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Britain is 100% behind you: Andy Burnham visits Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister

Prime Minister in Kyiv for first international visit to reiterate UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine
Comes as the Prime Minister announces the UK has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine
Burnham expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, alongside other world leaders in the city to mark Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today (Monday 24 August) for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.

Just weeks after welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK in July as his first international guest, the Prime Minister has travelled to Kyiv to reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

Visiting on Independence Day, the Prime Minister will tell the Ukrainian people that the UK is four-square behind Ukraine’s independence, and Russia’s threats only strengthen the UK’s resolve.

To underline the strength of this commitment, the Prime Minister is set to announce that the Government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.

The missile is the French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow, with both using shared French and British technology.

The move follows the UK being the first to gift long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes to Ukraine in 2023 and will allow the French and Ukrainians to move forward with the Ukrainian assembly of the missile.

It also complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.

“I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security.

“The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.

“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss how the UK can continue to support Ukraine as it courageously defends itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.

He will tell international partners that the UK’s leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his Government.

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to be presented with an award on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the United Kingdom’s support.

The UK has been one of Ukraine’s foremost partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing a range of military, economic, and diplomatic support, underpinned by the UK and Ukraine’s 100 Year Partnership.

This includes leading efforts to secure Ukraine’s long-term security alongside France as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, and committing £25 billion in funding, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.

SNP Government must do more to protect shop workers, says Usdaw

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTLAND’S PROTECTION OF WORKERS LAW

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect shop workers in light of an epidemic of retail crime. The call comes on the fifth anniversary of the Scottish protection of workers’ law, which the union says makes a big difference if backed up by investment in policing.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), came into force on 24 August 2021.

It provides a specific offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing any retail worker and a harsher sentence if they were enforcing a statutory age restriction, resulting in a fine with penalties escalating to a prison sentence.

The legislation was a direct result of Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, working with Scottish politicians, retail employers and other organisations.

Police recorded retail crime figures in Scotland, released in June, show that:

Shoplifting increased from 20,557 incidents during the pandemic to 53,269 last year (2025/6), which is a 159% increase and includes a 19% rise on the previous year (2024/5).
The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 50.6% in 2025/6, an overall decrease of nearly one-third, although there was a slight improvement last year of 1.6%.
Since the Protection of Workers Act came into effect, the number of times the legislation has been used has increased every year. There have been 11,023 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker over 5 years.

Voice from the frontline: Scottish supermarket worker Rhianna talks about how the Act has made a difference when used: “A customer was refused alcohol because they were drunk and they smacked another customer over the head with a bottle of vodka <which also injured the shop worker>.

“The staff called the police and they got there within five minutes…beforehand, it would have been ignored. So, to see that type of improvement is huge and it’s thanks to the protection of workers’ law.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scotland’s protection of retail workers’ law has made a difference, as Rhianna explains, and has been used to punish over 11,000 offenders, but much more needs to be done in Scotland’s epidemic of retail crime.

“We are continuing to work with retailers and Police Scotland to help ensure that the legislation is fully utilised. However, we have been concerned by a lack of urgency to tackle retail crime from the Scottish Government, who have overseen a record-breaking more than doubling in shoplifting, with a 19% increase last year.

“In contrast, Labour’s actions have seen retail crime reduce over the last two quarters in England and Wales. Northern Ireland rates of theft from shops have also been trending downwards.

“Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats – over two-thirds of which are triggered by theft from shops and armed robbery.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers do. Usdaw’s own survey shows that over three-quarters of our Scottish members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community.

“They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law, along with the full backing of the Government.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Scottish shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. The groundbreaking protection of workers’ legislation that came into force in Scotland was an important step forward and has inspired similar legislation in Westminster for England and Wales, and Stormont for Northern Ireland.

“However, passing the legislation is not enough on its own and it must be backed up with investment in policing and a priority being given to retail crime, which is spiralling out of control. Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and too many shop workers suffer all too often.

“We still need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need.”

Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern) says: “Having worked in retail before entering Parliament, I know first-hand the growing impact of retail crime faced by shop workers in our communities.

“I’m proud of the impact made by the legislation I introduced 5 years ago to make it a specific offence to threaten, abuse or assault retail staff, with over 10,000 offences recorded since it came into force.

