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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“Part of the correct approach in Scotland is to ensure that we raise the revenue to invest in our public services. The position that Mr Simpson’s party’s front-bench members advocate is to reduce public expenditure by £1 billion. The Conservatives often shout at me about it, but what they do not shout at me is how they will reduce public expenditure without harming the people of Scotland. They do not tell us the hard realities. If the Conservative Party is prepared to share that detail with the public, I will be very pleased to listen to it. However, what is clear to me is that the Scottish Government is taking the right steps to raise revenue, invest in our public services and improve outcomes for the people of”
“The report also highlights how Scotland continues to punish the entrepreneurial community with high tax rates. We have a top tax rate of 48 per cent, compared with just 24 per cent in booming Singapore. Does the First Minister not recognise that lower, simpler taxes can boost Government revenues, inspire innovation and lead to extra investment? The First Minister: An area of policy that I have been closely associated with throughout my parliamentary career is that of entrepreneurial activity. By anyone’s estimation, Scotland now has a supportive innovation and entrepreneurship system. The Techscaler programme that the Deputy First Minister leads is generating significant economic benefits and wealth in Scotland. The key challenge is how we generate sufficient economic activity to support our investment in people and public services.”
“I welcome the report from the Hunter Foundation and share the aim to boost economic growth and secure a prosperous future for the next generation of Scots. I particularly agree with Sir Tom Hunter’s comments that we in Scotland need a separate immigration policy that suits our circumstances and can help to boost our workforce. I hope that the United Kingdom Government will take those calls into consideration. Graham Simpson: The First Minister will no doubt have been delighted that Sir Tom Hunter has hinted that he, the First Minister, is paid too little, but Sir Tom cannot get everything right. He wants radical action to reverse what he calls Scotland’s “managed decline”. He references falling standards in education for the past two decades, some of the worst health outcomes in Europe and a demographic ticking time bomb.”
“The Scottish Government is taking forward a number of measures to tackle the cost of living challenges that people face in Scotland. Council tax is about 30 per cent lower on average than it is in England, and water bills are 20 per cent lower. We have free prescriptions in Scotland. Families who send their children to Scottish universities do not pay tuition fees, and we have just added to that the abolition of peak rail fares for good. The Scottish Government is acting within our powers and responsibilities to tackle the very issues that Mr Coffey puts to me, but I am absolutely certain that Scotland’s position would be enhanced if we had the full powers of independence, which would enable us to deliver a better economic future, just as many of our neighbours are able to do. “Lessons from Singapore for Scotland’s Economy” 5.”
“That is a vast sum for Scots, who could have put that money towards saving for their first homes, keeping those homes warm, feeding their families or saving for retirement. Does the First Minister agree that that is a clear indication that the union, and Westminster austerity, which is now embraced by Labour, are not working for Scotland? Will he outline what his Government is doing to combat that? The First Minister: It is beyond question that austerity and Brexit have reduced the living standards of people in Scotland. That is an inescapable reality. Of course, all of that was presided over, ushered in, nurtured and coaxed into reality by the Conservative Government. Colossal damage has been done to individuals and their livelihoods.”
“Scotland’s economy has been robust despite significant economic challenges. Since 2007, Scotland’s gross domestic product per person has, overall, increased by more than the United Kingdom’s has. Our labour market remains resilient. Our programme for government includes measures to support economic security and growth, but it is right to recognise the effect on Scottish living standards of UK Government austerity and damaging decisions on issues such as migration and Brexit, which have created the circumstances that are accounted for by the Future Economy Scotland report. Willie Coffey: Future Economy Scotland’s report lays bare the sheer cost of the union and Westminster economic mismanagement.”
“That is a splendid example of investment in new technology that reduces emissions, and it can help to create 350 jobs in Renfrewshire, which is a step in the right direction. Average Earnings (Future Economy Scotland) 4.”
“The First Minister: As I said in my earlier answer, the Government will announce its plans to respond to the Climate Change Committee in due course. I very much welcome its contribution. We are implementing a range of measures. For example, we made a commitment to create 6,000 public charge points for electric vehicles, which helps with the shift to electric vehicles, and we exceeded that target two years early. Yesterday, along with the Secretary of State for Scotland, I had the pleasure to be at the announcement of a regional selective assistance grant—which goes alongside investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank and the National Wealth Fund of the United Kingdom Government—for the green aircraft engine developer ZeroAvia, at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District in Renfrewshire.”
