Category: North Edinburgh News

New cyber action plan to tackle threats and strengthen public services

New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient

  • £210 million plan to strengthen cyber resilience across government
  • Government Cyber Unit to coordinate risk management and incident response across departments
  • Leading firms with strong track record of cyber security to drive best practice through new Software Security Ambassador Scheme

New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can use them with confidence – whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing healthcare. 

Backed by over £210 million, the Government Cyber Action Plan published today (Tuesday 6 January) sets out how government will rise to meet the growing range of online threats. Driven by a new Government Cyber Unit, the plan will rapidly improve cyber defences and digital resilience across government departments and the wider public sector, so people can trust that their data and services are protected.  

It underpins UK Government plans to digitise public services. This will make more services accessible online, reduce time spent on phone queues and paperwork, and enable citizens to access support without repeating information across multiple departments. This approach could unlock up to £45 billion (note) in productivity savings by using technology effectively across the public sector. 

However, realising these benefits depends on trust. As services move online, they must be secure and resilient. Cyber attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes, disrupting lives and undermining confidence. The new plan addresses this challenge head-on. 

Released as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill has its Second Reading in the House of Commons, the Bill sets out clear expectations for firms providing services to government to boost their cyber resilience.

From energy and water suppliers to healthcare and data centres, strong defences throughout supply chains will help keep the water running and the lights burning – facing down the cyber attackers who want to grind our country to a halt.   

The plan will lead to: 

  • clearer visibility of risks: shining a light on cyber and digital resilience risks across government, so we can focus efforts where it matters most
  • stronger central action on the toughest challenges: taking decisive, joined-up action across departments on severe and complex risks that no single organisation can solve alone with a dedicated team overseeing coordination
  • faster response to threats and incidents: reacting quickly to fast-moving cyber threats and vulnerabilities to minimise harm and speed up recovery by requiring departments to have robust incident response arrangements in place
  • higher resilience across government: boosting resilience at scale, with targeted measures to close major gaps and protect critical services

Digital Government Minister Ian Murray said: “Cyber-attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes – disrupting our digital services and our very way of life.  

“This plan sets a new bar to bolster the defences of our public sector, putting cyber-criminals on warning that we are going further and faster to protect the UK’s businesses and public services alike. 

“This is how we keep people safe, services running, and build a government the public can trust in the digital age.”

Today’s plan is also bolstered by further steps to take the UK’s cyber defences further and faster. 

A new Software Security Ambassador Scheme will now help drive adoption of the Software Security Code of Practice – a voluntary project designed to reduce software supply chain attacks and disruption. 

Software underpins the economy as a core component of all technologies that businesses rely on. Yet weaknesses in software can cause severe disruption to supply chains and the essential services the public use every day with more than half (59%) (note) of organisations experiencing software supply chain attacks in the past year. 

These issues can be addressed by embedding basic software security practices across the software market. Among others, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Sage, Santander and NCC Group will come on board as the scheme’s ambassadors, championing the Code across sectors, showcasing practical implementation, and providing feedback to inform future policy improvements. 

Cyber risk to the public sector remains high. The plan responds with £210 million to spark a step change in public sector cyber defences, holding organisations to account for fixing vulnerabilities. This includes setting clear minimum standards and investing in more hands-on support to minimise the impact when incidents do occur.

Cyber resilience is central to the government’s mission of national renewal. Secure, reliable digital public services help protect citizens, support growth, and deliver better value for taxpayers, while maintaining trust in the services communities rely on every day.

Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK said: “We are pleased to be an ambassador for the UK government’s Software Security Code of Practice and it reflects our broader commitment to collective resilience. 

“By advocating for these standards we’re not just protecting Santander and our customers, we are helping to build a more secure digital economy for everyone.”

‘Plan ahead and look out for each other’: Swinney plea as winter bites

Resilience room updated on impacts of snowfall

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to recover from the recent heavy snow in northern Scotland and preparations for further snow and ice warnings.

The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.

First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow advice on staying safe in winter and thanked those involved in supporting others.

Mr Swinney said yesterday: “The cumulative impact of the heavy snowfall across northern Scotland has been significant and there has been a huge effort to keep transport moving and public services open.

