Politics – Page 22 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Empty Gesture? UK formally recognises Palestinian State

The UK has formally recognised Palestine ‘to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people’ – but continues to arm Israel

UK Government acts to protect the prospect of a two-state solution as the appalling situation in Gaza worsens, Israel continues its illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas continues to hold the hostages
Prime Minister makes clear that Hamas will have no role in the future of Palestine and reiterates his call for them to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally
historic step taken alongside close allies Canada and Australia, as part of wider international effort to support a pathway to peace and protect the equal rights of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples

The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

The historic decision, announced alongside Canada and Australia, comes as the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to worsen, Israel continues to expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, and Hamas continues to hold the hostages.

In July, the Prime Minister pledged to act if the situation did not change and firmly believes that the UK has a moral responsibility to do everything it can to support a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine – the prospect of which is slipping further away.

A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to a lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people – free from the horrendous violence and suffering of the last two years.

Recognising Palestine is a historic decision, firmly grounded in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, which the government committed to as part of its manifesto.

In a statement this afternoon, the Prime Minister was clear this decision is not about Hamas. They are a brutal terrorist organisation that wants to see Israel destroyed. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders is the exact opposite of their hateful vision.

The government’s demands on them have not changed. It must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.

The UK is also expected to take further action to sanction senior figures in the Hamas leadership in the coming weeks and keep doing everything possible to bring the hostages home.

Our support for Israel’s and the security of its people remains steadfast. But the Israeli government must also change course – halting their offensive in Gaza, letting the desperately needed humanitarian aid in, and stopping their illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Today’s historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

“Recognition is an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat. Two states is the only way to safeguard long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“We are clear that Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future – they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states. They must release the hostages and relinquish any hold on Gaza. But Hamas are not the Palestinian people.

“Recognition is only one part of what must be a stronger and wider push for peace. We need to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to all those who desperately need it.

“That requires not just an immediate ceasefire, but a plan for a durable peace, which will be a key to my diplomatic drive at the UN this week.”

Having recognised the State of Israel in 1950, the government believes it can no longer credibly continue to support the two-state solution without recognising both States.

The decision does not remove the demands the government has made of the Palestinian Authority to conduct extensive reform. President Abbas has committed to this reform, including organising new elections within a year of a ceasefire.

The UK will continue to provide technical and financial support to the PA as it delivers these reforms and builds the State of Palestine, including through the work of UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance Sir Michael Barber, who is enhancing the PA’s delivery and governance capabilities.

The government has been clear that recognition is not enough to change the situation on the ground on its own.

That’s why the decision comes as part of coordinated international efforts to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, which addresses governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza, and the foundations of a two-state solution.

The UK will continue working closely with its allies to advance this plan, which recognition forms part of as the first, most urgent step towards lasting peace.

PM statement on the recognition of Palestine:

In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East…

We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a Two State Solution.

That means a safe and secure Israel…

Alongside a viable Palestinian State –

At the moment, we have neither.

Ordinary people – Israeli and Palestinian…

Deserve to live in peace –

To try to rebuild their lives…

Free from violence and suffering.

That’s what the British people desperately want to see.

Yet, almost two years after the barbaric attacks of 7 October…

Hostages are still held by the terrorists of Hamas.

Recent images show the hostages suffering and emaciated.

Hamas refuse even to release all the bodies of the dead.

I have met British families of the hostages.

I see the torture they endure each and every day…

Pain that strikes deep in people’s hearts across Israel and here in the UK.

The hostages must be released immediately…

And we will keep fighting to bring them home.

Let’s be frank –

Hamas is a brutal terror organisation.

Our call for a genuine Two State Solution…

Is the exact opposite of their hateful vision.

So we are clear –

This solution is not a reward for Hamas…

Because it means Hamas can have no future.

No role in government.

No role in security.

We have already proscribed and sanctioned Hamas…

And we will go further –

I have directed work to sanction other Hamas figures in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths.

The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing…

Bombardment of Gaza…

The offensive of recent weeks…

The starvation and devastation…

Are utterly intolerable.

Tens of thousands have been killed –

Including thousands as they tried to collect food and water.

This death and destruction horrifies us all.

It must end.

We have now evacuated the first group of sick and injured children to the UK…

To be treated by the NHS.

And we continue to increase our humanitarian support.

But still, nowhere near enough aid is getting through.

