as long as london and holyrood. as long as you do that, as long as you the political will to make devolution and what it can do some remarkable things . so for some remarkable things. so for people in scotland but if instead you see it as being the opportunity t to the division widen the split , then in fact at widen the split, then in fact at the end of the day it's the people in the services that they rely on that lose out . well rely on that lose out. well alistair coe michael , thank you alistair coe michael, thank you so much forjoining us this so much for joining us this morning. the briefing, really appreciate your thoughts over this enormous issue . let's get this enormous issue. let's get the reaction now of the deputy political editor of the mirror, ben glaze, who joins me in the studio. that was to me, studio. and that was to me, interesting alistair carmichael saying actually, despite everything that's happened, despite argue , despite what some might argue, political success rishi political success of r

haste holyrood and i wish them well. have ou not holyrood and i wish them well. have you got someone — holyrood and i wish them well. have you got someone you _ holyrood and i wish them well. have you got someone you are _ holyrood and i wish them well. have you got someone you are backing already? you got someone you are backing alread ? . . , ., . , already? there are a number of names bein: already? there are a number of names being bandied — already? there are a number of names being bandied about _ already? there are a number of names being bandied about in _ already? there are a number of names being bandied about in the _ already? there are a number of names being bandied about in the public i being bandied about in the public domain and i think it would be unfair of me to say i have a preference one way or another because i don't know who is going to because i don't know who is going to be putting themselves forward and i don't want to add another layer of pressure on to them as they are doing the decision making with their nearest and dearest because

before wejoin that is all from us here at holyrood. before we join our colleagues across the nations and regions where you are, let's take a look back at nicola sturgeon's life in politics. we've already had a tory free scotland, now we need a completely free scotland-— free scotland. nicola sturgeon has been duly elected _ free scotland. nicola sturgeon has been duly elected to _ free scotland. nicola sturgeon has been duly elected to serve - free scotland. nicola sturgeon has been duly elected to serve on i free scotland. nicola sturgeon has been duly elected to serve on the | been duly elected to serve on the scottish— been duly elected to serve on the scottish parliament. applause how are you doing? good to see you again. how are you? here we are stop standing on the cusp of our moment in history. applause if that is the result of the referendum, then clearly i am deeply disappointed. soon to be first minister. cheering of the tectonic plates of scottish politics have shifted. coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our lifetim

it is a strange i moment, holyrood is in recess at the moment, holyrood is in recess at the moment but he could be absolutely sure that there is a huge amount of activity going on behind—the—scenes. the national executive committee of the snp meets this evening to figure out a timetable as to how to find a replacement for nicola sturgeon. and then the question is, who is going to put themselves forward? who is willing to confront this whole series of difficulties and challenges that the snp and the scottish government have? those reasons, to some extent, why nicola sturgeon left in the first place. it will be interesting to see who comes forward. there is a range of different candidates from different parts of the party who could take it. they could take it in quite different directions. we will hope to find something more about that in the hours of come. it to find something more about that in the hours of come.— the hours of come. it didn't when the hours of come. it didn't when the majority _ the hours of come. it didn't when the majority of — the hours of come. it didn't wh

westminster has blocked a holyrood law designed to make it easier to legally change gender. the snp's green party partners want the next first minister to challenge that. the gender recognition reform act was passed by the scottish parliament and supported by members of every party in that parliament. it would be absurd for any first minister who believed in scottish devolution to go against the will of the overwhelming majority of scottish msps. so of course i expect the new first minister to carry that forward. nicola sturgeon insists this is not the end of the road for her dream. but if the path ahead were clear, would she really be quitting? james cook, bbc news. we will be talking to james in a moment about what happens next. we will be talking to james in a moment about what happens next. the governing body of the scottish national party are about to meet to draw up a timetable for the leadership race. so who are the potential contenders? angus robertson appears to be one of the favourites. he's currently the consitution secretary and has been a high—profile figure i

because we have - concentrated on a referendum, which never actually was deliverable by holyrood or its own. if you don't get a section from the schedule, from the westminster government, you have no legal right to hold a referendum, and for anybody who believed that was possible, they were leading the people astray. so were leading the people astray. so we have had six wasted years, we have now got to say to ourselves, forget about this referendum, we need a new conversation, forget about the referendum, the biggest challenge before the scottish national party now and the independence movement is to go from 44% to round about 55, 56, 57%. when you get to that, you need the economic policies to get to that, and when you get to that, no westminster government, because it is a democratic organisation down there, could then see you are right to hold a referendum, we are miles away from that because of the six wasted years. the party has now got to get real about this. what wasted years. the party has now got to get real about this.— to get real about this. what sort of leader does _ to g

