Burnham scraps judge-only trial plans

  • Controversial plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone to be scrapped under changes to court reforms
  • Wider changes to criminal courts to cut the record number of cases waiting to be heard will be fast-tracked
  • ‘Victims will not be waiting endlessly for justice’ Justice Secretary pledges

CONTROVERSIAL plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone in England will be scrapped, meaning more serious cases will continue to be heard in front of a jury, keeping juries the cornerstone of British justice.

This will mean the Justice Secretary can be ‘fully focussed’ on fast-tracking the broader changes needed to drive down the record number of cases waiting years to be heard – fixing a crisis that is leaving too many victims in limbo before they see their perpetrator in the dock.

Millions will be invested in new technology to modernise the outdated courts and slash inefficiencies, judges will be given the resources they need to hear more cases, and vital structural reforms will deliver a court system fit for the 21st Century.

This will give magistrates the power to hand out longer sentences, meaning the courts can deal with cases quicker and get victims justice faster. 

Technical and lengthy fraud and financial offences will be allowed to be heard by a judge alone, freeing up jurors from the personal and financial burdens created by complex, months-long trials.

And courts will have the final say over where cases should be heard, preventing criminals accused of relatively minor crimes trying to game the system by electing a jury trial in an attempt to avoid prison.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Norris, said:  “This government inherited criminal courts on the brink of collapse, with victims waiting years for their day in court.

“I remain committed to bringing down the backlog and delivering swifter justice for those who so desperately need it. But I have heard the strength of feeling on the proposals for increasing the number of judge-alone trials in the Crown Court and have made the decision to change course.

“This allows us to start that work far earlier, ensuring that under this Government we do not have victims waiting endlessly for justice.

“Justice delayed is justice denied, and I am committed to maximising efficiencies in our system alongside record investment. I remain committed to structural reform which is crucial if we are to bring down the backlog.”

The changes announced today will be made to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, due back in Parliament later this month.

When it returns, the government will also make a statutory commitment to consider any impacts of the structural reforms on ethnic minorities and people of different backgrounds, led by an independent reviewer. 

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC said: ”Justice delayed is justice denied. We must take action to bring down the backlog using every lever we have. That’s why we will set out, in our response to Lord Leveson’s report, the steps we are taking to make the courts more efficient.   

“Whether that is using AI to support the listing of cases, rolling out further virtual hearings, or taking steps to ensure defendants arrive to court on time, we will turn the tide and deliver the swifter justice victims deserve.”

Today’s announcement comes just weeks after new figures confirmed the backlog in the Crown Court had reached a record high. Nearly 81,000 cases are now stuck waiting for justice and of these almost a third had been waiting for a year or longer.  

The UK Government said: ‘No single measure can fix years of underinvestment and decades where the system has not kept up with the pace of change.’

‘That is why the government is doing all it can to get victims fairer, faster justice – long-term reform, underpinned by vital efficiency and record investment.  

  • The Government will publish its full response to both parts of Lord Leveson’s review in the coming weeks.  
  • The Bill will return to the House of Commons on 13 October.

90th Anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street – to honour the past and shape the future

A COMMITMENT TO ACTION

Sunday 4 October 2026 is the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street when ordinary men, women, and some feisty children, literally stood shoulder to shoulder in the East End of London determined that organised fascists would not march through their community (writes TUC’s Laurie Heselden).

This remains a massive moment in our history but the celebrations that are being organised 4 October 2026 are not a heritage event – they are a commitment to action.

In the mid-1930s the economy was recovering from a deep recession. During the crash the UK’s trade flows had halved, the output of heavy industry had fallen by a third, and the unemployment rate reached 25 percent in 1933. People were hurting and angry.

Politics at the time was febrile and divided. Oswald Mosley had founded the “Blackshirts” in October 1932 as the paramilitary wing of the British Union of Fascists, modelled on Mussolini’s Blackshirts in Italy and Hitler’s Sturmabteilung in Germany. Mosley’s programme was explicitly founded on antisemitism. Mosley’s plan to march his Blackshirts through the East End in October 1936 both targeted the Jewish community and was designed to provoke violent division.

