you lived through the horizon? yes. you lived through the roll-out _ horizon? yes. you lived through the roll-out of— horizon? yes. you lived through the roll—out of the impact programme. sorry. _ roll—out of the impact programme. sorry. the — roll—out of the impact programme. sorry, the impact programme? do roll-out of the impact programme. sorry, the impact programme? do you not remember — sorry, the impact programme? do you not remember the _ sorry, the impact programme? do you not remember the impact _ sorry, the impact programme? do you | not remember the impact programme? no. 1: z: not remember the impact programme? no. :: :: i am not remember the impact programme? no-- i am not _ not remember the impact programme? no. 2005. i am not familiar with that. do no. 2005. i am not familiar with that do you _ no. 2005. i am not familiar with that. do you accept _ no. 2005. i am not familiar with that. do you accept that - no. 2005. i am not familiar with that. do you accept that you - no. 2005. i am not familiar with l that. do you accept that you lived throu . h that. do you accept that you lived through the _ that. do you accept that you lived through the move _ that. do you accept that you lived through the move to _ that. do you accept that you lived through the move to horizon - that. do you accept that you lived l through the move to horizon online in 2010? _ through the move to horizon online in 2010? yes. the production of that may— in 2010? yes. the production of that ismay report — in 2010? yes. the production of that ismay report in 2010? yes. the production _ ismay report in 2010? yes. the production of— ismay report in 2010? yes. the production of the _ ismay report in 2010? yes the production of the deloitte report? yes. production of the deloitte report? yes all_ production of the deloitte report? yes all of— production of the deloitte report? yes. all of the prosecutions of sub—postmasters based on evidence produced _ sub—postmasters based on evidence produced by horizon happened when you werem — produced by horizon happened when ou were... , produced by horizon happened when you were- - -— you were... yes, they happened durin: you were... yes, they happened during my _ you were... yes, they happened during my time. _ you were... yes, they happened during my time. you _ you were... yes, they happened during my time. you were - you were... yes, they happened i during my time. you were involved you were... yes, they happened - during my time. you were involved in the second initial— during my time. you were involved in the second initial investigation - during my time. you were involved in the second initial investigation and i the second initial investigation and with the _ the second initial investigation and with the mediation scheme? yes. and ou were with the mediation scheme? 123 and you were involved in the group

litigation _ you were involved in the group litiuation. . do you accept your managerial roles permitted _ do you accept your managerial roles permitted under required you to raise _ permitted under required you to raise issues faced by sub—postmasters to senior management and latterly — sub—postmasters to senior management and latterly to the board? when sub-postmasters to senior management and latterly to the board?— and latterly to the board? when i became aware — and latterly to the board? when i became aware of— and latterly to the board? when i became aware of them, - and latterly to the board? when i became aware of them, yes. - and latterly to the board? when i became aware of them, yes. in i and latterly to the board? when i - became aware of them, yes. in terms of the board, whether it was directly by myself probably not but via my reporting line. and directly by myself probably not but via my reporting line.— directly by myself probably not but via my reporting line. and who was our via my reporting line. and who was your reporting _ via my reporting line. and who was your reporting line? _ via my reporting line. and who was your reporting line? it _ via my reporting line. and who was your reporting line? it depends - via my reporting line. and who was your reporting line? it depends atl your reporting line? it depends at what time- _ your reporting line? it depends at what time. so, _ your reporting line? it depends at what time. so, my _ your reporting line? it depends at what time. so, my reporting - your reporting line? it depends at what time. so, my reporting line| your reporting line? it depends at. what time. so, my reporting line in terms of managerial roles tended to be sue huggins, kevin gilliland, al cameron and my last role was reporting to jane mcleod. cameron and my last role was reporting to jane mcleod. when you head of partnerships _ reporting to jane mcleod. when you head of partnerships in _ reporting to jane mcleod. when you head of partnerships in 2012 - reporting to jane mcleod. when you head of partnerships in 2012 to - reporting to jane mcleod. when you head of partnerships in 2012 to 13, l head of partnerships in 2012 to 13, who was— head of partnerships in 2012 to 13, who was your reporting line? kevin gilliland. programme _ who was your reporting line? kevin gilliland. programme director- who was your reporting line? kevin gilliland. programme director for l gilliland. programme director for the branch support _

