Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, raised concerns in Parliament on Thursday about the way Rockstar Games has benefited from substantial UK tax relief while facing allegations about its treatment of staff.
The company behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise has reportedly claimed more than £70 million through the UK Government’s Video Games Tax Relief scheme, a policy designed to support the games industry by significantly reducing companies’ tax bills.
Gilbert’s intervention follows allegations from constituents that workers at Rockstar were dismissed after exercising their legal right to organise in the workplace.
The claims raise serious questions about whether companies receiving large-scale tax breaks from the UK Government are meeting basic expectations around fair treatment and workplace rights.
Several constituents have contacted Gilbert, believing they were unfairly dismissed by Rockstar after engaging in lawful workplace organising activity. She has since met with the company alongside fellow Edinburgh MPs Chris Murray and Scott Arthur, and has committed to continuing her support for the affected workers.
Speaking after raising the issue, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “When a company benefits from tens of millions of pounds in government-backed tax relief, what many would describe as Grand Theft Tax, it is reasonable to expect that it upholds basic standards of fairness and respects workers’ rights.
“I have been contacted by constituents who believe they were dismissed for exercising their legal right to organise at work. These are serious allegations, and it is right that they are properly scrutinised, particularly when a company is receiving such substantial tax advantages.”
Ms Gilbert asked Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, whether he shared her concerns about the reported dismissals and that the issue should be raised with the Chancellor, given the scale of tax relief Rockstar Games has received through the Video Games Tax Relief scheme.
She was reassured that ministers were looking into the matter and that he would be happy to arrange a meeting with ministers regarding the tax relief.
GeorgioMichalakis (known as Gio) was cast as a Jet2holidays Customer Helper for brand-new ITV series The Great Escapers
Gio provided expert holiday guidance to stars from Coronation Street, I’m A Celebrity…, The Chase and Loose Women
Filmed across Rhodes, Spain, Portugal and Malta on a Jet2holiday together, the four episodes see three famous faces from each show compete to create the best holiday experience
A Jet2 Cabin Crew member from East Lothian has found new fame after appearing on ITV’s brand-new prime time series called The Great Escapers.
The series, which sees ITV and Jet2holidays team up together to whisk celebrities away on an unforgettable award-winningholidaywith a twist, involved 24-year-old Georgio Michalakis, known as Gio, being cast as a Jet2holidays Overseas Customer Helper.
As part of his role, Gio jetted off to Rhodes, Spain, Portugal and Malta earlier this year to help guide famous faces from Coronation Street, I’m A Celebrity…, The Chase and Loose Women to create the VIP Jet2holidays experience. Tasked with assisting the stars decide the day’s itinerary so that they could be crowned The Great Escaper at the end of the trip, Gio had to aid the celebrities in deciding their activity choices to ensure that they had the perfect getaway throughout.
Gio explains what it was like filming the TV series throughout the summer and lifted the lid on his experience of working with the celebrities.
Gio explained: “My family couldn’t believe it when I was cast in the show, and neither could I – the whole process has been so exciting. It’s still a bizarre feeling as it’s my first time stepping in front of the camera! My mum has always been my number one fan so her unwavering support has been wonderful, and my whole family is super excited to finally be able to watch the show.”
Gio is half-Greek, with his father hailing from Rhodes – the very place he met Gio’s mother before moving to Scotland together, so it meant that he was able to speak the local lingo, but Catalan was a whole different story. “I was back-to-back filming, so I wasn’t able to pick up the local language. That being said, with me being half-Greek I’m OK in that department but Catalan was really hard.”
Having grown up travelling to the Greek island each summer, Gio’s highlight was having his family join him for the final week of filming in Rhodes. Gio shared: “The wrap party at the end of filming will definitely stick with me forever. My family hosted a big Greek night with plenty of food and dancing to thank the amazing Jet2and ITV production teams, seeing us party into the early hours!”
As a big fan of The Chase, Gio was particularly excited to meet the Chasers including Jenny Ryan, Mark Labbett and Shaun Wallace to help arrange their activities. Gio said: “It was so surreal to meet them all, but Jenny Ryan in particular was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She was so down to earth, and it was lovely to look over and see her chatting away to my mum during the wrap party.”
Although Rhodes holds a special place in his heart, Gio fell in love with the culture-packed towns and golden sandy beaches of Malta when filming with the Coronation Street stars. “It was amazing to uncover Malta’s rich history and explore the beautiful destination for the first time. I’ll definitely be back as I am keen to see even more of the stunning Mediterranean island.”
