The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Scots peer draws response from UK minister amid concern over SME finance
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
Lord Stockwood responds to concern raised by Labour peer Catherine MacLeod over access to finance for small businesses in Scotland


Former Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain to become a judge
2 Jul 2026 at 4:42pm
Former Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC has been appointed as a judge and will take up her new role in January.


Inside story: What's behind Sir Mark's resignation as chair of troubled HES?
2 Jul 2026 at 4:05pm
The Scottish Government's heritage agency Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is searching for a new chair after Sir Mark Jones resigned after just nine months.


Video shows students storming out of graduation ceremony at ancient university
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
2 Jul 2026 at 3:16pm
A video posted to social media shows around half a dozen graduates leaving the university?s first ceremony of the summer on Wednesday.


Glasgow company questioned over 'Russian shadow fleet' tanker connection
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
2 Jul 2026 at 3:00pm
A Glasgow-based shipping company has been questioned after a ship allegedly linked to Russia's shadow fleet docked in Europe for maintenance


Greens unveil candidates for Edinburgh by-elections following SNP resignations
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
2 Jul 2026 at 10:47am
Isabella Gastel Alejandre and Lorenzo Martinico will stand for the progressive party in Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards, respectively. 


Respected boss of troubled heritage agency steps down after less than year in...
2 Jul 2026 at 9:03am
The government's troubled heritage agency Historic Environment Scotland is seeking a new chair after Sir Mark Jones confirmed his resignation - stepping down from the role more than three years early.


Commons: 'No concerns raised' about Murrell stealing taxpayer money
by Craig Meighan
2 Jul 2026 at 6:34am
The Electoral Commission also said there was no evidence Murrell misused public funds


Should Glasgow have a mayor? Pressure grows on John Swinney to reconsider stance
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, says a Glasgow metro mayor could help deliver major infrastructure projects such as Clyde Metro and the Clyde Tunnel


Can Scottish Government tackle major business concern in first 100 days?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
2 Jul 2026 at 4:32am
The Scottish Government has pledged to 'urgently' address business rates concern - but will it be enough?


£18bn North Sea investment at risk from bad Government policy choices
by mark.williamson@newsquest.co.uk | Mark Williamson
2 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Expert report highlights importance of decisions next prime minister will make about North Sea tax and regulatory regimes


Scots defence industry 'can benefit' from closer EU UK security co-operation
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scotland's defence industry can benefit through closer co-operation between the European Union and the UK, according to the EU's ambassador to the UK.


Glasgow Reform MSP accused of 'racist' politics during council meeting
1 Jul 2026 at 4:40pm
A Glasgow MSP and his party have been accused of racist politics and singling out communities over crimes.


Analysis: What's behind Kenneth Gibson's crack down on Holyrood remote working?
1 Jul 2026 at 3:56pm
What is behind the crackdown on remote working by the new Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson?

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


UK set to push on with dropping hourly fee for coastguard volunteers
2 Jul 2026 at 4:45pm

Maritime minister Keir Mather said in a Commons debate that the ?risks? around worker status remain ?irrespective? of when the cut off happens.

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert said her birth mother spent time in one of the institutions for unmarried pregnant women and girls.

Bosses at the troubled heritage quango are recruiting a new chair with ?experience of promoting and embedding a positive and inclusive culture? and ?relationship management?.

Despite several options for developing geothermal energy in Scotland, the Scottish Government says it has no plans to progress this.

Labour MP Richard Baker said the Navantia yard in Methil, Fife should be given a new Ministry of Defence contract to build huge dry docks for the UK?s nuclear submarine fleet.

Industry chiefs have warned the UK?s energy security is being put at risk by relying on maintaining gas imports while banning North Sea oil and gas drilling.

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

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

The Joy of Resistance
6 Jun 2026 at 9:51am

Just a quick note to say that I am very aware that lately I have been rather bitter, which is not good for anybody, especially me. The disappointments and state outrages have been no worse than usual; my frustration at my poor health, and the subsequent constraint of my ability to fight back, has rather …

The Joy of Resistance

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland
28 May 2026 at 7:50am

I went through yesterday’s preliminary hearing in the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action with a sense of mounting horror. We had the same judge as at the permission hearing, Lord Young. We had exactly the same arguments and the same case law being deployed again by the UK government as at …

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland

BBC Scotland

Burnham showed 'lack of knowledge' about Scotland - Swinney
1 Jul 2026 at 12:07pm
The first minister has criticised the Labour MP after he suggested power north of the border was too centralised.

