Tag: legislation

Journey to Great British Railways gathers steam with landmark legislation

RAIL REFORM and GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS

  • Government takes a major step forward with Bill to set up Great British Railways, owned by the public, for the public.
  • GBR will put passengers before profits with a strengthened passenger watchdog and ultimately a one-stop-shop app for simpler ticketing and customer services.
  • Measures unveiled to improve rail accessibility, including expanding disabled persons railcard eligibility, rolling out more Welcome Points.

Landmark legislation that will transform Britain’s railways was introduced yesterday (5 November), paving the way for a simpler, more reliable network which puts passengers before profits.

The Railways Bill will create Great British Railways (GBR) – a new publicly owned company which will bring together the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure.

GBR will be accountable to passengers, freight customers and taxpayers and will drive a relentless focus on responding to their needs. Responsible for co-ordinating the whole network: from track and train, to cost and revenue – GBR will deliver lasting change.

GBR, which will be headquartered in Derby, will create a simpler, more unified railway that delivers easier journeys and offers better value for money. This will include a new one-stop-shop app where passengers can check train times and book tickets.

The Railways Bill will also establish a strengthened passenger watchdog which will be a powerful new voice to investigate poor service and advocate for improvements.

Rail reform is a cornerstone of the Government’s Plan for Change, with GBR working hand in hand with the Government’s missions to drive growth and opportunity, such as housebuilding, creating jobs and boosting productivity.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Britain deserves a railway that is fit for the future – one that rebuilds the trust of its passengers, regenerates its communities and restores reliability and value for money.

“The introduction of this legislation is a major step towards a rail network that supports Britain’s businesses and delivers for the travelling public – paving the way for economic growth and access to opportunity across the country.”

Passengers are currently at the mercy of a complex rail system of over 17 different organisations, resulting in complex fares, delayed upgrades, disjointed timetables, and an industry with no single authority in charge.

The Railways Bill builds on the Government’s public ownership programme, which is already driving improved services. Southeastern and LNER are among the top five operators nationally for lowest cancellation rates.

South Western Railway has more than tripled the number of new trains in service since entering public ownership, offering more comfortable journeys, and passengers can now use tickets across publicly owned operators during cancellations – at no extra cost.

Major changes in the Bill include:

  • A strengthened Passenger Watchdog which will act as passengers’ champion and create a better, more inclusive railway for all. The watchdog will have powers to investigate poor service and demand improvements, as well as ensuring passengers have a clear and accessible service to escalate their complaints.
  • Fare and Ticketing reform – the Railways Bill will empower GBR to bring fares and ticketing into the 21st century. Passengers will ultimately be able to purchase tickets through a new GBR website and app, replacing 14 existing operator ticketing platforms. Tickets will be available to purchase at station ticket offices, via ticket vending machines and onboard trains, to ensure all passengers can purchase a ticket with ease and travel with confidence. GBR will also build on the expansion of successful Pay As You Go and fares trials, making travel more flexible and simpler.
  • Better business planning – the Railways Bill will place a duty on GBR to grow rail freight, meaning freight operators will benefit from a longer-term strategic approach to planning, including a new capacity allocation and timetabling process. This longer-term certainty for businesses will give critical stability to the railway’s supply chain and increase investor confidence and support the growth of the sector.
  • Localised decision making – the Railways Bill will give the Devolved Governments and England’s mayors a new role and a bigger say in how the railway is run in their patch to improve local connectivity.

In a further move to improve services for all passengers, the UK Government will today publish the Accessibility Roadmap, which provides immediate actions to improve services for disabled passengers in the lead up to GBR’s establishment.

Commitments in the Roadmap include expanded eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard, planning for the wider rollout of Welcome Points across the network, more consistent training for staff, and improvements on installing and maintaining key infrastructure, like lifts and escalators so that people can travel with confidence.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “I very much welcome the introduction of the UK Railways Bill which will improve rail services and deliver a more integrated, accountable, and passenger-focused railway across the UK.

“It is also a significant step forward in our collaborative approach to rail reform, and I am confident that our continued joint working with the UK Government will ensure the delivery of a modern, integrated railway that works for passengers in Wales and throughout the United Kingdom.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The introduction of the Railways Bill to Parliament marks a pivotal moment for rail reform across the country.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make trains more reliable and tickets easier to use, with clearer accountability for passengers and greater confidence in every journey.