“The law has strengthened protections, improved reporting and sent a clear message that abuse of shop workers is unacceptable. Now we need urgent action from the Scottish Government to go further in tackling the epidemic of retail crime through stronger policing and closer partnership with retailers.”

Walker’s Shortbread’s “Magic Taxi” brings touch of Speyside magic to Edinburgh Fringe

Fringe magician Elliot Bibby took to the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday in a bespoke Walker’s Shortbread ‘Magic Taxi’ to surprise festival-goers with free rides, close-up magic, and buttery shortbread.

Serving as an on-the-move venue with a difference, the tartan-clad cab – which features brand ambassador Sir Andy Murray – transported busy Fringe-goers across the city between venues while keeping them entertained and fuelled with shortbread.

Amazon employees donate back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland

Employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline have packed and donated 700 back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland, helping families prepare for the new school year.

The kits were packed by 60 Amazon employees during a dedicated volunteering event at the Dunfermline fulfilment centre. Containing essential school supplies for both primary and secondary school pupils, the kits will be distributed by Multibank Scotland to families across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh ahead of the new academic year.

Multibank Scotland provides essential items to people experiencing financial hardship by working with charities, schools and community organisations across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh. The partnership helps ensure families can access everyday essentials when they need them most.

Natasha Blyth, an employee at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “We’re pleased to support Multibank Scotland with this donation ahead of the new school year.

“Preparing children for a new term can be a significant expense for many families and we hope these back-to-school kits will provide practical support where it’s needed most.”

Grant Barnes, from Multibank Scotland said: “Thank you to Amazon and its employees for this donation of back-to-school kits.

“The cost of school supplies can be a real challenge for many families, and these kits will help ensure hundreds of children have the essentials they need to start the new school year ready to learn.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded Multibank Scotland 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.

International visitors drive summer boost at Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has recorded a year-on-year increase in summer visits, as Edinburgh welcomed visitors from around the world during another busy festival season.

The attraction, located at the top of the Royal Mile, saw overall visits rise in July 2026 compared with the same month last year, alongside significant growth from several international markets.

Spanish visitors recorded the largest increase, rising by 88% compared with July 2025. Visits from the United Arab Emirates increased by 43%, while visitors from Austria and Canada rose by 41% and 23% respectively.

The figures come as Edinburgh’s summer tourism season reaches its peak, with the city welcoming millions of visitors for its festivals and the school summer holidays.

Visitors still have time to make the most of Camera Obscura’s reduced summer ticket prices, available until 1 September as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative. The attraction is passing on the full VAT reduction across advance and walk-up tickets, meaning a family of four can save more than £10 compared with standard admission prices.

Located just moments from Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura features more than 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, alongside panoramic views of the capital from its rooftop. A seasonal rooftop bar is also open throughout the summer, offering soft drinks, snacks and ice cream away from the busiest festival streets.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions also welcomes families of all needs. Visitors with sensory needs can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys. A sensory map of the building is also available to help families plan their visit.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “Edinburgh has an incredible international appeal, particularly during the summer, and it has been fantastic to welcome even more visitors through our doors this July.

“The growth in visitors from countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Austria and Canada demonstrates just how far that appeal reaches. The city is at its liveliest during the festivals, and we are proud to play our part in the experience people have while they are here.

“We also recognise that visiting Edinburgh during the summer can be expensive, particularly for families. With reduced ticket prices still available until 1 September, we hope even more people can enjoy everything the attraction has to offer before the summer comes to a close.”

Discounted tickets are available through Camera Obscura’s website and for walk-up admission until 1 September.

To book your tickets, please visit: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

Exploitative zero-hours contracts are endemic, says TUC

ONS data shows near record levels of zero hours contracts – 1.2 million, an increase of 55,000 over the year
The data continues to suggest the jobs market held steady in June, with the employment rate up from 75.0% to 75.1% and the unemployment rate down from 5.0% to 4.9%.
Redundancies fell by 20,000 to 106,000 in the latest three-month period.
Youth unemployment remains high at 14.6 % – unchanged over the quarter.
Vacancies fell by 6,000 over the quarter to 707,000
Real pay growth was 0.7% against CPI inflation, down from 1.4% in the same period last year. Private sector real pay increased by just 0.1%

Responding to the latest labour market statistics, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Exploitative zero-hours contracts are endemic in this country, with more than 1.2 million people stuck not knowing how much they’re going to earn each week. That’s why the government must deliver on its promise of a right to guaranteed hours for everyone.

