Does the First Minister share my extreme disappointment that Scotland will not be included in the United Kingdom Government’s Horizon legislation, which was announced this week? Can he outline the steps that the Scottish Government is taking to right the injustice imposed on those living in Scotland who were profoundly affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal?

I absolutely share that sentiment from Audrey Nicoll. The Deputy First Minister has written to the UK Government to urge it to reconsider its decision, as have the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. There is real frustration. We stated publicly our preference for the legislation to apply UK-wide. It would have been the fairest and most equitable way to ensure fair treatment for sub-postmasters and mistresses in Scotland, as well as right across the UK.

If the UK Government does not change its position, we will introduce Scottish-specific legislation. The concern is that the Scottish legislation would have to align with the UK legislation, which will have to make its way through the UK Parliament. It will undoubtedly be amended in the various stages of that parliamentary process, which will inevitably have an impact on our ability to introduce legislation. We hope that that will not have an impact on Scottish sub-postmasters and mistresses being able to access the UK-wide compensation and payment that they are overdue.

We will introduce Scottish-specific legislation, but I again urge the UK Government to treat sub-postmasters and mistresses in Scotland the same as it is treating sub-postmasters and mistresses in England and Wales.