outside holyrood there. but let's speak to the political editor of the scottish daily mail who joins us. michael. michael thank you for your time. i kate forbes says , also said that her says, also said that her campaign absolutely not over, despite the backlash, but others , even within the party, may have a different assessment . have a different assessment. well, she said this is not over. there's doubt that this leadership campaign has exploded into life with some of the comments that key occurrences made about same sex marriage . made about same sex marriage. and she is , as you just heard, and she is, as you just heard, she's defend in her comments today. she's insisting the people have christian faith be able to hold public all the office and talk about their views and but she has suffered a bit of a blow with the loss of a series snp politicians who are pretty backing her and so the question is whether the snp membership are satisfied these socially views that she she has or this this is something re

in holyrood was she? i contest that - wholeheartedly. in holyrood we was she? i contest that _ wholeheartedly. in holyrood we have a number— wholeheartedly. in holyrood we have a number of individuals who are excellent — a number of individuals who are excellent communicators with good experience of being in government in difficult _ experience of being in government in difficult times. he experience of being in government in difficult times.— difficult times. he was standing out? i difficult times. he was standing out? i am _ difficult times. he was standing out? i am not _ difficult times. he was standing out? i am not going _ difficult times. he was standing out? i am not going to - difficult times. he was standing out? i am not going to pull- difficult times. he was standing out? i am not going to pull my| difficult times. he was standing i out? i am not going to pull my views out? i am not going to pull my views out of the hat _ out? i am not going to pull my views out of the hat at _ out? i am not going to pull my views out of the hat at this _ out?

however, that's a different issue down for moment at holyrood. for the moment at holyrood. thank that. that's thank you for that. but that's reflecting on how the public have reacting to her have been reacting to her departure next. departure and what happens next. our scotland reporter tony maguire us in dumfries. maguire joins us in dumfries. and of course, just explain to people, tony, this is true in terms of tory support and therefore all these questions that the other political parties are trying to work out. what does this mean for them? will it mean extra labour seats? will there be perhaps a . tory well, i there be perhaps a. tory well, i think that's kind of a big question for the people of dumfries. certainly people i spoke to today , you know, spoke to today, you know, there's quite a mix of reactions . lot of people didn't like to see anybody making a resignation, especially not in the of wasn't the back of what wasn't particularly one huge issue and certainly a grinding down of nicholas sturgeon and but yeah, a lot of people that i've spoke to this morning wer

instead, she promised a relentless focus on independence, insisting an election victory at holyrood or westminster would provide a mandate. you have said that you will explicitly declare in your manifesto... line one. line one that should you achieve a majority of seats and votes that on day one... yeah. ..of being in power you would open negotiations. absolutely right. with whom? with the uk government. on day one? yeah. and if they don't come? listen, we have got to move away from this point where we are asking permission from the uk, this is about scotland and it's about scotland expressing its views on how it wants to be governed. so we are going to get away from that and this is my attempt to move us forward, move that conversation forward. but the concept of a negotiation obviously requires two parties. of course. my question is, what would you do then? so, we are going to be getting international recognition obviously for the fact that scotland has made a democratic choice in this case. in a general election? yes. kate forbes has broken into maternity leave from otherjob as fina

tonight at six: we�*re live at holyrood as nicola sturgeon shocks the political world, announcing her resignation as first minister. the longest—serving leader of this nation, ms sturgeon said she�*d followed her head and her heart in deciding to stand down. part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else, and when that time came, to have the courage to do so. she faced many political challenges, but the news — out of the blue — has stunned voters. i really liked her, as a person as well as a first minister. but i think she's been there long enough. and she knew herself it was time, you know?

instead, she promised a relentless focus on independence, insisting an election victory at holyrood or westminster would provide a mandate. you have said that you will explicitly declare in your manifesto... line one. line one, that should you achieve a majority of seats and votes that on day one... yeah. ..of being in power you would open negotiations. absolutely right. with whom? with the uk government. on day one? yeah. and if they don't come? listen, we have got to move away from this point where we are asking permission from the uk. this is about scotland and it's about scotland expressing its views on how it wants to be governed. so we are going to get away from that and this is my attempt to move us forward, move that conversation forward. but the concept of a negotiation obviously requires two parties. of course. if they refused to turn up, what would you do then? so, we are going to be getting international recognition obviously for the fact that scotland has made a democratic choice in this case. in a general election? yes. kate forbes has broken into maternity leave from her

ministers at holyrood have put forward a wage rise of 14% over two years. our health editor, hugh pym, is with me. is it going to be enough to solve the situation _ is it going to be enough to solve the situation in _ is it going to be enough to solve the situation in scotland - is it going to be enough to solve the situation in scotland at - is it going to be enough to solve i the situation in scotland at least? it is the situation in scotland at least? it is looking — the situation in scotland at least? it is looking that _ the situation in scotland at least? it is looking that way. there - the situation in scotland at least? it is looking that way. there is - the situation in scotland at least? it is looking that way. there is a l it is looking that way. there is a one off some with some backdated in effective january following the 7.5% pay award to help staff in scotland this year. one union, unison has already welcomed it. in the last few minutes i have gathered the royal college of nursing has said it will recommend this offer to its members. that i