What does the Royal Navy's drone warship plan mean for Scotland?
1 Jul 2026 at 6:15am
The UK government's long-awaited defence spending plans are out, but is it good or bad news for Scottish shipbuilders?

Charges for hate crimes in Scotland soar to record high
30 Jun 2026 at 11:55am
A total of 7,115 charges with at least one element of hate crime were recorded in 2025-26.

Andy Burnham vows to decentralise power in Scotland
29 Jun 2026 at 2:18pm
The Labour MP, who is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, said he wants to take power away from devolved parliaments and empower communities.

Scottish Labour's election 'disaster' due to unpopular PM - Lennon
28 Jun 2026 at 12:43pm
Former Labour MSP Monica Lennon says voters could not get beyond Keir Starmer's unpopularity.

Scottish Parliament restores online gender search for MSPs
29 Jun 2026 at 5:45pm
Visitors to the Holyrood website are able to search for parliamentarians by their sex and trans status.

King urges MSPs to help build a 'fair and prosperous society'
27 Jun 2026 at 1:13pm
The ceremony, which featured pageantry, poetry, drama and music, marked the beginning of the seventh session of Holyrood.

Ferries agency pays in full for unfinished CalMac ships built in Turkey
26 Jun 2026 at 3:31pm
CMAL has taken legal ownership of three ships as the shipyard faces economic challenges.

SNP whistleblowers were 'intimidated' for raising finance concerns
25 Jun 2026 at 6:23pm
Cynthia Guthrie and Allison Graham said they had been blocked from carrying out their jobs auditing the party's finances.

Scottish government rejects £2bn hospital replacement plans
26 Jun 2026 at 4:20pm
The health secretary said the Scottish government was unable to approve the plans in the current financial climate.

Why is the King opening the Scottish Parliament during summer recess?
26 Jun 2026 at 6:20am
King Charles and Queen Camilla will be at Holyrood on Saturday to mark the official start of the 7th session of the Scottish Parliament.

Big changes proposed to reduce Scotland's prison population
26 Jun 2026 at 7:25am
The changes would see fewer criminals jailed and hundreds of prisoners get out of jail earlier in an attempt to tackle the prisons overcrowding crisis.

Scot Goes Pop

"IS THAT IT, ANDY?!" Only a 2% Burnham bounce for Labour with YouGov, as SNP ...
1 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Burnham in danger of making government from Manchester as remote...

King of the South: Andy Burnham will make rule from Manchester as detested in...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:42am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Yet another poll suggests Burnham surge is a damp squib - SNP do...

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

By-election sensation as SNP *gain* seat in Aberdeen - John Swinney's party a...
27 Jun 2026 at 8:40pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Scotland immune to Burnham effect? SNP buoyed by stellar subsamp...

Scotland immune to Burnham effect? SNP buoyed by stellar subsample result in ...
26 Jun 2026 at 9:27am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Andy Burnham's plan to rip up the Barnett Formula means he is ri...

How it is still mathematically possible for Scotland to qualify for the secon...
25 Jun 2026 at 2:12pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Andy Burnham's plan to rip up the Barnett Formula means he is ri...

REVEALED: Andy Burnham wants to rip up "The Vow", making a second independenc...
24 Jun 2026 at 3:47am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Grim news for Labour, but good cheer for the SNP, in first poll ...

Grim news for Labour, but good cheer for the SNP, in first poll of the Burnha...
23 Jun 2026 at 2:27pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister has made Scottish i...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Starmer must say what he will cut to fund £15bn defence rise, SNP says
2 Jul 2026 at 6:57am
Dave Doogan, the party?s Westminster leader, warned the PM's 'unfunded' plans could take 'vital' money away from schools and hospitals

Westminster asks Holyrood about joint inquiry into SNP Murrell scandal
1 Jul 2026 at 5:25pm
The Scottish Affairs Committee is writing to MSPs in a bid to work together

Former MSP to face trial accused of causing crashes while drink-driving
1 Jul 2026 at 2:33pm
Colin Smyth, 53, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday

Starmer accuses SNP of ?pretending? not to know about Peter Murrell crimes
1 Jul 2026 at 1:45pm
Murrell was jailed for five years and three months for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Swinney rejects Burnham?s claim Scots feel distant from Holyrood
1 Jul 2026 at 10:56am
The First Minister accused the Labour leadership hopeful of trying to ?lecture? him and described his comments as ?polemics?

