John Swinney
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Since the report from several years ago was published, the Government has presided over the passage of legislation to rationalise that area of activity. Work is under way to transfer the responsibility for the funding of further education student support from the Scottish Funding Council to the Student Awards Agency Scotland.”
“I appreciate the urgency of the general policy elements of the question, because a number of applications are now being considered by planning authorities. My view is that, given the concerns that have been expressed by planning authorities, the Government has to be responsive to the issue.”
“For as long as we do not have a proper strategy on prison capacity, rehabilitation and clearing the court backlog, early release will be a revolving door, with people going in, coming out and going back into our prisons. Our justice system is in crisis, so we need a strategy.”
“I associate myself unreservedly Mr Cole-Hamilton’s comments about the feelings in the Muslim community. On Monday, I visited the Broomhouse mosque along with Simita Kumar and the Annandale Street mosque in Edinburgh with Ben Macpherson.”
“The development of further guidance will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the ruling by Lady Ross. Malcolm Offord: I thank the First Minister for his answer, which was more comprehensive than I expected.”
“I am a huge supporter of apprenticeship programmes. With foundation apprenticeships and graduate apprenticeships, the Government has brought forward important reforms that create new and successful pathways for young people. I am determined to make sure that every young person has that desirable pathway for their future.”
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“More homes Scotland’s mission is to bring simplicity, scale and speed to Scotland’s housing emergency response. It will deliver for a generation of Scots new homes more quickly, more affordably and in more liveable, climate-friendly communities. The 2026 draft budget includes the single largest funding allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989. We have committed to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, backed by a record £4.1 billion of public investment, helping to deliver 36,000 affordable homes and providing a place to live for around 24,000 children.”
“As Mr Sarwar knows from my previous answers, the Scottish Government was first made aware of water contamination issues in the hospital in 2018. The Scottish Government has commissioned a public inquiry under the leadership of Lord Brodie, which enables the full consideration of all these issues, the evidence to be assessed and considered, and Lord Brodie to report, which is exactly what he will do. Social Care (Assessments) 3.”
“I say once again that the official Scottish Government minute of that meeting expressly states in black and white that political pressure was being felt and that no consideration was given to delaying the opening of the hospital. That is damning. The decision to open the hospital early has resulted in a decade of lies, deceit and cover-up, bullying and gaslighting of staff, families being lied to and denied the truth, and infections that led to the deaths of children and possibly also adults, all because politics was put before patient safety. The evidence is damning. People died. I ask John Swinney, was it was worth it? The First Minister: The points that I have put on the record are what counsel to the inquiry set out.”
“The First Minister: An inquiry that is exploring all those issues is under way, and evidence is being taken in the presence of Lord Brodie. It is a properly constituted public inquiry that is exploring all the issues that are at stake. On 23 January, counsel to the inquiry said in the summary there is no evidence of external pressure on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to open the hospital early or before it was ready to be opened. That is what counsel to the inquiry said, and Lord Brodie is considering all these issues. Anas Sarwar: He has been found out. This is a minute between a Scottish Government official appointed by the health secretary, the health board’s director of facilities and a consultant who was appointed to look at what happened.”
“Those meetings involved a Scottish Government official appointed by the then health secretary, the health board’s director of facilities and a consultant who had been engaged by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to review what went wrong. In the findings, it is stated in black and white that “Political pressure was also being felt and no consideration was given to delaying the opening of the hospital despite the issues being faced with completion and operation.” Political pressure was also being felt. Will John Swinney now tell members why political pressure was being applied to open a hospital that this note also makes clear was not ready, which led to people dying, or would he rather answer in the presence of his lawyer?”
“That was not the case, and the reference for that is what counsel to the inquiry said on 23 January. They said there is no evidence of external pressure on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to open the hospital early or before it was ready to be opened. Anas Sarwar: John Swinney is about to regret saying that, because we know that the culture of this SNP Government is to avoid putting things in writing, so that there is no paper trail. However, all it takes is for the guard to slip once. I have in my hand official Scottish Government meeting notes. These notes, written by a Scottish Government official, relate to a series of meetings that were held on 16 December 2019, 19 December 2019 and 10 January 2020.”