We call again on the Israeli government…

To lift the unacceptable restrictions at the border…

Stop these cruel tactics…

And let the aid surge in. ***

With the actions of Hamas…

The Israeli government escalating the conflict…

And settlement building being accelerated in the West Bank…

The hope of a Two State Solution is fading.

But we cannot let that light go out.

That’s why we are building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond…

Around our Framework for Peace.

This is a practical plan to bring people together –

Behind a common vision and a series of steps…

Including the reform of the Palestinian Authority…

That take us from a ceasefire in Gaza…

To negotiations on a Two State Solution.

We will keep driving this forward.

As part of this effort…

I set out in July the terms on which we would act –

In line with our Manifesto –

To recognise Palestinian statehood.

That moment has now arrived.

So today –

To revive the hope of peace and a Two State Solution…

I state clearly, as Prime Minister of this great country…

That the United Kingdom…

Formally recognises the State of Palestine.

We recognised the State of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people.

Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian State too –

A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people…

That there can be a better future.

…

I know the strength of feeling that this conflict provokes.

We have seen it on our streets…

In our schools…

In conversations with friends and family.

It has created division.

Some have used it to stoke hatred and fear.

But that solves nothing.

Not only must we reject hate…

We must redouble our efforts to combat hatred, in all its forms.

We must channel our efforts…

United together in hope…

Behind the peaceful future that we want to see:

The release of the hostages…

An end to the violence…

An end to the suffering…

And a shift back towards a Two State Solution…

As the best hope for peace and security for all sides.

THE Green Party responded: “The UK government has confirmed it will finally recognise the state of Palestine – a welcome step.

“But this must be accompanied by real, concrete actions to bring an end to the genocide in Gaza, including boycotts, sanctions and the end of arms sales to Israel.”

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Well done to all those who have tirelessly campaigned for the recognition of Palestine — an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.

“Next, the UK should recognise the genocide in Gaza, end its complicity in crimes against humanity, and stop arming Israel.”

The Conservative Party said: “Keir Starmer’s decision to recognise Palestine does nothing to stop the suffering of the innocent people caught in this war.

“It makes freeing the hostages even harder than it was before.

“The only people this benefits? Hamas.”

MSPs ‘alarm’ at legal aid availability

MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have voiced their alarm at the extent of “legal aid deserts” in Scotland, which are significantly impacting on people’s access to justice.

The Committee has been exploring civil legal assistance, commonly known as legal aid, in response to concerns raised about access to justice. Legal aid deserts can refer to geographical areas, or elements of law, where there is a lack of legal practitioners available.

During the inquiry the Committee heard of the challenges that people had in finding a legal aid solicitor, with some organisations making 50, or more, phone calls, or individuals needing to travel hundreds of miles to access a solicitor who can provide civil legal assistance.

Low fees for legal aid work and administrative complexity are identified as the key drivers behind the shortage of practitioners. The Committee’s report calls for the Scottish Government to take action to improve the situation immediately.

Reform of the legal aid system has been proposed for several years. An independent review of legal aid in 2018 called for reform to ensure greater focus on the needs of clients and simplification of rules.

However, despite committing to bringing forward legislation, the Scottish Government has not introduced a Bill to reform legal aid in the current parliamentary session. The Committee finds this highly unsatisfactory, given the overwhelming calls for change.

The report also recognises that eligibility is a key issue in access to legal aid. The Committee heard that many people who cannot afford to pay privately for a solicitor are unable to claim legal aid due to rules around disposable income and disposable capital. The Committee does not believe that this is tenable and that the figures used to set this should increase in line with inflation since 2011.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “A shortage of legal aid solicitors and ongoing challenges with access are seriously undermining people’s ability to exercise their rights.

“The consequences can be devastating. Victims of domestic abuse can be left without the support they urgently need, and many people find themselves struggling to access safe and secure housing.

“The case for reform is already clear, and we urge the Scottish Government to move forward with changes that will make a real difference.

“Fee reforms, reducing administrative burdens, and widening eligibility are all vital steps to ensure civil legal assistance is fit for purpose and that people across Scotland can get the justice they deserve.”

Scotland’s Climate Action Secretary to attend Climate Week NYC

Visit is ‘opportunity to highlight role of devolved nations in driving climate action’

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Climate Week NYC.

Climate Week NYC brings together global leaders, businesses and civil society to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin will attend a series of meetings with member representatives as part of ongoing work to strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Attendance at Climate Week will also be a chance to share knowledge and experience on emissions reductions and the need for a just transition with others, as well as action on creating climate resilience and enabling real, lasting and fair change across Scotland.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Martin said: “No community is safe from the impacts of climate change, but the burden isn’t shared equally – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.