Nigel Farage declares £270,000 payment for promoting gold bullion
30 Jun 2026 at 8:23pm
This is Farage's single biggest payment for work outside his role as an MP.

Cancer patients ?waiting longer than they should? as treatment targets missed
30 Jun 2026 at 1:39pm
No health board in Scotland achieved the goal of having 95% of patients urgently referred start their treatment within two months

Energy and road projects axed to fund £15bn defence investment plan
30 Jun 2026 at 1:22pm
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had to be prepared for war

Asylum seekers to pay £10,000 towards cost of accommodation and support
30 Jun 2026 at 6:51am
Under new plans, asylum seekers will have to pay off the full amount before they can be eligible for settled status

What does Andy Burnham?s vision mean for Scotland?
29 Jun 2026 at 6:13pm
Labour's newest MP has called for Westminster's powers to be decentralised and expand devolution

How is Andy Burnham planning to ?fix politics??
29 Jun 2026 at 4:05pm
The likely next prime minister has said "Westminster is broken" and vowed to "do things differently".

Scottish Government failed to provide legally required health checks for arou...
29 Jun 2026 at 2:17pm
The Health and Safety Executive found that the Government made two breaches linked to statutory health surveillance of staff

First Minister John Swinney opens Glasgow?s first walk-in GP service
29 Jun 2026 at 1:01pm
The Cardonald Centre is the ninth practice opened across the country

Andy Burnham won?t take questions after speech setting out vision
29 Jun 2026 at 10:57am
The senior Labour politician is on course to become prime minister in three weeks? time

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Scots MP holds back tears as she describes experience of being adopted
2 Jul 2026 at 3:19pm
The MP for Edinburgh North and Leith welcomed Keir Starmer's decision to issue a formal apology for the historic forced adoption of babies from unmarried mothers.

Barlinnie prisoners locked up for '23 hours a day' in 'degrading' conditions ...
2 Jul 2026 at 1:51pm
The SNP Government has been warned it lacks a "coherent" strategy for dealing with the overcrowding crisis in jails, despite releasing hundreds of prisoners early.

Peter Murrell scandal risks making Scottish Parliament 'laughing stock' if in...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: A Scottish political veteran said he "really resented" the damage being done to Holyrood's reputation by the fall-out from the Murrell affair.

Scotland's most sinister Nazi groups unmasked as followers recruited on socia...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Investigations by the Daily Record have unmasked several facist groups operating in Scotland.

Prosecutors deny Sturgeon was spared 'embarrassment' after women's items dele...
1 Jul 2026 at 3:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: One of the first complainers in the Branchform case said it "beggars belief" the items were not removed to spare the former SNP leader's blushes.

Keir Starmer accuses SNP of 'pretending' to know nothing about Peter Murrell ...
1 Jul 2026 at 1:39pm
The Prime Minister claimed Nationalists "couldn't even see the motorhome parked in the driveway".

John Swinney insists Glasgow is 'looking great' as city prepares to host 2026...
1 Jul 2026 at 12:09pm
Several parts of Glasgow city centre are currently undergoing significant renovation works which were signed-off before the Commonwealth Games were relocated to Scotland at short notice.

Scotland's generous universal benefits 'affordable' despite £5bn blackhole
1 Jul 2026 at 7:29am
EXCLUSIVE: Ivan McKee insisted the Scottish Government can reduce public sector headcount without the need for compulsory redundancies.

Scots shipyards face competing with each other to secure UK Government naval ...
30 Jun 2026 at 5:00pm
Some industry experts fear a return to the 1990s when yards in Scotland were forced into competition with those in England, with job losses the inevitable outcome, says Chris McCall

Higher defence spending must secure shipbuilding jobs in Scotland, UK Governm...
30 Jun 2026 at 2:35pm
Defence experts warned there were now "question marks" over the future of Scottish shipbuilding after it was confirmed a new fleet of destroyers would not be built.

The National

The National | Politics

Andy Burnham mocked for rating AI-generated posters for No 10 North
2 Jul 2026 at 3:31pm

ANDY Burnham has been mocked online after posting a video of himself rating AI-generated images of his proposed No 10 North headquarters ? with accusing the Labour leadership frontrunner of "posting reaction TikToks to AI slop" while dodging questions on policy

Fresh bid to ban campervans on NC500 except in designated areas
2 Jul 2026 at 3:18pm

A PETITION calling for campervans to be banned outside of designated zones in Scotland has been relaunched after MSPs were forced to reject it last term due to a lack of parliamentary time.

