Last weekend, Edinburgh welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, a three-day event dedicated to strengthening the international movement for fair and sustainable trade.
The event opened on Friday 30 August with a reception at the City Chambers, chaired by Rachel Farey of the Edinburgh City Fair Trade Group. Among the speakers were Foysol Choudhury MSP, Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, Europe and International Development; Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron; Thembisile Mnisi from Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa; and Louise Davies from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.
Delegates also visited the Scottish Parliament, where they joined a Q&A session with Foysol Choudhury MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.
The visit set the tone for the week, with Mr Choudhury opening the programme by reflecting on Scotland’s achievements: “In 2023, Scotland marked 10 years as a Fair Trade Nation, a milestone reflecting the dedication of communities, campaigners, and businesses working to make trade fair, just, and sustainable.
“Today, we continue to champion Fair Trade with pride, and I am delighted that Edinburgh is at the heart of that journey.”
This year’s conference theme, “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, framed discussions on how local initiatives can contribute to global system change. Delegates took part in interactive workshops on climate action, wellbeing economies, youth engagement, digitalisation and the power of storytelling in driving social change.
Closing the weekend, Mr Choudhury added: “Fair Trade has always shown us that local action can drive global change, and the stories we are hearing here in Edinburgh prove just that.
“I am proud that Scotland is hosting this conversation, and I look forward to seeing the collaborations and commitments that emerge from this weekend.”
Thanks to funding from a local charitable trust Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are able to deliver a programme of community engagement activities as part of the redevelopment of West Pilton Park.
The first sessions are on10th & 17th September.
ELGT are keen to work with local groups and individuals so please contact emily@elgt.org.uk to get involved.
The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday, 7 September, 2025 at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate.
If you receive an alert while driving, do not pick up your phone and attempt to deal with the message. Continue driving as normal, staying in full control of your vehicle. You will not need to take any action.
There were three arrests following protests in Edinburgh yesterday, Saturday, 6 September, 2025.
Two men, aged 67 and 82, were arrested in connection with the Terrorism Act. A 63-year-old man was arrested in connection with a hate crime.
Enquiries remain ongoing into a number of offences relating to the Terrorism Act. Due to the large crowds present, we carefully assessed the circumstances and prioritised public safety and evidence gathering. This evidence is now being reviewed with further action expected.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “While these protests were conducted peacefully and largely without incident, there were a number of offences identified relating to the Terrorism Act. Substantial evidence of these offences was gathered at the time which will form the basis of a post incident investigation.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.”
Ian Murray MP has accepted a new role following his dismissal from the post of Scottish Secretary on Thursday.
The Edinburgh South MP has been appointed Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister Angela Rayner is now complete.
The new cabinet including junior ministerial appointments is:
Rt Hon David Lammy MP as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. He will also be Deputy Prime Minister
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He will remain Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department
Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP as Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade
Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Emma Reynolds MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP as Secretary of State for Scotland
Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip). He is a member of Cabinet
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP as Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons. He will attend Cabinet
Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP and Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP have left the Government.
Jason Stockwood as Minister of State (Minister for Investment) jointly in the Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury
Dan Jarvis MP as Minister of State in the Cabinet Office. He will remain Minister of State for the Home Department
Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern as Minister of State (Minister for Skills) in the Department for Work and Pensions. She will remain Minister of State (Minister for Skills and Minister for Women and Equalities) in the Department for Education
Lord Vallance KCB as Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He will remain Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Michael Shanks MP as Minister of State jointly in the Department for Business and Trade and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Alison McGovern MP as Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP as Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP as Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions
Sarah Jones MP as Minister of State for the Home Department
His Majesty has also been pleased to signify His intention of conferring a Peerage of the United Kingdom for Life on Jason Stockwood.
Baroness Gustafsson CBE, Jim McMahon MP, and Daniel Zeichner MP have left the Government.
Anna Turley MP as Minister of State in the Cabinet Office (Minister without Portfolio). She will attend Cabinet
Alex Norris MP as Minister of State in the Home Department
Sir Chris Bryant MP as Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade
Luke Pollard MP as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence
Georgia Gould MP as Minister of State in the Department for Education
Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP as Solicitor General
Lucy Rigby MP as Parliamentary Secretary (Economic Secretary to the Treasury) in HM Treasury
Maria Eagle MP and Catherine McKinnell MP have left the Government.
