A new report from the Work and Pensions Committee has raised concerns that planned cuts to the health component of Universal Credit (UC health) will push disabled people into poverty despite the above inflation rise in the UC standard allowance.
In its Pathways to Work report, the Committee repeated calls to delay planned cuts in UC health reform until the full impact of the changes are better understood.
The Committee wrote to the Secretary of State in May calling for a pause of the planned reforms to UC health and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and called for PIP policy to be co-produced with disabled people.
The Government subsequently dropped all the PIP proposals and agreed to co-produce a new PIP assessment process with disabled people and their organisations in a review led by Sir Stephen Timms.
However, under the planned reforms to UC health, from April 2026 although all existing claimants and new claimants with severe or terminal conditions will be protected, other claimants assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity will see their awards halved from £423.27 to £217.26.
This is part of the Government’s drive to get more people off welfare and into work, as described in their Pathways to Work Green Paper.
Although the intent to safeguard these people was welcomed, MPs on the Committee raised concerns that some conditions, particularly serious mental health conditions, might not be included under the severe condition criteria; this also applies to people with fluctuating conditions.
The Committee also asked the Secretary of State why an assessment of safeguarding risks had not been conducted before the Green Paper was published.
Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams said: “We welcome the concessions that the Government made to the UC and PIP Bill (now the UC Bill); but there are still issues with these welfare reforms not least with the cut in financial support that newly sick and disabled people will receive.
“The Government’s own analysis published in March indicates that from next April approximately 50,000 people who develop a health condition or become disabled – and those who live with them – will enter poverty by 2030 as a result of the reduction in support of the UC health premium.
“We recommend delaying the cuts to the UC-health premium, especially given that other policies that such as additional NHS capacity, or employment support, or changes in the labour market to support people to stay in work, have yet to materialise.
“We agree in a reformed and sustainable welfare system, but we must ensure that the wellbeing of those who come into contact with it is protected.
“The lesson learned from last month should be that the impact of policy changes to health-related benefits must be assessed prior to policy changes being implemented to avoid potential risks to claimants.”
We object to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO/24/27 bit.ly/3IFOQQ6) allowing two-way cycling on Rose Street.
The idea of promoting two-way cycling on the street was raised in a report to the Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) on 30 January 2025, as a means to facilitate cycling across the city while the CCWEL route through George Street is not yet in place. We made our objection to this proposal at that time.
The Council’s own report recognised that “integrating cyclists into a space primarily designed for pedestrians presents challenges. The narrow width of Rose Street, combined with the high footfall at certain times, could lead to safety concerns between cycling and walking/wheeling. With no dedicated cycling infrastructure, conflict could be created between users.”
It is not appropriate in our view to encourage Rose Street – the closest thing Edinburgh currently has to a pedestrianised street – as a major cycle route.
The proposal does not respect the Council’s agreed travel hierarchy which places walking and wheeling first. The TRO is especially inappropriate given that the TEC recently decided that two way cycle access should be maintained on George Street itself during any redevelopment works.
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has met with the President of the United States Donald Trump in Aberdeenshire.
The meeting took place at MacLeod House on the Menie Estate ahead of the official opening of the second golf course at Trump International.
During his meeting with President Trump, Mr Swinney urged the President to consider economic protections for Scotland’s whisky and salmon sector, including an exemption for whisky from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the US.
The First Minister was also unequivocal in demanding action to tackle the “unbearable, unjust and inhumane” situation unfolding in Gaza, as he urged the President to use his immense influence to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis.
During their meeting, the First Minister also stressed Scotland’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine, urging President Trump to stand firm in defence of democracy and peace against Russian aggression.
Mr Swinney also presented the President with a proposal to provide Edinburgh Airport with US Customs pre-clearance facilities which the First Minister said would help “demonstrate the strength of America’s enduring relationship with its friend and partner, Scotland”.
Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said: “During our discussions, I was able to represent the interests and values of Scotland directly with the President, specifically, urging him to make the case for tariff exemptions for our world class whisky and salmon sector.
“I believe there is now a window of opportunity to make the case for whisky and at the invitation of the President, I intend to make further representation to him on this matter.
