Festive funding boost for Midlothian community groups
Miller Homes Scotland East is supporting two Midlothian community groups through its Community Fund initiative, donating £1,000 each to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club in Bonnyrigg and Whitecraig Christmas Lights in Dalkeith.
Since launching in 2022, the Community Fund has made a meaningful difference to local communities across Scotland, awarding £344,000 in grants to 538 organisations.
The initiative has helped a wide range of projects, from supporting foodbanks, sports teams, music groups and creative spaces. So far in 2025 Community Fund has supported seventeen groups across Scotland with a share of £20,000, including Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and Whitecraig Christmas Lights.
Miller Homes’ donation to Lothian Children’s Deaf Club will go towards purchasing BSL resources for schools. This includes posters for open parts of the school with BSL greetings, useful words/phrases and grammar, as well as flashcards for further learning.
Kirsten Abioye, co-founder at Lothian Children’s Deaf Club said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue our mission at LCDC to support deaf children and their families.
A big part of that is providing opportunities to learn BSL so we hope these resources will encourage and support BSL learning in schools.
“This also fosters community learning, where hearing children have the opportunity to learn alongside deaf children and helping to create an inclusive school environment where everyone feels they belong.”
Funding awarded to Whitecraig Christmas Lights will support ongoing fundraising efforts to help light up the village during the festive season, bringing residents together and creating a strong sense of local pride.
Rebecka Melrose, representative of Whitecraig Christmas Lights, said: “Thanks to a generous £1,000 donation from Miller Homes, we can continue to light up the village and spread festive cheer for everyone to enjoy.
“A huge thank you to Miller Homes for supporting our community.”
Neil Gaffney, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “We are delighted to be able to continually support causes within the communities that we have developments.
“Supporting initiatives like Lothian Children’s Deaf Club and local projects such as Whitecraig Christmas Lights reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and bringing people together.
“The work of Lothian Children Deaf Club is vitally important in supporting families by creating a community centred around inclusivity and continuous learning.
“We are delighted that this funding will go towards continuing this amazing work.
“The village Christmas lights play a special role in creating a sense of pride and festive spirit for residents of all ages. We’re pleased that this funding will help ensure the lights continue to shine for the community.”
For more information on Miller Homes’ Community Fund and to find out when the next round of funding opens, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/communityfund.
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery in Edinburgh.
Around 8.25pm on Saturday, 20 December, 2025, a man entered a newsagent on Keir Street with a knife and stole a three-figure sum of cash.
The man made off along Keir Street.
He is described as male, of slim build, and was wearing light grey trousers, a three-quarter length black jacket, a black face covering, black baseball cap and red gloves.He spoke with a Scottish accent.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, Edinburgh CID said: “This was an extremely alarming incident for the staff, and it is vital we trace the man responsible.
“Keir Street would have been busy at the time, and I would ask anyone who was there and who may have seen this man, to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 1198 of 21 December.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Scottish Ministers should set defined timescales and fixed budgets for public inquiries, says a new parliamentary report.
The recommendation is one of a raft of measures from Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee to improve the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries.
The committee’s report says inquiries are “over-stretched and poorly defined” and subject to limited financial control.
It also says there is a “lack of clarity and openness” on the decision-making process leading up to inquiries being established.
The report follows an eight-month investigation into the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries – the first time a Holyrood committee has examined the subject.
The cost of inquiries in Scotland alone has risen by £30 million this year to £258 million since 2007.
Impact on frontline services
The committee also highlights the impact on frontline services when staff and resources are redirected to an inquiry.
For example, a trial judge presides over 34 trials a year on average. If a judge is involved in an inquiry lasting years, it has an impact on the justice system.
The committee says its recommendations are practical and can be implemented quickly.
Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said:“Our investigation was prompted by increasing concern over the escalating cost of public inquiries.
“In practice, there is currently limited ability for Ministers to control expenditure and stop costs spiralling – or to stop an inquiry dragging on for years once it’s up and running.
“Our study of international models shows there are better alternatives for cost effectiveness and effective delivery. For example, Sweden normally requires its public inquiries to conclude within two years and within a set budget.
“We are also concerned at the impact on existing services if resources are redirected to inquiries that may last for years.
“We therefore recommend the Scottish Government amends its devolved Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007, to require a defined timescale and fixed budget at the start of every inquiry. Any subsequent justification for an extension should be brought before Parliament.