“Lorna Slater: The First Minister’s Government has spent the past year ripping up policies that are designed to tackle the climate emergency. The First Minister knows that delaying action on climate actually costs more in the long run. Analysis from Global Witness shows that climate damage is already costing Scottish households £3,000 every year on average, while multinational fossil fuel giants are still raking in billions of pounds of profit. Unless polluters pay, communities will be worse off and the super-rich will keep getting richer. So that we can invest now—not only to save money later but to create green jobs and opportunities that will benefit Scotland—will the First Minister support policies to tax polluters?”
“I welcome the advice that we have received from the Climate Change Committee, which the Government will carefully consider before setting out our proposed carbon budgets in secondary legislation, in due course. I assure Lorna Slater that the Government is absolutely committed to meeting its target of net zero emissions by 2045. We recently put a number of vital climate measures in the budget, which I was pleased that the Green Party was able to support. We have added to that another measure to make public transport more affordable, which is the abolishment of peak rail fares from 1 September. I hope that that is taken as an example of good faith regarding what the Government is trying to do to prioritise action on climate.”
“That will be the sustained approach that the Government takes forward, and I will be very happy to engage, as I engaged with all political parties in January, on what we can collectively consider to address the issue. There will be a follow-up discussion on these questions in June, which the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs will convene. In the light of these issues, I will attend that discussion as well, and I invite other colleagues and members of the youth work sector to be involved in that, too, to make sure that we leave no stone unturned in addressing the issues, because one case is one case too many. Scotland’s Carbon Emissions (Climate Change Committee Report) 3.”
“We are also supporting the outstanding work, which is internationally renowned, of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit to expand its reach across Scotland, from Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh to now Ayrshire. I say that in the hope of reassuring Mr Sarwar, members of the public and Vicky Donald that the Government is very focused on the issue. I reiterate the point that I made to Mr Findlay a moment ago. There are punishments available that the courts can decide to apply, and they can involve imprisonment, so nobody should be under any illusion that there are no consequences to being involved in the unacceptable actions of knife crime or violence.”
“When it comes to that prevention work, we have a number of different elements. Education Scotland delivers the mentors in violence prevention programme, which is delivered in all local authority areas in the country. I welcome the engagement of schools and local authorities. I have seen that programme in action in my constituency, and it is powerful and emphatic. The young people themselves become the advocates for violence prevention. We also have the work of Medics Against Violence, which engages with young people in youth clubs on the consequences of violence, and YouthLink Scotland takes the no knives, better lives training to hundreds of practitioners.”
“That is, of course, what I have done, because in January I convened a gathering, at the instigation of Vicky Donald, who came to it, with leaders of all political parties. Pauline McNeill attended on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party. Colleagues from all parties were there, and I welcome that engagement around the table. I have sat with parents and listened very directly to their feedback. I have seen the letter from Vicky Donald and I have replied to her this morning. One of the points that I made in the letter is that, although this is of no comfort to victims of violence and their families, knife crime has fallen and the number of homicide victims aged 13 to 19 years has decreased by 79 per cent. That is some of the progress that I think has come about because of the prevention work that the Government has been taking forward.”
“Today, in the Daily Record, Vicky has written an open letter to John Swinney, saying: “this is not just a tragedy. It is a failure. A failure of the systems, structures and leadership meant to protect our children ... This isn’t about reputation or reports. It’s about reality. It‘s about life and death.” She asks: “When will the Scottish Government stand up and say enough is enough?” She asks: “When will you stop hiding behind procedures and start putting real consequences in place for violent behaviour among youth?” She asks: “When will early intervention become the priority, and not just a buzzword?” She demands: “Stop waiting for more funerals. Do something now.” The First Minister: Mr Sarwar invites me to speak to the parents.”
