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
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today outlined the steps the Scottish Government will take to progress the debate on Scotland’s future in light of Brexit, and the action to be taken to protect the option for an independence referendum to be held within the current term of the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading Brexit highlights cracks in broken Britain
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on Labour MSPs to get behind the full devolution of rail services to Scotland, after a former Labour transport minister urged that the Scottish Parliament be given full responsibility over Network Rail.
Tom Harris, a senior adviser to the Rail Review, said that all lines, signals, stations and infrastructure under the control of Network Rail should be transferred to a new body, answerable to the Scottish Government.
Network Rail is currently responsible for railway infrastructure and is accountable to Westminster, not Holyrood.
In November, Labour MSPs were criticised for voting against the full devolution of rail, despite almost 60% of delays on Scotland’s railways over the last year being attributable to Tory government’s shambolic operation of Network Rail.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “The SNP in government has consistently called for the full devolution of rail services, but successive Labour and Conservative governments have repeatedly denied Scotland a full say over how its railways are run – talking a good game while doing absolutely nothing to deliver the powers we need.
“The Rail Review gives us an opportunity for meaningful change. Full devolution of services currently under the control of Network Rail would help to improve performance on the railways and allow for a coherent, joined-up approach to transport.
“It’s time for Labour to get on board with the common sense approach – handing over full control of the rail infrastructure to Scotland to help ensure our railways deliver for all passengers in Edinburgh.”
