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The First Minister in Parliament

First Minister’s Question Time takes place on Thursdays from 12:00 to 12:45 when Parliament is in session. During this time the First Minister answers questions from opposition party leaders as well as other MSPs. It is the most popular session of Parliament.

Click here to watch FMQs live on Thursdays from 12 noon – 12.45pm.

When the Scottish Parliament is sitting, the First Minister – or in her absence, the Deputy First Minister – must appear in the main chamber at Holyrood for the weekly First Minister’s Questions (FMQs), to respond to questions from opposition and backbench MSPs.

Rules for First Minister’s Questions (FMQs)

An MSP may lodge only one question for answer at any First Minister’s Question Time.

An MSP must lodge a question after the current FMQ session has ended and before noon on the Monday preceding session in which the member wants the question to be answered.

The Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament may select, from all admissible First Minister’s Questions lodged, up to 6 questions for answer at First Minister’s Question Time.

Demand for tickets to First Minister’s Questions is extremely high. Find out how to book tickets for First Minister’s Question Time at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/12516.aspx

This clip shows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s acceptance speech for the nomination of First Minister

Regular press conferences

The First Minister hosts regular news conferences in the drawing room of Bute House, where she engages with journalists who are based in the Scottish Parliament.

The events begin with a short statement from the First Minister, followed by an open question and answer session during which the attendees can ask any questions they like. The whole event is ‘on camera’ and is attended by around 30 representatives from the Scottish media.

FM at press conference.
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We’re now in the pre-election period. Our social media activity is restricted until after the @ScotParl election on 6 May. Read more information ➡ bit.ly/PreElectionGui…

As part of Kinship Care Week First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has sent a message of thanks to kinship carers for everything they do to support children & young people #KinshipCareWeek pic.twitter.com/0b8ado4B6x

FM @NicolaSturgeon met representatives from the education sector to thank them for their efforts during the pandemic. Even though the group works across very different areas they all agreed that among the challenges there has been a lot to celebrate in the last 12 months 👏 pic.twitter.com/LgoeKULJpZ

Watch First Minister @NicolaSturgeon wish everyone celebrating a peaceful and happy #ChineseNewYear ⬇️ #YearOfTheOx pic.twitter.com/Wb6TxVJQrS

A year on from the publication of the Care Review, First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has reaffirmed her commitment to delivering the changes needed to improve the lives of care experienced people #KeepThePromise pic.twitter.com/1y9gOn3HXf

Scotland is committed to ensuring that we use the full potential of the Coalition to deliver ambitious and deliverable plans for a just transition to net zero. We must work together to address the climate crisis and build a greener, fairer and more equal world. pic.twitter.com/hXFnBw0THV

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has spoken to Minister-President Kretschmann from @RegierungBW to discuss the handover of the European co-chair of the #Under2Coalition from Baden-Württemberg to Scotland as well as a number of other shared priorities. pic.twitter.com/8OqDPpmu6f

“We must continue to try to be the light, wherever there is darkness.” On #HolocaustMemorialDay First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has honoured the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, and called for everyone to build a safer, more peaceful world. pic.twitter.com/5cOE8KIHoe

FM @NicolaSturgeon has met the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls to discuss the latest @NACWGScot report into tackling gender inequality in Scotland. Check out the full report bit.ly/2020NACWGReport #GenerationEqual pic.twitter.com/adbqX3gNuw

The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) with the Scottish Parliament, recommending that consent cannot be given to the UK Government’s “inadequate and damaging” Brexit deal with the EU. More information: gov.scot/news/brexit-de… pic.twitter.com/aF6hfFmDqX

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