But his “Blackshirts” did not pass.

We also live in troubled times, with our economy ‘bumping along the bottom’ since 2008 after a global financial crash that was caused by greedy bankers, a cost-of-living crisis, millions of ‘working poor’, the consequences of illegal wars, and the politics of hate, division and rupture in our news, in our workplaces and in our communities too.

In the UK migrants are stereotyped and vilified, Muslims are stereotyped and vilified, antisemitic incidents are on the rise and many people with racist views feel emboldened to express those views openly. We have political parties using racism as a wedge issue and we have hundreds of masked men dressed in black blocking roads, intimidating the public, and targeting RNLI volunteers.

Across Europe far-right parties have gained considerable electoral support in the last 30 years, and policies that were recently regarded as extreme have become normalised. A far-right party is in government in Italy, and far-right parties participate in government in Austria, Finland and Slovakia.

The Front National, now National Rally, has been a feature of politics in France for decades, it is the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, has the largest number of MEP seats, has just won more seats in the French Senate, and is a force in the upcoming Presidential election. 

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) recently won its highest ever vote in a regional election in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, far ahead of mainstream rivals, winning 43.8 percent of the vote, just 3 seats short of an overall majority. A far-right party has not controlled a German state since World War Two. To date other political parties have maintained a firewall against working with the AfD, but from December it could be in government in Saxony-Anhalt, with powers over policing, local education and culture. This would be an immense moment in European politics.

This isn’t a re-run of the 1930s. The politics of today has its own dynamics, and today we have the modern-day problem of far-right tropes, lies and disinformation on social media. But there are parallels to the 1930s and there are lessons that we can learn from the Battle of Cable Street.

Resistance matters

The weather 4 October 1936 was fine. The easy thing to do that day was to get out of the way, ignore the Blackshirts, and go to Victoria Park for the day. But all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.

Bravely, tens of thousands answered the call, organised, built barricades, acted with courage and solidarity, defended their streets and saw off the Blackshirts and the police. Their victory still resonates today.

Networks, Organisation and Leadership matter

The defence of Cable Street didn’t just bubble up from the pavement, it was mobilised, organised and led. These skills are learned and honed. Organised labour does what it says on the tin. Trade unions are one of the few social structures with reach across workplaces, communities and the public realm.

The union movement has a responsibility to lead the challenge against the politics of hate. If you are not in a union, join one. If you are in a union, organise and change the world.

Solidarity in the community and beyond is essential

Cable Street was not a narrow victory for one group. Nor was it a victory for an alliance of segmented groups. It was a triumph for a diverse and politicised local community of trade unionists, communists, socialists, members of the Labour Party and ILP, and working-class families, many of them Jewish and Irish.

Jewish women garment makers were women, maybe mothers, active members of a union, possibly Communist Party members, and almost certainly activists challenging awful housing standards, opposing evictions and participating in rent strikes.

This lesson remains vital, antisemitism cannot be tackled in isolation, racism cannot be tackled in isolation, tackling xenophobia is a common cause, and winning good jobs for all is a collective task. The fights are linked and mutually dependent. History proves we achieve more together than we do apart.

Division is toxic and drags us all down. Join our Unity Works campaign for updates

Building stronger communities

Cable Street 90 is not a coalition built to organise an event and then dissolve. We know that through intense joint working we will forge a stronger broad based local community that is better able to advocate and organise for the community, and better able to respond robustly to hate politics online and on its streets. It is capacity building.

So, Cable Street 90 is not a heritage event, it is a call to action. Let’s make every street Cable Street

The TUC organised a briefing to discuss the significance and lessons of the Battle of Cable Street, European perspectives, with CGIL (Italy), CGT (France) and CCOO (Spain) and other key partners, on 2 October at Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS. More information

TUC LESE is part of the Cable Street 90 coalition that has organised rallies and a march in the East End of London, 4 October. Assemble outside Whitechapel Tube Station, E1 1BY, at midday for an opening rally, march moves off 13:00 and processes to St George’s Gardens. This is a celebration and family event. Please bring trade union banners and flags. 

