Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 22 June 2023.
The First Minister:
We are committed to doing more than that. I am more than happy to take away consideration of the idea of a climate conversation or convention to bring together the appropriate stakeholders, because we know that, for the good of our planet, we have to go faster and put more urgency and pace behind the action that we are taking. That is why the Scottish Government has an enviable track record on making sure that we invest in our just transition and why we have an enviable record when it comes to ensuring that we unleash the potential of the green economy.
Mark Ruskell is absolutely right that, every time the Scottish Government brings forward proposals to tackle the climate emergency, there are far too many—across the chamber but particularly in the Conservative Party—who oppose our actions time and time again. We will continue with our commitment to that just transition to net zero and that unwavering £500 million fund, and I am more than happy to commit to a meeting, conversation or convention ahead of COP28—the 28th United Nations climate change conference of the parties—to discuss what more we can do to meet our climate ambitions. However, it is so important that we do not just talk the talk—[
Interruption
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Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
