The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Burnham's tax tweak is good for Scottish workers but bad for Scottish ministers
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
20 Jul 2026 at 5:11pm
Andy Burnham has hinted at unfreezing the £12,570 personal allowance. But a quirk of Scotland's tax structure means any rise could quietly widen Holyrood's already severe budget gap.


Shelter Scotland challenges new PM Burnham over rough sleeping pledge
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
20 Jul 2026 at 3:53pm
Shelter Scotland says Andy Burnham must tackle Westminster policies and invest in social housing to end rough sleeping across Scotland.


Former Yes Scotland chief distances himself from 'mocking' social media post
20 Jul 2026 at 3:50pm
The former boss of the Yes Scotland campaign group has distanced himself from a social media post which appeared to mock claims £1.5million went missing as part of its bid to win the 2014 referendum.


Glasgow 2026 exhibition highlights LGBTQ+ criminalisation across Commonwealth
by rose.moncur@newsquest.co.uk | Rose Moncur
20 Jul 2026 at 1:42pm
The Zero Flags Commonwealth exhibition launches in Glasgow during the 2026 Games, highlighting countries where LGBTQ+ people still face criminalisation.


Andy Burnham promises to build 'national unity' in first speech as Prime Mini...
20 Jul 2026 at 12:57pm
Andy Burnham has promised "to build a national sense of unity" in the UK as he became the seventh Prime Minister in a decade today after Sir Keir Starmer?s resignation


Keir Starmer says 'my work is done' as he officially resigns as Prime Minister
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
20 Jul 2026 at 11:33am
Sir Keir Starmer says his "work is done" as he makes way for Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister


Jack McConnell: Scottish Labour must not shut down debate over UK party ties
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
20 Jul 2026 at 10:30am
Jack McConnell urges Scottish Labour to debate its UK party ties as Andy Burnham enters No 10 promising greater devolution and decentralisation.


Burnham to become seventh PM in a decade and take new North Sea oil and gas s...
20 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Labour's Andy Burnham is due to become the UK's seventh Prime Minister in ten years today and take a "more pragmatic approach" to North Sea oil and gas.


All hail Andy Burnham, the podium-less Prime Minister
by alison.rowat@theherald.co.uk | Alison Rowat
20 Jul 2026 at 4:29pm
Andy Burnham became Britain?s 59th prime minister without a lectern, a phone box or, some say, a mandate. Instead, he offered a ?change moment? and some borrowed hope.


New poll widens debate over social media curfews as Scots struggle to switch off
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
20 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Nearly two-thirds of Scots would welcome technology blocking social media at night, as new polling highlights concerns over sleep and late-night scrolling.


Union chief demands early meeting with new interim chair of heritage agency
20 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
The boss of the main trade union representing civil servants working for the Scottish Government's troubled heritage agency Historic Environment Scotland is seeking urgent talks with its new interim chair.


John Healey made Chancellor as Burnham stages show of Labour unity
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
20 Jul 2026 at 6:20pm
John Healey has been appointed Chancellor by Andy Burnham after days of Labour infighting.


Peter Murrell news, interviews and updates on the former SNP chief executive
by The Herald
16 Sep 2025 at 11:59am
Peter Murrell is the SNP's former chief executive from 1999 to 2023.


John Swinney news, interviews and updates on the First Minister
by The Herald
16 Sep 2025 at 11:54am
John Swinney became Scotland's First Minister in May 2024.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister LIVE: Follow along as Sir Keir Starmer st...
20 Jul 2026 at 6:06pm

Andy Burnham said this is ?a moment for reflection and new resolution? and Britain must ?regain our stability once again? as he addressed the nation for the first time as Prime Minister

In the late 1930s, during the British Mandate in Palestine, the Colonial Secretary privately admitted that ?atrocities? had been carried out by the police

Labour may not be the only political party looking for a new leader this year.

New PM will be asked to make flurry of decisions in initial days of premiership

Here?s what will happen today as Andy Burnham officially becomes the next UK Prime Minister.

The figures were revealed following a freedom of information request by the Conservatives

NatureScot is aiming for the project to go live next year

Lucy Powell, Labour?s deputy leader, said Mr Burnham would usher in a ?change of emphasis?

