Scottish Conservative politician and MSP
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.
Audit Scotland shows a collective 35.6m deficit for Scotland7s 19 colleges in 2024/25, up from 31.9m. Real-terms funding remains 7.5% below 2021, with more colleges relying on short-term SFC loans. Audits warn reform is overdue while government and agencies act slowly.
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.