“In the longer term, the Scottish Government should work with the UK Government to update the Inquiries Act 2005 – which is reserved – to make this a primary legislation requirement.”
Practical actions, quickly
Mr Gibson added:“Our recommended package of measures is designed to strike the right balance. Retaining flexibility to meet the unique circumstances of individual inquiries, while strengthening financial controls and promoting fiscal sustainability.
“Our focus is on practical actions that can be implemented quickly within Scotland. It will benefit everyone – not only people seeking answers and justice, but taxpayers and everyone who uses public services.
“The Finance Committee urges the Scottish Government to act decisively on these recommendations to ensure Scotland’s public inquiry system is cost-effective, transparent and accountable.”
A summary of the committee’s recommendations is set out in Annexe B of the committee’s report.
The committee’s report covers themes including:
Limited transparency of government decision-making prior to inquiries being established
A lack of sufficient financial control of inquiries and the timeline for delivery
The rising cost and frequency of public inquiries in Scotland
The opportunity cost of public inquiries and the impact on frontline public services
The need for financial transparency and regular, consistent publication of costs – both cumulative and disaggregated
The need for clarity on the core purpose of an inquiry and its terms of reference
Views from relatives and families with experience of public inquiries
Judge-led inquiries – its impact on the courts and effective alternative models
International comparisons from Sweden, New Zealand and Australia
Implementing report findings – the lack of tracking and evaluation of the implementation of findings following an inquiry.
The committee’s report says its package of measures aim to:
increase transparency within the public inquiry system
promote consistency and openness in Scottish Government decision-making
provide greater support for inquiry teams
strengthen oversight and scrutiny, and importantly
improve cost-effectiveness and fiscal sustainability of the system.
The cult BBC comedy series The High Life comes to Scottish stages as a brand-new musical, with Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson teaming up with writer Johnny McKnight and director Andrew Panton.
Full cast announced, with original cast members Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart bringing their television roles to the stage joined by a cast of celebrated musical theatre performers including Louise McCarthy (Scot Squad,Wild Rose and The Scotts), Kyle Gardiner (Restless Natives and Oor Wullie) and Rachael Kendall Brown (Pretty Woman UK tour and Get Down Tonight). Full cast below.
A first listen of the new musical was released earlier this year and can be viewed here.
Touring Scotland in 2026, with performances in Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow
National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre in association with Aberdeen Performing Artsand Capital Theatres present
WORLD PREMIERE
The High Life. The Musical. Still Living it!
Story, Script and Lyrics by Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson and Johnny McKnight
Music by Forbes Masson, additional music by Alan Cumming Directed by Andrew Panton
Full cast – Ross Baxter, Rachael Kendall Brown, Alan Cumming, Lauren Ellis-Steele, Ciara Flynn, Kyle Gardiner, Forbes Masson, Louise McCarthy, Grant McIntyre, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart
Colin Richmond – Set & Costume Designer; Emily Jane Boyle – Choreographer and Associate Director; Sarah Travis – Musical Supervisor; Grant Anderson – Lighting Designer; Tom Penny – Sound Designer; Sarah de Tute – Musical Director; Natasha Volley – Associate Choreographer; Ross Brown – Music Technology; James Gorman – Orchestral Manager; Michael Howell – Casting Director
Touring Scotland from Friday 27 March until Saturday 23 May 2026.
World premiere at Dundee Rep Theatre then touring to Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Eden Court, Inverness, returns to Dundee Rep Theatre and King’s Theatre, Glasgow.
Opening performance at Dundee Rep Theatre on 2 April 2026.
After a 30-year delay in the departure lounge, The High Life returns in a new musical spectacular featuring all four original cast members – Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart akaSebastian Flight, Steve McCracken, Shona Spurtle and Captain Hilary Duff.
They are joined onstage by Louise McCarthy, Kyle Gardiner, Rachael Kendall Brown, Ross Baxter, Lauren Ellis-Steele, Ciara Flynn and Grant McIntyre.
The production will tour Scotland in Spring 2026, with previews and opening performance at Dundee Rep Theatre from 27 March, then onward touring to Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, HMT Aberdeen, Eden Court Theatre, returns to Dundee Rep Theatre and King’s Theatre Glasgow until 23 May 2026.
