Chamber
Plenary, 27 Mar 2003
27 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
First Minister's Question Time
Schools (British History)
I announced towards the end of last year that I thought that it was important that we in Scotland acknowledge a variety of occasions in our history, including the union of the crowns in 1603. I think that it is important, not for party political reasons but for reasons of knowledge, history and understanding, that young people in this country understand all of their roots, where they come from and what our country has done—good and bad—in the past. I certainly hope that in every secondary school and primary school throughout Scotland we not only teach our young people their Scottish history as effectively as possible, but teach them about the time during which they have been part of Britain, which should constitute part of their knowledge and understanding of where they come from. That will also help to inform them of the benefits of democracy, tolerance and respect, which are part of our national character.
In the same item of business
5. Alex Johnstone (North-East Scotland) (Con):
Con
To ask the First Minister what commitment the Scottish Executive will give to ensure that British history is adequately covered in the curriculum in schools....
The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
Guidance to education authorities and schools provides ample opportunities for teaching British history, including Scottish history, at every level of the sc...
Alex Johnstone:
Con
The First Minister might be surprised to hear that I was present during the march that took place outside the chamber at half past 5 last Thursday. I assure ...
The First Minister:
Lab
I announced towards the end of last year that I thought that it was important that we in Scotland acknowledge a variety of occasions in our history, includin...
Andrew Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
Does the First Minister agree that anyone who studies British history should also recognise that Britain was first in the world in economic performance in th...
The First Minister:
Lab
Mr Wilson is full of contradictions; he has just made more. He has spent his four years in the Parliament—when the eyes of business were not upon him—critici...
Mrs Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
Does the First Minister agree that one of the strands that goes through British history is the quest for justice? Four years ago, patients who had been infec...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I am sorry—that was possibly wide of the original question. Does the First Minister want to respond?
The First Minister:
Lab
I confirm that Malcolm Chisholm will—as he has been doing over recent months—work extremely hard to ensure that we bring about a just conclusion to the matter.