ministers at holyrood have put forward a wage rise of 14% over two years. the royal college of nursing has said it will recommend the offer to its members. our health editor hugh pym is with me. enough to solve the situation in scotland at least? well, it is beginning to look like it. the new scottish government for the next year is a 6.5% pay increase, coming on top of the 7.5% already awarded this year. one union unison said it welcomes this offer and there royal college of nursing has said it will recommend it to its members and that is really significant because the rcn has not in this current dispute recommended any offers so far by any of the administrations in the uk. so a real contrast to what is going on in other parts of the uk. in england, the award was around 4% on average to nhs staff. the government says it will not go any higher because of affordability. the rcn is threatening to escalate its strikes and has set new dates. unison said todayit and has set new dates. unison said today it had mandates from ten more organisations with members, in

ms forbes was on leave when holyrood passed a bill designed to make it easier to legally change gender. as a devout christian, what would she have done? i have been on record saying that i had significant concerns about self—id. and i would have had those significant concerns about self—id... would you have voted for the bill? ..and therefore the bill in its current form, i would have struggled to vote for. you would have opposed it? i would not have been able to vote for the principle of self—id. you�*d have had to resign. well, obviously, that would have been a question of collective responsibility. humza yousaf says he�*ll challenge the uk government�*s decision to block the bill. ms forbes said she would be loathe to do so. my polling, as it were, is based on conversations with normal, ordinary people over the last seven months. and to a person they say, "focus on the nhs, focus on the cost—of—living crisis and focus on making the case for independence." she also said she would have voted against gay marriage, although she would defend it now as a democratic and leg

angus robertson, the man who had a spell at westminster, a high profile snp politician who is back at holyrood. finance secretary kate forbes, she is due back from maternity leave within the next few weeks. and ash regan, who quit her position in government over the gender recognition reform bill, that was passed at holyrood just before christmas. they have a week to decide whether they will put their hats into the ring or not. it's not a foregone conclusion. they have to do have the backing of at least 100 party members from 20 different branches, but i think we will see a competition and we might well see a competition and we might well see a competition that could potentially be quite fractious. i saw one mp tweeting a slightly sarcastic comment yesterday evening when joanna cherry said she wasn't standing and it feels like there are potentially quite big divide is among those who will stand, perhaps between those who started their politics in the 90s against those who were born in the 90s. perhaps between those who are candidates for continuity versus those who are candidates for change. t

successor is in place, and continue as an member of the scottish parliament until at least the next holyrood election. her sudden announcement today will change the political landscape in scotland and no doubt have a wider impact on the politics of the united kingdom. here's our scotland editorjames cook. no one has done the job longer, no other woman has done it at all. good morning, everyone. thank you for coming along. but nicola sturgeon says the job description of first minister includes knowing when to call it a day. in my head and in my heart, i know that time is now, that it is right for me, for my party and for the country. and so, today i am announcing my intention is to step down as first minister and leader of my party. individual polls come and go, but i am firmly of the view that there is no majority support for independence in scotland, there is now majority support for independence in scotland, but that support needs to be solidified, and it needs to grow further if our independent scotland is to have the best possible foundation. to achieve that, we must reach across the div

wrexham winning 3—2 when sheffield equalised in stoppage time, wrexham article by holyrood actors bryan reynolds and the game tonight will be streamed in the game tonight will be streamed in the us. ., . , i. , ., the us. logic tells you it is a ureat the us. logic tells you it is a great opportunity _ the us. logic tells you it is a great opportunity to - the us. logic tells you it is a great opportunity to win - the us. logic tells you it is a great opportunity to win the | the us. logic tells you it is a - great opportunity to win the game at home but equally we will go there to make it a tie. the owners have set out to raise the profile of the area and the club and ourjob is to make sure there are great viewing out there for people watching in america. ., ., ,., america. former yorkshire bowling coach is the — america. former yorkshire bowling coach is the latest _ america. former yorkshire bowling coach is the latest person - america. former yorkshire bowling coach is the latest person to - america. former yorkshire bowling coach is the latest person to throw| coach is the latest

the scottish parliament here was affected too, with pcs union members taking to the picket lines at holyrood itself. from lecturers to library staff, health workers too. at this rally in cardiff, they came to demand the right to keep on striking in a dispute being felt in every corner of wales. this primary school in powys is one of around 500 schools in wales completely closed today. that�*s about a third of the total. another 400 or so have been partially closed with some classes kept at home. college and university students have been impacted too. it�*s the welsh labour government responsible for setting teachers�* pay here and while ministers say they�*re sympathetic to the strikers, they�*ve struggled to come up with a solution. there has been a one off offer of a cost of living cash payment to education workers and to health workers. but so far they�*ve failed to satisfy the unions. so, as things stand, there will be another wales wide teaching strike on february the 14th. but there is one glimmer of hope here with the nu in wales saying they have been talking again to mini

