Householders across Edinburgh have been urged to replace older electricity meters which use the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), ahead of the national switch-off on the 30th June 2025.
New figures have revealed that 15326 RTS meters are still in operation across the city.
After the shut-off, these meters may experience issues with their electric heating and hot water – potentially leading to higher bills, or a disrupted service. The SNP has called for an immediate delay to the switch-off or the guarantee of full compensation to consumers.
Electricity suppliers are responsible for replacing RTS meters with smart meters at no additional cost – anyone who thinks they may have an RTS meter should contact their supplier now to book an upgrade, local MSP Gordon Macdonald has said.
Commenting, local MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The RTS switch-off takes place on the 30th of June – and it could have real consequences for households that haven’t made the switch.
“There are 15326 RTS meters still in use across the city – and no one should be left with an unreliable meter or unexpected bills. Replacing these old meters is free, people only need to contact their electricity supplier.
“I’m particularly concerned about vulnerable residents, including our older people who may not be aware of this change. I urge the UK Government and Ofgem to immediately delay or guarantee full compensation to consumers ahead of the planned switch off.
“I encourage everyone in Edinburgh to replace their RTS meter ahead of switch-off at the end of June – this is one of those simple changes that can save a lot of stress down the line.”
Groups representing Scottish sex workers unite to fight Ash Regan’s bill to criminalise the purchase of sex
Public urged to use new one-click email tool to tell their MSP to oppose Regan’s dangerous proposals
Groups warn new law would increase violence and discrimination against sex workers
Scottish sex workers have launched a campaign to fight proposed new laws that would criminalise the purchase of sexual services in Scotland.
The Scotland for Decrim campaign has been set up to oppose Alba MSP Ash Regan’s new Prostitution (Offences And Support) (Scotland) Bill, which is set to be presented to the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday).
Sex workers have warned that these laws would put them in more danger, pushing the industry underground, increasing stigma, and exposing people to more violence and poverty. This isn’t just about policy – it’s about real lives. Criminalising clients won’t stop sex work, but it will make it far less safe.
Campaigners are urging members of the public to use a new one-click online tool to email their MSP to block the new legislation, which polls show is opposed by the Scottish public.
A YouGov poll of 1,088 Scottish adults, carried out last year, showed that Scots firmly oppose the Nordic Model, with 47% saying it should be legal for a person to pay someone to have sex with them, versus 32% who think it should not be legal.
The poll showed that 69% of Scots say the MSPs should focus on protecting the health and safety of sex workers, and providing support to people who want to leave the industry, compared to just 14% who support new laws to prevent people exchanging sexual services for money.
An official government review of similar legislation in Northern Ireland – the only nation in the UK to enact the Nordic Model – found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”.
It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Scotland for Decrim absolutely rejects Ash Regan’s attempts to bring in the Nordic Model on sex work in Scotland.
“As a sex worker-led coalition campaigning for our rights, we know that this offensive bill will endanger sex workers by exposing us to more violence, poverty, and exploitation.
“Criminalising clients does not solve the reasons why people go into sex work: because of financial need, caring responsibilities, disability, or simply preferring this work to other kinds of work.
“Sex workers are the experts on our own needs. We know that only full decriminalisation will protect our safety, health, and human rights, giving us the power to choose when and how we work. The Scottish Government must also urgently strengthen the social security system so that everyone has access to the resources they need to live, and so that no one has to do sex work if they don’t want to.
“This Nordic Model bill would be disastrous for sex workers’ safety, as we have seen in other countries where this model has been implemented and sex workers have experienced more violence from clients and the police. Sex workers don’t want this, the Scottish public doesn’t want this, and politicians from a range of parties oppose this dangerous bill.”
Lynsey Walton, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety charity, said: “This bill won’t reduce harm; it will increase it. Criminalising the purchase of sex doesn’t protect anyone. It pushes sex work further underground, makes it harder for people to report violence, and forces those already at risk into even more dangerous situations.
“NUM stands in solidarity with sex workers across Scotland who are calling for safety, not criminalisation. We hear every day what they need: access to justice, housing, healthcare, and a voice in the laws that shape their lives. This bill ignores that—and it puts lives at risk.
“It’s therefore no surprise that opinion polling shows Scots overwhelmingly oppose Ash Regan’s plans for the Nordic Model, alongside international organisations such as Amnesty, UN Aids and the World Health Organisation.”
A spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes, which represents sex workers across the UK, said: “If Ash Regan wants to reduce prostitution she should look at reducing women’s poverty, and specifically mothers’ poverty, which is pushing more and more women into prostitution.
“Criminalisation of sex work increases violence and discrimination against sex workers. We want decriminalisation so that women are no longer branded as criminals for working to feed themselves and their families.”
Joint statement on behalf of 26 humanitarian partners on aid to Gaza and the proposal for a new aid delivery model
Joint statement:
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.
“Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.
“Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone.
“The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.
“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.
“We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference.
“It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.”
This statement has been signed by:
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
