Politics RECAP: Nicola Sturgeon confirmed further easing of restrictions as Scotland Yard launches investigation Boris Johnson and ‘parties’ in Downing Street
and live on Freeview channel 276
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said on Tuesday that officers were now investigating after being passed information from the Sue Gray inquiry.
As well as a busy day at Westminster, Nicola Sturgeon delivered a Covid update to MSPs in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.
We will have live updates from around UK politics as we get it.
Politics RECAP: Scotland Yard launches investigation Boris Johnson and ‘parties’ in Downing Street
FM advises pregnant people to get the vaccines as soon as possible
FM says more data will be published by Public Health Scotland next month, adding that there is an uptake in the number of pregnant people going for their vaccines.
FM says that Scotland becoming independent would allow the country to fulfil its full potential
Responding to Alex Cole-Hamilton FM said that pressure on front line NHS staff are in part to do with Brexit “imposed on Scotland against out will” and becoming independent would ensure we are “in charge of our own destiny” and address these health and social issues.
FM says the distance support scheme is voluntary but hopes the scheme will help those a little bit more worried about mixing if everyone respects those wearing them.
“The majority of us keen to get back to normality but there are some people within our society particular of course those at higher clinical risk, who are nervous about getting back to normal” says FM but that in the spirit of solidarity we must continue to strike the balance so that everyone feels comfortable.
Covid Scotland: Infection rate was lower in Scotland than England, says statistics body over claims Nicola Sturgeon 'twisted' data
Covid rate was lower in Scotland than England, says statistics watchdog over claims Nicola Sturgeon 'twisted' data
The Covid-19 infection rate was lower in Scotland than England in the second week of January, the UK Statistics Authority has said following claims Nicola Sturgeon “twisted” data from this period.
FM recognises that physical restrictions have an impact on mental health but says that it would have been impossible to not impose the restrictions at earlier stages of the pandemic. She added that she recognises mental health is an area that needs worked to be recovered following the pandemic.
FM says to accuse her of twisting data was “uncalled for”
She said that it is a positive that there is now clear data that the restrictions implemented were necessary and that it was just “party politics” to call her out.
Pam Duncan-Glancy expresses concerns that the distance aware scheme shifts the burden onto the vulnerable.
FM says she is open to other suggestions to make people feel comfortable: “If there are better ways to do it I am genuinely happy to listen to them and give them full consideration.”