The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Retirees forced into lump sum payments as pension Capita pension delays continue
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
More than 18,000 retirees in the civil service have been forced to take lump sums out of their pensions due to severe delays in setting up regular payments.


Twenty sex offenders bidding to get convictions quashed 'tip of very large ic...
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
A top criminal defence lawyer has warned that 20 people convicted of rape or other serious sexual offences who have applied to a body which examines potential miscarriages of justice could be just a small proportion of those who may finally make such...


Why Scotland?s free prescriptions are back at the centre of the NHS debate
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
The SNP says free prescriptions are worth around £440 a year to the average Scottish household, based on analysis by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.


Amnesty told to make 'goodwill' payment to Scots organisation it labelled ant...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
17 Jul 2026 at 5:34pm
Amnesty International UK has been told it must provide a goodwill payment to an organisation it labelled anti-rights.


Huge wind farms able to power two million homes approved by Scottish Government
17 Jul 2026 at 5:16pm
Two huge wind farms estimated to provide enough electricity to power two million homes have been given the green light by the Scottish Government.


Scotland exports nearly six times as much food and drink per head as England
by ian.mcconnell@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Ian McConnell
17 Jul 2026 at 4:30pm
Scotland?s food and drink exports dwarf England?s when population is taken into account, new figures show


Andy Burnham pledges to 'give hope back' as he becomes Labour Party leader
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
17 Jul 2026 at 12:26pm
Andy Burnham has officially become leader of the Labour Party, with the next Prime Minister pledging to "give hope back"


Poll: Dropping Labour name could win party back voters lost to SNP and Greens
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
17 Jul 2026 at 9:06am
A new poll has revealed that most former Scottish Labour voters who switched to the SNP or Greens would return if the party split entirely from UK Labour, as incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to take charge.


Matt Forde on SNP scrutiny, Labour sexism and why Binface should fight Farage...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
17 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Comedian Matt Forde accuses the SNP of an ?allergy to scrutiny?, attacks Labour over sexism and urges Count Binface to win against Nigel Farage.


MPs and MSPs call on shipyard to stop servicing tankers vital to Russia's gas...
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
17 Jul 2026 at 4:00am
Scottish MPs and MSPs have joined more than 100 parliamentarians from across Europe calling for a Danish shipyard to stop servicing tankers, including one owned by a Glasgow-registered company, which ship Russian gas


Scrapping tuition fees was meant to help Scots students. Now it's shutting th...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
16 Jul 2026 at 5:29pm
The SNP wants Andy Burnham to copy Scotland's free tuition model. But behind the rhetoric, funding caps are locking Scots out of clearing while fee-paying students get in.


UK Government to make 'alarming' cut in aid to one of the world's poorest cou...
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
16 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
The UK Government has cut overseas aid from 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) to 0.5% and has set out plans to further cut it to 0.3% by 2027


Watchdog probing concerns around report branding JK Rowling centre ?anti-rights?
by Aine Fox and Lucinda Cameron
16 Jul 2026 at 4:50pm
The charities regulator is looking into concerns around a report published by Amnesty International which labelled a sexual violence support centre founded by JK Rowling as ?anti-rights?.


Sturgeon 'stitched up Salmond to hide truth about Murrell' claims Tory MP
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
16 Jul 2026 at 4:04pm
Senior Conservative MP David Davis has accused Nicola Sturgeon of lying about her husband's embezzlement, claiming she orchestrated a conspiracy to jail Alex Salmond to prevent the cover-up from being exposed.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


How Amnesty operates a double standard over single-sex spaces in Scotland and...
18 Jul 2026 at 6:00am
Amnesty International has caused deep distress to many women and exposed the intellectual void at its core


Why Heather Herbert?s arrest over Ann Widdecombe comments is bad news for fre...
18 Jul 2026 at 6:00am
Sometimes, court action over controversial comments, however abhorrent, is a step too far


Police offer MSPs security briefings following Ann Widdecombe's death
18 Jul 2026 at 6:00am

It comes as officers assess ?threatening messages? posted online about Reform MSP Thomas Kerr

Andy Burnham was much more optimistic than Sir Keir Starmer was in his early days as PM

Wings over Scotland

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 …

Your Call Is Important To Us
9 Jul 2026 at 2:43pm
We’ve had TWO emails from the Crown Office already this week, neither of which says anything except “Please hold”. We’ve added them to our “in due course” collection, also featuring Police Scotland. We’re sure that the answers, whenever they eventually arrive, are going to be absolute bangers. Everyone’s certainly taking the time to have a …

