Westminster government announces radical skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country
Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a ‘radical skills revolution’, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.
More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as the UK Government continues it’s drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent.
The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper.
More routes into skilled work means more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients and more digital experts to push our economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament.
This unprecedented investment is a critical step in delivering the government’s Plan for Change mission to create a decade of national renewal. They say they are backing our young people and investing in skills as an engine of economic growth – putting more money in people’s back pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.
“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.
“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”
To support this, the Westminster government is:
Implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. As announced in the recent Immigration White Paper.
Refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact.
Launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government is backing the new generation of workers through:
£14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.
£136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025-26, providing training to over 40,000 learners.
£100 million over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps.
Ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025.
As part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England.
Today’s announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.
Celebrities support Trussell as it calls on the UK government to take urgent action to end hunger now
ANTI-poverty charity Trussell reports that 2.9 million emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025, with more than a million of these provided for children. This is equivalent to one parcel every 11 seconds and a 51% increase compared to five years ago.
Worryingly, the annual figures also show significant numbers of parents struggling to afford the essentials. Since 2019/20 there has been a 46% rise in emergency food parcels provided to families with children, and a 32% rise in parcels to support children under the age of five.
High-profile celebrities from the world of stage and screen, including actors Dame Julie Walters, Lesley Manville, and Charlotte Ritchie alongside comedians Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar and, James Acaster are highlighting these alarming levels of hardship and calling for urgent reform to ensure nobody is experiencing hunger.
They are joined by a host of other celebrities, including Trussell ambassador, AJ Odudu, Hairy Biker, Si King, musicians, James Bay and Tom Grennan, Reverend Canon Kate Bottley, and Dr Alex George.
“Emergency food distribution is being normalised in the UK,” said Dame Julie Walters. “These stats highlight the need for us to come together and play our part in saying this isn’t right and things need to change if we’re to see a future where no one needs a food bank to survive.”
Actor Lesley Manville, who recently won an Olivier Award, said: “I’m shocked at the extremely high levels of emergency food parcels being distributed by food banks, especially the sharp rise in children under five needing support.
“This has to be a wake-up call for the UK government to prioritise hunger and hardship.”
Hairy Biker Si King also added his voice, saying: “It is heartbreaking to see a generation of children growing up thinking that it is normal to see a food bank in every town.
“We all have a moral responsibility to tackle the root causes of poverty to ensure no one has to turn to a food bank to get by.”
And singer-songwriter Tom Grennan said: “One emergency food parcel distributed in the UK is too many but nearly 2.9 million is scandalous.
“Food banks shouldn’t have to exist. In a just and compassionate society, everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials. Trussell won’t stop until this becomes a reality.”
Comedian James Acaster said: “Food banks do an incredible job in helping people facing hunger in the UK. The reality is that their support has seen a rise of more than 50% rise over the last five years with the biggest increase among families with children under four.
” It’s incredibly sad and I stand with Trussell in calling for government action to tackle poverty in our country.”
With MPs soon to vote on the UK government’s proposals to cut essential support for sick and disabled people, Trussell is warning that these changes could force even more people to turn to food banks to get by.
Disabled people are already overrepresented at food banks, with three in four ofpeople referred to a food bank in the Trussell community saying they or a member of their household are disabled, placing them at the highest risk of hunger and hardship.
Comedian Rosie Jones said: “These stats are a stark reminder to the UK government that slashing the income of someone living with a disability who is already struggling to cover life’s essentials is cruel and counterproductive.
“It will only result in more people living with a disability needing to use a food bank.
“We mustn’t forget that a lack of infrastructure support significantly correlates with an increased need for disability benefits. Social security should be there for everyone who needs it, built on compassion and justice.”
The Reverend Canon Kate Bottley said: “It’s desperately sad to know so many parents are left with no choice but to turn to a food bank to get by.
“We must strive for solutions to poverty in the UK if we’re to make food banks a thing of the past.”
Musician James Bay said: “These stats highlight the extraordinary work of food banks to support families facing hardship, but no one should have to turn to a food bank to feed their children.
“We can all use our voice and say this isn’t right and call for the UK government to step up if they’re serious about tackling poverty.”
Comedian Nish Kumar said: “Almost 2.9million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK last year.
“Food banks were created to provide short-term support, but they’ve become a sticking plaster for a long-term problem: our broken social security system, which isn’t providing enough money to cover the cost of the essentials. The UK government must act or risk seeing more people turn to food banks on their watch.”