“I implored President Trump to use his immense influence on the Israeli government to end the unbearable, unjust, and inhumane situation unfolding in Gaza, and to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing.
“As a proud country that stands firm on the principles of equality and freedom for all, I urged President Trump to help make those ideals – American ideals – a reality for the people of Ukraine. Scotland has consistently stood with the people of Ukraine in defence of freedom, peace and a just society, and we want to see a world where those principles apply to all.”
PM SAYS STATE OF PALESTINE WILL BE RECOGNISED– UNLESS ISRAEL ‘TAKES SUBSTANTIVE STEPS TO END THE APPALLING SITUATION IN GAZA’
THE Prime Minister said:
On the 7th of October 2023 Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre in Israel’s history.
Every day since then, the horror has continued.
The hostages are still being held today.
The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering.
Now, in Gaza because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand: Images that will stay with us for a lifetime.
The suffering must end.
Yesterday I discussed this with President Trump.
And we are mounting a major effort to get humanitarian supplies back in.
By air, and UK aid has been air dropped into Gaza today.
And – crucially – by land.
We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day.
But ultimately – the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement.
So we are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire.
That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners.
This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a Two State Solution.
Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. But right now – that goal is under pressure like never before.
I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the Two State Solution.
With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.
So today – as part of this process towards peace I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a Two State Solution.
And this includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal.
They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.
We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps.
But no one should have a veto on our decision.
So this is the way forward. We will keep working with all our international partners to end the suffering, get aid flooding into Gaza and deliver a more stable future for the Middle East.
Because I know that is what the British people desperately want to see.
Statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recognition of a Palestinian State
Our overwhelming concern is for the Israeli hostages and for the people of Gaza. We must do all we can to end the current suffering and change the situation on the ground.
We demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the slaughter, that the UN be allowed to send humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a continuing basis to prevent starvation, and the immediate release of the hostages. We support the US, Qatari and Egyptian governments in their attempts to bring about a ceasefire.
We also need a comprehensive plan to end this misery and to get to a long-term settlement. We are committed to working together with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan for the next phase in Gaza that establishes transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale.
This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership from Gaza as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution. We welcome the steps announced by President Abbas and these should be the basis for a comprehensive reform of the PA.
We have long been committed to recognising a state of Palestine. As our election manifesto said, Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel.
We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
Hamas are a terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7th atrocities. They must never be rewarded. We have been unequivocal in our condemnation of those evil attacks, and our support for the right of the State of Israel to self-defence.
Hamas must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to an immediate ceasefire, accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza, and commit to disarmament.
We are determined to protect the viability of the two-state solution, and so we will recognise the state of Palestine in September before UNGA; unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a ceasefire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.
We will make an assessment ahead of UNGA on how far the parties have met these steps. No one side will have a veto on recognition through their actions or inactions.
But recognition by itself will not change the situation on the ground.
We are therefore taking additional immediate steps to alleviate the humanitarian situation, including air drops of humanitarian supplies along with Jordan, and getting injured children out of Gaza and into British hospitals alongside pressing strongly for UN deliveries of humanitarian assistance to resume.
We also believe that a ceasefire will not last without urgent work on governance and security in Gaza, and the prospect of a long-term political settlement. We are therefore preparing a plan with our key allies for longer-term political negotiations and a two-state solution.
First Minister: Recognition should be irreversible and not conditional
First Minister John Swinney has responded to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK intends to recognise the State of Palestine.
The First Minister said: “Having called on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, I welcome the intent behind this announcement. However, recognition of a Palestinian state should be irreversible.
“Recognition must not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.
“Israel must today agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to flow in much more volume to address the starvation being faced in Gaza.
“A two-state solution is the only way that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples can have a future, living side-by-side in peace and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less.
“This announcement comes on the day that the number of deaths reported passed 60,000, a truly horrific milestone that shames us all.
“The Israeli government must commit to end the killing and comply with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. We must see the unconditional release of all hostages.”
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip. It is not a threat. It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
“Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.”