New Lanark launches 2026 Festive Experience

Christmas Returns to Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Families looking for a magical Christmas day out can once again celebrate the festive season at New Lanark as the UNESCO World Heritage Site launches its Christmas Experience for 2026.

Running on selected dates from 28 November to 24 December, the event transforms the historic village into a festive destination where families can enjoy a visit with Santa, The Wiz That Woz pantomime, the Spirit of Christmas Ride and indoor soft play, all included in a single ticket.

Set within the historic mill village on the banks of the River Clyde, the experience offers families the opportunity to celebrate Christmas within one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a festive setting unlike any other festive attraction in the country.

Designed for families with children aged one to eight, the Christmas Experience offers festive entertainment throughout the day, with activities running between 10am and 5pm.

Every child visiting the Christmas Experience will enjoy a personal visit with Santa Claus in his festive grotto and receive a special soft toy gift to take home. Families can then enjoy this year’s pantomime, The Wiz That Woz, a lively Scottish twist on a much-loved classic packed with laughter, colourful characters and audience participation.

Visitors can also climb aboard the much-loved Spirit of Christmas Ride, where Holly and her friends take families on a magical festive journey, before little ones enjoy even more fun in the indoor soft play area.

New Lanark’s dedicated Quiet Session will return on 28 November, offering a calmer and more relaxed experience for children and families who may benefit from a lower-sensory environment.

For many families across Scotland, a visit to New Lanark has become a treasured festive tradition, combining seasonal entertainment, family activities and a unique historic setting.

“There is something truly special about Christmas at New Lanark,” said a spokesperson for New Lanark.

“Families tell us year after year that visiting New Lanark has become part of their Christmas celebrations. What makes the experience special is being able to spend quality time together, whether that’s meeting Santa, enjoying the pantomime or exploring the village in its festive setting. We are delighted to welcome visitors back for Christmas 2026.”

Alongside the festive attractions, families can enjoy seasonal treats, warming drinks and family meals across New Lanark’s café and restaurant, making it easy to enjoy a complete festive day out.

With many dates proving popular each year, families are encouraged to book early, particularly for weekends closer to Christmas.

Tickets for Christmas at New Lanark 2026 are on sale now, with full details and booking information available on the New Lanark website.

Christmas at New Lanark 2026

Location: New Lanark, Lanark, South Lanarkshire

Selected dates: 28 November to 24 December 2026

Included in every ticket:

  • Visit with Santa and a special soft toy gift
  • The Wiz That Woz pantomime
  • Spirit of Christmas Ride
  • Indoor soft play

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm

Suitable for: Families with children aged 1 to 8

Tickets: On sale now

Quiet Session: 28 November 2026.

Help with IT at Blackhall Library

Over the age of 50 and need help with IT?

We are very excited to announce that ACE IT will be based at Blackhall Library every Wednesday morning from the 7th October.

To book an appointment please contact ACT IT directly on 0131 667 2053 or info@aceit.org.uk for these free digital coaching sessions.

Hundreds of female entrepreneurs meet in Edinburgh at global female founders summit

Hundreds of female founders, investors and business leaders gathered this week at Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn for the Female Founders Growth Summit 2026, now in its third year.

The summit brings together women actively scaling businesses beyond £1 million turnover with founders, investors and operators from across the UK and internationally.

The 2026 programme brings global entrepreneurship to Scotland. Speakers include Stina Ehrensvärd, the Swedish-American founder of Yubico and co-inventor of the YubiKey; Christa Pitts, co-founder and co-CEO of The Lumistella Company, the business behind The Elf on the Shelf®; Liz Upton, co-founder of Raspberry Pi; Clare Roberts OBE, founder and chief executive of Kid’s Planet; and Leeanne Hundleby, co-founder of luxury leather goods brand Strathberry.

