The Herald

The Herald | Politics


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 ex-minister
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.


Labour MP says Argentina players should be banned from World Cup final
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
16 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
An MP has called for Argentina players who held up a banner referencing the Falkland Islands to be banned from playing in the World Cup final


Aberdeen University employee arrested and charged over Ann Widdecombe post
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
16 Jul 2026 at 12:25pm
An employee of the University of Aberdeen who posted on social media about the death of Ann Widdecombe has been charged by police


Furious GB News host demands Keir Starmer have England reinstated at World Cup
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
16 Jul 2026 at 10:15am
A GB News presenter has demanded Sir Keir Starmer intervene and have England reinstated to the World Cup after Argentina displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands


Tory 'embarrassment' jibe as SNP celebrate England's World Cup defeat in West...
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
16 Jul 2026 at 7:07am
A night of differing emotions among the home nations ....


Could teen social media curfew work? Scottish experts warn it is not enough
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
16 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Could the UK?s midnight social media curfew improve teen sleep? Scottish experts say education, evidence and safer platform design are also essential.


RTS switch-off hailed 'success' but Scots may discover heating issues after S...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
16 Jul 2026 at 12:24pm
UK energy consumers minister Martin McCluskey admits some Scottish households may only discover RTS heating or hot-water problems when autumn arrives.


HES senior manager at centre of Martin Compston 'twerking' row is sacked
15 Jul 2026 at 7:00pm
The senior manager at Historic Environment Scotland at the centre of the Martin Compston 'twerking' row has been sacked, The Herald can reveal.


Council spent nearly £9m paying temporary staff and job agencies in three months
15 Jul 2026 at 5:27pm
Edinburgh Council has spent nearly £9m paying temporary staff and recruitment agencies in the first three months of this year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.


Can Màiri McAllan sort out HES's problems...after Angus Robertson could not?
15 Jul 2026 at 3:50pm
Back in November last year I wrote that the crisis at the Scottish Government heritage agency Historic Environment Scotland (HES) would extend into 2026.


Man arrested after death threat made against Nigel Farage
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
15 Jul 2026 at 3:03pm
A man has been arrested after threatening Nigel Farage, saying he would shoot the Reform UK leader in the head


JK Rowling's Beira's Place threatens to sue Amnesty after being branded 'anti...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
15 Jul 2026 at 1:40pm
Lawyers for the Edinburgh-based support centre Beira's Place, founded by JK Rowling, have threatened Amnesty International UK with court action over a withdrawn document that falsely branded the women-only sexual violence charity as "anti-rights".

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Aberdeen University employee charged over Ann Widdecombe comments
16 Jul 2026 at 12:21pm

Heather Herbert was previously reported to the police last week over the comments made on BlueSky.

Labour minister Keir Mather confirmed that ?plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead?.

Elaine Stewart has written in The Scotsman that ?too many young people are becoming trapped on long-term sickness benefits? and the ?role of the welfare state is not simply to provide financial assistance?

It has taken nearly 18 months for the investigation of the woman at the centre of the high profile Martin Compston twerking incident to conclude

John Swinney?s government has been criticised for "using the powers of devolution to penalise rather than stimulate the North East economy?.

Wings over Scotland

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 …

Search And Replace
5 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm
Here’s a passage from Crown Agent John Logue’s recent BBC interview in which he described the crime for which Peter Murrell was just sentenced to five years and three months in prison. You’ll note that we’ve highlighted a few words and phrases in red. JOHN LOGUE: I think the best way I can describe it …

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

McGill's files legal action after £4.3m electric bus funding rejected
11 Jul 2026 at 4:39pm
The Greenock-based operator failed to secure support from the third phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund.

Police take no action against senior civil servant over Salmond inquiry evidence
10 Jul 2026 at 6:42pm
James Hynd was investigated over whether he gave a false statement under oath to the Alex Salmond inquiry in 2020.

Struggling pig farmers say £2m support package 'not enough'
10 Jul 2026 at 2:30pm
Farmers welcome the Scottish government funding but say it's not enough to stop them losing about £1m a month

Restore Britain leader describes Dunblane tragedy as 'one murder'
9 Jul 2026 at 4:02pm
Rupert Lowe criticised the ban of handguns in the UK, saying it was "because there was a murder in Dunblane".

Town's residents urged to drop 'destructive' negativity
10 Jul 2026 at 6:18am
Provost Tracey Little urges people in Dumfries not to believe the town's best days are behind it.

Scot Goes Pop

"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:SNP vote INCREASES in Larkhall by-election as Burnham FAILS his ...

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...