“I think that the approach that the Scottish Government takes to benefits is based on the principles of fairness and dignity that this Parliament legislated for. I am proud to associate my Government with those values, which are enshrined in statute. I believe that the benefit system in Scotland is sustainable, as is demonstrated by this Government’s ability to ensure effective budget planning to meet all those commitments. I make no apology whatsoever for being determined to protect the vulnerable in our society and to lift children out of poverty. That is what my Government is all about. Russell Findlay: He is in a state of denial. [Interruption].”
“Therefore, we need to be in a position to work together constructively in the interests of security and the safety of people across Scotland. I give my commitment to joint working with the United Kingdom and international partners in pursuit of international law. That will always be the commitment of Scotland. The Presiding Officer: The First Minister will now take questions on the issues that were raised in his statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business. I would be grateful if members who wish to put a question were to press their request-to-speak button.”
“The action to intercept the Bella 1 started as an international exercise that the UK Government suggested that we did not need to be informed about because it did not impact on devolved matters. That position was inadequate at the time, and it feels even more unrealistic given what has happened subsequently. We need proper lines of communication from the UK Government and an acceptance of the principle of advance notification of significant military operations that impact on our devolved responsibilities and the use of Scottish infrastructure. The events of the past fortnight demonstrate that Scotland is not isolated from international events. Our geographical position placed us at the forefront of events surrounding the Bella 1. This is unlikely to be the last time that that is true.”
“They have not, and they have no power to, make any order to remove the crew from the jurisdiction of the court. All that they can do is provide assistance with any voluntary departure. I appreciate that there has been considerable interest in the position of the two individuals who had been subject to arrest. The Lord Advocate’s response to the MLA request made clear her position, which was that they should be brought to the mainland in accordance with due process. The Scottish Government is a respondent to a live judicial review that is relevant to those issues, so there are limits to what I can say on that point. However, I want to be very clear that the Scottish Government was informed that the two individuals had been removed from the Bella 1 by the United States after they had been removed from that vessel—not before.”
“Scottish Government ministers were informed of the arrangements. It was very clear that the role of Border Force and the UK Government was to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of the crew— individuals who had not been arrested and had not been accused of any offence. The operation was not about arresting or forcibly removing individuals; it was about supporting them in their onward journey to a location of their choice. The Scottish ministers and the Lord Advocate have never at any point detained any of the crew and they have never had them in their control. Assistance has been offered by a variety of Scottish authorities, including the police and local authorities, but no individual has been arrested or detained by any Scottish authority.”
“The partnerships were focused on developing a proposal to support the crew to leave the vessel, to access appropriate support on arrival and to establish their preference for next steps. The operation has rightly been led by Border Force, as the relevant Government agency. However, those discussions have been supported by local partners that are focused on the welfare of the crew. The crew disembarked from a tender vessel into Buckie harbour on the afternoon of 26 January. They were then transferred to Inverness for processing by Border Force in line with standard operating processes. The timing of the operation to support the crew in leaving the vessel was governed in large part by the weather. Any transfer of crew needs to be done safely, and the detailed plan and timing for the transfer of the crew was an operational decision.”
“On 25 January 2026, the Lord Advocate was advised that the request for MLA had been withdrawn, which was confirmed in writing on 26 January. To the extent that the Lord Advocate has any responsibility, it is as the head of the system for the prosecution of crime in Scotland and therefore the central authority in matters involving the investigation of international crime. As a result of the MLA request being withdrawn, the Lord Advocate’s role concluded. The Court of Session heard yesterday—and I want to be clear today— that the Lord Advocate fully discharged all her responsibilities in that regard. Given the previous concerns that I have set out about communication, it is important to acknowledge that good local partnership arrangements were established between Border Force, Police Scotland and local partners.”
“Current plans are for all 26 crew members to be repatriated to countries of their choice over the course of today and tomorrow. A request for mutual legal assistance was issued by the US authorities on 16 January 2026 to the Lord Advocate, as the central authority for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, seeking approval for steps to be taken in relation to the obtaining of evidence. That was considered by the Lord Advocate, who indicated that the request would be granted subject to specific assurances and conditions attached to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the crew and to ensure that the rule of law was upheld. A key requirement was that all 28 individuals were brought ashore to ensure that this was appropriately and lawfully handled.”
