On a personal level, I wish Keir Starmer and his family well. Leadership places extraordinary demands on those who serve, and on the families who support them.
He has made the right decision, but what happens next must be about more than a change of Prime Minister.
I said from the very beginning when Starmer became leader of the Labour Party, he was no politician. I think this summation of the guy, proves me right:
From the Royal Highland Show, First Minister John Swinney and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin celebrate the contribution of Scotland's agricultural and rural communities.
Watch for more.
Today I met members of Edinburgh’s Muslim community and heard directly from those affected by the appalling attacks.
No one in Scotland should ever fear being targeted because of who they are.
My government will always stand against those who seek to divide us.
BREAKING: The SNP will introduce a bill in Westminster to devolve independence referendum powers to Holyrood.
🗣️ 'It's time we take the power out of the hands of Westminster politicians and put it into the hands of a Scottish Parliament.'
Everyone who lives in Scotland – whether you were born here or decided to make Scotland your home – epitomises Scotland’s values of hope, tolerance and solidarity.
These are values that must be cherished, nurtured and protected. We must all come together to ensure that.
We must all stand united in utter condemnation of the heinous attack that took place in Edinburgh. Anti-Muslim hatred is abhorrent, and we must not allow recent attempts to stoke fear to divide us.
🧵 There is no place for race-based or faith-based violence in Scotland.
My thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the appalling violence on Friday - the victims but also the communities who are understandably anxious by what happened.
I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government. https://t.co/AstebTf53D