The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Live updates: Sandie Peggie tribunal continues with more NHS Fife witnesses
18 Jul 2025 at 6:28am
Follow live coverage from the tribunal brought by nurse Sandie Peggie against NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton, as two new key witnesses give evidence.


FOI watchdog reopens NHS Fife probe after health board's 'petulant' press sta...
18 Jul 2025 at 7:05pm
NHS Fife faces renewed scrutiny from the Information Commissioner after claims it misrepresented a ruling on legal costs in the Sandie Peggie tribunal.


NHS Fife rewrite statement after appearing to link Peggie supporters to violence
18 Jul 2025 at 4:59pm
NHS Fife under fire after seeming to link online threats to supporters of nurse Sandie Peggie during ongoing employment tribunal in Dundee.


'Swinney has power to end NHS Fife tribunal. He must urgently show leadership'
18 Jul 2025 at 4:30pm
Veteran MSP Fergus Ewing has warned John Swinney must show leadership and intervene in the Sandie Peggie tribunal against NHS Fife.


Sandie Peggie denies racist comment: Key points from NHS Fife employment trib...
18 Jul 2025 at 2:47pm
There were significant revelations made during today's employment tribunal for Sandie Peggie against NHS Fife. It includes allegations of racist comments and the descriptions of the doctor who helped Dr Beth Upton.


Why is Donald Trump visiting Scotland ? and where is he going?
18 Jul 2025 at 1:22pm
Donald Trump will visit Scotland next week and his golf courses are top of his list


Health minister expresses confidence in NHS Fife as Sandie Peggie tribunal co...
18 Jul 2025 at 10:55am
The Scottish Government's health secretary says he still has confidence in NHS Fife despite mounting criticism of its handling of the Sandie Peggie case


John Swinney to 'turn heat up' on UK to force second independence referendum
18 Jul 2025 at 9:58am
John Swinney has pledged to ?turn the heat up? on the UK Government to allow a second independence referendum as part of his latest strategy to achieve separation.


Ed Miliband urged to cut transmission charges for Scottish renewable firms
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00am
In May, three Scottish wind farm developers said the industry was at "significant and immediate risk? due to transmission charges.


Brian Leishman: I still have faith in Starmer leadership despite Labour suspe...
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00am
Brian Leishman, who was given a suspension from Labour after voting against party policies, says he absolutely can work with Sir Keir Starmer.


Scotland?s entrepreneurial spark is 'alive and thriving'
18 Jul 2025 at 4:31am
Scotland is a nation that has never stopped inventing, says Chambers chief Liz Cameron


Sandie Peggie employment tribunal against NHS Fife continues
17 Jul 2025 at 6:51am
The Sandie Peggie tribunal resumes with evidence expected from NHS Fife?s Head of Nursing, Emergency Care, Gillian Malone.


White House confirms Donald Trump to visit Scotland next week
17 Jul 2025 at 9:39pm
The US President will visit his golf courses during the 'personal' trip - which comes ahead of a full state visit later this year


MP Diane Abbott suspended from Labour Party over comments about racism
17 Jul 2025 at 7:11pm
Ms Abbott was suspended in 2023 after writing a letter to the Observer comparing racism experienced by people of colour with that of other groups

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Sandie Peggie: Issue of trans doctor using female facilities previously raise...
18 Jul 2025 at 2:05pm

The tribunal heard Dr Pitt speak on Friday.

Wings over Scotland

Points Into Prongs
18 Jul 2025 at 10:25am
You might think you’ve heard this tired old song before. But wait! This one’s streamlined! Come back! Where there were once 11 points, now there are three prongs. Here they are. Need it even shorter? (1) “Build support for independence!” Because you’re so good at that. (2) Whine that it’s all so unfair. Another proven-success …

According As We Need Them
13 Jul 2025 at 3:16pm
We’ve said it for a lot of years, but “1984” really does contain a complete explanation of every aspect of modern life, and especially politics. So let’s look at today’s Herald On Sunday, and in particular its “special report”. The report in question wasn’t originated by the Herald itself, but by Engender, a “charity” (really …

Just Good Friends
10 Jul 2025 at 9:47am
It seems like almost every time somebody gets accused of rape, sexual harassment or any kind of horrible creepy sex-based sleaze in Scotland these days, the same face is always lurking around grinning in the background somewhere. Can you guess who it is yet? How many’s a trend again? Now of course, First Ministers and …

Too Tight To Mention
2 Jul 2025 at 11:30am
So this snuck out quietly at the bottom of page 2 of today’s Daily Record. And like, we suspect, most of Scotland, our response was “WHAT?” Peter Murrell has been very well paid for most of the last 20 years – somewhere in the ballpark of £100,000 a year – and there’s very little evidence …

