finance Secretary @_KateForbes reacts to leaked video showing senior No.10 staff joking about Downing Street Christmas Party
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Hundreds of trans supporters have staged a rally outside the UK Government’s Edinburgh HQ. It’s in response to the Scottish Secretary’s decision to use a Section 35 Order to block a Holyrood Bill on gender recognition reforms
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It’s a no from @AnasSarwar . The Scottish Labour leader responds to the offer from Douglas Ross by telling him to “grow up”
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Speaking with @Feorlean about the outrage caused by Larysa Switlyk shooting goats on Islay. He’s raised the issue with the Scottish Government
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“Stop letting us hear the words about it and let us see the action”. @nicolasturgeon has issued a direct message to the Prime Minister and Chancellor on the cost of living crisis. The First Minister says there was nothing in the Queen’s Speech to help people with rising bills
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NEW: @JohnSwinney gives his reaction to the July 4th election . The First Minister says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during the Scottish school holidays
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Firefighters across Scotland are to start carrying naloxone to help prevent drug deaths . @NicolaSturgeon visited Bathgate Fire Station this morning to see the training involved . I also spoke with Group Commander Paul Blackwood who lost his friend to an overdose at the age of 19
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“The stench of sleaze that is surrounding this UK Tory Government is becoming quite overpowering” . @NicolaSturgeon is describing the feud between Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson as “bizarre” . The SNP leader believes a public inquiry is necessary
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NEW: After the Scottish Secretary told us he wouldn’t be appearing before Holyrood’s Equalities Committee next week because “my job is constitutional” - he’s now being invited to the Constitution Committee to give evidence on the S35 Order
The Scottish Secretary wasn’t in his office at the time of the rally, he’s been in Kilmarnock as part of the levelling up programme. But he’s still faced questions about the S35 Order and says it’s down to the Scot Govt to work out what amendments need to be made to its Bill
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NEW: Nicola Sturgeon has returned to Holyrood - making a statement before taking questions . The former First Minister says she hasn’t spoken with police about their investigation into SNP finances
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Following evidence session with Alex Salmond - committee member @jackiebmsp says she will be encouraging colleagues to serve a Section 23 notice on his solicitors “so that we may receive vital documents that have so far been withheld from us”
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The #SP21 campaign rolls into Easter weekend . @NicolaSturgeon says @theSNP will invest £60m in renewing every play park in Scotland if re-elected
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NEW: ASLEF union confirms train drivers have voted to accept an improved pay offer from ScotRail.
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon following her first visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the @HolocaustUK . The First Minister joined 200 Scottish students on the trip yesterday
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon ahead of #SNP19 - the First Minister says she’s not going to waste time bothering about UK Gov’t opposition to another independence referendum - and says it will come down to the demand for another vote rather than who’s in No 10
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🎥 @JohnSwinney has written to the Prime Minister about delayed postal votes. Speaking to me on @theSNP campaign bus in the Highlands - the First Minister describes the situation as “insufferable” and “appalling”
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The First Minister is urging the Prime Minister to go further in helping people fleeing Ukraine. @NicolaSturgeon says failure to do more risks being “embarrassing” for the UK. The FM is also telling oil and gas companies to consider pulling investment out of Russia
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“If he can’t deliver on something as important as this, then it really is time for the Health Secretary to go” . @jackiebmsp believes Humza Yousaf should resign if he can’t end A & E waiting times of more than 8 hours ahead of winter . There’s a Holyrood debate on the issue later
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“I don’t understand what the specific nature of the concerns are” . @NicolaSturgeon facing questions about the SNP leadership election process . Kate Forbes and Ash Regan’s campaigns have called for independent auditors to be brought in
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“There’s absolutely no place for intolerance or violence in our society”. @JohnSwinney has been visiting Edinburgh Central Mosque to provide “visible reassurance” following riots in other parts of the UK. The First Minister says there’s no evidence to suggest similar events here
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NEW: @HumzaYousaf responds to @David_Cameron’s “petty” letter in response to his meeting with the Turkish President at COP28. The Foreign Secretary’s unhappy a UK offical wasn’t present . The FM says an FCDO official missed the meeting because the time changed
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Speaking with @Ross_Greer about the SNP leadership race and what it could mean for the Bute House Agreement with the Greens. He’s responding to Kate Forbes comments on same sex marriage . And he says any future First Minister must defend GRR in court
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“It’s actually disturbing”. @ScotTories Shadow Transport Minister @GrahamSMSP on Audit Scotland’s damning report on the Ferguson ferries deal. The two vessels, being built at Port Glasgow, are 4 years late and will cost at least £240m
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NEW: Scottish Government is increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £25 a week per child by the end of 2022.