With the celebrities each taking it in turns to plan the ultimate holiday day trip, assisted by Gio, each episode sees the stars get involved with an array of excursions, from glass blowing to cooking classes. Having worked closely with each of the famous faces,
Gio said: “Oti Mabuse definitely surprised me the most. With her being the first person I interviewed, I was really nervous to meet her, but I needn’t have worried – she was so lovely. Being a ballroom dancer, I always associated her with glamour and luxury, so it was great to see her get stuck in with her co-stars and take them on a muddy buggy ride around The Algarve!”
Out of the 12 competing celebrities, Gio would crown Loose Women’s Katie Piper as his Greatest Escaper, thanks to the luxurious catamaran trip which he helped to arrange for the group in Tossa de Mar. “I’d never been on a catamaran before – the boat was really impressive. Next time I’m abroad, I’m definitely going to look into hiring one for an incredible day trip!”
After stepping into the role of Overseas Customer Helper for the show, Gio is telling holidaymakers: “Don’t be scared to talk to your Jet2holidays overseas customer helper, as they are there to advise and make sure you have the best holiday experience!
“I would definitely speak to them either at the airport or at the hotel, when visiting somewhere new to get their take on the destination and all their insider tips on where to go and what to see.
“Although there’s some great advice available online, nothing beats speaking to a local who knows the destination and can recommend some incredible things to do. So, next time you are on a Jet2holiday, go and meet your Customer Helper – whether it’s just to say hello or to get their advice on where to go.”
Following a summer filled with adventure, Gio is already planning his travel itinerary for next year, thanks to the UK’s largest tour operator’s biggest programme yet for Summer 2026.
Gio said: “I want to travel everywhere next year, there’s so many fantastic Jet2holidays destinations to choose from! The Jet2CityBreaks programme particularly excites me. I have plans to visit Marrakech with my partner for the first time as it’s a brand-new culture that I’d love to experience.
“A mini break to Prague is also calling my name! My own ‘Great Escape’ includes lots of food, nice drinks and restaurants. All the best bits that you can’t get at home!”
The series is currently airing every Sunday at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.
On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.
The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.
Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.
“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.
“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
People who care for more than one disabled person may be eligible for a new Scotland-only payment.
Carer Additional Person Payment, worth up to £520 a year, will be available from March 2026.
Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.
This is the latest in a series of improvements being made to support for carers from Social Security Scotland, which will come into effect in March.
The time Carer Support Payment is paid following the death of the cared-for person will also be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, while Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be replaced by Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid weekly alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @Lan_Carers to highlight improvements to Scottish carer benefits.
These improvements are planned for March 2026 and include a new payment for carers who look after more than one person.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We’re making changes to benefits for carers to recognise the important contribution they make and to help ease some of the pressures that can come with a caring role.
“Scotland’s carers are better off than anywhere else in the UK, and the upcoming improvements will make sure that this remains the case.”
The Cabinet Secretary met with a group of carers from Lanarkshire Carers in Hamilton to mark the December payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement and upcoming changes to social security support.
Barbara McAuley, Chief Executive Officer at Lanarkshire Carers said: “We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Lanarkshire Carers Centre for an engaging visit with carers and staff.
“During the session, the Cabinet Secretary listened to carers’ experiences and participated in meaningful discussions on key issues, including social security benefits, working carers, older carers and carers’ rights.
“We are grateful for this chance to ensure carers’ voices are heard at the highest level.”
From March 2026, in addition to Carer Support Payment, eligible carers will be able to receive:
Scottish Carer Supplement – replaces Carer’s Allowance Supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment, an extra, more regular payment for carers which replaces Carer’s Allowance supplement for carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment (£11.29 per week).
Carer Additional Person Payment – an extra payment of £520 per year, paid weekly, available to people caring for more than one person. Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.
The switch from Carer’s Allowance Supplement to Scottish Carer Supplement will happen automatically for current recipients. Information on accessing the Carer Additional Person Payment will be provided in the new year.
In November, Young Carer Grant was extended to include 19-year-olds – potentially benefiting an additional 1,200 carers next year and allowing young carers to get up to four payments from the age of 16.
This manifesto sets out what thousands of young people across Scotland say should happen to reduce the impact of poverty in their schools.