the winner will likely become first minister of scorland after a vote at holyrood that week. nominations for the post of snp leader are already open. no one has yet formally declared but one of the potential contenders john swinney has already ruled himself out. the governor of ohio has asked the white house for federal support and on—the—ground assistance, after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed there earlier this month. residents in the town of east palestine have reported headaches and nausea in the wake of the derailment, which is also thought to have caused the deaths of thousands of fish. clean—up operations are continuing in the town. 0ur north america correspondent, nomia iqbal, is there, and filed this report. the toxic smoke from the rail crash hangs over this town like a dark cloud. the train was leaving east palestine on february the 3rd when it derailed, carrying hazardous material. the smell of sulphur still lingers in the air. people say it's causing headaches, they feel ill, their pets are ill, and some say they've seen dead fish in the creeks. f

and beyond holyrood insiders. and beyond that, frankly it's not entirely clear. i think many people would say that the group of people who are currently inside the scottish cabinet, you know, person to person, don't contain the same degree of calibre that alex salmond had in his cabinet before 2014. that was a group of unusually talented people that i don't think are necessarily be said about the current snp frontbench . you're going to be frontbench. you're going to be a man in demand today, sirjohn. that's your mobile phone ringing in the background . just one last in the background. just one last question then . how will she be question then. how will she be remembered , nicholas sturgeon, remembered, nicholas sturgeon, as the longer serving leader of the snp, the longest serving first minister of scotland. sorry as well, since she she hit that time, i think it may 22. how will she be remembered . i how will she be remembered. i think there'll be two ways in which she'll be remembered positively overall by her, by her party and by the country. by the party for

ministers at holyrood have put forward a wage rise of 7.5% this financial year, followed by a 6.5% rise next year, backdated to january. our health editor, hugh pym, is with me. and those figures, that proposal purely for scotland, hugh. that's ri . ht. purely for scotland, hugh. that's right- this _ purely for scotland, hugh. that's right- this is _ purely for scotland, hugh. that's right. this is the _ purely for scotland, hugh. that's right. this is the scottish - right. this is the scottish government coming up with an offer for the next financial year, beginning in april, that is 6.5% backdated on top of the 7.5% already awarded. and the indications from a couple of unions are certainly reasonably positive. unison has said it is a decent offer and they will certainly consider it very, very carefully. the royal college of nursing has said it will consider the offer. 0n the scottish government has said this will make nhs staff in scotland the highest paid in the uk. now, of course, in england the government at westminster has stuck to its line that the award for the current financial

the unions are holyrood. the unions are demanding a 10% rise for their members , but the scottish members, but the scottish government has only offered a 5% increase. the head of epsom college has been found dead alongside her husband and her seven year old daughter. the bodies , emma pattinson, her bodies, emma pattinson, her daughter lettie and husband george were found at the prestigious boarding school in the early hours of sunday morning . surrey police are morning. surrey police are investigating but say they're confident it's an isole incident with no third party involvement . a private underwater rescue company have begun their. . a private underwater rescue company have begun their . search company have begun their. search for nicola polly , the specialist for nicola polly, the specialist diving company sgi have been brought in to assist police in searching the river wyre after ms. bulli vanished over a week ago. police believe the 45 year old fell in the river, but her family and friends have questi

they would leave that almost coalition government, that they are in, in holyrood were she become leader because of course gender recognition reform was part of that of that deal between snp and the greens to form a government. i suppose we can basically her out of the race at the moment humza yousaf looks like unless anyone else senses this race in the next 48 hours, he's going to be the next first minister of scotland as things stand right, you know . yeah, i stand right, you know. yeah, i think that's what's late and the old on certainty there's been rumblings that someone else don't know who will throw the name into the ring perhaps in the next 48 hours. the other big head to and who people were surprised that actually before was angus robertson , the former was angus robertson, the former snp leader out westminster high profile figures finds. but he said the consequence on his young family rather than become first minister. so yeah, you're right. i think humza yousaf is as things stand at the moment the really clear favourite but you know you know things surprising things happen in

would be in first minister without a seat at holyrood might be problematic. keith brown msp is another possibility, currentjustice secretary. he is popular with the grassroots membership. let's talk to blairjenkins, chief executive of the yes scotland campaign on the 201a referendum on scottish independence. how much of a surprise was it to you to hear what nicola sturgeon said today? to hear what nicola sturgeon said toda ? ~' , ., , ., today? like everyone else, i did not wake u- today? like everyone else, i did not wake up this— today? like everyone else, i did not wake up this morning _ today? like everyone else, i did not wake up this morning thinking - today? like everyone else, i did not wake up this morning thinking that. wake up this morning thinking that was an announcement i was going to hear today. was an announcement i was going to heartoday. but was an announcement i was going to hear today. but having listened to what she said, the analysis she put forward, i can see why she has reached the decision she has. she presented it and communicated