“In Greater Manchester, we’re already making progress by working with the government and the rail industry to connect trains, buses, trams, and cycling routes as part of the next phase of the Bee Network.

“We’ll keep working closely with partners to shape the new legislation, ensuring Mayors and city regions have a key statutory role in joining up the railways in their areas, making them work for everyone and unlocking rail as an engine of growth across the country.”

Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “An accessible, affordable and reliable rail network integrated with the wider transport system is key to delivering sustainable economic growth and improving regional productivity.

“Today marks another important step on the road to realising this vision and delivering a railway that works for passengers, freight operators and the country as a whole.

“We look forward to working with the Government, MPs and the rail industry over the coming months to make sure this Bill provides the right foundation for a reformed railway.”

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses welcome plans for a more joined up rail system which gives regions a stronger voice in shaping services.

“An efficient rail network is crucial to unlock opportunities for investment, jobs and growth across the country.

“Great British Rail must deliver the certainty and connectivity that businesses are desperate for – with the needs of passengers and freight customers central to future decision making.”

TRANSPORT SECRETARY HEIDI ALEXANDER’s STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT

Today (5 November 2025) I have published our consultation response: A Railway Fit for Britain’s Future and introduced the Railways Bill to Parliament.

Up and down the country and across all political parties, the consensus is clear: our railways need urgent reform. Passengers feel abandoned – forced to treat delays, cancellations and poor value for money as unavoidable facts of daily life. Meanwhile, a broken, outdated model is holding the railway back, stopping it from unlocking the growth our country needs and delivering the efficiency taxpayers rightly expect.

The need for change was laid bare in the thousands of responses to our recent consultation. The British public were unequivocal: we need an affordable, reliable railway that passengers can count on and that makes the most of every taxpayer pound invested. One that makes education, healthcare, public services and even just the support of family and friends more accessible to those who need them. A railway that backs our businesses and helps our communities thrive. A railway fit for Britain’s future.

So today I am bringing forward legislation that will pave the way for the biggest transformation of Britain’s railways in 30 years. Informed by the consultation feedback, the Railways Bill will give us the tools we need to create Great British Railways (GBR) – a new, publicly owned company to oversee the management of track and train.

Today’s passengers are at the mercy of a complex system of poorly coordinated organisations, all incentivised to look inward and outsource blame. GBR will put an end to this by bringing together the work of 17 different organisations – from train operators to public bodies, government, and the regulator – eliminating unnecessary duplication and creating a single organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving our railways.

Unencumbered by the bureaucracy and perverse incentives of the old system, GBR will have the tools and authority it needs to make the railway deliver for passengers, freight and taxpayers – and to be held unambiguously accountable for doing so. It will be the ‘directing mind’ for the network, responsible for improving performance and taking long-term decisions across the whole system to unlock growth, decarbonise transport, enable the construction of new homes and support a thriving supply chain. GBR will be underpinned by a clear set of statutory duties – including those relating to passengers and accessibility, rail freight and social and economic benefits – as well as an overarching strategic direction set by the government. This approach will enable GBR to make decisions with a whole-system view, optimising network use and utilising opportunities such as open access to make the most of constrained capacity.

GBR will create a new culture that prioritises passengers and their experience. It will simplify fares and ticketing, setting more transparent fares in line with parameters set by ministers. It will consolidate the ticket retailing operations of 14 separate train companies – each with their own websites and apps – into a single, straightforward GBR ticketing platform. A new GBR app and website will make it easy to purchase tickets, check train times, and access a range of support all in one place. Together, this will make it easier for passengers to understand the fares system, to know they are buying the right ticket and to be confident they are getting the best value.

The bill will pave the way for creating a powerful voice for passengers, with a passenger watchdog responsible for setting tough standards and, where these are not met, investigating issues and resolving disputes. It will protect and advocate for all passengers’ interests and rights, offer advice and independently monitor passenger experience, reporting on its findings publicly and transparently.