gilliland. programme director for the branch support programme l gilliland. programme director for| the branch support programme 13 gilliland. programme director for i the branch support programme 13 to 15? | the branch support programme 13 to 15? 1' the branch support programme 13 to 15? ~ ., ., , the branch support programme 13 to 15?_ directori 15? i think that was kevin. director of su ort 15? i think that was kevin. director of support services _ 15? i think that was kevin. director of support services 15 _ 15? i think that was kevin. director of support services 15 to _ 15? i think that was kevin. director of support services 15 to 16? - 15? i think that was kevin. director of support services 15 to 16? al - of support services 15 to 16? cameron. of support services 15 to 16? al cameron. people _ of support services 15 to 16? al cameron. people and - of support services 15 to 16? al cameron. people and change l of support services 15 to 16? al - cameron. people and change director 17 to 18? i had _ cameron. people and change director 17 to 18? i had a — cameron. people and change director 17 to 18? i had a dual _ cameron. people and change director 17 to 18? i had a dual reporting - 17 to 18? i had a dual reporting line, al cameron _ 17 to 18? i had a dual reporting line, al cameron and - 17 to 18? i had a dual reporting line, al cameron and martin i 17 to 18? i had a dual reporting i line, al cameron and martin kirk, the hr group director at the time. people services director in 2018? that people services director in 2018? cameron. people services director in 2018? al cameron- and _ people services director in 2018? al cameron. and business _ people services director in 2018? al i cameron. and business improvement director 18 to — cameron. and business improvement director 18 to 20? — cameron. and business improvement director 18 to 20? jane _ cameron. and business improvement director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. - cameron. and business improvement director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you | director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you wouldn't have _ director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you wouldn't have had _ director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you wouldn't have had direct _ director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you wouldn't have had direct access - director 18 to 20? jane mcleod. you wouldn't have had direct access to i wouldn't have had direct access to the board — wouldn't have had direct access to the board but through each of those reports _ the board but through each of those reports and direct access? what used to ha en reports and direct access? what used to happen is — reports and direct access? what used to happen is that _ reports and direct access? what used to happen is that if _ reports and direct access? what used to happen is that if you _ reports and direct access? what used to happen is that if you took - to happen is that if you took anything to the board you would normally have a sponsor who was an executive director and that would have been my reporting line. i would be called sometimes just to give updates to the branch support

programme for instance, i might be called to give an update on the paper but normally your exec director as a sponsor would introduce you into that session and you would take over and update through the paper. have you would take over and update through the paper.— you would take over and update through the paper. how many times did ou through the paper. how many times did you attend _ through the paper. how many times did you attend the _ through the paper. how many times did you attend the board? _ through the paper. how many times did you attend the board? over- through the paper. how many times did you attend the board? over my| did you attend the board? over my career... did you attend the board? over my career- -- i — did you attend the board? over my career... i wasn't _ did you attend the board? over my career... i wasn't a _ did you attend the board? over my career... i wasn't a regular - career... i wasn't a regular attender of the board. we had the board and below that we had the executive team, so i probably spent more time updating the executive team and occasionally go to board for whatever i was doing at the time. there were other things i would update the board on because i was involved in other things than what we've discussed. have was involved in other things than what we've discussed. how many times do ou what we've discussed. how many times do you think — what we've discussed. how many times do you think you _ what we've discussed. how many times do you think you attended _ what we've discussed. how many times do you think you attended the - what we've discussed. how many times do you think you attended the board? l do you think you attended the board? hrnrnm _ do you think you attended the board? hmmm i_ do you think you attended the board? hmm... iwould do you think you attended the board? hmm... i would say between ten and 20 over my career probably. i can't be exact. ., ~._

20 over my career probably. i can't be exact. ., n, i: i: 20 over my career probably. i can't be exact. ., :: :: . be exact. you left in may 2020 and ou be exact. you left in may 2020 and you describe _ be exact. you left in may 2020 and you describe leaving _ be exact. you left in may 2020 and you describe leaving the _ be exact. you left in may 2020 and you describe leaving the post - be exact. you left in may 2020 and | you describe leaving the post office in your— you describe leaving the post office in your witness statement, which will come — in your witness statement, which will come up on the screen, page 110, please. the fit of the page, paragraph 233. you say— the fit of the page, paragraph 233. you say with the settlement being reached _ you say with the settlement being reached in — you say with the settlement being reached in the group litigation in december 2019, reached in the group litigation in december2019, my reached in the group litigation in december 2019, my role came to an end. december 2019, my role came to an end as_ december 2019, my role came to an end as a _ december 2019, my role came to an end. as a result, iwas december 2019, my role came to an end. as a result, i was made redundant _ end. as a result, i was made redundant-— end. as a result, i was made. redundant._ can end. as a result, i was made - redundant._ can we redundant. that's correct. can we look,

redundant. that's correct. can we look. please. _ redundant. that's correct. can we look. please. at _ redundant. that's correct. can we look, please, at pten. _ redundant. that's correct. can we | look, please, at pten. 0000080. redundant. that's correct. can we - look, please, at pten. 0000080. and over the _ look, please, at pten. 0000080. and over the page, look, please, at pten. 0000080. and overthe page, please. this look, please, at pten. 0000080. and over the page, please. this is a copy— over the page, please. this is a copy of— over the page, please. this is a copy of text messages exchanged between — copy of text messages exchanged between you and paula vennells in may 2020 — between you and paula vennells in may 2020. can you see the one at the top is _ may 2020. can you see the one at the top is paula _ may 2020. can you see the one at the top is paula vennells asking you how you are _ top is paula vennells asking you how you are and — top is paula vennells asking you how you are and what lockdown is like for you _ you are and what lockdown is like for you. your reply is at the foot of the _ for you. your reply is at the foot of the page. hi, good to hear from you. _ of the page. hi, good to hear from you. we _ of the page. hi, good to hear from you. we are — of the page. hi, good to hear from you, we are all keeping well, thank you. you, we are all keeping well, thank you i_ you, we are all keeping well, thank you. i hope — you, we are all keeping well, thank you. i hope you are too. lockdown has been — you. i hope you are too. lockdown has been 27/7 working covid—19 crisis _ has been 27/7 working covid—19 crisis management in recent weeks but i leave — crisis management in recent weeks but i leave the post office on monday _ but i leave the post office on monday. just finalising the details of nty—