Rt Hon Ian Murray MP as Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Chris Ward MP as Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office
Seema Malhotra MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She will remain as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education
Mike Tapp MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Department
Louise Jones MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence
Baroness Levitt KC as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice
Miatta Fahnbulleh MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Samantha Dixon MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care
Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Catherine West MP, Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, and Lord Khan of Burnley have left the Government.
NEW polling shows significant support for package of wealth taxes and taxes on financial institutions right across political spectrum
Public welcome wealth taxes as a vital means to fund public services and build a fairer Britain
Implementing wealth taxes improves government’s standing with public and key voters
TUC general secretary says voters want a “grown up” conversation about reforming tax system
New analysis from the union body reveals tens of billions can be raised through a windfall tax on banks
The TUC has today published new polling which shows the public overwhelmingly back a package of taxes on wealth, bank and gambling companies to fund our public services and rebuild Britain.
There is significant support for implementing a package of higher taxes on wealth, gambling and banks to:
Deliver real growth in school budgets so every school has enough money for textbooks, basic repairs and equipment: 78% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 13% oppose
Reduce NHS waiting lists so that by 2029 we meet the target of more than 90% of people who need care for a non-urgent condition receiving it within 18 weeks: 82% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 12% oppose.
Deliver a major cash boost for local services to improve bin collections, leisure centres and libraries: 77% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 15% oppose.
Ensure more investment in community policing, to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community cohesion: 79% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 13% oppose.
Voters across the political spectrum, including Reform-leaning voters, back several different options for raising taxes on the wealthiest and financial institutions:
Raise capital gains tax to the same level as tax on wages from employment: 51% support and 34% oppose. This rises to 68% support among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 57% support among Labour voters from the 2024 election now leaning to Reform.
A windfall tax on the profits of banks and other financial institutions 66% support and 21% oppose. This rises to 83% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 73% among Labour voters from the 2024 election now leaning to Reform.
Higher taxes on online casinos, gambling machines and sports betting 71% support and 19% oppose. This rises to 84% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 74% among Labour voters from the 2024 now leaning to Reform.
A 2% annual wealth tax paid by people with assets worth more than £10 million 68% support and 22% oppose. This rises to 79% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 75% among Labour voters from 2024 now leaning to Reform.
And as a package of measures, these wealth, gambling and bank taxes have huge popular and cross-party support:
More than 2 in 3 (68%) support this package of measures as a whole – while just 23% oppose
This rises to 84% supporting and 14% oppose among Conservative to Labour switchers from the 2024 general election.
It rises to 74% – with just 22% opposing – among 2024 Labour voters who are now leaning to Reform.
Separate new polling from the union body also shows the government’s standing with the public would improve if they implemented taxes on wealth to fund public services.
The polling shows taxing wealth to deliver better public services:
Boosts the perception that the government is “trying to improve things” from 19% to 34%
Boosts the perception that the government is “delivering change” from 19% to 34%
The TUC says voters will reward the government if they invest in public services and fund it through wealth taxes.
Grown up conversation
The TUC says the public wants a “grown up conversation” about tax – and they fundamentally want a fair system which invests in vital public services to fix broken Britain.
The union body says the findings demonstrate that the public know that tax rises are needed to pay for vital services – and in this context they are overwhelmingly supportive of getting those with the broadest shoulders to pay their fair share.
The public also wants a fairer system. While cutting NHS waiting lists was the top reason for the public being on board with tax rises (chosen by 64%), closing tax loopholes came second (49%).
There is also widespread support for a modernised and simplified system – three in four support (73%) such reforms, including 83% Labour to Reform switchers.
The union body says the government must continue to build on the vital investment in public services and infrastructure announced in the Budget.
The country is “crying out for sustained investment” after years of Tory neglect – and faces real risks with growing global uncertainty, decimated public services and living standards hammered.