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“He misled the house, he must now resign”. SNP Westminster leader @Ianblackford_MP walks from the Commons before the Speaker can throw him out after refusing to withdraw the comments
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Responding to the SNP manifesto launch - @RuthDavidsonMSP says they’re springing giveaways out of hats. She’s been speaking with my colleague @BryanRutherford
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Much has been made of @NicolaSturgeon not appearing alongside other party leaders on Question Time tonight . @thesnp leader has been accused of hiding from voters. So what is she doing instead? 👇
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Update: Scottish Secretary Alister Jack’s been quizzed about David Cameron’s letter at the Scottish Affairs Committee . He says FM @HumzaYousaf had 5 meetings at COP28 where an FCDO official wasn’t present and stresses Scot Govt must follow the rules to avoid sanctions
NEW: @HumzaYousaf responds to @David_Cameron’s “petty” letter in response to his meeting with the Turkish President at COP28. The Foreign Secretary’s unhappy a UK offical wasn’t present . The FM says an FCDO official missed the meeting because the time changed
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The First Minister’s been doing her first interviews since announcing her resignation . @NicolaSturgeon has “huge confidence” her successor will take Scotland to “bigger and better things”. She’s also offering up thoughts on the future of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill
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“I choose to defend my constituents and let the cards fall where they may”. Fergus Ewing gives a statement after being suspended from the SNP Holyrood group for a week
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The First Minister’s repeating a plea to the Prime Minister to do more to help Ukrainian refugees . @NicolaSturgeon visited the Edinburgh Ukrainian Club this morning . She also there’s a need for the world to do the “maximum” to equip Ukraine militarily
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NEW: Paramedic students in Scotland are to receive an annual bursary of £10,000 . Around 668 students will be eligible for the support which will be in place from September . @HumzaYousaf made the announcement while meeting with students in Dundee this morning
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🎥 @RuthDavidsonPC has been officially sworn in to the House of Lords. The former Scottish Conservative leader takes on the title of Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links
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Retailers in Scotland could be forced to donate or recycle unsold goods instead of dumping them. The Scottish Government’s launching a consultation on a potential ban . Circular Economy Minister @lornaslater says it’s all about reducing waste
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the European Election result, what it says about independence and responding to claims of misleading unionist voters in the run up to the election
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“People fought and died in many countries to win the right to vote” . @NicolaSturgeon is urging the public to get out and vote tomorrow. She’s travelling coast-to-coast today, starting in Aberdeen and finishing in Dumbarton and has been speaking with @LewisMichie0
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NEW: Reaction from First Minister @HumzaYousaf to the arrest of Peter Murrell this morning
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“To not even be told how many people are voting is highly unusual”. @AshReganSNP says her team have given the SNP until 3pm to provide all the candidates with “some very basic levels of information”
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about Boris Johnson’s plan to suspend Parliament - the First Minister says “it’s not democracy, it’s dictatorship”
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“Patients are already in harm’s way”. Members of @RCNScot challenge Health Secretary @HumzaYousaf outside #SNP22 . They say they don’t feel valued and have been disrespected by the most recent pay offer
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I have just spoken with Kenny MacAskill who says "I am not abiding by Westminster's rules when they are there to stitch up Scotland" and adds "the gloves have to come off in Scotland".
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“Don’t say we’re talking down Glasgow, that’s absolutely nonsense”. Chris Mitchell from @GMBGlasgowCC is urging the First Minister to intervene in Glasgow’s cleansing dispute . He’s been meeting with @AnasSarwar this morning
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As the Supreme Court hearing on independence resumes - the political row also continues . @Douglas4Moray says it’s a “disgrace” that the First Minister has “forced” this legal battle. In response - @NicolaSturgeon describes his comments as “hypocritical” and “ill-advised”
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“This is a vote of confidence in Valneva and the work it does”. @NicolaSturgeon visited the firm’s vaccine manufacturing site in Livingston this morning . The company’s to benefit from £20m from Scottish Enterprise over the next 3 years
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“The decision made today is not the right decision”. @HumzaYousaf says the UK Government is “wrong” to approve the Rosebank oil field off Shetland . The First Minister believes it’ll slow down the transition to net-zero
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“For any human being to be so glib and crass about human life is profoundly shocking”. @NicolaSturgeon responds to comments reportedly made by Boris Johnson “no more ****ing lockdowns - let the bodies pile high in their thousands”. No.10 describes the report as “just another lie”
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“I look round my cabinet, my ministerial team, the back benches and I can point you to several people who would make excellent leaders”. @NicolaSturgeon says the SNP has no shortage of would be First Ministers, but stresses - “they’re going to have to wait a little bit longer”
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“We’ve got to be responsible, persuasive and take the people of Scotland with us”. Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon ahead of @theSNP conference kicking off later . The First Minister wants a referendum by the end of 2023, but could it happen sooner?
