Tag: Holyrood

Spending Review: £ Billions to back Scottish jobs

UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.

The Spending Review, outlined yesterday, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  “Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

“The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

“Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

“And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

“To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

“And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

“This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.”

Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

Investing in innovation and R&D  

Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

Targeted support for Scottish communities   

The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

Supporting Scottish businesses  

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

A record settlement for Scottish public services   

The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

This investment and record settlement is made possible by the ‘tough but necessary’ decisions taken in the October Budget.

Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert has welcomed the statement. She said: “The Comprehensive Spending Review is good for Scotland’s economy and public Services.

“After several meetings with the Secretary of States for Science, Innovation and Technology and Scotland I’m so pleased to see the announcement of funding for the new Supercomputer to be based at EdinburghUniversity.

“This major investment in Edinburgh positions us at the forefront of computing, and technological innovation, not just in the UK, but globally.”

Not unsurprisingly, the Holyrood SNP Government has a number of issues with the likely impact of the Spending Review on Scotland. Post to follow …

Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passed

Transforming social care?

Plans to transform social care across Scotland will be progressed after the Scottish Parliament approved the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Thousands of people with experience of accessing, delivering and receiving social care, social work and community health services have helped co-design the legislation, putting people at the heart of reform.

The Bill will bring forward a number of enhancements to social care that include:

  • enshrining Anne’s Law into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter
  • strengthening support for unpaid carers by establishing a legal right to breaks, following the additional £13 million already allocated for up to 40,000 carers to take voluntary sector short breaks
  • empowering people to access information on their care and improving the flow of information across care settings
  • improving access to independent advocacy to guarantee people are heard and involved in decisions about their own care
  • creating a National Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector, as part of plans for a new National Social Work Agency.

Alongside the Bill, an advisory board will be established to drive progress and scrutinise reform, replacing an interim board that met for the first time in May.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “More than 200,000 people across Scotland access care each year.

“Anyone may need care during their lives, and that care should be high quality and delivered consistently across Scotland.

“That is why we have been so determined to bring forward much-needed reform, alongside the work we are already doing through the near £2.2 billion total investment in social care and integration in 2025-26.

“Reform is not easy to deliver and it is being made more challenging by recent UK Government changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions and changes to migration. These will undoubtedly impact on care delivery.

“However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver the sustainable change to social care that people urgently need.

“This is a significant step that will strengthen the rights of people living in care homes, support unpaid carers and social workers and improve experiences for the many people who access social care across Scotland.”

Scotland’s political leaders join Cerebra’s Relay Your Way to champion inclusive sport

The nationwide Relay Your Way campaign reached the heart of Scotland today with a powerful show of unity, inclusion, and support as leaders of all the main Scottish political parties – including First Minister John Swinney – took part in a special relay stage in Edinburgh.

Hosted in the Scottish Parliament grounds, the event marked a milestone in Relay Your Way, a 2,500km relay celebrating accessibility and inclusion in sport for children with disabilities.

The First Minister was joined by cross-party representatives and children from Oaklands School and Pilrig Park School, alongside representatives from Scottish Disability Sport. Together, they took part in a mini relay event designed to highlight the importance of removing barriers to participation in physical activity.

Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO of Cerebra, the charity behind the relay, said: “Cerebra is incredibly proud to be celebrating the power of sport to bring people of all abilities together with Relay Your Way and lead this nationwide movement for inclusion and change.

“Participation in sport should be equally available to everyone, and this relay is a powerful statement that no child should ever feel left out.

“It was also tremendously encouraging to see the enthusiasm and support from Scotland’s political leaders at the launch. Their commitment to championing inclusive sport is vital in helping to create real, lasting change.

“Whether you take part, cheer from the sidelines, or donate, you’ll be helping to create a world where all young people are fully included, supported, and celebrated. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”

With over 10,000 participants expected to take part, the relay shines a spotlight on the three in four disabled children in the UK are not able to fully participate in PE and school sport*. Which is why Cerebra created Relay Your Way, so that no child has to ask: “can I take part?”

