I should also have asked whether the strategic framework has been published. I think that it was due at the end of the summer.

The strategic framework was originally due to be published in summer. You are changing the way that you are doing it. It will not be published this year, so it will be next year, but you are doing some announcements as you go along. Is that what you are saying?

The joint report highlighted that although councils recruited the staff that they needed to deliver the expansion, risks relating to recruitment and retaining enough staff remained. The Scottish Government is developing a strategic framework for the ELC and school-age childcare workforce along with an action plan. Will the workforce issues that are set out in the audit report, including recruitment challenges, difficulties quantifying the extent of workforce movement between sectors, falls in the numbers of childminders and a lack of long-term workforce plans be covered by the actions in the framework?

We do not know when we will see the strategic framework, then. Will it include details on the affordability of and funding for all the actions?

You mentioned earlier that the Scottish Social Services Council has published new data on workforce movement. Does that fill the data gap that was highlighted in the audit report in relation to the movement of ELC workers between sectors?

What impact has the new data had on planned actions to mitigate workforce risks?

To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take to tackle the reported rising rates of crime and antisocial behaviour at retail premises. (S6F-02441)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how and when it will introduce a leavers fund for victims of domestic abuse, which would provide a social security payment for those who feel the need to flee their homes. (S6O-02601)

I am grateful for the opportunity to thank all 250,000 veterans across Scotland who have bravely and selflessly served our country. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for all that they have done to protect us, defend our United Kingdom and serve the entire country whenever called upon. We also owe huge thanks to their families, who can see their own lives upturned through the service of their loved ones, which we have heard a lot about in the debate.

Since becoming an MSP, in 2021, I have had the great privilege of meeting current members of the armed forces, veterans and their families on several occasions. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the Royal Navy’s Rosyth dockyards to tour the HMS Prince of Wales and speak to sailors and marines about Scottish shipbuilding and the incredible work that they do to keep us safe. Earlier this year, I was blown away by the RAF’s operations at Lossiemouth, when I was given the chance to see its operations up close and hear about how they protect our skies and seas 24/7, 365 days a year. I have also been immensely proud to support Poppyscotland’s appeals both here and in Ayrshire. I encourage anyone who can do so to continue giving their time and money to help that organisation to give veterans the help that they deserve.

I know that many MSPs across the chamber have felt similarly when visiting armed forces bases and veterans charities, which Graeme Dey mentioned in his contribution. He also had the privilege of paying his respects in northern France to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Paul Sweeney mentioned a number of bases that he has had the privilege of visiting, while Pam Gosal spoke about being invited to the ceremonial bricklaying for Scotland’s first British Indian Army memorial.

However, as we all recognise, it is not enough for MSPs to merely thank veterans and hear their words. We must translate our words into action and give them every support that we can as they transition to civilian life. I am pleased that, across every party, we can all recognise the huge importance and contributions of veterans to our society, which were noted by Sarah Boyack in her closing remarks. In their service, and in their everyday lives afterwards, they are integral parts of communities across Scotland. The Scottish Government’s veterans strategy action plan is positive, as is the UK Government’s. It is fantastic to see both of Scotland’s Governments working together on the delivery of those plans for the benefit of veterans across Scotland and the UK.

Of course, we can all recognise that more needs to be done for veterans. Life is far from perfect for many of them in Scotland. Last year alone, more than 800 veterans made a homelessness application, and around 100 of those ended up sleeping rough. We can all, as one Parliament, say that that is unacceptable and commit to preventing that from happening again. Willie Rennie said that we need pathways that are timely and effective and that we cannot be slow to take action.

So, what more must be done for veterans? I thank the Scottish veterans commissioner, Susie Hamilton, for her detailed and diligent work in producing a very welcome and in-depth assessment of the Scottish Government’s progress. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a recent Combat Stress event, and her knowledge, experience and passion are clear to see. I also thank the previous commissioners, whom Edward Mountain mentioned, for their work.

The commissioner said:

“This year’s report has shown some really encouraging progress, particularly in the area of health and wellbeing.”

As others have noted, she looked at the Government’s 81 recommendations and found that 35 have already been achieved and that a further 21 have been absorbed into subsequent recommendations. That is good news, especially the improvements in general practice surgeries that have helped veterans to access the treatment that they need more quickly.

As the commissioner noted, tackling the issues that those with polytrauma face

“has the potential to transform the lives of the most seriously injured veterans.”

However, as I mentioned, there are still serious problems to overcome in relation to homelessness prevention and mental health. The commissioner found that

“progress in delivery has been slow”

on the 2021 veterans mental health and wellbeing action plan. The commissioner expressed concern that veterans’ needs are not being met and said that that must become more of a priority. Christine Grahame mentioned the two-week period in which servicemen have to readjust after a tour before they go back home, because of the experiences that they have when they are away on tour.

Similarly, delivery of the veterans homelessness prevention pathway has not been successful to date. The commissioner noted that

“little has been achieved to date and progress in implementing this much needed pathway is slow, with no clear milestones or timelines provided.”

I will move on quickly to other members’ contributions. Meghan Gallacher said that war memorials are a focal point for our remembrance. She also spoke about the 66 occasions on which they have been damaged. She is right that that should not be happening. Memorials are a focal point not only for us but for family members, so we need to take action on that.

Audrey Nicoll spoke about education, employment and facilities in the north-east to help veterans in her area. We need to be more vocal, to ensure that everybody knows about the help that is out there for veterans.

Claire Baker mentioned the ruby boots project, which helps children when their parents leave the forces. Quite a few of us had the privilege of meeting children who are involved in that project at last night’s event in Parliament.

Ivan McKee mentioned Scottish Veterans Residences, which has three locations—one is in his constituency and the others are in Dundee and Edinburgh. The organisation provides not just housing but other forms of support. That is more support that we need to ensure that everybody is aware of.

Alex Rowley said that we have made progress on the previous lack of data. We need to use the data that we get to achieve better outcomes for veterans.

Keith Brown mentioned the medal replacement scheme and getting as much publicity as we can for it. I am sure that, as MSPs, we can all publicise that scheme on our social media, so that it gets the publicity that it deserves.

On mental health and homelessness, the Government needs to make urgent progress for veterans. It must do so because the people who are affected by such issues are the most vulnerable and often need help the most. As it stands, they are, sadly, not receiving the help that they deserve. If the Government’s actions are measured by what the Government does for those who are most in need, it has a long way to go in those areas.

I welcome the nature of this debate, and we are happy to support the Government’s motion, but I press the Government to deliver its veterans strategy in full by meeting the expectations of the veterans mental health and wellbeing action plan and the veterans homelessness prevention pathway.

I have met various retailers in my area who have all discussed the challenges that they are facing with the rise in crime and antisocial behaviour. That has escalated significantly over the past year and, in their words, is out of control. Police numbers are falling, police funding is stretched and the Government’s approach to justice is not working. What action will the First Minister take to protect retail workers?