monday. just finalising the details of my agreement and it's not common knowledge _ of my agreement and it's not common knowledge in work yet but the time is right— knowledge in work yet but the time is right for— knowledge in work yet but the time is right for me to leave. the last year— is right for me to leave. the last year has — is right for me to leave. the last year has reinforced that for me. i don't _ year has reinforced that for me. i don't know— year has reinforced that for me. i don't know what do going forward but i'm don't know what do going forward but l'nt looking _ don't know what do going forward but i'm looking forward to pastures new and l'nt _ i'm looking forward to pastures new and i'm glad some things i've said have _ and i'm glad some things i've said have been— and i'm glad some things i've said have been useful for you, take care, etc. have been usefulfor you, take care, etc. . you have been usefulfor you, take care, etc-- you say — have been usefulfor you, take care, etc-- you say it _ have been useful for you, take care, etc. yes. you say it wasn't common knowledge _ etc. yes. you say it wasn't common knowledge and — etc. 123 you say it wasn't common knowledge and work you were leaving, that the _ knowledge and work you were leaving, that the time is right for you to leave, — that the time is right for you to leave, the _ that the time is right for you to leave, the last year has reinforced that for— leave, the last year has reinforced that for you. it seems it was what had happened in the previous year that was— had happened in the previous year that was relevant to your decision to leave, — that was relevant to your decision to leave, is — that was relevant to your decision to leave, is that right?— to leave, is that right? that's correct. to leave, is that right? that's correct- ln — to leave, is that right? that's correct. in that _ to leave, is that right? that's correct. in that time, - to leave, is that right? that's correct. in that time, the - to leave, is that right? that's| correct. in that time, the post office had _ correct. in that time, the post office had lost _ correct. in that time, the post office had lost the _ correct. in that time, the post office had lost the common i correct. in that time, the post - office had lost the common issues trial, _ office had lost the common issues trial, it _ office had lost the common issues trial, it had — office had lost the common issues trial, it had lost the horizon issues — trial, it had lost the horizon issues trial the post office had failed — issues trial the post office had failed to— issues trial the post office had failed to successfully appeal and had reached a settlement of over £50

million _ had reached a settlement of over £50 million with the group litigation claimants. you had been significantly and deeply criticised by a high courtjudge. with those relevant — by a high courtjudge. with those relevant to your reasons for leaving? _ relevant to your reasons for leavin: ? ., . , relevant to your reasons for leaving?— relevant to your reasons for leavinu? ., . , . leaving? not really. it was what came after— leaving? not really. it was what came after that. _ leaving? not really. it was what came after that. what _ leaving? not really. it was what came after that. what came - leaving? not really. it was what l came after that. what came after that? to set _ came after that. what came after that? to set the _ came after that. what came after that? to set the context... - came after that. what came after that? to set the context... we i came after that. what came afterl that? to set the context... we are auoin that? to set the context... we are going straight _ that? to set the context... we are going straight to — that? to set the context... we are going straight to humza _ that? to set the context... we are going straight to humza yousaf. that? to set the context... we are. going straight to humza yousaf who is giving a news conference in edinburgh after the collapse of the power—sharing deal between the snp and the greens. sagas power-sharing deal between the snp and the greens.— and the greens. says ministers both ast and and the greens. says ministers both past and present. _ and the greens. says ministers both past and present. those _ and the greens. says ministers both past and present. those portraits, l past and present. those portraits, they chronicled the political journey scotland has been on over the last quarter of a century. each face first ministers in very different political climates did what they thought was in the best interest of scotland. they played the hand circumstances had dealt them to the very best of their

ability. on the day that parliament nominated me to be first minister i set out how i intended to take scotland forward. i said i wanted to make sure that every single family in scotland has a quality of opportunity regardless of their background dash equality of opportunity. to deliver focused and ambitious measures which protect our environment, promote economic growth, improve well—being and crucially, reduce poverty. fundamentally, i want to inspire confidence in people across the land that the best way to achieve the strongest economy, the best public services, the healthiest and happiest population, is by becoming an independent nation. over the past year i'm proud to have laid the foundations down of that vision. we are investing record amounts in our nhs, making sure we employ record

numbers of staff, delivering the best performing units in the uk. we are the only part of the uk to avoid pay —related strike action in our nhs. i've delivered the council tax freeze this year in every local authority, helping families where we can during a cost of living crisis. we have removed peak fares on our railways and last week we approved plans for europe's largest floating offshore wind farm. these are just some of the actions that are making scotland a better country. during my time as first minister scotland's economy continued to grow while the uk fell into recession. average earnings in scotland are forecast to grow faster than the rest of the uk. attainment is at a record high, record numbers of students from deprived areas are entering universities. we estimate this year to lift 100,000 children out of