UK Government rules out letting pubs open late for England-Mexico World Cup game
2 Jul 2026 at 1:04pm

THE UK Government has rejected calls for a blanket extension to licensing hours to allow England fans to watch the team?s next World Cup game in the pub ...

Labour 'putting Scotland's NHS at risk' with US-UK medicines deal, SNP say
2 Jul 2026 at 12:56pm

LABOUR are putting Scotland's NHS at risk, the SNP have said, after a report warned of 229,000 excess deaths under a US-UK medicines deal ...

Councillors applaud as Reform MSP called out for 'racism'
2 Jul 2026 at 12:41pm

A REFORM MSP and his party have been accused of ?racist? politics and singling out communities over crime ...

Fascist-style demonstrations in Scottish cities 'reminiscent of Hitler', expe...
2 Jul 2026 at 12:40pm

FAR-RIGHT activists have staged fascist-style demonstrations in Scotland?s two biggest cities which an expert has said are ?reminiscent of how Hitler staged National Socialism? ...

Economic expert debunks Jacob Rees-Mogg's 'criminally misleading' devolution ...
2 Jul 2026 at 12:22pm

AN economist has accused Jacob Rees-Mogg of using a ?criminally misleading? chart to attack Labour?s devolution plans, arguing the Tory grandee?s graph misrepresents how much Scotland's economy has grown compared to England's.

UK-US drug deal could result in 220,000 avoidable deaths in England, analysis...
2 Jul 2026 at 11:13am

THERE could be more than 200,000 avoidable deaths in England with billions diverted from essential services to pay for new medicines to complete the terms of the UK-US trade deal, new analysis has found ...

Labour minister claims 'antisemitism' as Jeremy Corbyn raises illegal Israeli...
2 Jul 2026 at 11:08am

A HOME Office minister has been blasted after suggesting former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn used antisemitic language while condemning the construction of illegal Israeli settlements across the West Bank

Nigel Farage owns £4 million property empire with partner, records show
2 Jul 2026 at 10:20am

NIGEL Farage and his partner have managed to build a property empire worth more than £4 million, it has emerged.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Lisa Nandy announces government department will leave X
2 Jul 2026 at 6:38pm
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is the second to do so

Swinney ?running scared? of inquiry into Murrell scandal
2 Jul 2026 at 6:14pm
Tory MSP Tim Eagle, a member of the standards committee, urged the Scottish Affairs Committee to carry out its own investigation

Anti-torture group calls for ?coherent strategy? to address overcrowding in S...
2 Jul 2026 at 6:03pm
A?human rights organisation?has published a report calling for a ?coherent strategy? to address overcrowding in Scottish prisons

Murrell scandal: MPs call on Holyrood committees to help investigate
1 Jul 2026 at 5:50pm
Scottish Affairs Committee decides next steps

ScotlandIS appoints new chief executive
1 Jul 2026 at 2:44pm
ScotlandIS has appointed Andrew Weir as its new chief executive

Scottish Government publishes new guidance for phone-free classrooms
1 Jul 2026 at 12:07pm
The new?advice encourages schools to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national?guidance, published this week

Hate crimes reach record levels in Scotland
30 Jun 2026 at 12:41pm
The lord advocate said the increase ?should concern us all?

Fewer than half of MSPs disclose whether they are male or female
30 Jun 2026 at 11:29am
Equalities efforts becoming harder, senior Scottish Parliament official warns

Andy Burnham: ?Broken? Westminster needs ?radical change?
29 Jun 2026 at 1:34pm
The MP pledged to deliver further devolution, including to cities and towns in Scotland

Crime gang members who used encrypted devices sentenced to nearly 350 years b...
29 Jun 2026 at 12:54pm
Operation Venetic, which Police Scotland has been working on alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other international partners, has seen 76 people?sentenced during the six years it has been running

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

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...

UK defence spending plan ?well short of what?s required? and harder choices n...
16 Jun 2026 at 6:08pm
Ex-defence secretary John Healey and ex-defence minister Al Carns have given resignation statements to MPsSpeaking to reporters at the G7, Keir Starmer also defended the defence investment plan (DIP) draft that led to John Healey?s resignation as defence secretary last week. Starmer confirmed tha...