Wings over Scotland

The Wheels Of Industry
20 Jul 2026 at 2:49pm
Last Friday’s edition of The National ran this guff: And as we often are, we were put in mind of the greatest politics book ever written. We’d really need to quote a much longer section to fully convey the point – ideally just read all of the piece linked above – but this passage will …

Progressing To Oblivion
19 Jul 2026 at 3:21pm
It’s now more than three years since this site drew attention to the curious case of Progress Scotland, the zombie “polling company” run by the SNP’s Angus Robertson that had no employees and hadn’t published any polls since October 2020, but was apparently still accepting, and soliciting, donations from subscribers, and appeared to have disposed …

These Words Are My Own
17 Jul 2026 at 9:59pm
It’s been another fabulous day on the front pages for Nicola Sturgeon. The stories were triggered by a speech in the House Of Commons from Tory MP Sir David Davis, which you can watch below. ? (It was meant to be a much longer speech, but Davis had to truncate it on the hoof from …

A Matter Of Declinature
15 Jul 2026 at 5:05pm
Our solicitor has this afternoon written to the Deputy Chief Constable. We’ll await his response with interest.

The Invisible Rabbit
15 Jul 2026 at 11:30am
Further to Monday’s letter from the Deputy Chief Constable, we’ve now submitted the following Freedom Of Information request to Police Scotland, as per his suggestion. - To: FOI <foi@scotland.police.uk> 15 July 2026 This week I received a letter from DCC Stuart Houston. It notes in part: “During this time, Police Scotland utilised financial investigators, financial …

Blue In The Face
14 Jul 2026 at 1:13pm
Before we start, let’s note that this took 37 days. As you’re about to read, it says almost nothing other than “Please go away now”. It takes quite a long time to say it, but nevertheless those four words are pretty much the sum total of the actual content. It does not in any way …

The Unstoppable Lie Machine
13 Jul 2026 at 7:00pm
Six weeks ago, Nicola Sturgeon said this: Today, on her behalf, her perpetually furious lawyer said this: So she was lying. Imagine literally nobody’s surprise. “I have nothing to hide, but I’m going to hide it anyway” is flawlessly in character. (Though we must take a moment to note that the idea of anyone bothering …

Step One
12 Jul 2026 at 3:05pm
Today’s Sunday Mail leads for the second weekend in a row on questions about the finances of Yes Scotland. But there’s a paragraph in the online version of the story that doesn’t make the print edition, and it’s a shame, because it’s a very telling one. This is it, from Yes Scotland’s former marketing director …

It just takes a beat
10 Jul 2026 at 12:58pm
Looks like we turned that round pretty fast, gang. Six weeks ago: And today: Amazing what a draft document and a KC opinion can do, eh? A casual observer might be forgiven for thinking that the SNP was absolutely cold-sweat desperate to avoid a civil case that would set a powerful precedent for a legal …

The Only Notes That Really Count
9 Jul 2026 at 8:01pm
Wings has this evening received a formal legal opinion from Roddy Dunlop KC with regard to the prospects of success of a claim of fraudulent breach of trust by the SNP against donors to the “ringfenced” referendum campaign fundraisers. We attach it below. We continue to seek more people to join the group – if …

Craig Murray

Where Are We Going?
20 Jul 2026 at 1:25pm

An advert for the RNLI caught my attention because it indicated that the majority of their income comes from bequests in wills. The pitch was that, after you provide for your loved ones, you should leave money to the RNLI. I have no problem with this, having generations of lifeboatmen in my ancestry, but it …

Where Are We Going?

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata
14 Jul 2026 at 5:02pm

Unsurprisingly, today at the Court of Session Lord Young refused to lift his suspension or “sist” of the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. He did however grant us leave to appeal against this decision. What was surprising was an extreme extension of the UK government’s argument. The UK government stated that …

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata

The Ditching of Nigel Farage
11 Jul 2026 at 8:36am

Nigel Farage is the most consequential British politician of the 21st century. Certainly a more important historic figure than any of the last eight Prime Ministers. Tony Blair is the only realistic rival. Without Farage, the UK would never have left the European Union. Farage’s role in forcing the issue to the top of the …

The Ditching of Nigel Farage

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back
1 Jul 2026 at 12:50pm

I publish below in full the Note we have submitted to Court today to re-establish the separate Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. Not only is the state doubling down on prosecution of pro-Palestine activists, a new National Security State Threats Bill is being fast tracked through parliament to extend the attack …

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back

The Middle East, Hormuz and the New Mercantilism
29 Jun 2026 at 9:50am

The provisional surrender document signed by Donald Trump appeared to represent a triumph for Iran and indeed for the world; but neither the USA nor Israel has the slightest sense of honour and they cannot be trusted to negotiate in good faith. Iran knows this – after all, the USA twice attacked Iran actually during …

The Middle East, Hormuz and the New Mercantilism

The UK Joins the Pirates
15 Jun 2026 at 1:21pm

I was genuinely surprised by the Starmer regime’s refusal to state that the Israeli boarding of the Global Sumud flotilla on the High Seas was illegal. I did not realise it was because the UK was planning to undertake similar illegal seizure itself. The Gaza Flotilla seizure was illegal: while for obvious reasons freedom of …

The UK Joins the Pirates

BBC Scotland

Will Scotland buy Burnham's vision of a 'rewired' Britain?
20 Jul 2026 at 6:14am
Andy Burnham enters Downing Street promising more devolution and economic growth but what does that mean for Scotland?

Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
18 Jul 2026 at 4:46pm
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.

Is Burnham promising a new dawn for North Sea oil and gas?
19 Jul 2026 at 3:27pm
The incoming PM is expected to announce fresh support for the North Sea from day one of his premiership.

Government drops plans to stop paying coastguard volunteers
16 Jul 2026 at 9:11pm
UK transport minister Keir Mather says he had listened to the views of coastguard rescue officers.

Swinney wants 'constructive relationship' with Labour leader Burnham
17 Jul 2026 at 3:28pm
John Swinney congratulated the former mayor of Greater Manchester after he was confirmed as UK Labour's new leader.

Union pushes ministers to deliver promise of work for state-owned shipyard
16 Jul 2026 at 6:13am
The GMB has accused ministers of dragging their feet over new work for Ferguson Marine which as announced before the Holyrood election.

Faslane set for £15bn upgrade to increase 'warfighting readiness'
14 Jul 2026 at 6:29pm
The revamp of the base, which houses the UK's nuclear submarine fleet, will be carried out over the next decade.

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint
14 Jul 2026 at 2:22pm
The group which campaigned for independence in the 2014 referendum insists all its funds have been accounted for.

What does Andy Burnham mean for Scottish Labour?
17 Jul 2026 at 6:06am
Anas Sarwar turned on Keir Starmer, but is the coronation of the 'King of the North' good news for the Scottish party?

Sturgeon's police statement on SNP finances won't be released, says lawyer
13 Jul 2026 at 10:50pm
The former first minister exercised her right to give a "no comment" police interview, later sending a written statement to officers.

University investigates employee's comments on Ann Widdecombe's death
13 Jul 2026 at 11:32am
Aberdeen University's Heather Herbert had posted she hoped it was an "extremely painful death".

Bullying pupils protected more than victims, parents say
13 Jul 2026 at 6:23am
Lesley is one of a group of parents who believe existing school guidelines on bullying are not enough.

Scot Goes Pop

On the day Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, Scottish independence could n...
20 Jul 2026 at 11:10am
If you'd like to support my YouTube channel and help it to grow further, please visit my Ko-Fi page, where you can either make a one-off donation of any amount you choose, or set up a small recurri...

Not "hatred" or "bigotry" after all: in stunning turnaround, the British esta...
17 Jul 2026 at 12:42pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:"Self-Determination for the Falklands but NOT for Scotland!" - W...

"Democratic Self-Determination for the Falkland Islands but NOT for Scotland!...
14 Jul 2026 at 6:56pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:"Self-Determination for the Falklands but NOT for Scotland!" - W...

SNP vote INCREASES in Larkhall by-election as Burnham FAILS his first Scottis...
13 Jul 2026 at 12:24am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov...

Why so many Scots want NORWAY to beat England in the World Cup: three CRACKIN...
10 Jul 2026 at 2:20pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov...

Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov Scottish sub...
8 Jul 2026 at 3:01pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Another stunning SNP by-election GAIN as the Tories go into FREE...

Another stunning SNP by-election GAIN as the Tories go into FREEFALL in the n...
4 Jul 2026 at 2:11pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE. A great reply semi-ruined by the final sentence. Stew? In Scotland?! The very ...

"IS THAT IT, ANDY?!" Only a 2% Burnham bounce for Labour with YouGov, as SNP ...
1 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Burnham in danger of making government from Manchester as remote...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Man, 28, charged with murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe
20 Jul 2026 at 6:56pm
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates? Court on Tuesday

Can Andy Burnham end rough sleeping in Scotland?
20 Jul 2026 at 4:47pm
There's a new PM at 10 Downing Street but the same old problem persists: How do you eradicate rough sleeping and solve the housing crisis?

Live: Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister 
20 Jul 2026 at 9:24am
Andy Burnham has become the Prime Minister of the UK following Keir Starmer's resignation

Andy Burnham must deliver emergency budget to ?reverse damage?, says SNP
20 Jul 2026 at 6:48am
SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said that Burnham would be ?judged on his actions not words?.

Donald Trump celebrates reports Andy Burnham could back more North Sea drilling
19 Jul 2026 at 4:18pm
Burnham has not confirmed reports he is considering approving new fossil fuel production - but on social media, Trump claimed he said he would

Scottish Government has ?failed? Disclosure Scotland waiting times, Labour says
19 Jul 2026 at 4:07pm
The party said on Sunday that 'urgent action' is needed to cut waiting times for PVG checks with the longest wait running to 301 days

Scottish Green MSP to take leave of absence to treat chronic illness
19 Jul 2026 at 12:18pm
Cara McKee has said she will will go on leave while she undergoes a planned medical procedure to treat trigeminal neuralgia.

