Scottish SNP MSP with a record in public health and social care
Health Secretary has announced plans to treat e-cigarettes like tobacco, moving them behind counters and removing displays in shops, airports and duty-free zones. The move aims to curb youth vaping while acknowledging vapes’ role in helping adults quit smoking.
Scotland faces a maternity care crisis with hundreds of deaths in five years. An independent review is announced to inspect culture, rural services and safety, while calls grow for a broader safety remit.
The Guardian and other outlets report that East London NHS Foundation Trust plans significant service redesign and job cuts to balance its budget, sparking concerns over access to mental health care and wider NHS strain.
In Scotland, Nicola’s Law seeks to make women’s health education mandatory for NHS staff after Nicola Thyne’s death from endometriosis-related complications. Campaigners say comprehensive training could curb dismissive care and reduce delays in treatment.
The First Minister and senior officials have travelled to the US for World Cup support and trade talks. Costs, including business-class flights and hotels, have been released, prompting scrutiny from opposition figures who say taxpayers’ money should be spent more wisely. Ministers defend the trips as necessary to arrive ready and to foster international connections.
Scotland has seen an 11% rise in drug-related deaths in 2025, the highest rate in Europe. The government has signalled support for decriminalising personal drug use as part of harm-reduction measures while Westminster controls legal reform. Safeguards like safer consumption facilities are expanding, and political tension centers on accountability for the crisis.