The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Labour MP calls for Glasgow mayor to end 30 years of dysfunctional governance
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
19 Jul 2026 at 5:48pm
Gordon McKee, Labour MP for Glasgow South, argues that the 1996 abolition of Strathclyde Regional Council left the city saddled with a broken, 12-authority structure that has suppressed growth, fragmented transport and cost Scotland billions ? and that only a directly elected mayor can end it.


Donald Trump celebrates reports Andy Burnham could back more North Sea drilling
by Christopher McKeon
19 Jul 2026 at 4:23pm
US President Donald Trump has said people in Aberdeen will be ?dancing in the streets? following reports Andy Burnham could back new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.


Being transgender is not the most interesting thing about me, says Green MSP
by Rachel Keenan
19 Jul 2026 at 11:01am
A Scottish Green MSP has said being transgender has ?never been the most interesting thing about my life?, as she described facing ?upsetting? abuse online.


Andy Burnham to take 'more pragmatic approach' to North Sea oil and gas
19 Jul 2026 at 10:27am
Andy Burnham will take a "more pragmatic approach" with a ?change of emphasis? on North Sea oil and gas, Labour's deputy leader has today confirmed.


What's really behind Glasgow's wave of immigration protests?
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
19 Jul 2026 at 5:06am
Six weeks after masked protesters marched through Glasgow city centre, the unrest has moved into its communities. At its root lies a genuine crisis in asylum housing policy and a far-right movement that knows how to exploit it.


?What has gone wrong?? How Amnesty risked its reputation with ?anti-rights? r...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
19 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Former employees of Amnesty International UK in Scotland have warned the organisation risks damage to its long-standing reputation as it faces potential legal action from JK Rowling.


Cara McKee: The unbearable pain I hid during my maiden speech
19 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Newly-elected MSP Cara McKee has revealed her battle with a rare and excruciating illness as she prepares for life-changing surgery later this week.


Is former straight-talking general the man to finally end Netanyahu?s reign?
by david.pratt@heraldandtimes.co.uk | David Pratt
19 Jul 2026 at 6:15am
An unknown quantity outside of Israel, this son of Moroccan immigrants is now forerunner to become the country?s next leader. Foreign Editor David Pratt profiles Gadi Eisenkot


Scottish Labour grandee urges 'King of the North' Burnham to rethink indyref2...
19 Jul 2026 at 6:15am
Leading Scottish Labour thinker Pauline Bryan tells our Writer at Large why Anas Sarwar should quit and why Burnham must back federalism and give Scotland indyref2 powers


In Pics: Nicola Sturgeon among thousands as she takes part in Glasgow Pride m...
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
18 Jul 2026 at 2:49pm
The former First Minister appeared relaxed and happy as she walked through Glasgow


Andy Burnham urged to stick to Labour manifesto on North Sea oil
by Christopher McKeon
18 Jul 2026 at 1:52pm
Allies of the new Labour leader have said he intends to make a ?dynamic? start to his premiership


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.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Green MSP to take medical leave of absence from Holyrood
19 Jul 2026 at 10:14am

Cara McKee will undergo treatment for trigeminal neuralgia

As numbers of people coming to Scotland come to a standstill, critical concerns arise for the future of the workforce

Wings over Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The National

The National | Politics

Trump says Scots 'dancing in streets' over claims Burnham backs North Sea dri...
19 Jul 2026 at 6:10pm

DONALD Trump has been panned for claiming people in Aberdeen will be ?dancing in the streets? following reports Andy Burnham could back new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea ...

Scottish human rights watchdog sued by own executive in gender-critical dispute
19 Jul 2026 at 2:21pm

THE Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is being sued by one of its executives for discriminating against her gender-critical beliefs.

Nigel Farage backer opened payments account before 'mystery donation'
19 Jul 2026 at 1:57pm

GEORGE Cottrell, the convicted criminal who secretly funded Nigel Farage, opened an account with an obscure overseas payments company days before it was used to channel a £500,000 ?unexplained? donation to Reform UK.

Captain of Russian-flagged tanker seized in Scotland pleads guilty in US court
19 Jul 2026 at 1:17pm

THE CAPTAIN of a Russian-flagged tanker that was detained in Scotland has pleaded guilty to refusing to obey orders from the US Coast Guard.