The calls
Young people say the next Scottish government must:
“End child poverty. Make sure our families have what they need so we can come to school ready to learn”
“Fund every school to fully remove cost pressures from our families and help us overcome poverty-related barriers to learning”
“Help us with the basics we need to learn, take part and feel included at school – free school meal expansion, uniform support, devices for all and continued funding for curriculum costs”
Create opportunities for all. “Help us all benefit from life changing school trips and from activities in our communities”
“Involve us! We can help make our schools and Scotland better”
Young people’s message to politicians
In a letter to Scottish party leaders the young people, members of the Cost of the School Day Voice network shared why this work needs to happen:
“There are great things happening in lots of our schools to help with costs and support us. But poverty is still affecting our education in so many ways. Poverty can affect how ready we feel to learn, what equipment we have for classes, basics like uniform and food and access to school trips that spark passion for subjects. Poverty can have a detrimental effect on our learning and can hold us back.”
Network members stressed the urgency of taking action on poverty in schools:
“The cost of the school day is such an important matter that we think it needs to be fixed everywhere for everyone as soon as possible. It’s important that you listen to the calls we are making because your decisions affect our lives. This can help us have equal opportunities and equal chances and a better future.”
More needs to happen
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland reflects on what’s happening in Scotland’s schools and local authorities: “There has been so much progress when it comes to reducing costs and poverty-related barriers at school, but there’s more we can do.
“Politicians across the political spectrum need to pay attention to the calls young people are making loud and clear because these are the things young people say will help support them to thrive and achieve at school, no matter how much money they have at home.
“Investment in equity has been making a difference to young people’s experiences at school but while young people are still experiencing poverty and while financial barriers to education remain, we can’t afford to lose focus.”
Throughout “School Shouldn’t Cost” young people are clear that further change is needed in schools, and that it needs to be happening in all parts of the country.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sierra (S6) from Levenmouth Academy in Fife describes why this manifesto is important:“When we talk about child poverty, we’re not talking about numbers on a page. We’re talking about the child who pretends they’re not hungry because there’s no food left at home.
“We’re talking about the young person who avoids school trips because their family can’t afford it and they’re too embarrassed to say why. We’re talking about parents who go without meals so their children can eat and about the silent worry that sits in so many homes every single day. The cost of the school day should never cost a child their confidence, dignity or dreams.”
A former Police Scotland constable has today, Monday, 8 December 2025, been sentenced to two years and three months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Alan Sharp, 52, previously pleaded guilty to three charges relating to firearms and one charge of wilful neglect of his duties as a police constable and firearms enquiry officer, when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 November, 2025.
He had possession of two firearms and live ammunition outside the terms of his own firearms license and admitted failing to carry out the necessary checks and enquiries for applications for firearms licenses.
Sharp resigned from Police Scotland in November 2025.
Assistant Chief Constable for Professionalism and Assurance, Lynn Ratcliff, said: “Alan Sharp’s actions in no way reflect the high standards expected of an officer in Police Scotland.
“He abused his position as a constable, neglected his legal duties, and his actions go against everything we stand for as an organisation.
“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times, and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.
“As a result, people like Alan Sharp have no place in Police Scotland. Matters are thoroughly investigated when an officer or staff member fails to uphold the high standards we expect in policing.”
Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.
The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.
We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.
Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.
Life can be wonderful. Life can be tough. Relationships. Work. Money. Loneliness. Mental health. Self-harm. We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. One in four of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election, leading national suicide prevention charity, Samaritans Scotland, is asking all political parties to make suicide prevention a priority, keeping it in mind across all policy areas to help people not only in their moment of need, but before they reach crisis point.
The charity says that suicide is and needs to be treated as an issue of inequality, with the rate of suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland being 2.5 times higher than the least deprived area. The charity says that tackling inequalities across Scottish society and in services is the only way to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in our communities.
Developed alongside its Lived Experience Advisory Group, Samaritans Scotland’s manifesto outlines Five Priorities to Save Lives that it wants to see taken forward by the next Scottish Government.
These priorities include increasing funding for mental health services, delivering a minimum income guarantee, using workforce training to end stigma and discrimination, increasing support for people in prison, and increasing resourcing for community services.
The asks aim to target the root causes of circumstances that can contribute to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour, before they reach crisis point.
Speaking at the launch event, Neil Mathers, Executive Director for Scotland, said: “As we look ahead to the 2026 election and next parliament, Scotland faces many big challenges. Our communities are still grappling with the cost of living, cuts to frontline services, and the ongoing impact of inequality on mental health and wellbeing.
