The SNP is Scotland’s dominant nationalist party, pushing for independence while steering devolved government and policy across Scotland.
Scotland’s government has faced questions over the cost and delivery of its Welcome To School Bag pledge, with briefing notes warning the backpack option is expensive and may duplicate purchases by families. A cheaper tote-bag alternative is being considered, while the scheme’s rollout date remains unclear.
The government has unveiled plans to give England’s mayoral authorities a share of income tax to fund local development. While praised as a potential fix for regional inequality, the policy will take years to implement and risk leaving slower-growing areas behind, as councils seek to borrow for major projects amid central oversight.
A Scotsman letter condemns Police Scotland’s funding choices and cancellation of a taxi-outing for children with additional needs, while separate reports detail a GMP firearm incident in Whitefield and a Aberdeen traffic stop leading to youth disorder. No injuries reported in the latter, investigations ongoing.
Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than 0,000 from the SNP, triggering remand in custody and a June sentencing date. The case centres on money raised for a Scottish independence campaign.
Nicola Sturgeon has said she feels she is “serving a sentence for a crime I did not commit” after her estranged husband Peter Murrell admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP. Murrell has pleaded guilty and is due to be sentenced next month. Sturgeon has stressed she is not responsible for his crimes and has condemned the betrayal and deceit that have surrounded the case.
Nicola Sturgeon has stressed she is not responsible for her estranged husband Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of SNP funds, arguing she has not knowledge of his crimes. Murrell has pleaded guilty to stealing more than £400,000 from the SNP as SNP chief executive, prompting questions about accountability and leadership within the party.
The High Court has heard that Peter Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive, drove a £124,550 motorhome four miles after purchasing it with embezzled party funds. He has pleaded guilty to embezzlement totaling more than £400,000, with numerous luxury items found in the vehicle. The case raises questions about scrutiny of Nicola Sturgeon and SNP finances.
The Defence Investment Plan has sparked a rift in the Labour government, with defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns resigning over funding delays. Sir Keir Starmer has urged discipline while vowing to push the plan forward; the Government says defence remains a priority amid mounting economic pressures.
A court has ruled that Scotland7s transgender prisoner housing policy is unlawful, affecting the placement of trans inmates in female or male prisons. The government has decided not to appeal and transfers are set to proceed under the clarified rules, prioritising safety and rights. The case follows the Supreme Court ruling on gender identity and rights.
Andy Burnham has outlined a plan to devolve power away from Whitehall, establishing a No 10 North unit in Manchester to oversee regional reform, housing, transport and economic policy. He has positioned himself as the voice for English regions and signalled potential changes to where key decisions are made.
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.
Gousto has proposed closing its Clay Lake, Lincolnshire facility and centralising production at Warrington, Cheshire to improve efficiency and keep prices low amid a highly competitive meal-kit market. About 290 staff face redundancy; Gousto stresses care and support for affected workers.
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.
Multiple Edinburgh schools face overcrowding as VAT on private school fees is cited as contributing to demand shifts. Parents report cramped spaces, with pupils eating in toilets and sharing facilities while councils contemplate urgent action and longer-term plans.
A wave of industry and political commentary on North Sea oil and gas continues to shape UK energy policy as Andy Burnham nears the premiership. Calls from industry bodies urge a pragmatic mix of oil, gas and renewables to safeguard energy security, jobs and investment, while opponents warn against accelerating climate targets.
Energy bills for millions in England, Scotland and Wales have risen by 13% due to higher gas costs amid tensions in the Middle East. Regulators warn the impact will persist into winter, with calls for targeted support and possible social tariffs.
Coastguard rescue officers have worker status, and the MCA plans to stop hourly pay in September to classify CROs as volunteers. MPs, unions, and coastguards are pushing for negotiations amid a growing political row.
Former SNP deputy first minister Kate Forbes has addressed the ARC conference in London, insisting she has "absolutely won the public support" while explaining she would not abandon her religious beliefs or policy stances on abortion and same-sex marriage. The event featured prominent conservatives and sparked debate over honesty and leadership.
Analyses show waiting times for NHS treatment in Scotland have increased for some metrics while others are stable. Experts warn that meaningful progress will take time and a comprehensive workforce plan is needed as ministers return after summer recess.
Since 1949, unmarried mothers were pressured into giving up babies; leaders have apologized and survivors demand meaningful reparations, mental health support, and access to records as the policy legacy endures.
The Scotsman reports that a mother alleges repeated failures in her son James's care, culminating in his death after multiple placements and limited contact with family. The Guardian covers survivors of forced adoption and their calls for redress, with personal testimonies about loss and ongoing trauma. Letters reflect continued debate over adoption policies.
Yes Scotland’s full accounts have been handed to Police Scotland amid questions over a £1.5m discrepancy, with officials denying misappropriation and stressing the organisation was audited. The SNP-linked former chief executive Peter Murrell’s conviction looms in the background as the broader political dispute intensifies.
McGill’s Buses has challenged a ScotZeb funding decision after Ember secured £13m to buy 100 Chinese electric coaches. The move will not replace any diesel buses, and McGill’s argues the process lacks transparency. A legal appeal is now underway.
Anas Sarwar has indicated a transition from Scottish Labour leader to a Westminster role, moving to the House of Lords as a business minister. The shift follows Labour's worst Holyrood showing and questions about leadership succession, with analysis noting cross-UK dynamics and implications for party strategy.
Scottish Labour has confirmed Anas Sarwar has stood down as party leader and will join UK government, prompting acting leadership by Dame Jackie Baillie and potential leadership bids from Michael Marra and Monica Lennon as the party reassesses after a heavy Holyrood defeat.
Scotland’s GP walk-in centres have delivered few visits since the pilot began. Public Health Scotland reports low patient numbers across nine operating clinics in June, with Dundee and other sites recording only a handful of daily visits. Officials defend the scheme’s early stage while critics call it a misallocation of funds. A robust evaluation will determine whether the programme continues.