John Swinney to face FMQs following Glasgow fire and Old Firm violence

The First Minister will face questions from the opposition following scenes of violence at an Old Firm derby and a devastating fire in Glasgow.

John Swinney pledged his Government’s support to rebuild part of Glasgow city centre hit by a major blaze on Sunday.

Swinney committed to support the rebuild of the area, telling MSPs in Holyrood: “Above all else, let me be clear today: the Scottish Government will stand with the city of Glasgow as it recovers from the fire.”

The First Minister previously condemned violence seen following Sunday’s Old Firm game in Glasgow as “completely and utterly unacceptable”.

Rangers and Celtic clashed at Ibrox in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup, with the visitors winning after a tense penalty shoot-out.

He added that Police Scotland has his full backing to go after and arrest those involved.

He said: “What I want to make clear is the police have my full support in pursuing everyone involved in this incident, also that we will work constructively with the clubs – who must be horrified by the scenes that they witnessed – as well to address the situation, to work with the Scottish Football Association, to make sure that collaboratively and collectively, we do all that we can to make sure that these types of incidents have no place in Scottish football.”

Swinney could also face questions on the assisted dying Bill as debates on amendments to controversial legislation have been pushed into Friday, with the parliamentary business minister telling MSPs Holyrood is “way behind” with considering amendments.

With more than 300 amendments having been tabled to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, MSPs have sat late both on Tuesday and Wednesday to deal with them.

Swinney has intervened in the debate over assisted dying, with the First Minister insisting a Bill that would allow terminally ill Scots to seek help to die “did not recognise” some provisions were outside of Holyrood’s powers.