Yet another poll suggests Burnham surge is a damp squib - SNP are dominant in...
29 Jun 2026 at 2:28am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.As regular readers may recall, I've been an elected member of the SNP's Policy Devel...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

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

Protests causing ?fear and alarm? to Scotland?s minority communities ? Gilruth
13 Jul 2026 at 6:54pm
The deputy first minister said MSPs at Holyrood should ?reflect? on their language after ?stoking? community tensions

What do Andy Burnham?s Scottish pals think of him?
13 Jul 2026 at 5:27pm
The former mayor of Manchester is set to become the UK's next Prime Minister

Insight: Can Andy Burnham avoid making the same mistakes as Sir Keir Starmer?
13 Jul 2026 at 12:33pm
The former Greater Manchester mayor looks set to take over as prime minister in the coming days

Burnham urged to reverse national insurance rise costing firms £1,000 per worker
11 Jul 2026 at 10:05am
For those on the real living wage of about £26,228 a year, employers are paying an average of £890 extra in tax a year, according to new analysis

Pig farmers say £2 million government support isn?t enough
10 Jul 2026 at 5:09pm
Prices have dropped because there?s too much pork in the market and not enough demand

Ann Widdecombe, former Tory MP and Reform UK member, dies aged 78
10 Jul 2026 at 7:12am
The death of the 78-year-old was announced on Friday

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

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.

Senior SNP figures would welcome a period of silence from Nicola Sturgeon
15 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says repeated statements from Nicola Sturgeon are not helping her.

Independence activist says Columbo not needed to show 'missing £1.5m' at Yes ...
14 Jul 2026 at 4:22pm
David Henry said he had handed in documents to police backing up concerns about Yes Scotland finances. The group has flatly rejected the claims.

Yes Scotland hands over accounts to police after claims of 'missing' £1.5m
14 Jul 2026 at 12:48pm
Yes Scotland lawyer Aamer Anwar said there was a "desperate attempt" to link Peter Murrell's "criminal conduct" in the SNP to the campaign group.

Bonuses at Glasgow council entertainment firm soar to £217,000 after budget cuts
14 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The total amount handed to executives at the Scottish Event Campus Ltd nearly doubled in a year.

Why Andy Burnham as Prime Minister will be good for Glasgow and Scotland
13 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
In an article for the Daily Record, Labour MSP Paul Sweeney says plain-speaking Andy Burnham will be an antidote to the "liberal elite" that has "captured" Labour.

The National

The National | Politics

Nicola Sturgeon hits out at Tory MP over claim 'she's lying about husband's c...
16 Jul 2026 at 4:52pm

A SENIOR Conservative politician has used special rules protecting MPs? freedom of speech to level allegations of criminality at former first minister Nicola Sturgeon ...

Former Scottish presiding officer among 16 new peers named by Keir Starmer
16 Jul 2026 at 4:38pm

A FORMER Holyrood presiding officer has been handed a peerage by Keir Starmer.

Rival Scottish MPs show football banter is nothing to be scared of
16 Jul 2026 at 4:15pm

What a wild couple of days it has been either side of England facing Argentina in the World Cup semi-final ...

How mainstream media lied about cost of living crisis and why Scots aren't bu...
16 Jul 2026 at 2:59pm

THE UK mainstream media?s framing of the cost of living crisis as a short-term shock has been ?totally rejected? by the public, with journalists accused of relying on a ?narrow? set of sources by experts.

Argentina accuses UK of 'illegally sending Royal Navy warship into our territ...
16 Jul 2026 at 2:17pm

THE government of Argentina has accused the UK of breaking international law by sailing a Royal Navy warship through Argentinian waters without consent ...

EHRC trans code to come into force despite warning it will have 'devastating ...
16 Jul 2026 at 2:15pm

THE Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance will be a "devastating blow" to transgender people when it comes into force next month, the Scottish Greens have said.

Reform MSP Thomas Kerr accused of 'fearmongering' with bizarre 'Glasgow walka...
16 Jul 2026 at 2:08pm

REFORM UK's deputy Scottish leader Thomas Kerr has been accused of "sickening fearmongering" in his latest attack on the "lawlessness" of Glasgow ...

Aberdeen University staffer charged over Ann Widdecombe death comments
16 Jul 2026 at 12:30pm

AN Aberdeen University staffer has been arrested after posting comments online about Ann Widdecombe's death.

Ed Davey calls for Argentina World Cup ban over Falkland Islands statement
16 Jul 2026 at 12:08pm

LibDem leader Ed Davey has called for Argentina players to be banned from the World Cup final after they were seen holing up a banner about the Falklands Islands following victory over England

UK ministers to tell public to stockpile food and medicine to 'prepare for war'
16 Jul 2026 at 10:58am

People will be told to stockpile food, water and medicine in new UK Government plans to prepare for war

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

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.?

University of Aberdeen investigating staff member?s comments about Ann Widdec...
13 Jul 2026 at 5:28pm
A Reform MSP has called on the university to suspend or dismiss employee Heather Herbert

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

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 …

Burnham?s threat to the Scottish budget
25 Jun 2026 at 1:18pm
While the media in Scotland continues to scrabble around in the bins in search of another desperate angle on the Murrell scandal, it’s looking almost certain that there will be no leadership contest in the Labour party. Close Starmer ally Darren Jones, who had been tipped to make a leadership bid, has said he will …

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

Four months after two die from meningitis NHS England does something to catch...
16 Jul 2026 at 6:34pm
Four months after two meningitis deaths in Kent, we can read from BBC Health, in the last few minutes: All teenagers should be offered a free vaccine against meningitis B (MenB) at around the age of 15, UK experts are now recommending – a change to previous advice. It follows concerns over the UK’s largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year, in which two people...