France accuses Israeli firm of interfering in Scottish elections and targetin...
12 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Cyber agency says BlackCore targeted John Swinney, as well as interfering in New York and French electionsFrance?s cybersecurity agency has accused the Israeli tech company BlackCore of interfering in the Scottish elections earlier this year by targeting the first minister, John Swinney.The disin...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Labour?s nuclear power, an offer we can refuse
2 Jul 2026 at 3:30pm
It’s an offer we can refuse. The Labour government has identified a number of sites across Scotland on which it would like to build new nuclear power plants. A report was published this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the political ashtray Michael Shanks, the most disappointing MP in a …

Burnham, the GB Energy of devolution
29 Jun 2026 at 9:06pm
Andy Burnham’s big plan for the UK is still lacking in detail, but it’s already looking suspiciously like another of Westminster’s power grabs at the expense of the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Burnham’s big speech on Monday during which he unveiled his plans for a Number Ten North. No, Scotland, not THAT north, Burnham’s north. …

The feeding frenzy
26 Jun 2026 at 12:13pm
Peter Murrell was sentenced on Tuesday for a crime of which the SNP was the victim. That has not diminished the appetite of the media in Scotland to continue its witch hunt. Ever since Murrell pleaded guilty the media in Scotland has descended into a feeding frenzy. You’d be forgiven for thinking that it was …

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

The burst socks of British politics
22 Jun 2026 at 3:49pm
Starmer has gone, a man whose main achievement as Prime Minister was to throw away a landslide majority in the House of Commons and make himself even more unpopular than Liz Truss. The UK is now heading for its seventh prime minister in ten years, meaning that British prime ministers don’t last as long as …

Three by elections and no one cared about the Murrell affair
19 Jun 2026 at 12:42pm
The Tories are celebrating their Westminster by election win in Aberdeen South today. But just as Labour celebrated its Holyrood by election win in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse in 2025 only to go on to lose this year’s Holyrood election, all this by election result really tells us is that tactical voting in by elections …

The world?s crappiest whodunnit
17 Jun 2026 at 12:20pm
I’ve had my cataract operation, the op was a couple of days early as there was a cancellation. The recovery period is four weeks, but I already notice a massive improvement in my eyesight. The fog has lifted and I’m now able to read much more comfortably. I’m hugely relieved it’s over. Right now, there’s …

Sarwar learns the law of unintended consequences
11 Jun 2026 at 11:52am
Anyone with two functioning braincells knows that the only reason the anti-independence parties and the SNP’s enemies are so keen on an inquiry into the Murrell scandal is because they seek to make political capital out of it, damage a party that keeps defeating them at the ballot box, and with it hinder progress to …

Westminster goes Trumpian and the media in Scotland jumps the SNPbad shark
7 Jun 2026 at 7:26pm
At the behest of Tory MP Andrew Six Chips Bowie, Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee is to vote next week on whether to hold an inquiry into the finances of the SNP. Bowie is of course only interested in good governance and looking after the best interests of the SNP members whose money was stolen by …

The historic failure of the media in Scotland
4 Jun 2026 at 1:28pm
The issues in my left eye, my better eye, seem to be getting a bit better so I’m only half blind now. Many thanks to everyone who left kind messages of support. Hopefully after 16 June when I have the cataract operation my eyesight will improve markedly. The Murrell scandal is of course still rumbling …

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

Dare to be different on smart phones, Scotland ? since they were first introd...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:14pm
21 years ago I read the above book by Steven Johnson so it was with delight that I received an email today from 'scunhur' making the case for smart phones making you smart, By ‘scunhur’: Imagine these Scottish news headlines: It?s all true (well?see 6.): The main point about each of 1-5 above is that the reduction in harmful behaviour started just as teenagers adopted smartphones from 2005 onwa...

Knife crimes plummet here to only half the level under Labour and 90 times as...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:12pm
As the Daily Record continues to milk the blood of dead teenagers to keep from running out of morbid front page headlines, their latest, today, is as ill-informed as ever. Here?s what you and your family need to know but the Daily Record feels no obligation to tell you of. In Scotland in 2006/2007, there were just over 4 000 recorded crimes of ?having in a public place and article with a blade ...

As Unionist rapist of an eight-year-old girl fades from the media two polls c...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:11pm
Child rapist, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has been forgotten already but the media operating in Scotland are still in a froth over the SNP chief exec who bought daft stuff with SNP money. Luckily it matters little in the great sweep of things. There have been two polls since Peter Murrell was found guilty, on May 25th 2026, and media went into slaverin...