The Con Merchant
28 Jun 2025 at 2:11pm
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, before the internet, scammers used to have to work a bit harder to cheat people than they do now. A popular method was to advertise a “clearance sale” in the press. You’d see an ad in the Daily Record or a local paper for an event in a High …

The Art Of Noise
27 Jun 2025 at 12:37pm
Genuinely, can anyone tell us what the heck this actually means? ? Because to us, it’s just meaningless quacking to fill a void. It’s very short, so let’s transcribe the whole thing. “I want to do spectacularly well in the 2026 election, that’s what my sights are on.” Well, duh. And there was us thinking …

And it?s goodnight from he/him
26 Jun 2025 at 11:18am
And now for tonight’s headlines. Police Scotland have nevertheless denied that prisoners in their custody are being excessively pampered, following reports that a man was hustled out of St Leonard’s station in Edinburgh with an electric blanket over his head. Meanwhile, following the Supreme Court ruling in the For Women Scotland case, the force’s HQ …

But Don?t Give Yourself Away
25 Jun 2025 at 2:51pm
Seamus Logan, an SNP MP of whom it has often been said “Seamus who?”, has an article in The National today categorically ruling out Scotland achieving independence via a democratic vote in an event fully recognised by the UK government. That in itself shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to Wings readers, as this …

Anatomy Of A Lunatic
23 Jun 2025 at 10:00pm
Honestly, folks, I don’t even want to do this because almost nothing is more tedious for anyone else to read than two people having an internet beef – a lesson that I learned, ironically, from reading the site this post concerns, which does little else – but as well as reacting on a basic human …

A different school
23 Jun 2025 at 11:51am
Tommy Sheppard knows a John Swinney you don’t know. And who, conveniently, you’re not allowed to see. Traditionally, this is the opposite order to how things are done in politics: Normally, you tell people what you’re asking them to vote for BEFORE they actually vote. You don’t explain your plans AFTER the election, especially when …

Craig Murray

The Nestlé Cadbury Fallacy and Shut Down Leonardo
18 Jul 2025 at 2:29pm

Nestlé and Cadbury are not the same organisation. They both have exactly the same purpose and extremely similar methods of achieving that purpose. Their chocolate products, retail technique, marketing, manufacturing process and ingredients are in essence the same kind of thing. Police Scotland and the famously corrupt Crown Office (the Scottish prosecution service) are treating …

The Nestlé Cadbury Fallacy and Shut Down Leonardo

The Big Chill
17 Jul 2025 at 9:05am

The three female activists arrested on Tuesday for the direct action against the Leonardo weapons factory in Edinburgh are being treated as terrorists. They have been held now for 40 hours, without either being charged or being brought before a judge, under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act. They are from the organisation Shut Down …

The Big Chill

?We Accept Of Course That It Is Draconian: And Deliberately So?.
8 Jul 2025 at 11:34am

On Friday 4 July I headed back to the Royal Courts of Justice for the hearing brought by Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, on an application for relief from the proscription order against Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Huda had applied for judicial review of the legality of this order. There is …

“We Accept Of Course That It Is Draconian: And Deliberately So”.

Lucy Connolly Should Be Released
3 Jul 2025 at 9:37am

The political Right throughout the Western world is baying to lock up all opponents of genocide. The very notion of free speech is under fundamental attack. We need to take a long hard look at the question of imprisoning people for saying things. Lucy Connolly, a 41-year-old mother of a 12-year-old, was imprisoned for 31 …

Lucy Connolly Should Be Released

Dystopia UK: Genocidal RAF Squadron Targeted by Palestine Action is Owned by ...
25 Jun 2025 at 6:58pm

If you thought RAF jets were owned by the RAF, think again. The RAF squadron targeted for a repaint by Palestine Action due to its involvement in supplying Israel’s genocide, does not in fact belong to the RAF at all. It belongs ultimately to Polygon Global Partners LLP, a Hedge Fund. Through a chain of …

Dystopia UK: Genocidal RAF Squadron Targeted by Palestine Action is Owned by a Hedge Fund

The Phantom Ceasefire
24 Jun 2025 at 10:58am

The Phantom Ceasefire is simply Trump’s off ramp. He announces a ceasefire and bows out, having been advised that regime change would only be achievable with extreme military commitment and massive cost in lives and treasure. You can never trust the Israelis – or indeed the Americans – with either a ceasefire or a negotiation. …

The Phantom Ceasefire

BBC Scotland

Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes
18 Jul 2025 at 1:25pm
The first minister has announced a three-point plan, but will it satisfy his party's supporters?

Lawyers for nurse in trans case criticise 'irresponsible' health board
18 Jul 2025 at 7:41pm
Scotland's information commissioner says he is considering reporting NHS Fife to the Court of Session over its statement.

Trump confirms upcoming visits to Turnberry and Aberdeen
17 Jul 2025 at 8:09pm
The president's press secretary outlined details of his visit to Scotland, which begins next week.

