Thread by @theSNP

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Watch First Minister @NicolaSturgeon answer MSPs' questions at #FMQs.

⏰ Tune in now on scottishparliament.tv.

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Performance in our A&Es is not good enough, I have been candid about that.

Our NHS is dealing with backlogs created by Covid and we're continuing to support our NHS to recover - but while there are big challenges, our A&Es remain the best performing in the UK." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Staff numbers are at a record high across the NHS, and investment is also at a record high.

While I am not complacent, we do believe that the measures in the Recovery Plan update and the Winter Plan will make a positive difference." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Frankly it beggars belief that Douglas Ross stands here today and talks about the NHS.

He spent much of the last week arguing we should take millions of pounds and put that into the pockets of the richest in society, regardless of the impact on our NHS." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "I do think it's reasonable to question the commitment to the NHS of anybody who argues for millions of pounds of taxpayers' money to go to cutting taxes for the richest in society, rather than it being invested in our NHS." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "It's because of our commitment to the NHS that we don't shy away from the difficulties it's facing - largely because of the Covid pandemic.

It's why we're investing in our NHS, and we seek fair pay deals for NHS workers, instead of giving tax cuts to the rich." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We will take no lessons from the Tories, who are doing real damage to the NHS.

Our NHS faces challenges, but on A&E waiting times and many other measures, Scotland's NHS is the best performing in the UK - and that's down to the dedication of those who work in it." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "No one should ever experience racism and all of us have a duty to stand firmly in solidarity with anyone who does.

The vile racist abuse that was directed at staff and children on the back of the Scottish Learning Festival should be condemned, and I do condemn it." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Let me make comment, particularly given how close to my own heart it is, on the experience of pupils at St. Albert's Primary in my own constituency.

St. Albert's is a fantastic school with fantastic staff and utterly outstanding young people." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "Racism always sickens me but there is nothing that turns my stomach more than the idea of adults that can look at a photograph of beautiful clever children, and only see the colour of their skin.

It's despicable, it's disgusting and has no place in Scotland." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "The study published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health was shocking, and really lays bare the impact of Tory austerity.

We now unfortunately face a new period of Tory austerity and spending cuts, and we know the impact this will have on people's lives." #FMQs

@NicolaSturgeon FM: "We're watching a grotesque debate in the Tory party on whether it's right to cut incomes of people on benefits, the most vulnerable people in our society.

If we want to chart a different course in Scotland, then we won't be able to do that under Westminster control." #FMQs