Today, @NicolaSturgeon sets out the SNP @scotgov’s Programme for Government.

We’re building back fairer, greener, and stronger.

Watch live at 2:20pm on https://www.scottishparliament.tv/ 

@NicolaSturgeon: "The pandemic continues to have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing, on the economy, on our whole way of life.

That's true in Scotland and across the globe.

It follows then that this isn't a normal, business as usual, Programme for Government."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Today’s programme is clear that suppressing COVID is our most immediate priority - and it will remain so for some time.

That is essential for the protection of health and life - and for economic and social recovery."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Put simply, if COVID runs rampant again, our economy will sustain even deeper, longer lasting damage. This Programme faces up to that inescapable fact.

However, we will not simply hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. We can’t afford to."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We must end our contribution to climate change, invest in our infrastructure, make our public services fit for the future, harness the economic and social opportunities of new technology, make homelessness history, and lift children out of poverty."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Even amidst the uncertainties of a global pandemic, this is a time to be ambitious.

To use the disruption of COVID to rethink how we do things.

To make sure our immediate response also helps shape a stronger, greener, fairer future."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We must treat the COVID challenge not as a brake on our ambitions, but as an accelerant.

After all, if our response to the virus has taught us anything, it is that we can achieve progress more quickly than we thought was possible."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We'll always grieve the lives lost and never forget our separation from loved ones.

But we're also reminded of the resilience of human spirit, the power of human compassion, and the ingenuity of human intellect.

We must harness all of that for the future."

@NicolaSturgeon: "This Programme for Government sets out plans for a stronger, more resilient and sustainable economy - with a laser focus on creating new, good, green jobs."

@NicolaSturgeon: "It guarantees opportunities for young people - and refuses to accept that their generation will carry the economic scars of COVID into adulthood."

@NicolaSturgeon: "It strengthens and reforms public services, including our NHS - and it takes the first step on the road to a National Care Service.

It promotes equality and wellbeing, with decisive action on child poverty."

@NicolaSturgeon: "And it starts to reimagine how we can live our lives in ways and in places that prioritise health and wellbeing - recognising the benefits, not just to individuals, but to the economy."

@NicolaSturgeon: "While nothing can be ruled out, we want to do everything possible to keep COVID under control without another national lockdown.

The means building and supporting public health infrastructure to break the chains of transmission and contain outbreaks."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We have expanded testing capacity and we will continue to do so.

We'll also make access to testing more accessible.

By the end of October, 11 new walk in testing centres will open across Scotland - rising to 22 over the course of winter."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will also continue to strengthen Test & Protect.

Built from the bottom up, this system harnesses the skill of Scotland’s well established health protection teams.

It is working extremely well so far, and I am grateful to everyone involved."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I can announce today another significant enhancement to Test & Protect.

Later this month, we will launch ‘Protect Scotland’ - our new proximity tracing app."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The app will provide an additional means of notifying and giving advice if you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive - even if you don’t know them and they don’t know you."

@NicolaSturgeon: "There will be more information at the time of the app launch, as well as important assurances about privacy and confidentiality, but I encourage everyone to download and use it as soon as it's available.

Stopping the virus in its tracks is our priority."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We must be prepared for any second wave if it happens.

Our NHS is already restarting procedures that had to be paused. However, it's also maintaining capacity to deal with COVID if necessary. That includes keeping the NHS Louisa Jordan open through winter."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We are also replenishing stocks and strengthening supply chains to ensure we have PPE for health and care workers.

I’m pleased to day that much of that PPE is now made here in Scotland."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The health crisis has caused an economic crisis on a scale none of us have experienced before.

We have an immediate obligation to protect jobs and help businesses survive."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The looming withdrawal of the furlough scheme risks a tsunami of redundancies.

I'm therefore calling again today on the UK to follow the lead of France and Germany and extend the furlough scheme for 12 months, especially for sectors hardest hit by COVID."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Withdrawing furlough support while otherwise viable businesses are still unable to operate normally - and in full and certain knowledge of the impact it will have - would be unconscionable.

It must not happen."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will take all possible action to support the economy in the short term.

But this Programme also lays foundations for the future by establishing a national mission to create new, high-quality, green jobs."

@NicolaSturgeon: "This mission is underpinned by significant investment in our national infrastructure, in securing the economic benefits of the green transition and in fully realising the potential of the tech revolution."

@NicolaSturgeon: "But delivering on this mission - and responding to the immediate employment challenges of COVID - requires a massive focus on upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

I can confirm that central to this, and central to our Programme, is a Youth Guarantee."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Our Youth Guarantee is a new partnership with Scotland’s employers - backed by £60 million of government investment - to guarantee everyone aged 16-24, a job, a place in education or a place in training."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Be in no doubt - this Guarantee signals our absolute determination that youth unemployment will not be a legacy of this pandemic.