The High Life is a creative collaboration between trailblazing, multi-award-winning artist Alan Cumming (US Traitors, X2 and Avengers: Doomsday and Cabaret on Broadway) and his long-time writing and performing partner, prolific stage and screen actor and writer Forbes Masson (Only Child, The Crown, Eastenders). The creative team is joined by celebrated writer, performer and panto-maker Johnny McKnight (Wendy Hoose, Radiant Vermin, River City) and the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Artistic Director of Dundee Rep, Andrew Panton (Make It Happen,August: Osage County, No Love Songs, A History of Paper).
Oh dearie me! Air Scotia has been sold, and unless our intrepid cabin crew can prove they’re still fit for purpose it looks like the future destination for Air Scotia is the scrap heap. In this flight for their lives, our cut-price cabin crew must get themselves (and their passengers) to their destination safely, testing their mettle and putting decades old friendships and rivalries finally to rest.
The High Life was first commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, created by and featuring Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson. It was a launchpad to its creators’ long and illustrious careers. Since airing in the 90s it has attracted cult status for its sharp wit, farcical storytelling and joyous buffoonery. Taking place in the fictional Air Scotia airline, it centres around air stewards Steve, Sebastian and Shona – the most useless cabin crew ever to push a drinks trolley while asking ‘U Fur Coffee?”.
This revival sees our iconic characters finding themselves growing older in an ever-changing world. It will feature new and original music, is stuffed full of camp silliness and is cleared for take-off.
MEET THE CABIN CREW
Siobhan Redmond reprises her TV role as the iconic Shona Spurtle on stage. Siobhan has worked extensively in theatre, film and television and is known most recently for appearances in Two Doors Down, Death in Paradise and Rain Dogs.
She is joined on board by Patrick Ryecart as the absent-minded Captain Hilary Duff. Patrick’s screen credits include The Crown, Poldark and The King’s Speech.
Joining the original cast is Louise McCarthy as Heather Argyll, Kyle Gardiner as Mylie and Rachael Kendall Brown as Kylie. Louise McCarthy is currently appearing in the Tron Theatre’s panto Gallus in Weegieland and previously was seen on Scottish stages in Wild Rose (Royal Lyceum Theatre) after featuring in the original film which inspired the stage show. She is also known to audiences from the Scottish BAFTA winning Scot Squad. She most recently worked with National Theatre of Scotland in 2022 for the musical adaptation of Peter Mullan’s Orphans, and previously appeared in My Left Right Foot, Yer Granny and Men Should Weep.
Kyle Gardiner recently appeared in Restless Natives The Musical touring Scotland and as the titular Wullie in Oor Wullie at Dundee Rep. He previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland on the Scottish tour of Moorcroft (co-produced with Tron Theatre) and The Panopticon.
Rachael Kendall Brown has just finished Get Down Tonight at the Charing Cross Theatre, where she took over the lead role of ‘Dee’, having previously understudied the role. Previous credits include the UK tour of Pretty Woman.
Completing the crew, the ensemble features Ross Baxter, Lauren Ellis-Steele, Ciara Flynn and Grant McIntyre. Ross Baxter toured Scotland earlier this year in Restless Natives The Musical, and is currently appearing in Snow White at Eden Court, Inverness.
Lauren Ellis-Steele appeared on Scottish stages in Noisemaker and A Play, a Pie and a Pint’s SCOTS, previous credits include the UK and Ireland tour of Wicked and the BBC Northern Ireland series 6Degrees. Ciara Flynn is a Scottish performer, who has toured in Girl’s Night OOT and Girl’s Night OOT 2, Mother Goose at the Ayr Gaiety and Maw Goose at Macroberts Arts Centre in Stirling.
Grant McIntyre appeared in Dundee Rep’s Oor Wullie as a performer and the associate choreographer, and in National Theatre of Scotland’s Maggie & Me. Previous credits include SCOTS and The Addams Family UK Tour.
A first listen at the musical was released earlier in the year and can be watched here. It has already amassed 276k views across National Theatre of Scotland social platforms.
Independent brewing and blending duo unveil citywide collaboration
A MODERN twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing have joined forces to launch a new partnership rooted in shared values of independence, craftsmanship and community.
To celebrate the launch, the two brands have revived the iconic half and half serve – a dram of whisky served with a half pint of beer – with curated pairings across a hand-picked selection of the capital’s most beloved pubs.
The initial rollout sees the Edinburgh-based firms partnership activate in 10 venues citywide, with plans already in place for further expansion into the New Year.
Wemyss Family Spirits was established by siblings Isabella and William Wemyss in 2005 and has since carved out a reputation for exceptional single malts and blended whiskies. Stewart Brewing, founded by Steve and Jo Stewart in 2004, has grown from a small operation in Loanhead into one of Scotland’s most recognisable craft breweries, while remaining fiercely independent.
Both businesses have proudly remained family-run, rooted in local communities and guided by a deep passion for quality and innovation.
William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “This partnership is about more than just great drinks – it’s about celebrating Edinburgh’s independent spirit and reviving a uniquely Scottish tradition in a way that fits modern tastes.
“The half and half is steeped in pub culture, traditionally served as a quarter gill measure of whisky alongside a half pint of beer. It’s about slowing down and savouring each sip – something worth championing, especially during the festive season.
“Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing were built on strong family foundations, and that shared ethos shines through in everything from how we work to what we pour.
“Our half and half drinks pairings reflect the diversity of both our ranges and of the city’s venues.”
The new pairings are available now across 11 local venues:
The Black Cat, Rose Street
The Auld Hundred, Rose Street
Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street
The Cambridge Bar, Young Street
The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant, Rose Street
The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
56 North, West Crosscauseway
Teuchters, William Street
O’Connors, Broughton Road
Athletic Arms (Diggers), Angle Park Terrace
The Bow Bar, Victoria Street
A recommended combination includes Stewart Brewing’s 80/- ale alongside Wemyss’ Spice King blended malt. Another popular match sees the rich Edinburgh Black Stout paired with the smoky Peat Chimney.
Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “Both our businesses have grown from the same foundations – family values and flavour-first products.
“By combining the flavour-pairings of Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing, we’re giving Edinburgh’s clientele the opportunity to mix and match their favourite combinations while showcasing two of Scotland’s best-loved drinks.
“It’s a celebration of the city’s pubs and their staff, who play a huge role in making these pairings come to life.”
With the initiative already generating interest among customers and trade partners, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are planning further activation for 2026, including tasting events, influencer campaigns and potential online product launches.
The duo hopes that this first wave of festive and New Year pairings will lay the foundation for a longer-term programme that celebrates independent businesses, sustainable practices and Scotland’s vibrant pub culture.
Proposals to provide consistent and fair support for families caring for children unable to live with their parents have been published.
Kinship care – where a child lives with a relative, close family friend or other trusted person rather than their parents – is now the most common placement away from home for looked-after children in Scotland, accounting for 35% of such placements.
Views on a draft Vision for Kinship Care will be sought from organisations and individuals in a public consultation launched today.
The draft Vision sets out a consistent baseline of support, proposed for all kinship families across Scotland. It focuses on improving accessibility and transparency around financial support, strengthening advice and advocacy services, and ensuring children in kinship care can access independent advocacy support, while allowing local partners to tailor delivery to families’ needs.
Kinship carers, children and young people helped shape the draft Vision as part of the Scottish Government’s work on ‘The Promise’ – which commits to ensure that all care-experienced young people grow up loved, safe and respected by 2030.
The consultation on the draft Vision will be open until the end of February 2026.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “Kinship carers make an extraordinary contribution to our society, often stepping in at a moment’s notice to provide care and stability for children within their family network.
“Their contribution is vital to wider efforts to keep The Promise, and they deserve our recognition and support.
“Kinship families face numerous complex challenges, including financial pressures, and it is crucial that they are able to access the right help when they need it.
“Through our draft Vision for Kinship Care, we want to work with kinship families and partners to shape a system of support that is fair, consistent and grounded in children’s rights, aligned with our commitment to Keep The Promise and tackle child poverty.
“This Vision builds on the Scottish Government’s previous work to update kinship care guidance and roll out the Scottish Recommended Allowance, further strengthening the rights of kinship families.
“I encourage everyone with an interest in kinship care to share their views and help us shape a final vision that delivers real improvements for children and families.”
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity said:“The draft Vision for Kinship Care is an important step in recognising the scale of support needed for kinship families to thrive and upholding every child’s right to family life.
“We welcome the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that kinship children and their families have all the easily accessible, tailored practical, emotional, financial and legal advocacy and support they need to stay safe and well together.
“As providers of the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland, we are determined to help every kinship family to succeed. Families can contact our friendly, expert team every day of the year by calling 0808 800 0006 for free or by visiting www.kinship.scot.”
Joanne McMeeking, Head Improving Care Experiences, CELCIS, said: “Kinship care is at the heart of families and communities, enabling children to stay connected and feel loved.
“The Scottish Government’s ambition with this proposed vision for kinship care in Scotland, acknowledges the unique challenges for kinship carers and their families and is both timely and essential.
“By focusing on widening access to support, with sufficient resources and a realistic deliverable plan, the proposed vision has the potential to improve the experience of kinship families.
“This would resonate with Scotland’s commitments to both The Promise of the independent care review and upholding children’s rights. We look forward to working with others on the development of the vision.”
The justice sector is facing serious and complex challenges and without increased funding of £400 million (13%) in next year’s budget, the sector faces unacceptable cuts to services, say the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Committee has been gathering evidence as part of their pre-budget scrutiny 26/27. While acknowledging the budget pressures on the Scottish Government, the Committee say the evidence it has received is gravely concerning and that the justice sector has now reached a critical limit in its ability to deliver services without additional investment.
The evidence gathered shows a sector under ever-increasing pressure with new and emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change adding to the stress on resources. The Committee is calling for dedicated funding to ensure justice bodies can tackle rising cyber threats and climate-driven challenges.
In particular, the Committee want to see investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who are on the front line of responding to climate change incidents.
Other budget pressures highlighted in the report include the additional costs in planning, and implementing new legislation enacted by the Parliament.
The Committee say there is an urgent need for the Scottish Government to move towards multi-year funding settlements for all justice sector bodies in Scotland to allow for longer term planning and more flexibility.
The Committee recommend that the Scottish Government works with the UK Government to see if a solution can be found which would allow both the Scottish Police Authority/Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service flexibility to manage their budgets through the use of a financial reserve, as they did before they became single nationwide services.
Furthermore, the Committee want the Scottish Government to look into the possibility of allowing the police and fire services to be given borrowing capacity, to give them more flexibility and an ability to better respond to urgent critical challenges.
Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said:“The scenario facing the justice sector is gravely concerning and without additional funding of £400 million it will face unacceptable cuts to frontline services.
“Our Committee acknowledge that there are no easy answers when it comes to the budget pressures the Government is facing. However, despite the best efforts of the justice sector to make efficiency savings over the last 10-15 years, it is clear that a crucial limit has now been reached in terms of funding and resources.
“Put simply, a flat cash settlement next year is not sufficient, and would lead to cuts and reductions to services which our Committee cannot accept.”
The Convener added:“We want to see additional funding of £400 million and multi-year funding settlements to help the sector in the short and long term.
“We also encourage the Scottish Government to look into giving the police and fire services the ability to borrow money and create financial reserves in order to give them more flexibility to deal with ongoing and urgent financial pressures.
“The Committee thanks witnesses from across the sector who have spoken so candidly on the pressures they face and the urgent need for increased funding.”
Inn collaboration with Animal Rising, Dame Joanna Lumley has launched an animation showing conditions inside MBR Acres and the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
MBR Acres breeds beagles for use in animal testing, primarily toxicology.
Earlier this week, five individuals were convicted of burglary in relation to the 2022 rescue. 13 more are due to face charges in the same case across three separate trials in early 2026. Another three are due to stand trial for a seperate rescue from MBR Acres in June 2022.
A petition launched by Animal Rising, calling for the closure of MBR Acres and the safe rehoming of the beagle puppies inside, has gained over 41,000 signatures.
The animation has been released on the third anniversary of the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
In a pre-Christmas plea for goodwill, Dame Joanna Lumley and Animal Rising have joined forces to call on the Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP to urgently close down the beagle breeding facility known as MBR Acres and rehome all the dogs still there.
Rose Patterson, 36, Animal Rising Co-Director, from Harrogate and living in Hackney, said: “It is an honour to have a national treasure like Dame Joanna Lumley backing us, and thousands of others, in calling for the closure of MBR Acres and safe rehoming of the beautiful beagle puppies inside.
“It is utterly tragic that we use an animal that we also call ‘man’s best friend’ in horrific, painful, and needless experiments.
“It’s not the Victorian Era anymore; we don’t need to rely on using dogs in experimentation for reliable results. We have so many more options available to us that provide greater reliability, using better science.