Sessions cover international growth, leadership, investment, marketing and building impact at scale, alongside dedicated Growth Clinics focused on international growth strategy, culture and leadership, and funding routes.

Darren Pirie, Royal Bank of Scotland, Head of Accelerator & Partnerships, said: “We are proud to partner with the Female Founders Growth Summit to champion women-led businesses to help build a stronger more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Sam Smith, Co-founder and CEO of SuperScalers, added: “Scaling is a very different job from founding, and we’re building a network to help more women to grow.

“We’re on a mission to increase the number of female SuperScalers, which we define as a founder or co-founder who has scaled a business to £50m+ revenue. To do this community and inspiration matter and I’m excited to present our latest research and some scaling techniques in Edinburgh.”

Anna Vaughan, Scottish National Investment Bank, Director of Marketing and Communications, said: “We are proud to support the Female Founders Growth Summit again as we value the important role it plays in helping more women-led businesses build connections, attract investment and realise their ambitions.”

Ana Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Entrepreneur and founder of Pathways Forward, said: “Scotland has never been short of ambitious women starting businesses. Where we lose ground is at the point of scale, and that gap costs the economy far more than most people realise.

“Whilst one in five companies in the UK are female-led less than one in 50 are scaling beyond £10m. 

“This summit brings UK and global female entrepreneurs to Scotland to share their lived experiences and inspire others to continue on their growth journeys.” 

Leeanne Hundleby, Co-founder of Strathberry, the Scottish luxury leather goods which has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised names in luxury accessories and a brand famously favored by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, will be a guest speaker for an in-conversation session with Joanna Jenson, one of the UK’s most distinctive voices on entrepreneurship, on going global at the summit.

Leeanne said: “Building a global brand from Scotland has been one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of the Strathberry journey.

“Going into new markets isn’t simply about selling internationally; it’s about understanding your customer, protecting what makes your brand distinctive and having the ambition to compete on a global stage.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing our experience at the Female Founders Growth Summit and, just as importantly, hearing from other founders who are navigating their own journeys of international growth.”

Christa Pitts, Co-founder and co-CEO of The Lumistella Company, the business behind The Elf on the Shelf, whose products have reached families in more than 33 countries, said: “There is enormous power in sharing the lessons, the setbacks and the opportunities that come with growing and scaling a company.

“That’s what makes gatherings like the Female Founders Growth Summit so valuable. It brings together women who are ambitious about growth and creates the space to learn from one another, challenge each other and think about what’s possible.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of that conversation.”

Funding awarded to support university spinouts

Unlocking economic innovation

The Scottish Government is investing nearly £3 million to help turn university research projects into commercial business propositions.

Seventeen projects from seven different universities will share £2.92 million of funding from the Proof of Concept fund, which was piloted last year to help researchers explore and realise the commercial potential of their research.

The funding will help accelerate various aspects of the spinout process, from developing prototype products to undertaken market analysis and pitching to investors.

Projects being funded this year include:

  • Kinera at Heriot Watt University, which is developing a wearable health monitoring device for people with Parkinson’s disease to help clinicians make more personalised treatment decisions
  • Merra-log at the University of St Andrews, which is developing a low-cost environmental monitoring system to collect and transmit high-quality marine and freshwater data in near real time
  • Scensai at the University of Aberdeen, which is developing an affordable handheld chemical sensing device for the drinks industry

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism & Transport Stephen Flynn said: “The Scottish Government has now invested nearly £6 million over the last two years to realise the economic potential of more Scottish spinout companies starting and succeeding.

“Scotland’s universities have been the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest ideas and inventions for centuries – ideas and inventions which have improved lives and solved problems across the world – and it is vital this innovation continues to be nurtured.”

“The support of the Scottish Government is helping us take an important step towards improving the diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal disorders. This funding will enable us to advance a technology with the potential to provide earlier answers for patients and more targeted treatment pathways.”