“However—and I go back to my point that even one incident is absolutely unacceptable and devastating, so I do not diminish that at all— the evidence indicates that, overall, Scottish society is safer today than it was before we created Police Scotland. That is the outcome that has been achieved as a consequence of the reform that the Government put in place to create a single police service that serves every community in our country. Anas Sarwar: I think that John Swinney should get out and speak to some of the parents directly and hear what they feel about SNP justice. There are no more powerful words on this serious issue than those of mum Vicky Donald, and I think that it is important that we end on her words. Her daughter was just 13 when she was viciously assaulted on the way to school.”
“Since 2008-09—which precedes the creation of Police Scotland—there has been a 69 per cent decrease in emergency hospital admissions due to assault with a sharp object. Over a long period—during which we undertook the reform of the police service and the creation of Police Scotland— Scottish society has become safer. We have recorded crime data that shows that there has been a 55 per cent fall in attempted murder and serious assault, with homicides remaining at a near-record low in our society today. In addition to that recorded crime data, we also have the latest Scottish crime and justice survey, which captures incidents that are not reported to the police as well as those that are. That reveals that crime has fallen by 53 per cent since 2008-09. I totally understand the points that Mr Sarwar puts to me.”
“The SNP has cut the number of police officers and shut police stations. It has decimated youth work services and has so badly mismanaged our justice system that 500 police officers are stuck in courtrooms every day, with 90 per cent of them not even giving evidence. The SNP has broken our national health service to the point where police officers are stuck in accident and emergency departments escorting patients when they should be on the streets, fighting crime. Is what we are seeing now not a direct consequence of SNP decisions and failures? The First Minister: In what I say to Mr Sarwar I will, inevitably, rely on material that I have already used in my answers to Russell Findlay.”
“I assure him that the Government will take forward a combination of early intervention and education measures, but we will also resort to punishment, if required, when offences have been committed. That is the approach that the Government will take and which it will work with Police Scotland to deliver in our communities. Anas Sarwar: John Swinney ignores the wider systemic challenges. The crisis did not emerge overnight; it has been years in the making. Since the Scottish National Party created Police Scotland, we have lost 800 officers. Since 2017, the SNP has cut 730 officers from local divisions and shut countless local police stations. We are now hearing horrifying reports of children—primary school children—being caught carrying knives. That is not a coincidence.”
“As I indicated in my answers to Mr Findlay, the Government takes a combination of measures in relation to these issues. First, we are proactively taking forward education programmes on the danger and unacceptability of carrying a knife or taking part in violence. That advice was reinforced by Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs in his public statement on Wednesday. Secondly, effective punishment is in place when offences are committed. Thirdly, there is sustained school and community engagement with young people to ensure that we create responsible citizens in our society. As I indicated, I share the devastation about the loss of young lives as a consequence of any violence in our society. Mr Sarwar and I share that devastation.”
“I repeat: the Scottish Sentencing Council guideline for young people indicates that all sentencing options, including imprisonment, remain open to the court. That is what the law says and that is what the guideline says. People need to understand the consequences of carrying a knife and committing an offence. There is a risk of imprisonment. I encourage people to follow the advice issued on Wednesday by Police Scotland, which was that under no circumstances should young people carry knives in our society. It is dangerous, it is damaging and young people should not do it. Knife Crime (Young People) 2.”
“The First Minister: I fear that Russell Findlay has not been listening to my answers, in which I have set out that a combination of proactive and preventative work is undertaken by a number of very successful organisations, which, since 2008- 09, has resulted in a 69 per cent decrease in emergency hospital admissions because of assault with a sharp object. That is the result of us tackling knife crime in our society. That prevention work is having an effect. Scotland is a safer country today than it has been in the past, but I return to my point that one incident is one incident too many. The work on prevention is absolutely vital, but the public cannot look at this exchange and believe that there are no consequences for carrying a knife or for carrying out an incident.”
“The system is broken.” The mum of a teenage boy who was subjected to a homophobic attack, which was filmed—his attackers faced no consequences—said: “We cannot come to terms with what is happening in Scotland. Serious crime is being downgraded. The clear message to us and our son is that people can do what they want to him because he just doesn’t matter enough.” A mum who was too fearful to include details of her child’s ordeal said: “Many of the bad kids are in gangs and know that there are zero consequences for their actions. Good kids are paying a heavy price. Who is going to stand up and do something that will actually make an impact?” Parents want a return to discipline in schools and deterrence in the justice system, so why will John Swinney not listen to them?”