The Relay Your Way baton, designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners, will be passed between participants over 301 stages to the finish line at Parallel, Windsor, on July 6.

For more information and to follow the journey live, visit: www.relayyourway.org 

Labour wins Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election

The Labour Party has won the Hmailton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, taking the seat from the SNP.

Local candidate Davy Russell took the seat with a 602 majority over SNP’s Katie Louden, with Reform UK coming third.

The by-election took place following the death of former SNP minister Christina McKelvie, who had held the seat since 2011.

The by-election turnout was 44.1%.

FULL RESULT

DAVY RUSSELL (SCOTTISH LABOUR) 8599

Katy Louden (SNP) 7957

Ross Lambie (Reform UK) 7088

Richard Nelson (Scottish Conservatives) 1621

Ann McGuinness (Scottish Greens) 695

Aisha Mir (Liberal Democrats) 533

Collette Bradley (Scottish Socialist Party) 278

Andy Brady (Scottish Family Party) 219

Marc Wilkinson (Independent) 109

Janice MacKay (Ukip) 50.

Holyrood’s Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh calls for urgent action on Rohingya Refugee Crisis

The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh has called for action to minimise impacts on Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camps following recent International Aid cuts.

Convened by MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, the CPG met on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis.

The meeting featured an update from Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Manchester, who spoke on behalf of the newly appointed High Commissioner, H.E. Abida Islam.

The session drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including members of the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora, students, local councillors, representatives from the Europe Bangladeshi Federation, the North East Bangladeshi Association (NEBA), entrepreneurs, and academics from the Universities of Stirling, Dundee, Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Newcastle.

Mr Hosen provided an overview of the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the ongoing social and economic pressures on host communities as the country enters its eighth year of sheltering over one million Rohingya refugees.

The CPG focused on the deepening refugee crisis, hearing a remote briefing from Maruf Mohammad Shehab, Head of Innovation and Resource Mobilisation Partnerships at ActionAid UK.

Speaking from Bangladesh, Mr Shehab outlined ActionAid’s humanitarian work in Cox’s Bazar, where in 2024 alone, the organisation reached over 901,000 individuals. Their efforts span gender-based violence prevention, youth empowerment, emergency shelter provision, hygiene kit distribution, and psychosocial support.

However, Mr Shehab expressed serious concerns about a growing funding shortfall. The 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya crisis is currently only 43% funded, jeopardising essential services such as safe spaces for women and children, education, and mental health care.

ActionAid warned that deteriorating conditions are fuelling rising violence and eroding community resilience within the camps.

This was followed by a presentation from Geraldine O’Callaghan, Director at the United Nations World Food Programme’s Global Office in London, who addressed the critical issue of food insecurity. Ms O’Callaghan noted that due to funding constraints, food rations have been drastically reduced, placing the refugee population, already vulnerable, at heightened risk of malnutrition.

Background

Cox’s Bazar currently hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar due to systematic violence and human rights abuses over the past six years. An additional 35,000 are housed on Bhasan Char Island, making this one of the largest protracted refugee crises in the world.

The situation has further deteriorated due to extreme weather events, including monsoon floods and storms that have destroyed shelters and displaced thousands within the camps. Renewed violence in Myanmar has triggered an influx of over 118,000 new refugees as of May 2025, overwhelming an already under-resourced humanitarian infrastructure.

The CPG raised urgent concerns over the lack of sustained international attention and appealed for immediate action, particularly in light of recent USAID funding cuts that have severely impacted vital services, especially for children who make up more than half of the refugee population.

MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, who visited Cox’s Bazar in 2023, spoke of witnessing the magnitude of the crisis firsthand. They emphasised the critical need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vaccination and disease prevention, and called for ongoing international support to meet urgent health and safety needs in the camps.

MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “The CPG is keen to raise awareness of the Rohingya crisis following the recent USAID cuts. Bangladeshi diaspora have raised their concerns regarding the growing population of Rohingya refugees and lack of action from the international community.

The crisis seems to have been forgotten and needs to be brought back to the forefront of international attention.

“We must ensure that the Rohingya people are not left behind, especially as they face increasing challenges due to funding shortfalls that threaten essential services such as food aid, healthcare, and education.”

He added: ““It was fantastic to hear the update from the new Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh and commitments of the new Bangladeshi Government to work collaboratively with the CPG to continue to strengthen ties between Scotland and Bangladesh and work on common priorities.

“These include addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, advancing climate resilience, enhancing educational exchanges, and promoting inclusive development. The CPG is committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and partnerships that reflect our shared values and mutual interests.

“We look forward to continuing this collaboration between Scotland and Bangladesh on the refugee crisis and prioritise areas such as climate change, international development and education.”

Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Rahman Habib also attended the meeting to announce the UK’s first Rohingya Memorial Stone in Bradford which is set to serve as a reminder of the ongoing difficulties faced by the Rohingya people and commemorate the victims and survivors of the Rohingya crisis.

CPG Convenors Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs warmly accepted the invitation to attend the official unveiling of the Rohingya Memorial in Bradford on 25th August 2025.

The meeting concluded with updates from the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora on youth leadership, education, and climate justice initiatives, underscoring the strong and evolving partnership between Scotland and Bangladesh.

The Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh remains committed to championing these shared priorities and continuing its advocacy on humanitarian issues, international development, and the concerns of the Bangladeshi community in Scotland.

Here’s the full Bangla translation:

হোলিরুডের বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংকট নিয়ে জরুরি পদক্ষেপের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে
স্কটিশ পার্লামেন্টের বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ (সিপিজি) সম্প্রতি আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তা হ্রাসের প্রেক্ষাপটে কক্সবাজারের রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী ক্যাম্পগুলোর উপর প্রভাব কমানোর জন্য জরুরি পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।

এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস-এর আহ্বানে ২০২৫ সালের ৩ জুন মঙ্গলবার অনুষ্ঠিত এই বৈঠকে চলমান মানবিক সংকট নিয়ে আলোচনা হয়। বৈঠকে ম্যানচেস্টারে নিযুক্ত বাংলাদেশের সহকারী হাইকমিশনার মোহাম্মদ জোবায়েদ হোসেন উপস্থিত ছিলেন, যিনি সদ্য নিযুক্ত হাইকমিশনার মহামান্য আবিদা ইসলামের পক্ষে বক্তব্য রাখেন।

এই বৈঠকে স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসী সমাজের সদস্য, শিক্ষার্থী, স্থানীয় কাউন্সিলর, ইউরোপ বাংলাদেশি ফেডারেশন, নর্থ ইস্ট বাংলাদেশি অ্যাসোসিয়েশন (NEBA), উদ্যোক্তা এবং স্টার্লিং, ডান্ডি, এডিনবার্গ, স্ট্রাথক্লাইড এবং নিউক্যাসল বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের শিক্ষাবিদসহ বিভিন্ন শ্রেণি-পেশার মানুষ অংশ নেন।

মো. হোসেন বাংলাদেশে চলমান পরিস্থিতির একটি সার্বিক চিত্র উপস্থাপন করেন এবং উল্লেখ করেন যে, রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থীদের আশ্রয় দেয়ার ফলে দীর্ঘ আট বছর ধরে স্বাগতিক বাংলাদেশি জনগোষ্ঠীর উপর সামাজিক ও অর্থনৈতিক চাপ বাড়ছে।

সিপিজি বৈঠকে রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংকট আরও গভীরতর হচ্ছে বলে আলোচনা হয়। বাংলাদেশ থেকে ভার্চুয়াল মাধ্যমে যুক্ত হয়ে অ্যাকশনএইড ইউকে-র ইনোভেশন ও রিসোর্স মোবিলাইজেশন পার্টনারশিপ বিভাগের প্রধান মারুফ মোহাম্মদ শহাব একটি বিস্তারিত আপডেট দেন। তিনি জানান, কক্সবাজারে ২০২৪ সালেই অ্যাকশনএইড প্রায় ৯ লাখের বেশি মানুষের কাছে সহায়তা পৌঁছে দিয়েছে। এ সহায়তার মধ্যে রয়েছে নারী নির্যাতন প্রতিরোধ, যুব ক্ষমতায়ন, জরুরি আশ্রয় প্রদান, স্বাস্থ্যবিধি কিট বিতরণ এবং মানসিক সহায়তা সেবা।