We are also earmarking £10 million to help employers recruit and retain apprentices."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I can announce that, this autumn, we will launch the National Transition Training Fund.

Backed by initial funding of £25 million, it will help up to 10,000 people of all ages retrain for jobs in growth sectors."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Investment in infrastructure is at the core of this Programme.

This month we'll publish our new National Infrastructure Investment Plan setting out the framework for £32 billion of infrastructure investment over the next five years."

@NicolaSturgeon: "It is through technology that many of us have continued to work, learn, access life’s essentials and stay in touch with loved ones.

Our £600 million R100 programme will make superfast broadband available to every home and business across the country."

@NicolaSturgeon: "And we have established a voucher scheme, the most generous anywhere in the UK, to ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to superfast broadband by the end of 2021 - even if the R100 installation is not scheduled to reach them until later."

@NicolaSturgeon: "During lockdown, working with the third sector, councils and Scotland’s tech industry, we established Connecting Scotland.

It has provided iPads and Chromebooks with internet connections to people on low incomes."

@NicolaSturgeon: "By the end of 2021, Connecting Scotland will provide an electronic device, unlimited data, and two years of digital support to 50,000 people who would otherwise be without digital access.

This is a massive step to end the digital divide once and for all."

@NicolaSturgeon: "COVID is, rightly, the most immediate priority addressed in this Programme.

But we mustn’t forget that the global climate emergency is intensifying, and that it too requires urgent action."

@NicolaSturgeon: "In the year ahead, we will make further progress towards Scotland becoming, by 2045, a net-zero emitter – ending forever our contribution to climate change."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Last year, we set out the first phase of our Green New Deal, based on the principle that decarbonising Scotland is both a moral obligation and a significant economic and social opportunity."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Our investment in decarbonising heat will help us improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty, and ensure that in just over 20 years, heating in Scotland will no longer be a source of greenhouse gas emissions."

@NicolaSturgeon: "This transformation - driven by our responsibility to the planet - will also create and support many jobs.

As indicated earlier, we will create a £100 million Green Jobs Fund."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Half will be dedicated to helping businesses and organisations grow to significantly increase employment in low carbon sectors.

The other half will help businesses take advantage of public and private investment in the low carbon economy."

@NicolaSturgeon: "A £62 million Energy Transition Fund will help oil and gas businesses diversify.

And I can confirm that we will invest a further £60 million to support the industrial and manufacturing sectors’ transition to net zero."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will also do more to support the circular economy, and new energy technologies such as carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.

And we will significantly increase peatland restoration – investing at least £250 million over the next decade."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The Scottish National Investment Bank will shortly open for business.

Capitalised to the tune of £2 billion over the next decade, its primary mission will be to drive the transition to a net zero economy."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I can confirm that the Scottish National Investment Bank is already in discussions about a range of projects for early investment – including supporting supply chains for zero-emission public transport."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The Scottish National Investment Bank - in my view the most important economic development of this Parliament - will be key to creating the low carbon, high technology and highly skilled economy we want to build here in Scotland."

@NicolaSturgeon: "COVID has presented us with significant challenges, but these are being unnecessarily compounded by Brexit.

The UK Government’s decision not to seek an extension to the transition period will cause avoidable harm to many Scottish businesses."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Brexit, and the way in which it is being implemented, immeasurably strengthens the case for Scotland becoming an independent country, with the ability to shape our own destiny and contribute positively to the world."

@NicolaSturgeon: "If this was a Programme for Government in an independent Scotland, it wouldn’t have to contemplate the damage of Brexit.

Instead, it could set out even more ambitious, far-reaching plans."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Plans for an immediate extension of the Job Retention Scheme - not a plea for another government to do so.

For the greater use of borrowing powers to further stimulate the economy.

For a migration system that supports people to make Scotland their home."

@NicolaSturgeon: "That is why, before the end of this Parliament, we will publish a draft Bill setting out the proposed terms and timing of an independence referendum - as well as the proposed question that people will be asked in that referendum."

@NicolaSturgeon: "And then at next year’s election, we will make the case for Scotland to become an independent country, and seek a clear endorsement of Scotland’s right to choose our own future."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Presiding Officer, the rainbows that appeared in windows across Scotland were an expression of hope in the face of adversity.

They were also a tribute to the dedication of our health and care workers. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We are already working with trade unions to agree the negotiation of a new pay award for 2021/22.

As part of this, we are considering options to recognise the enormous contribution of health and care staff during the pandemic."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Our immediate priority is the remobilisation of the NHS - but we will also reform access to services in light of the COVID experience and expand the use of technology.

Work to restart services paused because of COVID is already underway."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We are also expanding elective capacity through the National Elective Centre programme.

