Devolved unicameral legislature of Scotland, based in Holyrood, Edinburgh
The piece assesses how Andy Burnham, newly positioned prime minister, has pledged significant policy changes and unity within Labour as he navigates rebellions and expects tough decisions ahead. He aims to restore public trust after a contentious 2024 and 2025 period, while facing internal challenges and voter scrutiny.
Britain is expanding the No. 10 North concept, relocating more Whitehall work to the north and convening a National Economic Council in Manchester to coordinate national and local policy. The plan signals a decisive push to devolve power away from Westminster and may redraw regional growth strategies.
NatureScot has refused a licence for Scotland’s last remaining guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing concerns that harvesting 500–2,000 young gannets could affect the gannet population and site integrity. Campaigners celebrate as activists urge Parliament to permanently ban the exemption that allows the hunt.
The Guardian reports ELFT plans to redesign services and cut 330 jobs to balance its budget, risking longer waits for mental health care. The Scotsman details Scotland’s fragmented system, calls for a Holyrood inquiry, and mounting concerns over accountability and funding flow. Both stories raise questions about access, governance, and the impact on vulnerable patients.
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.
Scottish Labour is facing a leadership race after Anas Sarwar's departure to accept a UK government role. The contest centers on infighting and a push to impose five budget tests if elected, aiming to secure concessions from the SNP ahead of next year’s council elections.
Scottish Labour candidates have pledged to rebuild and unite the party after its worst Holyrood defeat. Monica Lennon, Joe Fagan and Michael Marra are campaigning to become leader, promising to change the party’s culture, seek local coalitions, and place working people at the heart of budget decisions.
Ben Macpherson has stepped down as Scotland’s Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education. He cites the need to focus on other pressures, including his health, and to serve his Edinburgh North and Leith constituency. First Minister John Swinney accepts the resignation and praises his work.
Labour has seen a small improvement in polling under Andy Burnham, but experts say the gains may be fragile. Reform UK faces scrutiny over funding and leadership turmoil, while the rise of Restore Britain adds to a fragmented right. Across multiple polls, Labour’s share remains around the low to mid-20s, with Reform similarly challenged.
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.
Elizabeth Quigley has revealed she is leaving BBC Scotland due to health reasons linked to multiple sclerosis and trigeminal neuralgia. She has spent decades in political journalism, including coverage of the Scottish Parliament, and has been recognised for her resilience amid chronic illness.
Campaigners press for paid leave and extended carers’ leave as a government review on parental support gathers pace. Dame Rachel de Souza argues for 12 weeks paid leave at 90% pay and a right to return to work, while carers’ leave is set to rise to 10 days a year.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won about 44% in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of a majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the party's "remigration" plans as ethnic cleansing and has faced domestic backlash after the result; international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD.
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.
Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling on the UK government to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change. They have committed to cooperate on energy, the economy and relations with Europe and to press for referendums where domestic politics allow; Westminster has reiterated a referendum is off limits for now.
YouGov polling shows a sharp drop in Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s favourability, with 69% unfavourable and 24% favourable, leaving a net rating of -45. The results come amid donations scandals, a Channel 4 sting, and police investigations surrounding key aides and donors.
Two Scottish Labour figures have seen bullying allegations levelled against Monica Lennon, who denies the claims as a leadership race nears its end. Michael Marra has said Lennon could join his shadow cabinet as scrutiny continues. Labour officials say no formal complaints have been lodged with the party or Parliament.
The Guardian reports modelling shows proportional systems would reduce the leading party’s seat share under PR options, potentially yielding a hung or minority parliament. Labour would lose ground compared with FPTP, while Greens and Reform UK stand to gain. A cross-party push on reform is led by Andy Burnham and supported by Lib Dems, SNP and others.
The Poverty in Scotland 2026 report finds 21% of children and 17% of people overall remain in poverty. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation calls for a bolder, fully funded plan to eradicate child poverty; the government says progress has been made but more work is needed as ministers review targets. Local government funding and public-service reform are central to the debate.
Scottish plans for a 1GW Chapelcross AI data centre face opposition and calls for public consultation. Campaigners warn of grid strain and higher bills, while officials emphasise community engagement and national guidance. The project aims to redevelop a former nuclear site but faces scrutiny over land use and greenhouse gas impacts.
Reform UK has tabled a motion on face coverings in public, sparking a high‑stakes debate in Holyrood. Critics say the move weaponises women’s lives and risks inflaming divisions, while supporters argue restrictions may boost public safety and cohesion. Protests are planned outside the Parliament as MSPs weigh the issue of burkas and niqabs in public spaces.
The Scotsman and BBC reports show Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn was emailed about a CalMac methane leak on the Glen Sannox. FOI documents indicate officials suggested lines for Flynn to use; Flynn says he was not briefed. The controversy centers on whether a briefing existed before a transport committee appearance.
A US judge has allowed a Libyan claim of a forced confession in the Lockerbie bombing case to be used as evidence. Abu Agila Mas’ud Al-Marimi, extradited from Libya in 2022, faces trial in Washington for the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 attack. Defence alleging the confession was coerced has been rejected; the trial remains scheduled for January after multiple delays.
The University of St Andrews has a six-candidate field for rector, including Brian Baumgartner and Green MSP Q Manivannan. Current rector Stella Maris has faced multiple dismissals and reinstatements related to governance disputes. The vote will determine who leads the historic university in a year when the rector role plays a visible part in campus life.
Amanda Bland has resigned from Reform UK to sit as an independent MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West. The move leaves Reform as the third-largest group in Holyrood, behind SNP and Labour. The vacancy will be filled by the next Reform candidate on the regional list, under Holyrood rules. Bland has not publicly commented beyond a statement asserting unchanged principles and aims to hold the government to account.