“We undertake that work, and, over a 15-year period, we have seen a sustained fall in knife crime in our society. However, I come back to what I said in my first answer. One incident—one tragedy—is one too many, but it is vital that it is understood, particularly by those who might perpetrate such offences, that it remains a possibility that imprisonment can be imposed. Parliament should properly understand the requirements of the law. Russell Findlay: If John Swinney will not listen to me, perhaps he will listen to the parents of victims. A mum whose teenage daughter was subjected to a horrific assault, which was filmed, said: “My girl cannot return to school or leave home. She lives in fear while her attacker faces no punishment.”
“There are also the perverse under-25 sentencing guideline, which prevents criminals—adults, by any definition—from being jailed. That approach is weak, it is reckless and it is costing lives. Is it not time for John Swinney to rethink those harmful policies? The First Minister: I must correct Mr Findlay on what he has said to the Parliament today. The sentencing guideline for young people, which has been developed by the Scottish Sentencing Council, makes it clear that all sentencing options, including imprisonment, remain open to the court. It is absolutely vital that that is understood by the public. Our approach must be about education, early intervention and prevention. That is why we invest so much in measures such as the work of the Violence Reduction Unit and the mentors in violence prevention programme.”
“I expect the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the judicial system to consider all those issues in addressing any cases that emerge. Russell Findlay: It seems that John Swinney will not accept that his Government bears any responsibility for rising youth violence, but let us look at the SNP’s policies. It will not exclude disruptive and dangerous pupils from schools. Official guidelines prevent teachers from being able to instil basic classroom discipline. John Swinney talks of firmness in the justice system, but the SNP passed a law banning under- 18s from being sent to prison, even if they commit murder, and it decided that more young criminals should not be prosecuted in court. Instead, they are sent to children’s panels, where their interests are the priority and victims are ignored.”
“That is in addition to the work that we do to support Medics Against Violence to engage young people in the work that YouthLink Scotland does to deliver the no knives, better lives training to hundreds of practitioners and young people around the country. Proactive work is being done to ensure that the issues that Russell Findlay has raised are addressed, but there is also firmness in the justice system when incidents take place. It remains open to prosecutors to prosecute a young person if they have committed a serious offence. Our sustained focus on prevention and early intervention is a core part of our strategy, but steps can also be taken in the criminal justice system to bring people to justice.”
“Surely John Swinney can see that it is not working and it is time to take a tougher approach. The First Minister: As I indicated in my earlier answer, there are three elements to the approach that the Government is taking. Great importance is attached to education programmes on the danger and the unacceptability of carrying a knife and being involved in violence. The mentors in violence prevention programme, which is directed through Education Scotland, is delivered in all 32 local authority areas, and young people are involved in that work. We support the work of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit in proactively engaging with young people to avoid incidents of violence.”
“We have seen a sustained fall in the levels of knife crime in the past 15 years, but I repeat that one incident is one incident too many, and we will act to eradicate such incidents. Russell Findlay: Young people do not feel safe because of the sickening rise in youth violence, but it is not happening in a vacuum. It can be linked directly to the policies and actions of the Government. The Scottish National Party has systematically weakened the justice system, especially in youth justice. It seeks to make excuses for those who commit harm, and those who commit crimes are told that there are no consequences for their actions, which means that there is no longer any meaningful deterrent. That inevitably fuels youth violence. That misguided thinking is at the heart of SNP policy making.”
“First, I express my sympathy to the family of Kayden Moy. It is a tragedy that they are having to come to terms with, and one incident is one incident too many. The disorder and the violence at Irvine beach and in Portobello were totally unacceptable. As you have indicated, Presiding Officer, Police Scotland is pursuing the relevant incidents. There are three approaches that the Government is taking in relation to knife crime. First, we have education programmes on the danger and the unacceptability of carrying a knife and taking part in violence. Secondly, there is effective punishment when offences are committed. Thirdly, there is sustained school and community engagement with young people to make sure that we create responsible citizens in Scotland. Most of Scotland’s young people are responsible citizens.”
