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“I recognise the concerns that have been raised about the Government’s decision not to progress with the learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill. We took that decision because we believed that we could deliver more substantive practical action to support those who would benefit from the bill’s provisions.”

Those are the words of First Minister John Swinney, who was speaking in parliament about his decision to abandon a long-promised new law – the LDAN Bill – to protect the rights of disabled people.

Mr Swinney went on to claim that “all of the lived experience evidence that was submitted during the bill consultation process informed the decision”, and also that his government is going to “press on” with “policy reform, service improvement and targeted investment".

If that all sounds like standard, empty rhetoric from an out-of-touch politician grudgingly discussing something he doesn’t seem to care about, I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.

Mr Swinney’s response was clearly pre-written, likely by someone else, and he didn’t even bother to learn it – he just read it out to the chamber, his eyes rarely lifting from the text. The delivery was stilted and the tone mechanical, which is probably what you would expect when a politician is being forced to talk about something they don't appear to believe is worth their time. I would defy anyone to watch the First Minister’s comments and tell me that he looks........

© Herald Scotland