“It is important to make it clear that, while the Bella 1 was in Scottish waters, at no point were the UK or Scottish authorities in control of the vessel, and the Scottish authorities had no legal basis whatsoever for boarding the vessel at any time. Information about the crew was provided by the US authorities and then to the Scottish Government either through local partners or through the UK Government. Reassurance was provided by the US Government that the individuals were in good health. Both the UK Government and the Crown Office made clear our expectation that all 28 individuals would disembark the vessel. The UK Government agreed to a request from the US Government to provide support in repatriating the 26 members of the Bella 1 crew who had not been arrested.”
“It is also the case that relationships between international jurisdictions, such as that between Scotland and the United States, are established and maintained through handling areas of mutual interest with sensitivity and confidentiality, and I respect that. Once the Bella 1 was in the Moray Firth, questions were understandably raised about the welfare of the crew, with on-going discussions between the UK and Scottish Governments. The Scottish Government’s understanding is that the Bella 1 crew comprised 28 individuals of different nationalities. We understand that two of those individuals had been arrested by the United States Government as part of the initial action.”
“The Lord Advocate exercises her authority on those issues independently of the Scottish Government—indeed, independently of anyone else—and solely in the public interest. Throughout this episode, the Lord Advocate’s priorities have been twofold. The first was to ensure that she discharged her duties in terms of international co-operation in criminal investigations. Secondly, she has been concerned that the rights of the crew under the European convention on human rights should be maintained, including their health and welfare. It is the long-established and understood convention that the details of legal advice of the law officers are not made public.”
“It is perfectly obvious to any objective observer, however, that, if you bring a vessel such as the Bella 1 into Scottish waters, co-ordination with Scottish authorities is essential. The arrival of the Bella 1 in the Moray Firth was an issue of direct relevance to Scotland and to the Scottish Government, yet the United Kingdom Government still did not give us advance notification. There is an unarguable truth that co-operation and communication between the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments is essential if we in the Scottish Government are to fulfil our responsibilities. The fact of legal action being brought in the Scottish courts shows clearly that Scotland should have been involved from the very start. Scotland’s law officers were required to respond to that legal action, because the vessel was in Scottish jurisdiction.”
“The seizure of the Bella 1 had clear implications and impacts on Scotland, given the location of its seizure and now subsequent events. I therefore wrote to the Prime Minister on 8 January and requested that, in future, the Scottish Government should receive formal, secure pre-notification of such actions where they involve Scottish infrastructure or have implications for Scotland. That would ensure that both Governments work constructively together. The importance of that joint working and the need for Scotland’s input became glaring when the Bella 1 appeared in the Moray Firth on 13 January. I understand why the United Kingdom Government agreed to a request for the Bella 1 to enter UK territorial waters—the vessel was in need of repair.”
“Where international sanctions are applied, the Government is a firm supporter of those sanctions being enforced. There is no point in imposing sanctions on Governments that ignore international law, undermine the rule of law and illegally invade their neighbours, as Russia has invaded Ukraine, if you are not willing to take action to enforce those sanctions. The Scottish Government also supports the assistance provided by the United Kingdom Government in the operation to take control of the Bella 1. I believe in international co-operation, in partnership and in countries standing together. That support is founded on a basic belief that, if we are to succeed in insisting on a rules-based international order that is based on international law, we must abide by those self-same rules- based processes and international laws.”
“There has been significant and appropriate public interest in the MV Bella 1, which is currently in the Moray Firth. There has been interest in the wellbeing of the crew but also in the wider questions in relation to Scots law, jurisdiction and information sharing between Scottish authorities, the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government. There has also been litigation raised, including a judicial review application, which remains live, so I am under some restrictions as a result, but I believe that it is important that I set out everything that it is appropriate to share with Parliament, given the issues that have been raised. On 7 January, the United States, supported by British forces, took action to intercept the oil tanker known as the Bella 1. The Scottish Government has been clear that it supports that action.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes First Minister’s question time. There will be a short suspension before the next item of business to allow those who are leaving the chamber and the public gallery to do so. 12:47 Meeting suspended. 12:49 On resuming— Growing2gether”
“I was deeply troubled to hear of the vandalism at the central mosque in Edinburgh and I associate myself entirely with Mr Balfour’s points. Nobody should be on the receiving end of hatred in our society today. I regularly meet various groups in Scotland, as do the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and the Minister for Equalities, to ensure that we are acting together to tackle hate in our society. There are groupings in our society—it was the Muslim community on this occasion, and on other occasions I have had representations from the Jewish community in Scotland—that are on the receiving end of hate. The Government is supporting communities and investing in the cohesive communities work that we undertake to make sure that Scotland is a country free of hatred, as it should be.”