Actor Charlotte Ritchie added: “From my work with Trussell, I’ve seen firsthand the hope, dignity and relief food banks provide to people facing hardship.
“But they shouldn’t be needed in the first place. A food parcel distributed every 11 seconds to someone facing hardship in the UK highlights the need for government action to tackle food bank need, starting with a re-think on proposed cuts to disability benefits.”
TV star Dr Alex George said: “We are seeing an unacceptable increase in the number of children needing support from a food bank – a rise of more than 50% in children under five in the last five years.
“Trussell’s work is incredible, but no family should have to turn to a food bank to survive.”
TV host and Trussell Ambassador AJ Odudu added: “I’m proud to be a Trussell Ambassador, championing a future where no one in the UK faces hunger or hardship.
“Right now, someone needs an emergency food parcel every 11 seconds, a stark reminder of the growing challenge and the desperate need for collective action. It’s never been more vital that we all play our part.”
Number of emergency food parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell community: 1 April – 31 March 2019/20, 2023/24, and 2024/25:
Nation and Region
FY 2019/20
FY 2023/24
FY 2024/25
North East
98,520
150,599
129,011
North West
254,220
356,164
332,253
Yorkshire and The Humber
108,587
231,754
211,604
East of England
190,144
350,040
332,540
East Midlands
101,789
167,035
140,959
West Midlands
169,141
269,759
243,987
London
204,355
454,998
455,571
South East
199,519
347,440
311,991
South West
163,244
255,404
238,937
England
1,489,519
2,583,193
2,396,853
Scotland
238,583
264,778
239,503
Wales
136,104
187,983
171,673
Northern Ireland
45,139
90,525
77,057
United Kingdom
1,909,345
3,126,479
2,885,086
Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said: “Thousands of families with children, single households, disabled people, working people and older people from across the UK needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year.
“A whole generation has now grown up in a country where sustained high levels of food bank need feel like the norm.
“This should be a massive wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of this country.
“This UK government will fail to deliver on its promise to improve living standards for us all unless it rows back on its harmful policy choices on disability benefits and housing support and shows greater ambition on areas like the upcoming child poverty strategy and future of local crisis support. Without action, they risk leaving a legacy of rising food bank need and child poverty.
“It is clear that the public’s cost of living fears are far from over, and these numbers show why. If the UK government truly wants to improve public services, boost the economy and make the UK a better place to live, then addressing hunger and hardship must be a priority.”
Food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK.
You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode
Using Artificial Intelligence in legislatures was the focus of a meeting of Speakers from the British Overseas Territories.
At a conference hosted in London by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons – the representatives heard that AI could have multiple applications in Parliaments.
However, Speakers from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the UK, also conceded that using AI did not come without its risks.
Hon Tara K Carter, Speaker of Anguilla’s House of Assembly, who led the debate on Artificial Intelligence, joked that her island was the ‘birthplace of AI’ as it had been assigned ‘.ai’ internet address in the 1990s.
While there was ‘a lot of fear and resistance’ to the use of AI in parliamentary proceedings among smaller islands, she said, as a lawyer, AI had reduced her legal drafting and analysis – from three hours to half an hour.
‘If we are AI based, there’s no reason why I can’t have the transcript coming up in real time,’ she added.
Hansard – the Official Record of the UK Parliament – has been experimenting with auto speech recognition.
Judge Karen Ramagge, Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, expressed concerns about ‘the reliability of what is being produced. ‘What holds us back in constitutional practice is the fear and responsibility to produce accurate transcripts,’ she said.
Hon Corine N. George-Massicote, Speaker of BVI’s House of Assembly, added her fears about the use of ‘deepfakes’ on social media, where the voice and image of parliamentarians has been manipulated.
‘If you see something on Facebook, it seems very real – the face of a Member; the voice is very close. How do you hold the person responsible or accountable for this?’ she said.
In their communique at the close of the four-day conference, the Speakers agreed to focus on the challenge of transcribing chamber proceedings over the next year, and to share resources, solutions and virtual training ‘to use AI for good’.
During the gathering, COTSC also discussed the role of Speakers during election times, and keeping Parliaments secure and resilient in the face of natural and humanmade disasters.
The candidates standing in the upcoming Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election have been confirmed.
13 candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which will elect one new councillor, on Thursday 26 June 2025.
The candidates standing for election are:
Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
Derrick Emms, Independent
Lukasz Furmaniak, Scottish Libertarian Party
Mark Hooley, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
Q Manivannan, Scottish Greens
Kevin Joseph McKay, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Catriona Munro, Scottish Labour Party
Gary Neill, Reform UK
Mark Rowbotham, Independent
Murray Visentin, Scottish National Party (SNP)
Steve Christopher West, Independent
Marc Wilkinson, Independent
Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month remaining until polling day, residents of the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward can start thinking about who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election.