তবে, শহাব জানান যে বর্তমানে তহবিল সংকট ভয়াবহ আকার ধারণ করেছে। ২০২৫ সালের জন্য রোহিঙ্গা সংকট মোকাবিলায় যৌথ প্রতিক্রিয়া পরিকল্পনা (জেআরপি) মাত্র ৪৩% অর্থায়িত হয়েছে, ফলে নারীদের ও শিশুদের জন্য নিরাপদ স্থান, শিক্ষা এবং মানসিক স্বাস্থ্যসেবার মতো গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কার্যক্রম হুমকির মুখে পড়েছে। তিনি সতর্ক করেন যে এই সঙ্কট আরও সহিংসতা সৃষ্টি করছে এবং শরণার্থী ক্যাম্পগুলোর সামাজিক সহনশীলতা নষ্ট করছে।

এরপর জাতিসংঘের বিশ্ব খাদ্য কর্মসূচির লন্ডন অফিসের পরিচালক জেরালডিন ও’ক্যালাঘান একটি উপস্থাপনা দেন, যেখানে খাদ্য নিরাপত্তাহীনতার ভয়াবহ চিত্র তুলে ধরা হয়। তিনি বলেন, তহবিল সংকটের কারণে খাদ্য রেশন কঠোরভাবে হ্রাস করা হয়েছে, ফলে শরণার্থীরা অপুষ্টি ও অনাহারের ঝুঁকিতে রয়েছে।

সংকটের পটভূমি
কক্সবাজারে বর্তমানে প্রায় ১০ লাখ রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী অবস্থান করছে, যারা গত ছয় বছরে মিয়ানমারে রাষ্ট্রীয় নিপীড়ন ও মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের কারণে পালিয়ে এসেছে। অতিরিক্ত ৩৫ হাজার রোহিঙ্গা ভাসানচরে অবস্থান করছে। এটি বিশ্বের অন্যতম বৃহৎ দীর্ঘস্থায়ী শরণার্থী সংকট হিসেবে পরিগণিত।

ঘূর্ণিঝড় ও মৌসুমি বন্যার মতো চরম আবহাওয়া পরিস্থিতির কারণে ক্যাম্পে বসবাসরত বহু মানুষ আশ্রয় হারিয়েছে। ২০২৫ সালের মে মাস পর্যন্ত মিয়ানমারে নতুন করে সহিংসতা ছড়িয়ে পড়ায় আরও ১ লাখ ১৮ হাজার নতুন শরণার্থী বাংলাদেশে আশ্রয় নিয়েছে, যা ইতিমধ্যেই দুর্বল মানবিক সহায়তা কাঠামোকে অতিরিক্ত চাপে ফেলেছে।

সিপিজি বৈঠকে অংশগ্রহণকারীরা আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তার অভাব নিয়ে গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেন। তারা অবিলম্বে পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের আহ্বান জানান, বিশেষ করে সম্প্রতি ইউএসএইড (USAID) এর অনুদান কমিয়ে দেয়ার ফলে শিশুদের জন্য খাদ্য, স্বাস্থ্যসেবা এবং শিক্ষার মতো মৌলিক সেবাগুলো ঝুঁকির মুখে পড়েছে।

২০২৩ সালে কক্সবাজার সফর করা এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস জানান যে, তারা সরেজমিনে রোহিঙ্গা সংকটের ভয়াবহতা প্রত্যক্ষ করেছেন। তারা ক্যাম্পে টিকাদান ও রোগ প্রতিরোধসহ স্বাস্থ্যসেবা উন্নয়নের প্রয়োজনীয়তার উপর জোর দেন এবং আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তা জোরদারের আহ্বান জানান।

এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী বলেন:
“সম্প্রতি ইউএসএইড-এর অনুদান হ্রাসের পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে সিপিজি রোহিঙ্গা সংকট নিয়ে সচেতনতা বাড়াতে আগ্রহী। বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসীরা ক্রমবর্ধমান রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংখ্যা ও আন্তর্জাতিক সমাজের নিষ্ক্রিয়তা নিয়ে তাদের উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছেন। এই সংকট যেন ধীরে ধীরে ভুলে যাওয়া হচ্ছে, যা ফের আন্তর্জাতিক অঙ্গনে আলোচনায় ফিরিয়ে আনা জরুরি। আমরা নিশ্চিত করতে চাই যে, রোহিঙ্গারা যেন এই দুঃসময়ে পিছিয়ে না পড়ে – বিশেষত যখন খাদ্য সহায়তা, স্বাস্থ্যসেবা ও শিক্ষা হুমকির মুখে।”

তিনি আরও বলেন:
“বাংলাদেশের নতুন সহকারী হাইকমিশনারের কাছ থেকে আপডেট শুনে ভালো লেগেছে এবং নতুন সরকারের পক্ষ থেকে স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে সম্পর্ক জোরদারে সহযোগিতার প্রতিশ্রুতি আশাজনক। এই যৌথ প্রয়াসের মধ্যে রয়েছে রোহিঙ্গা সংকট মোকাবিলা, জলবায়ু সহনশীলতা উন্নয়ন, শিক্ষাক্ষেত্রে আদান-প্রদান এবং অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক উন্নয়ন। সিপিজি অর্থবহ সংলাপ ও অংশীদারিত্ব গড়তে প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ, যা আমাদের অভিন্ন মূল্যবোধ ও পারস্পরিক স্বার্থকে প্রতিফলিত করে।

“আমরা স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে এই সহযোগিতা আরও এগিয়ে নিতে এবং জলবায়ু পরিবর্তন, আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন ও শিক্ষা-সহ বিভিন্ন অগ্রাধিকারমূলক বিষয়ে একসাথে কাজ করতে দৃঢ় প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ।”

নিউক্যাসলের সাবেক লর্ড মেয়র কাউন্সিলর রহমান হাবিবও বৈঠকে উপস্থিত ছিলেন। তিনি যুক্তরাজ্যের প্রথম রোহিঙ্গা স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ ‘রোহিঙ্গা মেমোরিয়াল স্টোন’-এর ঘোষণা দেন, যা ব্র্যাডফোর্ডে স্থাপন করা হবে। এই স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ রোহিঙ্গা জনগণের চলমান দুঃখ-কষ্টের স্মারক হিসেবে কাজ করবে এবং এই সংকটের ভুক্তভোগী ও বেঁচে থাকা মানুষদের স্মরণে নিবেদিত থাকবে। সিপিজি-এর আহ্বায়ক ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস ২৫ আগস্ট ২০২৫ তারিখে ব্র্যাডফোর্ডে অনুষ্ঠেয় স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ উন্মোচন অনুষ্ঠানে অংশগ্রহণের আমন্ত্রণ আন্তরিকভাবে গ্রহণ করেন।

বৈঠকের শেষে স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসীদের পক্ষ থেকে যুব নেতৃত্ব, শিক্ষা ও জলবায়ু ন্যায়বিচার বিষয়ক বিভিন্ন উদ্যোগের অগ্রগতি তুলে ধরা হয়, যা স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে মজবুত ও বিকাশমান অংশীদারিত্বের প্রতিফলন।

বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ মানবিক সংকট, আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন এবং স্কটল্যান্ডে বাংলাদেশি কমিউনিটির বিভিন্ন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়ে সচেতনতা এবং সুরক্ষায় অঙ্গীকারবদ্ধ।

Holyrood Committee finishes Stage 2 scrutiny of Housing (Scotland) Bill

Amendments passed to strengthen protection for tenants

Legislation to improve tenants’ rights and introduce homelessness prevention measures has completed Stage 2 scrutiny by a cross-party committee of MSPs.

The Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament last year to help tackle poverty by improving the experience of renters and introducing a range of new duties to prevent homelessness.

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee approved a number of Scottish Government amendments to the Bill at Stage 2, including powers to implement Awaab’s Law that would give social tenants greater protection against damp and mould, and measures to set out how rents could be capped in rent control areas.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Housing Bill will play an important role in our efforts to tackle poverty by keeping rent affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes by securing tenancies.

“Our amendments on rent control not only provide certainty for tenants but also provide more clarity to the housing sector on what our rent control proposals will look like, giving investors confidence to continue to support housebuilding in Scotland.

“We have also introduced plans to implement Awaab’s Law which will mean everyone can have the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home free from disrepair.

“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for people threatened with homelessness. The Housing Bill will provide even greater protection, so I am pleased the Committee has completed its Stage 2 scrutiny and I look forward to working with Members across the chamber as the legislation goes through the final Stage 3 process.”

Housing (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

Gandhian Ethos echoed in Scottish Parliament

Peace Society Celebrates Legacy and Progress

On 29th May 2025, the Gandhian Peace Society, under the leadership of General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, convened a landmark event at the Fleming Room of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

In an inspiring convergence of values and voices, the Fleming Room at the Scottish Parliament became a sanctuary of peace, non-violence, and unity as the Gandhian Peace Society, led by General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, hosted a landmark event celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.

The occasion marked a reflection on Gandhian values but also a celebration of a historic milestone: the first-ever motion passed in Scotland against Hinduphobia, community cohesion, unity, and philanthropy works.

A significant highlight of the event was the unanimous appreciation of the Gandhian Peace Society’s role in building intercultural bridges and promoting peace.

It was attended by cross-party parliamentarians, diplomats, and community leaders, the event underscored the resonance of Gandhian ethics in Scotland’s pursuit of social justice and self-determination. Scottish Parliamentarians, speaking from across party lines, endorsed the relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s turbulent global climate.

“In these divisive times, the teachings of Gandhi offer a path not just to peace, but to purpose,”

The Fleming Room, a space typically reserved for parliamentary committee discussions, transformed into a forum for intercultural solidarity.

The Gandhian Society’s event drew MSPs from the Alba Party, SNP, Labour, and Unionist factions, alongside representatives from the Indian Consulate, the French Consulate, the African Consulate, and members of the House of Lords, as well as very high-profile dignitaries across the UK.

This diverse assembly reflected the universal applicability of Gandhi’s teachings, particularly in a nation navigating the complexities of independence aspirations and multicultural cohesion.

General Secretary Dhruva Kumar delivered a rousing address outlining the Society’s initiatives in promoting social unity, mutual respect, and constructive non-violence.

“Gandhiji’s values are not relics of the past but blueprints for a just and inclusive society. In the Scottish aspiration for independence, there lies a parallel quest for dignity and self-determination that echoes Gandhi’s dream for India,” Kumar said.

Dhruva Kumar, a scholar, educationist-turned-activist, political figure and former Alba Party parliamentary candidate, framed the motion as a testament to Gandhi’s relevance in modern governance.

“Non-violence is not passive acceptance but active resistance to injustice,” he asserted, drawing parallels between India’s independence struggle and Scotland’s constitutional ambitions.

His address highlighted how Gandhian principles, decentralised governance, economic equity, and social harmony align with Scotland’s vision of an inclusive, self-determined future.

The Gandhian Society’s advocacy extends beyond legislative change.

“I was honoured to be invited and say a few words at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament organised by the Gandhian Society to honour the work done, said Christian Albuisson, Conseiller des Français de l’Etranger.

“I was glad to have the opportunity of meeting people of goodwill from so many different backgrounds and to discover the work done by the society. Let’s work together for a better world!”

The 29th May event transcended ceremonial significance, crystallising a broader movement for equity.

