The Herald

The Herald | Politics


The big mistake Andy Burnham has made in his first meeting with John Swinney
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
23 Jul 2026 at 2:54pm
Andy Burnham has spent years arguing that the Westminster system had to change. So why won't he speak to the media?


Scottish Labour leadership contender warns 'big changes' needed after Sarwar ...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
23 Jul 2026 at 12:27pm
Michael Marra, the man widely tipped to replace Anas Sarwar, has said Scottish Labour needs to make significant changes.


Mackintosh's Glasgow School of Art is 'gone forever' says architect
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
23 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Glasgow School of Art's confirmation that it cannot afford to fully reinstate the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building has led a leading architect to warn that Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece is "gone forever".


Remote working crackdown in Scottish civil service leads to slump in morale
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
23 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
More civil servants are considering leaving the Scottish Government following the crackdown on remote working.


Glasgow: The city which sparks cheer and despair in equal measure
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
23 Jul 2026 at 4:31am
Returning to Glasgow after two weeks abroad brings mixed emotions


Burnham in 'genuine partnership' vow ahead of first face-to-face talks with S...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
23 Jul 2026 at 12:01am
Andy Burnham will make his first visit to Scotland as Prime Minister for the Commonwealth Games opening.


Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar made lord and UK minister
by craig.williams@newsquest.co.uk | Craig Williams
23 Jul 2026 at 12:00am
Anas Sarwar has confirmed he is stepping down as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham's government as Minister of State for Trade.


Monica Lennon eyes Scottish Labour leadership after Anas Sarwar?s exit
by Hannah Brown and Rebecca McCurdy
22 Jul 2026 at 4:53pm
Monica Lennon has refused to rule out standing to succeed Anas Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader, saying she has been contacted by party figures encouraging her to enter the contest.


Runners and riders in the 'ugly' race to succeed Sarwar - will one be able to...
22 Jul 2026 at 3:26pm
The unexpected news that Anas Sarwar is to quit as Scottish Labour leader to take a seat in the House of Lords and become a minister in Andy Burnham's government has set shockwaves throughout the party - and Scottish politics which had been enjoying a highly unusual...


Mackintosh Building can never be exact replica of original, GSA chair says
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
22 Jul 2026 at 10:00am
Glasgow School of Art's board chair Ann Priest has confirmed the fire-ravaged Mackintosh Building will not be an exact historical replica, as GSA approves a stabilisation scheme and outlines a scaled-back but forward-looking reinstatement vision.


Glasgow School of Art cannot afford to rebuild world-renowned Mackintosh Buil...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
22 Jul 2026 at 10:00am
Glasgow School of Art has abandoned plans for a full £265m reinstatement of the fire-gutted Mackintosh Building, opting instead for temporary stabilisation works while it hunts for partners to fund an uncertain future rebuild.


Here are the Russian shadow fleet vessels sailing around Scotland
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
22 Jul 2026 at 8:53am
Three-quarters of Russia's shadow fleet tankers are now passing north of Scotland after a vessel was seized in the Channel, with at least a dozen passing north of Shetland in recent days


'SNP promised help for students to come from Gaza - so where is it?'
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
22 Jul 2026 at 6:30am
The SNP have been accused of paying 'lip service' to Gaza as a promised fund for students to study in Scotland is yet to materialise


Scottish Government challenged over ?questionable? spending by council
21 Jul 2026 at 8:56pm
The Scottish Government has been challenged on ?questionable? choices made over the spending of a fund earmarked for helping Highland families.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Two frontrunners to replace Anas Sarwar hint they plan to stand for Scottish ...
23 Jul 2026 at 12:58pm

Anas Sarwar has now officially confirmed he has stood down as Scottish Labour leader - the question now turns to who will replace him

Anas Sarwar has now officially confirmed his move from Holyrood to the House of Lords

1960s pre-cast concrete building ?coming to the end of its usable lifespan?

?There is a strong public desire to get the city moving again? - Cllr Jason Rust

Wings over Scotland

Ain?t it funny how things change?
22 Jul 2026 at 11:29am
Then, and now. (Click pic to enlarge.) Scottish politics: where repeated catastrophic failure is just another way to succeed.

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 …

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

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to accept trade minister job
23 Jul 2026 at 8:50am
Sarwar will leave the Scottish Parliament and his leader role, and take up a seat in the House of Lords.

