Holyrood reforms move forward amid SNP/Greens push, with independence debates heating up. Scotland’s devolved, unicameral parliament in Edinburgh.
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.
Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish elections in May could see first ministers advocating independence, signaling a potential seismic shift in UK politics. Polls show rising support for regional parties, with debates over devolution, governance, and union stability intensifying amid broader UK political tensions.
Malcolm Offord, now Reform UK's Scottish leader, says he has lost friends after defecting from the Conservatives. He aims to challenge the Holyrood status quo, facing opposition from mainstream parties. Polls suggest Reform UK may come second in May, but recent surveys show a dip in support.
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.