The Interests Of The Many
7 Jul 2026 at 11:50am
As we told you last week, we’ve now had counsel draft our application for a group proceedings action on behalf of donors to the “ringfenced” independence referendum campaign funds which were stolen and spent by the SNP on party business. The draft can be read below. We’ve already gathered dozens of people who are unhappy …

Craig Murray

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

Sentencing the Innocent
13 Jun 2026 at 4:41pm

Judge Johnson had proved his fascist credentials through rulings much earlier in the Filton trial than his vicious sentencing. Indeed, he had arguably already shown them when he released Tommy Robinson from a prison sentence, or when as a barrister he had chosen to work for the intelligence services and Ministry of Defence. But in …

Sentencing the Innocent

BBC 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.

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.

To drill or not to drill? Andy Burnham faces North Sea oil dilemma
15 Jul 2026 at 6:06am
Burnham, who is expected to become the UK's next prime minister, has been handed a letter from the oil and gas industry calling for his support.

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.

Rapist taxi driver at centre of licensing row to appeal conviction
13 Jul 2026 at 3:36pm
David Brown was sentenced to six years and nine months in jail in May for the attack in December 2023.

Scot Goes Pop

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...

King of the South: Andy Burnham will make rule from Manchester as detested in...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:42am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Yet another poll suggests Burnham surge is a damp squib - SNP do...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

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

Andy Burnham to be confirmed as Labour leader
17 Jul 2026 at 6:33am
The confirmation comes after a week-long nomination period, in which Burnham faced no serious contenders

RTS switch-off completed successfully, says minister
16 Jul 2026 at 2:54pm
Martin McCluskey said there could be a ?small number? of the old meters still in place

Burnham should honour 2015 pledge to scrap tuition fees ? SNP
16 Jul 2026 at 7:10am
The party said the move would lift English students out of tens of thousands of pounds of debt.

Councils voice ?profound disappointment? after Government blocks exit payments
15 Jul 2026 at 1:28pm
Local authorities had pushed for a severance scheme in a bid to increase diversity in next year?s local elections

Sir Keir Starmer set for final PMQs appearance before Burnham succession
15 Jul 2026 at 7:03am
Sir Keir Starmer will take to the despatch box for the last time as Labour leader and Prime Minister on Wednesday.

Cat microchipping should be compulsory, say animal charities
14 Jul 2026 at 1:05pm
Around 260,000 of cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped, says Cats Protection

Peter Murrell ?never at any time? had access to Yes Scotland funds, lawyer cl...
14 Jul 2026 at 12:17pm
Aamer Anwar issued a statement following newspaper reports claiming that £1.5 million was missing from the Yes Scotland accounts for 2013

Nicola Sturgeon?s statement to police will not be released, lawyer says
13 Jul 2026 at 10:08pm
After her arrest in 2023, Sturgeon exercised her right to give a 'no comment' police interview.

Burnham will be next prime minister after 349 MPs back him for Labour leadership
13 Jul 2026 at 7:34pm
Burnham is expected to formally take over the Labour leadership at a special party conference on Friday

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

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.

Scottish Labour MP 'concerned' about Shabana Mahmood becoming Andy Burnham's ...
17 Jul 2026 at 9:40am
EXCLUSIVE: Brian Leishman said his fears are based on Mahmood's record in Government.

New poll shows independent Scottish Labour party could receive vote boost
17 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The poll commissioned by the Just for Scotland group also found SNP and Green voters could back an entirely new centre-left party that supports devolution.

Nicola Sturgeon blasts 'coward' MP over claims she knew about Peter Murrell's...
16 Jul 2026 at 5:07pm
The former First Minister's statement was issued by her lawyer Aamer Anwar.

Nicola Sturgeon accused by MP of "lying" about Peter Murrell and knowing ?ful...
16 Jul 2026 at 4:14pm
The shocking allegations were made at Westminster by Tory David Davis.

John Swinney accused of SNP membership secrecy after Peter Murrell scandal
16 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The SNP promised to publish membership figures twice a year, but publication has not been forthcoming in 2026.

Leak claims Scottish Labour 'inadequate' on governance after Peter Murrell sc...
15 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: Affiliated trade unions have sounded the alarm on the running of Scottish Labour.

Scottish Labour split on investigation into Holyrood election humbling
15 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Anas Sarwar has clashed with the trade unions on the handling of a post-election review.

