Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02895 on 23 September 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Ministers will set out a statement of policy on the factors to be taken into account when considering whether to use the discretionary power within the UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 in the coming months .

The Scottish Government is clear that we wish to maintain and advance the high standards Scotland has enjoyed as part of the EU. Ministers have no current plans to use the discretionary powers to align with the European Union legislation provided through the UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 in the area of nature restoration legislation.

The Scottish Government are making paper copies of the consultation paper available on request. We have a dedicated mailbox: NCSconsultation@gov.scot for any individual/organisation who wants a copy posted to them. We also have a dedicated telephone number for people without digital access to call to request a paper copy. The National Care Service Consultation automated telephone number is 0300 244 2425.

As part of our consultation on the National Care Service we will be engaging with the Older People’s Strategic Action Forum, the Older Peoples Assembly and Age Scotland. We are also engaging with a range of other third sector organisations to make sure that we capture the views of those with lived experience in the consultation.

Easy Read, British Sign Language and Audio versions of the consultation are available on the Scottish Government website. Braille and Large Font versions are available on request.

The work of Police Scotland’s International Development and Innovation Unit is a matter for the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. The Scottish Police Authority has responsibility for oversight of Police Scotland and to scrutinise the decisions of the Chief Constable.

Scotland has a strong and enduring commitment to securing democracy, the rule of law and human rights across the world. We expect all states to recognise fundamental human rights, comply with human rights legislation and condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur. Through International Engagement we will share our experiences, values and expertise in areas such as justice, education and climate change, with a view to seeing the human rights of people across the world fully realised.

The Scottish Government has provided funding for International Development work by Police Scotland in Malawi and Zambia since 2016. The funding provided in 2019-20 was £449,831 and the funding for 2020/21 was £162,000. The current funding supports Police Scotland’s work on a “Rights & Equalities for Marginalised Groups” programme, which helps tackle local issues in Malawi and Zambia, working with a wide range of marginalised groups such as women, children, those with disabilities, LGBTI and people with albinism. The ability to deliver the programme has been impacted by Coronavirus but Police Scotland hope to re-commence in-country training next year.

The Scottish Government has not made an assessment of the revenue levels generated by Police Scotland, through the activities of its International Development and Innovation Unit, as the management of all financial matters in relation to Police Scotland, is the responsibility of the Scottish Police Authority.

As set out in the answer to S6W-02758 on 21 September 2021, The Scottish Government are making paper copies of the National Care Service consultation available on request.

As set out in the answer to S6W-02759 on 21 September 2021, we are engaging with a wide variety of organisations including care providers and third sector, voluntary and charitable organisations to make sure that we capture the views of those with lived experience in the consultation. If requested, we will provide paper copies of the consultation and any other supporting material that is needed to make the consultation accessible.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government has not made representations to Police Scotland, in relation to the work by the International Development and Innovation Unit, in providing training to police forces from other countries, as the Scottish Police Authority has responsibility for oversight of Police Scotland and to scrutinise the decisions of the Chief Constable.