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“At col 15, para 4, line 1— Original text— The level of delayed discharges is falling—it has come down from its peak by just short of 200 places. Corrected text— The level of delayed discharges is falling—it has come down from its peak by just short of 105 places. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“First, it is important that inspections of that type take place so that we can challenge unacceptable practice. Therefore, I am grateful to Healthcare Improvement Scotland for the thoroughness of the work that it has undertaken. Secondly, although I understand the legitimate points that Mr Marra has made, strengths in the service were also identified, which Mr Marra acknowledged in his question. That should be recognised, but it should not be an excuse for not addressing unacceptable practice. My third point is that it is essential that the NHS Tayside leadership takes forward those issues with urgency. That will be communicated firmly to the leadership—it probably already has been—by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and”
“I recognise and sympathise with the point that Mr Harvie has made. As I have said consistently since the Supreme Court judgment, I am concerned by how individuals, particularly those in the trans community, are feeling as a consequence of the climate that we are in. I am very struck by the fact that the climate of the discourse on this issue is absolutely unacceptable. Let me, from this podium, make it clear—as I made it clear in the programme for government announcement—that my Government is absolutely resolute in our support for the LGBTQI+ community, and that we will take actions that will be aimed at protecting the rights of all, because the rights of all must be protected in our society. That is the solemn commitment that I give to the community and to the Parliament today. Ninewells Hospital (Maternity Services)”
“Horse riders are recognised as vulnerable road users, and we work with partners such as the British Horse Society to improve safety. A vulnerable road users working group, which includes the British Horse Society, met on 1 May. We very much support the activities that Christine Grahame referred to. Common ridings are a critical part of the identity of the Scottish Borders, and gala days around the community are important celebrations of local activity. In our awareness campaigns, we will urge all drivers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with rural roads, to follow the highway code by passing horses at no more than 10mph and giving at least 2m of space for horses as they pass. Glasgow’s Pride (Political Party Participation)”
“Those are some of the practical cost issues that are being wrestled with. If Mr Stewart wants to send me details of that situation, I will certainly explore what can be done through the planning hub to support his constituents. British Horse Society “Dead Slow””
“I will say two things to Mr Stewart in that respect. First, our planning hub is looking practically at a number of sites that have stalled or have some difficulty. We all know that issues can emerge in the system, and our planning hub is looking at those particular developments. If Mr Stewart writes to me, I will make sure that the relevant minister takes that forward. My second point is on the question of construction costs, which I referred to earlier in my answer to Mr Sarwar. One of the problems with a number of developments is that the cost of construction materials increased substantially during 2021-22. The annual average growth rate in construction costs was 5 per cent in the four- year period between 2017 and 2020. In 2021-22, it was 24 per cent—nearly five times as much.”
“I am delighted to welcome the news, which Emma Roddick has commented on, that CorPower Ocean will site its 5 megawatt array at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. The project is scheduled to deploy in 2029 and will see components manufactured locally, creating skilled jobs and supporting the local supply chain. This is another indication of our communities’ outlook and willingness to embrace renewables. It is a huge fillip to the magnificent activity that has been going on at EMEC in Orkney for many years. I assure Emma Roddick that the Government will ensure that there is wide awareness of the significance of a project of this nature in strengthening our agenda on renewables, which is a huge strength for Scotland. Accessible Housing (Clackmannan)”
“A couple of weeks ago, around 400 of the young people ran in the Perth park run to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which they do every year in memory of the young person who they lost. That is an indication of the absolute solidarity of young people on this tragic issue, and I compliment them on their activities in that respect. [Applause.] Wave Energy (Orkney)”
“I am sympathetic to the point that Claire Baker makes, and I welcome Ryan to Parliament. I know that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice are meeting him this afternoon, which was no doubt arranged by Claire Baker. I welcome that engagement. I commit to the Government engaging on the issue. Claire Baker makes a reasonable point about supporting families with children who are affected by a cancer diagnosis, which is a tragic and traumatising experience to have. I commit my ministers to addressing the issue. While I am on my feet, I might say that, several years ago, Perth high school, which educates children in my constituency, lost a child to teenage cancer.”