Why employment figures aren't up to the job
17 Jul 2025 at 10:59pm
Unemployment in Scotland is down while it has risen in the rest of the UK, but can the figures be trusted?

Highland wildfires were 'biggest in Scotland's history'
17 Jul 2025 at 4:51pm
Landowners and managers say recent fires at Dava and Carrbridge were the worst Scotland has ever seen.

Scottish MP criticises Labour policies after suspension
16 Jul 2025 at 6:56pm
Brian Leishman has lost the whip after repeatedly criticising Sir Keir Starmer's government.

Swinney accused of 'silence' over Orange walk attack
16 Jul 2025 at 4:45pm
Several people were hit with suspected air gun pellets during a procession through Glasgow earlier this month.

Trans changing room row nurse cleared of misconduct as tribunal resumes
16 Jul 2025 at 4:28pm
The hearings for Sandie Peggie's case against NHS Fife and transgender medic Dr Beth Upton began in February.

Shipyard boss calls for direct award of new CalMac ferry
16 Jul 2025 at 4:35pm
Graeme Thomson says a "race to the bottom" on cost ignores the social and wider economic value of building ships in Scotland.

Scottish government to review ABC redevelopment plan
16 Jul 2025 at 4:43pm
Councillors were told the decision had been taken due to the potential impact on the Glasgow School of Art.

MPs call for more transparency over money for Scotland
16 Jul 2025 at 6:26am
The UK and Scottish governments have long-disputed whether the Barnett formula is fair.

Why are there more roadworks in Scotland than ever? And it's not down to poth...
14 Jul 2025 at 6:01am
The number of recorded road works in Scotland is now 28% higher than it was before the Covid pandemic.

Scot Goes Pop

Now that Starmer is taking a zero tolerance approach to any suggestion that t...
18 Jul 2025 at 9:19am
I remember in my days on Political Betting, aka 'Stormfront Lite', I used to sometimes get into heated discussions with the right-wing Tory hordes about whether it was possible for Scottish people ...

Hammerblow for Starmer as YouGov poll shows he is less popular than Jeremy Co...
16 Jul 2025 at 5:04pm
Starmer's decision today to withdraw the whip from four Labour MPs is a sign of weakness, not of strength, because if it's a disciplinary matter to organise a partly successful rebellion that clear...

Stew told you about Rachel Reeves
16 Jul 2025 at 9:30am
Don't say we didn't tell you about Rachel Reeves, because we told you about Rachel Reeves. pic.twitter.com/7fc1VU3NId? Wings Over Scotland (@WingsScotland) July 15, 2025It's quite true, you know - ...

Why Wes Streeting isn't singing "Oh Jeremy Corbyn" anymore
15 Jul 2025 at 4:05pm
Just a quick note to let you know that I have a new article at The National about the Find Out Now poll suggesting the new Jeremy Corbyn / Zarah Sultana party could have as much public support as t...

Eh Stew, tu?
15 Jul 2025 at 11:49am
I said yesterday that it looked like all we were going to get by way of a response from the controversial "Stew" blogger on the issue of tactical voting on the list was his half-hearted "oh you jus...

Find Out Now poll shows left-wing voters are gonna withdraw their Labour of L...
14 Jul 2025 at 8:48pm
With apologies to Pat Kane (who I've just remembered I did a podcast with *twelve years ago* - where does the time go?), but I can't think of more appropriate words for a poll that for the first ti...

Never mind the fifty other countries - can Campbell even name ONE other count...
14 Jul 2025 at 3:38am
A few days ago, I posted my detailed response to Stuart "Stew" Campbell's blogpost 'Anatomy of a Lunatic', in which he had set out the latest radical revision of his ever-changing set of reasons fo...

Viva España! YouGov poll shows massive Spanish support for an independent Sc...
13 Jul 2025 at 3:11pm
The estimable Mr Wheecher on the previous thread drew my attention to the latest Eurotrack poll from YouGov, which was mainly about attitudes in both Britain and the continent towards the idea of t...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Swinney to ?turn heat up? on Westminster for indyref2 as part of new strategy
18 Jul 2025 at 10:35am
The Scottish First Minister laid out his three-part strategy on Friday.

Voting age lowered as 16 and 17-year-olds to be allowed to vote in next Gener...
17 Jul 2025 at 11:05am
Labour committed to lowering the voting age in its manifesto, bringing it in line with Scottish and Welsh elections.

Scottish Government ?exploring all viable options? to save jobs at Alexander ...
17 Jul 2025 at 9:14am
The bus manufacturer has announced plans to potentially shutter its Scottish operations.

Keir Starmer suspends Scottish Labour MP after benefit cuts rebellion
16 Jul 2025 at 3:19pm
Brian Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth, has been a serial rebel.

