The devolved unicameral legislature of Scotland, based in Holyrood, Edinburgh
Riverside County is working to rehome around 480 ducks from a sanctuary accused of neglect, while authorities on Kangaroo Island are continuing efforts to control destructive corellas. Both cases highlight ongoing wildlife management challenges and community concerns today.
Voters are shifting toward Reform UK in Scotland and Wales amid concerns about local economies and longstanding dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. The party is poised to become a major force in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, while national polls show it leading opposition to Labour and the Conservatives.
The SNP has secured a fifth consecutive Holyrood term, while Labour ties for second with Reform UK. Greens win constituencies in Edinburgh Central and Glasgow, and Lib Dems win Orkney. The anti-independence vote is split, shaping a potentially new balance of power in Scotland as counting continues.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been reported to be moving toward a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, include a 60-day truce, some sanctions relief and renewed nuclear talks. The disruption of Hormuz has already reduced oil and fertiliser flows, pushed up energy and food prices and is threatening severe economic pain for vulnerable developing countries.
A British Social Attitudes survey shows Reform UK supporters are defined by conservative cultural views on immigration, transgender rights and diversity. While the party has risen in polls, experts caution there may be a ceiling, with support tied to ideological alignment rather than broad public service dissatisfaction.
Peter Murrell has been jailed for five years and three months after admitting he embezzled just over £400,000 from the Scottish National Party over a 12-year period. Separately, Greek courts have convicted a man over the 2009 killing of Jean Hanlon and Cédric Jubillar has written a first confession admitting involvement in his wife Delphine's disappearance.
A record heatwave across Europe is highlighting stark inequalities, with low-income residents facing extreme indoor heat, limited cooling options, and greater health risks. Reports show attic homes in Paris and heat-stressed housing across several countries, underlining the need for policy action as temperatures stay high.
Record-breaking June heat has highlighted gaps in infrastructure and policy across the UK, with regions struggling to cope as authorities weigh costly adaptations and interim measures.
The draft Conversion Practices Bill has been published, aiming to criminalise abusive acts intended to change or suppress LGBT+ identities. It sets two offences and introduces protections orders; penalties include unlimited fines and up to five years’ imprisonment. The government argues the law is needed to shield LGBT+ people, while critics warn it could curb honest discussions and raise civil liberty concerns.