“At present, there is still some travel disruption but trunk roads are open and rail, ferry and air services are working to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Likewise many schools are closed today but remote learning is in place for young people, while contingency plans are in place for affected health and social care services.

“There will be further snow and ice, with yellow warnings in large parts of Scotland and temperatures set to remain cold, so impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days which could include transport problems and I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to  the range of weather and travel advice available.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe. That community spirit is truly heartening to hear.

“Ministers will continue to keep the situation under review.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.

“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.

“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.

“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.

“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”

Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.

Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

World Cup Public Holiday

Celebrating Scotland’s first game since 1998

First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.

The First Minister said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

TODAY: Holywood comes to Wester Hailes

MAKE A MOVIE DAY at WESTER HAILES LIBRARY

It’s Hollywood time here at Wester Hailes! 💥

05/01/2026 @ 1 – 4 PM

We will script, film and edit our own film in just one day 🤩

There will be a role for everyone so no matter what you want to do whether that be a editor, director, script writer or producer we will have something for everyone 🎥💥

So if you are ready for a challenge, come to Wester Hailes library and make a film in just ONE DAY 💥

No booking required, refreshments provided!

Landmark junk food ad ban to protect children’s health

Children will be protected from exposure to junk food ads under new regulations, in a bid to tackle childhood obesity

  • UK Government delivers on pledge to restrict junk food advertising and help parents raise healthiest generation of children ever
  • New regulations will remove up to 7.2 billion calories from UK children’s diets each year as part of drive to reduce childhood obesity
  • Children will be protected from excessive exposure to unhealthy food adverts on television and online.

Kids will be protected from exposure to junk food advertising on TV and online as new regulations come into force to help tackle childhood obesity. From today, adverts for less healthy food and drinks will be banned on television before 9pm, and online at all times.

This decisive and world-leading action by this government is expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets each year, reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000 and deliver around £2 billion in health benefits over time.

Evidence shows advertising influences what and when children eat, shaping preferences from a young age and increasing the risk of obesity and related illnesses. The ban targets the media children and young people use most at the times they use it.

At the start of primary school, 22.1% of children in England are living with overweight or obesity and this rises to 35.8% by the time they leave.

Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for young children (typically ages 5-9) in the UK.

Minister for Health, Ashley Dalton said: “We promised to do everything we can to give every child the best and healthiest start in life.

“By restricting adverts for junk food before 9pm and banning paid adverts online, we can remove excessive exposure to unhealthy foods – making the healthy choice the easy choice for parents and children.

“We’re moving the dial from having the NHS treat sickness, to preventing it so people can lead healthier lives and so it can be there for us when we need it.”

The UK government has worked closely with health campaigners and industry leaders to find the right balance which combines our commitment to raising healthy kids and economic growth. It’s in everyone’s interest that parents and children can make healthy choices and we thank food and drink companies for getting behind these restrictions voluntary since October ahead of them taking legal effect today.

Previous interventions, such as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy resulted in businesses reformulating to make products healthier, and the measures coming into effect today have already had a similar impact, driving the development and promotion of healthier options.

This change is part of a range of measures the government is taking to lift children out of poverty and help give them the best start in life.

To tackle obesity and improve diets, Westminster has introduced the Healthy Food Standard to make the average shopping basket of goods healthier, and we’re giving local authorities the power to stop fast food shops setting up outside schools.

Katharine Jenner, Executive Director, Obesity Health Alliance, said: “It’s been one battle after another, but we are finally going to see children being protected from the worst offending junk food adverts.

“This is a welcome and long-awaited step towards better protecting children from unhealthy food and drink advertising that can harm their health and wellbeing. These new restrictions will help reduce children’s exposure to the most problematic adverts and mark real progress towards a healthier food environment.

“For the government to achieve its ambition of raising the healthiest generation ever, this is an important policy as part of a broader approach to preventing obesity-related ill health. Continuing to strengthen the rules over time will help ensure these protections remain effective.”

