NICOLA Sturgeon outlined her party’s programme for government yesterday, with a little help from the Greens, the Liberal Democrats and Labour.

Though the SNP has fewer MSPs than in the last session of parliament, there is now, the first minister claimed, a “clear progressive majority” opposed to the policies of David Cameron’s Westminster government.

Speaking in Holyrood yesterday, Sturgeon unveiled the government’s “blueprint for delivery”. It was a confirmation of her party’s manifesto, the “baby box” of essentials to new parents, tougher climate change targets, and increasing free childcare to 30 hours a week.

Unexpectedly, the First Minister also looked beyond her party’s manifesto, taking in Labour’s proposals to expand minor ailments services to all pharmacies, Green plans to introduce a young carer’s allowance, and from the Liberal Democrat manifesto, the introduction of a new, dedicated minister for mental health.

“Where there is cross-party opposition to unfair or regressive Westminster policies, such as continued austerity, the renewal of Trident or attempts to undermine human and trade union rights, we will work with other parties to maximise Parliament’s influence and make Parliament’s voice heard,” she said.

Sturgeon outlined that the “defining mission” for her government would be education, and closing the attainment gap between how well those living in poor areas do academically compared to those in middle-class areas.

“That is because we want every child to have a fair chance in life and because we know that a good education is the foundation of that. However, we also know that ensuring equality of opportunity for young people starts well before the school years and extends far beyond the school gates,” she told the 128 MSPs gathered for the first day proper of the new session of Parliament.

To close the the attainment gap, the First Minister said she would want to build consensus between the parties in Holyrood and would organise a major summit on how that could be achieved, with all party leaders and education spokespeople invited.

There was also a promise to keep making the case for “Scotland to become an independent nation”.

Sturgeon said: “Of course, we know that Scotland will become independent only if and when a majority of the people are persuaded of our case. We also know that our job is to govern at all times for all the people of this country. That is what we will always strive to do.”

Responding, Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, accused the “three amigos” leading Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens of “ganging up to form a new high-tax alliance” that would put pressure on the SNP to hike taxes.

“May I remind my Labour and Lib Dem friends that it was the positive and forward-looking vision for Scotland of hitting hard-working people in their pockets that saw those parties lose 13 seats between them earlier this month,” she said.

“If you want to keep charging up the valley of death – please, be my guest,” she continued.

Patrick Harvie from the Scottish Greens attacked Tory, Labour and Liberal Democrat opposition to named person legislation during the election campaign, calling it “disgraceful” and “a misrepresentation”.

He continued: “We must take every opportunity that we can in the Parliament to protect people from the UK Government’s damaging and divisive approach to the welfare system. I very much welcome that the First Minister seems minded to take that direction.”

At the end of the session MSPs agreed to extend first minister’s questions by 15 minutes. From next Thursday the weekly session will now last 45 minutes.