“Shabana Mahmood needs to step up and make good on Labour’s manifesto promise to end animal testing as swiftly as possible.”
The animation details some of the procedures beagles undergo at MBR Acres, including “terminal blood sampling” that the facility is licensed to carry out.
This license allows MBR Acres to drain healthy dogs of blood and harvest their organs for other use. It moves on to depict the rescues, on two separate occasions, of dogs from the facility (with five puppies rescued in June 2022 and 18 more in December 2022).
Journal articles over recent years, including multiple in the British Medical Journal, have raised serious questions about the claims made by proponents of animal testing. Critics of animal testing point to drugs that passed testing in animals and later led to, sometimes, thousands of human death.
Nathan McGovern, 26, a defendant convicted in this week’s trial, said: “Not only is using innocent beagle puppies for animal testing cruel and painful, but it’s also just bad science.
“Non-animal methods are surging ahead in both reliability and cost. It’s plain that the future is here now, and we need to move with the times with the immediate shutdown of MBR Acres.
MBR has an absolutely atrocious track record when it comes to animal welfare, with both Italian and US facilities shutting down in recent years. In Italy, three senior employees even got prison sentences.”
Animal Rising is calling on concerned members of the public to sign their petition to shut down MBR Acres and rehome all the puppies there.
Sign the petition to save the beagles and shut down MBR Acres:
Defra announces biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation
UK Government launches new plans to protect and improve the lives of our pets, farmed and wild animals
The UK government will launch its Animal Welfare Strategy today – Monday 22 December, setting out new plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.
These generational reforms will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care. These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health issues.
The Strategy further enhances protections for dogs and wildlife, building on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling.
Farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new livestock worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.
Legislation, regulations and current practices need to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.
The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by the Environment Secretary, will help fix this and deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation – in line with our manifesto promise.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
“Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild.
“We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding.”
The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out how the government will deliver:
Improved welfare for companion animals by:
Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming
Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets
Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place
Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Improved welfare for farmed animals by:
Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates
Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns
Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain
Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds
Protection for wild animals by:
Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting
Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets
Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation
The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this government’s proven track record in delivering reforms for animals. This includes introducing new, world-leading standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act.
The government will work with interested parties to deliver the strategy by the end of 2030.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said: “The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.
“People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
“As we need a radical rethink about the way we see and treat animals in this country, this strategy leads the way by showing a strong commitment to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to give all animals the protection they deserve.”
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director, said: “FOUR PAWS UK welcomes the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy today and the commitments outlined which have the potential to transform the lives of millions of animals.
“Improving animal welfare is not only a moral and ethical imperative, but also essential to building a healthy and prosperous nation. By taking action to end the use of confinement systems in farming, banning trail hunting and tackling the scourge of puppy farming, the government can significantly reduce animal suffering in the UK.
“The priority now must be swift action to deliver on these commitments for animals, and FOUR PAWS UK stands ready to support the Government in doing so.”
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “We welcome the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed Animal Welfare Bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations.
“We are also pleased that the Government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy is implemented swiftly and effectively, so that all dogs are properly protected.”
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane World for Animals, said: “There are hundreds of millions of animals in the UK whose health and wellbeing depends on humans and we welcome this Strategy’s commitment to tackle some of the most indefensible and avoidable forms of suffering.
“The Government’s commitment towards phasing out farrowing crates for mother pigs is in tune with both welfare science and public opinion. Supporting farmers to give animals more of the freedom they need and deserve is a hugely commendable and popular goal.”
Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: “Compassion in World Farming welcomes the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy as a landmark step forward in protecting farmed animals across Britain.
“By committing to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, over 7 million hens and 150,000 pigs will benefit annually.
“We are also delighted that the Government’s commitment to improve the welfare of tens of millions of pigs and fish at slaughter. The Government is raising the bar for farmed animal welfare.
“Compassion very much welcomes the Government’s leadership on this and looks forward to working with them to turn these commitments into the much-needed policy changes as soon as possible.”
Michael Webb, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, said: “Battersea welcomes the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. The reforms laid out in the Strategy will address some of the key issues that we as a charity have been campaigning for over many years, including regulating the rescue sector, tackling bad breeding practices and putting an end to puppy smuggling.
“There is clearly still a lot of detail to work out, and the Strategy does not claim to tackle every problem animals face. However, Battersea is hopeful that it will be the catalyst for real, lasting change and ultimately make a brighter future for future for animals across the country.
