Media Briefing - Nov 30, 2005
The First Minister's Official Spokesperson (FMOS) opened the briefing by informing journalists that Cabinet had met this morning.
Clyde Radio
He said that prior to this, the First Minister had been interviewed by Clyde 1 and Clyde 2 as part of their St Andrew's Day programming.
China
FMOS informed journalists that the First Minister was currently meeting with the Governor of the Chinese province of Shandong, Mr Han Yuqun.
FMOS said that Shandong is one of China's most populous provinces, with over 90 million people. He said that Scotland already has strong academic links with the province, and The Howden Group, one of Scotland's leading engineering companies, has opened a 450 strong plant in the city of Weihai.
Speaking after meeting Governor Han in Bute House, Mr McConnell said:
"China is a most important market, and Shandong is one of China's most important provinces.
"We already have strong links with the province, through academic and business partnerships and we are keen to build on these.
"During 2005 we have made real progress with our links in China and we intend to strengthen them in 2006."
Asked if the First Minister would be raising the issue of alleged human rights violations which had been reported in the press recently, FMOS confirmed that the First Minister will ask for clarification about recent reports.
Asked to be updated on the response from the Chinese Governer to the First Minister on this, FMOS confirmed that he would do this at the 4 pm briefing.
St Andrew's Day
FMOS said that this evening, the First Minister would be attending the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland awards in Edinburgh, as part of St Andrew's Day, where he will present the main award.
Cabinet
FMOS said that at Cabinet there were two main papers presented this week.
Fisheries
FMOS said that Rural Affairs Minister Ross Finnie had updated Cabinet on the preparations for this December's Fisheries Council which takes place between December 19-21. FMOS said that these preparations were going well and Mr Finnie will set out the context for the Council at the Fisheries debate in Parliament tomorrow.
Health Improvement
FMOS said that the Health Minister Andy Kerr had presented a paper on health improvement. He said that it was a chance to take stock of the considerable activity taking place in this area, such as the smoking ban, hungry for success, and the mental health act, as well as to look to the priority areas for the future.
The Minister had pointed out that there is increasing international interest in the way in which Scotland is tackling health improvement.
FMOS said there was agreement from Cabinet that the five priority areas should be - increasing physical activity; improving diet; smoking cessation; cutting alcohol consumption and narrowing the gap in health inequalities.
He said there was a useful discussion at Cabinet on this which highlighted the cross-cutting nature of health improvement, and the role all portfolios play in addressing the health of Scotland's population.
Scottish Executive Events
St Andrew's Day
FMOS said that Scottish Ministers were taking part in various St Andrew's Day events today.
FMOS said that journalists would be aware of these already from the detailed news release issued earlier in the week. However, to summarise:
The Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Patricia Ferguson would be attending the finale of Burnsong - a competition to find national songwriting talent in Scotland.
FMOS said that the Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm would be visiting Preston Street Primary School where children will be learning about St Andrew's Day and talking about what Scotland means to them. He reminded journalists that this year the Scottish Executive is celebrating Scotland's many cultures on Scotland's national day.
FMOS said that the Communities Minister was also attending the One Scotland Ceilidh which would be taking place later in the day.
And as pointed out earlier, the First Minister would be attending the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland awards.
Other Issues
Asked if the issue of nuclear power came up at Cabinet, FMOS said no.
Asked if there was any discussion on bridges, FMOS said that the Transport Minister had updated Cabinet on the position regarding the Forth Road Bridge.
Asked if there had been any discussion at Cabinet on any other bridges, FMOS said no.
Asked if there was any discussion at Cabinet on regiments, FMOS said no. Asked what the First Minister's position on recent press reports was, FMOS emphasised that the First Minister's position remains the same as it has always been. He reminded journalists of comments the First Minister had made at the time in which he said that he wanted the identities of the Scottish regiments to be retained. FMOS added that the First Minister had expressed disappointment at the time that the proposals did not go as far as he would have liked.
Asked if there was any discussion at Cabinet on the issue of "extraordinary rendition" and press reports that it was happening at Prestwick Airport, FMOS said there had been no discussion on this at Cabinet.
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