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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Alasdair Clark

Scottish Parliament goes digital with first virtual First Minister's Questions

The Scottish Parliament will go online for the first time later today with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon due to take questions from party leaders.

Some MSPs however have asked why it will only be party leaders who can ask questions.

Presiding officer Ken Macintosh has said that "if today goes well", all MSPs may be able to take part in future online sessions.

The coronavirus pandemic saw the parliament in Edinburgh curtail its business days to one per week compared to the usual three.

MSPs were also made to observe social distancing rules in the chamber, with a reduced number able to take their seat.

The First Minister said on Twitter that the session would replace the usual coronavirus briefing which has been held daily at or around 12:30pm.

The leaders of the Scottish Conservatives, Labour, Greens and Lib Dems will question the first minister.

Calls have also been made to create a special parliamentary committee to scrutinise the response of the Scottish Government to the outbreak.

In a letter to MSPs, Macintosh said: “As you will appreciate, it is important that we give detailed consideration to the proposed remit of such a committee to ensure that it complements rather than overlaps the work of existing committees, some of which I know have already started work in this area.

“We will of course therefore be consulting conveners group on any proposals.”

For all of the latest updates on coronavirus in Edinburgh, visit our breaking news live blog here.

Another way to stay updated is by joining our new Edinburgh coronavirus news Facebook group.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.

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