“I look forward to the leadership of UHI Perth taking forward the strengthened measures that are required to ensure the future of the institution, which plays a significant part in the education of my constituents and has a formidable footprint in the local economy in Perthshire. Childhood Cancer Diagnosis (Financial Support)”
“First, I thank Dr Margaret Cook for her service as principal of UHI Perth, and I wish her well for the future. The college is a self-governing and autonomous institution that is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. It is responsible for its own decisions within the funding envelopes that the Scottish Government provides. The Government, of course, supports substantially the college sector in Scotland. Decisions on distribution of funds are made on the Government’s behalf by the Scottish Funding Council, in accordance with legislation. The Government strongly supports the college sector.”
“Around 250 projects are benefiting from the nature restoration fund so far. We are extending the fund, which will provide essential investment for the steps that we are taking to halt biodiversity loss in Scotland’s species, woodlands, rivers and seas, and to encourage them back on the road to recovery.”
“As Michelle Thomson will know, the Scottish Government has taken steps to intervene to support the Scottish company base, with the explanation in the programme for government last week of further support for exporters, on which the Government will follow through.”
“It is a source of enormous disappointment and frustration to the Scottish Government, because of the effect that the trade deal will have on Scottish business, that we were not engaged in its formulation prior to its agreement by the United Kingdom Government. Indeed, I personally found the process deeply unsatisfactory—the Deputy First Minister has communicated that to the UK Government. That view is held not just by me but by my counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a lot yet to be done on the trade deal to ensure that key industries such as salmon and whisky are protected.”
“The Scottish Government will consider the full details of the trade deal and all of its implications for Scotland when those details are clear. We understand that only general terms have been agreed, with much detail requiring further negotiation. Michelle Thomson: I wonder whether the First Minister agrees that a so-called deal that fails to engage with the Scottish Government, fails to take account of Scotland’s salmon and whisky industries, fails to protect our beef sector and lands us with 10 per cent tariffs across the board is accurately described by the Nobel laureate Professor Joe Stiglitz as “not worth the paper that it is written on.” The First Minister: The issues that Michelle Thomson raises are absolutely material to consideration of the UK-USA trade deal.”
“First, I commend the quality and strength of the advice available through the telephone service, which is of a high clinical level. Secondly, I believe that the signposting to face-to-face services is undertaken very effectively. I am concerned about the data that Dr Gulhane refers to, because I cannot quite understand how a call could be waiting for four hours to be answered. I will interrogate that data further, as the extremity of that situation causes me concern, and I will look more closely at the long waits that Dr Gulhane raises. On the whole, I believe that NHS 24 serves us well. However, I acknowledge that, during periods of high demand, people might wait longer than they would wish.”
“The First Minister: I repeat a point that I made earlier, which is that calls can be abandoned for a variety of reasons, not all of which are related to waiting times. The message menu that members of the public hear includes a range of signposting options that encourage people to seek advice elsewhere, particularly when the service is under pressure. Dr Gulhane will be familiar with those options from his professional background. He will also know that not all callers need to get through to NHS 24, as some might be able to get advice from NHS Inform that addresses their concerns. Having spent time with NHS call handlers, as the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has done, and having listened to the professional advice that they give, I would say two things.”
“The staff are working flat out, and the patients I saw were distressed and desperate for help. However, last year, more than 300,000 calls to NHS 24 were abandoned, with one person left waiting more than four hours just to get through. Those are not just statistics; they are real people left without urgent health advice when they need it most. No manager has been held accountable for that debacle, yet the Scottish Government is spending £118.3 million on NHS 24 this year. First Minister, stop talking about money and start talking about outcomes. For that level of spending, the public deserve much better. Will the First Minister guarantee that, next year, we will see significant improvements for desperate patients? The Presiding Officer: Always speak through the chair.”
“NHS 24 continues to strive to improve its call-handling times. However, I apologise to anyone who has experienced an extended wait. Calls to NHS 24 can be recorded as unanswered for a variety of reasons, not all of which are related to waiting times. Callers are offered a range of options, including signposting to NHS Inform for self-care advice or to other services that might be more clinically appropriate to meet their needs. NHS 24’s workforce has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2014, with a record number of call handlers and clinical advisers in place, and we have increased NHS 24’s budget to a record £118.3 million this year. Sandesh Gulhane: I declare an interest as a practising national health service general practitioner. First Minister, I have worked in out-of-hours services.”