Day: May 13, 2025

Minister condemns ‘devastating’ UK migration proposals

UK Government urged to work with Scottish Government on plans

The Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart has urged the UK Government to rethink its immigration white paper to take account of Scotland’s distinct population needs.

Following publication of new proposals from the Home Office on immigration, the Scottish Government has called on the UK Government to take account of its own proposals on immigration.

The Minister said the UK Government must engage the Scottish Government on its immigration policy, reflecting that migration enriches Scotland’s communities, supports economic growth and addresses population challenges.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “The UK Government’s plans on migration stand in stark contrast to our values and they do not reflect Scotland’s distinct population needs.

“The Scottish Government is proud to welcome and support people from around the world to live, work and build their lives in Scotland. Not only does migration enrich our communities and culture, it is vital for economic growth, public services like the NHS and addressing our population challenges.  

“Scotland needs talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers.

“A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK. In particular, any plans to end international recruitment of care workers will be devastating for the care sector in Scotland and across the UK.

“We are deeply disappointed that the UK Government’s white paper on immigration fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic requirements.

“I call on the Home Secretary to urgently work with us to deliver an immigration system which is reflective of Scotland’s needs, and avoids the harm to our economy, communities, and public services which the policy decisions in the white paper will lead to.

“If it does not, then it becomes ever clearer that Scotland needs full powers over immigration. Independence would give Scotland control over migration policy and provide an opportunity to introduce a new, welcoming immigration system that supports our economy and public services.”

In March, the Scottish Government provided a set of policy proposals to the Home Office during development of its white paper on immigration.

The Scottish Government will shortly publish these proposals online and will write to the UK Government this week to call for meaningful discussions.

To date, there has been no substantive engagement from the Home Office on any of the policy proposals contributed by the Scottish Government during the development of the White Paper.

Edinburgh Leisure champions Community Wellbeing during Seriously Social Week


Edinburgh Leisure is dedicated to enhancing social value and will mark the second Seriously Social Week in May, as part of a national campaign showcasing the work of charities that prioritise people over profit, connect communities, and promote health, happiness, and creativity for all ages and abilities.

Organised by Community Leisure UK, Seriously Social Week runs from May 12 to 16, with each day highlighting how organisations like Edinburgh Leisure create social impact and foster healthier, happier communities. Themes include health and wellbeing, community, inclusion, employment and skills, and the environment.

Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, stated: “We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good through public leisure services.

“Our core mission is about purpose, not profit, helping people first. We support Edinburgh in becoming healthier and happier with quality health and wellbeing services for everyone, regardless of age or ability, including those with serious health conditions, which helps reduce the financial burden on the NHS.

“Just a few of our achievements include supporting over 12,500 people through our Active Communities programmes; offer over 160 health and wellbeing classes weekly; assisting 1,245 refugees and relocated individuals in staying active and connected; providing discounted community access to over 2,500 people; and offer sporting facilities to over 550 Edinburgh sports clubs across 35 different sports.

“Seriously Social is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the difference we make and why we do what we do and aligns perfectly with the themes of Seriously Social.”

As the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities in the city, Edinburgh Leisure offers activities for everyone throughout their lives. As a charitable trust, every penny is reinvested into the health and wellbeing of Edinburgh.

Being active improves physical and mental health, and Edinburgh Leisure aims to support as many people as possible in feeling their best.

In 2024, Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises across England, Scotland, and Wales generated £1,598,045,306 in social value*, equating to an average of £228 per person. A study by Public Health Scotland found that of the 62,941 deaths in Scotland in 2022, over 3,000 were due to physical inactivity, with cancer and cardiovascular disease accounting for about one-third of these.

Last year, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team supported over 12,500 people in improving their health and wellbeing through projects focused on falls prevention, mental health, long-term health conditions, and supporting those on low incomes and experiencing inequalities.

Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Our members don’t just deliver public leisure and cultural services; they support social change for the better every day of the week.  

“As social enterprises and charities, they prioritise people over profit, are run by local people, and have everyone’s best interests at heart. Seriously Social Week showcases how they go above and beyond in supporting individuals and communities.

“This sector quietly supports people and communities daily, not for profit, but because it’s the right thing to do.”

