Chamber and committees

The co-operation agreement includes a £500 million just transition fund for the north-east and Moray. Will the First Minister provide further detail on how the fund will support people who are seeking to move from the oil and gas sector to green jobs?

Last week, along with my Aberdeen Donside MSP colleague, I attended a briefing with the Scottish co-ordinator of a UK veterans charity and heard a sobering account of the multiple challenges that homeless veterans in the north-east continue to face, whose situation has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am aware that ministers are currently considering the Scottish veterans commissioner’s report “Housing: Making a Home in Civilian Society”. What update can the First Minister provide on progress in considering and acting on the recommendations that are made in that report?

One of my constituents recently participated in clinical trials for the Novavax vaccine. As the vaccine has not yet been approved, participants in the trials are uncertain about obtaining a vaccine certificate and unsure about their protection from Covid-19. Given the uncertainty that they face, can the First Minster provide an assurance that the Scottish Government will do all that it can to ensure that clarity is provided to them on vaccine certificates and their protection against Covid-19?

To ask the Scottish Government what support it will make available to businesses in light of the continuation of the current Covid-19 restrictions. (S6O-00051)

I know from speaking to many businesses in my constituency that the support that has already been made available by the Scottish Government has been a lifeline. While some restrictions remain in place, understandable concerns have been raised about the United Kingdom Treasury’s failure to announce an extension to the furlough scheme, which is due to be scaled back from 1 July. Can the cabinet secretary provide reassurance that she is doing everything that she can do to press the UK Government to extend the furlough scheme, in order to give businesses in Scotland the financial support that is needed until our economy can fully reopen?

The committee’s next task is to choose a deputy convener. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party are eligible for nomination as deputy convener of the committee. I understand that Russell Findlay is that party’s nominee for the post.

Russell Findlay was chosen as deputy convener.

That was unanimous. Congratulations on your appointment, Russell.

[Inaudible.] If anyone disagrees, please type N in the chat box.

We are agreed to take item 5 in private. Thank you.

That completes the public part of our business. The next meeting of the committee will be scheduled for after the summer recess. Details will be sent to members and published in the Business Bulletin.

I have no relevant interests to declare.

Thank you very much, Rona. I also thank my fellow committee members for their agreement to my nomination as convener of the Criminal Justice Committee. I very much look forward to working with you all and getting our committee business under way.