Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you. We are very tight for time—we need to close for chamber business shortly—but I want to squeeze in one final question.

I was interested when Ms Gosal mentioned some of the expertise that Scotland has in education, quantum computing, artificial intelligence and data, robotics and software and games. Outside the European Union, we find ourselves in a situation where Northern Ireland, as a result of the Windsor framework, keeps pace with Europe by default. There is a political statement from the Senedd in Wales and from the Government in Scotland that we should also keep pace with developments in Europe, but the UK Government has no stated objectives. We have recently seen the European Union legislate on AI, and, of course, the UK Government had a recent Bletchley Park summit on that issue.

Can you give a brief reflection on how you influence global issues, such as AI regulation, climate justice or some of the bigger global challenges, and how you have your voices heard in those negotiations, deliberations and summits? I will go to Professor Cornago first.

Thank you. I will move to questions from my colleagues and call Mr Stewart first.

Thank you, cabinet secretary. This the second time that the committee has had to respond to a geopolitical crisis, the first being in Ukraine, when we were almost immediately talking about how Scotland would engage in the refugee resettlement scheme. What engagement have you or the First Minister had with the Prime Minister about the two key asks of an immediate ceasefire and the opportunity to support refugees, which the First Minister recently made a commitment to in his conference speech?

The Parliament’s support for the people of Gaza is long standing. Back in 2009, when tensions were high yet again, the Government provided £400,000 to Libya and Gaza for water security. I understand that the £750,000 is going through UNRWA, and the Government has committed that money.

In our long-standing relationship with Malawi, there are great civic links with organisations within the community. The Scottish Government has very strong links with aid agencies working in Malawi, because of the principle of giving the money directly to the aid agencies on the ground. Does the Government have such a network for Gaza? Have your officials been reaching out or have any agencies and civic organisations sought support in Scotland?

Thank you, cabinet secretary. I am sure that the whole committee will wish for a peaceful resolution, the release of hostages and a ceasefire as quickly as possible. Thank you for your attendance.

Good morning, and a warm welcome to the 29th meeting in 2023 of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

Our first agenda item is to take evidence on Gaza, following the First Minister’s letter to the Prime Minister, which was copied to me as committee convener. We are joined by Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Scott Wightman, director of external affairs at the Scottish Government. Thank you for coming at such short notice, cabinet secretary. I invite you to make an opening statement.

I move to questions from committee members.

Ms Forbes, did you want to come back in?

Mr Brown has indicated that he wants to come in with a very small supplementary question—if it can be taken in two minutes, Mr Brown.

Good morning, everyone, and a warm welcome to the 27th meeting in 2023 of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Are members content to consider in private a draft report on how devolution is changing post-European Union exit in this meeting and in future meetings, and to consider in private a draft report on pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25 in future meetings?

Members indicated agreement.