FMQs: Recap as Humza Yousaf faced the Scottish Parliament
Humza Yousaf faced questioning at FMQs.
FMQs: Follow along live
Key Events
- Humza Yousaf to give his first FMQs since Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest
- Scotland could soon see a junior doctor strike over a pay dispute
- After Police Scotland was described as institutionally racist and misogynist, the force has its first female leader
Anas Sarwar is telling the first minister about a patient on the Isle of Lewis who has been told there is no one available to treat his cancer and will now face delays to his treatment.
Humza Yousaf says the government has increased the number of radiologists but said he knows here is still work to do on this issue. He says more needs to be done to attract oncologists to Scotland and said he will look into the case Mr Sarwar has raised.
Anas Sarwar says it shouldn’t take bringing an individual case to parliament for that person to get treatment - that has received a round of applause from the Labour benches.
He said: “The strategy says the workforce review won’t conclude until 2026 but people with cancer can’t afford to wait.
“The 30-day standard has been repeatedly missed and staff shortages are putting people’s lives at risk.
“The SNP has been in government for 16 years and has now published a 10-year plan - why does he think people should have to wait 26 to get cancer care?”
Humza Yousaf says he doesn’t believe people should have to wait longer.
It seems Humza Yousaf’s comments on A9 dualling has not gone down well with Conservative MSPs.
All three of these MSPs represent Perthshire or the Highlands.
Stephen Kerr, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, is now criticising the government for rural school closures. He says both Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have turned their back on rural communities.
Following Scottish Labour’s criticism of the Scottish Government’s track record on cancer care, the SNP have tweeted they have delivered a “record high number of doctors and nurses” in the NHS.
Brian Whittle, Conservative MSP for South Scotland, is now asking about concerns over the government’s proposals to ban gas heating in new build homes, saying it could have a “serious adverse impact” on the housing sector.
He says this is a Scottish Green-led mess and will lead to fewer homes being built and prices increases, and he says he worries there are not enough people employed in this industry and the supply chain won’t cope.
He asked what is more important to the first minister, “a Green Scotland or the Scottish Greens?”
Humza Yousaf replied to say having a sustainable planet is the most important thing. His deputy Shona Robison next to him giving him an applause and saying “exactly”.
Not just Nicola Sturgeon who isn’t showing up to FMQs today - there’s a lot of empty seats in the SNP benches. Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, is clearly not happy with that. He does have personal experience when it comes to Douglas Ross’s question on the A9 - a few years ago he himself was in a serious crash on this stretch of road.
Christine Grahame, SNP MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, is now highlighting the fact the SPCA and other animal welfare charities are coming under increasing pressure because people can’t afford to keep their beloved pets during the cost-of-living crisis.
Humza Yousaf says no one should have to give up a beloved pet, saying they are beneficial for both animal and human welfare.
Here’s a picture of my two cats to brighten up your day - hate the thought that some people out there are having to think about this.
Collette Stevenson, SNP MSP for East Kilbride, now says the Scottish Government could help more people in poverty if key welfare, tax and employment powers were devolved to Holyrood.
Humza Yousaf said tackling child poverty is the “defining mission of the government I lead”. He said a lot of the poverty in Scotland is caused by the “cruel, Conservative government in Westminster” and its Brexit, mishandling of the economy, and “aggressive” welfare cuts.
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