Burnham will scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living
19 Jul 2026 at 12:06pm
A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister said his Government would 'put its focus where people need it right now'

Being transgender is not the most interesting thing about me, says Green MSP
19 Jul 2026 at 11:03am
Iris Duane made history alongside her party colleague Q Mannivanan as the first openly transgender MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.

Andy Burnham urged to stick to Labour manifesto on North Sea oil
18 Jul 2026 at 3:26pm
Allies of the new Labour leader have said he intends to make a ?dynamic? start to his premiership, when he formally takes over from Keir Starmer

MP should not have ?hidden behind parliamentary privilege? on Sturgeon ? Gilruth
17 Jul 2026 at 2:37pm
The Scottish deputy first minister said Sir David should have shared his views publicly, rather than in the Commons

Scottish minister condemns Reform plan to ?ban? Gaelic at elections
17 Jul 2026 at 1:59pm
Reform UK have been accused of attempting to criminalise Gaelic, Scots and British Sign Languages at elections

Andy Burnham vows to give people ?hope back? as he?s named Labour leader
17 Jul 2026 at 12:39pm
The new Labour leader said he was 'ready to lead' as he took the governing party's reins in London on Friday

Refugees face £10,000 support bill to be allowed to remain
17 Jul 2026 at 6:33am
Those granted asylum will have to pay the money if they want to be given settled status, under the proposals

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Andy Burnham LIVE as PM springs surpise with Chancellor and Ed Miliband joins...
20 Jul 2026 at 7:06pm
Keir Starmer will meet the King to officially resign before Burnham heads to the palace, then to Number 10 to make a speech and begin a new Labour government.

Former Yes Scotland chief executive criticises X post making fun of 'missing ...
20 Jul 2026 at 4:21pm
The statement was issued by Aamer Anwar, who is representing former Yes Scotland CEO Blair Jenkins.

'Andy Burnham calls time on the gloominess of the past as he backs hope'
20 Jul 2026 at 1:17pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the contrast between Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer in their early days as PM is stark

Former Labour First Minister urges party to have 'proper' review into Holyroo...
20 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Lord McConnell said politics is stronger when debate takes place.

Andy Burnham will help country 'defeat the Right' as new chapter for Labour o...
20 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
In his Daily Record column, Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar says he is delighted Burnham will become Prime Minister today.

Donald Trump issues 'we love you Scotland' message as he claims Andy Burnham ...
19 Jul 2026 at 4:08pm
The President claimed the new PM would open up the North Sea "all the way".

Yes Scotland mocks claims of 'missing' £1.5m with first X post in twelve years
19 Jul 2026 at 9:02am
Yes Scotland jokingly offered a reward for the "missing" £1.5m.

Getting on the road now costs almost £1,000 on top of cost of car
18 Jul 2026 at 9:27am
One in five people are choosing not to learn to drive because of the costs

'Andy Burnham has months to make an impression with voters'
18 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
In an op-ed, Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says Burnham is taking over as Prime Minister at an unforgiving time for politicians.

Andy Burnham crowned Labour leader as he promises to give people ?hope back?
17 Jul 2026 at 12:13pm
The Makerfield MP was announced as the new leader at a special Labour conference. He will become Prime Minister within days.

The National

The National | Politics

Who?s who in the UK Government after Andy Burnham makes sweeping changes?
20 Jul 2026 at 6:54pm

ANDY Burnham promised the biggest change to British politics in 40 years as he became Prime Minister, making John Healey his Chancellor and sweeping away key figures from Keir Starmer?s government

How soon is now? Tomorrow, if you're Andy Burnham
20 Jul 2026 at 5:58pm

WHEN you say it?s going to happen now, when exactly do you mean?

Can Andy Burnham 'end rough sleeping'? Here's what his record tells us
20 Jul 2026 at 4:44pm

ANDY Burnham has pledged to end rough sleeping in his ?first instruction? to officials on becoming Prime Minister.

Yes Scotland boss did not approve post mocking 'missing £1.5m' claim
20 Jul 2026 at 3:55pm

YES Scotland?s chief executive has said that a post mocking claims of a ?missing £1.5 million? was published online without his approval.

The full list of Keir Starmer allies sacked from Cabinet by Andy Burnham
20 Jul 2026 at 3:51pm

SEVERAL allies of Keir Starmer have been sacked from Cabinet ? including deputy prime minister David Lammy and chancellor Rachel Reeves ? by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham appoints John Healey as Chancellor in major twist
20 Jul 2026 at 3:12pm

ANDY Burnham has upended expectations by appointing former defence secretary John Healey as Chancellor.

