To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its work to further the case for Scottish independence, what engagement it has carried out with businesses regarding Scotland’s constitutional future. (S6O-03519)

This is a Government that is engaged with and supportive of business, and ministers and officials met a number of businesses and their representatives throughout the drafting of the “Building a New Scotland” series. We will continue to engage with and listen to Scotland’s people, civic organisations and businesses, to drive a growing economy that is fair and green.

In a recent speech to business leaders, the First Minister advised that

“re-joining the European Union as an independent country and making our own economic decisions”

is the best way to meet the challenges that businesses face and to grow our economy.

The Scottish National Party Government has always supported small enterprises in my region, but many businesses are struggling due to the decisions that have been taken outwith Scotland on migration, trade and EU membership. Can the minister tell me how, compared with Brexit Britain’s current insular approach, an independent Scotland will better serve Scottish business?

Scotland is already a good place to do business, as the on-going global success of many of our sectors and businesses testifies. As we set out in the “Building a New Scotland” prospectus papers, with greater powers over immigration, employment and taxation, an independent Scotland in the European Union could learn from the United Kingdom’s failures and from industrial policy successes elsewhere to build a business environment that is designed to maximise the economic benefits of the many opportunities that Scotland has, not least the transition to net zero.

If colleagues have not yet read any of the papers, I draw their particular attention to the paper that compares the economic success of every one of our neighbouring countries, which all outperform the United Kingdom.

When the cabinet secretary engages with business, is he able to give any meaningful insight into the SNP’s currency plans? His latest fictional white paper says:

“As soon as practicable, Scotland would move to its own independent currency, the Scottish pound.

Until then, the pound sterling would remain Scotland’s currency.”

Would the minister like to say how soon “As soon as practicable” is? Is that not just the latest attempt to kick difficult cans down the road as the Government glosses over the legitimate fears of Scottish business about his independence plans?

“No” is the short answer to Mr Hoy’s question, but I encourage him to actually read the paper. I am not sure whether he has read it. [Interruption.] He is shaking his head, so he clearly has not read it. If he had, I am sure that he would have found the detail very convincing and hugely encouraging for Scotland.

We look forward to having the opportunity to live in a democracy and having a democratic say in a referendum about the country’s future. Looking at all our neighbouring countries, which all outperform the United Kingdom, I think that it is a prize worth joining together for, across the chamber, although I suspect that that is not likely in the case of Mr Hoy.

Question 5 is from Willie Rennie, who joins us remotely.