4. To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the proposal by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government that holders of public office should swear an oath to uphold “British values”. (S5F-00706)

The Scottish Government has had no communication from the UK Government in relation to the Secretary of State’s response—which was premature, in my view—to “The Casey Review: A review into opportunity and integration” on social cohesion. We respect the work that has been published by Dame Louise Casey on integration and opportunity. The Scottish Government will certainly consider her suggestions carefully in terms of their relevance to Scotland.

I thank the First Minister for that answer. Is the First Minister any clearer than I am as to what British values actually are and whether everyone in Scotland should be expected to have them? I, for one, certainly do not feel particularly British.

The First Minister:

It is an important issue and—as I said—we respect the work that has been carried out by

Dame Louise Casey, which deserves to be given proper consideration. I suggest that the UK Government do the same, and commit to giving it proper consideration rather than taking the premature step of announcing that all public servants should be compelled to swear an oath. Such an oath potentially risks exclusion of people who do not define their values as being uniquely British.

As a nation—I hope that this is something that all members across the chamber agree with—Scotland has a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and all faiths. We are committed to supporting their integration into our communities. That is not, in my view, done through swearing of oaths but by creating a country where everyone has an opportunity to flourish, where diversity is truly welcomed and celebrated, where we judge people on the contribution that they make to our country while they are here, and where we do not expect them to give up their own identities and backgrounds in the process.

I declare an interest as a member of the district of Stirling licensing board. A decade ago, none of us would have predicted the growth of online sales—

The Presiding Officer:

I am s orry—I thought that you were going to ask a supplementary on John Mason’s question. This is a general supplementary, which I did not take you for previously, so I apologise—I am afraid that you cannot ask your question.

I cannot?

Members:

It’s Christmas!

The Presiding Officer:

Mr Ruskell will be happy with that very sympathetic response from the chamber. We move to question 5.