GBR will work in partnership with devolved leaders to create a national railway that serves local needs. Through a new statutory role for devolved leaders, national and local strategies will be factored into GBR decision-making ensuring communities across Britain feel the benefits of our reforms. England’s mayors will have a greater say in how the railways will run, enabling genuine local influence and laying the foundations for integrated public transport that meets the needs of the communities it serves.

Devolved ministers in Scotland and Wales will also have an enhanced role, with bespoke arrangements to ensure GBR is able to deliver an integrated national network across Great Britain.

I will publish a joint memorandum of understanding with Welsh ministers setting out how our continued collaboration will drive improvements to our railways across Wales and Borders.

Scottish ministers have a similarly strong settlement reflecting their role as funder of the railway, including powers of direction and guidance over GBR. This will be set out in a joint memorandum of understanding that will outline how GBR will work with Scottish ministers to maximise local opportunities and deliver for communities.

Whilst this bill will unlock the most significant set of reforms our railway has seen in a generation, we are not waiting for the creation of GBR to drive improvements across the rail network.

We have accelerated the roll out of pay-as-you-go and we are ushering in a new era of transparency with latest performance data now available at over 1,700 stations. We recognise that disabled passengers’ experience on today’s railway too often falls short. That is why today I have also published an Accessibility roadmap: a transitional plan focused on delivering immediate improvements while laying the foundations for longer-term transformation led by GBR.

This bill enters Parliament 200 years on from the birth of the modern railway. The first passenger train between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton in 1825 marked the start of a technological revolution that would change the course of world history and trigger an explosion of growth and prosperity across the country.

As this government continues its mission to deliver a decade of national renewal, the plans I am setting out today will ensure the railway is fit to drive economic growth in the 21st century as it has done in the past.

Edinburgh MP leads the way with first successful Private Member’s Bill

The first Private Members Bill of this Parliament has passed all stages in the Houses of Commons and Lords. The bill, proposed by Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith Tracy Gilbert, will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections next year.

The Private Member’s Bill, Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords today (Friday 24 October). As no changes were made to the Bill in the House of Lords it will now go forward for Royal Assent.

Tracy Gilbert MP was drawn 12th in the Private Members Bill ballot last September. Twenty MPs are drawn in the ballot, giving them a right to introduce a bill.

Ms. Gilbert’s bill will allow voters to apply for a postal or proxy vote online, making it easier for voters to participate in elections and ending the anomaly in Scotland and Wales where voters can apply online for UK Parliament elections but not devolved elections.

Currently, voters must apply for a proxy vote by sending a physical letter. This can make the process difficult for people with disabilities or for those living outside the country. This necessary legislative change means voters will now be able to apply online for a postal or proxy vote for Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru elections next year.

During the passage of the bill through Parliament, Gilbert won cross-party praise for her bill being called a ‘modern day chartist woman’ by Tonia Antoniazzi MP.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I’m thrilled that my Private Member’s Bill is the first of this Parliament to pass both Houses of Parliament. I am grateful for the cross-party support the Bill has received.

“My bill will simplify the process for applying for a postal or proxy vote in next year’s Scottish and Welsh Parliament elections by enabling voters to apply online, extending access to democracy.”

A copy of the Bill can be found here – https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3785

Progress of Private Member Bills (Ballot Bill) (listed in order of ballot)

MemberBillCurrent/Next Stage
Kim Leadbeater, Labour (Spen Valley)Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrats (Cheltenham)New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrats (South Cotswolds)Climate and Nature BillCommons – Second Reading
Clive Lewis, Labour (Norwich South)Water Bill Commons – Second Reading
Josh MacAlister, Labour (Whitehaven and Workington)Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill Withdrawn
Dr Scott Arthur, Labour (Edinburgh South West)Rare Cancers Bill Lords – Second Reading
Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist Voice (North Antrim)European Union (Withdrawal Arrangements) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Peter Lamb, Labour (Crawley)Free School Meals (Automatic Registration of Eligible Children) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Alex McIntyre, Labour (Gloucester)Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill Commons – Report Stage
Andrew Ranger, Labour (Wrexham)Licensing Hours Extensions Bill Lords – Second Reading
Jake Richards, Labour (Rother Valley)Looked After Children (Distance Placements) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Tracy Gilbert, Labour (Edinburgh North and Leith)Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill Royal Assent
Linsey Farnsworth, Labour (Amber Valley)Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill Lords – Second Reading
John Grady, Labour (Glasgow East)Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Rachael Maskell, Labour (Co-op), (York Central)Short-term Let Accommodation Bill Commons – Second Reading
Ruth Jones, Labour (Newport West and Islwyn)Fur (Import and Sale) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrats (Winchester)Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill Lords – Committee Stage
Sarah Owen, Labour (Luton North)Fireworks Bill Commons – Second Reading
Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrats (North East Fife)Gambling Act 2005 (Monetary Limits for Lotteries) Bill Commons – Second Reading
Dr Rupa Huq, Labour (Ealing Central and Acton)Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill Commons – Second Reading

Reforming post-school funding

Stage 1 vote backed by MSPs

Legislation to simplify the funding system for learners at college, university and apprentices in Scotland has been given in-principle backing by MSPs.

They voted by 62 to 39 to endorse the general principles of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, ensuring it passes Stage 1 and proceeds to Stage 2 in the Scottish Parliament.

If passed, the Bill will see responsibility for funding national training programmes and apprenticeships move to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). This will consolidate responsibility for provision of tertiary education and training within a redesigned SFC.

The Bill would also strengthen the SFC’s governance powers to allow for more effective oversight of colleges and higher education institutions, including a greater focus on their financial sustainability and the needs of learners.

Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “At its core, this Bill would better enable funding to go where it matters most, supporting the skills, services and innovation that our economy and learners need to thrive.

“The Bill has been publicly backed by key sector organisations including the Scottish Training Federation, Federation of Small Businesses, Universities Scotland and Colleges Scotland.  

“This legislation intends to help build a more coherent, collaborative, flexible system where colleges, universities and training providers all play a collaborative role in delivering high-quality education and training.” 

The Scottish Government’s response to the Education, Children and Young People Committee report into the Bill shows a revised highest cost estimate of £21.6 million, a reduction of almost £12 million.

Financial sustainability reports launched

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (26 September 2025) published two reports that provide an aggregate picture of the financial health of Scotland’s colleges and universities.

Based on their annual accounts for academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24 and latest forecasts up to 2027-28 for colleges and 2026-27 for universities, the reports provide detailed information at sector level on the operating position, cash balances, sources of income, expenditure, liquidity, cash flow, borrowing and capital expenditure.

Both colleges and universities continue to operate in an extremely tight fiscal environment, with downward trends in cash balances showing both sectors under pressure.

While neither sector is homogenous, and the forecasts represent a snapshot in time, both colleges and universities face similar risks to their financial health, including:

  • Increasing staff costs.
  • Further flat cash settlements or unanticipated public spending cuts.
  • An uncertain macro-economic outlook, including rising inflation and persistently high interest rates.
  • Continuing high energy costs.
  • Infrastructure pressures, exacerbated by the impact of RAAC, impacting on the delivery of high-quality learning, teaching and research.
  • The requirement to invest in the achievement of public sector net zero targets.
  • The impact of UK government policies on maintaining international fee income.

The reports also outline the mitigating actions that colleges and universities are taking to adapt to challenges and uncertainties, including staff restructuring, vacancy management, freezing of non-essential spend, reviewing course portfolios, curriculum rationalisation and consolidation, moves to online and blended learning, delaying capital spend and reviewing estates strategies.

Commenting on the reports, SFC Chair, Professor Cara Aitchison, said: “While these reports represent a snapshot in time, the trends we’re seeing indicate the serious implications of the tight fiscal environment in which colleges and universities are operating and the need for action to address the challenges they face.

“We are encouraged by the proactive steps being taken by institutions as they adapt and build in resilience for this changing environment, recognising that this may include difficult decisions to secure long term financial sustainability which is a requirement of our Financial Memorandum.

“We continue to engage closely with Scottish Ministers on the case for investment in colleges and universities which are the drivers for economic growth, addressing child poverty, supporting the transition to net zero and delivering excellent public services.

“We are also increasing levels of engagement and monitoring activity for those institutions facing the highest risks to their financial health and are working with them to understand and assess plans to bring them back to a sustainable position.”

Principal of Edinburgh College, Audrey Cumberford said: “This report confirms what’s been known for a long time – that the financial situation facing colleges is dire.