?Scottish? Daily Express today desperately tries to link it to Scotland but n...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:09pm
The Daily Express ‘Scottish’ today, above with an English/Pakistani rape gang leader and one of his victims in England on the front page. Below in the UK, where is the story? Why is this unacceptable propaganda? From the First Minister 9 February 2026, responding to calls for a national review: However, in order for any action to be effective, we must appropriately consider the relevance of the...

NHS Scotland?s greater spending, some independence, better staffing and care ...
2 Jul 2026 at 11:10am
In the Guardian today: The NHS will have to divert £45bn from essential services to pay for new medicines under the terms of the UK-US trade deal agreed last December, leading to more than 200,000 avoidable deaths 229 000 of patients, analysis has found. Ministers have defended the deal as a way of helping British drug exports to the US avoid tariffs, and giving patients in England access to ...

NHS Scotland to be hammered for hundreds of millions in US drug deal Scotland...
2 Jul 2026 at 10:03am
In the Guardian today something we, well stewartb, warned was coming. The NHS across the UK will have to divert £45bn from essential services to pay for the trade ‘deal’ the UK Labour Government has just done with big pharma in the US. Scotland’s share, unavoidably as the deal is done by the UK Government alone, will cost NHS Scotland around 8% of that or £360 million. In April 2026, stewartb, ...

?Localised pollution? in Fife ?could? be a risk but the were no could be?s wh...
2 Jul 2026 at 9:25am
BBC Scotland yesterday, making as much as they can from this: Environmental inspectors have warned the public to avoid entering the water at a beach in Fife due to “localised pollution” in a stream. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said water quality in the Kinghorn Burn had been found to be “intermittently poor” during recent testing. The watchdog said the water, which flows u...

Should have thought of this years ago
1 Jul 2026 at 8:39pm
Should have thought of this years ago -If there is an issue where you think we should have been debunking or revealing before but have not, suggest it below or email it to talkingupreminders@gmail.comJohn Watson Robertson

Researchers cast serious doubt on reality of hate crimes ?surging? in Scotla...
1 Jul 2026 at 12:02pm
BBC Scotland today try to have it both ways in this headline. What percentage of the population is, like TuS readers, media students and other perceptive folk out there, thinking ‘Ah it’s just charges. It might not really be soaring at all?’ It’s not. Hate crimes in Scotland are not ‘soaring.’ I’m as certain as I can be. Why? First, from the same report: A new law introduced in 2024 created a n...

Little delight as brand-new Turkish-built ferry doors last only 15weeks and t...
1 Jul 2026 at 9:55am
From BBC Scotland today: CalMac’s newest ship – the Turkish-built MV Isle of Islay – is to be withdrawn from service for repairs later this month, just 15 weeks after carrying its first passengers. The roll-on roll-off ferry entered service on 31 March, but six weeks later a hinge problem with its bow doors meant it has had to operate “single ended” ever since. The issue is understood to be the...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

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 Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figu...
29 Jun 2026 at 3:50am
Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figure says  The National Scot

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 11:08pm
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans - Scottish Greens
29 Jun 2026 at 1:07pm
Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans  Scottish Greens

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

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

Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium...
8 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium  Financial Times

Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle? - The Australian
26 Jun 2026 at 9:10am
Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle?  The Australian

Andy Burnham promises to devolve more power in 'pitch to Scotland' - The Scot...
30 Jun 2026 at 6:00am
Andy Burnham promises to devolve more power in 'pitch to Scotland'  The Scotsman

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Keir Starmer: SNP ?pretended? not to know Peter Murrell was stealing - The Times
1 Jul 2026 at 4:39pm
Keir Starmer: SNP ?pretended? not to know Peter Murrell was stealing  The Times

MPs push for joint Holyrood probe into embezzlement of SNP funds - The Scotsman
1 Jul 2026 at 4:35pm
MPs push for joint Holyrood probe into embezzlement of SNP funds  The Scotsman

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

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

Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter M...
30 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell  Sky News

SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis - SPICe Spotlight
9 May 2026 at 8:00am
SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis  SPICe Spotlight

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000 - R...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000  Reuters

Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest -...
27 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest  BBC

Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry says...
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry says  BBC

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

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

Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans - Scottish Greens
29 Jun 2026 at 1:07pm
Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans  Scottish Greens

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 11:08pm
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figu...
29 Jun 2026 at 3:50am
Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figure says  The National Scot

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 Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence - Bloomberg
15 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence  Bloomberg

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

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

Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years s...
19 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years since the referendum?  YouGov