John Swinney looks forward to 'constructive' talks with Andy Burnham on indep...
20 Jul 2026 at 1:42pm

FIRST Minister John Swinney has said he looks forward to "constructive conversations" with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on making Scottish independence happen.

Andy Burnham's first PM speech greeted by man singing EU anthem and Rosebank ...
20 Jul 2026 at 1:21pm

A MAN could be heard singing Beethoven?s Ode to Joy as Andy Burnham gave his first speech as the new Prime Minister of the UK.

4 key points you need to know from Andy Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister
20 Jul 2026 at 1:19pm

ANDY Burnham has delivered his first speech after officially becoming the UK?s new Prime Minister.

Former Scottish Labour first minister urges debate into 'branch office' split
20 Jul 2026 at 12:45pm

Scottish Labour should debate different ideas after its catastrophic result in May?s Holyrood election, former first minister Jack McConnell has said.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Andy Burnham to announce cost-of-living measures tomorrow
20 Jul 2026 at 3:45pm
He also said that later this year his government would publish a 10-year plan

'My work is done?, says Keir Starmer in final address as PM
20 Jul 2026 at 12:39pm
The outgoing prime minister delivered his final address to the nation this morning as he makes way for the incoming Andy Burnham

Jack McConnell: Andy Burnham should insist on Scottish Labour election review
20 Jul 2026 at 1:00am
Former first minister gives exclusive interview to Holyrood

Andy Burnham named Labour Party leader
17 Jul 2026 at 3:43pm
Andy Burnham has officially been named as the Labour Party?s new leader

Andy Burnham?s Lords reforms could ?blow a constitutional fuse?
16 Jul 2026 at 7:30pm
Lord Speaker Michael Forsyth proposes new appointments system for peers

MP accuses Nicola Sturgeon of ?lying? about Peter Murrell and knowing ?full w...
16 Jul 2026 at 6:32pm
David Davis went on to accuse Sturgeon of ?stitching up? Salmond to ?hide the truth?.

Aberdeen Council chief executive named Dundee University principal as strikes...
16 Jul 2026 at 6:17pm
Incoming leader hailed for experience of 'institutional recovery'

Ex-Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh to enter House of Lords
16 Jul 2026 at 5:14pm
Keir Starmer's resignation honours list is published

University of Aberdeen staff member charged over comments made about Ann Widd...
16 Jul 2026 at 2:56pm
A University of Aberdeen member of staff has been arrested and charged over comments made about the death of former MP on social media

UK Government?plans?social media curfew for older?teenagers?
15 Jul 2026 at 12:51pm
The UK Government will?introduce default overnight curfews?for 16 and 17-year-olds?as part of?the recently launched?ban on social media services for under-16s

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Celtic leaders doubt Burnham?s devolution drive will go beyond England?s borders
6 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Would-be prime minister has made basic missteps in pitches to Wales, Scotland and Northern IrelandAndy Burnham?s devolution promises are yet to impress sceptical Celtic administrations hoping for a reset with Westminster, sources in Cardiff and Edinburgh have said.Burnham, who is expected to take...

Celtic nations begin to plan for breakup of UK in event of Reform election win
4 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
Politicians brace for constitutional turmoil if Nigel Farage?s party ends up in government ? or even as a strong oppositionThe rise of Nigel Farage has prompted political leaders across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to game the unthinkable: the breakup of the United Kingdom.Unioni...

Badenoch urges Burnham to condemn defence investment plan as No 10 says fundi...
1 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm
Minister and MPs have raised concerns that his ?poisoned chalice? plan will take cash from much-needed road projectsMinister and MP ?furious? over cuts to road projects to fund defence planDan Sabbagh is the Guardian?s defence and security editor.Andy Burnham is a ?true patriot? who will provide ...

The Guardian view on the politics of Scotland: like Labour, the SNP is in nee...
23 Jun 2026 at 6:25pm
The sentencing of Peter Murrell brings limited closure to a major scandal. But John Swinney?s government faces new challenges in a changing landscapeThe Scottish National party (SNP) is accustomed to presenting Westminster dysfunction as a boost to its case for independence. But the political dra...

Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNP
23 Jun 2026 at 2:29pm
Estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon is sentenced for stealing from party over 12-year periodMontblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spending habitPeter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in jail after he admitted embezzling more than £400,...

Montblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spe...
23 Jun 2026 at 1:37pm
Haul is only a fraction of what the former SNP chief executive bought using embezzled party moneyPeter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNPThe white police evidence tags on the unused Montblanc pens, picnic sets, Le Creuset ramekins and the chrome Alessi teapot tell a ...

?This changes everything?: how Brexit altered Scotland?s political landscape
21 Jun 2026 at 12:00pm
Former party leaders reflect on the turbulence that followed the referendum in which most Scottish voters backed the losing sideThe decision to quit the EU bolstered support for Scottish independence, which a decade after the Brexit referendum is at near record levels, according to Scottish Labou...

Burnham calls for ?new path for Britain? as Starmer vows to fight any leaders...
19 Jun 2026 at 6:30pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story here:Cabinet loyalists tell PM he has weekend to set out timetable for exit?Now is the change moment?: Burnham staff have no doubtsPodcast: will Burnham become prime minister?What would ?change? look like if Burnham becomes PM?David Blunket...

Scottish Conservatives win Aberdeen South in shock loss for the SNP
19 Jun 2026 at 12:29pm
Tories? Douglas Lumsden says city has spoken ?loud and clear? in support of the North Sea oil and gas industryThe Scottish National party has lost the formerly safe seat of Aberdeen South in a shock loss to the Scottish Conservatives.Douglas Lumsden beat the SNP?s Richard Thomson by 6,050 votes, ...

?No friends to the oil and gas industry?: Aberdeen South, the byelection wher...
17 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Peter Murrell affair may feature, but contest seen as straight fight between SNP and Tories over energy policyThe contest for Aberdeen South, a constituency that spans urban social housing and detached homes with sculpted gardens, has been dominated by one topic: the future of North Sea oil and g...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Silly season politics
17 Jul 2026 at 4:01pm
With Friday’s coronation of Andy Burnham as leader of the Labour party and his official accession to Ten Downing Street on Monday, the UK is now on its seventh prime minister in ten years. Meanwhile the man who wants to become prime minister after the next general election is fighting a by election with a …

Reform UK?s attack on Scottish languages
14 Jul 2026 at 4:44pm
It’s the greatest attempted Westminster assault on Scottish culture since the Jacobite wars. Reform UK has proposed an amendment to the UK Government’s elections bill which would criminalise the use of any languages other than English or Welsh on electoral material and impose a punishment of up to six months in prison and/or a fine. …

Ich bin ein Bin liner
12 Jul 2026 at 6:08pm
Last week, Nigel Farage announced that he was going to resign as the MP for Clacton in order to fight a by election to become the MP for Clacton. In a pity political broadcast from Reform UK headquarters which was broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News, Farage railed at the media for unfairly …

Alister Jack?s colonialism remains a threat to Scotland
9 Jul 2026 at 5:15pm
The former colonial governor of the northern province, Alister Jack, who was given a peerage by Rishi Sunak as part of a back room deal. Jack rejected an earlier nomination by Boris Johnson in 2023 to avoid triggering a by-election while he was still an MP, only later to stand down for the 2024 General …

The Farage facade cracks
7 Jul 2026 at 6:53pm
Poor Nigel Facade, sorry Farage, the wee lamb has had an almighty hissy fit at the sheer audacity of the media daring to subject him to a tiny fraction of the scrutiny that is par for the course for the SNP. It was all very Trumpian. In a self-pitying Reform UK party political broadcast during …

The junkies and their dealers
5 Jul 2026 at 4:40pm
A number of peculiar developments have taken place in Scotland since the Holyrood election in May. These have been disguised by the anti-SNP media feeding frenzy which took place after the conviction of Peter Murrell for the crime of embezzlement, a crime whose victim was the SNP, despite the efforts of the British media in …

Labour?s attempted theft of the Holyrood election is being aided by the media
3 Jul 2026 at 3:32pm
Something is seriously wrong with democracy in Scotland, but the media has told us vastly more about Peter Murrell’s cruet sets than it has about what can only be described as an attempt by the Labour party to steal the Holyrood election. In fact the attempted subversion of the result of the recent election has …

Labour?s nuclear power, an offer we can refuse
2 Jul 2026 at 3:30pm
It’s an offer we can refuse. The Labour government has identified a number of sites across Scotland on which it would like to build new nuclear power plants. A report was published this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the political ashtray Michael Shanks, the most disappointing MP in a …

Burnham, the GB Energy of devolution
29 Jun 2026 at 9:06pm
Andy Burnham’s big plan for the UK is still lacking in detail, but it’s already looking suspiciously like another of Westminster’s power grabs at the expense of the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Burnham’s big speech on Monday during which he unveiled his plans for a Number Ten North. No, Scotland, not THAT north, Burnham’s north. …

The feeding frenzy
26 Jun 2026 at 12:13pm
Peter Murrell was sentenced on Tuesday for a crime of which the SNP was the victim. That has not diminished the appetite of the media in Scotland to continue its witch hunt. Ever since Murrell pleaded guilty the media in Scotland has descended into a feeding frenzy. You’d be forgiven for thinking that it was …

The Courier

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Scottish Politics News From Holyrood and Westminster | The Courier

Could Rosyth-Europe ferry set sail thanks to Brexit reset?
27 May 2025 at 6:01am
Hopes have been raised for a simple solution to a cross-border problem.

Kirkcaldy MP demands pro-suicide forum is torn down
26 May 2025 at 6:01am
Around 100 suicides have been linked to the sickening forum which provides guidance to people on ending their life.

UHI Perth aviation students warn of ?unsettling times? after training firm?s ...
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
Worried Samuel Hughes, 19, is among students sharing their fears at a time of crisis for Perth College.

Fresh Dundee University strike begins over compulsory Levehulme Centre job cuts
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
University staff are taking five days of industrial action as the institution pushes ahead with plans to axe the forensic research hub.

NHS Fife nurse at centre of controversial trans tribunal suing her own trade ...
25 May 2025 at 2:32pm
A&E medic Sandie Peggie is now taking legal action against the Royal College of Nursing.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University still to strike rescue deal with government
23 May 2025 at 5:46pm
Opposition MSPs have expressed concern at the time taken to agree a deal almost a month after the fresh recovery plan was unveiled.

6 senior figures who left Dundee University during financial crisis
23 May 2025 at 5:10pm
Several university chiefs have moved on since £30m financial black hole emerged.

Dundee University activist artist leads degree show protest over financial cr...
23 May 2025 at 4:45pm
Duncan of Jordanstone student Finn Millar says he wants to play a part in "keeping the university alive".

John Swinney admits constituents have expressed Perth leisure concerns to him
23 May 2025 at 6:01am
The first minister wants further talks between both sides of Perth leisure debate.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University chief operating officer Jim McGeorge quits
22 May 2025 at 1:58pm
Dr Jim McGeorge ? who was responsible for good governance - had been on a period of extended leave.

Talking up Scotland

The 'Unstoppable' Talking-up Scotland

A tale of two dentists ? Anas Sarwar and ?Odious? Lord Offord?s Brother
20 Jul 2026 at 4:35pm
Three months ago, angered by Lord Offord of Reform’s claim that he had ‘bounced up to him’ seeking to collaborate against the SNP, Anas had some harsh words for Lord Offord. Did he know then that Lord Offord’s wee brother would be inviting him to speak at a a do on dentistry? How will that go? A surprise inclusion in the website of Vermilion, a private dental company owned by Dr David Offord, w...

Burnham?s 5.1 Million Dollar Question
20 Jul 2026 at 3:57pm
By Mark E. Saunders of ?The Scottish Minuteman? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61575625542197 If Westminster politicians have no problem telling the entire electorate of the UK that Scotland is ?subsidised? by England, then there are a couple of very simple questions that they should answer. Official figures show that in England today, around 3.4 million children and 1.7 million pensi...

Researchers cast doubt on soaring depression and anxiety among young people ?...
20 Jul 2026 at 3:41pm
Detail at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/19/research-reveals-increasing-mental-health-referrals-among-children-may-be-more-due-to-a-greater-readiness-to-come-forward-and-to-coding-changes-than-to-an-actual-increase-in-depression-and-anxiety-and/

If it were really the case that Starmer has made the country better why, afte...
20 Jul 2026 at 2:56pm
By Liz S Yesterday Keir Starmer posted this on ?X? ?The test of any Prime Minister is: do you leave your country in a better place than you found it? I?m proud that the answer is yes?. Still delusional I see. I mean if it were really the case that he has made the country better via his premiership, then why, after only two years as the Labour UK PM , is he now being replaced ? Obviously his del...

As another private care home is exposed how we disclosed Anas Sarwar backing ...
20 Jul 2026 at 10:14am
Today BBC Scotland has this below, reminding us of the above: BBC Scotland, in June 2023 exposed a Care Home owner who seems not to be a Tory or Labour donor. It's taken them three years to find one. Three years ago, we had this: By stewartb So the care home visited by Anas Sarwar MSP is being used to justify his claim of care homes at ?breaking point?? If so, this company?s situation must have...

The offending carer ?no longer works there? because Scotland?s scheme uniquel...
20 Jul 2026 at 10:07am
BBC Scotland today, typically, have been making much of a single, unacceptable I know, case in a care home for the elderly: The daughter of an 85-year-old care home resident who was photographed while she was partially naked by a carer has called the incident a “violation”. Police are investigating a claim that “inappropriate images” were taken at the Kingsacre Care Home at Duntocher in Clydeba...

As Derbyshire folk suffer eye-watering toxic landfill, England and Europe?s h...
20 Jul 2026 at 9:48am
Today’s reports from Derbyshire of a toxic landfill site not being dealt with the the Environment Agency remind me of this from the Guardian in December 2025: UK and Europe?s hidden landfills at risk of leaking toxic waste into water supplies ? Thousands of landfills across the UK and Europe sit in floodplains, posing a potential threat to drinking water and conservation areas if toxic waste is...

As ?miserable? Derbyshire villagers face ?swarms of flies? Scotland?s environ...
20 Jul 2026 at 9:35am
Featuring on BBC Breakfast this morning and across local media: Residents claim their lives are being made a misery by a massive “eyesore” landfill site that now looms over their village, bringing with it swarms of flies and thick clouds of dust. Furious locals in Duckmanton, Derbys. , have watched the foul-smelling site grow considerably over the years to the point where it has now encroached ...

Scotland?s strangely self-portrayed Cassandra figure
19 Jul 2026 at 5:51pm
Ajax and Cassandra by Solomon J. Solomon, 1886. There is no way I’m reading Robin McAlpine’s latest lofty (Alpine?) tirade in the National. I haven’t read anything by him for years and I’m not going to. The doctor says I’ve to stay calm. Cassandra? Pretentious or whit? How many National readers know who she was? In the Trojan war she was the daughter of King Priam who said: ‘Don’t open that eff...

Corridor Care ? Another Scottish Labour MP toadies to Westminster with discre...
19 Jul 2026 at 4:39pm
In the Ayr Advertiser today: Ayrshire MP Irene Campbell has highlighted concerns about Crosshouse Hospital during a Parliamentary debate on corridor care. The North Ayrshire & Arran Labour MP told the Commons: “I would just like to highlight that the Scottish Government do not record or publish any statistics on the number of patients being treated in corridors. However, we know that it happens...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Swinney says he will push Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vo...
20 Jul 2026 at 7:03pm
Swinney says he will push Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vote  London Evening Standard

John Swinney looks forward to 'constructive' talks with Andy Burnham on indep...
20 Jul 2026 at 5:29pm
John Swinney looks forward to 'constructive' talks with Andy Burnham on independence  The National Scot

Former Yes Scotland chief distances himself from 'mocking' social media post ...
20 Jul 2026 at 6:29pm
Former Yes Scotland chief distances himself from 'mocking' social media post  The Herald

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Police probe Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim - BBC
7 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Police probe Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim  BBC

Burnham rules out second Scottish independence referendum - The Telegraph
5 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Burnham rules out second Scottish independence referendum  The Telegraph

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

Andy Burnham ?rules out? Scottish independence referendum - The Times
5 Jul 2026 at 5:03pm
Andy Burnham ?rules out? Scottish independence referendum  The Times

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP council admits Glasgow's George Square won't fully reopen until October -...
20 Jul 2026 at 4:05pm
SNP council admits Glasgow's George Square won't fully reopen until October  Scottish Daily Express

SNP Government slammed over Police Scotland budget cuts as one detective prob...
20 Jul 2026 at 9:51am
SNP Government slammed over Police Scotland budget cuts as one detective probes up to 200 cases at a time  Scottish Daily Express

Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money was driven only 4 miles, co...
2 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money was driven only 4 miles, court told  The Guardian

Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unw...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unwrapped  BBC

How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled ...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled  BBC

Peter Murrell used fake invoices to cover up £400,000 spending spree - BBC
2 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Peter Murrell used fake invoices to cover up £400,000 spending spree  BBC

We now know how Peter Murrell embezzled from the SNP - but not why - BBC
2 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
We now know how Peter Murrell embezzled from the SNP - but not why  BBC

We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled...
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled funds. What I?d like to know is why  The Guardian

Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest -...
27 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest  BBC

Sturgeon wishes she had not kept Murrell on as SNP chief executive - BBC
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon wishes she had not kept Murrell on as SNP chief executive  BBC

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Former Yes Scotland chief distances himself from 'mocking' social media post ...
20 Jul 2026 at 6:29pm
Former Yes Scotland chief distances himself from 'mocking' social media post  The Herald

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote - NZ Herald
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote  NZ Herald

Andy Burnham ?rules out? Scottish independence referendum - The Times
5 Jul 2026 at 5:03pm
Andy Burnham ?rules out? Scottish independence referendum  The Times

Swinney says he will push Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vo...
20 Jul 2026 at 5:49pm
Swinney says he will push Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vote  Lynn News

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

BBC bosses dismiss twin complaints of 'bias against Scottish independence' - ...
16 Jul 2026 at 6:32pm
BBC bosses dismiss twin complaints of 'bias against Scottish independence'  The National Scot

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government