THE Scottish government is “ill-prepared” to deal with a crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic, Labour MSP Neil Findlay argued yesterday as he called for an inquiry.

Mr Findlay said that an inquiry is needed into the readiness of Holyrood to deal with the pandemic and how the parliament is currently dealing with the crisis.

“It is self-evident that the parliament was and is ill-prepared to deal with situations where large numbers of MSPs and staff for whatever reason are unable to attend the parliament building and take part in its business,” he said.

Highlighting the lack of parliamentary scrutiny that has been able to take place, Mr Findlay describes the current situation as “very difficult” and “unsatisfactory.”

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “It is all too clear that the Scottish Parliament was not fully prepared for an eventuality such as this and parliamentary scrutiny has suffered as a result.

“It is imperative that an inquiry is held to ensure that the parliament is never again caught out by circumstances and that we learn the lessons of this pandemic.”