Scottish Labour at a crossroads again as Sarwar jumps ship
22 Jul 2026 at 11:41pm
Anas Sarwar has never made a secret of his desire to hold high office, but where does it leave Scottish Labour?

Who could be the new Scottish Labour leader?
22 Jul 2026 at 2:06pm
The party are still reeling from their worst Holyrood election result in Scottish Parliament history.

Swinney says Scottish and UK relations 'haemorrhaged' with Douglas Alexander
22 Jul 2026 at 3:50pm
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that Douglas Alexander would remain as Scottish Secretary in his government.

Chris Mason: Sarwar ministerial role sees promotion of another Starmer critic
22 Jul 2026 at 6:22am
Months after calling on Keir Starmer to quit, the Scottish Labour leader is set to become a minister in Burnham's government, the BBC's political editor writes.

Who is Anas Sarwar? The Scottish Labour leader returning to UK politics
22 Jul 2026 at 12:05pm
The Glasgow MSP is expected to be confirmed for role in Andy Burnham's government after taking a seat in the house of Lords.

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence
21 Jul 2026 at 12:18pm
Scotland's first minister raised the issue of Scottish independence during a phone call with Andy Burnham on Tuesday morning, in the hopes of advancing the debate.

Douglas Alexander to remain Scottish Secretary as Burnham confirms cabinet
21 Jul 2026 at 9:45am
A host of cabinet ministers in the Starmer government are leaving their jobs, but Alexander said he was "very happy" to stay.

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.

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?

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.

Scot Goes Pop

A poll for Scot Goes Pop readers and viewers - please respond if you can
23 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
So I'm completely stumped, to be honest.  Just over a year ago, I switched my focus from conventional blogging to YouTube videos in the hope that I would no longer be lurching from mini-crisis to m...

The case for optimism that the next general election WILL be used as a de fac...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:51pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Scottish independence could now be just one or two years away fr...

A progress report on the Scot Goes Pop video channel - plus a question for it...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:40am
I was planning to make a video tonight about Andy Burnham's first day as Prime Minister, but then I thought back to how hilariously off-beam some of the reactions to Liz Truss and Keir Starmer were...

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...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Burnham meets Swinney for first time as Prime Minister
23 Jul 2026 at 5:13pm
It?s the first in-person meeting between the Scottish and UK leaders since Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.

Burnham to meet Swinney for first time as Prime Minister during Scotland visit
23 Jul 2026 at 7:39am
It?s the first in-person meeting between the Scottish and UK leaders since Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar made lord and UK minister
23 Jul 2026 at 6:55am
Lord Sarwar was among the first to call for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down in February

Is Anas Sarwar?s House of Lords promotion failing upwards?
22 Jul 2026 at 12:41pm
The Scottish Labour leader is about to be announced as the latest ministerial appointment in Andy Burnham's Cabinet

Wes Streeting apologises for joke about prisoner releases caught on microphone
22 Jul 2026 at 7:13am
The defence secretary was caught making the joke about his newly appointed colleague, Justice Secretary Alex Norris.

Anas Sarwar set to step down as Scottish Labour leader to become Burnham mini...
21 Jul 2026 at 9:11pm
He hailed Andy Burnham for his ?bold Labour vision? as he entered No 10 this week

Andy Burnham?s Government ?will meet international defence commitments?, chan...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:02pm
John Healey unexpectedly emerged as Andy Burnham's chancellor after quitting as defence secretary under Keir Starmer

?Honour? for Douglas Alexander to stay as Scottish secretary under Burnham
21 Jul 2026 at 10:32am
Alexander was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer, and held on despite the new PM purging a number of leading figures from the Cabinet

Burnham scraps VAT on electricity bills in first major policy announcement as PM
21 Jul 2026 at 5:20am
Burnham and his new Chancellor John Healey announced that VAT will be removed from domestic electricity bills from October 1 to give families "breathing space".

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

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

'John Swinney should stop pretending Andy Burnham will ever agree to indyref2'
23 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the bloodless forever war between the UK and Scottish Governments will continue.

Michael Marra backs 'big changes' in Scottish Labour as leadership bid warms up
23 Jul 2026 at 11:54am
The Labour MSP released a statement amid speculation he will go for the leadership vacated by Anas Sarwar.

Former Labour MSP feels ?anger and disappointment? with Anas Sarwar over resi...
23 Jul 2026 at 10:04am
Paul O?Kane also named MSP Michael Marra when asked who should succeed Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader.

