BBC Scotland Politics

Political news and interviews from
@BBCScotland

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Labour leadership candidate @AnasSarwar says IndyRef2 would make the fight for social justice and equality "harder".

He says: "I don't believe that an independence referendum coming through a pandemic is the right thing for Scotland."

#PoliticsScotland

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On whether there should be an IndyRef2, Labour leadership candidate @MonicaLennon7 says she doesn't think the only option is between independence led by the SNP, and the status quo led by the Tories; " we need more powers in Scotland."

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Of @JeaneF1MSP's plan to publish vaccine supply figures
next week, @ScotSecofState says it should be "historical data" that should be published, not details about future supplies or their location.

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Alister Jack @ScotSecofState says if the Scottish Government went ahead with IndyRef2 after getting a pro-independence majority at Holyrood, "it would be an illegal referendum."

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On whether the reason the PM really visited Scotland was because the party had woken up to the support for independence in recent opinion polls,
@ScotSecofState said: "It's not about the opinion polls, it's entirely about the pandemic."

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Of the PM's visit to Scotland, Alister Jack @ScotSecofState
says in group discussions, you get a lot more out of face to face meetings than on zoom.
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Alister Jack @ScotSecofState says the PM also went to
Livingston where the UK Govt,. has funded the Valneva vaccine to hear about its progress. Mr. Johnson, he says, also visited the Lighthouse Lab. to discuss its progress.

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On why the PM couldn't have spoken to Scots via technology and why his trip was essential, Alister Jack,
@ScotSecofState said his visit was "morale boosting" as he thanked the troops for rolling out vaccine centres to increase the pace of vaccinations. Also...

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[BBC Scotland Politics @BBCScotPolitics]

On #PoliticsScotland at 10am on BBC One Scotland:

Alister Jack,@ScotSecofState joins us to talk about the impact of the prime minister's visit to Scotland this week.

And @MonicaLennon7 and @AnasSarwar will go head to head on who'll make the better leader for Scottish Labour.

[BBC Scotland Politics @BBCScotPolitics]

On #PoliticsScotland at 10am on BBC One Scotland:

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, joins us to talk about the impact of the prime minister's visit to Scotland this week.

And @MonicaLennon7 and @AnasSarwar go head to head on who'll make the better leader for Scottish Labour.

[BBC Scotland Politics @BBCScotPolitics]

The Education Secretary is considering a phased return of pupils when in person learning can safely return. He says groups like early learning, senior pupils with exams coming up and those with additional support needs could be first. #PoliticsScotland

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On lockdown measures, John Swinney says "progress is clearly being made" in reducing the spread of the virus, but hospitals are still under pressure.

He adds that higher grade face masks are being "actively explored".

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John Swinney, who is also Education Secretary says he would like to give two weeks notice on the return of face-to-face learning if possible, but adds it will only return when safety is assured. #PoliticsScotland

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Deputy First Minister John Swinney tells #PoliticsScotland that a "parliamentary majority" supporting independence in the next Scottish election would demonstrate will for a referendum and says the Prime Minister refusing one would be an "anti-democratic stance".

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Lord @LordMcConnell says the Scottish Labour Party is the only party with the potential to deliver changes in govt. that the majority of Scots want, such as improved education and health services, as the other 2 main parties are "so polarised" constitutionally.

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Lord McConell, @LordMcConnell says the Scottish Labour Party needs somebody who can inspire voters with their vision for Scotland, whether it's Anas Sarwar "who would be an excellent leader..." or "somebody else who's equally talented".

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On whether there should be a coronation or a contest to decide the new Scottish Labour leader, former Scottish Labour leader, Lord McConnell, @LordMcConnell says:

"I don't think it matters." He says, what matters is "we pick the right person.

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Jillian Evans, Head of Health Intelligence, @NHSGrampian
says "it's not beyond possibility" to have a vaccine roll-out that runs 24hrs a day.

And that it appears as tho' the public may be "amenable" to such a ramping up.

#PoliticsScotland

[BBC Scotland Politics @BBCScotPolitics]

"Patchy" supplies of vaccine means it's difficult for doctors to plan ahead and arrange patient appointments says Dr. Andrew Buist @BMAScotland

That's why, he says, everything has to be done to ensure an optimal supply reaches practices.
#PoliticsScotland