“Employers are addicted to this one-sided flexibility. But the vast majority of insecure workers have struggled to meet their basic living costs because they haven’t been offered enough hours – and one in three face a financial hit of at least £3000 a year from cancelled shifts and incurred costs.

“We need to get young people into work – but it isn’t good enough to push them from unemployment into rampant insecurity. No young person benefits from a race to the bottom – they deserve good, secure employment like anyone else.

“It’s time for the government to double down on its plans to make work pay, expand the youth jobs guarantee, and stamp out exploitative zero-hours contracts once and for all.”

More words but no action on Israeli illegal incursion in Palestine

Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan:

The Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable.

The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly.

The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories.

International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This is the position of the international community reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.

At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning.

We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing.

Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.

We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest.

Make It! Shoot It! Say It!

NEW CREATIVE PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

GRANTON Youth is teaming up with National Galleries of Scotland for a brand new creative project for young people aged 12–18

Inspired by American artist and photographer Catherine Opie’s “To Be Seen” exhibition, we’re going to be exploring photography, identity, and creativity!

We’re looking for young people who are into art, photography, making stuff, being creative or just trying something different.

You don’t need to be an expert photographer. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to make yet!

We’ll be experimenting with:

Portrait photography

What we choose to show / hide about ourselves

Props, clothing & fashion

Shadows & reflections

Creative writing

Identity, belonging & representation

A big group portrait

And loads of space to take things in your own direction

If this sounds like your, or someone you knows thing, DM us or email ryan@grantonyouth.com to get involved!

#grantonyouth

#nationalgalleriesscotland

#tobeseenproject

#youngartistsedinburgh

#youthworkinspires

Edinburgh Scotmid colleague celebrates 35 years from shopfloor to senior role

From part-time store roles to senior leadership, four Scotmid colleagues are marking career milestones that together span more than 110 years.

Their journeys highlight how one of Scotland’s leading convenience retailers continues to grow talent from within, creating long-term career paths across stores, operations, HR and learning and development.

Today, each continues to support colleagues, strengthen the business and help shape the next stage of Scotmid’s growth.

For Lynne MacGillivray, the journey started in March 1991 in what was then known as a ‘shelf filler’ role at Scotmid’s South Queensferry store while she was still at school.

More than 35 years later, Lynne is now a senior member of Scotmid’s HR team, having spent the past two decades supporting and developing colleagues across the business.

Lynne said: “I never expected to stay as long as I have, but Scotmid’s variety of opportunities and strong community values made it somewhere I wanted to build my career.

“Seeing colleagues build confidence, progress and achieve their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

Kevin Lowe joined Scotmid in April 2001 as a Regional Business Manager.

Over the last 25 years, he has supported significant change across the business, including major acquisitions, business transformation projects and the growth of Scotmid’s store estate.

Reflecting on his time with Scotmid, Kevin said: “When I first started, we had around 50 stores, four Regional Business Managers and the bones of an expansion plan.

“Today, we have more than 180 stores and a custom-built Head Office. It has been a fantastic growth journey, both personally and professionally, to be part of.”

Following Scotmid’s acquisition of Morning Noon & Night in 2004, Jane Burns joined Airdrie’s Scotmid store as an experienced manager. Since then, she has progressed through compliance, training and learning and development roles and is now a Lead Learning & Development Consultant, helping colleagues build successful careers of their own.

Jane said: “I quickly saw that Scotmid genuinely puts people first. The care, compassion and empathy shown during the transition made a lasting impression.

“What has kept me here is our people. I feel fortunate to support colleagues as they grow, progress and build careers of their own.”

While studying Business and Information Management at university, Lynne Hedger joined Scotmid 25 years ago as a Customer Service Assistant. What began as a part-time job developed into a career spanning store management, change management and major business projects. Today, Lynne is Head of Central Operations and a member of Scotmid’s Retail Leadership Team.

Reflecting on her Scotmid journey, she said: “I did not expect to stay after completing my degree, but I quickly got the retail bug.