Andy Burnham to attend Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in first Scotland ...
23 Jul 2026 at 12:01am
The new Prime Minister is also expected to meet John Swinney and use his engagement in Scotland to talk about the cost of living crisis and devolution.

Anas Sarwar quits as Scottish Labour leader to become Lord in Andy Burnham go...
22 Jul 2026 at 11:09pm
Lord Anas, who has been Scottish Labour leader since 2021, was among the first to call for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down in February.

'Scottish Labour are deep in injury time when it comes to saving themselves'
22 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says Scottish Labour needs a leadership contest to trigger a debate on its precarious future.

Former Scottish Labour MSP 'not ruling out' running for the leadership after ...
22 Jul 2026 at 4:42pm
EXCLUSIVE: Monica Lennon said she would "absolutely" welcome a return to Holyrood. She is likely to become an MSP again imminently.

'The runners and riders who could take over from Anas Sawar as Scottish Labou...
22 Jul 2026 at 7:53am
In an opinion piece, Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon writes about the potential candidates in any leadership contest.

Activist behind Yes Scotland police complaint was banned as company boss in £...
22 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: David Henry was disqualified in 2011 after an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

Anas Sarwar quits as Scottish Labour leader for job in Andy Burnham Government
21 Jul 2026 at 10:06pm
The Daily Record exclusively revealed Sarwar would join the House of Lords to take up a new role.

The National

The National | Politics

Glasgow venue under pressure to cancel domestic abuser's 'far-right' event
23 Jul 2026 at 5:05pm

A GLASGOW venue is facing pressure to cancel an upcoming event organised by a convicted domestic abuser ...

Andy Burnham 'commits not to overrule Scottish Parliament' in first meeting w...
23 Jul 2026 at 4:54pm

PRIME Minister Andy Burnham has apparently committed not to overrule the Scottish Parliament in his bid for further devolution across the UK.

Jewish filmmaker says West 'complicit' in Gaza genocide
23 Jul 2026 at 3:48pm

A Jewish filmmaker whose latest documentary examines trauma, propaganda and political radicalisation in Israeli society has said Western governments are becoming "complicit" by failing to take stronger action over Gaza.

Andy Burnham blocks Scottish media access during first official visit to Scot...
23 Jul 2026 at 2:35pm

Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to "always" stay close to the people not one week ago. But a lot can change in six days ...

Jackie Baillie claims Anas Sarwar's Lords appointment is 'about rewarding tal...
23 Jul 2026 at 1:08pm

SCOTTISH Labour's acting leader has described Anas Sarwar's appointment in the House of Lords as an "offer you can't refuse".

Figure linked to genocidal Sudanese military hosted by UK Government in Britain
23 Jul 2026 at 1:08pm

A SENIOR figure in the political wing of an African paramilitary accused of genocide is attending an official UK Government event in Britain, it has emerged.

Will Andy Burnham make good on pledge to 'end rough sleeping'? Expert weighs in
23 Jul 2026 at 12:34pm

ANDY Burnham used his first speech as Prime Minister to pledge to end long-term rough sleeping ...

The Act of Union was about making Scots repay English debts
23 Jul 2026 at 12:00am

FOR more than three centuries, the Act of Union has been dressed up in the language of partnership, progress and mutual benefit. We are told of a progressive merger that rescued a bankrupt Scotland and welcomed it into a wealthy, modern British state. But when you strip away the romanticised history and look at the cold, hard balance sheets of 1707, a far darker and more calculated financial sw...

Better Together chief promoted and Ian Murray demoted in UK Government shake-up
23 Jul 2026 at 11:07am

FORMER Better Together chief Blair McDougall has been given a promotion and a new ministerial role in the UK Government, while former Scottish secretary Ian Murray has been demoted.

Pub owners cast doubt on 'tiny' relief from Andy Burnham on business rates
23 Jul 2026 at 10:33am

PUB owners have cast doubts on Prime Minister Andy Burnham?s 20 per cent cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England, saying it ?won?t make any material difference?.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to become trade minister
23 Jul 2026 at 8:41am
Andy Burnham appoints more Scottish MPs to UK Government

Who could be Scottish Labour?s 11th leader since devolution?
22 Jul 2026 at 6:18pm
With Anas Sarwar set to quit so he can take up a post in the Lords, that leaves the party once more on the lookout for someone to take over the helm

Outdated technology impeding economic crime investigations, researchers warn
22 Jul 2026 at 11:35am
Poor data-sharing arrangements are hampering intelligence gathering

Anas Sarwar to be made minister in Burnham government
22 Jul 2026 at 8:22am
He is expected to stand down as Scottish Labour leader and head to the Lords

Almost two-thirds of Scottish businesses adopt AI
22 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
While the survey found adoption was widespread, most were not using the technology intensively

Building Inclusive Games That Reflect Their Communities
22 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
The most inclusive events aren?t those that become accessible over time. They?re the ones that reflect their communities from the moment they are created.