“Climate Week NYC gives Scotland the chance to shape the global conversation on climate finance and climate justice.

“As President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Scotland is pushing for more ambitious climate action – and we’re making sure that the voices of the Global South, especially women and young people, are heard loud and clear.

“I look forward to the opportunity to further build the influence of devolved, states and regional governments within the international climate debate with a strong focus on capacity building.”

The Cabinet Secretary’s programme will see her addressing the Under2 Global Ministerial Session on Monday 22 September as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.

She will also represent Scotland as President of Regions4, convening a roundtable of network members on Tuesday 23 September to inform and develop the network’s preparations for COP30.

On Wednesday 24 September the Scottish Government will co-host the livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, in collaboration with ICLEI and Climate View.

The Cabinet Secretary will deliver opening remarks and take questions during a panel discussion emphasising the importance of and Scotland’s pioneering work on multilevel governance.

Scottish politicians to clash over independence in inaugural debate of the Edinburgh Union

The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.

The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against.

Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.

The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.

Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.

It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.

This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.

Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.

President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.

“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.

“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”

British Veterinary Association calls on political parties to prioritise veterinary education funding in Scotland

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new manifesto, calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise good animal health and welfare and support veterinary education by including a number of key asks in their party manifestos.

The manifesto calls on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.

The organisation is also urging the new Scottish Government to implement legislation on vital animal welfare issues, such as a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats and improving the welfare of farmed fish.

Launching the manifesto, BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said: “We know that there is already strong political and public backing for many of the welfare priorities we’ve set out — including a complete ban on aversive training devices like shock collars.

“The removal of financial barriers for universities and students to encourage more homegrown talent to enter the veterinary profession is vital to address the current shortage of vets in Scotland. We’re eager to work with all parties on these important issues and are urging candidates to speak with vets in their constituencies to gain a better understanding of veterinary workforce and animal welfare issues.

“Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain. Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Scottish veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”

BVA is urging the veterinary community in Scotland to read the manifesto, share it with their networks, and engage their local MSP on veterinary education funding, shock collar ban, and five other key calls to action:

Improve the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Tighten the regulation of fireworks- Implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group as soon as possible and ensure effective application of Firework Control Zones across the country.
Champion the veterinary voice in farming policy- The veterinary profession should be recognised as a key partner in shaping agricultural policy. The new Government must commit to maintaining the current level of resource spent on the scanning surveillance network to safeguard both animal and public health.

BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland.

For more detail read BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031.

Net Zero Committee to visit Scottish infrastructure projects

TODAY (Friday 19 September), the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee will visit Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow in Inverclyde, as well as XLCC, a subsea cable manufacturer, and Peel Ports Group in North Ayrshire.

Taking their scrutiny out of Holyrood, the Committee will be hosted by Ferguson Marine for an overview of the shipbuilding operations, an update on the progress of delivery of Glen Rosa and a meeting with the Senior Leadership Team, including the new chief executive, Graeme Thomson, who took up the position on May 1, 2025.

The Committee has taken a long-term interest in monitoring the much delayed and over-budget delivery of the Glen Rosa (Hull 802), as well as its sister ship the Glen Sannox (Hull 801), which finally went into operation earlier this year. The Committee continues to receive quarterly progress updates.

Read the latest MV Glen Rosa Quarterly progress update

Inquiry into ferries services in Scotland

The delegation will then travel to North Ayrshire to visit XLCC Hunterston to learn more about their new subsea cable manufacturing facility.

Members hope to gain a broader understanding of how renewable energy can be transmitted over long distances, including from offshore wind farms and international interconnectors.

The Committee’s final meeting will be at Fairlie with Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator. The Committee hope to learn more about the Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (PARC), a large deep-water industrial port campus owned by the Group, which is being made into a multi-industry energy and marine campus.

The Committee will take the opportunity to discuss the Peel Ports owned Ardrossan Harbour redevelopment project, which aims to upgrade both marine and landside infrastructure to improve ferry services to the Isle of Arran.

Committee Members attending are Convener Edward Mountain MSP, Deputy Convener Michael Matheson MSP and Monica Lennon MSP. Irene Campbell, Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran will also be attending the North Ayrshire portion of the visit.

Convener of the Committee, Edward Mountain MSP said: “This visit will begin with us hearing first-hand from FMPG about progress in getting the Glen Rosa fit for launching next year.

“Ferry users on the Firth of Clyde – residents in Arran in particular – have been waiting a long time and want reassurance that the timetable will not slip any further.

