Newly elected First Minister refuses to set date for Programme for Government in first question session

Weebru_m also wrote to those whose questions remained unanswered at the conclusion of First Minister’s Questions with full responses.

The newly elected First Minister leads a Green-SNP majority government in Holyrood.

Scotland’s newly elected First Minister, Weebru_m, has faced his first session of First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood since ascending to that position last week. Many of the questions put by members focused on the record of the previous Government, which had been criticised for a lack of a legislative agenda and failing to answer Parliamentary questions, as well as the new cabinet’s potential Programme for Government, which will set out their policy agenda for the remainder of the term.



The Green leader, who heads a Green-SNP majority Government, was chosen by members of the Scottish Parliament to lead a Government following the resignation of IceCreamSandwich402, beating the Classical Liberal candidate, Duncs11, with 10 votes to 5. The Scottish Labour Leader, WillShakespeare99, came a distant third with 2 votes.



When asked on a number of occasions, Mr _m was unwilling to give away an exact date, but confirmed that a programme would be submitted in response to a question by Classical Liberal delegation leader Duncs11. He did, however, promise MSPs that the document would be published “shortly after the rates resolution”. This resolution has since been introduced, so a new programme could be seen soon. Before this, he had justified any delay, stating “we obviously want to make additions to the PfG.”



The First Minister was keen to dismiss criticisms of his predecessor, IceCreamSandwich401 who resigned after serving as First Minister for about 4 months. His government, in which Weebru_m was a senior figure, was criticised for a lack of activity and accountability, with little legislation submitted to Parliament, and many questions from MSPs left unanswered. Classical Liberal MSP Fresh3001 alluded to this without mentioning the former First Minister by name, asking “to ask the First Minister how he will distinguish his tenure from the lackluster performances of past Green premiers?”.



“Past Green governments were not ‘lackluster’. My government and I will look to continue the progressive, positive work that previous Green governments have done,” came the response of Scotland’s third Green head of government. LPUK leader in Holyrood, _paul_rand_ also referenced the performance of the country’s previous leader, and the lack of any legislation, asking “Will this government act upon any of its promises?”. The First Minister was unequviocal, responding simply “Yes.”



Duncs11 continued the assault on the record of Mr Sandwich401’s administration, focusing on his successor’s role in that cabinet as Education and Skills Secretary, asking “the First Minister what he achieved in that role?” Mentioning his other role, _m, who also serves as MSP for Glasgow, told the serial First Ministerial candidate “the member omits that I was also Cabinet Secretary for the UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe as well, where I attended the Joint-Ministerial Committee, and worked to publishing our Brexit paper on options for Scotland during negotiations with Europe. In terms of education and skills, I did my job, just like every other minister in our cabinet.”



Sharp came the retort from Mr 11, that “The First Minister is right – I did forget to say that he was also the “Cabinet Secretary for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe” – a position which is based entirely on a reserved matter, and which should not exist. In his pretend role, outwith the spirit of the devolution settlement, he did indeed write a white paper – one which is also outwith the spirit of the devolution settlement, so excuse me if I put those to one side. In terms of his achievements in Education and Skills being simply the fact he “did his job”, is that really an achievement? At a time when the Education system is in turmoil, there isn’t a bill the First Minister regards as his main achievement? Not one single bill the First Minister can name as an achievement?” No public reply was given to this question.



Throughout, it was clear that The First Minister would bring an adversarial, no-nonsense approach to his question sessions, as his predecessor had done, with many accusations receiving short shrift. When pressed for details on government policy, and his priorities, he wasn’t ready to give anything away just yet, making clear that “The Programme for Government will be submitted soon.” When asked what his number one priority might be, he was, again evasive, telling the chamber “every area of government is a priority, and although some will require more time dedicated to them than others, each area of government is extremely important.”



A number of questions, from the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and from Conservative MSP comped, did not receive a response from the First Minister at the time, but have both received a written reply from Mr _m answering their questions and providing scope for follow ups. The questions that were followed up later were on a range of topics including sectarianism, government accountability, a potential independence referendum, government action, the Holyrood government’s relationship with Westminster, and the First Minister’s future. The Guardian knows that both MSPs had their questions answered, but has not seen the contents of the letter sent to the Scottish Conservative MSP.



Writing to WillShakespeare99, the First Minister, on the question of so-called IndyRef2, wrote “I have no plans to call an independence referendum, but if I had to choose between a hard Brexit and Independence, the choice is simple. Therefore I take the same stance as my predecessor, I cannot rule one out as there is so much uncertainty during the negotiations to leave the European Union and the UK Government.” He also made it clear that “I have faith in my cabinet to answer all questions submitted by members during question times.” Though, when pressed on how he would ensure that Cabinet Secretaries were responding the questions, he told Mr Shakespeare99 that “Having Cabinet Secretaries write to members if they missed any questions for whatever reason means that no member can feel ignored during question time.”



On the MSP for Ayrshire’s question addressing sectarianism, the First Minister’s letter set out his plan “to work across the house to tackle sectarianism, particularly in our schools where young people are failing to understand that sectarianism is a plague on Scotland. I have seen that the Classical Liberals want to end religious schooling, which is something that my government will consider working with them towards doing, although nothing has been set in stone.” In further correspondence he made clear that “I will absolutely condemn sectarianism. This government has already committed to working towards tackling the issue head on and we will deliver. You will see legislation this term to tackle sectarianism.”



Meanwhile, the Tory MSP for Highlands, Tayside, and Fife was told on government action that “My government’s agenda is to continue the progressive, positive work that previous Green governments have done in Scotland over last Parliaments. There is no intention to not produce policy.” The First Minister also disputed the idea that the previous First Minister had a “feisty” relationship with Westminster, telling the Parliament that “whoever steps in to Number 10 next, I intend to write a letter of congratulations to whoever becomes Government, I hope for a decent relationship between governments,” though he did hint at the potential for a rocky but the true nature of the relationship depends on who takes office.”

When asked by the Guardian why he thought providing a written reply was important he said it was because of the need for “Government accountability”, touting his record on this, telling us “It’s something I feel is extremely important, and something I have pushed for ever since stepping into Government. When I was Cabinet Secretary for the UK’s Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, I made sure that any route we as a government wanted to take was made public on Brexit, hence why the options we believe the UK Government should consider taking for Scotland were published in our document Securing Our Place in Europe.” But he did not believe he was setting a new standard on accountability but “just ensuring any questions put to the Government get answers”.

Updated 30/08/2018 at 18.31: Previous version stated that the Guardian had not seen the First Minister’s response to comped. We had not seen the statement released by Bute House. The article has now been changed to include replies to some of the member’s questions.