Nicola Sturgeon responds to criticism of the travel ban saying that she is determined to 'keep the country as safe as possible'

The First Minister has hit back at criticism of the latest restrictions, including the travel ban that is about to be introduced to tier four to areas of Scotland on Friday evening.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard addressed Ms Sturgeon during Thursday’s FMQs saying: "Can I say in a general sense though that people do want a government that is working with them on things like the travel restrictions, not against them.

"That the overwhelming majority of people are just trying to keep up with regulations in order to follow them.

The First Minister denied that the travel ban was a 'red herring' as claimed by Richard Leonard.

"But the best case scenario as it stands is that this travel ban will confuse them, the worst case scenario is it will criminalise them.

"The travel ban is a red herring, instead the First Minister must take action on some of the things this parliament and the people have been calling for."

Mr Leonard went on to say that a “properly resourced test and protect system” was needed, along with appropriate PPE for health care workers and “safer schools for our children.”

He concluded by saying: “So First Minister, will you admit that you have not got this right?” adding that she should “rethink the travel ban and its application.”

The First Minister responded: “I have all along said ‘I have not got everything right’ and ‘will not get everything right’ and I’ll continue to try to get things right and be candid when we don’t.

"But I will also take the actions that I consider, and people are entitled to disagree, that are necessary to keep the country as safe as possible.

"In a situation like this it is absolutely incumbent on somebody like me to do my level best to do the right things and the necessary things, even if these are not always popular.”

She went on to explain that Scotland is so far avoiding a national, “one size fits all” lockdown, adding the travel ban was necessary to maintaining this.

Ms Sturgeon then proceeded to read out a quote from Labour First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, who supported a travel ban to prevent coronavirus spreading across Wales, and the UK.

She concluded: “He is determined to keep his country safe, and I am as determined as he is to keep my country as safe as I possibly can.”

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