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I want to follow up on the points that were just raised about trade in services, although it is largely excluded from the TCA, holding up better than trade in goods. What analysis is there on that? We have heard this morning about online remote working being a big factor. Is that enough to largely explain what has happened, or are there other factors?

The Scottish Government has a stated policy of EU alignment, but it comes with important caveats—where appropriate—which I think are sensible. However, they sometimes get missed or forgotten in discussions, certainly in the public domain. You told the committee last year, and repeated today, that you mean

“where it is meaningful and possible ... to do so.”

You have talked about the practical outcomes and reducing burdens, and I welcome what you said about the new UK Government looking to take a new approach.

My question is whether the limited use of the keeping pace power reflects a shift in what the Scottish Government has regarded as appropriate since the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 was passed and the EU alignment policy was set? Could the Scottish Government have done more to explain those caveats in policy around alignment when considering the gap between the use of the keeping pace power and the different regulations that have not been brought in?

Good morning. Erasmus has been mentioned, most recently by Dr Marks. Clearly, withdrawing from Erasmus has had an impact on opportunities for young people generally, but also on opportunities for law students from Scotland and the whole of the UK. There has obviously also been an impact on the EU in terms of helping people to achieve qualifications that can be recognised there in the first place. What are your thoughts on the extent of that impact on opportunities and achieving qualifications in the law and the legal profession?

Have you any thoughts on the replacement programmes for Erasmus? There has been a delay to a replacement programme in Scotland, but Wales has made more progress. Has there been any impact on opportunities for law students or lawyers in Wales as a result?

Yes.

Last year—almost 12 months ago.

So you have persuaded them.

Obviously, the Government has made promises. You said earlier that the sector will believe this when it sees it, and I will believe it when I see it, too.

Can you tell us how much money will be in the budget?

We have discussed the need for confidence and certainty in the sector, but what we are seeing is chaos and a mess. I have been listening closely to what you have been saying. You have said that you want to reassure the sector and to provide a stable environment. You are also saying things such as, “If we can secure an increase in funding,” and, “I will try to persuade colleagues.”

For months, the Scottish Government has been giving clear commitments and promises to increase the budget by at least £25 million in 2025-26. Cabinet secretary, you have said that, the First Minister has said it and so has the Deputy First Minister. Yet, half an hour before the committee met this morning, you wrote to Creative Scotland, saying that you cannot tell it what the funding position will be next year. That is chaotic.

How many months ago was it when you gave those commitments for an extra £25 million?