“Councillors play an important role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city.
“I’d encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election. Please make sure you register to vote before the deadline and make your voice heard.”
The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.
Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from Friday 23 May, including further information on when and where to vote.
If you live in the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward you must register to vote by midnight on Tuesday June 10. For new postal vote applications, the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday June 11 and for new proxy votes its 5pm on Wednesday June 18.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:
Kingsknowe Golf Club
Edinburgh Corn Exchange
St Michaels Church Hall
Fountainbridge Library
Boroughmuir Rugby & Community Sports Club
Craiglockhart Parish Church Hall
Tollcross Community Centre
The electronic election count will take place on Thursday 26 June starting at the close of poll at 10pm.
The by-election follows the sad passing of Councillor Val Walker in April 2025.
Find out more about this by-election Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.
A new report published by a Scottish Parliament committee is calling for a world-leading pilot project, which puts people at the heart of politics, to be made permanent.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee wants to see the Scottish Parliament continue its cutting-edge approach to embedding deliberative democracy in its work.
It follows the success of a series of ‘People’s Panels’ which brought together groups of randomly selected people, who reflect the makeup of the Scottish population, to learn about and discuss an issue, before making recommendations about what action should happen and how things should change to tackle it.
The Committee has published a plan as to how People’s Panels could be rolled out from the start of the new parliamentary term in 2026.
Committee Convener, Jackson Carlaw, MSP, said: “The idea that the people of Scotland can and should play an important role in the work of the Scottish Parliament forms part of its founding principles.
Engaging better with communities, particularly when understanding whether laws and policies that affect them are working properly, is essential.
“We have seen how people’s panels have positively impacted the work of committees by supporting their role scrutinising Scottish Government policy and driving recommendations for change.
“By giving committees access to this innovative tool, Parliament can better connect with individuals, groups and communities from every part of Scotland, building trust between the public and politics, and involving the public directly in the important issues of the day.”
The plan sets out proposals for four people’s panels to operate in the next session of the Scottish Parliament, one a year from 2027 to 2030. It also provides clear guidance and criteria for how and when a panel can be used, what the selection process should be and how committees use and respond to their work.
Impact of People’s Panels
The most recent People’s Panels took place in 2024 – one on climate change and the other looking at reducing drug harm and deaths.
These brought together two groups of approximately 25 randomly selected citizens who broadly reflected Scotland’s demographics across gender, age, region, ethnicity, disability and educational level. Tasked by committees to answer a question, they spent two weekends learning about the given topic, hearing from and questioning subject experts, before debating, deliberating and making informed recommendations to the relevant Scottish Parliament committee involved.
The Panels’ recommendations had a direct impact on scrutinising legislation and have since influenced policy, informed debates, and been used by MSPs suggesting amendments to legislation.
Of the 19 recommendations that were made by the People’s Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths, the Scottish Government accepted, either in full or in principle, the 18 recommendations directed at them. One recommendation was for further Parliamentary scrutiny focused on drug supply in the prison sector, which is being taken forward by the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s recommendations are set to be debated by the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 3rd June.
Panel member quotes
Caroline Bunce from Renfrewshire took part in a People’s Panel set up to make recommendations to answer the question: ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’
She said: “For me, it felt that maybe the Government would listen to our recommendations as we were the spokespeople for the public and more help could be made available.
“I would strongly recommend anyone who is selected to go on a People’s Panel in the future to participate as it is a great experience and a unique opportunity.”
Gillian Ruane, from Dumfries, took part in a panel on Public Participation.
She said: “I was given the opportunity to participate in discussions and listen to various perspectives from a diverse group representing all of Scotland. Together, we made our recommendations as a group and its fantastic to be part of shaping decisions on public participation.
“I now know there is a difference between the Parliament and the Government. As citizens we have a lot more power than we believe we have. Parliament is held accountable by the citizens, and the government is held accountable by the parliament. It’s up to the individual to make their voice heard and make an impact.”
Former panel member, Alan Currie, from Glasgow, said: “The most valuable thing about the panel was to see my input and other citizens ideas from our deliberations with experts lead to meaningful contributions.
“It enabled all attendees, irrespective of background, an opportunity to contribute to the workings of the Parliament.”
Increased funding to help young people away from crime
Projects supporting young people at risk of being drawn into criminal activities are to receive up to £26 million over the next three years.
The Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme uses money recovered from seized criminal assets to provide crucial support to young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in offending or antisocial behaviour.
Successful projects in the programme’s next stage (2026-2029) will deliver a range of activities and support for those aged 10 to 25, to help tackle some of the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity. Projects will also provide access to trusted adults who young people can confide in.
Since 2008 CashBack for Communities has invested £156 million and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland.
Visiting a project based at Glasgow’s Easterhouse Sports Centre, Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “CashBack for Communities is inspiring. It turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.
“Over the course of the next three years of the programme, we are providing £26 million to organisations to deliver diversionary and support work with children and young people.
“By learning new skills and boosting their confidence, it helps young people in our communities who are at risk of becoming involved in crime be diverted from that path and realise their potential.
“Since its inception more than a million young people have received support to turn their lives around, with opportunities provided into employment, education or volunteering.
“CashBack’s success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.”
CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government initiative which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them back into communities. It supports delivery of Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice in Scotland.
The UK needs a national mission to raise living standards and provide people with hope that things will get easier, starting with the restoration of a Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioner households, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Speaking ahead of talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London, the First Minister said he will press for action to help people struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis, amid increasing inflation and international economic instability.
Mr Swinney said the first action of the UK Government must be to accept the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment was wrong and announce a restoration so all pensioners get a payment.
The First Minster said people need to believe things can get easier and that he plans to raise specific concerns relating to Scotland’s economy with the Prime Minister which could help accelerate economic growth.
This includes the impact on Scotland of the recently announced UK-US trade deal, the agreement reached with the European Union, Carbon Capture and the case for a bespoke migration policy for Scotland.
Mr Swinney will be in London for a programme of meetings, including a bilateral with the Prime Minister, a multilateral with the First Minister of Wales, First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and a plenary session of the Council of Nations and Regions.
First Minister John Swinney said: “People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government.
“Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment.
“In Scotland, we are introducing universal winter heating payments through our Cost of Living Guarantee. This will see payment made to all pensioner households, with the poorest receiving the most support which is fair amid ongoing pressures.
“If the UK government want to provide people with hope that things will get easier, the Prime Minister should restore the winter fuel payment as part of a new national mission to raise living standards.
“I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish Graduate Visa, Carbon Capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses.
“We are willing to work with him and the UK Government, but the question is whether he is willing to work with Scotland and give people hope that a better future is possible.”
The First Minister will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister in London today – Friday 23 May.
The First Minister is then due to join the First Minister of Wales, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland for further talks, before joining a meeting of the UK Government’s Council of Nations and Regions.
Fast fashion, the process of rapidly producing and distributing inexpensive, trendy clothing, often at the expense of quality and sustainability, has revolutionised the global clothing industry, offering affordable and trendy apparel to consumers. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost, particularly for garment workers in South Asia, including Bangladesh, who face exploitative working conditions and stark pay disparities (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).
In Scotland, the dominance of retail giants like Zara, H&M, and Primark highlight the disconnect between consumer habits and the realities of fast fashion production. The Journal for Global Business and Community has found that in the UK, this enormous retail industry is valued at approximately £10.9 billion as of 2024. Despite growing concerns about sustainability, the industry continues to thrive due to its accessibility and trend-driven nature.
Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest exporter of apparel, employs over four million workers in its garment industry, the majority of whom are women. Despite their critical role in the global supply chain, these workers often earn meagre wages, with some taking home as little as 50USD a month.
Protests for fair pay have intensified, as workers demand wages that reflect the rising cost of living and inflation. Unsafe working conditions, long hours, and limited labour protections further exacerbate their struggles.
The disparity between the lives of garment workers in South Asia and the thriving retail industry in Scotland underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability. Consumers in Scotland have the power to drive change by supporting sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Initiatives like Zero Waste Scotland’s promotion of second-hand shopping and slow fashion demonstrate a growing shift towards more responsible consumption.
As the chair of the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh, I emphasise the importance of addressing these issues on a global scale. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, retailers, and consumers, Scotland can play a pivotal role in advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions for garment workers in South Asia. Highlighting these disparities not only raises awareness but also encourages meaningful action to create a more equitable fashion industry.
To combat these issues and make real change, Scotland can further promote ethical supply chains, ensuring transparency and fair practices in procurement processes. By doing so, the country can support initiatives that guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally conscious production methods.
This approach aligns with Scotland’s commitment to being a good global citizen, prioritising social justice and environmental sustainability, with commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Scotland is also a founding member of the Wellbeing Economy Government’s Group (WEGo), aiming to restructure the economy towards a net-zero future and a nature-positive target.
