Nurses are the superheroes of our healthcare system. They are there for us when we’re at our most vulnerable, are entrusted to care for our loved ones and even help us bring our children into the world.

Last September, the SNP government unveiled a legislative programme for the year ahead which was widely hailed as the most radical policy platform for Scotland since the start of the devolution era.

Below is Derek Mackay’s speech in the Stage 1 debate of the Scottish budget 2018-19. Check against delivery.

This week marks the start of LGBT History Month. The annual celebration across Scotland recognises the contribution lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have made to our society, and raises awareness of the history of the LGBT rights movement.

This week a report from the World Economic Forum found that most of the top ten most inclusive economies in the world are small European countries. In contrast, the UK was 21st.