Prime Minister to focus on ?practical measures, not constitutional changes? f...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:03pm
Andy Burnham spoke with First Minister John Swinney on Tuesday morning

Transforming the Grid to Secure Our Energy Future
21 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
Scotland is at a pivotal moment, and the decisions taken now will shape our economy, communities and energy security for decades to come. As electricity demand grows and more renewable energy comes online, upgrading Scotland's transmission network is esse

Andy Burnham names Cabinet
21 Jul 2026 at 1:24am
Douglas Alexander has been reappointed Scottish secretary

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

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Scottish Labour?s rivals decry ?chancer? Anas Sarwar for resigning to join An...
22 Jul 2026 at 11:17pm
New prime minister has made Sarwar ? the first senior Labour figure to call for Keir Starmer?s resignation ? a peerScottish Labour?s rivals in Holyrood have slammed Anas Sarwar?s shock decision to resign as leader to sit in Andy Burnham?s new government, calling him a ?chancer? and accusing him o...

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, ...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Lord Sarwar of Brass Neck
21 Jul 2026 at 9:59pm
It seems to be a law of Scottish politics, or perhaps it’s more likely it’s just a personal curse, but whenever I try and take some time off from the blog a big story breaks and it’s back to the keyboard. What is most definitely a law of Scottish politics is that I’m not nationalist …

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 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

New Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Scotland Office attacked he...
23 Jul 2026 at 4:24pm
From the UK Governor of Scotland in the last few minutes. January 19th 2025 – on BBC Politics Scotland, from Westminster (see the backdrop), Melanie Ward, Scottish Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy joined the horde of ‘Scottish’ Labour MPs serving up and humiliating their local communities in the service of the UK Labour Party. From the local Courier in May 2024: A Palestine medical chari...

Scottish Government?s more ambitious policies and tighter targets seem to hav...
23 Jul 2026 at 4:04pm
In the Guardian today: Children living in the poorest areas across England are 40% more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory infections, an analysis of NHS England data shows, with experts raising the alarm on the impact of air pollution on young people?s health. The analysis, based on data obtained via freedom of information requests by the charity Impact on Urban Health, revealed...

?Loyalist? Liverpool gangs still exploiting children to push drugs and commun...
23 Jul 2026 at 4:02pm
From Streamline today: In a massive display of force aimed at dismantling entrenched criminal networks, over 300 Merseyside Police officers executed dozens of synchronized dawn raids across the region on Thursday morning. The sweeping crackdown, codenamed Operation Vanguard, represents the third and largest iteration of Chief Constable Rob Carden?s relentless offensive against serious organised...

Why multiple rapist Alan Greer is not Police Scotland?s Wayne Couzens moment ...
23 Jul 2026 at 12:07pm
Details at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/23/if-alan-greers-family-and-colleagues-were-oblivious-to-his-violent-double-life-how-can-it-be-police-scotlands-wayne-couzens-moment-when-the-met-ignored-10-warnings-on-him-over-15-years-em/

10 out of 11 drug dealers in Portsmouth were from Portsmouth
23 Jul 2026 at 11:29am
Fifteen paragraphs down in the above BBC Scotland Top Ten listed from BBC UK about drug dealing from Portsmouth, where it seems to be FA of interest (below) : Found guilty of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine following a trial were Daniel Jamieson, of Heath Road, Ramsden Heath, Essex; Lewis Watts, of Toronto Road, Tilbury, Essex; and David Paterson, of Viking Way, Peterhead, near Aberdeen. One in e...

If Alan Greer?s family and colleagues were ?oblivious? to his violent double ...
23 Jul 2026 at 10:24am
BBC Scotland today has: A police officer who took his own life in May was a violent rapist who carried out a spate of sexual attacks and attempted murders of women over at least 14 years, the BBC can reveal. PC Alan Greer’s first known victim was a woman he raped in her home in Glasgow in 2012 after she had called the police to report being the victim of a crime. The woman reported the sex atta...

