India launches air strikes on Pakistan, as UK ready to ‘support’ deescalation Politics The UK is ready to “support” both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following an exchange of fire between the two nations, a minister has said. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the situation in Kashmir was “hugely worrying”, just hours after signing a billion pound trade deal that had been three years in the making. [...]
Grangemouth: Green future for oil refinery needs £3.5bn, report finds Politics Delivering a green future for the Grangemouth oil refinery will require around £3.5bn in private investment, a report has found. The long-awaited Project Willow study, which itself cost £1.5m, sets out nine options for the future of the industrial cluster in central Scotland. Hundreds of jobs are set to be lost this year when the [...]
It’s time for England to stop subsidising Scotland and Wales Opinion The devolved nations are living on another planet economically because England essentially pays for their deficits. This has to stop, says Paul Ormerod Every single pensioner will continue to receive payments towards their winter fuel. This is not some fantasy world in which the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has abandoned one of her flagship policies. It [...]
UK faces ‘make or break moment’ in Budget as Swinney calls for spending October 20, 2024 Scotland’s First Minister will use a speech on Monday to urge the Chancellor to increase spending, as he said the Budget presents a “make or break moment” for the UK. Rachel Reeves will present the new Labour Government’s tax and spending plans on October 30, as she seeks to close a £40bn gap in the [...]
Kate Forbes and why we need more Christians in politics May 14, 2024 The re-appointment of Kate Forbes is a welcome rebuke to false culture war divisions. In reality people want politicians with integrity who stand up for their beliefs, says Tim Farron After a year on the backbenches, Kate Forbes has re-emerged as the Scottish Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary. And so too has re-emerged the [...]
John Swinney ‘deeply honoured’ to be new SNP leader May 6, 2024 Former Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney said he was “deeply honoured” to have become the new leader of the SNP.
Scotland: Ex-SNP leader John Swinney running to be First Minister – as Kate Forbes confirms she won’t stand May 2, 2024 Former SNP leader John Swinney confirms he is running to succeed Humza Yousaf as First Minister of Scotland.