“We look forward to working alongside the Government to ensure these promises are implemented effectively and ultimately safeguard the welfare of dogs and cats.”
Charlotte Di Cello, Chief Commercial Officer at Waitrose, comments: ““The Animal Welfare Strategy is an important step towards better lives for farmed animals. Shoppers want higher welfare standards and it is really good to know that some of the more inhumane methods of farming, such as fast-growing chickens, will be consigned to history in the UK.
“Waitrose has led the industry on higher welfare in partnership with British farmers: we stopped selling eggs from caged hens nearly 25 years ago; this year delivered the Better Chicken Commitment for all own-label chicken and all own-label pork will be free range by 2027.
“Our new welfare rating label has been welcomed and we are hopeful the strategy will be a springboard to a mandatory scheme in the future to boost transparency and more conscious choice for shoppers.”
Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The bans already in place in Wales and Scotland marked a pivotal step in acknowledging the unnecessary suffering caused by these indiscriminate and cruel devices, so the government’s announcement that it will implement a ban on the use of snares in England is very welcome indeed.
“Snares pose a constant danger in the countryside, and not just for the animals these traps are laid to catch. The League has compiled case studies over many years where animals such as badgers, hares, and even pet dogs and cats have been caught and killed by snares, often discovered by members of the public left horrified by what they have seen.
“These traps are blunt instruments of cruelty, often used for no other reason than to protect millions of game birds which are later shot just for fun, and have no place in a country committed to taking a progressive approach to animal welfare.
“We commend the government for taking robust steps to ensure we will become such a country by outlawing snares.”
The team at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre is celebrating a major career milestone for one of its team, as European Sustainability Senior Project Manager Hugh MacKenzie marks 20 years with Amazon.
Based in Coaltown of Balgonie near Glenrothes, Hugh joined Amazon in October 2005 as an Outbound Area Manager at the company’s previous Glenrothes site. Coming from a successful 20-year career in the electronics industry, Hugh brought with him a wealth of experience in leadership, process improvement, and innovation.
“Amazon was still very much similar to a start-up in the UK when I joined,” Hugh recalls. “Everything was evolving quickly, and if you had an idea, you could make it happen. That freedom to innovate has kept me excited to come to work every day for the past two decades.”
Over the years, Hugh has held a variety of leadership roles, helping to launch and transform several fulfilment sites across the UK. His career journey has included roles in outbound, inbound, reverse logistics, process improvement, health and safety, and sustainability.
One of Hugh’s proudest achievements came during the transformation of Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, where he played a key role in converting the building from non-sortable to sortable
“That project was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “We installed outbound and inbound lines, conveyors, pick tower, dock sorter and automation that helped Amazon in Dunfermline transform to a sortable operation as part of their journey. Seeing that come to life was up there in the highlights of my career.”
Hugh’s passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement led him into the world of sustainability, where he now drives initiatives across Amazon’s European operations. His journey began when he took on the challenge of improving recycling and waste segregation at his site. This was a project that soon evolved into a regional leadership role.
“When I first started looking at sustainability, the systems were in their infancy. We’ve made huge progress since then,” he says. “Now sustainability is part of our culture, process and how we think about our impact.”
Reflecting on his 20 years at Amazon, Hugh says it’s the constant learning and variety that have kept him motivated: “Amazon never stands still. Every role I’ve taken has taught me something new.
“I like to keep busy, and Amazon is the place for that – I’ve remained engaged, motivated, curious and driven for 20 years. It’s been an amazing journey and continues to be amazing.”
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “Hugh is an outstanding leader whose adaptability and curiosity have made a lasting impact on our operations and sustainability programmes.
“His 20-year career is a fantastic example of how far you can go when you embrace new challenges and keep raising the bar. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with him.”
Amazon Dunfermline has been a key part of the company’s UK operations since it opened in 2011. The fulfilment centre has created thousands of jobs in the Fife area and continues to play a vital role in delivering for customers across Scotland and beyond.
The team in Dunfermline is also active in the local community, supporting charities and organisations including Fife Gingerbread, Fife Women’s Aid, and local schools. Employees regularly volunteer their time through Amazon’s community programmes, and the site has contributed thousands of pounds in donations to support education, health, and social care initiatives across the region.
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK.
Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