“The point that Paul McLennan makes is an important one. The Scottish Government is underpinning its support for the Scottish child payment, which is helping to keep children out of poverty and to deliver a falling level of child poverty in Scotland. From 2027-28, the Government will boost the Scottish child payment to £40 per week for all children under one, which Save the Children has said will “sow the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.” I encourage members of all parties to support the Government’s budget, which makes provision for those aspirations. Edinburgh Central Mosque (Vandalism)”
“It is a daily experience for me to walk past the Nasmyth portrait of Robert Burns that hangs in the drawing room of Bute house, where it should hang as a tribute and commitment to the timeless work of Robert Burns, which we celebrate at this time of year and which underpins the values of our country.”
“I have observed a lot of fantastic work that has been done at Ellisland farm to preserve and enhance the facility and to ensure that it can play its role in the celebration of the outstanding and timeless work of Robert Burns. I am happy to reaffirm to Oliver Mundell the Government’s support and encouragement for the work that is under way. That work involves attracting funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and Museums Galleries Scotland. I encourage the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to continue its engagement with Museums Galleries Scotland in taking forward the trust’s plans. I would be delighted to visit Ellisland farm to see at first hand the plans that are being taken forward and to give my active support.”
“The Government is fulfilling its commitments on social care and is supporting investment in social care through provisions in the budget. I look forward to Jackie Baillie’s support for the budget to ensure that it delivers for the social care sector. Robert Burns (Ellisland)”
“I understand how significant an issue this is for Mr Gibson and his constituents. The ferry service to Cumbrae is a well-used and busy route, particularly in the summer period. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport will meet CalMac next week to discuss in detail the current proposals on the maintenance of vessels and on loading and unloading activities, alongside other matters. I give Mr Gibson the assurance that the transport secretary will raise with CalMac the issues that he has put to me. Caledonian MacBrayne is in the process of reviewing options and will continue to work closely with the Cumbrae community to ensure that any proposals are fully discussed before any final decisions are taken or implemented. The transport secretary has heard these exchanges and will take the issues forward with CalMac. Social”
“Emma Roddick raises significant concerns about the West of Orkney wind farm that have been raised by the developer. It is a development that would bring enormous benefit to the people of Scotland, but it is being put in jeopardy because of the disproportionate transmission charges of the United Kingdom regime. The sooner that we can ensure that control of those issues is in the hands of the people of Scotland, so that we can benefit from the energy wealth of Scotland, the better. That can happen only with independence. Childminding (Tax)”
“I will be clear with Parliament that I will not run that risk. I am very surprised that Katy Clark wants me to release all the information, because, if I did that, I would breach court orders, and I will not do that. The Government is appealing two other cases that we believe would result in our committing contempt of court, and I will not do that. As I have said, the Government has handled nearly 90 freedom of information requests, but I have a legal responsibility, and a responsibility under the ministerial code, to obey the court orders that are in place. I make it crystal clear to Parliament that I will do nothing to jeopardise that.”
“The First Minister: We will, of course, look at the bill and consider its contents, but it is really important that I am clear with Parliament why the Government is acting in the way that it is acting. The Scottish Government has handled nearly 90— nine zero—freedom of information requests and reviews relating to the James Hamilton investigation. In addition, we are responding to 96 per cent of information requests on time, against a backdrop of rising request numbers. In relation to the particular case that Katy Clark has raised, the Government will comply with the commissioner’s decision, but I have to be absolutely satisfied that there is no risk that the identities of individuals who have complained in relation to allegations of sexual assault, which are protected by court orders, would in any way be disclosed as a consequence.”
“If he will not commit to that today, will he at least release information that is not being contested through the appeals process? If the Scottish Government loses the appeals, will he commit to not using his veto? My Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill would strengthen the powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner, which in turn would prevent the late disclosure of information that happened in this case, introduce proactive disclosure and abolish the First Minister’s veto. Will the First Minister look closely at my bill, which is supported by the current Scottish Information Commissioner and all the previous holders of the role, as it would help to deliver openness, accountability and transparency, which were the founding principles of this Parliament?”
