27 May 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has responded to the Queen’s Speech, saying that the UK Government’s legislative programme does not take account of the dramatically changed political circumstances in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is always ready to be constructive in implementing legislation where we can find common ground with the UK Government but we will also provide tough scrutiny of any proposed legislation.

“The key problem with this Queen’s Speech as far as Scotland is concerned is that it does not take account of the dramatically changed political circumstances we now find ourselves in.”

Before watching the speech, the First Minister visited the Helping Hands project in Craigmillar, Edinburgh to meet the volunteers working in the new community allotment.

Run by Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association and the charity Fresh Start, the project gives socially isolated and vulnerable people the opportunity to learn new skills through growing their own vegetables and cookery classes. It has benefitted from more than £70,000 in Scottish Government funding through the People and Communities Fund.

Delighted to welcome First Minister @NicolaSturgeon to our allotment at our new project with @CastleRockEdin https://t.co/bpROczq2Ou

— Freshstart (@FreshStartWeb) May 27, 2015

While she was there, the First Minister helped the volunteers plant some flowers in the garden before planting a blackcurrant bush to mark her visit.