Windfall tax on banks
New TUC analysis shows that an increase in the bank surcharge – a tax on bank profits – could raise significant funds over the coming years.
In recent years, banks have made significant unexpected profits because of increased interest rates. This has led to higher returns both from net interest (the difference on interest charged to borrowers and paid to savers) and interest paid to banks on reserves they hold at the Bank of England.
As a result, bank profits are now higher than they were in the period before the financial crisis. But under the Conservatives, taxes on banks were slashed. An increase in the bank surcharge could raise between £20-50bn over the next four years:
A 16% surcharge, which is doubling what it originally was before the Conservatives cut it, would deliver £20bn
A 35% surcharge, which would be the same level as the windfall tax the Conservatives imposed on energy companies, would deliver £50bn
Even just reversing the Tory cuts and setting it at 8% – which the TUC says is the “bare minimum” – would raise £8bn over four years.
Profits have risen significantly from pre-pandemic levels and OBR forecasts show that profits will remain high over coming years.
Banks made £37bn of profit in 2023-24, up by 41% from £26.3bn in 2019-20. More recent figures from Positive Money show the big four banks made £45.9bn profits in 2024 and £24.1bn in just the first half of 2025.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “After more than a decade of Tory neglect, this country is crying out for investment – in our schools, NHS and local services.
“The public overwhelmingly want investment to deliver better services right across the country – whether it’s cutting NHS waiting lists so patients can get the prompt treatment they need or funding schools so our kids have the right books and resources.
“And they want fair taxes too. People have had it with a system where those with the broadest shoulders don’t pull their weight.
“The public are behind tax reform so that the wealthy, banks and gambling companies pay more – they know this will deliver better services and a fairer society.
“It’s time for a grown-up conversation about tax – that’s what voters want, and it’s what they deserve.”
Police are appealing for information and witnesses, following the serious assault of a cyclist on Blackhall Cycle Path, near to Davidson Mains.
The incident took place around 6.05pm on Tuesday, 2 September, 2025. The cyclist, a 46-year-old man, was cycling away from the Drylaw area on his green vintage-style Dutch bike.
The suspect was riding an offroad dirt bike and is described as white, around 5ft 10 and slim build, but their gender is unknown. They were wearing a black full-face helmet and black puffer jacket.
Detective Sergeant Rob Finch said: “We are appealing for anyone who was in the area or witnessed this attack to please come forward.
“Enquiries have established that two members of the public provided aid to the victim, so would ask them to contact police as soon as possible.
“Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 1961 of 3 September, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet, is thrilled to announce that bold new culinary destination, Hamilton & Brown, will be arriving at the centre this autumn. Set to tantalise the tastebuds of West Lothian, the new delicatessen and tasting bar will bring an eclectic range of Scotland’s finest producers to residents and visitors alike.
Born from the rich heritage of David Stein Butchers and inspired by a legacy of over 40 years in premium Scottish meat and dining, Hamilton & Brown will offer an elevated gastronomic experience.
From hand-selected artisan cheeses to locally sourced wines and rare single malts, every element will be curated with precision and passion. Guests will be able to dine-in at a stunning tasting counter designed to bring people closer to the craft, whether indulging in a perfectly paired cheese and wine board, or a dram of whisky with expertly carved meats.
For the meat connoisseur, a dedicated rotisserie and deli-style counter will serve succulent roasted chicken, slow-cooked pork, and gourmet cuts. All will be prepared with the same care and expertise that has defined David Stein’s award-winning reputation for decades, promising depth, flavour, and perfection.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert counter is a showstopper overflowing with decadent patisserie creations, elegant tarts, rich cakes, and irresistible handmade treats. This is not just another food hall it’s a destination!
The arrival of Hamilton & Brown follows the success of Cafebar 1962, also part of the David Stein group, which opened at the centre last summer and has proven to be a hit with visitors seeking a leisurely lunch or delicious dinner or quality cocktails and entertainment.
David Stein, founder of Hamilton & Brown, said: “With the success of our hospitality ventures, including five unique restaurant experiences across Scotland and the North of England, launching at Livingston Designer Outlet was a natural next step.