The first of our new centres for elective surgery will open next month at the Golden Jubilee Hospital."

@NicolaSturgeon: "A new National Cancer Recovery Plan will be published in the autumn to drive forward recovery and improvement of these vital services, and we will prioritise prompt detection of cancers through Early Diagnostic Centres."

@NicolaSturgeon: "A&E Services have also been transformed during COVID.

A new 24/7 service, operated by NHS 24, will help patients not in need of immediate emergency care to access clinical assessments by phone or online before attending an A&E department."

@NicolaSturgeon: "COVID has undoubtedly highlighted and exacerbated health inequalities.

So we will promote healthier and more active lifestyles for all. We will invest £500 million over the next five years to support active travel."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I can announce today the immediate establishment of a comprehensive independent review of adult social care.

The review will seek the views of those with direct experience of adult social care, and make recommendations for immediate improvements."

@NicolaSturgeon: "However, more fundamentally, it will examine and set out options for the creation of a National Care Service.

The Health Secretary will set out more detail in her statement later today."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The quality of adult social care is something that matters deeply to us all.

This is a moment to be bold and to build a service fit for the future.

Let us resolve that out of this COVID crisis, we will build a high quality National Care Service."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will introduce in this session of Parliament a new Domestic Abuse Bill, legislating for emergency protection orders to better safeguard those at immediate risk of domestic abuse.

That Bill is one of 4 that we'll introduce before the end of this term."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will continue to make ending homelessness a national priority.

We will update the Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan, learning from the approaches taken during the pandemic - and we'll significantly scale up Housing First."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will also take action to reduce the risk of people becoming homeless because of COVID related financial pressures.

We legislated to stop people being evicted and we'll extend the protection against eviction for rent arrears until March of next year."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I can also announce that we will also establish a £10m Tenant Hardship Loan Fund to support people struggling to pay their rent because of the pandemic."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will also continue to invest in new social and affordable housing.

Before lockdown, we were on track to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes by the end of this parliament - 35,000 of them for social rent."

@NicolaSturgeon: "That has been a £3 billion investment and we intend to expand on it.

We have already committed a further £300 million of housing investment in the next financial year.

That will secure much-needed new homes, and it will support around 10,000 jobs."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The last few months, as we have been able to travel less, have reminded us just how important our local communities are.

The concept of what is called the '20 minute neighbourhood' has attracted growing global interest in recent years."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The basic idea is that people in any part of a town or city should be able to find shops, green space, public services and leisure facilities – and ideally work – within 20 minutes’ walk of a good affordable home."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will work with local authorities to turn that vision into reality through our policies on transport, regeneration, housing and the environment.

And to support it, we'll invest £275m in community-led regeneration and town centre revitalisation."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Social Security Scotland now delivers 8 different benefits to people across Scotland.

Four of these are new - and don’t exist elsewhere in the UK - and the other four are more generous than the UK benefits they replaced."

@NicolaSturgeon: "In November, our new social security system will reach its most significant milestone, when it starts taking applications for the new Scottish Child Payment.

The first payments will be in the pockets of eligible families in February next year."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The Scottish Child Payment will give eligible families £10 a week for each child, initially for those under the age of six and then when fully implemented up to age of 16.

It will be truly game changing in our fight against child poverty."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Social security is part of the social contract between government and citizen. It is an expression of our solidarity as a society.

It is more important than ever to support, strengthen and invest in it - and this government will continue to do exactly that."

@NicolaSturgeon: "I also want today to renew my personal promise to children and young people with experience of care, and recommit to the full implementation of the independent Care Review’s recommendations."

@NicolaSturgeon: "We will also respond to the Black Lives Matter movement and the global resistance to continued racial injustice - and work to educate young people on our past, and the need to challenge racial injustice in the present."

@NicolaSturgeon: "Finally, I can confirm that we will shortly, to the maximum extent possible, fully and directly incorporate into Scots Law the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child."

@NicolaSturgeon: "The implications of this Bill will be profound, far reaching and long lasting.

It is a commitment that exemplifies the importance this Government attaches to the rights, opportunities and future of all our young people."

@NicolaSturgeon: "That view to the future is the note I want to end on. But first, I will reflect on the past.

It is less than three weeks since we commemorated the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the end of World War II."

@NicolaSturgeon: "One of the many impressive things about that World War II generation is the way in which – even in desperate times - they resolved to build a better world."

@NicolaSturgeon: "It would be easy to focus on nothing but COVID, and of course the effort to suppress it will occupy us for some time yet.

But we should also seize this moment to imagine and start to build a better future."

@NicolaSturgeon: "This is a Programme for Government which prepares us for what may well be a difficult winter.

But it also encourages us to lift our eyes, find hope in our hearts, and plan for brighter days ahead."