As Scotland contends with independence debates and societal fractures, the Society’s fusion of Gandhian philosophy and pragmatic policy offers a cohesive framework. The true measure of progress, as Kumar noted, lies in “translating parliamentary applause into palpable change”, a task requiring sustained collaboration across political, cultural, and economic spheres.

In the spirit of Gandhi’s satyagraha (truth force), Scotland’s journey toward inclusivity and self-determination continues, guided by the conviction that justice, much like independence, is not bestowed but built.”

Dhruva Kumar

General Secretary, Gandhian Peace Society

Should schools record and report on the use of restraint and seclusion?

Should schools be recording and reporting on the use of restraint and seclusion? This is just one of the questions a Scottish Parliament committee is asking as it considers a new Bill.

The Education, Children and Young People Committee will be considering the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill, which has been introduced by Daniel Johnson MSP.

The Bill aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, as well as stating that schools would need to inform the parent of a child or young person subjected to restraint or seclusion about the incident and annually report on the use of either approach.

Restraint and seclusion have been used in schools to manage children’s behaviours, but there have been serious concerns about both practices for several years, with campaigners calling for change.

If the Bill is passed, schools would need to be issued with detailed guidance about the use of restraint and seclusion. Schools would also need to inform parents of when restraint and seclusion have been used and maintain a report on the use of these approaches.

The Committee would like to understand whether the measures outlined in the Bill are appropriate.

The Committee’s call for views is open to responses until 11 July 2025. It is then due to take evidence on the proposals in the Bill in the autumn.

Douglas Ross, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, (who knows a fair bit about bad behaviour! – Ed.) said: “The use of restraint and seclusion has been controversial for many years.

“This Bill aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion and we want to understand the implications of adopting this approach on children and young people, parents and professionals.

“The Committee is keen to hear from people who have views on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. We’re also interested in hearing from teachers, school leaders and specialists to give us a broad perspective of views on the proposals in this Bill.”

The call for views will be available here: 

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ecyp/restraint-and-seclusion-in-schools-scotland-bill

More information about the Bill can be found here: 

https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/restraint-and-seclusion-in-schools-scotland-bill

ASH Scotland welcomes unanimous MSPs’ vote in favour of the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill

ASH Scotland has welcomed the unanimous vote by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Thursday 29 May 2025) to pass the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill Legislative Consent Motion (LCM).

The health charity believes this will be a positive step towards the opportunity of bringing in strong measures to drive down the use of tobacco as well as addictive, health harming nicotine products in the next generation.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “In supporting the World Health Organization’s 2025 World No Tobacco Day campaign in Scotland, the predatory tobacco and nicotine industry’s marketing tactics must be stopped to prevent a new wave of addiction and today’s vote sends a signal that our elected representatives are rising to that challenge.

“We welcome the cross party support for the proposed robust measures in the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the Scottish Government’s LCM to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.”

@scotgovhealth

#WorldNoTobaccoDay

UK Government urged to abandon ‘immoral’ disability benefit cuts

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, calling for an urgent change to the UK Government’s “immoral and reckless” social security reforms.

Ms Somerville welcomed the suggestion by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that cuts to winter fuel payment could be eased, but said this was not enough.

In the letter the Social Justice Secretary said: ‘I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce plans to ease the Winter Fuel Payment cuts in Parliament last week.

‘I am also aware of various media reports suggesting that a change in the UK Government’s two-child limit may be announced shortly. I welcome these developments and recognise that it is a step in the right direction to delivering a more robust Social Security system.

‘However, deep concerns remain around the UK government’s damaging social security reforms, including those announced in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper.

‘Given the speculation on the reversal or partial reversal of policies on Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Cap, I call on you to urgently scrap these immoral proposals on disabled benefits.

‘These plans will only push more into poverty. It is therefore reckless and totally unacceptable for the UK Government to press ahead, not least due to the expected severity of the impact they will have on all our efforts to end child poverty – completely undermining the work of the UK Child Poverty Taskforce.’