To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any steps that it is taking to ensure that any increases in the Scottish Police Authority resource budget continue to support further police recruitment, in light of the challenging financial circumstances as a result of the United Kingdom Government’s proposed financial settlement. (S6O-03683)

As has been made clear this week, following the UK chancellor’s July statement, the Scottish Government continues to face the most challenging financial situation since devolution. Despite the UK Government’s cuts to our budget, we have provided Police Scotland with record funding of £1.55 billion this year, which is an increase of £92.7 million; £75.7 million of that is for resource, which allows Police Scotland to increase its officer numbers.

Police Scotland indicated that there were about 16,400 officers at the beginning of August, and more than 680 new officers have been recruited since March. I am pleased to say that the police will take on more recruits this year than at any time since 2013.

Although it is welcome that the Scottish National Party Government will do everything that it can to protect front-line services and the public from the Westminster attack on Scotland’s public spending, will the cabinet secretary expand on the potential impact that the Labour Government’s decision to stick to the Tories’ fiscal rules will have on delivering a fit-for-purpose Police Scotland service in the long term?

In the face of the financial challenges, the Government has made it clear that we will support people where that is needed most, including in our public services, such as policing. As we know, all roads lead to Westminster, and we have been told that things will only get worse. We need the UK Government to invest so that we can get our proportionate share. If it cuts, we will feel the brunt of that.

Cabinet secretary, I am conscious that a lot of conversation is taking place across the chamber. I would be grateful if members focused on the cabinet secretary’s response.

I conclude by saying that Labour austerity is as damaging as Tory austerity. This Government continues to call on the UK Government to invest in public services and crucial capital infrastructure.