“This is a tribute to our roots in West Lothian, but also a bold step into the future of Scottish food culture.”
Michelle Whitelaw, Centre Director at Livingston Designer Outlet commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming another David Stein opening to Livingston Designer Outlet. Hamilton & Brown will bring a truly exciting new gastronomic offering to our visitors.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity to support Scottish produce, which we know is important to the local community. We look forward to seeing the doors open and to enjoying a taste of Hamilton & Brown for ourselves!”
For all the information on Livingston Designer Outlet, please visit the website here:
Unprecedented UK defence sector growth with more than £1.4 billion in foreign direct investment committed in just 12 months.
More than 1,700 new jobs being created across the UK, delivering on this Government’s Plan for Change.
Ministers saw British innovation and investment in action with visits to Greenford and Farringdon.
More than 1,700 new jobs are being created as the UK’s defence sector drives unprecedented growth across the country, following at least £1.4 billion foreign direct investment being announced since July 2024.
This success reflects the Government’s commitment to making defence an engine for economic growth across the UK. The increase in annual foreign direct investment from international companies demonstrates the confidence that companies feel to invest in the UK, alongside the Government’s historic uplift in defence spending, providing a significant boost to the UK economy and showing more countries are choosing to invest in facilities in Britain.
The increased investment is supporting the UK’s defence industrial base, with thousands of new jobs created and supported across the country, including manufacturing, engineering, and business service roles. Recent investments include an expanded drone manufacturing facility in Hampshire, shipbuilding secured in Belfast, and the investment in artillery systems manufacture in Telford.
The soon to be published Defence Industrial Strategy will set out how the UK will further strengthen its defence industrial base and supply chains, enhance sovereign capabilities, and position Britain as a global leader in defence technology whilst creating high-skilled jobs and driving economic growth across the country.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said: “This record new investment is a confirmed vote of confidence in Britain.
“In a new era for defence, I am backing British industry, British innovators and British jobs.
“A strong defence industrial base helps keep Britain safe and makes defence an engine for growth.”
Ministers showcased this momentum yesterday with visits highlighting new British defence innovation sites.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, opened Ultra Maritime’s new £20 million manufacturing facility in Greenford, London, which will employ 100 staff including 35 new manufacturing and testing roles focused on producing cutting-edge sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare systems.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said: “Ultra Maritime’s innovative work supports the Royal Navy to help keep the UK safe, whilst backing dozens of skilled manufacturing jobs.
“By deepening their investment in state-of-the-art facilities, it is another demonstration of the confidence defence firms have in growing their companies in the UK.”
The Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure we continue to attract world-class companies to the UK, creating high-skilled jobs and cementing Britain’s position as a global defence technology leader.
The Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, opened Arondite’s new Farringdon office, celebrating a British defence-tech company building AI software to connect autonomous systems. Veteran-founded Arondite announced a £100 million investment in advanced R&D, expanding its UK footprint and creating 100 new high-skilled jobs.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: “Arondite’s expansion represents exactly the kind of British innovation and entrepreneurship that exemplifies Defence as an engine for growth – combining cutting-edge AI technology with job creation and sovereign capability development.
“As outlined in the SDR, we are creating a new partnership with business and making it easier for SMEs to do business with Defence. Through our Defence Industrial Strategy, we’re backing brilliant British companies like veteran-founded Arondite to scale up, create careers, and keep our nation secure in an increasingly complex world.”
These developments build on the Government’s delivery of the Strategic Defence Review, which provided the strategic framework for strengthening Britain’s defence capabilities to meet the new era of threat, whilst harnessing the Prime Minister’s historic defence investment to create jobs and opportunity in communities nationwide.
STARMER RESHUFFLES CABINET FOLLOWING RAYNER RESIGNATION
LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer has sacked his Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray.
The Edinburgh South MP was very much a Starmer loyalist and the sacking has come as a major surprise.
Labour peer Baron (George) Foulkes of Cumnock said on X: “If it is true that @IanMurrayMP has been sacked as Secretary of State for Scotland it is a disgraceful decision.
“He held the fort well as Shadow Secretary through the lean years & has been a brilliant Secretary of State.”
