MAJOR human rights, climate and faith organisations have urged leaders to oppose Rosebank following news that the expansion could be affected by the UK's new sanctions on Israeli settlements

The controversial scheme will generate about 900 megawatts of electricity and includes provision for carbon capture but has sparked environmental concerns.

Environmental and human rights campaigners are angered and dismayed at the Scottish Government’s announcement in parliament that they are no longer going to include the right to a healthy environment ...

Scottish Government pledges £10 million for two specialist defence colleges: Innovation minister Alyn Smith confirmed the Scottish Government would work with the UK Government to establish two such colleges in Scotland #ScottishGovernment #DefenceColleges #AlynSmith #Innovation #Scotland

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has extended an invitation to Scottish First Minister John Swinney to collaborate on advancing regional devolution in Scotland, emphasizing the need to move beyond the constitutional question of Scottish independence. Speaking at an event in Motherwell, Burnham outlined plans for a new deal on regional economic development, including potential devolution of powers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to local authorities. He stressed that devolution 'was never supposed to stop at the doors of the Scottish Parliament' when Holyrood opened in 1999, but should instead lead to 'communities having more of a say in their own future.' Burnham described Scotland as 'the most devolved nation in the UK but one of the most centralised in Europe,' calling for a more decentralized approach to governance. The Scottish government has already proposed a significant reform of regional authorities, aiming to replace the current 32 local authorities with six regional bodies and 120-160 community authorities. Burnham acknowledged these plans but urged faster implementation, while clarifying that he would not impose an English-style metropolitan mayoral model on Scotland. He emphasized the need to focus on practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis rather than 'tribal politics' between the Scottish and UK governments. Burnham also pushed back on the possibility of a second independence referendum, stating it remains 'off limits' and that the focus should be on 'practicalities' for Scottish citizens. SNP minister Stephen Flynn confirmed the Scottish government's willingness to engage with Burnham's proposal, noting it was included in a letter from Swinney to the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's approach, suggesting he should focus on energy sector opportunities instead. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to working with all devolved governments, with discussions scheduled to continue at the end of the month.

First Minister John Swinney has publicly supported Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn following a controversy regarding whether Flynn had been briefed about a gas leak on a CalMac ferry before appearing before the Scottish Parliament's transport committee. The incident involved the MV Glen Sannox, which experienced a valve failure in June 2025 that led to 700kg of flammable methane gas being vented while carrying passengers from Arran to Troon. Flynn initially claimed he was unaware of the BBC Scotland report about the incident, which had been published more than nine hours before his committee appearance on 9 September. However, documents released through a freedom of information request revealed that Flynn's office had been contacted about the story twice in the half-hour before the committee meeting began. Swinney stated that Flynn had 'recognised that he should have been across an issue to be in front of the transport committee and he remedied that right away', adding that 'nobody's perfect, nobody's infallible'. Flynn later clarified on social media that he had not been briefed, stating 'I should've seen the BBC news that morning - but the FOI confirms I was not briefed.' He admitted his answer was 'not acceptable' and expressed frustration with himself. Transport Scotland confirmed that the documents made clear Flynn had not been briefed before his committee appearance, with emails sent to his office not being shared with him. The director of ferries at Transport Scotland, Chris Wilcock, was aware of the BBC story and had emailed colleagues for guidance before the committee meeting. Committee convener Willie Rennie criticized Flynn for appearing 'blindsided' and suggested he had attempted a 'cover-up' by sending a statement that was cleared by Flynn after the committee session. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay demanded Flynn refer himself to the independent advisers on the ministerial code, accusing him of 'conspiring with officials to execute a sleekit, skin-saving cover-up.' Swinney defended Flynn, stating he had confidence in his transport secretary and that Flynn had 'remedied' the situation after realizing he had not been properly briefed. This follows a previous committee meeting where Swinney had also defended Flynn against concerns about his competence as a minister. The Glen Sannox, the first UK-built ship with engines capable of being directly powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), has faced ongoing issues with its dual propulsion system, which lacked certain failsafe monitoring systems that could have alerted the crew to the valve failure earlier.

This piece by Richie Venton, SSP national trade union organiser, first appeared as an exclusive report in the National (15/09/2026). It is […]

IN a couple of years from now a policy the Scottish Government is about to introduce will be assessed and will not only have failed but might very…

Karyn McCluskey and Tony Lenehan KC on rising violence against women.