“The Scottish Government will comply with the commissioner’s decision, and it will do so as soon as is practically possible. I do not expect that it will take much longer. The courts have made it clear that those who complained in relation to allegations of sexual assault must have their identities protected, and there are no circumstances in which I will do anything that risks breaking those court orders. I cannot release information that would breach those court orders and amount to a contempt of court. Katy Clark: The Scottish Government has wasted millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on fighting court cases, with two further appeals relating to the Salmond files coming before the Court of Session later this month. Will the First Minister ensure full disclosure by releasing all the Salmond files?”
“We will continue to work with our local authority partners to ensure that we strengthen the recruitment of teachers and to encourage and motivate more individuals to join the teaching profession.”
“What does the First Minister say to young, qualified teachers in Scotland who are considering leaving our country because of this Government’s disastrous education workforce planning? The First Minister: There has been an increase in post-probation employment in this year compared with last year, which demonstrates the progress that has been made. We also have a lower pupil teacher ratio in Scotland compared with the ratio in other parts of the United Kingdom, and a higher number of teachers per 100,000 pupils in Scotland compared with the number in other parts of the United Kingdom. The Government recognises the importance of investing in teacher education and in education services. That is why we have increased the budget that is available to local authorities through the Government’s budget that was announced last week.”
“Miles Briggs: The Government’s own analysis shows that most newly qualified teachers in Scotland are no longer getting permanent jobs: 2,294 newly qualified teachers completed their probation, but only 25 per cent of them have secured permanent posts. The Educational Institute of Scotland’s general secretary, Andrea Bradley, says that the figures that have been released “confirm that the Scottish Government has absolutely failed in the delivery of their 2021 manifesto commitment”. After 19 years of this Scottish National Party Government, why have ministers spectacularly failed in their workforce planning and in the pledge that they made to parents, professionals and young people?”
“The latest data shows that, for the first time in three years, the number of teachers in our schools has increased. We are also seeing encouraging progress in recruitment. More teacher induction scheme probationers are securing a teaching post, permanent or temporary, in the year following their probation. This Government understands how essential it is to have great teachers in every classroom and that the challenges in recruitment in some subjects and local areas must be addressed. That is why I am pleased to announce that we are launching a national recruitment campaign to encourage more people into secondary teaching, particularly in the subjects and areas where recruitment is most challenging.”
“The First Minister: Issues of cumulative impact are a legitimate consideration in the planning process, and it is important that those issues are reflected in decisions. Indeed, there will have been examples of developments that have not been able to proceed because of the concerns about cumulative impact. I hope that what I have said in my substantive answer to Christine Grahame gives her the reassurance that the issues at stake can be and should be considered in the planning process, and that the consideration that we are giving to the implications for the strategic spatial energy plan will assist in addressing the point that she has raised with me.”
“To give some context, I understand that there are 30 sites in the Borders operating more than 440 turbines, with three more being built and others being applied for. To add to that, the SP Energy Networks project—the cross-border connection— will require, as I understand it, 400 pylons to take Borders-generated energy to England. That will, without a doubt, impact on the beautiful landscape and on communities. That application, like the other applications—notwithstanding what the First Minister has said—seems to me to be taking segmented parts of the impact in isolation, and not considering the cumulative impact. That cannot be fair when communities are certainly left getting absolutely nothing out of this but an industrialised landscape.”
“I completely understand the concerns of communities regarding the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure. Where new development proposals come forward, they are subject to site- specific assessments, which should take into consideration the cumulative effects of developments alongside potential impacts on communities, nature and cultural heritage. I appreciate the point that Christine Grahame makes on cumulative impact, and I have asked that work is taken forward to consider what further steps we can take as part of our strategic spatial energy plan. Through the plan, we will work to balance the need to deliver net zero with the need to protect our natural environment, tourism and rural communities. Christine Grahame: I thank the First Minister for his answer, and I hope that there is progress.”
“If that helps to advance a sense of collective purpose in Scotland, the Government will support that in every way that it can. Electricity Infrastructure (Scottish Borders) 4.”
“In the months ahead, I plan to host a summit with supporters groups from across the country to discuss how we democratise Scottish football at every level and make it truly for the fans. Will the First Minister join that summit and help to put fans at the heart of our national game? The First Minister: The Government has held discussions on many of those issues, such as fan ownership and fan engagement in football. There are a number of very good examples around the country of fan ownership and leadership of football clubs that have delivered significant results for participation in sport. I am happy for the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport to be involved in those discussions. She is actively involved in all those fan engagement matters.”
