Chamber and committees

Yes, I do agree with that, and Scotland does lead by example. That is not to say that we do not have more work to do—we absolutely, most definitely, have—but our own statutory climate change targets are more than consistent with the Paris agreement, which gives us the ability to apply pressure to others. Unfortunately, we are not directly at the negotiating table, but we have a considerable degree of influence, not least through our co-convenership of the Under2 Coalition, which is bringing city, state and devolved Governments together to put maximum pressure on the discussions.

Yes, we must lead by example. There is a big job of work to do to keep 1.5°C alive, which is the aim of the COP26 summit. There is a gap on emissions right now, and there is a gap on climate finance. I know that the negotiators are very focused on trying to close those gaps as far as possible, and that is what we must hope emerges over the period of the summit.

The transport plans that are in place take account of all those things. The plans have been communicated to people in Glasgow over a significant period so that people can make arrangements. It is vital that those who work in our health service get to work, and that has been part of the consideration as the plans have been put in place.

I suspect that I know why the Tories did not want to hear Kenny Gibson’s question. It is because there were some deeply uncomfortable truths in it for them. When I gave my initial answer to Mr Gibson, there was laughter from the Conservative benches when I said that we would have less money in every year of the spending review than we have in this year. Let me give the detail of that. [Interruption.] Between this year and next year, Scotland’s resource budget is being cut by 7.1 per cent in real terms. The equivalent reduction for our capital budget is 9.7 per cent in real terms. That is the reality and I am not surprised that the Tories do not like it—[Interruption.]

In trying to amplify those voices during COP, that will be one of the key issues. The quantum of climate finance and how that finance is used on not just mitigation, but adaptation and what is called loss and damage, is one of the significant strands of the discussions that will take place in Glasgow during the next two weeks. Our own climate justice fund is looking to pivot towards that. We can lead by example, but also do everything that we can to make sure that the voices of the global south are heard on those issues. That is exactly what we intend to seek to do.

Facial recognition technology in schools does not appear to be proportionate or necessary. That said, as Willie Rennie will be aware, the introduction of biometric identification systems is a matter for local authorities and schools.

The Scottish Government is clear that, prior to introducing biometric systems, an education authority should carry out a privacy impact assessment, or a proportionate equivalent, and consult pupils and parents. Information should also be provided on data protection, how to opt out, consent, and alternative systems that may be used. Schools and local authorities will also pay due attention to the Information Commissioner’s Office requirements that organisations that are using facial recognition technology should comply with data protection law before, during and after its use.

Absolutely. I will ask the health secretary to look into that as a matter of urgency. I am happy and keen to work with anybody to try to attract people to work in our national health service. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to people who come to Scotland to work in our health service, whether they come from India or any other country. They provide hugely valuable services for us all.

We are working with the royal colleges and others to promote and increase international recruitment. I am aware of no reason why we would not work with any organisation that would seek to help us to recruit people from India. I am happy to ask the health secretary to look into the issue as a matter of urgency.

It is important that the programme continues at pace and that the pace accelerates wherever possible across the country. I have already gone into some detail on that. I am happy to look at the figures for NHS Highland and for mainland Argyll and Bute, in particular, to see whether there is a particular problem there, and to get back to Jackie Baillie in due course.

It is important to recognise that, at the point of the JCVI advice, some people—particularly in the older group—had already been waiting six months. We could not start the programme before we had the advice, so there has always been a catch-up requirement in the programme, which is why it is important that we get it done as quickly as possible. All efforts are being focused on that.

I will get back to Jackie Baillie on the particular geographical point as quickly as possible.

We do these things in the way that we judge to be quickest and most effective. I remember being rightly asked, just a few weeks ago, about why we were not using schools as the first option for the vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds. We explained why that was. It turns out that that has allowed us to vaccinate 12 to 15-year-olds more quickly.

We judged that, rather than opening a portal for the over-70s to book online, it was quicker to send letters to those people and to allow the portal to come in later for the over-50s. I am over 50. I cannot have my booster jag yet because there have not yet been six months since my second dose. The fact that I will have to wait until November to book my appointment makes no practical difference to me. We are seeking to do this in the most effective and efficient way.

I understand the difficulty in trying to strike the balance between local and mass access. That is why we are taking a different approach with the older and frailer age groups than we are with the younger age groups. There will always be tensions and difficulties in a system of this scale. I accept that, and we will work to try to resolve those as much as possible. Overall, the vaccination programme is an outstanding success, which is because of the efforts of the many people who are delivering it across the country.

We will continue appropriate contact with the company and the UK Government. I know that the health secretary has also discussed the matter with Fiona Hyslop. At present, the UK vaccine task force procures vaccines on behalf of all four nations. Vaccine supply is secure for the programme that is currently under way. We await further scientific and clinical advice on future programmes.

I welcome the positive phase 3 results that Valneva has reported and congratulate the company on those. Scottish Enterprise will continue supporting the company as it develops its growth plan in light of the successful clinical trial, and the Scottish Government will keep all options open as we progress into further phases of the vaccination programme.

With the greatest respect, I do not think that Liz Smith is right when she says that I have changed the basis on which the Scottish Government is making those decisions. On the change of test, I have made it clear that, if it had been down to us, we might not have made all of those changes. We have, however, decided to align for the practical reason that, if we had different arrangements in place here, the risk would be that people would choose to travel to Scotland via England. They would then not be doing what we required. Our travel industry would take a hit, and we would not have the public health benefit. Those are the practical reasons that I think I set out when I announced the changes previously that I have set out here today.

Even so, when a change is made, it is right that we take the appropriate time to consider, in all the circumstances, whether it is the right thing to do—to align for those practical reasons—or whether there are any other arguments that would lead us in the opposite direction. That is what we have done. We have reached the decision that I have set out today, and I think that it will be welcomed. None of these decisions are easy, though, and none of them should be taken lightly or without proper consideration.