Anas Sarwar

23 Sep 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendations of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, what steps it is taking to address the reported shortfall in data about Islamophobia in Scotland.

Answer · Shona Robison: We recognise that there is very limited data on Islamophobia in Scotland and that this is essential to effectively tackle Islamophobia in Scotland. In respect of anti-Muslim hate crime, in February 2020, the Scottish Government published a research report ‘A…

23 Sep 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, whether it will commit to instigating an independent review into Islamophobia in Scotland and, if so, within what timetable.

Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government unequivocally condemns any form of hatred or prejudice, including towards our Muslim communities. Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. That is why we are determined to tackle all …

23 Sep 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, whether it will adopt a formal definition of Islamophobia to promote understanding, encourage reporting, and indicate a commitment to addressing Islamophobia.

Answer · Shona Robison: Our Tackling Prejudice and Building Connected Communities Action Plan includes a number of actions around raising awareness of hate crime and to encourage reporting. For information, a full list of action commitments in this area can be found at http://www.g…

23 Sep 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendations of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, what steps it is taking to pay specific and ongoing attention to issues relating to ethnic and religious health inequalities, employment experiences and poverty.

Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government is committed to tackling racial inequalities. Our recently-published Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) sets out how we will work across government and beyond to tackle deep rooted inequalities, and implements the recommendations of the E…

16 Sep 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

9 Sep 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

3 Sep 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

26 Aug 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

30 Jun 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to update the COVID-19 guidance given the apparent variations in the Delta variant symptoms.

Answer · Humza Yousaf: The evidence on symptoms in relation to COVID-19 is currently under active consideration. However, there has been no change at this time to the NHS Inform guidance on the main symptoms to look out for – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or fever and…

30 Jun 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what the COVID-19 test result turnaround times have been in the last four weeks, broken down by week.

Answer · Maree Todd: Data on turnaround times is management information and is not currently published. It is vital that test results are communicated in a timely manner to allow the appropriate public health action to be taken. PCR testing in Scotland is split between NHS Scotl…

30 Jun 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) for 12- to 15-year-olds to be added to the COVID-19 priority list.

Answer · Humza Yousaf: The Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent organisation that provides advice on vaccines and immunisation. Since the beginning of the pandemic the Scottish Government has considered this advice as part of its decision making proc…

30 Jun 2021 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether the current COVID-19 testing capacity is sufficient to meet current and future demand.

Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government has established a comprehensive network of testing sites across the country enabling everyone in Scotland to access testing as required. This network includes Regional Testing Sites, Local Testing Sites, Mobile Testing Units, and small…

17 Jun 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

10 Jun 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

3 Jun 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

27 May 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

20 May 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

18 Mar 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

11 Mar 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

4 Mar 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

1 Mar 2021 · First Minister's Question

Question to be taken in Chamber.

13 Jan 2021 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what additional support is being provided to protect frontline public transport staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6 Jan 2021 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on preparations for COP26, scheduled to take place in Glasgow in November.

16 Dec 2020 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government when cancer services will be fully restored.

17 Nov 2020 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to provide weekly COVID-19 tests for teachers.

20 Oct 2020 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the UK Government to discuss constitutional matters.

20 Oct 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide local authorities with any additional resources required to ensure that all teachers requesting a flu vaccination for 2020-21 are able to receive this.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: The Seasonal Flu Immunisation Programme helps to protect the most vulnerable and alleviate pressure on the NHS. This will be more important than ever this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those most at risk from the seasonal flu, who are already elig…

24 Sep 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS patients who are required to self-isolate for 14 days prior to surgery are eligible for the self-isolation support payment if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Answer · Jeane Freeman: The Self-Isolation Support Payment is available to people who are told to self-isolate through our Test and Protect programme, because they have tested positive or are identified as a contact of someone who has. Patients required to self-isolate prior to a p…

22 Sep 2020 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that every child can safely access the HPV vaccination and ensure that uptake remains high.

Answer · Joe FitzPatrick: Planning is underway within NHS Boards to deliver teenage immunisations, including HPV vaccination, in academic year 2020-21. This includes ensuring that strict infection prevention and control measures are in place. To ensure uptake of the HPV vaccination p…

16 Sep 2020 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with Skills Development Scotland to develop programmes to support people who have lost their job due to COVID-19.