“I am happy to give consideration to that issue. For all the reasons that Gillian Mackay indicated, it is important that individuals are able to watch their football teams, to enjoy that experience and to appreciate the solidarity of being together with fellow football fans. I will certainly give active consideration to her proposal. Gillian Mackay: Some 120,000 people will attend games over the weekend, but we currently have a system in which, other than at a few clubs, fans struggle to have their voices heard. At a national level, that is even more difficult. Whether through ticket prices or fan ownership, we need to bring our sport closer to the people who make it what it is.”
“Every step of the way, the health board and countless SNP ministers closed ranks and denied that there was a problem. People have died. Their families deserve the truth. A hospital was opened too soon with contaminated water that infected patients and led to deaths. The health board says that “pressure was applied” to open it before it was safe. I therefore ask the First Minister, for the third time, to tell the truth. The health secretary at the time is sitting right next to the First Minister, who was the Deputy First Minister and finance secretary at the time. They could ask Nicola Sturgeon, too. Tell the truth: who applied the pressure and why? The First Minister: I have already answered that question through the answers that I set out to Mr Findlay. [Interruption.]”
“Anas Sarwar: If Jeanne Freeman could see a report and stop the opening of a hospital in Edinburgh, why could Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney and Shona Robison not do that too? That is at the heart of the issue. This is the biggest scandal in the history of the Parliament. I first raised the case seven years ago, when whistleblowers came to me with devastating evidence that children had died due to infections but their parents had never been told the true cause of their deaths. One of those parents was Kimberly Darroch, the mother of Milly Main. Milly was in remission but died after contracting an infection from the water. She was 10 years old. Milly was forced to fight not only cancer but an unseen danger inside those hospital walls.”
“The First Minister: Those issues are the substance of the public inquiry that Lord Brodie must undertake. As I have already indicated, the Government expected the hospital to open and preparations were being made to do that. The operational responsibility for that lay with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Mr Sarwar said that the experience of whistleblowers, staff, and patients and their families has been completely unacceptable. I agree with that whole-heartedly. That is why the Government set up a public inquiry—because we were so concerned about the circumstances, we felt that it was necessary to have a judicially led inquiry to get to the truth and to satisfy the legitimate concerns that exist. That is what Lord Brodie will reflect on in the course of completing his report.”
“When the hospital opened, Nicola Sturgeon was the First Minister, John Swinney was the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy, so he signed the cheques, and Shona Robison was the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport. They received the internal report that warned of high risks of infection weeks before the hospital opened. They ignored it and opened the hospital anyway, and children died as a result. For seven years, families have been lied to; whistleblowers have been bullied, gaslit and punished; and those who raised concerns were dismissed and patronised. Pressure was applied to open the hospital before it was ready, even though there was contaminated water that risked lives. I ask John Swinney again: who applied the pressure and why?”
“I will make two points to Mr Sarwar. First, as he correctly says, the hospital opened in 2015. The first that the Scottish Government was advised by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde of a water contamination problem was on 1 March 2018, which was long after the report that Mr Sarwar has referred to. Secondly, Mr Sarwar has raised a point that is absolutely fundamental to the conduct of the public inquiry, which Lord Brodie is undertaking. I acknowledge the significant public interest in the issue, which is why Lord Brodie must have the opportunity to consider and reflect on the evidence and to set out his conclusions. Anas Sarwar: Again, the answer is not credible. It is either at least negligence or, more likely, criminal incompetence if the Government is suggesting that the internal report was never seen.”
“The last thing that I would say is that it is vital and absolutely fundamental that the patients and families who are using our hospitals are assured of our determination to ensure that we have a safe clinical environment. Scotland has advanced a lot of work on support for patient safety that has attracted international commendation. Patient safety will be one of the key priorities for the Government so that we can ensure that the public can rely on that in our hospitals around the country. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital 2.”
“Providing evidence to the inquiry in September 2025, Mr Poplett observed that, after previously raising concerns, which he did, the Queen Elizabeth university hospital’s water system is “currently extremely well managed” and that “significant improvement” had been made. That is independent advice that has been provided to Lord Brodie’s inquiry, which I put on the record today to reassure members of the public that safety considerations in the Queen Elizabeth university hospital are uppermost in the thinking and minds of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board. Obviously, the Government wants to have that assurance, and the inquiry report provides exactly that.”