“We look forward to hearing about the Glen Rosa’s completion from FMPG’s management and workers and about their hopes and plans for the yard’s future.

“Later when we travel to Hunterston, we’ll have a chance to put questions to Peel Ports about the prospects for the Brodick service being restored to Ardrossan.

“We’re also interested to hear from Peel Ports about their plans to transform Hunterston PARC into a green economic hub and bring skilled employment opportunities to the area. These include exciting opportunities in subsea cable manufacturing and the role this can play in connecting renewable energy to where it’s needed most. We look forward to hearing from XLCC about their cabling project.

“Scrutiny doesn’t just happen at Holyrood. Getting out and about, engaging directly with industry and local stakeholders is an important way of our being able to better understand sectors under our remit.”

Transforming the justice system for victims and witnesses

Landmark Bill passed by Holyrood

A landmark Bill to place victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system has been passed by Parliament.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill contains historic reforms to transform victims’ and witnesses’ experience of the justice system and ensure they are treated with compassion, while continuing to safeguard the rights of the accused.

Key reforms include abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict in all criminal trials to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process. The jury majority required for a conviction will move from a simple majority to at least two-thirds to ensure fairness and balance.

The Bill will see trauma-informed practice embedded across the system to avoid victims being re-traumatised by the legal process. It will improve the Victim Notification Scheme and establish an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland to champion their rights.

The legislation also includes significant new measures to meet the needs of survivors of sexual offences by:

establishing a specialist Sexual Offences Court to enable complainers to give their best evidence while minimising the potential for re-traumatisation
protecting the dignity of victims of sexual offences through an automatic lifelong right of anonymity
providing an automatic right to independent legal representation for complainers in sexual offence cases when an application is made in court to lead evidence of the complainer’s sexual history or character
creating a legal right for victims in rape and serious sexual offences cases to access transcripts of the court proceedings free of charge.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill represents one of the most significant reforms of Scotland's justice system since devolution.

If passed by @ScotParl it will deliver improvements for victims and witnesses, especially in sexual offence cases https://t.co/beWyVvAnW9 pic.twitter.com/uJxbMzHYxw
— ScotGov Justice (@ScotGovJustice) September 8, 2025

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.

I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”

US financial giants boost UK investments and jobs

UK Government has announced over £1.25 billion of inward investment from US finance companies, creating 1,800 jobs

New US investments will create 1,800 jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh and boost benefits for millions of customers.
Total of over £1.25 billion of private US investment committed to the UK’s world-leading financial services sector including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P.
Demonstrates the enduring strength of the UK-US ‘golden corridor’ in financial services, with British banks expanding operations into the US and booming cross-border investment flows reinforcing that working with America is best for Britain.
Deal lines up £20 billion in trade between the two nations – including an expected £7 billion commitment from BlackRock to grow in the UK.

London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester are set to benefit from a wave of new US investment into the financial services sector, reinforcing the strength of the UK-US economic partnership ahead of next week’s Presidential State Visit.

The Westminster government says working with America is best for Britain — and today’s announcement proves it. A total of over £1.25 billion in private sector commitments from leading US firms — including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P Global — will support job creation, drive innovation, and deliver improved services for consumers in the UK.

US giants are capitalising on Britain’s leadership in financial services – expanding operations and opening new offices across the nation, with London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester set to gain from a wave of skilled job creation.

Bank of America is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, marking its first-ever operation in Northern Ireland — a major milestone that underscores the region’s growing role in global financial services.

Citi Group today confirms it is investing £1.1 billion across its UK operations, including a further commitment to growing its presence in Northern Ireland where the bank is already one of the top employers in Belfast now employing over 4,000 people — firmly establishing Belfast as a major technology powerhouse.

BlackRock are celebrating the opening of their new Edinburgh office this week, which will see their 800-strong footprint nearly double, as part of their multi-billion dollar investment into the UK.

In Manchester, S&P Global are investing over £4 million into their Manchester offices which will support 200 permanent jobs to boost their nearly 3,000-strong UK workforce.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Today’s announcements reinforce the UK’s position as the world’s leading investment destination. Our financial services sector is at the heart of a modern, dynamic Industrial Strategy.

“Strengthening ties with the US boosts our economy, creates jobs, and secures our role in global finance, delivering on our Plan for Change.

“These investments reflect the strength of our enduring ‘golden corridor’ with one of our closest trading partners, ahead of the US Presidential State Visit.”

