I prefer to look at the opportunity. And in the last year, weve had modelling that shows well lift 100,000 children out of poverty, weve had statistics just last month showing that weve had Record Numbers ofJunior Doctors joining the nhs, weve had statistics that show that school leavers, Record Levels are going to positive destinations. And just in february, at the turn of this year, weve seen that private Sector Employment growth is outstripping any other nation or region of the uk here in scotland. So challenges plenty. 0pportunities plenty as well. And thats why, probably, because of that success, the last two polls that have come out, of course, have shown the snp in lead position come a general election, whenever that may be. What about, if i may, the shadow and the uncertainty that comes with, i have to say, an Extensive Police investigation into quote Potential Embezzlement And Fraud at the heart of the snp. Its an investigation which has, of course, involved your predecessor,
I often get asked that question about challenges. I prefer to look at the opportunity. And in the last year, weve had modelling that shows well lift 100,000 children out of poverty, weve had statistics just last month showing that weve had Record Numbers ofJunior Doctors joining the nhs, weve had statistics that show that school leavers, Record Levels are going to positive destinations. And just in february, the turn of this year, weve seen that private Sector Employment growth is outstripping any other nation or region of the uk here in scotland. So challenges plenty. 0pportunities plenty as well. And thats why, probably, because of that success, the last two polls that have come out, of course, have shown the snp in lead position come a general election, whenever that may be. What about, if i may, the shadow and the uncertainty that comes with, i have to say, an Extensive Police investigation into Potential Embezzlement And Fraud at the heart of the snp. Its an investigation which ha
Here in scotland. So challenges plenty. 0pportunities plenty as well. And thats why, probably, because of that success, the last two polls that have come out, of course, have shown the snp in lead position come a general election, whenever that may be. What about, if i may, the shadow and the uncertainty that comes with, i have to say, an Extensive Police investigation into quote Potential Embezzlement And Fraud at the heart of the snp. Its an investigation which has, of course, involved your predecessor, nicola sturgeon, and her husband, peter murrell, who was the former Chief Executive of the snp. Theyve been arrested, theyve been released. The police havent charged them, theyve denied any wrongdoing. But would you at least accept this is a massive cloud now hanging over your party . Ive never denied that the Police Investigation will clearly have issues, have challenges, present us with challenges, and voters will undoubtedly be concerned about the Police Investigation thats ongoing
The going is so tough . Look, weve been in government for 17 years. Over 17 years, you have challenges, of course, as a government. But in the last year. I often get asked that question about challenges. I prefer to look at the opportunity. And in the last year, weve had modelling that shows well lift 100,000 children out of poverty, weve had statistics just last month showing that weve had Record Numbers ofJunior Doctors joining the nhs, weve had statistics that show that school leavers, Record Levels are going to positive destinations. And just in february, at the turn of this year, weve seen that private Sector Employment growth is outstripping any other nation or region of the uk here in scotland. So challenges plenty. 0pportunities plenty as well. And thats why, probably, because of that success, the last two polls that have come out, of course, have shown the snp in lead position come a general election, whenever that may be. What about, if i may, the shadow and the uncertainty t
Had scotlands first minister, Nicola Sturgeon. For the scottish conservatives, Ruth Davidson. For the Scottish Labour party, Kezia Dugdale. Representing the scottish liberal democrats, Willie Rennie. This Ukip David Coburn and for the scottish greens, Patrick Harvie. Applause we also want all of you to join in at home. You can argue along with the debate using social media. The hashtag is Leaders Debate. We will come back shortly and take opening state m e nts come back shortly and take Opening Statements from all of our panel, but first jackie bird statements from all of our panel, but Firstjackie Bird is statements from all of our panel, but first jackie bird is with the watching press. Thank you. From the majesty of the Debating Hall to be more modest surroundings of the press room or the so called spin room. Its here that the journalists and bloggers and Party Politicians will be scrutinising the performances of their Party Leaders and crafting tamaras headlines. I feel a their Par