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“Future generations will not forgive this generation if we fail”. Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon following speech ahead of #COP26 . Despite missing emissions targets for the last three years - the First Minister believes Scotland has “a lot of credibility”
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The First Minister says she has “complete confidence” in Humza Yousaf as Health Secretary . @NicolaSturgeon is responding to calls from @ScottishLabour & @ScotTories for him to be sacked over performance in the health service
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon at the launch of @theSNP council election campaign in Glasgow. The First Minister says it’s a chance to send a message to Boris Johnson on the cost of living crisis. She’s also defending the record of SNP-led councils
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NEW: @NicolaSturgeon has written to @BorisJohnson on the cost of living crisis . The First Minister is calling for an emergency meeting of the Heads of Government Council this week
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The First Minister’s describing a summit on abortion care as “very constructive and very helpful”. @NicolaSturgeon says it’s reinforced her support for legislation to prevent protests outside clinics . There could also be talks with local government about short term solutions
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“As we look ahead to COP26 in Glasgow later this year, Scotland needs to lead by example”. @NicolaSturgeon has been setting out @theSNP plans for tackling the climate emergency including reducing car use by 20% by 2030
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“It’s a very worrying combination of circumstances”. @NicolaSturgeon says she has “significant concerns” about the impact of rising gas prices. The First Minister will chair a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience committee later
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon following Crown Estate Scotland auction of major offshore wind projects. The First Minister’s describing it as “one of the most significant days, in energy and industrial terms, that Scotland has seen in a very very long time”
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I’m hearing @NicolaSturgeon is going to declare a holiday so we can all have a day off tomorrow. 🏴.
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the open letter she’s written to EU citizens as part of a new #StayinScotland campaign
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🎥 Tory MSP Oliver Mundell being asked to leave the Holyrood chamber after accusing Nicola Sturgeon of lying to parliament over the Salmond inquiry . President Officer Ken Macintosh asked him to withdraw or rephrase his remarks
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Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offering UK Govt support in the vaccine roll out in Scotland
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“It’s the job of SNP MPs not to settle down in Westminster, but to settle up for Scotland”. I’ve been speaking with @AlexSalmond after @JNHanvey become the latest MP to join the Alba Party
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the delay to Brexit. The First Minister has written to the PM calling for the time to be “used constructively and not wasted”
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the passing of renowned chef Andrew Fairlie. The FM’s paid tribute to his influence, political astuteness and passion for his country
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Keir Starmer says there’ll be no negotiations with the Scottish Government on independence - even if a majority of SNP MPs are elected on July 4th. The @UKLabour leader joined @AnasSarwar on a tour of a window factory in West Lothian earlier
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In her first interview since completing treatment for breast cancer - @ChristinaSNP is urging women to take up their screening appointments. @theSNP MSP has been speaking to me on #WorldCancerDay and is full of praise for the support she received throughout her journey
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon following this afternoon’s coronavirus update where we were told up to 80% of the population could impacted in the coming months . The First Minister is urging calm and insists the figures need to be put in context
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There are less than 2 days to go until #SP21 polls open. @NicolaSturgeon has been visiting the Love Gorgie Farm in Edinburgh. With the latest Covid update taking place next Tuesday - @theSNP leader is urging voters not to leave who makes the big decisions to chance
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon about the new First Home Fund which opens to applications today. The First Minister believes the scheme will also free up social housing
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon in Alloa about her open letter to Remain supporters to back the SNP - even if they don’t support Scottish independence
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Speaking with @NicolaSturgeon ahead of Theresa May’s visit to Scotland this afternoon. The First Minister’s described the PM’s plea to protect the union as “hollow” and says Theresa May has done “more than many” to make the case for independence
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The Scottish Government is spending more than £1m scaling up NHS facilities for video consultations to help deal with the outbreak of coronavirus. @NicolaSturgeon visited a practice in Edinburgh this morning to get a demonstration of the technology
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“Instead of sending spy planes, the UK Government should sending supplies”. @HumzaYousaf says he’s frustrated, disappointed and angered by the UK Government’s response to the situation in Israel-Gaza. The FM’s also been speaking about his mother in law’s emotional plea for help
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