Colette Marshall, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “With type 2 diabetes on the rise in young people, the need to improve children’s health in the UK has never been greater. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and the condition can lead to more severe consequences in young people – leaving them at risk of serious complications like kidney failure and heart disease.

“The long-awaited move to restrict junk food advertising – along with other measures such as mandatory healthy food sales reporting for businesses and the extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy – can help protect the health of our children, creating a future where conditions like type 2 diabetes can be prevented in young people.”

The Soft Drink Industry Levy will be extended to cover more products, including sugary milk-based drinks – and the government is helping to further improve kids’ diets by banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16.

In December, the Prime Minister announced parents could save up to £500 a year on baby formula thanks to new government measures aimed at reducing household costs and easing the cost of living for hard-working families.

This government has also introduced supervised toothbrushing for three to five-year-olds to protect those in the most deprived communities from tooth decay.

The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, meanwhile, will break the cycle of addiction and stop the next generation getting hooked on nicotine. It will also halt the advertising and sponsorship of vapes, limiting their packaging, flavours and displays which lure young people in.

These measures combined with the junk food ban mark the 10 Year Health Plan’s shift towards prevention and significant progress towards the government’s our pledge of raising the healthiest generation of children ever.

Farid (17), Bite Back Activist, said: “Today is a milestone moment – one that young people across the UK have been campaigning for over many years. We welcome the government taking action to put children’s health front and centre, to protect young people from the predatory and manipulative marketing of unhealthy food by junk food giants.

“These new rules are an important first step that begins to rip down the wallpaper of junk food advertising that surrounds young people on TV and online every day. We’re proud to see this change finally happen. But this cannot be the end. Young people are energised to keep pushing, working hard to make 2026 the year we fully transform the environments children grow up in.”

Malcolm Clark, Senior Policy Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “The world around us heavily influences what we eat and drink, which is why Cancer Research UK has long campaigned for restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods to children.

“Measures announced today – if properly enforced – are a crucial step towards creating an environment that protects children and empowers healthy lifestyle changes. 

“Obesity and overweight causes at least 13 different types of cancer, and children living with obesity are much more likely to live with obesity as adults too. The UK Government must build on this landmark legislation with further bold action to make a healthy diet more accessible and reduce people’s risk of cancer in the future.”

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “This is a positive step towards creating healthier environments for children and tackling childhood obesity.

“Childhood obesity remains one of the most significant public health challenges we face, driving health inequalities and placing a significant cost burden on the NHS and wider society. These measures are an important part of a whole systems approach, alongside local action to improve access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.

“We are pleased to see that these measures complement other public health initiatives, such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which together signal a strong commitment to prevention and improving health outcomes.”

Alice Wiseman MBE, Vice President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “The vast majority of deaths in this country are caused by preventable illnesses and disease, including many cancers, respiratory, heart and liver disease. These illnesses are often linked to the consumption of harmful products like unhealthy food and drink, but this is not the result of personal choice.

“The reality is that what we eat and drink is heavily influenced by cheap prices and clever marketing campaigns backed by multi-million pound budgets. We simply don’t have the freedom to choose.

“There is no quick fix, but we know from our experience of tackling tobacco harm, that one of the key ways to reduce illness and death caused by harmful products is to introduce tighter restrictions on advertising those products.  

“There is of course further to go, but today’s legislation is a significant and welcome step forward in protecting people from industry influence and reducing the number of people living with – and dying from – preventable illness and disease.”

Call for urgent action as the number of legal plans for vulnerable children in Scotland slump to a new record low

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education for vulnerable children and young people, is calling for urgent action from the Scottish Government and local authorities following a dramatic reduction in the number of legally binding co-ordinated support plans (CSPs) for children and young people with complex or multiple additional support needs (ASN).

Recent data from the Scottish Government show that the number of pupils with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, has surged to 299,445 in 2025 – representing 43 per cent of Scotland’s pupil population – up from 153,143 (22.5 per cent of pupils) in 2015.1.

Against this backdrop, there has been a staggering 63 per cent drop in the number of pupils receiving CSPs over the same period. 2

In 2015, there were 3,128 pupils with a CSP, but by 2025, this figure had plummeted to just 1,165, representing only 0.4% of those identified with ASN and just 0.2% of the overall pupil population.