ISRAELI leader Benjamin Netanyahu said the UK stance is ‘rewarding Hamas terrorism’.
Over 40 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for a showcase of creative talent.
Now in its 11th year, Tea Green Events has become a major platform for independent Scottish designers, drawing thousands of visitors to its markets across the country.
Following the success of Tea Green Events’ markets at National Galleries Scotland: National last year, this is the market’s debut event at the Queen Street venue, taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 (10am-5pm).
This year’s markets will also come to V&A Dundee, Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, Aberdeen Art Gallery and both Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.
Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen in 2014.
Joanne said, “The Portrait is a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who live and work in and around the capital.
“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, the market will also put Scotland’s design talent on a global stage, where we can showcase the very best of Scottish craftsmanship.
“With everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear and ceramics, these beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work are made by some truly talented individuals who I know are looking forward to this amazing opportunity”.
Amongst the designers and makers preparing to set out their stalls are a number of Edinburgh College of Art graduates, including illustrator and paper artist, Laura Sayers.
Laura commented, “Turning up at a market can sometimes be quite alienating for folk like me who spend a lot of their work life alone, but the community of makers and the customers that come along are always so warm and welcoming.
“It’s been encouraging for me to see my own work looking and feeling at home alongside some of my favourite small businesses who are all making such high-quality, handmade products.
“As a result, I feel spurred on to make more wholehearted work to mirror the high standards of the other artisans, and the markets give me direction and something to aim for, particularly in the slow summer months.
“There’s also something special about that human interaction and living online means that you’re often craving a space for these conversations. I always come away feeling refreshed and excited for what’s next.
“Edinburgh was a beautiful city to study in, and my time at the College of Art really shaped and laid foundations for the work I make today. I’m always more than happy to return to soak up some more inspiration, and the Portrait Gallery has been one of my personal favourite spots for a long time.
“Making it a base for my artwork for a couple of days is a real pleasure.”
National Galleries of Scotland’s Director of Audience, Isabella Miller, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the makers back to the National Galleries of Scotland following the amazing success of the Tea Green market at the National gallery last summer and winter.
“This time around we’re hosting the market in the stunning surroundings of the Portrait gallery in the centre of Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the market under the bedazzling stars in the world-famous Great Hall.
“The decadent and ornate backdrop of the Portrait is the perfect setting for visitors to feel fully enveloped in the spirit of the market. Beautiful hand-crafted designs, in a beautiful hand-crafted building, what’s not to love!
“The Portrait is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible market creatives and support Scottish businesses. We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art, or pop into the café to relax and enjoy some delicious food.
“There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the Portrait.”
Dr Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “It’s always wonderful to follow our graduates’ creative journeys as they grow and flourish into confident and established designer-makers.
“Communities and markets like Tea Green are ever-important platforms for our alumni in realising their ambitions, connecting with fellow creatives, and showcasing the breadth, diversity, and quality of work emerging from Scottish art colleges.
“At ECA, we strive to create opportunities for our students locally, nationally, and internationally; however, it is always particularly rewarding when graduates decide to remain in and around Edinburgh, and to further champion and grow Scotland’s vibrant creative landscape and economy.”
For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit:
BBC ALBA is bringing the best of The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to viewers, live from the Belladrum Estate in Kiltarlity across the weekend (from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August).
Presenters Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald will lead audiences through the festival with exclusive coverage featuring live performances from established and emerging artists.
Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, Belladrum attracts tens of thousands of visitors, and this year is no exception with headliners including Texas, Supergrass and Paul Heaton.
Other chart-topping acts set to perform, and appear on BBC ALBA, across the weekend include Tom Walker, Natasha Bedingfield, Example and The Hoosiers. And Scottish artists are well represented with folk rock and pop favourites Skipinnish, Kassidy, Rianne Downey and Tide Lines.
The 2025 festival will also provide a platform for local musicians building a name for themselves, including 17 year old swing singer Michael Lewis from Newtonmore, who has recently secured a musical residency at a renowned music venue in Texas, USA.
Accordion playing sensation and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist RuMac will perform on the Garden Stage, having recently made an appearance in Danny Boyle’s new film, 28 Years Later.