This marks a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s position as a global financial hub and in the government’s plan to make Britain the best place in the world to invest — a vision underpinned by the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which is driving investment into priority sectors like financial services.

These investments highlight the enduring value of the transatlantic relationship — a cornerstone of shared prosperity that supports millions of jobs and drives growth in every region.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This commitment from America’s leading financial institutions demonstrates the immense potential of the UK economy, our strong relationship with the US and the confidence global investors have in our Plan for Change, which is making the UK the best place in the world to invest and do business.

“These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh, kickstarting the growth that is essential to putting money in working people’s pockets across every part of the United Kingdom.”

Broadridge is making major investments into their new London office, further strengthening its UK presence and deepening transatlantic ties in financial services.

As part of the UK’s expanding fintech and digital innovation sector, PayPal is announcing a £150m investment in product innovations and growth that will benefit customers throughout the UK, reinforcing Britain’s position as a key market for the brand globally.

Jane Fraser, Citi Group CEO said: “Citi’s commitment to the UK runs deep. This is home to many of our most senior leaders and nearly 14,000 colleagues across London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Jersey.

“We’re proud to be serving 85% of the FTSE 100 and to have stood beside UK companies through every market cycle, raising capital, financing growth and helping them compete on the world stage.

“The UK isn’t simply one of our largest markets; it is core to Citi’s foundation as a truly global bank.”

The UK-US investment relationship has never been stronger, with over £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s countries at the end of 2023.

These new investment announcements are accompanied by new significant commitments by financial companies to ramp up their commercial activity and capital flows between our two economies in the coming years.

Blackrock is expecting to allocate over £7 billion to the UK market next year on behalf of clients, and is investing £500 million into enterprise data centres across the country.

Rothesay is planning to double its investment in the US (by £7 billion) over the next few years, and OakNorth is committing to increased capital and lending of over £3.5 billion to support its US operations.

British banks are expanding their US footprint; Barclays alone has deployed over $2 trillion in capital across the US in 2024 and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening UK-US investment ties. The bank has an ambition to double this amount over the next decade, expanding its footprint and supporting growth across sectors.

All in all, that will see investment and capital commitments of over £8 billion coming to the UK, and over £12 billion going the other way, creating jobs and opportunity in both countries.

Earlier this year, the Chancellor launched the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which included financial services as a high growth sector, signifying the UK’s commitment improving financial regulations and driving investment and skilled jobs into the UK.

The UK and US agreed an Economic Prosperity Deal which secured major tariff reductions for key sectors and protected jobs in the automotive and aerospace sector. Discussions continue with the US on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, strengthen supply chains and boost access for our world-leading services companies.

BlackRock will open their new Edinburgh offices on 18 September, which shows their ongoing commitment to the area – this new home will allow Blackrock to grow from 800 to 1,400. Once complete, two of the top five largest BlackRock offices will be in the UK.

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “As the largest asset manager in the UK, BlackRock is proud to serve over 13 million British people who are saving for retirement. Today we are announcing an investment of half a billion pounds into enterprise data centres across the country, advancing digital infrastructure for British-based businesses.

“In addition, over the last year our clients around the world invested over £7bn into UK public equity and fixed income securities. We expect this trend to continue, supporting jobs, growth and innovation across a wide range of British industries.”

MSP welcomes new carers payment

Gordon Macdonald MSP has welcomed new proposals laid before the Scottish Parliament which will see unpaid carers in Edinburgh receive greater financial support, including a brand-new annual payment worth up to £520 for those who care for more than one person.

The Carer Additional Person Payment is expected to benefit around 18,000 people across Scotland and will form part of the SNP Scottish Government’s new Carer Support benefit package. This marks another milestone in Scotland’s distinct approach to social security, built on the SNP’s principles of dignity, fairness and respect.

Other measures include extending the Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds, widening access to Carer Support following the death of the cared-for person, and easing rules around breaks in caring responsibilities.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said:

“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution in communities across the city, supporting family, friends and neighbours with dedication and love. The SNP is once again showing it recognises that contribution by putting money directly into the pockets of those caring for more than one person.

“This new payment, alongside the existing Carer Support Payment and Carer Supplement, will provide vital help at a time when so many carers are juggling even more financial pressures with the demands of looking after loved ones because of Labour’s austerity measures and cost of living crisis.

“This is another clear example of the SNP doing everything we can with the powers we have to deliver a fairer social security system for Scotland – one rooted in compassion and respect, and that improves lives where Westminster has failed carers for far too long.”