“The people, progression opportunities and support within the Society have shaped my career, with numerous mentors guiding and encouraging me along the way.”

Margaret Anne Clark, Chief Operating Officer – Services at Scotmid, said: “All four of these incredible colleagues have each made an outstanding contribution and commitment to Scotmid over many years.

“They have helped serve customers, support colleagues and guide the business through periods of growth and change. Their stories demonstrate the opportunities that exist within Scotmid and the difference people can make when they build a career with us.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate their milestones.”

Together, their stories reflect Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to developing colleagues, recognising loyalty and creating careers that grow with the business.

Scottish Olympians join Dannii Minogue and Sir Stephen Fry to front LGBTQ+ youth campaign

Belshill-born and now Glasgow-based badminton star Kirsty Gilmour, and Edinburgh-born now Stirling-based Olympic curler Bruce Mouat are among 30 LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies appearing in a new film for LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust, calling for greater support, safer spaces and understanding for LGBTQ+ young people.

The line-up also includes pop icon Dannii Minogue, national treasure Sir Stephen Fry and Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes.

The Proud Trust, one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ youth charities, has brought together two of Scotland’s biggest sporting names with stars from film, TV, music and sport for a major new celebrity film supporting LGBTQ+ young people.

Kirsty Gilmour, who was born in Bellshill and now lives in Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s most successful badminton players.

She has represented both Scotland and Great Britain, competed at three Olympic Games and became the first Scottish badminton player to win a European title, as well as winning Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow in 2014.

Bruce has also won two Olympic silver medals with Team GB, at the 2022 Beijing and 2026 Winter Olympics. Kirsty and Bruce appear in The Proud Trust’s new #DeserveBetter campaign film alongside 28 other LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies.

The #DeserveBetter campaign launched earlier this summer to highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and call for greater understanding, safer spaces and better support. The new film brings all 30 names together behind one message, that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to feel safe, accepted, heard and able to thrive.

The campaign comes at a time when LGBTQ+ young people continue to face significant challenges. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying because of who they are, almost six in ten have seriously considered suicide, and almost a quarter may never complete secondary school, twice the national average.

The Proud Trust supports thousands of LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups, one-to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes, professional training and its Rainbow Flag Award programme. Following the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, referrals to the charity increased by 171%, underlining the growing demand for specialist LGBTQ+ support.

The film also features singer and presenter Dannii Minogue, actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian Tom Allen, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard and Courtney Act, television favourite Denise Welch, Heartstopper actor Kizzy Edgell, radio presenter Adele Roberts, and author Matt Cain MBE.

Completing the line-up are comedian James Barr, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story actor Cyril Nri, Coronation Street favourites Charlie Condou and Alexandra Mardell, former Lioness Anita Asante, It’s A Sin actor Nathaniel J Hall, Brassic regular Neil Ashton, Smoggie Queens stars Elijah Young and Peter McPherson, Tip Toe actors Shakeel Kimotho and Gabriel Clark, West End performer Rob Madge, former England footballer Lianne Sanderson, England rugby stars Heather Fisher and Meg Jones MBE, British wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker BEM, and further RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Catrin Feelings and Elle Vosque.

Kirsty Gilmour said, “Everyone deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, confident and accepted.

“The Proud Trust is providing life-changing support to LGBTQ+ young people across the UK, and I’m proud to help shine a light on that through #DeserveBetter.”

Bruce Mouat said, “Having a strong support network can make all the difference in life.

“The Proud Trust provides that for thousands of LGBTQ+ young people every year, and I’m proud to stand alongside #DeserveBetter and the incredible work the charity does.”

Rachel Williams, CEO of The Proud Trust, said, “Every young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being debated more than ever, it’s vital that young people know they are valued, supported and never alone.

“We’re incredibly proud that Kirsty, Bruce and the other 28 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part in the film have chosen to stand with us and support #DeserveBetter.

“Their voices send a powerful message that there is a whole community standing beside LGBTQ+ young people, championing their right to be themselves and thrive. #DeserveBetter is a call for all of us to do better, as if we come together we can build a future where every young person gets the support, acceptance and opportunities they deserve.”

For more information about The Proud Trust and the #DeserveBetter campaign visit www.TheProudTrust.org

Watch the campaign film on Instagram at @The_Proud_Trust