Scotland proudly stands in solidarity with Ukraine. My statement on today’s reports 👇

Across these islands, the political landscape has changed. Scotland, Wales and the north of Ireland are led by First Ministers committed to independence from the UK. Scotland has the right to decide its future and no Westminster government can simply deny democracy.

Three years on from the horrific attacks of October 7th - the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust - we remember those who were murdered, and think of their loved ones. We must be resolute in condemning terror, antisemitism, prejudice and hatred in all its forms.

The Scottish Parliament has just overwhelmingly voted to support Scotland's future in the EU. Scotland is a proud European nation, and we want to be back. 🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I am pleased that agreement has been reached on equal pay between the unions and Glasgow City Council. Thanks to DFM @jennygilruth.bsky.social for her intensive work and to all parties involved for their constructive engagement in this process.

The UK's state pension is not generous compared to others in Europe. Older people relying on the state pension have to get by on barely over £1000 a month. Andy Burnham’s plans to end the triple lock are unacceptable, morally wrong and the SNP will stand against them.

Westminster simply can’t be trusted to deliver for Scotland. Scotland needs independence.

If Andy Burnham is so determined that he won’t be the last Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, let’s have a referendum, let the people in Scotland decide, and see who is right.

Violence against women and girls is an epidemic and I have pledged my personal leadership to tackling it - that means listening and driving urgent action across government and society. This morning I will be taking your calls on BBC Radio Scotland on this issue.

In Scotland, we provide free personal care for older people without punishing pensioners. Andy Burnham removing the triple lock would simply repeat the mistakes of Keir Starmer. The blame for the UK’s financial mess lies with successive Westminster governments, not pensioners.

More jobs and investment are coming to the North East. Subsea Micropiles is investing in a new manufacturing facility in Montrose, creating over 80 jobs - and SSE is planning to base its offshore wind operations at the Port, creating around 100 more. Great news for Scotland’s industrial future. 🏗️

Tackling the climate emergency is at the heart of my plans for Scotland. We can cut emissions while strengthening our economy - by harnessing Scotland’s massive renewable energy potential, creating good jobs and making sure communities benefit from the transition.

Best of luck to the Scotland national men’s football team against Slovenia and to Sébastien Pocognoli in his first game as the new manager. Come on Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Visiting the Knife Angel in Edinburgh was such a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of knife violence. One life lost is one too many. We will keep working with Police Scotland and other partners to prevent violence, intervene early and give people the support they need.

Scotland is at its strongest when all parts of society work together with a shared purpose of building a fairer, more equal Scotland. Great to meet leaders from across Scotland's charity sector earlier today and discuss exactly that.

While we might disagree on independence, surely we can all agree that Scotland is a nation, and its people have the right to decide their future. That is the simple principle I’m asking all MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to vote for today.

The old Westminster position of denying Scotland’s democracy is no longer sustainable. There is now a growing acceptance that Scotland has the right to decide its future - and we will ensure that the people of Scotland get that choice.

Scotland is a nation, and we have the right to decide our own future. On Tuesday, I’ll ask MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to back that simple principle. Whatever your view on independence, that should be something we can all agree on.