holyrood there's been no between the teaching unions . holyrood the teaching unions. holyrood the unions are demanding a 10% rise for their members. the scottish government has only offered a 5% increase. a woman been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four people, including three young children were found injured in huddersfield . police injured in huddersfield. police were called to an address on woeful road earlier this morning after receiving a report of concern for safety from the ambulance service. officers believe . the injuries were believe. the injuries were caused by a bladed weapon or. four people have been taken to hospital for treatment and continue to be treated for their injuries . a private underwater injuries. a private underwater rescue company are searching the river wyre for missing pulley. the specialist diving company sgi has been brought in to assist police after ms. pulley vanished over a week ago. police believe 45 year old fell in the river, but her family and friends have questioned that saying there's still no . it's saying the

andrew kerr, bbc news holyrood. british steel is expected to announce today that it will close its coking ovens in scunthorpe, putting 300 jobs at risk. coke ovens are used to turn coal into coke, which is a fuel needed to run the blast furnaces at the plant. the closure means that the british steel industry will need to import its coke rather than creating it in britain. more than 60,000 adults with disabilities and long—term illnesses in england were chased for debts by councils last year, after failing to pay for their social care support at home. claimants say they can�*t afford the charges amid rising food and rent prices, along with the additional costs of living with disabilities. councils maintain they only take action as a "last option". here�*s our social affairs editor, alison holt. this has become julia brosnan�*s world. most of her days are spent within the four walls of her bedroom. she has back problems, severe mobility issues, and a rare skin condition. i can�*t cook for myself any more. i

but nicola sturgeon's supporters point to her undisputed record of success in five elections to holyrood and to westminster. our scotland correspondent lorna gordon has been to greenock to talk to people about their response to nicola stu rgeon's resignation. greenock in inverclyde, on its quiet high street the news and noise surrounding nicola sturgeon's resignation has been filtering through. i'm sad, i nearly cried. really? yes. big deal then, nicola sturgeon going for you? yes it is. yep, but you've got to move on. popular among some, others glad she is going. ijust think it's time that she resigned. anyway, she needed to resign. why? i don't know, ijust don't... she's not done anything for scotland. scotland voted against independence in 2014. this area, though, was almost evenly divided amongst those voting yes and no. those divisions still evident amongst diners in this local cafe. celebrating or commiserating ? oh, i'll be commiserating. i think it's a sad loss to politics. i don't think personally, i don't think anybody can touch her as far as politicians are concerned, she's as

ms forbes was a leap in holyrood passed the bill designed to make it easier to legally change gender. as a devout christian, what would she have done? i devout christian, what would she have done?— have done? i have been a record sa in: have done? i have been a record saying that _ have done? i have been a record saying that i _ have done? i have been a record saying that i had _ have done? i have been a record saying that i had significant - saying that i had significant concerns about self id. and i would have had _ concerns about self id. and i would have had those significant concerns and therefore the bill in its current— and therefore the bill in its current form, i would have struggled to vote _ current form, i would have struggled to vote for~ _ current form, i would have struggled to vote for. ~ ., . current form, i would have struggled to vote for-— to vote for. would have opposed it? i would to vote for. would have opposed it? i would rrot — to vote for. would have opposed it? i would not have _ to vote for. would have opposed it? i would not have been _ to vote for

the youngest minister who became a minister on herfirst day at holyrood. she may also put her heart in the ring and another name being mentioned is neil gray. a range of candidates that could come forward. i think the way this contest is now looking and looking to shape up is whether it is going to shape up is whether it is going to be a continuity election carrying on the legacy of nicola sturgeon or if it is going to be for change if you look at characters like kate forbes or ash regan coming from a different angle and looking at change and growth whereas were looking at, you know, humza yousaf has been a stalwart in nicola sturgeon's cabinet for some time. it looks like cow that are shaping up but it is all about independence, it is all about whether the dial has shifted on that and the discussion that will be happening within the party is whether or not we'll be looking at people looking for a gradual approach, looking at people looking for a gradualapproach, or looking at people looking for a gradual approach, or perhaps may be going for that de facto

its gender recognition reform legislation, passed by a majority here at holyrood, making it easierfor a person to change their legal sex, has been blocked by the government at westminster. critics say that this case highlights that the legislation lacks safeguards and is open to abuse. the scottish government insists the new law would not have affected the bryson case. bryson�*s estranged wife said the 31—year—old was claiming to be a woman to get, in her words, an easy ride. you cannot do a crime as a man and then you want to transition once you've been charged with it. i don't see that, that's how you know it's like all a big joke to him. bryson, who continues to deny committing the offences, was, thejudge said, at high risk of reoffending and sentenced to eight years injail. lorna gordon, bbc news, edinburgh. thousands of teachers in the north of england and scotland have been on strike today. thousands more will take action this week across britain. the walk—outs are over pay and conditions. teachers in england received a 5% pay increase this year. the unions say it is not

