Scottish Green MSP and co-leader (since 2025)
Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan has faced widespread condemnation after saying rape is a spectrum, prompting apologies and calls for leadership from Green co-leaders. The comments, made in a podcast last year, are being revisited as survivors’ groups reiterate there is no hierarchy of rape and demand accountability.
The Scottish government has published a draft independence referendum bill to set out the proposed question and eligible voters. Reform UK and other critics argue about the threshold needed for a fresh vote, with the SNP’s and Greens' support waning in recent elections. Westminster remains firm that another referendum is off limits.
The Scottish government has introduced environmental impact assessments for data centres above 50MW and will pause decisions until guidance is published, as Holyrood weighs a national strategy to manage a rapid boom in hyperscale AI facilities.
Syngenta has announced a consultation on closing its Grangemouth site by 2027, risking 377 jobs. Scottish and UK governments are under renewed pressure as officials seek to protect the plant and deploy National Wealth Fund money promised in 2024. Unions demand decisive action while industry leaders warn the site remains uncompetitive.