SNP MSP asked by TV producers to star in Big Brother
19 Jul 2026 at 1:06pm

AN SNP MSP was approached by producers for the hit reality TV show Big Brother for its next series, it has been revealed ...

Zohran Mamdani in talks over arresting Benjamin Netanyahu during New York UN ...
19 Jul 2026 at 12:43pm

NEW York mayor Zohran Mamdani is in talks over whether to try to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu when the Israeli prime minister visits the city for a UN summit.

Yes Scotland breaks 12-year Twitter silence to mock 'missing £1.5m' claims
19 Jul 2026 at 12:09pm

YES Scotland has mocked claims of a ?missing £1.5 million? in its first post on Twitter/X in 12 years.

Andy Burnham to have 'change of emphasis' on North Sea oil and gas, Labour MP...
19 Jul 2026 at 10:08am

ANDY Burnham will have a ?change of emphasis? on North Sea oil and gas, Labour?s deputy leader has said, despite the party previously pledging not to issue new drilling licences.

Green MSP to take leave of absence after revealing battle with rare illness
19 Jul 2026 at 8:37am

A GREEN MSP is to take a leave of absence from the Scottish Parliament for a planned procedure, as she revealed her battle with a rare and excruciating illness ...

Andy Burnham to scrap Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme
19 Jul 2026 at 7:54am

ANDY Burnham will scrap Keir Starmer?s flagship digital ID programme when he takes office on Monday ...

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

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

Research reveals increasing mental health referrals among children may be mor...
19 Jul 2026 at 1:41pm
The dominant narrative across the media operating in Scotland, the opposition parties and a few parents groomed by them, is, as in the Daily Record headline above, on 20 April 2026. Often ignored are these facts: From Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times Quarter ending March 2026 published today, the above graph showing the 90% target beaten for 6 quarters (3 months...

What the media in Scotland won?t tell you about the obscene pay of English wa...
19 Jul 2026 at 9:25am
What the Herald won?t tell you about the obscene pay of English water bosses for water that causes sepsis and kidney failure Today, in the Guardian: Wessex Water awarded its chief executive an above-inflation pay increase even as the company was banned from paying bonuses because of sewage spills, it has emerged. Ruth Jefferson received a 14% base salary increase in October, from £590,000 to £6...

One of Andy Burnham?s first acts will be to copy John Swinney on digital ID
19 Jul 2026 at 9:10am
In the Guardian today: Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer?s plans for digital ID cards in a ?reset of priorities? when he enters Downing Street on Monday. The new Labour leader plans to redirect the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/18/burnham-to-scrap-starmers-digital-...

Amended ?Irresponsible BBQ users? are not always to blame for wildfires
19 Jul 2026 at 8:23am
A reader has correctly pointed out a basic error in the first draft of this. Media coverage of wildfires tends almost uniformly to blame supposedly irresponsible BBQ-users. The current Cairngorm wildfire is similarly explained despite taking place on fairly uninteresting moorland: In this case, as the fire started on RSPB territory popular with walkers, the above explanations are more likely. H...

Domestic violence already twice as common spikes around England games but not...
19 Jul 2026 at 8:12am
From BBC Sport yesterday: As the full-time whistle blew in Atlanta on Wednesday, signalling England’s exit from the World Cup, a wave of disappointment spread across the country. But for some, there was a very different emotion growing inside. Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose, according to research by Lancaster University. During a major football tournamen...

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...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

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

Yes Scotland breaks 12-year Twitter silence to mock 'missing £1.5m' claims - ...
19 Jul 2026 at 12:22pm
Yes Scotland breaks 12-year Twitter silence to mock 'missing £1.5m' claims  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

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

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

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

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

Robin McAlpine: I've not enjoyed my Cassandra role ? but here's the hard trut...
19 Jul 2026 at 5:10am
Robin McAlpine: I've not enjoyed my Cassandra role ? but here's the hard truth  The National Scot

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Humiliated SNP admits there is no community support for giant wind turbines b...
19 Jul 2026 at 11:52am
Humiliated SNP admits there is no community support for giant wind turbines but ignore local opposition  Scottish Daily Express

John Swinney racks up near £1m bill defending rights of men to use women toil...
19 Jul 2026 at 9:08am
John Swinney racks up near £1m bill defending rights of men to use women toilets  Scottish Daily Express

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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