the scottish parliament here was affected too, with pcs union members taking to the picket lines at holyrood itself. from lecturers to library staff, health workers too. at this rally in cardiff, they came to demand the right to keep on striking in a dispute being felt in every corner of wales. this primary school in powys is one of around 500 schools in wales completely closed today. that's about a third of the total. another 400 or so have been partially closed with some classes kept at home. college and university students have been impacted too. it's the welsh labour government responsible for setting teachers' pay here and while ministers say they're sympathetic to the strikers, they've struggled to come up with a solution. there has been a one off offer of a cost of living cash payment to education workers and to health workers. but so far they've failed to satisfy the unions. so, as things stand, there will be another wales wide teaching strike on february the 14th. but there is one glimmer of hope here with the nu in wales saying they have been talking again to ministers today and th

darren mccaffrey there political mccaffrey there are political and holyrood for us now and he is at holyrood for us now my next guest he said yes that very short notice lives gentleman and you never quite know what you're going to get from this gb presenter this from this gb news presenter this particular proud scotsman is he going to be dower is going to be happyis going to be dower is going to be happy is neil oliver he joins me now . somewhere in the happy is neil oliver he joins me now. somewhere in the middle. somewhere in the middle. neil, your your your over whelming go overbearing sense it comes to nicholas sturgeon stepping down. what's a legacy for you ? well what's a legacy for you? well i have to say it's good . see you. have to say it's good. see you. but i have to say it's a victory for those of us who knew how much damage and snp were doing . much damage and snp were doing. scotland then it's a pyrrhic victory, you know , she's, she victory, you know, she's, she and her snp have been there for and her snp have been there for a very long time. no and you know so much damage has

then in two thousand and seven the political earthquake the snp becoming the largest party in holyrood, becoming a forming nationalist scottish and she became first minister. her biggest moment then 2014 helping to lead the yes campaign to leave the uk . yes campaign to leave the uk. the scottish independence referendum granted of course by david cameron as prime minister . well, despite a strong campaign from the nationalists and the snp , the campaign and the snp, the campaign ultimately scotland voting no, opting to remain a part of the united kingdom . while alex united kingdom. while alex salmond resigned as first minister and leader of the snp and yes, his protege nicholas sturgeon winning the keys to bute house edinburgh to become the most powerful politician in uk. a strong of remaining in the eu campaigning passionately to in europe during the brexit referendum in 2016. and then when the leave campaign won, despite scotland voting to remain , she used that as a way remain, she used that as a way to reignite the nationalist impulse to leave the uk . let's impulse to leave the u

at playing the picture given he's experienced you know he took his time at westminster he's now at holyrood. he has experience politician and i think he can bridge what is quite a divided nation right now, especially the now, especially of the independence what independence debate. and what they who is a less they need is who is a less divisive . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a muchgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a much greaters a professional, a much greater winning elections, but of late she was going down alleyway years of policy that was not in with the majority of the scottish people. i think angus robertson would professionalism point of view and an ability to reach out to wider communities in scotland and brexit. i think angus would be the perfect person and finally to some then do you think that this is the end of the bill that do you think it will disappear? do

at playing the picture given he's experienced you know he took his time at westminster he's now at holyrood. he has experience politician and i think he can bridge what is quite a divided nation right now, especially the now, especially of the independence and independence debate. and what they who is a less they need is who is a less divisive . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a . sturgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a muchgeon was they need is who is a less diprofessional , a much greaters a professional, a much greater winning elections, but of late she was going down alleyway years of policy that was not in with the majority of the scottish people. i think angus robertson would professionalism point of view and an ability to reach out to wider communities in scotland and brexit. i think angus would be the perfect person and finally to some then do you think that this is the end of the bill that do you think it will disappear? do

we saw a temporary bounce upwards in the wake of the supreme court ruling last october that holyrood could not legislate for a second independence referendum without westminster consent. since then it is going back down. is consent. since then it is going back down. , . , consent. since then it is going back down. , ., , , , ., ., down. is there any suggestion that nicola sturgeon _ down. is there any suggestion that nicola sturgeon leading _ down. is there any suggestion that nicola sturgeon leading could - down. is there any suggestion that. nicola sturgeon leading could affect the support for the s&p itself as a party? t the support for the s&p itself as a -a ? ~ the support for the s&p itself as a .a ? ~' ., ., , ., , party? i think that remains to be seen. party? i think that remains to be seen- i'm _ party? i think that remains to be seen. i'm sure _ party? i think that remains to be seen. i'm sure you'll— party? i think that remains to be seen. i'm sure you'll see - party? i think that remains to be seen. i'm sure you'll see lots - party? i think that remains to be seen. i'm

