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Sir Ed Davey says the NHS needs billions more in funding, as he opens his party's conference.
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Petroineos announced the refinery would cease operations in the second quarter of next year.
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As Keir Starmer prepares for the Labour conference in Liverpool, he confronts significant challenges, including public discontent and economic difficulties. Despite a historic election victory, Labour's narrative struggles to inspire hope amid concerns over cronyism and fiscal constraints. Starmer's performance will be crucial for shaping the party's future direction.
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On the 10th anniversary of Scotland's independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon expressed optimism for Scotland's future as an independent nation. She highlighted a potential shift in UK governance, including Irish reunification and greater autonomy for Wales, while reflecting on the challenges faced since the 2014 vote.
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The Scottish government has confirmed Glasgow as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia's Victoria state withdrew due to rising costs. The event will feature a scaled-down format with 10 sports and will be funded primarily through compensation from Victoria, ensuring minimal public expenditure.
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The Scottish Conservative Party is in turmoil as deputy leader Meghan Gallacher resigns amid allegations against outgoing leader Douglas Ross. The leadership contest is marred by claims of favoritism and internal strife, with multiple candidates demanding clarity on the situation. The party's future direction remains uncertain as the contest unfolds.
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The Scottish National Party (SNP) is grappling with internal strife following a controversial meeting between External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson and Israel's deputy ambassador. This has led to the suspension of MSP John Mason for his remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict, raising questions about the party's stance on Israel and its implications for party unity.
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The Scottish Conservative Party is in turmoil as Douglas Ross's leadership is challenged amid allegations of internal sabotage and controversial succession discussions. Four candidates have called for the leadership election to be paused, revealing deep divisions within the party. This follows Ross's admission of feeling undermined by colleagues, raising questions about the party's future direction.
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New statistics reveal that drug-related deaths in Scotland increased by 12% in 2023, totaling 1,172 fatalities. This troubling trend highlights the ongoing drug crisis exacerbated by poverty and inadequate healthcare funding, making Scotland's drug death rate the highest in Europe. The government faces criticism for insufficient action to address the root causes.
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The Scottish National Party (SNP) is grappling with significant internal challenges following a disastrous general election, where it lost 37 seats. Party leaders acknowledge a loss of voter trust due to scandals and ineffective communication. As the SNP prepares for the 2026 Holyrood elections, calls for urgent reform and a clearer policy direction are intensifying.
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Scottish authorities are investigating multiple incidents, including the ongoing criminal probe into the SNP's finances and the tragic death of 23-year-old Brodie MacGregor. The investigations highlight significant public concern regarding political accountability and police conduct in Scotland.
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The Scottish government is implementing up to £500 million in budget cuts due to financial pressures largely attributed to its own decisions. Finance Secretary Shona Robison has warned of a challenging fiscal environment, with potential cuts to key services and benefits looming as the government grapples with a projected £1.5 billion shortfall.
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The UK government has withdrawn support for the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields, following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates consideration of emissions from burning fossil fuels in environmental assessments. This decision has been welcomed by climate action groups, although drilling licenses remain intact. The Labour government aims to transition to greener energy sources.
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The impending VAT on private school fees has led to significant closures, notably St Joseph's Preparatory School in Stoke-on-Trent. The school cites financial challenges exacerbated by Labour's policy, which aims to fund state education. This shift raises concerns about the future of smaller independent schools and their impact on local education systems.
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Following a significant electoral defeat, the Scottish National Party (SNP) is under pressure as First Minister John Swinney prepares his first Programme for Government. With funding constraints and a need to regain public trust, Swinney aims to focus on key issues like child poverty and climate change while addressing internal party discontent.
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As Prime Minister Keir Starmer navigates a challenging economic landscape, he warns of painful decisions ahead due to a financial deficit inherited from the Conservatives. The government is preparing for tax increases and spending cuts, with a budget announcement scheduled for October 30, 2024.
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At the SNP's annual conference, First Minister John Swinney emphasized the need for the party to learn from its recent election losses and prioritize independence as urgent. He outlined key government priorities, including tackling child poverty and improving public services, while warning of austerity under Labour's leadership.
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As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, TikTok is enhancing its election-related content amid declining support for a potential ban on the app. Recent surveys show only 32% of Americans favor a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023, as both major candidates engage with the platform.
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The BBC Three documentary 'America's New Female Right' explores the tradwife movement, showcasing women who embrace traditional gender roles. Critics argue the film fails to challenge the hard-right views presented, while supporters highlight its portrayal of a growing conservative ideology among young women. The documentary raises questions about the future of feminism and women's rights.
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Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has criticized BBC Scotland's documentary on Scottish independence, accusing it of bias. He also rebuked current First Minister Humza Yousaf for his comments in the film, claiming Yousaf has resorted to smears in his pursuit of relevance. The tensions highlight ongoing divisions within Scottish politics.
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Recent train incidents in Greece and the UK have highlighted ongoing safety issues in rail transport. A near-miss in Greece and significant delays in Scotland have reignited discussions about infrastructure and operational safety, particularly following past disasters. Authorities are under pressure to improve safety measures and train reliability.