“But there are also real opportunities at next year’s election to make lives better – to reduce poverty, improve wellbeing, to make sure the right support is there at the right time, and ultimately, to reduce deaths by suicide.
“Suicide remains one of the most urgent public health issues facing Scotland. At Samaritans Scotland, we’re calling on all political parties, candidates, and policymakers to make suicide prevention a real priority ahead of the election.”
Mark Diffley, Founder and Director of the Diffley Partnership, was in attendance to deliver an overview of the political landscape ahead of election day. It was highlighted that three out of four people in Scotland are already supportive of a Minimum Income Guarantee, with the top priorities of voters at the moment including healthcare and the cost-of-living crisis.
Research by Samaritans Scotland in partnership with Strathclyde University released last year indicated just how closely connected economic insecurity was with suicidal ideation, as well as the importance of social connection and community support networks, which is why the charity is urging politicians to prioritise these areas.
With the most recent probable suicide rate for people in prison in Scotland standing at 18.9 per 100,000 people, higher than the probable suicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 in the general population, the charity is also calling for increased support for people in prison.
Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive of Families Outside, who was also in attendance, spoke about the potential for delivering a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland, saying: Having a Minimum Income Guarantee is so important.
“So much of what we see (at Families Outside) is a result of poverty and trauma. We expect prisons to solve problems that start much earlier. It’s about giving people the opportunities at the start, that prevent these issues from arising.”
Scott Thomson, member of Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, said: “My key ask of the next Scottish Government would be to increase funding for mental health services.
“The NHS and frontline services are under too much strain; waiting lists are too long, and people need support now.
“Nurses and doctors are at a higher risk of suicide, with burnout and workplace pressures being significant factors. I think that by increasing funding towards these services, we can impact and potentially alleviate many other challenges that arise from a system that is struggling to cope with demand.”
Suicide is complex and touches every part of society. It is vital that politicians recognise the devastating impact that suicide has on people’s lives and make clear commitments to address the factors that contribute to suicide risk.
Services in Scotland are working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people that need support, but statutory mental health services must have greater investment to enable them to keep up with growing demand.
Suicide is preventable. Samaritans Scotland’s vision is that fewer people die by suicide, that people feel able to ask for help when they are struggling, and where the right support is available at the right time.
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
The 2,225 sq ft store, located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, is officially open and is inviting local shoppers to enjoy a series of exciting in-store celebrations on Saturday (6th December).
The brand-new space brings the world’s most popular toys and collectables to the city centre, many for the first time, including Pokémon, LEGO, Monster High, Disney, POP MART and Wicked 2, as well as its exclusive Meccano, Early Learning Centre and Addo private label ranges.
To celebrate the official opening, The Entertainer is hosting an exciting in-store celebration on Saturday (6th December) for shoppers to enjoy. Fan-favourite Bluey will be visiting the brand-new store between 11am – 3:30 pm, offering families a fun-filled opportunity to meet and take photos with the popular puppy.
Plus, the first 100 customers through the doors of the new store on Saturday will get the chance to pick up an exclusive sealed envelope containing a surprise gift voucher valued between £5 – £50. What’s more, the first 100 shoppers to spend £15 or more in-store will take home a complimentary Bluey Aqua Drawing Pad worth £6.
Located at The Gyle Shopping Centre, The Entertainer joins a host of other leading retailers, leisure providers and restaurants, including JD, NEXT and M&S.
The news follows The Entertainer’s successful recent openings at Dalton Park and Rusden Lakes, as well as the highly anticipated release of its top 10 toy predictions for Christmas, featuring much-loved names such as LEGO, Disney, and heritage brand Meccano, alongside exciting newer brands like Gui Gui and Fugglers, with prices starting from just £8.
Andrew Murphy OBE, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Entertainer, said: “As the UK’s largest toy retailer, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, and the exciting activities planned to celebrate with local shoppers.
“Our new The Gyle Shopping Centre store offers everything we’re proud of at The Entertainer – an exciting range of toys for every budget, the introduction of a huge range of global brands and products to Edinburgh, and our market-leading 30-minute click and collect service.
“Across our 160 shops, we’re proud to be famous for our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable colleagues, as well as our support of local charities and communities. Like all our UK stores, our new Edinburgh location also offers a ‘Quiet Hour’ to support customers with sensory difficulties during the first hour of every shopping day.
“We’re confident that local Edinburgh shoppers will enjoy discovering our brand-new toy shop – especially with the festive season just around the corner.”
For more information on The Entertainer and to shop online, visit:
