The Scottish Government has published legislation to set the rules for any referendum within the competence of the Scottish Parliament. The SNP, supported by the Scottish Greens, want to hold a referendum before the end of next year – but they need Westminster’s permission, and it’s unlikely that the current UK government will give their assent. Continue reading Scotish Government starts process for a new independence referendum
Damning indictment of Tory policies
The UK Government’s policies have led to the ‘systematic immiseration of millions across Great Britain’, the UN’s expert on poverty and human rights said in a report released on Wednesday. UN Rapporteur Philip Alston has called for a new vision that embodies compassion to end the unnecessary hardship. Continue reading UK Government ideology responsible for systemic poverty, says UN expert
A new service launched by the DWP which does not protect the date a Universal Credit claim begins has been described as ‘deeply alarming’ by Holyrood’s Social Security Committee. Continue reading MSPs demand UK Government protect date of Universal Credit claim
Local commercial radio will come under the spotlight as MSPs on the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee continue their scrutiny of the issue at a meeting this week. Continue reading Local commercial radio’s in the spotlight at Holyrood
Holyrood’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee has endorsed the general principles of the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) Bill in its Stage 1 report. Continue reading Smacking children: Holyrood committee backs ban
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs MSP has called for Community Pharmacies to become health hubs that will provide a range of services to people in the community. Continue reading Scottish Conservatives call for Community Pharmacies to become health hubs
*Okay, talks to Holyrood
The future of the UK’s environmental, agricultural and fisheries policies will be explored when two Scottish Parliament committees hear from Michael Gove MP, Secretary for State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs tomorrow. Continue reading Mr Gove goes to Holyrood*
Scotland’s relationship with the European Union and the rest of the world is to be the subject of a new parliamentary inquiry by the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee. Continue reading Scotland’s relationship with Europe and the world to be examined
Primary school-aged children will no longer be arrested and treated as offenders following the passing of the Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill at Holyrood yesterday. Continue reading Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill passed at Holyrood
Questions have been asked about the approach to and extent of surveillance and monitoring of infection within the NHS in a letter issued yesterday by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee. Noting its concern with the current system, the Committee have been unable to identify a proactive approach to either. Continue reading MSPs concern over hospital infections