John Swinney: It?s in Scotland?s interest I meet Donald Trump
16 Jul 2025 at 2:24pm
The First Minister said there would be an opportunity to discuss tariffs, Gaza and Ukraine with the US President.

Keir Starmer to face PMQs as inflation jumps and Trump confirms meeting
16 Jul 2025 at 12:00pm
Keir Starmer will take questions from the opposition ahead of summer recess on July 22.

John Swinney announces cash boost for urban regeneration scheme
16 Jul 2025 at 6:47am
The First Minister announced £3.5 million of funding ahead of a visit to Clyde Gateway on Wednesday.

What?s at stake as Starmer and Swinney prepare to meet Trump in Scotland?
15 Jul 2025 at 5:51pm
The Prime Minister and First Minister have both been invited to private meetings with the US President in the north of Scotland.

Most Europeans support an independent Scotland in EU, poll finds
15 Jul 2025 at 12:30pm
A new survey conducted by YouGov found strong enthusiasm for Scotland's return to the EU from six countries.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited to join US President Donald Trump during ...
14 Jul 2025 at 12:36pm
The Prime Minister's office said he was 'pleased to accept' the invitation by Trump.

Unite suspends Angela Rayner over Birmingham bin strikes
11 Jul 2025 at 3:08pm
Unite also voted to 're-examine its relationship' with Labour over the issue at a conference on Friday.

UK economy shrank unexpectedly in May
11 Jul 2025 at 6:43am
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.1% in May, following a 0.3% drop in April.

Crackdown on illegal working promised alongside migrant return deal with France
10 Jul 2025 at 11:12pm
The UK has promised extra action to tackle the ?pull factors? luring migrants across the English Channel.

Ross Greer running for co-leadership of Scottish Greens
10 Jul 2025 at 9:10am
It comes after Patrick Harvie, who has led the party since 2008, announced he was standing down in April.

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

What is chronic venous insufficiency after Donald Trump diagnosed with condit...
18 Jul 2025 at 11:15am
Concern has been raised about bruising on the US President's hands - but this diagnosis is in his legs.

Fox News halted as Donald Trump diagnosed with serious health condition amid ...
18 Jul 2025 at 11:00am
US President Donald Trump has received a worrying diagnosis after being spotted with more mysterious bruises on his hands this week.

John Swinney pledges to focus on independence ahead of 2026 Holyrood election
18 Jul 2025 at 10:45am
The First Minister said he would ?turn the heat up? on the UK Government to allow a second independence referendum.

Scots are 'tired and angry' as politicians called on to listen to public conc...
18 Jul 2025 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: All Scots MSPs and MPs will be invited to attend a major anti-poverty rally in Edinburgh to hear first hand about the pressures facing households.

Experts discuss how Trump's chronic venous insufficiency could impact his fit...
18 Jul 2025 at 3:13am
The US president has been diagnosed with a circulation disorder, the White House says

16-year-olds will be allowed to vote in next general election for first time
17 Jul 2025 at 11:30am
The voting age for Scottish elections is already 16, but will now been lowered from 18 for UK Parliament elections as well.

Donald Trump's mystery bruises on hands spark health concerns as he covers th...
17 Jul 2025 at 11:03am
Donald Trump's mysterious marks on his hands have appeared once again as the US President appeared to conceal them with makeup during his latest press conference

Brian Leishman rules out joining the SNP or Jeremy Corbyn's new party after L...
17 Jul 2025 at 10:38am
EXCLUSIVE: The Alloa and Grangemouth MP told the Record he is "committed rock solid to the Labour Party" and wants the whip back.

Scots planning Palestine Action demo to break the law in support of banned group
17 Jul 2025 at 9:54am
Palestine Action was banned after members broke into defence factories in Glasgow and RAF bases in England.

System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southp...
17 Jul 2025 at 4:30am
Record View says the public needs a counter-terrorism system that works.

The National

The National | Politics

John Swinney's plan on independence is a start but it can't be the final word
18 Jul 2025 at 7:15pm

It is welcome that the SNP is foregrounding independence again with John Swinney's three-point independence plan ...

NHS Fife staff 'faced violent threats' amid Sandie Peggie tribunal
18 Jul 2025 at 7:08pm

NHS Fife has said police had to be called after staff faced threats of ?physical harm and sexual violence?, as the health board sought to defend its actions around an employment tribunal.

How politicians turned the Union flag into a crime against fashion
18 Jul 2025 at 6:00pm

TO offer a little respite from the horrors, I?d like to take the opportunity this week to discourse a little on Lee Anderson?s togs.

Man 'banned' from Glasgow city centre after Palestine protest
18 Jul 2025 at 5:40pm

A man said he has been 'banned' from Glasgow city centre after he was arrested during a Palestine protest.

