The next item of business is First Minister's questions.

And at question number one, I call Douglas Ross.

Earlier this week, Rishi Sunak announced a £4.2 billion contract to build five type 26 frigates on the flight.

This is a decision that will protect and strengthen our Scottish shipbuilding industry.

The UK Government contract will support 1,700 jobs at Govan and Scottson alone, with a further

2,300 jobs in the wider supply chain.

So will the First Minister join me in wholeheartedly

welcoming this huge investment in Scottish jobs and our economy by the UK Government?

First Minister.

Well, yes, I do welcome this announcement and I welcome the recognition of the skills and the talent and the expertise

on the River Clyde.

Of course, while these are responsibilities that continue to lie in the hands of the UK Government,

albeit with Scottish taxpayers contributing to the cost of them, then it is absolutely

vital that Scotland benefits

fully.

So, yes, I do welcome the decision.

I would also take the opportunity to congratulate BAE.

I have campaigned over many years for the future of Govind Shipyard, which used to be in my

constituency, is now in the constituency of Humza Yusuf.

While I do, of course, welcome the award of this

contract, I am duty bound to note that the original proposal back in 2010 was not for five

new vessels, it was actually for 13 new vessels. It was said then that all of that work would be undertaken on the Clyde.

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