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have been awarded £124,000 to develop a simple lateral-flow test for chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The funding will develop and validate prototype tests for potential use in primary care settings.

The project’s lead Dr. Sergio Dall’Angelo said: “The support of the Scottish Government is helping us take an important step towards improving the diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal disorders, which affect millions of people and place a substantial burden on patients and healthcare services.

“This funding will enable us to advance a promising technology, bringing us closer to a practical test that could be used in primary care. By supporting the development of this innovative diagnostic tool, the Scottish Government is helping to accelerate research with the potential to provide earlier answers for patients, reduce unnecessary investigations, improve disease stratification, and pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments.”

The Critical Technologies Accelerator at the University of Glasgow received £125,000 of funding in 2025-26 to develop a groundbreaking new coupler design for silicon-photonic microchips. Research Fellow Andrew Greer said:

“The Scottish Government Proof of Concept award was an excellent platform to enable impact from innovation by supporting a means to transition the ‘valley of death’ for scientific research that falls between raw academic science and industrial applications.

“It has been transformative for the science and the people involved by validating both the technology and the team credentials. Since receiving the award we have doubled our grant income, successfully developed a foundry scale-up process and the team are now delivering demonstrators and working with commercialisation partner STL Tech towards an invitational application to the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Programme.”

A full list of projects awarded 2026-27 Proof of Concept funding is available on the Scottish Government website.

Artist Talk at St Mary’s Cathedral

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER from 12 – 1pm

On Sunday at noon, artist Kirralee Fisher is giving a talk on her exhibition at the Cathedral, followed by a conversation with our Chaplain Lana and Jonathan Baxter from A+E.

Do come along!

http://www.cathedral.net/…/artist-talk-and-conversation…

The Kitchen Garden: New project at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Introducing The Garden Kitchen! 🌱

We’re excited to be starting a new Gardening & Wellbeing Group at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Starting Thursday 15th October, The Garden Kitchen will be a weekly group where adults from Drylaw and Telford can come together, spend time outdoors, grow food, learn new skills and enjoy good food and company.

🌿 Every Thursday, 10am–2pm, sessions will include:

• Gardening and food growing

• Cooking and sharing a communal meal

• Learning practical skills

• Peer support and conversation

• Opportunities to gain new qualifications and experience

The group is a welcoming space for anyone experiencing loneliness, poor mental wellbeing or social isolation, and is all about building confidence, making connections and feeling part of the community.

There will also be opportunities to work towards a Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification and develop skills that could lead to volunteering or employment.

If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with the lovely Jane at wellbeing@drylawnc.org.uk

Silver Sunday at Dynamic Earth

FREE ADMISSION FOR OVER 65s

Over 65s go FREE at Dynamic Earth this Silver Sunday! 🌍

On 4th October, adults over 65 visit free at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s only Science Centre & Planetarium.*

Explore immersive galleries, uncover the story of our planet and experience a presenter-led show or spectacular dome film beneath our 360° Planetarium.

Whether you’re discovering the forces that shape Earth or exploring the wonders of space, there’s something for curious minds of every age.

Simply visit our Ticket Desk on the 4th of October to claim the offer in person with our team. 📣

Find out more: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/…/over-65s-go-free-this…/

*Terms and Conditions apply. Valid ID may be checked on arrival.

Rainfall brings widespread improvement in water scarcity conditions

Recent rainfall has brought a marked improvement in water scarcity conditions across Scotland, with no areas now at Significant Scarcity compared with seven in the previous report.

The latest Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows conditions have improved across a number of areas following recent rainfall.

Stonehaven, North Esk, Tay Estuary (North), North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire coastal have all recovered from Significant Scarcity in the last week. The number of areas at Moderate Scarcity has also reduced from five to two, with only Tyne (Lothian) and Tweed catchments remaining at this level.

However, the improvement does not mean water scarcity pressures have ended. River flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels remain low across much of eastern Scotland, and more prolonged rainfall will be needed for a sustained recovery. Without sustained rainfall, the Lower Tweed area could reach Significant Scarcity within the next week.