poverty due to our actions as the scottish government. renewable technologies generated the equipment of 113% of scotland's overall electricity consumption in 2022 and scotland continues to be the top destination in the uk for foreign investment outside of london and of course just this week, a report from hmrc found that far from driving people away from scotland, our progressive taxation policy has actually been accompanied by a net migration for people across the uk. thousands more people are coming to scotland than leaving, generating tens of millions of pounds in additional tax revenue. people and businesses are looking at life in snp run scotland and voting with their feet by moving here. snp run scotland and voting with theirfeet by moving here. being

first minister is both an enormous privilege and a greatjoy. the privilege and a greatjoy. the privilege of being able to make a positive difference in people's lives, each and every single day. and the joy of meeting inspirational people from all walks of life, each in their own way, making life better for theirfamilies and in their own way, making life better for their families and their communities gives me an unrivalled perspective on the many opportunities but also the many challenges that our nation faces. as leader of this government, i have to decide how can we best meet those challenges? how can we grow our economy in a fair and sustainable way? how can we ensure vital public services like the nhs are the best they can be? and how do we play our part as a responsible global citizen helping to tackle issues like the climate and nature emergencies? for almost three years we have course

have done that through our co—operation agreement with the scottish green party. that agreement has undoubtedly brought a number of successes, including delivering a progressive budget which prioritises our nhs and public services over tax cuts for the wealthy, includes free bus travel for under 22s, bringing scotrail into public ownership, committing the first £75 million of the ten yearjust transition fund for the north—east and moray. cooperation is by definition a trade—off. the benefits of working together or held up against the limitations of compromise. when it comes to our agreement with the scottish green party i believe the benefits have outweighed the compromises. when i say the agreement was worth its weight in gold i meant it. however, it is now myjudgment that the

gold i meant it. however, it is now my judgment that the balance gold i meant it. however, it is now myjudgment that the balance has shifted. the bute house agreement was intended to provide stability to the scottish government and its made possible a number of achievements. but it has served its purpose. it's no longer guaranteeing a stable arrangement in parliament. events of recent days have made that clear and therefore after careful consideration i believe that going forward it is in the best interest of the people of scotland to pursue a different arrangement. that is why, following a discussion with my cabinet this morning, i have formally notified patrick harvie and lorna slater that i am terminating the bute house agreement with immediate effect. i spoke to both of them early this morning, i thanked them early this morning, i thanked them for their substantial contribution to the scottish government and to scotland and their public service over the last few years. i also made clear to them my

intention is our respective parties continue to work together where we can in the national interest. significantly, we are resolute in our determination to give the people of scotland a say on their constitutional future, of scotland a say on their constitutionalfuture, which of scotland a say on their constitutional future, which of course westminster parties continue to deny the people. in essence, i hope that we will still be cooperating butjust returning to frankly a less formal arrangement. to continue delivering for the people of scotland i believe it is right that the snp seeks to broaden its fear of cooperation. that brings me to what happens next. having laid the foundations for my priorities and government over the last 13 years, we will now step up our ambition. but we will do so as a minority government. that will be tough, they will seek to work not just with the scottish green spot with msps from across the chamber.

the snp has of course governed as a minority for most of our time in office and having served as a minister for a office and having served as a ministerfor a number of years minister for a number of years during ministerfor a number of years during that time, i'm well used to working constructively with opposition parties to where necessary secure parliamentary support and i have no issue, none whatsoever, in doing so again. it was of course under that arrangement that some of our biggest successes in government were achieved. be that the creation of social security scotland, a progressive taxation regime, creation of scottish national investment bank and of course the introduction of free university tuition. so despite the many challenges thrown away such as westminster austerity, brexit, a global pandemic, this government has delivered for the people of scotland. but the challenges of yesterday are not necessarily the challenges of tomorrow. the snp needs the freedom and flexibility to

make sure that we move scotland forward and adapt to changing world. we need to speak to the country with one voice, our voice. and as such i am clear that today marks a new beginning for the snp in government. i have a clear policy agenda that i wish to take forward, one that centres around groening and economy and supporting businesses, improving our nhs, tackling poverty, child poverty in particular, helping households during a westminster cost of living crisis, standing up for the rights of everyone in scotland especially our most marginalised communities, and for the avoidance of any doubt, tackling the climate emergency. a parliament of minorities need not be, and i would suggest should not be, a parliament of enemies. at its best the scottish parliament has achieved great things

for the people of scotland and as we approach its 25th anniversary, let us all pause and reflect and rededicate ourselves to ensuring that it continues in that vein. let me conclude with a direct message to the people of scotland. during my first year of leadership, i hope i've demonstrated to you that i am fighting to change scotland for the better. i am working tirelessly to build a strong, sustainable economy which works for everyone. to strengthen our nhs and other public services, to build a country in which everyone feels accepted and is able to reach their full potential. and to do what i can in my own way to create a more peaceful world. i joined the snp because it's a party which above all else believes in scotland. we have unlimited ambition

for all of those who are fortunate enough to call this country their home. as your first minister i will always, always put scotland's interests first. with that i will now answer some journalists' question. thank you for the bsl interpreting and they will continue to do that throughout questions. you know my time is tight, it's thursday morning and i will have to get to fn keys prep. the morning and i will have to get to pm ke s --re. , , morning and i will have to get to pm kes--re. , , ., morning and i will have to get to pm ke s--re. , , ., . keys prep. the greens say today that ou are keys prep. the greens say today that you are weak — keys prep. the greens say today that you are weak and _ keys prep. the greens say today that you are weak and can't _ keys prep. the greens say today that you are weak and can't be _ keys prep. the greens say today that you are weak and can't be trusted. i you are weak and can't be trusted. this is— you are weak and can't be trusted. this is clearly— you are weak and can't be trusted. this is clearly a _ you are weak and can't be trusted. this is clearly a messy— you are weak and can't be trusted. this is clearly a messy break—up. i you are weak and can't be trusted. | this is clearly a messy break—up. if you can't— this is clearly a messy break—up. if you can't manage _ this is clearly a messy break—up. if you can't manage a _ this is clearly a messy break—up. if you can't manage a majority- you can't manage a majority government— you can't manage a majority government how— you can't manage a majority government how will- you can't manage a majority government how will you . you can't manage a majority- government how will you manage a minority? _ government how will you manage a minority? l— government how will you manage a minori ? . ., . ~ . minority? i want to thank patrick and lorna for— minority? i want to thank patrick and lorna for their _ minority? i want to thank patrick and lorna for their substantial i and lorna for their substantial contribution they've made for their country and a compromise necessarily

involves trade—offs. you have those because you believe there is a greater benefit. but greater benefit, the bute house agreement, the cooperation agreement, is stability in government. it's clear from recent days there wasn't that stability. governing is a minority will be hard. it will be difficult, we know that but we are prepared to step up to the challenge and while emotions are undoubtedly raw, i say to the green cause we look forward to the green cause we look forward to continuing to cooperate with you on an issue by issue basis. a demonstration of that will be next week with the safe access zones bill from gillian mccoy will be brought forward to the parliament and we will support that wholeheartedly. so, as soon as next week we look forward to cooperating again with our green colleagues that that will happen in a less formal arrangement. and let's be clear. thejudgment and the decision to terminate the bute house agreement was my decision. it is thejob of house agreement was my decision. it is the job of the first minister as

leader of the snp to make decisions in the best interests of the country and also of my party.— and also of my party. thank you, first minister. _ and also of my party. thank you, first minister. as _ and also of my party. thank you, first minister. as recently - and also of my party. thank you, first minister. as recently as - first minister. as recently as tuesday— first minister. as recently as tuesday in— first minister. as recently as tuesday in interviews - first minister. as recently as tuesday in interviews he - first minister. as recently as tuesday in interviews he was first minister. as recently as - tuesday in interviews he was saying how much _ tuesday in interviews he was saying how much he — tuesday in interviews he was saying how much he valued _ tuesday in interviews he was saying how much he valued the _ tuesday in interviews he was saying how much he valued the greens' - how much he valued the greens' partnership— how much he valued the greens' partnership in— how much he valued the greens' partnership in government - how much he valued the greens' partnership in government and i how much he valued the greens' i partnership in government and how you hoped — partnership in government and how you hoped their— partnership in government and how you hoped their members- partnership in government and how you hoped their members would i partnership in government and how. you hoped their members would vote to continue _ you hoped their members would vote to continue it — you hoped their members would vote to continue it. what— you hoped their members would vote to continue it. what changed - you hoped their members would vote to continue it. what changed for- you hoped their members would vote to continue it. what changed for youl to continue it. what changed for you in less— to continue it. what changed for you in less than— to continue it. what changed for you in less than 48— to continue it. what changed for you in less than 48 hours _ to continue it. what changed for you in less than 48 hours to _ to continue it. what changed for you in less than 48 hours to cause - to continue it. what changed for you in less than 48 hours to cause suchl in less than 48 hours to cause such a significant — in less than 48 hours to cause such a significant u—turn_ in less than 48 hours to cause such a significant u—turn in— in less than 48 hours to cause such a significant u—turn in your- a significant u—turn in your position? _ a significant u-turn in your position?— a significant u-turn in your osition? �* . 1' a significant u-turn in your osition? �* , ~ . position? i've been thinking about this for some _ position? i've been thinking about this for some time _ position? i've been thinking about this for some time but _ position? i've been thinking about this for some time but for - position? i've been thinking about this for some time but for me - position? i've been thinking about this for some time but for me it i position? i've been thinking about l this for some time but for me it was important to take some of that counselling private. i've been speaking to people i trust and reflecting myself very hard and often with careful consideration on what is in the best interests of the country, the government and crucially, my party. that is one of the responsibilities i take exceptionally seriously, to the

party that elected me as leader. i'm very proud of what the bute house agreement has achieved thus far but it served its purpose. we can point to significant successes over the last year. it goes back to ultimately, the reason why you cooperate, the reason why compromises because there's trade—off. that trade—off was the stability of government. i don't think in recent days we've seen the stability we would like to see in government and therefore i've made a decision to terminate the bute house agreement and look forward to continuing to cooperate with all parties. there is a serious challenger to the opposition too. they can't simply oppose for the sake of it, they have to work constructively in order to make sure we continue as a parliament to achieve for the people of scotland. instead of sniping from the sidelines as they often do not coming up with anything useful in terms of suggestion, now it's time for all parties in the opposition to

step up. for all parties in the opposition to ste u -. ., . for all parties in the opposition to ste--u. ., . , ., , for all parties in the opposition to ste-m, ., ., , ., , step up. you are strongly backing this deal with _ step up. you are strongly backing this deal with the _ step up. you are strongly backing this deal with the greens - step up. you are strongly backing this deal with the greensjust - step up. you are strongly backing | this deal with the greensjust days this deal with the greens just days a-o. this deal with the greens just days ago he _ this deal with the greens just days ago. he previously— this deal with the greens just days ago. he previously said _ this deal with the greens just days ago. he previously said it - this deal with the greens just days ago. he previously said it was - this deal with the greens just days i ago. he previously said it was worth its weight— ago. he previously said it was worth its weight in— ago. he previously said it was worth its weight in gold. _ ago. he previously said it was worth its weight in gold. the _ ago. he previously said it was worth its weight in gold. the greens - ago. he previously said it was worth its weight in gold. the greens rightl its weight in gold. the greens right when _ its weight in gold. the greens right when they— its weight in gold. the greens right when they say _ its weight in gold. the greens right when they say that _ its weight in gold. the greens right when they say that this _ its weight in gold. the greens right when they say that this u—turn - its weight in gold. the greens right. when they say that this u—turn shows you are _ when they say that this u—turn shows you are weak? — when they say that this u-turn shows you are weak?— you are weak? quite the opposite, it shows leadership _ you are weak? quite the opposite, it shows leadership as _ you are weak? quite the opposite, it shows leadership as leader - you are weak? quite the opposite, it shows leadership as leader of - you are weak? quite the opposite, it shows leadership as leader of the i shows leadership as leader of the government and leader of the party that elected me i have to make sure i do what's in the best interest of scotland and of my party. but ultimately what's in the best interest of our ability to do what's right for the people of scotland. been an ardent supporter of the bute house agreement from day one i was a minister in the government when it was first agreed with the green party. i believe we've achieved a lot in terms of the bute house agreement. you can point to plenty of achievements but it has now served its purpose and the benefits of the bute house agreement, other

benefits we've seen and i'm confident in my decision and pleased in my decision and i have to say that cabinet endorsed the decision. do you feel that you are succumbing to pressure — do you feel that you are succumbing to pressure from _ do you feel that you are succumbing to pressure from the _ do you feel that you are succumbing to pressure from the greens - do you feel that you are succumbing to pressure from the greens here? i to pressure from the greens here? were _ to pressure from the greens here? were you _ to pressure from the greens here? were you jumping _ to pressure from the greens here? were you jumping before - to pressure from the greens here? were you jumping before you - to pressure from the greens here? were you jumping before you werej were you jumping before you were pushed? _ were you jumping before you were pushed? l'rn— were you “umping before you were ushed? �* . were you “umping before you were ushed? �* , . , were you “umping before you were ushed? �* , ., , pushed? i'm still here as first minister. _ pushed? i'm still here as first minister, it's _ pushed? i'm still here as first minister, it's my _ pushed? i'm still here as first minister, it's my decision, - pushed? i'm still here as first minister, it's my decision, it's pushed? i'm still here as first - minister, it's my decision, it's my judgment call. when i became first ministerjust over a year ago i made that decision to continue the cooperation agreement. we've achieved a lot over the past year. i knew there was going to be a

reaction. emotions are going to be raw and we have to accept that from our green colleagues that they should also be proud of the service they've given this government and this country. but there is now a new beginning for the snp. ability to refocus and make sure that our priorities continue to align with the priorities of the people of scotland over the coming days, coming months and years i intend to set out that refocusing of priorities. if set out that refocusing of priorities-— set out that refocusing of priorities. set out that refocusing of riorities. . ., priorities. if we 'ust relent into the optics — priorities. if we 'ust relent into the optics of _ priorities. if we just relent into the optics of this _ priorities. if we just relent into the optics of this and - priorities. if we just relent into l the optics of this and expanding priorities. if we just relent into - the optics of this and expanding on what some — the optics of this and expanding on what some colleagues _ the optics of this and expanding on what some colleagues have - the optics of this and expanding on| what some colleagues have already said, what some colleagues have already said. just _ what some colleagues have already said. just 48 — what some colleagues have already said, just 48 hours _ what some colleagues have already said, just 48 hours ago _ what some colleagues have already said, just 48 hours ago you - what some colleagues have already said, just 48 hours ago you were i said, just 48 hours ago you were standing — said, just 48 hours ago you were standing defending _ said, just 48 hours ago you were standing defending patrick- said, just 48 hours ago you were | standing defending patrick harvie said, just 48 hours ago you were - standing defending patrick harvie as a minister— standing defending patrick harvie as a minister in— standing defending patrick harvie as a minister in your— standing defending patrick harvie as a minister in your government. - standing defending patrick harvie as a minister in your government. he l a minister in your government. he said that _ a minister in your government. he said that this — a minister in your government. he said that this was _ a minister in your government. he said that this was a _ a minister in your government. he said that this was a partnership i said that this was a partnership worth— said that this was a partnership worth its— said that this was a partnership worth its weight _ said that this was a partnership worth its weight in _ said that this was a partnership worth its weight in gold. - said that this was a partnership worth its weight in gold. is- said that this was a partnership worth its weight in gold. is it i said that this was a partnership. worth its weight in gold. is it not fair for— worth its weight in gold. is it not fair for your— worth its weight in gold. is it not fair for your critics _ worth its weight in gold. is it not fair for your critics to— worth its weight in gold. is it not fair for your critics to suggest - worth its weight in gold. is it noti fair for your critics to suggest you are not— fair for your critics to suggest you are not a — fair for your critics to suggest you are not a first— fair for your critics to suggest you are not a first minister— fair for your critics to suggest you are not a first minister in- fair for your critics to suggest you are not a first minister in control| are not a first minister in control and you're — are not a first minister in control and you're not— are not a first minister in control and you're not calling _ are not a first minister in control and you're not calling the - are not a first minister in control and you're not calling the shots? are not a first minister in control. and you're not calling the shots? i

value and you're not calling the shots? value the bute house agreement and you're not calling the shots?- value the bute house agreement and what it achieved. no ifs and buts and maybes about that. i think we've achieved a lot together. we can point to a lot that we've managed to achieve together in government. what it shows its leadership, it shows the ability for me to decide to take control of our priority focus and for me i'll be demonstrating what that means in the coming days and coming weeks indeed the coming months. so, do i value the bute house agreement, do i think it was the right thing to have done, absolutely but it has served its purpose and it's time for the snp to now navigate the rest of the parliamentary term as a minority government. something we've done very successfully over the years. we are probably the uk's most successful party when it comes to running minority governments. it will be hard, it will be tough, there is no doubt about that,

particularly with what can sometimes be seen as one of the most hostile parliamentary, political environments i've ever been in. we don't underestimate the challenge but we believe that issue basis there is an opportunity to cooperate with parties across parliament and i look forward to doing so. we with parties across parliament and i look forward to doing so.— look forward to doing so. we you told by anyone — look forward to doing so. we you told by anyone in _ look forward to doing so. we you told by anyone in your _ look forward to doing so. we you told by anyone in your party - look forward to doing so. we you i told by anyone in your party either the greens— told by anyone in your party either the greens go— told by anyone in your party either the greens go or— told by anyone in your party either the greens go or you _ told by anyone in your party either the greens go or you go— told by anyone in your party either the greens go or you go and - told by anyone in your party either the greens go or you go and do. told by anyone in your party eitherl the greens go or you go and do you agree _ the greens go or you go and do you agree that — the greens go or you go and do you agree that makes _ the greens go or you go and do you agree that makes you _ the greens go or you go and do you agree that makes you look- the greens go or you go and do you agree that makes you look out - the greens go or you go and do you agree that makes you look out of. agree that makes you look out of control? — agree that makes you look out of control? ., . , �* �* , , , control? no, iwasn't. it's been my 'udtment control? no, iwasn't. it's been my judgment in _ control? no, iwasn't. it's been my judgment in terms _ control? no, iwasn't. it's been my judgment in terms of _ control? no, iwasn't. it's been my judgment in terms of how- control? no, iwasn't. it's been my judgment in terms of how we - control? no, i wasn't. it's been my. judgment in terms of how we govern and course the hallmark of my leadership from day one has been to listen, to engage, to take advice, to speak to my party. nobody has ever put the challenge to me in the way that you have. but there has been a feeling that the bute house agreement has almost come to its natural conclusion, it served its purpose and now there's an opportunity for the snp to continue

to focus on the priorities of the people of scotland and refocus on that policy agenda so the answer to your question directly is no. everybody has had one question, will move on to channel 5. you everybody has had one question, will move on to channel 5.— move on to channel 5. you said ou've move on to channel 5. you said you've decided _ move on to channel 5. you said you've decided to _ move on to channel 5. you said you've decided to end - move on to channel 5. you said you've decided to end this - move on to channel 5. you said you've decided to end this but i move on to channel 5. you said - you've decided to end this but let's be honest. — you've decided to end this but let's be honest. you _ you've decided to end this but let's be honest, you announce - you've decided to end this but let's be honest, you announce this- you've decided to end this but let's be honest, you announce this to i you've decided to end this but let'si be honest, you announce this to get in front— be honest, you announce this to get in front of— be honest, you announce this to get in front of the — be honest, you announce this to get in front of the greens _ be honest, you announce this to get in front of the greens because - be honest, you announce this to get in front of the greens because it's i in front of the greens because it's better— in front of the greens because it's better to — in front of the greens because it's better to do — in front of the greens because it's better to do the _ in front of the greens because it's better to do the breaking - in front of the greens because it's better to do the breaking up- in front of the greens because it's better to do the breaking up than| in front of the greens because it's i better to do the breaking up than be dumped. _ better to do the breaking up than be dumped, isn't— better to do the breaking up than be dumped. isn't it? _ better to do the breaking up than be dumped, isn't it? i— better to do the breaking up than be dumped, isn't it?— dumped, isn't it? iwouldn't know. laughter feel free to share a story. for me and my perspective, i don't know which way the green vote was going to go. for me and my perspective i've been thinking about this, particularly over the past week and weeks given the number of challenges weeks given the number of challenges we faced as a government. i've certainly been thinking hard about it over the course of the last week and what's in the best interests of the government and of the country

but also the party. i am leader of the snp, i'm not leader of the bute house agreement, i'm the leader of the snp and i have to put my party's interest, alongside the interest of the country in the interest of the government. i've no idea which way the green vote would have gone, that would have been for green members to decide upon. 15 would have been for green members to decide upon. is it would have been for green members to decide upon-— decide upon. is it time for a holyrood — decide upon. is it time for a holyrood election? - decide upon. is it time for a holyrood election? this i decide upon. is it time for a holyrood election? this hasj decide upon. is it time for a i holyrood election? this has now collapsed — holyrood election? this has now collapsed under— holyrood election? this has now collapsed under your— holyrood election? this has now| collapsed under your leadership, people _ collapsed under your leadership, people in— collapsed under your leadership, people in this _ collapsed under your leadership, people in this room _ collapsed under your leadership, people in this room are - collapsed under your leadership, i people in this room are questioning your leadership _ people in this room are questioning your leadership. is _ people in this room are questioning your leadership. is it— people in this room are questioning your leadership. is it time - people in this room are questioning your leadership. is it time to - your leadership. is it time to actually— your leadership. is it time to actually ask— your leadership. is it time to actually ask the _ your leadership. is it time to actually ask the people i your leadership. is it time to actually ask the people of i your leadership. is it time to - actually ask the people of scotland? is a general— actually ask the people of scotland? is a general election _ actually ask the people of scotland? is a general election which - actually ask the people of scotland? is a general election which could i actually ask the people of scotland? is a general election which could bel is a general election which could be any time over the course of this calendar year so we look forward to putting our record very much in front of the people of scotland and

listening to their verdict. the people of scotland voted for the snp to be the largest party by quite some considerable distance in 2021. we are of course continuing as an snp government. they voted for an snp government. they voted for an snp minority government in 2021 and we continue to be in snp minority government. i think people want our political parties across the spectrum to continue to work together. where did that on a case—by—case basis. the ending of the bute house agreement should never be taken as a suggestion that the snp doesn't want to work with the snp doesn't want to work with the greens, we will, of course next week will be a demonstration of the snp led government doing that. so let's continue to work together. we've got a policy agenda we put ahead of the people in 2021, they elected us as the largest party, we continue to be and we will drive forward with that policy and perspective. fit, forward with that policy and perspective-— forward with that policy and ttersective. �* ~' , ., perspective. a key part of your leadership _ perspective. a key part of your leadership campaign _ perspective. a key part of your leadership campaign last i perspective. a key part of your leadership campaign last year| perspective. a key part of your i leadership campaign last year was support— leadership campaign last year was support for— leadership campaign last year was support for the _ leadership campaign last year was support for the deal—

leadership campaign last year was support for the deal with - leadership campaign last year was support for the deal with the i leadership campaign last year was l support for the deal with the greens and even _ support for the deal with the greens and even a — support for the deal with the greens and even a couple _ support for the deal with the greens and even a couple of— support for the deal with the greens and even a couple of days _ support for the deal with the greens and even a couple of days ago - support for the deal with the greens and even a couple of days ago you l and even a couple of days ago you were _ and even a couple of days ago you were hoping — and even a couple of days ago you were hoping that _ and even a couple of days ago you were hoping that it— and even a couple of days ago you were hoping that it continued. i and even a couple of days ago you l were hoping that it continued. that now after— were hoping that it continued. that now after discussions— were hoping that it continued. that now after discussions with - now after discussions with colleagues _ now after discussions with colleagues you've - now after discussions with colleagues you've decided j now after discussions with i colleagues you've decided to now after discussions with _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear— colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear that _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear that you _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear that you are _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear that you are a _ colleagues you've decided to u—turn. isn't it clear that you are a lame i isn't it clear that you are a lame duck— isn't it clear that you are a lame duck leader— isn't it clear that you are a lame duck leader who _ isn't it clear that you are a lame duck leader who is _ isn't it clear that you are a lame duck leader who is basically- isn't it clear that you are a lame i duck leader who is basically heading for the _ duck leader who is basically heading for the exit — duck leader who is basically heading for the exit door? _ duck leader who is basically heading for the exit door? not— duck leader who is basically heading for the exit door?— for the exit door? not at all. this is leadership- _ for the exit door? not at all. this is leadership. this _ for the exit door? not at all. this is leadership. this is _ for the exit door? not at all. this is leadership. this is the - for the exit door? not at all. this is leadership. this is the ability i is leadership. this is the ability to say we are taking control is a party under the government. on our priority terms, our policy terms, and that is clearly going to be demonstrated and i think it has been demonstrated and i think it has been demonstrated over the course of the years of the bute house agreement with the greens, and will continue to be demonstrated over the coming days, weeks and months. for me it's really important as leader of the snp to make sure i put this party's interests at the forefront of my mind. when it comes to refocusing our priorities, they continue to be aligned with the priorities of the

people of scotland.