but they're on to they're clearly on course to have most at the next have the most seats at the next holyrood elections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthati elections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthat inlections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthat in englandand we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, ifd we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, if we we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, if we had did that in england, if we had a highly nationalistic party in england, condemn england, wouldn't we condemn that? we have that? well, we have a conservative government, so i they well at it as they did quite well at it as well. have you seen it? well, i mean, it always struck as really quite weird that people on the right of the conservative party celebrated, johnson, celebrated, boris johnson, because could see, because as far as i could see, was he actual policies was he his actual policies a million tony blair million miles from tony blair which me some cause to which gave me some some cause to be world. yo

but they're on to they're clearly on course to have most at the next have the most seats at the next holyrood elections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthati elections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthat inlections. and we have the most seats at the next holjthat in englandand we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, ifd we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, if we we have the most seats at the next holjthat in england, if we had did that in england, if we had a highly nationalistic party in england, condemn england, wouldn't we condemn that? we have that? well, we have a conservative government, so i they well at it as they did quite well at it as well. have you seen it? well, i mean, it always struck as really quite weird that people on the right of the conservative party celebrated, johnson, celebrated, boris johnson, because could see, because as far as i could see, was he actual policies was he his actual policies a million tony blair million miles from tony blair which me some cause to which gave me some some cause to be world. yo

within the holyrood pool. and what you're looking at is probably somebody like kate forbes or angus robertson or humza yousef, all of which come with where the party's concerned . i mean, forbes has had a baby. whether she wants go back into the fray and take on such a big job is a big question. and, of course, her her views her own personal principles won't chime with a lot of the sort of more left wing socialist members of the party. angus robertson has been quite quiet since coming back into the hollyrood . and of back into the hollyrood. and of course, he presided over the failure to get the census delivered effectively and humza yousaf where do i start . you yousaf where do i start. you know he's nicknamed humza useless for a lot of reasons, but he isn't considered to be a safe and strong pair hands. what we really have is no obvious succession nicola sturgeon held power. so tightly that she hasn't left snp with somebody carries matic who can just walk in, take the party with her and she herself divided t

she resigned on a point of principle because of the gender recognition reform bill that was passed at holyrood just before christmas, she resigned at an earlier stage in the process, saying she could not support that, so we know her position on that, but she has not made herself available for interviews until now. so i think there will be some scrutiny today of ash regan's position on a whole number of different policy areas. lorna gordon in glasgow, thank you very much. thejustice secretary, dominic raab, has said convicted criminals could get longer sentences if they refuse to appear in court and he has not ruled out the possibility of them being physically dragged from their cells. it comes after a meeting with the family of zara aleena, who was murdered byjordan mcsweeney last year. he was jailed for 38 years but chose not to be in the dock for sentencing. our home affairs correspondent june kelly reports. zara aleena was attacked and sexually assaulted close to her home in ilford in east london. she died from her injuries. her killer, jordan mcsweeney, was jailed for 38 years. he chose no

holyrood hotting up in. holyrood candidates have until february fourth nominated. the fourth to be nominated. the deputy first minister, john swinney and, the mp joanna cherry, are already out the race. to our scotland race. let's talk to our scotland reporter maguire, in reporter, tony maguire, who's in edinburgh. tony good morning . edinburgh. tony good morning. yes, am or good afternoon. i've got to say, i've been caught up in the maelstrom of politics this week and yes, certainly last night, you know, the west coast of scotland was battered by storm water. and today in edinburgh, blue skies not seems to have been battered by storm. jacqui. jacqui baillie has completely and utterly taken still in the shower would say in the first session this morning, a real focus on health. and i'm certainly pulling no punches against yousaf scotland's health secretary she told the food today that having been the worst health secretary and records, has condition has deteriorated and is now looking to aspire to the worst. first minister on record . certainly no punches . record.

on the honzon industrial action is on the horizon after talks failed between the teaching unions and holyrood. the teachers demanding a 10% pay rise for their members after the scottish government only offered . five now football only offered. five now football club manchester city has been charged with breaking financial fair play rules by the premier league. the current league holders have been accused of more than 100 breaches from 2009 to 2018. over the accuracy of their pay and profit information. if found proven, the club could be docked points or even expelled from the top flight . manchester city issued flight. manchester city issued a statement saying they were surprised and they look forward to the independent review . you to the independent review. you up to date on tv online and dab+ radio with gb news. back now to . patrick right . like i . patrick right. like i said, i've . patrick right . like i said, i've got it right. like i said, i've got it all for you tonight, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be very shortly anyway, talking about rishi sunak's new, quite unbelievable