Among other areas showing recovery this week, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Firth of Forth have moved down to Alert; Deveron and Ythan have moved to Early Warning; and Cree and Spey have returned to Normal Conditions.

Despite the improving overall picture, the underlying indicators continue to show the effects of prolonged dry conditions. River flows remain low to very low across much of eastern Scotland, while the west continues to experience normal to high flows.

Ground conditions also remain dry across parts of eastern Scotland, with only limited improvement in soil moisture in recent weeks. Groundwater levels remain low to very low across much of the east, although levels elsewhere are generally normal or above normal.

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist in SEPA’s Water Resources Unit, said: “The recent rainfall has helped with recovery, and it is encouraging that we no longer have any areas at Significant Scarcity.

“However, this follows a prolonged period of dry weather and we are not yet seeing a full recovery across eastern Scotland. River flows, soil moisture and groundwater remain low in a number of areas, particularly in the south-east.

“What happens next will depend on the amount and persistence of rainfall we receive. Short periods of rain can improve conditions, but sustained rainfall is needed to replenish rivers, soils and groundwater after a prolonged dry period.”

The latest Water Scarcity Report, together with advice for abstractors and irrigators and SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool, is available on the SEPA website.

SEPA will continue to publish weekly updates on water scarcity conditions until all areas have recovered to Alert or below. 

Current water scarcity levels

  • Moderate Scarcity: Tyne (Lothian), Tweed
  • Alert: ​Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond 
  • Early warning: ​Findhorn, Deveron, Ythan, Tay, Earn 
  • All areas not mentioned above are at Normal conditions

Current data and conditions

The latest information on water scarcity and river conditions is available through:

SEPA’s Water Scarcity Situation Report – 01 October 2026 – the weekly assessment of water scarcity conditions across Scotland.

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool – shows low-flow monitoring stations and how close areas are to Significant Scarcity

SEPA’s River Level Network – current river-level information from monitoring stations across Scotland

Rainfall data for Scotland – current and historic rainfall information

Water scarcity and flooding

Scotland can experience flooding and water scarcity at the same time. The two are not contradictory.

Flooding can result from intense rainfall over a relatively short period, while water scarcity reflects the effects of prolonged dry conditions on rivers soils and groundwater. Conditions can therefore vary considerably between different parts of Scotland and individual catchments.

Rain in an area also does not automatically mean water scarcity conditions will improve. After prolonged dry weather, intense rainfall can cause river levels to rise rapidly and lead to localised flooding, but those rises may be short lived. For water scarcity conditions to recover, river flows need to improve sufficiently and remain higher over time.

Dry soils and low groundwater levels can also take longer to recover, meaning sustained rainfall over longer periods may be needed to reverse the effects of prolonged dry conditions.

Water scarcity levels

SEPA uses five levels to describe water scarcity: Normal Conditions, Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.

The levels reflect increasing pressure on the water environment. At Significant Scarcity, SEPA may temporarily restrict abstractions from the environment where necessary to protect rivers and ecosystems.

Water scarcity levels relate to the water environment and are not an assessment of public drinking water supplies.

DRAT stations and significant scarcity

SEPA monitors a network of long-established low-flow gauging stations across Scotland to identify when river flows have remained unusually low for a sustained period.

The Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) shows how many days each station has been below Q95, a recognised low-flow threshold. When a station reaches 30 days below Q95, the catchments it represents move to Significant Scarcity and SEPA will impose any abstraction restrictions required.

Each station represents a defined Significant Scarcity area, which may contain one river or several catchments. As a result, the number of DRAT stations reaching the threshold and the number of areas at Significant Scarcity may be different.

How long water scarcity can last

Water scarcity does not necessarily end at the end of summer. Conditions can improve or deteriorate depending on rainfall and how rivers, soils and groundwater respond.

Further information and support

The National Water Scarcity Plan explains how water scarcity is monitored and managed in Scotland. 

Further information is available on: