The Herald

The Herald | Politics


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.


'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.


Anas Sarwar set to resign as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham's go...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
21 Jul 2026 at 7:18pm
Anas Sarwar is set to resign as leader of Scottish Labour to take up a post in the revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.


Inside Burnham?s gamble on Douglas Alexander after Labour?s Holyrood disaster
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
21 Jul 2026 at 12:42pm
Douglas Alexander survived Andy Burnham?s Cabinet reshuffle despite criticism over Scottish Labour?s Holyrood campaign. Here?s why he stayed.


Burnham to Swinney: 'We'll have to agree to disagree on independence'
21 Jul 2026 at 10:19am
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told First Minister John Swinney they will have to ?agree to disagree? on independence in a call on Tuesday, a UK Government source said.


Swinney raises independence referendum in first call with Burnham
21 Jul 2026 at 9:15am
First Minister John Swinney has invited the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to visit north of the border ?at the earliest opportunity? in a call on Tuesday where Mr Swinney raised the issue of Scottish independence.


Employment and unemployment in Scotland both up in latest ONS figures
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
21 Jul 2026 at 8:18am
Both employment and unemployment have risen in Scotland in the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics


Burnham faces questions over funding for £850m VAT cut on electricity bills
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
21 Jul 2026 at 8:10am
Andy Burnham has cut VAT on domestic electricity bills to zero from October, saving households around £45 a year but his first major policy as Prime Minister is already under pressure over how the £850 million cost will be met.


Scottish aerospace and defence sectors contribute £2.3bn a year to economy
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
21 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scotland's aerospace and defence sectors contribute a combined £2.3 billion to the economy and support 24,000 jobs, yet trade body ADS warns the industries remain politically marginalised.


Burnham keeps Alexander in Scotland Office as he makes sweeping changes to Ca...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
20 Jul 2026 at 9:10pm
Andy Burnham has overhauled Labour's top team in a sweeping first-day reshuffle, making John Healey Chancellor, returning Louise Haigh and Angela Rayner to Cabinet, and leaving Douglas Alexander in the Scotland Office despite speculation of a promotion.


John Healey made Chancellor as Burnham stages show of Labour unity
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
20 Jul 2026 at 6:20pm
John Healey has been appointed Chancellor by Andy Burnham after days of Labour infighting.


Burnham's tax tweak is good for Scottish workers but bad for Scottish ministers
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
20 Jul 2026 at 5:11pm
Andy Burnham has hinted at unfreezing the £12,570 personal allowance. But a quirk of Scotland's tax structure means any rise could quietly widen Holyrood's already severe budget gap.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Andy Burnham must not tax his way to growth, Scots finance leader warns
22 Jul 2026 at 6:00am

New PM should give firms ?breathing space? says leading business figure

It came as concerns were raised about his new Energy Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh

The move will send shockwaves through the party north of the border

Electricity bills will be VAT free from October 1

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates? Court on Tuesday over the death of Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister.

There had been speculation Mr Alexander could be replaced

We now know who will be setting the political agenda in the months to come.

The two leaders spoke for the first time since the Prime Minister took office over on the phone on Tuesday morning.

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

Swinney says Scottish and UK relations 'haemorrhaged' with Douglas Alexander
22 Jul 2026 at 1:38pm
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.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar set to become a minister in Burnham's gove...
22 Jul 2026 at 10:22am
It would mean Sarwar leaving the Scottish Parliament and his leader role, then taking up 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Scot Goes Pop

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...

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...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

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

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'

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

'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.

'What happens next for Scottish Labour after the resignation of Anas Sarwar?'
21 Jul 2026 at 8:23pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon, who broke the story of Anas Sarwar's resignation, says a divisive leadership contest is in the offing.

Anas Sarwar to quit as Scottish Labour leader to take role in Andy Burnham Go...
21 Jul 2026 at 7:08pm
EXCLUSIVE: The Record can exclusively reveal the Glasgow MSP will take up a job in the new Government.

'The first phone call between Andy Burnham and John Swinney shows trouble is ...
21 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
In an analysis, Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the two leaders have differences that cannot be reconciled.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham 'slapped down' John Swinney over call for indyref2
21 Jul 2026 at 9:26am
EXCLUSIVE: A source said Burnham did not waver on a second independence referendum.

John Swinney raises indyref2 in first conversation with new Prime Minister An...
21 Jul 2026 at 9:13am
A statement by the SNP Government suggested a cordial chat took place between the two leaders.

Andy Burnham RECAP as Cabinet takes shape with Miliband, Rayner, Streeting an...
20 Jul 2026 at 11:02pm
Andy Burnham marked his first day as Prime Minister today after meeting the King.

Former Yes Scotland chief executive criticises X post making fun of 'missing ...
20 Jul 2026 at 4:21pm
The statement was issued by Aamer Anwar, who is representing former Yes Scotland CEO Blair Jenkins.

The National

The National | Politics

Donald Trump's war with Iran is unravelling fast and it's bad news for us all
22 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

THE phrase ?bomb them back to the Stone Age? is generally attributed to US Air Force general Curtis LeMay. He made the threat in the 1960s in reference to the Vietnamese against whom the US was waging a bloody but ultimately unsuccessful war ...

Commonwealth Games 'huge opportunity to showcase best of Scotland', Swinney says
22 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

THE Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide Scotland with a ?huge opportunity? to showcase the best the country has to offer on the world stage, John Swinney has said ahead of the opening ceremony ...

All the signs point to another UK Labour Government that insults Scotland
22 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

THE UK is on its seventh prime minister in 10 years. The average term in office for a British prime minister is less than a year and two months. Most of us have items tucked away at the back of the larder which have lasted longer than that and which are still good and useful, which is something you can?t say for the average British prime minister.

Spirit of hate must be countered before more vital services are forced to close
22 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

THE room is a large lecture theatre. Outside it?s 36 degrees in the heart and heat of the Italian summer. From 8.30am to 6.30pm, I?ll be in this room or the shopping centre next door where you can grab a coffee. I?m working. There are the usual serried rows of flip-down seats and long rows of desks.

Labour panned for ?lording it over Scotland? as parties slam peerage for Anas...
21 Jul 2026 at 9:25pm

LABOUR have been slammed for ?pulling the most undemocratic trick in the Westminster book? by reportedly planning to give Anas Sarwar a peerage so he can join Andy Burnham?s UK Government ...

Who will replace Anas Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader? The runners and riders
21 Jul 2026 at 8:17pm

WITH Anas Sarwar set to resign and join Andy Burnham's government in Westminster, who is likely to take over the reins in Holyrood?

Anas Sarwar to quit as Scottish Labour leader and join Andy Burnham's Government
21 Jul 2026 at 7:55pm

ANAS Sarwar is set to quit as Scottish Labour leader and become a minister in Andy Burnham's UK Government, according to reports ...

What exactly is the problem with our MSPs being landlords?
21 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

I WAS puzzled by the headline in Friday?s National ?Revealed: MSPs? earnings from properties? and the accompanying two-page detailed account of the property interests of Scotland?s MSPs. I assume this information was trawled from the freely available MSP declarations of interest, a task which could be carried out by anyone with an hour or two to spare.

We need your help to make the case for a citizens? convention
21 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

AS readers of and contributors to the National Conversation, I?d like to invite you to a revolution.

There are more than two options open to the Yes campaign
21 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

PETER A Bell (Letters, Jul 19) makes a powerful case: the Section 30 process is a dead end; Westminster holds a veto; a de facto referendum risks a contested, inconclusive result; and independence ultimately requires an act of Scottish self-assertion.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

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

'My work is done?, says Keir Starmer in final address as PM
20 Jul 2026 at 12:39pm
The outgoing prime minister delivered his final address to the nation this morning as he makes way for the incoming Andy Burnham

Jack McConnell: Andy Burnham should insist on Scottish Labour election review
20 Jul 2026 at 1:00am
Former first minister gives exclusive interview to Holyrood

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

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

Meet The New Boss
22 Jul 2026 at 10:05am
By Mark E. Saunders of ?The Scottish Minuteman? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61575625542197 Standing on the steps of Downing Street after becoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham presented himself as the leader of a fresh start and a different kind of politics. But how many times have we heard those same promises made on the same steps of Number 10, only to see them quietly abandoned a...

Utterly stupid scaremongering headline on knife crime from BBC Scotland?s Dav...
22 Jul 2026 at 9:47am
From BBC Scotland today: Three senseless killings in the space of six months, all involving teenagers and bladed weapons, have raised concern over youth-related knife crime in Scotland to a level not seen for many years. The deaths of Amen Teklay, Kayden Moy and John McNab last year left many wondering whether the country was going backwards to the shameful time when Scotland endured one of the...