The National

The National | Politics

Record number of candidates sign up for Clacton by-election ? see the full list
18 Jul 2026 at 12:02pm

A TOTAL of 34 candidates have signed up for the Clacton constituency by-election triggered by Nigel Farage after he faced scrutiny of his finances amid a donations row ...

Is it any wonder so many Scots refuse to pay the BBC licence fee?
18 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm

IT comes as no surprise to me that an additional half-million people no longer pay the TV tax (licence fee) ...

Verdict's in after 'mock trial' of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister
18 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm

AS Keir Starmer?s role as prime minister comes to an end, Dumfries & Galloway Palestine Solidarity Campaign Group decided to review his time in office.

Police offer MSPs security briefings amid concerns after Ann Widdecombe's death
18 Jul 2026 at 9:23am

MEMBERS of the Scottish Parliament have been offered security briefings by the police amid safety concerns following the death of Ann Widdecombe ...

Glasgow Pride urged to drop Coca-Cola sponsorship over illegal West Bank sett...
18 Jul 2026 at 8:42am

THE charity organisers behind Glasgow Pride have been urged to drop Coca-Cola as a sponsor ahead of a major parade this weekend due to the soft drinks firm operating in illegal settlements in the West Bank ...

Scottish pro-Palestine activist arrested 'for reading poem threateningly'
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

A SCOTTISH pro-Palestine activist is facing charges for ?threatening and abusive behaviour? after reading a poem about children killed by Israel ...

Owen Jones: Andy Burnham is offering Scotland 'more'. But more of what?
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

THIS tells us all we need to know. In a recent podcast, Andy Burnham was asked by Gary Lineker if he would introduce a wealth tax ...

If UK is banning teenagers from social media for their safety, why not ban men?
18 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

AS the world darkens, we chase our kids into the night.

Tories silent as key North Sea jobs claim undermined by oil and gas giant
17 Jul 2026 at 7:31pm

THE Tories have remained silent after a key claim they made about the Jackdaw gas field was undermined by its owners ...

Glasgow art memorial pays tribute to Palestinian footballers killed by Israel
17 Jul 2026 at 5:52pm

AN art installation in a Glasgow park has paid tribute to the hundreds of Palestinian footballers killed by Israel ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

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

Over half of children experience ?harmful? content online
14 Jul 2026 at 1:53pm
Research from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology shows that over half of children have seen or interacted with content not meant for them in the last three months

Nicola Sturgeon will not release police statement, says lawyer
14 Jul 2026 at 1:00am
Aamer Anwar said neither the written statement nor the police interview Nicola Sturgeon took part in as part of the Operation Branchform investigation would be released

UK sanctions ?destructive? Russian cyber hackers targeting critical services
13 Jul 2026 at 5:59pm
The UK government?has sanctioned 24 individuals?involved in cyber-attacks?linked to Russian intelligence agencies.?

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

Talking-up Scotland

Scotland soon to produce enough electricity from wind to power between 4 and ...
18 Jul 2026 at 4:20pm
Another two million? I keep seeing headlines like that and have done for years now. With this added how many homes can Scotland’s windfarms now power? With this addition, Scotland’s total wind capacity can now support the equivalent of roughly between 10 and 15 or more million homes (annual average generation), depending on exact current totals, load factors, and calculation methods. https://ww...

However in England 
18 Jul 2026 at 1:54pm
By Liz S Currently the UK government has the majority of the powers, the control and also the money within the UK State. I read this recent headline from The National newspaper: ?Labour pledge £10 million for new Scottish colleges but only if the SNP pay the same?. The National states it is in relation to this: ?The UK Government has pledged to invest £10 million creating two ?defence technical...

Cairngorms wildfire needs less than 2% of Scotland?s more than 6 000 firefigh...
18 Jul 2026 at 1:41pm
From BBC Scotland yesterday: A wildfire which has been burning in the Cairngorms for four days remains “dangerous and unpredictable,” a senior firefighter has warned. Community leaders previously criticised the Scottish government for describing the blaze which started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge on Wednesday, as “contained”. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said hundred...

Inverness Sheriff says county lines gangs from England exploiting vulnerable ...
18 Jul 2026 at 12:19pm
In the P&J today, the above. What has driven his demand? Police report a notable increase in drug offences in Inverness. Gangs target the region because of demand, less competition, and vulnerable people. Cases involve women and sometimes children being coerced into the networks. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o How widespread and how damaging have county lines gangs been in the H...

Every issue must be politicised
18 Jul 2026 at 11:30am
BBC Scotland today has the above and: A devastating wildfire that has been ablaze for three days in the Cairngorms is still “burning hard”, residents have warned. Community leaders criticised the Scottish government for describing the incident as “contained”, despite flames spreading further through the national park. and: Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Bridge community council, told BBC Radio...

Nottingham, Sussex, Shrewsbury and now Leeds ? Why England?s national materni...
18 Jul 2026 at 8:53am
Across BBC TV broadcasts and BBC West Yorkshire today: Bereaved mothers and families have been invited to meet the chair of an inquiry looking into “repeated failures” at maternity units in Leeds. Donna Ockenden, who recently led a similar inquiry into failings in Nottingham, will lead a review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust. The senior midwife ...

Labour disappointed after SNP cleared of responsibility for seagulls pooping ...
17 Jul 2026 at 7:30pm
BBC and STV News tonight report that Sepa has said the e-coli readings on Portobello beach are ‘likely’ due to gull-fouling rather than sewage spills of the kind being repeatedly championed by local Labour MP, Chris Murray. The Scottish Government is ?missing in action? after bacteria pollution at an Edinburgh beach led to swimmers being warned to stay away from the water, an MP has claimed. Ch...

500% increase in child victims of more brutal English county lines drug gangs...
17 Jul 2026 at 4:31pm
No disturbing, exploitative images of child victims here. From Deadline News yesterday: A NATIONAL charity is urging the public to report signs of county lines exploitation as criminal gangs continue to target and manipulate vulnerable children. Crimestoppers has warned that young people are being coerced into transporting drugs, money, and weapons across the country, often facing violence, int...

Will former Modern Studies teacher and Labour Junior Minister for Energy now ...
17 Jul 2026 at 1:17pm
I’m going to have to have a serious word with some of the 11 0000 plus folk following us on xtwitter. I posted the basic details of this earlier with a request to ‘share, share and share again.’ Only 25 have. I got 472 shares on a post about Prestwick Airport profits! Junior Energy Secretary under Ed Milliband, Michael Shanks (above) used to teach Modern Studies, so he’ll know all about referen...

The sickening front pages on Nicola Sturgeon only days after the murder of An...
17 Jul 2026 at 9:40am
Just three front pages today not including the Herald and the Scotsman saying the same thing less directly. Corporate ‘journalism’ has been long dead, writing now zombie-like. Do they feel any responsibility not to inflame, to influence some of disturbed mind, like the recent murderers of MPs? Do they feel anything other than their wallets? Only a month ago, they were working to distort the rea...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

North star - Monocle
18 Jul 2026 at 4:38am
North star  Monocle

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint - BBC
14 Jul 2026 at 2:22pm
Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint  BBC

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

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

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

Yes Scotland denies Peter Murrell stole independence cash - The Times
14 Jul 2026 at 7:54pm
Yes Scotland denies Peter Murrell stole independence cash  The Times

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

Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle? - The Australian
26 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle?  The Australian

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP minister calls for 'special deal for Scotland' as EU Gibraltar treaty ena...
17 Jul 2026 at 6:26pm
SNP minister calls for 'special deal for Scotland' as EU Gibraltar treaty enacted  The National Scot

'Pathetic' SNP MP accused of disrespecting Scottish war dead in Argentina cel...
17 Jul 2026 at 7:58pm
'Pathetic' SNP MP accused of disrespecting Scottish war dead in Argentina celebrations  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

Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter M...
30 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell  Sky News

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000 - R...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000  Reuters

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

Luxury watches, iPads and a Jaguar: what Peter Murrell bought with embezzled ...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Luxury watches, iPads and a Jaguar: what Peter Murrell bought with embezzled funds | Scotland  The Guardian

I was 'slam dunk' for SNP leadership until revealing gay marriage views - For...
2 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
I was 'slam dunk' for SNP leadership until revealing gay marriage views - Forbes  BBC

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint - BBC
14 Jul 2026 at 2:22pm
Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint  BBC

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

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

Yes Scotland denies Peter Murrell stole independence cash - The Times
14 Jul 2026 at 7:54pm
Yes Scotland denies Peter Murrell stole independence cash  The Times

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

Swinney, please don't ask Burnham for another referendum. It's boring - The H...
17 Jul 2026 at 8:08am
Swinney, please don't ask Burnham for another referendum. It's boring  The Herald

Independence needs a strategy for victory, not a shortcut to defeat - The Nat...
17 Jul 2026 at 5:08am
Independence needs a strategy for victory, not a shortcut to defeat  The National Scot

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

Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum - ...
11 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum  ConstitutionNet