“The status quo isn’t an option and urgent action needs to be taken before we see colleges fall further into financial trouble.

“Colleges have the potential to do so much more. By unlocking our potential, restructuring our funding streams and reforming our apprenticeship system we could deliver a brighter future for the whole sector.”

Views sought on proposals which would introduce the crime of ecocide into Scots law for the first time

Should causing severe environmental damage be treated as a serious and distinct criminal offence? Are current penalties imposed by courts on individuals and organisations adequate? Could creating this offence impact on legitimate activities?

These are the types of questions Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee is putting to members of the public and organisations with an interest in environmental issues, as they launch their call for views into the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill.

If approved by Parliament, this Bill would introduce the crime of ecocide into Scots law for the first time.

The Bill was introduced by Monica Lennon MSP on 29 May 2025. Ms Lennon believes that creating a distinct criminal offence and increasing the penalties for perpetrators, would reduce the likelihood of future incidents and help protect Scotland’s population, wildlife and ecosystems.

Proposals in the Bill allow for both people and organisations to be convicted of ecocide with custodial sentences of up to 20 years and unlimited fines.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1939625266126418107

Launching the call for views, Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Commitee, Edward Mountain MSP, said; “We all agree on the need to address the biodiversity crisis and protect and restore fragile ecosystems. That includes making sure there are fitting penalties for serious environmental damage.

“Introducing ecocide into Scots criminal law could send a strong message to individuals and organisations about the gravity of serious environmental damage and act as a deterrent, changing corporate behaviour and individual decision-making for the better.

“While protecting the environment is vital, it’s also important to ensure that any new measures strike the right balance – avoiding disproportionate costs for public bodies, individuals and businesses, or inhibiting development or infrastructure in places where it is needed and wanted.

“And before making new laws, its right to reflect on how well current measures to combat environmental damage work and whether they’re backed up with sufficient resources.

“Please share your views with us, to help us further understand the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals before us.”

The Committee expects to take evidence on the Bill after summer recess and report its recommendations to Parliament.

The call for views will be open until Tuesday 9 September 2025.

Read the questions and submit your views on Citizen Space

SQA no more as Holyrood agrees education reforms

New qualifications body and independent inspectorate to be established

The creation of a new national qualifications body, along with an independent education inspectorate, has taken a major step forward after legislation to implement the changes was passed in the Scottish Parliament.

The Education (Scotland) Bill was backed by 69 votes to 47 by MSPs last night. This includes provisions to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation, Qualifications Scotland.

The office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, with enhanced independence, will be created to undertake the education inspection functions that currently sit within Education Scotland.

The final legislation, following Stage 2 and Stage 3 amendments to the Bill initially introduced in June last year, includes measures from all political parties represented on Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People committee.  

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system.

“The creation of a new national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish; the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering.

“The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from Ministers, to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector.  

“Throughout this process, I have been determined to work with other parties on this vital legislation. I am also grateful to teaching unions and other organisations across civic Scotland who contributed to its development.

“Taken together our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”

British Sign Language (BSL) recognised in Scotland’s new education legislation

The National Deaf Children’s Society and fellow deaf campaigners are celebrating after the Scottish Parliament voted through the new Education (Scotland) Bill 2025, which includes crucial recognition of the rights of British Sign Language (BSL) users.

The inclusion of BSL in the Bill is the culmination of a year-long campaign from a coalition of deaf charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, and supported by more than 500 campaigners, including deaf young people and their families. 

The campaign kicked into life after a previous reading of the Bill recognised Gaelic but not BSL, despite both languages having legal recognition in Scotland. 

Campaigners urged Scottish MSPs to recognise BSL in the Bill, highlighting that deaf learners in Scotland are currently nearly three times more likely to leave school without qualifications than their hearing peers.

MSPs voted to support the legislation as the Bill completed the final stage of debate on 25 June. It is now set to become law, once it receives Royal Assent. 

George McGowan from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “This is a historic moment for deaf children, young people, and their families, who realised this milestone through their tireless and incredible campaigning.

“This means BSL will receive the recognition and support it rightly deserves within Scotland’s educational system.”

The new education bodies created by the legislation will now have to give equal weight to both BSL and the Gaelic language.

The new qualifications agency in Scotland, Qualification Scotland, must also consider the needs of pupils who use BSL or learn in BSL.

This is significant as it recognises the importance of BSL as a language in the Scottish education system and crucially, means deaf children and young people who use BSL, will receive access to information and support from Qualification Scotland in their preferred language. 

The new law also places requirements on the new Chief Inspector of Education to consider the importance of communicating in a way that best meets the needs of children and young people, including those who use BSL.

Mr McGowan, who has severe to profound deafness and uses BSL as his first language, added: “Too many deaf children and young people in Scotland still face barriers to learning and to using sign language, if it’s the right choice for them. This is why it’s so vital that this new law now recognises the importance of BSL.”

It is hoped that the passing of the new law will ensure deaf children and young people have access to an inclusive education that meets their needs.

Deaf teenager Niamdh Braid was one of the young people involved in the campaign for the Bill to recognise the rights of BSL users.

Niamdh, who earlier this month attended a meeting with MSPs at Holyrood to discuss the Bill, said: “The inclusion of BSL is incredible as it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

“This will hopefully not only bring more awareness to BSL but also give deaf children the access to sign language that they need.”

Niamdh, who was supported by the National Deaf Children’s Society in her legal battle with Fife Council to have a BSL interpreter in her class for school lessons, added: “Hopefully this will mean deaf young people no longer have to fight for access to their own language like I had to.”

BSL is recognised in law as one of Scotland’s languages. It is a vibrant language that allows deaf children and young people to access a rich deaf culture, heritage and identity. The importance of BSL was recognised in the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.

Qualifications Scotland is expected to become operational in Autumn 2025.

Scottish Children’s Services Coalition: Bill provides opportunity to deliver action on advocacy

Dear Editor

It is well acknowledged that too many care-experienced children and young people are not receiving the vital care and support they need to thrive in education, a point further reinforced in a recent report from the charity Who Cares? Scotland for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.

This highlighted the need for a whole-school approach to supporting care-experienced children, as well as a requirement for a statutory right to independent, relationship-based lifelong advocacy for all care-experienced people who need it. This aims to ensure that these individuals are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about their lives.

The latter is eminently achievable, as the Scottish Government’s recent Programme for Government outlined that a Children and Young People (Care) Bill will be forthcoming.

This legislation aims to further support The Promise, produced by the Independent Care Review in 2020, and which is Scotland’s pledge to care-experienced children and young people that they will grow up loved, safe, and respected.

With the Promise Bill now part of the government’s legislative programme, it is time for this fundamental right, as committed to in The Promise itself five years ago, to be enshrined in law.

Too many individuals are currently missing out on the advice and support they desperately need, often when they need it most.

Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way, and the Bill provides the opportunity to deliver action on advocacy.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Falkland House School

LOVE Learning

Spark of Genius

Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Scottish Languages Bill passed

Growing Gaelic and Scots

Plans to boost and encourage the use of Gaelic and Scots have been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Languages Bill will enable parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area. Local authorities would then be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers could direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable. 

Other measures include:

  • introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
  • establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
  • supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
  • enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
  • ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
  • introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “This legislation will introduce powers to accelerate the growth of Gaelic and Scots. It will establish them as official languages, introduce new educational standards and support the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities.

“While there has been an encouraging increase in the number of Gaelic speakers across Scotland, we recognise that more support is needed in communities where the language is traditionally spoken.

“That’s why the Scottish Government is providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scotland’s languages. We are also working to drive growth in Gaelic communities so that more people who speak the language continue to live in those areas.”

Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.

Scotland’s population is around 5.5 million.

The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.

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.”

Strengthening Gaelic and Scots education

LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Parents across Scotland will be able to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area as part of legislation being taken forward by the Scottish Government.

Under the plans, local authorities would be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers may direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable. 

Other provisions of the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
  • establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
  • supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
  • enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set out the measures on a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She was joined by Scotland’s first Gaelic speaking national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, who is also known as the Makar.

The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary year of Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said: “This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic’s continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages.

“Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools.

“To support the growth of Scotland’s indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said: “It’s fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it’s something we should be very proud of.

“It’s vital that there’s ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland.” 

Background

Stage 3 of the Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 people from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.

The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.

A’ neartachadh foghlam Gàidhlig agus Albais

Reachdas gus taic-chànain a neartachadh.

Faodaidh pàrantan air feadh Alba iarraidh gun tèid sgoil Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh anns na sgìrean aca, mar phàirt de reachdas a tha ga thoirt air adhart le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

Fo na planaichean, dh’fheumadh ùghdarrasan ionadail measadh a dhèanamh air so-dhèantachd agus reusantachd cosgaisean an iarrtais. Às dèidh dhaibh comhairle a ghabhail, faodaidh ministearan iarraidh air ùghdarrasan ionadail a dhol air adhart le stèidheachadh sgoil Ghàidhlig ùr, ma cho-dhùineas measadh an ùghdarrais gun gabh a dhèanamh.

Am measg chumhachan eile ann am Bile nan Cànan Albannach:

  • thèid bun-tomhasan foghlaim a thoirt a-steach do Ghàidhlig agus do dh’Albais
  • thèid Gàidhlig agus Albais a stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil
  • thèid taic a chumail ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum faod ministearan poileasaidhean a thaghadh nas fheàrr leis an gabh an cànan a leasachadh
  • faodaidh pàrantan ann an gach ceàrn de dh’Alba tagradh a chur airson àitichean sgoil àraich agus tràth-ìre Gàidhlig fhaighinn dhan cuid chloinne

Chaidh na ceumannan a mhìneachadh leis an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis, ’s i a’ tadhal air Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis. Còmhla rithe bha a’ chiad bhàrd nàiseanta Gàidhlig ann an Alba, an Dotair Pàdraig MacAoidh, ris an canar cuideachd am Makar. Bha iad a’ tadhal aig an aon àm ris a’ 40mh ceann-bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Alba.

Thuirt a’ Bh-uas. Fhoirbeis:

“Tha a’ Bhile seo ag amas air bun-stèidh dhaingeann a thogail gus taic a chumail ri fàs leantainneach na Gàidhlig, às dèidh àrdachadh brosnachail ann an luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba. Chuireadh i gu mòr ri solar foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba, ’s i a’ daingneachadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais mar chànain nàiseanta.

“Tha foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a’ cur beairteas ri coimhearsnachdan agus tha deagh luach an airgid na lùib. Is tric a bhios coileanadh sgoiltean Gàidhlig nas fheàrr na chìthear sa chumantas, ’s cuid a dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail a’ sealltainn chomharran nas fheàrr thar gach ìre teisteanais ged nach eil cosgaisean nas àirde na cosgaisean sgoiltean tro mheadhan na Beurla.

“Gus taic a chumail ri fàs nan cànan a tha dùthchasach do dh’Alba, tha sinn cuideachd a’ toirt seachad £5.7 millean a bharrachd gus Albais agus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh am-bliadhna.”

Thuirt an Dotair MacAoidh:

“Tha e air leth math gum facas mar a dh’fhàs foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig thairis air na 40 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh: bu chòir dhuinn a bhith gu math moiteil à rud mar seo. Tha e riatanach gum bi taic leantainneach ann airson a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail suas agus a leasachadh mar chànan coimhearsnachd air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus anns na h-Eileanan, agus airson gach cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha an cànan ionnsachadh agus a bhruidhinn – agus cuideachd airson luchd-labhairt agus coimhearsnachdan na h-Albais a bhrosnachadh thar Alba.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Thathar an dùil gum beachdaich BPA air Ìre 3 Bile nan Cànan Albannach Dimàirt, an 17mh latha dhen Ògmhios.

Tha àireamhan a’ chunntais-shluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Gàidhlig aig 130,161 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 43,105 neach bho 2011. Tha an cunntas-sluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Albais aig 2,444,659 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 515,215 neach bho 2011.

Tha an dreachd as ùire de Bhile nan Cànan Albannach ri fhaotainn air loidhne.

Forderin Gaelic and Scots education

Legislation tae uphaud the leids

Parents aw ower Scotland will be able tae speir for a Gaelic schuil tae be set up whaur they bide as pairt o legislation bein taen forrit by the Scots Government.

Unner the plans, it wad be necessar for local authorities tae luik intae gin the speirin wis practical and affordable. Efter takkin advice, ministers micht caw upon local authorities tae gang forrit wi the settin up o a new Gaelic schuil if the authority’s ettles shaw it tae be daeable. 

Ither provisions o the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • settin oot educational staunards for Gaelic and Scots
  • settin forrit Gaelic and Scots as official leids
  • uphaudin the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities sae that ministers can better ettle at policies tae uphaud the growin o the leid
  • allouin parents in ilka pairt o Scotland tae speir efter Gaelic nursery and early years places for their bairns

Depute First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set oot the meisures on a visit tae Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She wis jyned by Scotland’s first Gaelic spikkin national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, wha is kent forby as the Makar. The visit gangs alang wi the 40th anniversary year o Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said:

“This Bill ettles tae big strang foonds tae uphaud Gaelic’s ongawin growth follaein a hertenin increase in Gaelic spikkers and lairners aw ower Scotland. It wad forder Gaelic education provision throughoot Scotland and set forrit mair siccarly Gaelic and Scots as national leids.

“Gaelic medium education maks communities mair strang and gies guid value for siller. Gaelic medium schuils aft kythe better-than-average ootcomes, wi some local authorities reportin better grades athort aw qualification levels, for aw that costs are nae mair muckle than English medium schuils.

“Tae forder the growin o Scotland’s hamelt leids, we’re forby pittin forrit an extra £5.7 million tae uphaud Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said:

“It’s braw tae hae seen the growin o Gaelic medium education ower the last 40 years: thon’s a thing we should be gey prood o. It’s vital that there’s ongawin uphaudin tae heeze up and forder forrit Gaelic as a community leid in the Hielans and Islands and tae gie fowk aw ower the country ilka chance tae lairn and spik it – and forby tae herten Scots spikkers and communities aw ower Scotland.” 

Backgrund

Stage 3 o the Scottish Languages Bill is expectit tae be taen tent o by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics report that 130,161 fowk in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase o 43,105 fowk syne 2011. The census reports that 2,444,659 fowk in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase o 515,215 syne 2011.

The latest version o the Scottish Languages Bill is set furth online.

1 in 3 Scotland vets report seeing illegally imported puppies last year

BVA CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ACT

More than 30 percent (around 1 in 3) small animal vets in Scotland saw puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

With increased concerns around the risk to public health from imported diseases such as rabies, BVA calls on the UK Government to urgently put a stop to unlawful puppy smuggling by progressing the Animal Welfare (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill through Parliament and into law without any further delay.  

The call comes on the heels of a roundtable in Parliament, hosted by vet and MP Danny Chambers to highlight the potential impact of this legislation, which would introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling, ban the import of pets with illegal mutilations like cropped ears, and secure public health by preventing diseases such as rabies from being imported into the country.   

The Bill, which passed its second reading in the Commons in November, has been awaiting a date for the committee stage since then.  

Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets across the UK reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed. 

The biggest source of suspicion that these dogs may have been imported illegally was the client’s explanation of how or where the puppy was acquired (79% of vets said this). Half of vets who had seen illegal pups (52%) suspected they had been imported illegally because the puppies were too young to have been imported but they had been told they came from abroad.

A third of vets (33%) had suspicions because they found foreign microchips in puppies that were too young to have been imported legally, and a similar proportion (30%) had seen puppies whose age didn’t match the information on the passport.  

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “These new figures from our members who work in small animal practice show that puppy smugglers are continuing to use unscrupulous methods to bring puppies into the country and duping new owners into buying sick or poorly socialised pets.  

“Illegally imported puppies have often been poorly bred, without the correct vaccinations or necessary health checks needed, which can result in life-threatening illnesses for the pups and heartache for their new owners. 

“In the last few years, we have seen measures to stop puppy smuggling come close to becoming law but disappointingly failing to cross the line. We’re urging Government to progress vet and MP Danny Chambers’ Bill, which has broad support from vets, animal welfare charities, parliamentarians and the general public, into law in this parliamentary session.” 

BVA is calling on the public and its members to write to their local MP, urging them to support the Bill at every opportunity.  

The template letter and more information about BVA’s campaign against puppy smuggling is available at: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/pet-imports/