Burnham only to cap local routes but Swinney?s 103 miles, 4 hour, Wick to Inv...
22 Jul 2026 at 9:10am
From Cheaper bus travel for Highland communities published yesterday: People across the Highlands and Islands are set to benefit from more affordable public transport as £2 capped bus fares are rolled out this month. The pilot will significantly cut fares across the Highland network and is one of a range of measures the Scottish Government is taking to support households hit by rising everyday ...

Your world today is quite different than the one BBC Scotland constructs for you
21 Jul 2026 at 7:02pm
Four out of seven top stories might suggest you live in an increasingly violent world in Scotland today but things have changed, a lot, after nearly 20 years of centre-left/protecting public services as opposed to centre-right/cutting public services, politics. 2. youth violence 3. Rape 4. Child abuse 5. Domestic abuse

The SNP will not make your holiday flight more expensive just the rich in pri...
21 Jul 2026 at 3:25pm
Sources – https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/21/this-is-a-complete-lie-snp-will-not-make-your-holiday-flight-more-expensive-but-only-the-12-000-private-jet-flights-a-year-by-the-likes-of-bill-gates-donald-trump-and-footballers-like-jens-hjerto-d/

News of Andy Burnhams?s new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed in Scotlan...
21 Jul 2026 at 3:20pm
Ed Miliband is Labour’s new UK Government Foreign Secretary. Some of us remember his threat to try to put us off voting Yes in 2024. Sadly, it may have worked for some. Things have changed. We need a hard border and we’ll put the Black Watch on the border. Why? Full text with sources of evidence for all of the above at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/page/2/?s=border

?Scottish food and drink exports six-times England per head?? Really, why don...
21 Jul 2026 at 3:11pm
Only 4 days ago, the Herald’s token capable journo had the above. On the 30th May 2025, he had this below. Both came and went in a matter of hours and today, there is no trace of this narrative in the Herald: What about the rest of the media operating in Scotland? Just the Herald. Ask ‘BBC Scotland food exports?’ Mustn’t be in the public interest or I feel sure they’d tell us. ?

The Great Over-achievers ? Only 10% of the population but 35% of the wins bet...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:30pm
How many international football matches between England and Scotland have each won? England have won 49, Scotland have won 41, with 26 draws, for a total of 116 matches (as of the latest data from 2023). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England%E2%80%93Scotland_football_rivalry This is the all-time head-to-head record for official senior international matches between the two teams (the oldest inte...

In Scotland 29 charities benefit by more than £6 000 pa from funds recovered ...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:28pm
From Proceeds of Crime and Asset Recovery data for 2025/26: FOI release published today data equivalent to that compiled in FOIs 202600505817 and 202600505933 for the years 2025/26. https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202600516318/ The funds raised in England & Wales are disproportionally higher, more than twice per head of population mainly due to the concentration of financial crime and its...

This is a complete lie ? SNP will NOT make your holiday flight more expensive...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:26pm
The Express is pushing the above. It’s a complete misrepresentation of the facts. The Scottish Government is introducing Air Departure Tax (ADT) from April 2027 as Scotland’s replacement for UK Air Passenger Duty (APD). It will initially match UK APD rates for all flights, including commercial/holiday ones. Then, from April 2028, they’ll add a Private Jet Supplement that raises taxes specifical...

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

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

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

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

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

Police inquiry into Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim - BBC
7 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Police inquiry into Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim  BBC

Burnham and Swinney ?agree to disagree? on constitution - Morning Star | The ...
21 Jul 2026 at 3:05pm
Burnham and Swinney ?agree to disagree? on constitution  Morning Star | The People?s Daily

Prime Minister to focus on ?practical measures, not constitutional changes? f...
21 Jul 2026 at 11:03am
Prime Minister to focus on ?practical measures, not constitutional changes? for Scotland  Holyrood Website

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Why Andy Burnham can succeed on rough sleeping where the SNP have failed ? Ja...
21 Jul 2026 at 4:45pm
Why Andy Burnham can succeed on rough sleeping where the SNP have failed ? Jackie Baillie  The Scotsman

Activist admits SNP DOESN'T have indyref2 mandate as issue off the table unti...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:30pm
Activist admits SNP DOESN'T have indyref2 mandate as issue off the table until 2040  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

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

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

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

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

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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