On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The First Minister held a press conference yesterday where all the substantive plans that will be addressed in the next item of business were discussed. Given that my amendment to extend the time allowed for the ministerial statement and questions was not agreed to, I ask that we move straight to questions to allow greater scrutiny of the cabinet secretary’s responses and the few details in the statement to be discussed.
I am aware that the First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the deputy chief medical officer provided a public media briefing on national health service winter pressures yesterday. There is sufficient additional detail in this afternoon’s statement, and I will allow it to be delivered. I continue to pay close attention to these matters, and of course, I am determined to ensure that the Parliament’s position is respected.