More than 110 Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises deliver public leisure and culture in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland as part of the Community Leisure UK network. In 2024, they:

  • Welcomed over 209 million visits
  • 86% delivered activity referral programs
  • 70% offered strength and balance programs for over 50s
  • Worked with 193 local authorities
  • Collaborated with over 100,000 community groups
  • 87% offered volunteer opportunities
  • Over 70% provided holiday activity and food programs
  • 38% offered youth activity sessions that helped reduce local crime


For more information, visit www.seriouslysocial.org.uk

Holyrood to debate Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill today

This week parliament will debate and vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill (writes Labour Lothians list MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY). 

In the run up to vote, I have endeavoured to engage with organisations both for and against the bill and hear the views of constituents. 

After having considered my position, I will be voting against the bill.

The bill uses a broad definition of terminal illness which would include people with disabilities and those with years to live.

This has been raised by constituents and disabled people’s groups as sending the message that their lives are less valuable and opening them to potential coercion. These concerns are compounded by experiences in other jurisdictions, which have seen the law widened following legal challenges.

I am also concerned that assisted dying would place undue pressure on terminally ill people to end their lives as to not be a burden on their families, and do not believe proposed safeguards protect against this. 

I understand some may be disappointed, this has been a difficult decision to make. 

In any case, our priority should be ensuring every person can access palliative care, and those with terminal illnesses are well supported. 

SUPPORTERS of law change on assisted dying from across Scotland have gathered outside the Scottish Parliament this morning in a powerful demonstration to show their support for Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Organised by Dignity in Dying Scotland, the event will bring together individuals living with terminal illnesses, bereaved families, and supporters of end-of-life choice. The demonstration will feature placards, and speeches, to demonstrate the groundswell of support for law change in Scotland and symbolise the lives affected by the current lack of assisted dying legislation.

The demonstration takes place on the same day MSPs will be voting at Stage 1 on the Bill, which would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to request assistance to end their lives, introducing oversight and regulation where none currently exists. Polling consistently shows overwhelming public support in Scotland for a change in the law, with 78% backing the proposal.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “It is the voices of dying Scots and those who have watched a loved one endure a harrowing death that are at the centre of this bill. Their message to MSPs is clear – it’s time to deliver compassion, safety and choice for people facing a bad death.

“This demonstration is about showing the human cost of the suffering caused by the current blanket ban on assisted dying —a cost that is simply too much for dying people, and their family and friends to bear.

“This Stage 1 vote could be a milestone moment  – putting comfort, choice and safety in place of pain and fear. We urge Parliament to listen to the voices of dying people and take this historic step.”

The demonstration will reassemble from 6pm to react to the outcome of the Stage 1 vote, expected around 7pm,

New fund to prevent homelessness

Cash-first approach to keeping tenants in their homes

A partnership programme to help prevent people from becoming homeless has been launched by the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville. This is in addition to the £4 million investment in homelessness prevention pilots in 2025-26 highlighted by the First Minister in the Programme for Government.

The £1 million Upstream Homelessness Prevention Fund will bring together Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), third sector organisations, community groups and other local partners to expand on existing successful approaches to preventing homelessness and explore innovative ways to sustain tenancies.

Partnerships funded by the programme will receive a cash fund for individual payments of up to £1,300 to help prevent people becoming homeless. The year long programme will also help to inform how RSLs will carry out the new Ask and Act prevention duties outlined in the Housing Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Homeless Network Scotland will administer the Scottish Government funded scheme which is open for applications.

Ms Somerville said: “The aim of the fund is to break the cycle of repeat homelessness by providing targeted joined-up support for people struggling to pay their rent while also having to navigate housing, health and social care services.

“This early intervention approach will help to minimise evictions by upstream prevention activity and identifying opportunities to build up support systems where they are needed. This will help people to keep their tenancies and prevent them from becoming homeless.

“The scheme will also provide valuable feedback for the wider RSL network and provide examples of service design and delivery that can be replicated in other places and contexts.”

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “We are delighted to administer this important funding, which will complement the significant efforts housing associations make to help people remain in their homes. 

“This could include providing direct cash interventions to those facing financial difficulties, or forming local partnerships to make use of shared spaces and staff to create joined-up approaches to homelessness prevention.

“Beyond the funding, this programme will also provide vital insights on the support needed to help people at risk of homelessness and inform future approaches to partnership working to deliver the Ask and Act duty.”

Homeless Network Scotland Chief Executive Maggie Brunjes said: “Housing associations and third sector organisations are ideally positioned to prevent homelessness by delivering early, community-focused interventions.

“This Scottish Government funding will support local partnerships, enabling tailored solutions that tackle material hardship and leverage community resources to help people remain in their homes.”