?E.coli soup? in swimming water in Oxford is now added to Cryptosporidium in ...
23 Jul 2026 at 9:42am
On BBC Breakfast this morning a scientist measures the presence of bacteria in a stream feeding into a swimming river in England and concludes the above. He tells us and that, in the sample, there are 43 000 units of bacteria, especially e-coli, per 100ml and that the safe level for swimming is under 900. It’s 50 times too high! None of this is new and nothing even vaguely like it has ever happ...

Labour MP and former health worker misses top medical journal research report...
22 Jul 2026 at 8:36pm
In the Largs & Millport News, serving the area around Hunterston B nuclear power station, just shut down and with the site predicted to be safe by within 100 000 years, we read: NORTH Ayrshire MP Irene Campbell has urged the UK Government to press the Scottish Government to rethink its ‘no new nuclear’ stance, arguing that Hunterston could host new nuclear jobs and investment for the region. Sp...

Climate change is real but there is no need for hysteria about the wildfire r...
22 Jul 2026 at 3:06pm
From BBC Scotland two days ago, the above and: A devastating wildfire burning in the Cairngorms has entered its seventh day, as helicopters battle to stop the spread of the flames. Two specialist helicopters have been “invaluable” for waterbombing hard-to-reach areas, the Cairngorms National Park Authority says. But the flames were allowed to torch the landscape for nearly two days before they ...

UK Government?s own levelised ?full lifetime? cost analysis ? new nuclear is ...
22 Jul 2026 at 3:02pm
From Nuclear and offshore wind energy comparison information: EIR release – Information request and response under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, published today: Information requested All internal briefings, analysis and minutes/notes from meetings, comparing nuclear energy and offshore wind energy, from the last three months. Response Some of the information you re...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independenc...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:18pm
New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence  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

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

How Scotland's universities are tied up with the question of independence - T...
23 Jul 2026 at 11:18am
How Scotland's universities are tied up with the question of independence  The National Scot

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

Andy Burnham 'shut down prospect of second independence referendum' ahead of ...
23 Jul 2026 at 6:44am
Andy Burnham 'shut down prospect of second independence referendum' ahead of Scotland visit  Manchester Evening News

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independenc...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:18pm
New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence  Yahoo

Scotland should choose our own future - Scottish Greens
21 Jul 2026 at 2:16pm
Scotland should choose our own future  Scottish Greens

Andy Burnham rules out referendum talks with John Swinney during Scotland vis...
23 Jul 2026 at 12:01am
Andy Burnham rules out referendum talks with John Swinney during Scotland visit  The Independent

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Would Scotland be part of the Commonwealth if SNP gets its wish and country l...
23 Jul 2026 at 2:20pm
Would Scotland be part of the Commonwealth if SNP gets its wish and country leaves the UK?  Scottish Daily Express

SNP slammed for 'scandalous' betrayal of rural Scots as thousands denied emer...
23 Jul 2026 at 1:12pm
SNP slammed for 'scandalous' betrayal of rural Scots as thousands denied emergency heating cash  Scottish Daily Express

SNP may have claimed back tax on Murrell's illicit purchases - Swinney - BBC
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
SNP may have claimed back tax on Murrell's illicit purchases - Swinney  BBC

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds - BBC
23 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds  BBC

Scottish Labour at a crossroads again as Sarwar jumps ship - BBC
22 Jul 2026 at 11:41pm
Scottish Labour at a crossroads again as Sarwar jumps ship  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

Andy Burnham rules out referendum talks with John Swinney during Scotland vis...
23 Jul 2026 at 12:01am
Andy Burnham rules out referendum talks with John Swinney during Scotland visit  The Independent

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independenc...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:18pm
New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence  BBC

Andy Burnham 'shut down prospect of second independence referendum' ahead of ...
23 Jul 2026 at 6:44am
Andy Burnham 'shut down prospect of second independence referendum' ahead of Scotland visit  Manchester Evening News

Swinney raises independence referendum in first call with Burnham - The Herald
21 Jul 2026 at 12:11pm
Swinney raises independence referendum in first call with Burnham  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

John Swinney to push Andy Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vo...
20 Jul 2026 at 7:40pm
John Swinney to push Andy Burnham for powers to hold Scottish independence vote  The National Scot

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