Kicking off the coverage on BBC ALBA will be Falasgair – the six-piece up-and-coming contemporary trad band who won this year’s Belladrum Tartan Hearts Festival talent search.
The band, who hail from Skye and take their name from the Gaelic word for seasonal heather burning, will take to the Belladrum main stage from 4pm on Thursday 31 July with their high-energy take on traditional Scottish music.
Belladrum 24. BBC ALBA
Pics Trevor Martin
Ahead of their Belladrum debut, Finn MacPherson of Falasgair, said: “Having attended Belladrum quite a few times since I was young, I never thought I’d see myself on the main stage playing alongside my pals so it’s a pretty surreal feeling.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us — we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from our family, friends, and the local community. It really shows the strength of the music scene here.
“This has come at a great time for us a band as we’re recording our debut album and will release it later this year. We’re looking forward to kicking off the festival in a traditional manner – with the pipes!”
Belladrum talent search judge Robert Robertson, lead singer of Tide Lines who are due to perform on Saturday, added: “It’s brilliant that the festival will be opened by a young, island band playing traditional music with such dynamism and energy – they will have the place bouncing!”
True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA supported the search which provides a platform to propel newcomers into the country’s celebrated music scene.
Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: “Falasgair are a brilliant, young traditional band whose star is definitely on the rise and we’re proud to support emerging talent like this as part of our wider Belladrum partnership.
“This year’s coverage promises to capture the colour, energy and incredible talent that makes this festival so special. From headline sets to hidden gems, BBC ALBA will bring audiences at home the very best of Belladrum 2025 live across the weekend and on demand on BBC iPlayer. Whether you’re tuning in for the trad, the pop or something a little different, it’s going to be an unforgettable few days.”
Belladrum festival producer, Dougie Brown, said: “Belladrum is more than just a music festival — it’s a celebration of creativity, community and culture, all set against the stunning Highland backdrop.
“We’re marking our 21st birthday with a line-up that brings together household names, rising stars and a few surprises along the way so whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover.
“And with BBC ALBA bringing the magic to screens across the country, even more people can share in the Belladrum buzz.”
For those unable to attend, tune into BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer for its live annual coverage with exclusive broadcasts across the weekend.
Josie from Alness and her sister Adeline have a rare and serious genetic condition. Adeline had a stem cell transplant, and now the family are searching for a stem cell donor for Josie, so she can also have a second chance at life.
DKMS will be at the Bridge of Allan Games on 3 August and Black Isle show on 7 August adding people to the stem cell register
Josie Davidson is 6 and her older sister Adeline is 8. Sadly, the two sisters from Alness in Ross and Cromarty share a rare and life-threatening diagnosis.
Both girls were born with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), a rare genetic disorder that poses serious health challenges, including bone marrow failure. Both girls were told that they would need a stem cell transplant from a stranger to give them the best possible chance.
Their mother, Steph, explains, “Our eldest daughter, Adeline, was diagnosed in February 2019, and it was a huge shock. At that time, I was also 6 months pregnant with twins.
“It took almost two years for Adeline to have her life-saving transplant, and at times, we thought it was never going to happen. We thought it was over until a new person popped up on the register as a match for Addie – that person gave her a new life.
“In that long wait, of course, the twins were born. At around 6 months old, I had a strong feeling that Josie had the same condition. I just thought, ‘We have to go through it all again.’
“At the moment, there is no match for Josie on the register, so we’re still searching. Because she is so fragile and her condition is so rare, it is so important that we find a perfect match for her.
“It’s a waiting game really – we either wait for that perfect match or we need to wait until she gets poorly, which we don’t want, so the more people on the register, the more likely it is that she’ll get her second chance too.”
Josie’s illness currently requires weekly appointments with many different medical professionals. But a perfect stem cell match could give Josie the chance to enjoy a carefree childhood with her twin brother, Jude, and older sister Adeline.
“Josie is a sweet, loving little girl, strong-willed but a free spirit,” explains Steph. “She loves dressing up, playing games, and doing crafts and activities – the messier, the better for Josie!