on the honzon industrial action is on the horizon after talks failed between the teaching unions and holyrood. the teachers demanding a 10% pay rise for their members after the scottish government only offered . five now football only offered. five now football club manchester city has been charged with breaking financial fair play rules by the premier league. the current league holders have been accused of more than 100 breaches from 2009 to 2018. over the accuracy of their pay and profit information. if found proven, the club could be docked points or even expelled from the top flight . manchester city issued flight. manchester city issued a statement saying they were surprised and they look forward to the independent review . you to the independent review. you up to date on tv online and dab+ radio with gb news. back now to . patrick right . like i . patrick right. like i said, i've . patrick right . like i said, i've got it right. like i said, i've got it all for you tonight, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be very shortly anyway, talking about rishi sunak's new, quite unbelievable

andrew kerr, bbc news holyrood. at least one person has died in a powerful tropical storm that is battering the east coast of madagascar. cyclone freddy has caused schools and transport routes to close on the island, with winds recorded higher than 120 kilometres per hour. this comes just weeks after another tropical storm killed 33 people and left thousands without shelter. some devastating pictures there. it is quarter past six. nothing quite so dramatic at home. matt has got the weather. good morning. the weather. good morninu. ., the weather. goodmornina. ., ~ ., the weather. good morninu. ., ~ ., ., good morning. good morning. what a different sort— good morning. good morning. what a different sort of— good morning. good morning. what a different sort of day _ good morning. good morning. what a different sort of day it _ good morning. good morning. what a different sort of day it is _ good morning. good morning. what a different sort of day it is today. - different sort of day it is today. we start off with

as it was at holyrood, following the first minister's u—turn . the first minister's u—turn. nicola sturgeon was on the back foot to endure weeks of grilling by leader of the opposition, douglas ross . well, nicola douglas ross. well, nicola sturgeon and her government consider him eamonn . what consider him eamonn. what a woman have they are dealt with in the prison estate that is the relevant factor . this double relevant factor. this double rapist, this beast is in a women's prison right now. bill bryson is awaiting trial. the scottish parliament passed the gender recognition reform bill with cross—party support . yes, with cross—party support. yes, 86 no. 39. and the gender wrecking reform scotland bill is passed. but in the wake of bryson's conviction, the uk government stepped in to block the bill with the unprecedented use of a section 35 order. nicola sturgeon maintains that no single issue is response possible for her resignation, but there is little doubt that the explosive public reaction to gender reform and the context of the bryson verdict played a role. it'

it has to be a member of the scottish parliament at holyrood because it has to be a politician who can answer as first minister in hollywood so it's definitely not going to be a westminster politician and there are a number of candidates who i think potentially could be a wonderful first minister. nobody has thrown their hat into the ring so far and i'm going to sit back, wait to see who is declared and listen to what they have to say. you who is declared and listen to what they have to say.— who is declared and listen to what they have to say. you can't give us an hint they have to say. you can't give us any hint as — they have to say. you can't give us any hint as to _ they have to say. you can't give us any hint as to who _ they have to say. you can't give us any hint as to who you _ they have to say. you can't give us any hint as to who you might i they have to say. you can't give us any hint as to who you might be i any hint as to who you might be veering towards or who you might think are the key candidates? ida. think are the key candidates? no. what about _ think are the ke

so is a big possibility that working groups to become leader the snp would lose its majority and holyrood now it would only lose its majority by one. so she would still able to probably get most things through on of case things through on sort of case by case basis . but wouldn't by case basis. but it wouldn't be great the snp heading into the next election and this relationship the party. relationship with the party. westminster, i'm just reading a bit now that. joanna bit more now that. joanna cherry, who quite influential cherry, who is quite influential , westminster rump, if , but the westminster rump, if you like, giving her back into ash regan, citing her solid left wing credentials . so this ash regan, citing her solid left wing credentials. so this is a real battle about, heart and soul of where the party goes and independence at the doesn't seem to be mentioned in all this. well ash regan in a way to be the most pushing most the most pro—independence line what she's saying and she's the only one who's really talked about this is her strategy to gain independence would to turn

, public as it was at holyrood, following the first minister's u—turn . nicola sturgeon was on u—turn. nicola sturgeon was on the back to endure weeks of grilling by leader of the opposition douglas ross . will opposition douglas ross. will nicola sturgeon and her government consider him a man or a woman have ? they are dealt a woman have? they are dealt with in the prison estate . that with in the prison estate. that is the relevant factor. this double rapist, this beast is in a women's prison right now . bill a women's prison right now. bill bryson was awaiting trial the scottish parliament, passed the gender recognition reform bill with cross—party support. yes, 86. no, with cross—party support. yes, 86. n0, 39. with cross—party support. yes, 86. no, 39. and the gender recognition reform scotland bill is passed. but in wake of bryson's conviction , the uk bryson's conviction, the uk government stepped in to block the bill with the unprecedented use of a 35 order. nicola sturgeon maintains that no single issue is responsible for her resignation