The Scottish Government has interim targets of 56% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020, 75% by 2030, and 90% by 2040, relative to a 1990/1995 baseline making it a leader in advocating for global ethical standards.
Encouraging circular fashion presents another vital step toward sustainability. Scotland can champion initiatives such as clothing repair workshops, second-hand markets, and robust recycling programs, e.g. the Scotland Children’s Hospital Charity, alongside Nathans Wastesavers, who have several very successful clothing and textile recycling banks across Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders.
These efforts help reduce textile waste, extend the life cycle of garments, and foster a culture of reusing and repurposing materials. By embracing circularity, Scotland can significantly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
Additionally, Scotland has the potential to collaborate closely with South Asian countries on these issues, fostering partnerships that aim to improve working conditions and adopt innovative, sustainable technologies.
Such collaborations would not only benefit workers in South Asia but also serve as a blueprint for a global movement toward ethical fashion practices. By leveraging these partnerships, Scotland can make meaningful progress in creating a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry worldwide.
Groups representing Scottish sex workers unite to fight Ash Regan’s bill to criminalise the purchase of sex
Public urged to use new one-click email tool to tell their MSP to oppose Regan’s dangerous proposals
Groups warn new law would increase violence and discrimination against sex workers
Scottish sex workers have launched a campaign to fight proposed new laws that would criminalise the purchase of sexual services in Scotland.
The Scotland for Decrim campaign has been set up to oppose Alba MSP Ash Regan’s new Prostitution (Offences And Support) (Scotland) Bill, which is set to be presented to the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday).
Sex workers have warned that these laws would put them in more danger, pushing the industry underground, increasing stigma, and exposing people to more violence and poverty. This isn’t just about policy – it’s about real lives. Criminalising clients won’t stop sex work, but it will make it far less safe.
Campaigners are urging members of the public to use a new one-click online tool to email their MSP to block the new legislation, which polls show is opposed by the Scottish public.
A YouGov poll of 1,088 Scottish adults, carried out last year, showed that Scots firmly oppose the Nordic Model, with 47% saying it should be legal for a person to pay someone to have sex with them, versus 32% who think it should not be legal.
The poll showed that 69% of Scots say the MSPs should focus on protecting the health and safety of sex workers, and providing support to people who want to leave the industry, compared to just 14% who support new laws to prevent people exchanging sexual services for money.
An official government review of similar legislation in Northern Ireland – the only nation in the UK to enact the Nordic Model – found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”.
It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Scotland for Decrim absolutely rejects Ash Regan’s attempts to bring in the Nordic Model on sex work in Scotland.
“As a sex worker-led coalition campaigning for our rights, we know that this offensive bill will endanger sex workers by exposing us to more violence, poverty, and exploitation.
“Criminalising clients does not solve the reasons why people go into sex work: because of financial need, caring responsibilities, disability, or simply preferring this work to other kinds of work.
“Sex workers are the experts on our own needs. We know that only full decriminalisation will protect our safety, health, and human rights, giving us the power to choose when and how we work. The Scottish Government must also urgently strengthen the social security system so that everyone has access to the resources they need to live, and so that no one has to do sex work if they don’t want to.
“This Nordic Model bill would be disastrous for sex workers’ safety, as we have seen in other countries where this model has been implemented and sex workers have experienced more violence from clients and the police. Sex workers don’t want this, the Scottish public doesn’t want this, and politicians from a range of parties oppose this dangerous bill.”
Lynsey Walton, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety charity, said: “This bill won’t reduce harm; it will increase it. Criminalising the purchase of sex doesn’t protect anyone. It pushes sex work further underground, makes it harder for people to report violence, and forces those already at risk into even more dangerous situations.
“NUM stands in solidarity with sex workers across Scotland who are calling for safety, not criminalisation. We hear every day what they need: access to justice, housing, healthcare, and a voice in the laws that shape their lives. This bill ignores that—and it puts lives at risk.
“It’s therefore no surprise that opinion polling shows Scots overwhelmingly oppose Ash Regan’s plans for the Nordic Model, alongside international organisations such as Amnesty, UN Aids and the World Health Organisation.”
A spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes, which represents sex workers across the UK, said: “If Ash Regan wants to reduce prostitution she should look at reducing women’s poverty, and specifically mothers’ poverty, which is pushing more and more women into prostitution.
“Criminalisation of sex work increases violence and discrimination against sex workers. We want decriminalisation so that women are no longer branded as criminals for working to feed themselves and their families.”