I'm a journalist covering Palestine Action arrests. This is all absurd
18 Jul 2025 at 5:20pm

Is this just the way things are going to be from now on?

Unite canvass members on cutting ties with Labour
18 Jul 2025 at 4:47pm

LABOUR faces losing its biggest union backer as reps are being canvassed on cutting ties with the party, The National can reveal.

Pro-independence politicians respond to John Swinney's 3-point strategy
18 Jul 2025 at 4:45pm

PRO-INDEPENDENCE parties and SNP politicians have had a mixed response to John Swinney?s new strategy.

Donald Trump hits out at Rupert Murdoch over 'fake' note to Jeffrey Epstein
18 Jul 2025 at 4:17pm

Donald Trump has hit out at Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal after the newspaper alleged he sent a crude letter to Jeffrey Epstein.

Scottish Tories call for police officers to be banned from Pride events
18 Jul 2025 at 3:58pm

The Scottish Tories have called for police to be banned from Pride marches while on duty following a High Court ruling

UK welcome for Israeli military chief responsible for Gaza slaughter
18 Jul 2025 at 3:40pm

AN Israeli military chief who has overseen the slaughter of thousands of Palestinians is visiting the UK.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

No evidence of data loss in Glasgow City Council cyber-attack, experts say
18 Jul 2025 at 6:01pm
An investigation found cybercriminals failed in their attempts to access data

Donald Trump to visit Scotland next week, White House confirms
18 Jul 2025 at 1:55pm
Trump will meet First Minister John Swinney and Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his private trip

Ex-performer launches AI tool to help festival-goers 'cut through the noise' ...
18 Jul 2025 at 11:05am
The web-based AI show planners aims to simplify the festival experience and give every performer a fair chance of getting seen

Scottish university secures spot in landmark initiative to make UK a research...
18 Jul 2025 at 1:01am
12 institutions across the UK have been chosen to lead on a ?54m initiative to help the UK remain the "natural home" for world-leading researchers

Minimum voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election
17 Jul 2025 at 1:43pm
The voting age has been lowered for the first time in more than fifty years

All Co-op members had data stolen in cyber-attack
16 Jul 2025 at 5:15pm
Co-op boss has confirmed cybercriminals stole names, addresses and contact information

Brian Leishman loses party whip over repeated rows with UK Government
16 Jul 2025 at 4:54pm
Brian Leishman is among four Labour MPs to have reportedly lost the party whip after rebelling against the UK Government

MPs urge Westminster to increase Scottish Government?s borrowing limits
16 Jul 2025 at 2:31pm
New report by Scottish Affairs Committee finds Barnett Formula "fir for purpose" but not perfect

Sandie Peggie cleared of gross misconduct allegations
16 Jul 2025 at 10:25am
Sandie Peggie has been cleared of gross misconduct following disciplinary proceedings by NHS Fife, according to her solicitor

Edinburgh firm secures ?105m to transform connectivity for thousands in remot...
15 Jul 2025 at 5:54pm
GoFibre has been awarded a ?105m contract to connect more than 60,000 premises across north east Scotland to lightning-fast broadband

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Merz says he ?deplores deeply? UK?s decision to leave EU after signing UK-Ger...
17 Jul 2025 at 5:43pm
UK PM and German chancellor answered media questions after signing first treaty between two countries since second world warWhile Rushanara Ali is answering the urgent question in the Commons, Keir Starmer is speaking at the event where he is announcing a ?civil society covenant?.There is a live ...

Rachael Maskell ?upset? for Labour party as she confirms her suspension ? as ...
16 Jul 2025 at 5:32pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereIn an interview with LBC Ben Wallace, the former Tory defence secretary, hit back at his former ministerial colleague Johnny Mercer rather more forcefully than he did on the Today programme (see 8.09am) over Mercer?s comments about the ...

Police in Scotland braced for large-scale protests if Trump visits new golf c...
9 Jul 2025 at 4:43pm
Long-rumoured trip to open course could take place this month after proposed meeting with King Charles shelvedPolice in Scotland are gearing up for a possible visit by Donald Trump later this month that is expected to take in his golf resort in Aberdeenshire.The long-rumoured visit is not expecte...

Starmer dismisses welfare cuts revolt as ?noises off? and defends his leaders...
25 Jun 2025 at 5:15pm
This live blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereKemi Badenoch has said it would be ?pathetic? for Keir Starmer to postpone the vote on the UC and Pip bill. She posted this on social media, as a comment on the tweet from Kitty Donaldson. (See 11.22am.)This is pathetic. Starmer mu...

Peter Krykant obituary
20 Jun 2025 at 12:04pm
Drugs policy campaigner whose commitment to harm reduction led him to set up an overdose prevention serviceThe drugs policy campaigner Peter Krykant, who has died suddenly aged 48, advanced the cause of the harm reduction movement through a transformative act of civil disobedience.Fitting out a v...

DWP says transitional payments scheme for those losing Pip ?one of most gener...
18 Jun 2025 at 6:02pm
Department for Work and Pensions publishes text of bill cutting benefits and claims three-month transitional period is ?one of most generous ever?Angela Rayner, the deputy PM, will be taking PMQs shortly. And she will be up against Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary.When Kemi Badenoch became ...

MPs back bill to end criminal penalties for abortion in key vote ? as it happ...
17 Jun 2025 at 8:24pm
Parliament votes on biggest shake-up to reproductive rights in England and Wales in 60 yearsCasey says in the past government has talked relentlessly about the need for better data sharing between departments.But she says there is a need to consider making this mandatory.I was there when the trag...

Cooper says law on rape being tightened so adults cannot use consent as defen...
16 Jun 2025 at 6:01pm
Yvette Cooper tells parliament that Louise Casey audit found some cases were downgraded from rape to lesser charges ?because 13- to 15-year-old is perceived to have consented?Starmer launches new grooming gangs investigationIn his interview on the Sky News this morning Chris Philp, the shadow hom...

For Women Scotland group mulls more legal action after UK supreme court gende...
14 Jun 2025 at 1:36pm
Campaigners say they have spoken to Scottish government about lack of action on prisons and schools guidance amid focus on toiletsFor Women Scotland, the group responsible for April?s landmark supreme court ruling on biological sex, is considering further legal action against the Scottish governm...

?Disastrous?: John Swinney facing SNP backlash after Hamilton byelection loss
12 Jun 2025 at 9:45am
Leader hears demands for a clearer vision focused on independence ahead of next year?s Holyrood electionsSNP activists and senior figures have vented their frustrations at their leader, John Swinney, after a ?disastrous? byelection campaign that saw the party lose a pivotal Holyrood seat to Scott...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

The BBC?s institutional bias
18 Jul 2025 at 2:09pm
Professor Richard Murphy has ended his chances of ever being invited back on BBC Scotland. On Wednesday morning he called out the Corporation’s obvious biases on the issues of Scottish independence, Israel-Palestine, and its constant platforming of right wing views and right wing news framing. During a phone-in on BBC Radio Scotland’s Mornings Show discussing …

Starmer, the Don Quixote of British politics
15 Jul 2025 at 11:48am
In the great novel of classical Spanish literature, Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, widely considered the first modern novel in European literature, the eponymous hero Don Quixote (an older spelling of Quijote which has become established in English ever since the book was first translated into English in 1612, in …

Starmer?s warped priorities only legitimise the far right
11 Jul 2025 at 3:55pm
This week President Emmanuel Macron of France was on a state visit to the UK. With so much going on in the world right now, you might have thought that Macron and Britih Prime Minister Keir Starmer would have had plenty to discuss. There’s the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the chances that war with Iran …

Starmer?s year of lies and betrayals
4 Jul 2025 at 3:43pm
It’s exactly a year since the Labour party under Keir Starmer swept to power in the Westminster general election and won a landslide majority of over 170 seats in the Commons, albeit on a mere 34% of votes cast, such is the distorting effect of the first past the post system. In fact, fewer people …

The importance of wording: ?nationalism? vs ?unionism? and ?welfare? vs ?soci...
30 Jun 2025 at 8:33pm
Language is important, and the choices we make with words can have an important and even decisive influence on how we understand and perceive a topic. As a linguist and a lover of words and language I am acutely aware of how important it is to choose the correct words when discussing an issue, although …

Some good news for a change
27 Jun 2025 at 11:54am
In an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world in which the far right is on the rise, and war and death stalk increasingly large parts of the globe, it’s nice to be able to report a hopeful development for a change. God knows we need it. Democratic primaries in an American mayoral contest are not generally …

My mum
21 Jun 2025 at 2:45am
The inevitable has happened. On Friday evening my mum lost her battle with cancer. The past three weeks have been really tough on her and on my whole family. As I sit here trying to wrap my head around the new reality in which I find myself, with my mother, confidante, and biggest fan and …

The Scottish languages bill
19 Jun 2025 at 5:03pm
The Scottish Parliament has unanimously passed the Scottish Languages Bill. The bill will pass into law once it receives the formality of royal consent. The bill makes Gaelic and Scots official languages in Scotland and also introduces measures aimed at boosting the use and development of both languages. Making Gaelic and Scots legally the official …

My mum, an update
15 Jun 2025 at 4:33pm
I thought I should give an update on my mum. It’s fair to say that this past week has been the hardest our family has faced. My mum wasn’t just mother to myself and my brother and sisters, she also stepped in to look after her brother and sisters after her own mother died tragically …

Thoughts on that by election
8 Jun 2025 at 12:23pm
My mum is not doing any better. She’s not really conscious any more. They are giving her strong painkillers and sedatives to keep her comfortable but are no longer giving her any other treatment. We are going to see her this afternoon. I fear it’s only a matter of time now until she passes away. …

The Courier

[CaRP] Can't open remote newsfeed [403].
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 [Collective]

Mull cafe owner?s mass protest turnout threatened by nearly 90% of 2 800 loca...
18 Jul 2025 at 5:52pm
Professor John Robertson OBA From the Scotsman, six days ago, the above and: A protest will be held this weekend on the Isle of Mull over the state of the lifeline ferry service, with Scottish ministers accused of not ?listening?. The Mull and Iona Ferry Committee announced it is planning a mass demonstration protesting the state of the ferry service to Mull and Iona. The demonstration will tak...

English water boards typically release harmful pollution between 47 (4.7 pro ...
18 Jul 2025 at 4:18pm
Professor John Robertson OBA From BBC Science & Environment today, the above and: Serious pollution incidents by water companies have risen 60% in a year, according to the Environment Agency. In total there were 2,801 pollution incidents in England in 2024, the highest on record, compared with 2,174 in 2023. Of these, 75 were considered to pose “serious or persistent” harm to fisheries, drinkin...

So in England, Alexander Dennis does NOT have to ?adhere to (such) advanced F...
18 Jul 2025 at 12:00pm
By stewartb Some further background on Labour and ?buses?: From Hansard volume 760: Commons debate on Economic Growth, 21 January 2025 Rachel Reeves (Labour, Chancellor of the Exchequer): ?A number of local authorities and, indeed, Labour mayors have raised with me bus procurement and the importance of buses for the local economy. I look forward to working with them, particularly David Skaith i...

Where political parties are open to accepting donations from various sources,...
18 Jul 2025 at 11:53am
Liz S Where political parties are open to accepting donations from various sources, the question is , what do those who donate large amounts to a political party expect in return ? Like say for example a Private Healthcare company ? As in one who donates to a Shadow Health Secretary , who is a member of the UK official opposition party , where it is , via polling, anticipated that they as the o...

Disgraced former BBC Scotland chief reveals anti-democratic sentiments in lin...
18 Jul 2025 at 9:02am
Professor John Robertson OBA John Boothman, was moved aside from BBC Scotland Head of News in 2015, after bullying Zoe MacDonald, a BBC Scotland camerawoman, the daughter of Margo MacDonald SNP MSP and icon. He was/is married to Susan Deacon, a former Labour MSP and Health Minister at Holyrood and is said to have offered media training to Labour Party wannabe politicians.  Now a regular gammon ...

Can the PM assure the workers that he believes bus manufacturing should have ...
17 Jul 2025 at 8:55pm
By Liz S So I am a tad confused or rather quite befuddled??.. Brian Leishman Labour MP for Alloa & Grangemouth is reported to now be suspended from the Labour party this afternoon ?over breaching party discipline? Yet only earlier today Leishman posted a tweet, together with a linked video, that showed him feeding a line to his -then- leader Keir Starmer at today?s PMQ?s to then allow his -then...

Scotland?s roads have less than half the collision rate of the UK
17 Jul 2025 at 8:42pm
stewartb For broader context: UK Government. Department of Transport (Last updated December 19, 2024) Road safety statistics: data tables ? ?Detailed statistics about reported personal injury road collisions for Great Britain, vehicles and casualties involved.? Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain#ge...

As 224 English local authorities submit unaudited accounts based on ?dodgy da...
17 Jul 2025 at 6:43pm
Professor John Robertson OBA Thanks to Brian McGowan for alerting me to this: From the Canary factchecker today: The National Audit Office (NAO) has declined to sign off on the accuracy of the UK government?s national accounts for a second time, citing widespread unreliability in, and lack of, data supplied by local councils. The crux of the issue lies in the backlog of local authority audits, ...

A77 injury collisions plummet to only a third of level 8 years ago
17 Jul 2025 at 1:25pm
Professor John Robertson OBA I’m a regular A77 user and I strongly empathise with the calls for more dualling and bypassing on what is the very busy main Belfast to Glasgow route but road safety statistics do not seem to be a strong argument for that. From A75 and A77 road traffic accident statistics: FOI release, published today, we see a clear and steady decline in injury collisions, interrup...

Scottish airports have lower drop-off charges than most in England
17 Jul 2025 at 9:15am
Professor John Robertson OBA Top story in Scotland, above, the sad ‘on list‘ claim for drop-off charges at airports. In England: Clearly less of a concern and yet: Do Scotland, Glasgow or Edinburgh feature in the report? Only in the above table. Sad, sad.

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes - BBC
18 Jul 2025 at 1:25pm
John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes  BBC

John Swinney vows to ?turn up heat? on UK Government over independence - The ...
18 Jul 2025 at 8:13pm
John Swinney vows to ?turn up heat? on UK Government over independence  The Telegraph

John Swinney to 'turn heat up' on UK to force second independence referendum ...
18 Jul 2025 at 9:58am
John Swinney to 'turn heat up' on UK to force second independence referendum  The Herald

John Swinney sets out 3-point plan for fresh independence push - TheNational....
18 Jul 2025 at 5:03am
John Swinney sets out 3-point plan for fresh independence push  TheNational.scot

In the UK, Scottish independence and Irish reunification have lost their appe...
10 Jan 2025 at 8:00am
In the UK, Scottish independence and Irish reunification have lost their appeal  Le Monde.fr

Scottish independence poll 2025 - Statista
23 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish independence poll 2025  Statista

Europeans would welcome an independent Scotland into the EU - YouGov /Research
15 Jul 2025 at 8:44am
Europeans would welcome an independent Scotland into the EU  YouGov /Research

In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland indepen...
3 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland independence referendum  ConstitutionNet

Starmer says no independence referendum while he is prime minister - BBC
3 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
Starmer says no independence referendum while he is prime minister  BBC

Is Scottish independence inevitable? The relationship between birth cohort an...
18 Apr 2025 at 8:00am
Is Scottish independence inevitable? The relationship between birth cohort and secessionism in Scotland.  Centre on Constitutional Change

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes - BBC
18 Jul 2025 at 1:25pm
John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes  BBC

Scottish Labour spent 3 times more than SNP at last General Election - TheNat...
18 Jul 2025 at 12:19pm
Scottish Labour spent 3 times more than SNP at last General Election  TheNational.scot

Swinney unveils renewed independence strategy as support for Scotland joining...
18 Jul 2025 at 6:05pm
Swinney unveils renewed independence strategy as support for Scotland joining EU grows across Europe  Tamil Guardian

John Swinney vows to ?turn up heat? on UK Government over independence - The ...
18 Jul 2025 at 8:13pm
John Swinney vows to ?turn up heat? on UK Government over independence  The Telegraph

Ten years to make indy the settled will: Can the SNP do it? - The Herald
18 Jul 2025 at 6:33am
Ten years to make indy the settled will: Can the SNP do it?  The Herald

SNP out in front in Scotland as Starmer?s satisfaction ratings fall - Ipsos
1 Jul 2025 at 8:00am
SNP out in front in Scotland as Starmer?s satisfaction ratings fall  Ipsos

Labour outspent SNP by more than three times at general election - The Times
17 Jul 2025 at 9:13pm
Labour outspent SNP by more than three times at general election  The Times

Phylodynamic assessment of SNP distances from whole genome sequencing for det...
28 Mar 2025 at 7:00am
Phylodynamic assessment of SNP distances from whole genome sequencing for determining Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission | Scientific Reports  Nature

SNP to "learn lessons" as Labour wins crucial by-election - BBC
6 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
SNP to "learn lessons" as Labour wins crucial by-election  BBC

Nearly 3000 new fast broadband connections made in the Borders in last year -...
17 Jul 2025 at 5:00pm
Nearly 3000 new fast broadband connections made in the Borders in last year  Border Telegraph

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes - BBC
18 Jul 2025 at 1:25pm
John Swinney's independence pitch could be key to SNP fortunes  BBC

John Swinney to 'turn heat up' on UK to force second independence referendum ...
18 Jul 2025 at 9:58am
John Swinney to 'turn heat up' on UK to force second independence referendum  The Herald

Michael Gove 'in agreement' with SNP leader John Swinney over independence - BBC
17 May 2025 at 8:00am
Michael Gove 'in agreement' with SNP leader John Swinney over independence  BBC

Swinney pledges to push for second referendum - Morning Star | The People?s D...
18 Jul 2025 at 3:34pm
Swinney pledges to push for second referendum  Morning Star | The People?s Daily

In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland indepen...
3 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland independence referendum  ConstitutionNet

Scottish independence poll 2025 - Statista
23 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish independence poll 2025  Statista

Why Alberta?s push for independence pales in comparison to Scotland?s in 2014...
27 May 2025 at 8:00am
Why Alberta?s push for independence pales in comparison to Scotland?s in 2014  The Conversation

In the UK, Scottish independence and Irish reunification have lost their appe...
10 Jan 2025 at 8:00am
In the UK, Scottish independence and Irish reunification have lost their appeal  Le Monde.fr

John Swinney pledges to focus on independence ahead of 2026 Holyrood election...
18 Jul 2025 at 10:57am
John Swinney pledges to focus on independence ahead of 2026 Holyrood election  Daily Record

Is Scottish independence inevitable? The relationship between birth cohort an...
18 Apr 2025 at 8:00am
Is Scottish independence inevitable? The relationship between birth cohort and secessionism in Scotland.  Centre on Constitutional Change