“She adores her big sister, and they sing and dance together daily. She doesn’t let her condition stop her. She just loves life and people.”
The family is working closely with blood cancer charity, DKMS, to encourage more people to join the stem cell register. Joining the DKMS stem cell register is a quick and easy process involving some mouth swabs, which takes just a few minutes.
There’s an urgent need for more people to sign up as every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Anyone aged 17 – 55 years who is in general good health can register. Thousands of people have already joined the register in response to Josie and Adeline’s story, with some of them being called forward to give other patients a second chance at life. However, Josie is still waiting on her match.
The DKMS Scotland Volunteer Hub will be at the Bridge of Allan Games on 3 August and the Black Isle Show on 7 August and will be helping members of the public to join the stem cell register.
Chris Bain is a stem cell donor from Aberdeenshire and now leads the Scotland volunteer hub for DKMS. He says, “For patients like Josie, stem cell donors offer a crucial second chance.
“The fact that her sister is now doing so well shows the life-changing impact of the stem cell donor register, and having been through this process from the donor side, I know just how easy it is.
“Only a third of patients find a match in their family, so joining the register means that you could give someone more time with the people they love, and potentially save a life.
“We’ll be at the Bridge of Allan Games and the Black Isle Show signing people up to the register, so come say hello and get signed up! It just takes a few minutes – we’ll be there to answer any questions that you have”.
Things you didn’t know about blood cancer:
Every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Blood cancers are the third most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
Every year, nearly 13,000 people die from blood cancer in the UK.
At any one time there are around 2,000 people in the UK in need of a stem cell transplant.
Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with The King’s Trust, is offering an exciting opportunity for young people aged 16-30 years to launch a career in lifeguarding through a comprehensive free training programme starting next month (August 2025).
To be eligible to apply, candidates must NOT be currently in full-time work or education (including school) and they must be aged between 16 and 30 years old.
Programme Highlights
The innovative ‘Get into Lifeguarding’ initiative provides a structured pathway to employment, featuring:
A pre-selection day with a swim test which will take place on 13 August
Free 1-week National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course
One week of work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure pool venues
Mentorship from experienced staff
Job interview preparation
Up to six months of post-programme support
Reimbursed travel expenses and lunches
Programme Timeline
Week 1: King’s Trust Team Building & Employability Skills Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 2: NPLQ course week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 3: King’s Trust CV and Interview Preparation Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 4: Work Placement Week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Franek Karwacki, 18, from Trinity, is one of a previous cohort’s success stories. He left Trinity High School in summer 2024 with outstanding A-grade Highers and had been working part-time in a fish and chip shop.
Unlike many of his peers who pursued immediate university education, Franek chose an alternative path. Encouraged by his father, he applied to the ‘Get Into Lifeguarding Course’ offered by the King’s Trust in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, viewing it as an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
Unlike his university-bound friends who were burning through their savings, it was an opportunity for him to earn a steady income in his ‘gap year’. The shift work didn’t bother him either with him enthusing: “I quite enjoy the earlies, starting at 5:30am and ending at 2pm, as it gives me time to pursue my passion for basketball,” he says.
The programme opened a door he hadn’t even considered before. “I hadn’t necessarily thought about lifeguarding as a career path,” Franek admitted, “but now I’ve gained skills that were completely paid for and got a job. The support from both Edinburgh Leisure and the King’s Trust transformed what could have been an uncertain period into a real opportunity.”
A year on, having worked as a lifeguard at Leith Victoria, the qualifications have springboarded him into his next chapter. He has recently left Edinburgh Leisure to finally join his peers by heading to university in Sweden to study Economics and Society.
“I’m going to be looking into lifeguarding opportunities while I’m in Sweden to support my studies, so the qualifications have definitely come in handy.”
Karen West, Manger at Portobello Swim Centre emphasised the programme’s broader mission: “This initiative is a win-win. We’re providing young people with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially launch a career in the leisure industry.
“For many young people, like Franek, this could be life-changing for them.”
How to Apply
For Programme related enquiries and to apply, email by 7 August:
