All living former First Ministers of Scotland – Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and Henry McLeish – have agreed to give oral evidence to Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee as part of its ongoing inquiry into intergovernmental relations.
The inquiry, named Intergovernmental Relations: 25 years since the Scotland Act 1998, is looking closely at the structures which underpin relations between the UK and Scottish Governments, including the new IGR framework introduced in 2022.
In sessions due to take place in the first half of 2024, MPs will have the chance to question Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and Henry McLeish on their experiences of intergovernmental relations between Edinburgh and London during each of their tenures as First Minister.
The witnesses led the Scottish Government during significant political events, including the 2014 independence referendum and the UK’s exit from the EU. The Committee will also be taking evidence from a number of former Secretaries of State for Scotland who have held the post since 1998.
So far, the inquiry has received written evidence from Tony Blair and Lord David Cameron, as well as hearing from former UK Government ministers and senior civil servants to assess whether the intergovernmental processes have delivered on the aspirations of politicians in 1998.
The Committee also questioned leading academics at the University of Glasgow and University of Stirling for their expert views on whether current intergovernmental processes are working effectively.
Alex Salmond will be questioned by the Committee on Monday 19 February.
The date of the other former First Ministers’ appearances will be confirmed in due course.
Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Pete Wishart, said: “It’s a clear demonstration of the importance of this work that all living former Scottish First Ministers have agreed to appear in front of the Committee as part of the inquiry into relations between the UK and Scottish governments since 1998.
“Given that we will hear from all living former First Ministers of Scotland, we will be inviting all former UK Prime Ministers who have been in power since the implementation of the Scotland Act to appear in front of the Committee.
“I sincerely hope they will match the commitment of their Scottish Government counterparts and accept our invitation.”
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP joins Edinburgh Science Festival on 6 April, appearing in conversation with AmbassadorPatricia Espinosa.
Former chair of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC 2016-22), and Ambassador to Mexico & Germany, Patricia Espinosa, who was instrumental in efforts to make the Paris Agreement a reality and led crucial climate conversations at COP26 in Glasgow, joins Scotland’s former First Minister, for a fascinating conversation exploring Scottish, and global, efforts to face up to our climate emergency.
With discussion of climate justice, the role of legislation, UN Sustainable Development Goals and how we mitigate the unfolding effects of a changing climate and more, this event will give fascinating insights into global politics and what the next steps on this critical journey need to be.
Commenting Former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said: “I am delighted to be appearing at the Edinburgh Science Festival event: A Climate of Change alongside Patricia Espinosa.
“Climate Change undoubtedly presents one of the greatest challenges of our time – but the emergency we are facing presents an opportunity for collaboration and the chance to roll up our sleeves and build solutions for our future. Of course, the solutions we need are on a global scale but they begin with open conversations such as these, here in Scotland.”
On 5 April Patricia Espinosa also features as a special guest in a Climate Co-Lab event, which forms part of Edinburgh Science charity’s year-round programming. Previously known as Climate Opportunity Ideas Factory, these round table meetings encourage, support and facilitate Scottish industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities that the climate revolution will bring.
2023 marks an important year for Scotland’s journey to net zero, with the publication of Scotland’s second – and most critical – climate change action plan due to be published in November this year. The plan will need to detail the key areas of action that will transform our economy into the world’s first Net Zero economy.
Chaired by Francesca Osowska from Nature Scot, this event focusses upon the three pillars of Scotland’s approach to accelerate towards a just transition to net zero: mobilizing finance, showcasing ambition, and addressing climate justice.
Patricia Espinosa said: “If we are to reach the ambitious – and necessary – targets that we have set in the fight against Climate Change and fulfill our commitment to humanity under the Paris Agreement, then we need to act and act on a global scale.
“I am delighted to be joining Edinburgh Science to lead these vital conversations both at their Climate Co-Lab Round Table meeting and a public discussion event with Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP. Now is the time for us to work together to build a fairer, just, resilient and better future for everyone.”
Hannah Schlesigner, Director of Development and Marketing, Edinburgh Science, said: We are thrilled to be hosting this vital discussion event with former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and international diplomat Patricia Espinosa.
“The Edinburgh Science Festival has been proudly programming events such as these that highlight and inspire people of all ages and all backgrounds to action on our climate emergency for many years.
“We also recognize that individual action is not enough – we need governments, business leaders and decision-makers to act. That is why we launched our Climate Co-Labs, an opportunity for Senior leaders to gather, make connections and build the solutions that we need to transition to a brighter future.
“It is wonderful that Patricia Espinosa is getting involved in these and we look forward to the outcomes that we will see from this powerful discussion.”
Edinburgh Science
Edinburgh Science, founded in 1989, is an educational charity that aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them. The organisation is best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival: the world’s first festival of science and technology and still one of Europe’s largest.
The two-week Festival provides wide and diverse audiences with amazing science-themed experiences through a diverse programme of innovative events for adults and families.
Alongside the annual Festival in Edinburgh, the organisation has a strong focus on education, running a touring programme, Generation Science, that brings science to life for primary schools around Scotland throughout the year, and running an annual Careers Hive event which promotes STEM careers to young people.
After programming on the themes of climate change and the environment for many years, in 2019 Edinburgh Science awarded the Edinburgh Medal to Christiana Figueres, the inspirational Costa Rican diplomat instrumental in the Paris Climate agreement. Inspired by this visit, Edinburgh Science established the Climate Co-Lab, a forum for all sectors to come together and generate collaborative actionable ideas that accelerate our transition to net zero.
One outcome from the Climate Co-Lab series if The NetZeroToolkit, a free, online resource that SMEs can use to build carbon management strategies.
Edinburgh Science also shares its content and expertise internationally through Edinburgh Science Worldwide and operates a large-scale international programme of work. It regularly presents events overseas and is currently the Major Programming Partner of the annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival, helping to curate, produce and deliver the event.
For international partners, the team at Edinburgh Science provide engaging content, curatorial advice on programming and business planning support, along with expert staff and training for local science communicators.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has made an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, preventing the Scottish Parliament’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent.
Oral statement by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack to the House of Commons yesterday in relation to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill:
Mr Speaker, today I will make an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 preventing the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent.
This Order will mean the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament will not submit the Bill for Royal Assent.
This Government believes however that transgender people deserve our respect, our support and our understanding.
My decision is centred on the legislation’s consequences for the operation of reserved matters, including equality legislation across Scotland, England and Wales.
The Scottish Government’s Bill would introduce a new process for applying for legal gender recognition in Scotland.
The changes include reducing the minimum age a person can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate from eighteen to sixteen, and removing the need for a medical diagnosis and evidence of having lived for two years in their acquired gender.
The Bill would amend the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which legislated for a single gender recognition system across the UK and which received a Legislative Consent Motion from the Scottish Parliament.
The approach taken in the Scottish Government’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill was the subject of intense debate in the Scottish Parliament.
A number of significant amendments were tabled right up until the end of the Bill’s passage.
And the Minister for Women and Equalities corresponded with and met with the Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison to discuss the UK Government’s concerns, before the Bill had reached its final stage.
Mr Speaker, I have not taken this decision lightly.
The Government has looked closely at the potential impact of the Bill and I have considered all relevant policy and operational implications, together with the Minister for Women and Equalities.
And it is our assessment that the Bill would have a serious adverse impact, among other things, on the operation of the Equality Act 2010.
Those adverse effects include impacts on the operation of single-sex clubs, associations and schools, and protections such as equal pay.
The Government shares the concerns of many members of the public and civic society groups regarding the potential impact of the Bill on women and girls.
The Bill also risks creating significant complications from having two different gender recognition regimes in the UK and allowing more fraudulent or bad faith applications.
The Government is today publishing a full Statement of Reasons, alongside the order, which will set in full the adverse effects the Government is concerned about (see below – Ed.).
Mr Speaker, I would like to address the claims put forward by those who would seek to politicise this decision and claim that this is some kind of “constitutional outrage” and you can hear them Mr Speaker, you can hear them.
The section 35 power was included in the Scotland Act, which established the Scottish Parliament.
This the first time the power has been exercised and I acknowledge that this is a significant decision.
The powers in Section 35 of the Scotland Act are not new, and this Government has not created them. They have existed as long as devolution itself.
And we should be clear that the power was included in the Act by the architects of devolution for a reason. Donald Dewar himself noted that the power struck an “important balance”.
The section 35 power provides a sensible measure to ensure that devolved legislation does not have adverse impacts on reserved matters, including on equalities legislation such as the Equality Act 2010.
This is not about preventing the Scottish Parliament from legislating on devolved matters but about ensuring that we do not have legal frameworks in one part of the UK which have adverse effects on reserved matters.
And we should be clear that this is absolutely not about the UK Government being able to veto Scottish Parliament legislation whenever it chooses, as some have implied.
The power can only be exercised on specific grounds – and the fact that this is the first time it has been necessary to exercise the power in almost twenty-five years of devolution emphasises that it is not a power to be used lightly.
In the instance of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, I have concluded that the bill would have serious, adverse effects on the operation of the Equality Act 2010.
As I set out in my correspondence with the First Minister yesterday, I would prefer not to be in this situation.
The UK Government does all we can to respect the devolution settlement and to resolve disputes.
It is open to the Scottish Government to bring back an amended Bill for reconsideration in the Scottish Parliament.
So to conclude, Mr Speaker, I have set out to the Scottish Government that should they choose to do so, I hope we can work together to find a constructive way forward that both respects devolution and the operation of UK Parliament legislation.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC that the Scottish government will seek a judicial review of the Westminster government’s decision at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
There’s every possibility that this constitutional wrangle will end up in the UK’s Supreme Court.
Young people will be the conscience of COP and world leaders must act on their demand for urgent action to tackle climate change, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to say today when she launches the 16th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth.
Addressing 400 delegates from 120 countries, Ms Sturgeon is set to praise children and young people’s activism across the globe which had “spurred on, challenged, and inspired governments around the world”.
The First Minister will say: “It is important that young people are represented at this Summit. It is only right that you have a say in the decisions which affect you most – that’s a simple matter of fairness – but your presence also gives the Summit its very best chance of success.
“Your activism in recent years has spurred on, challenged, and inspired governments around the world. I can honestly say that you are the reason why, in 2019, Scotland became one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency.
“And your efforts are continuing to put this issue front and centre – in your own communities, in your home countries, and on the international stage.
“The idealism, creativity and sense of perspective that young people bring to this issue is a huge asset and I think it will help to ensure a successful outcome to COP. You should not have had to become the conscience of decision-makers around the world, but we will reach a better outcome if you are.
“We are determined that your voices will be heard.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and representatives from Scotland’s trades unions led by STUC General Secretary Rozanne Foyer will meet later today (Thursday 12 August) to discuss key issues affecting workers as Scotland recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Matters such as the need for the UK Government to extend the furlough scheme and reverse plans for damaging cuts to Universal Credit that will see households lose out on over £1,000 per year are on the agenda, as well as discussions on how to ensure workers’ needs are protected as Scotland’s economy undergoes transformation to net zero.
The Scottish Government has written to the UK Government on seven occasions to call for the £20-per-week uplift to Universal Credit to be made permanent and extended to legacy benefits.
Analysis from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation indicates that cutting Universal Credit at the end of September will pull 500,000 people across the UK, including 200,000 children, into poverty.
Speaking ahead of her biannual meeting with the STUC, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are committed to a just transition to net zero, making sure we don’t leave individuals or communities behind – and we must ensure we incorporate the same fairness as we emerge from the pandemic to deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity as the economy recovers.
“Partnership with unions is key to making sure that workers are represented as part of that process, therefore communication and collaboration between unions and Government is absolutely essential.
“How we emerge from the pandemic – and support workers and employers through that economic recovery – will not only be crucial to safeguarding the livelihoods of people hit hardest by the impacts of COVID, but will inform our work as we plan for a just transition to a net zero economy.
“As economic activity is restored, businesses and workers will still require support from the furlough schemes as they move through recovery. Our focus is on helping them to doing this.
“Not all of the levers are in our hands however, and clarity is urgently needed from the UK Government on whether it will reverse its plans for harmful welfare cuts, extend furlough, and protect jobs as restrictions ease and the economy recovers.
“If not we must see the detail on what support will be put in place to ensure those hit hardest by the economic impacts of COVID aren’t left out in the cold.”
STUC General Secretary Rozanne Foyer said: “We are meeting the First Minister at a critical moment. Our focus is on building a recovery from COVID that creates a more equitable Scotland with fair work as a driver of economic transformation and sustainable economic growth. To achieve this and to bring about a just transition we need to create well-paid, unionised, green jobs in the public and private sectors.
“Our priorities include public sector pay, transport and a future Scottish National Care Service and we look forward to raising these issues with the First Minister.
“We share the Scottish Government’s call for an extension of the furlough scheme, for the £20-per-week uplift to Universal Credit to be made permanent and for the devolution of further borrowing powers to drive a fair recovery.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her Welsh counterpart Mark Drakeford have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for greater clarity and substance around a proposed four-nations Covid recovery summit currently scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing about the proposed 4-nations summit on Covid recovery, which you have suggested should take place this Thursday afternoon.
We are both deeply committed to taking part in such a summit and to working appropriately together on Covid Recovery – but, as we are sure you do, we want the meeting to be a meaningful discussion with substantive outcomes, and not just a PR exercise.
Our view is that this will be best achieved if further detailed preparation is done in advance.
In particular, we would propose early discussion to reach agreement on the following –
A detailed agenda. Your office sent a very rough proposed agenda only yesterday morning and our view is that further work is needed to agree key issues for discussion and any supporting papers to be prepared;
What outcomes/further process we are seeking to achieve as a result of the summit discussion.
Further discussion between our officials – leading to the summit taking place on an agreed date, perhaps as early as next week – would allow for a much more meaningful exercise, and avoid the risk of it being just a PR or box-ticking exercise. We are sure that is what we all want.
We are copying this letter to Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill.
Holyrood’s MSPs are set to elect a First Minister for the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday 18 May 2021). Under the Scotland Act 1998, a new First Minister must be elected within the first 28 days of the election, or another Scottish Election must be held.
The election process will take place at 2pm, with the new Presiding Officer announcing, in alphabetical order, the names of the nominations received.
Each nominee will then speak for five minutes in support of their candidacy before the voting process begins via the Parliament’s digital voting system.
After a candidate is selected, each party leader will be invited to speak for five minutes each, taken in party size (largest party first) with the successful candidate being called to speak last.
The approximate timings are as follows:
9.30 am: nomination period opens
1.30 pm: nomination period closes
2.00 pm: Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone MSP, presides over the election of a First Minister.
While Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has thrown his hat into the ring, it would be a shock of cataclysmic proportions should anyone other than the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon be announced as the victor! The SNP won 64 of the 129 seats in the parliament at the election on 6 May.
Ahead of the start of Eid al-Fitr, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Eid al-Fitr, the end Ramadan’s month of fasting, is a profoundly important event to Muslims across Scotland and around the world.
“This is the second Eid to have taken place during the pandemic, which I know has been incredibly challenging. I want to thank community leaders and members for doing an amazing job keeping each other safe during this difficult period.
“I understand how disappointing it will be to have to restrict celebrations. However, everyone celebrating Eid must do so safely and in line with the necessary public health restrictions – unfortunately that means not visiting other people’s homes and maintaining a two-metre distance with those from outside your household at all times.
“The changes to lockdown restrictions I announced yesterday will be welcome to many, but they do not come into force until Monday, so everyone should continue to follow the Level 3 restrictions that still apply in all areas of Scotland until then. We know from public health data that travel from India, Pakistan, Turkey and Nepal is a particular risk, so everyone arriving from those countries must follow the red list rules.
“I know following these rules during such a significant event will be difficult, particularly when the overall picture with the virus is positive. However, cases are high and rising in Moray, and Glasgow is seeing an increase in cases too. By sticking to the Level 3 restrictions for just a few more days, we can all help to keep the virus under control and ensure Scotland stays on the path to recovery.
“I’d like to say a deep thank you to all of Scotland’s Muslim communities for everything you have done during the pandemic, and wish you an enjoyable Eid.”
The First Minister visited Glasgow Central Mosque on Wednesday 12 May alongside Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour Leader and Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar.
Mr Sarwar said: “Scottish Muslims have made sacrifices during Ramadan. But they have also made big sacrifices over the last year to get through this pandemic.
“Like me, I know you are desperate to be reunited with your loved ones. But I would urge everyone to please follow the Covid rules closely in the coming days.
“This is to keep you and your family safe and well.
“There is hope and optimism again as the lockdown continues to ease. And if we follow the rules we will soon be able to see and hold our loved ones again safely.
“I wish all Scottish Muslims a happy Eid, Eid Mubarak!”
Nicola Sturgeon expected to announce lockdown easing in Scotland later today
Planned easements at Step 3 of the Roadmap to go ahead from 17 May in England
Infection rates and hospital admissions continue to decrease
Prime Minister praises efforts of the public but continues to urge caution
The Roadmap is on track and planned Step 3 easements will go ahead in England on 17 May, the Prime Minister has confirmed. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce further easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland later today.
The data shows that the government’s “four tests” for easing restrictions have been met. Infection rates are at their lowest level since September, while hospital admissions and patients in hospital continue to decrease – with levels now similar to July last year.
Hospital admissions and cases of severe illness also remain in line with modelling provided by scientific experts for the Roadmap.
From the 17 May, the majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor economy can reopen, and gathering limits will increase indoors and outdoors. Guidance for close contact between friends and family will be updated, with people exercising their own personal judgement in line with the risks.
The Stay in the UK restriction will be lifted and people will be able to travel to green list countries, if they permit inbound travel.
The Prime Minister continued to urge caution. The aim of the Roadmap is to be cautious but irreversible and unlocking too fast, too soon, risks a resurgence of the virus.
The assessment to move to Step 3 was based on four tests:
The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern
As set out in the Roadmap, 4 weeks is needed to fully understand the impact of each step. The Government also committed to provide a further weeks’ notice to businesses.
From Monday 17 May indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums, and children’s play areas.
Up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.
All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen, such as outdoor cinemas and performances. Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events. Restrictions on the number of attendees will remain as set out in the Roadmap.
Guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated. The public can make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family. Close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and to others. COVID-secure rules remain for the workplace and businesses, such as in shops and hospitality.
The Transport Secretary has already confirmed that international travel can begin to safely reopen in England from 17 May, allowing people to go on foreign holidays to ‘green’ list countries.
Strict border control measures will remain in place, including pre-departure tests and a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.
Face coverings will no longer be needed in classrooms or for students in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges. Twice weekly home testing will remain to control infection rates.
All remaining university students will be eligible to return to in-person teaching and learning from May 17, and should get tested twice a week upon return.
Up to 30 people will now be able to attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes, as well as standalone life-cycle events. These can take place outdoors or at any indoor Covid secure venue that is permitted to open. The number of people able to attend a funeral will be determined by the number that can be safely accommodated in the venue with social distancing in place.
30 people will be able to attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit will not apply to children under 5.
Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors and saunas and steam rooms may reopen.
Care homes residents will be able to have up to five named visitors, with two visitors able to attend at once provided they are tested and follow infection control measures. Residents will also have greater freedoms to leave their home without having to isolate on their return.
The successful vaccination rollout continues, with over 35 million people receiving at least one dose, and nearly 18 million receiving both doses. One quarter of all adults have now received the strongest protection available.
The latest data shows that the estimated reduction in symptomatic disease is 60% and hospitalisations 80% for one dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged 80 and over. Data published by PHE today estimates that for the over 80s, two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation by 93%.
Step 4 is due to take place in England no earlier than 21 June. Further detail on Step 4 will be set out at the end of the month.
Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement later today. She is expected to confirm that Scotland’s Covid rules will be relaxed further next week.
Campaign group Scotland Matters has erected another billboard calling for voters to vote tactically for Anas Sarwar and oust Nicola Sturgeon from her Glasgow Southside constituency.
The billboard is part of a wider tactical voting campaign backing Anas Sarwar in Ms Sturgeon’s seat. Thousands of voters in the Southside constituency have also been reached with paid-for social media posts.
The new image is entitled “Education not Separation” and focuses on the SNP’s ‘failed education policies’.
Scotland Matters, the Electoral Commission-registered campaign group, was also instrumental in the #ResignSturgeon billboards along with The Majority and UK Union Voice, and additional billboards in Inverclyde calling for the SNP to concentrate on “Vaccination and not Separation”.
Allan Sutherland, Scotland Matters Director and spokesman, said: “This is the second in a series of billboards we will be erecting across Scotland in support of pro-UK parties and their candidates.
“Scotland needs to focus on what matters: health, jobs, education, and housing; not separation and we urge people to vote tactically for the pro-UK candidates most likely to best the SNP/Green candidate and avoid splitting the vote.”
This is the first time in British history that two party political leaders have gone head-to-head in a constituency in a major election. Scotland Matters are working to encourage and help pro-UK parties to get the SNP/Greens out of Government in the 2021 Holyrood elections and are advocates of tactical voting to achieve this.
Scotland Matters believes that many ‘No’ voters will back Anas following a YouGov survey showing 550,000 voters across Scotland are considering voting tactically against the SNP. That is around 22% of the Scottish electorate.
According to research by the Electoral Commission, 24% of Scots tactically voted in the 2017 General Election resulting in 21 SNP MPs losing their seats.
Mr Sutherland added: “If we can persuade five percent of voters to vote tactically in the constituency part of the Holyrood Elections there is every chance many SNP constituency seats will fall. As our YouGov poll showed, there is a growing determination among pro-UK people to tactically vote against the SNP.”
It’s early days, but it does seem that this Holyrood election – just like the last – is being turned into one-issue Union vs Independence choice all over again …