Nearly a million mainly English migrants choose Scotland in two decades of SN...
16 Jul 2026 at 4:04pm
From Mid-2025 population estimates published 14 July 2026 by the NRS: Migration was the main driver of population growth over the latest year. Net international migration was +9,300 in the year to mid-2025. Net migration between elsewhere in the UK and Scotland was +8,600. Together, these gave a total net migration of +17,900. This is lower than the recent peak of +83,300 in the year to mid-202...

Glasgow?s giant hospital is revealed as one of safest in Scotland and far saf...
16 Jul 2026 at 3:58pm
The Times today is front-paging a story of a floor-cleaning fluid and the apparent lack of clear instructions on its use. Staff have been ‘offered the chance to speak to occupational health.’ Disturbing, I agree. Something should be done, I agree but front page on a major newspaper? Is it there, only because the hospital in question has been subject to repeated, ill-informed, hyperbolic, claims...

That?s it settled ? £50 from each of you to save jobs in Scunthorpe and don?t...
16 Jul 2026 at 10:00am
Thanks to Dottie for alerting me to this. In the Guardian today: British Steel has formally been taken into public ownership 15 months after the government stepped in to prevent the closure of its steelworks in Scunthorpe and the loss of 4,000 jobs. Keir Starmer on Thursday said that it was in the national interest for the government to take over the factory from its Chinese owner, Jingye, in o...

BBC Crime show confuses ?Two a week!? femicide rate in England with ?One a mo...
16 Jul 2026 at 9:11am
In BBC Crime Files, broadcast two days ago, Professor David Wilson, after just hearing there were only 45 murders in Scotland last year, reflects: So in ten years’ time, could we ever get to the point where there will be no murders in Scotland at all? Or to get there, will we have to challenge misogyny so much that we will get rid of that appalling statistic that two women a week are murdered i...

Pandemic Inquiry ? ?Disinterested in working with, or hearing the concerns of...
15 Jul 2026 at 6:33pm
By stewartb The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has just published its latest report, on Module 5: Procurement. (see https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/09094028/E03444965_Covid-Inquiry-M5-Inquiry_Web-Accessible.pdf ) The Inquiry?s overarching conclusions for this module focus on: (i) the UK?s unpreparedness in terms of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other clinical supplie...

?So no I will not support England?
15 Jul 2026 at 6:32pm
By Liz S ?If they win we?ll never hear the end of it? Indeed In fact every time they have a game in this world cup then every TV channel news programme and daytime trash TV programme cannot stop talking about it. In fact , as a Scot, you almost feel as if you are in a foreign country and watching foreign Television programmes. Then of course the , checks notes, UK PM posts constant motivation c...

Baroness Hallett confused about difference between croneyism, corruption and ...
15 Jul 2026 at 6:28pm
By Liz S Talking of PPE and on the BBC website but currently hidden under the ?Health? section. Covid Inquiry reported by the BBC on 14 July this year stated this: Headline ?Covid inquiry PPE report ? key findings? ?The VIP lane system was introduced in April 2020 in England? The policy was sharply criticised by (Baroness) Hallett who described it as a ?misguided attempt at prioritisation? that...

Scotland gave England two million face masks despite UK Government department...
15 Jul 2026 at 2:37pm

How Matt not Nick Hancock ordered PPE manufacturers not to send supplies to S...
15 Jul 2026 at 2:36pm

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

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

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

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

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

National Museum of Scotland Map Shows Taiwan as Part of China - dominotheory.com
14 Jul 2026 at 2:01am
National Museum of Scotland Map Shows Taiwan as Part of China  dominotheory.com

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

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

Murrell had no access to Yes Scotland accounts, says lawyer - Morning Star | ...
14 Jul 2026 at 5:27pm
Murrell had no access to Yes Scotland accounts, says lawyer  Morning Star | The People?s Daily

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP accused of putting Aberdeen at 'competitive disadvantage' as air departur...
16 Jul 2026 at 6:00am
SNP accused of putting Aberdeen at 'competitive disadvantage' as air departure tax exemptions revealed  The Scotsman

Tory 'embarrassment' jibe as SNP celebrate England's World Cup defeat in West...
16 Jul 2026 at 7:35am
Tory 'embarrassment' jibe as SNP celebrate England's World Cup defeat in Westminster  The Herald

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

Peter Murrell 'called the shots behind Yes Scotland campaign and cash' claims...
12 Jul 2026 at 4:31am
Peter Murrell 'called the shots behind Yes Scotland campaign and cash' claims insider  Daily Record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scot...
31 May 2026 at 8:00am
Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scotland and Wales  Open Canada

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - BBC
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  BBC