So-called co-ordinated support plans (CSPs), prepared by local authorities, are the only education plans that are legal documents.  These provide guarantees of entitlement to additional resources and legal redress, placing statutory duties on local authorities to review and ensure that the provisions are met.

The fall comes despite a Scottish Government promise that there would be no reduction in the proportion of pupils receiving them since their introduction through the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

A concern raised by the SCSC is that local authorities are reluctant to issue CSPs because they are seen as cumbersome and time-consuming, resource-intensive, and subject to enhanced scrutiny.

This is all set against the backdrop of under-investment in services, with many local authorities now reluctant to provide legally enforceable support due to cuts in health, education, and social work provision.

If the needs of the child or young person are not believed to have been met, non-statutory alternatives are often offered in their place, with families or carers not being offered the option of a CSP.

The SCSC has called for a number of actions from the Scottish Government and local authorities, including:

● Expanding access to CSPs, ensuring all eligible pupils receive a legally binding plan.

● Reviewing and removing barriers preventing the effective use of CSPs.

● Improving collaboration between local authorities, health, education, and social work services to ensure statutory duties are being met.

● Investing in resources and training to raise awareness and understanding of CSPs among families, carers, and professionals, including targeted training for local authority and school staff

A spokesperson for the SCSC said: “We are calling for urgent action from the Scottish Government and local authorities following figures highlighting a dramatic decline in the use of CSPs, which are designed to support those with the most complex needs. 

“This is despite a Scottish Government assurance that they would not fall, and against the backdrop of a dramatic increase in the numbers of those with ASN, including those with more complex needs.

“This gap between the growing number of children with ASN and the declining number of CSPs is simply not justifiable. The threshold for receiving a CSP is already challenging to meet, and local authorities are using vague terminology to deny children the support they need.

“By not providing this legally enforceable provision, many of these vulnerable individuals are being failed and not getting the support they are entitled to, meaning that they are not achieving their full potential.

“This is of particular significance given the devastating impact of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. The Scottish Government, local authorities and other agencies need to collaborate to ensure that those requiring a CSP receive it, with the necessary resourcing in place to support this.

“With those with ASN drawn disproportionately from poorer neighbourhoods, if we are to close the educational attainment gap genuinely, they must get the care and support they need, when they need it.”

1 Scottish Government, Pupil census supplementary statistics 2025 and 2015, table 1.5. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/pupil-census-supplementary-statistics/

(accessed 2nd January 2026).

2 Ibid., table 1.6.

Venezuela: Starmer shies away from criticising illegal US action

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued the following statement yesterday:

‘The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.

‘I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.’

Other political leaders have been braver in their condemnation:

First Minister John Swinney has commented on the unfolding situation in Venezuela, urging the international community to ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows.

YOUR PARTY leader Jeremy Corbyn said: The US has launched an unprovoked and illegal attack on Venezuela. This is a brazen attempt to secure control over Venezuelan natural resources.

“It is an act of war that puts the lives of millions of people at risk — and should be condemned by anyone who believes in sovereignty and international law.”

Your Party has launched a petition

Senator Bernie Sanders’ statement on President Trump’s actions in Venezuela

Former Democrat US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris said: “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.

“That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise.

“We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price. The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to.

“This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.

“The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home.

“America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”

SCOTTISH GREENS: ‘Trump’s illegal invasion and occupation of Venezuela must end. We stand in full solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

“This kind of blatant US imperialism cannot be allowed to stand.’

The UN has issued the following statement:

‘The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.

‘Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected. 

‘The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.’

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL said: “Today’s military action by the Trump Administration in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population and most likely constitutes a violation of international law“.

Trussell: Looking Ahead

As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a year that showed both the scale of hardship in the UK and the power of people coming together to change it.

Last year our network of food banks supported millions facing crisis, while continuing to push for the changes needed to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger.

None of this happened by chance. It happened because of the commitment, compassion and determination of our food banks, volunteers, partners and supporters across the country.

Now, we’re looking ahead. Because emergency food should never be the answer, and together, we can make even more change in 2026.