THURSDAY 21st AUGUST 10am – 12.30pm
THIS Thursday, meet local politicians and council staff for a walk round the area, with a drink afterwards to discuss things you would like to see improve.
North Edinburgh Arts: Communtity Walk & Chat
Tag: Politics
PM statement on Ukraine
PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THE UKRAINE SITUATION YESTERDAY:
President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.
While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.
This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.
I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.
In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.
Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.
KEIR STARMER WAS ALSO A SIGNATORY TO A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ‘COALITION OF THE WILLING EUROPEAN LEADERS:
Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen:
Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.
Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.
As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.
We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.
We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees.
The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.
Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.
As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.
UKRAINE’S leader Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington tomorrow for talks with the US President Donald Trump.
MSP highlights support for local families as schools return
GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.
The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.
The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.
To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.
“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.
“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”
| Local authority area | [NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments | [VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments |
| Total | 123,760 | £34,282,276 |
| Aberdeen City | 3,835 | £1,069,876 |
| Aberdeenshire | 3,680 | £1,023,971 |
| Angus | 2,520 | £701,794 |
| Argyll and Bute | 1,595 | £442,300 |
| Clackmannanshire | 1,390 | £384,647 |
| City of Edinburgh | 7,720 | £2,132,033 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 3,390 | £938,326 |
| Dundee City | 4,220 | £1,163,392 |
| East Ayrshire | 3,550 | £984,048 |
| East Dunbartonshire | 1,380 | £381,962 |
| East Lothian | 2,290 | £635,244 |
| East Renfrewshire | 1,360 | £375,589 |
| Falkirk | 3,685 | £1,021,533 |
| Fife | 9,345 | £2,589,965 |
| Glasgow City | 19,650 | £5,435,352 |
| Highland | 4,450 | £1,235,628 |
| Inverclyde | 1,965 | £545,416 |
| Midlothian | 2,425 | £671,369 |
| Moray | 1,820 | £504,864 |
| Na h-Eileanan Siar | 370 | £101,721 |
| North Ayrshire | 3,920 | £1,086,398 |
| North Lanarkshire | 9,810 | £2,722,056 |
| Orkney Islands | 295 | £81,663 |
| Perth and Kinross | 2,730 | £760,952 |
| Renfrewshire | 4,045 | £1,118,702 |
| Scottish Borders | 2,285 | £632,014 |
| Shetland Islands | 315 | £86,440 |
| South Ayrshire | 2,475 | £681,893 |
| South Lanarkshire | 7,420 | £2,057,810 |
| Stirling | 1,475 | £408,767 |
| West Dunbartonshire | 2,825 | £777,359 |
| West Lothian | 4,685 | £1,298,664 |
| Unknown – Scottish postcode | 75 | £21,509 |
| Unknown – Non-Scottish postcode | 650 | £176,888 |
| Unknown – No postcode | 115 | £32,131 |
Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer pays tribute to the late Rt Hon Sir George Reid
The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, has paid tribute to former Presiding Officer and MSP, Rt Hon Sir George Reid, following his death in the early hours of Tuesday 12 August.
The Rt Hon Sir George Reid served as Deputy Presiding Officer from 1999 to 2003, and then as Presiding Officer from 2003 to 2007. He was elected as MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region from 1999 to 2003 and then for the Ochil constituency from 2003 to 2007.
During his time as Presiding Officer, he oversaw the completion of the new Scottish Parliament building, opening in 2004. He was also MP for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire from 1974 to 1979.
A Book of Condolence has been opened and flags at the Scottish Parliament lowered as a mark of respect.
On his passing, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “On behalf of all at the Scottish Parliament, I express our deepest sadness at the death of our second Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Sir George Reid.
“He’ll be remembered not only for bringing the Holyrood construction project to completion, but for building confidence and ambition in our young Parliament.
“A proud son of Clackmannanshire and an internationalist by outlook, he was determined to put Holyrood on the map at home and abroad, and very much succeeded. By the time he left office, Holyrood was established at the centre of public life in Scotland and over a million people had visited to see for themselves the new Parliament in action.
“The story of devolution and the early years of our Parliament will remember George fondly and with gratitude. My deepest condolences to Daphne, his daughter and grandchildren and his many friends and colleagues. Sir George was welcoming and supportive to me, in Holyrood and outwith. He will be very much missed.
“Flags at Holyrood have been lowered as a mark of respect.”
Statement by co-chairs of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’: 13 August
President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz today co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ leaders yesterday
President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders and with the participation of President Zelenskyy and Vice-President Vance, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.
Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace. They welcomed the open discussions with President Trump earlier that day.
They were clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.
It was necessary to continue an approach that combined active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia. A diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.
They also reiterated that:
First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or a lasting and significant cessation of hostilities.
Second, sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska.
Third, international borders must not be changed by force.
Fourth, Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role, including through plans by those willing to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia could not have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.
They confirmed they would continue to cooperate closely with President Trump and with the United States of America, and with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Starmer warned not to ‘betray’ young workers over wage discrimination
Young people are in spiralling debt after years of “wage discrimination” according to a new report from Scotland’s largest trade union body.
The STUC report: ‘Young Workers Won’t Wait’ reveals how, because of low youth rates, 66% of respondents said they were in debt with debt levels in the region of £3,000 – £10,000, whilst only 46% said they could always afford the basics in life, such as food, transport and bills.
The UK’s Minimum Wage (the ‘National Living Wage’) laws allow workers to be paid less based on their age, even if their job, skills, and experience match those of colleagues, a move STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer called “abundantly discriminatory”.
While the minimum wage for workers over 21 is £12.21 it is £10 for workers aged 18-20 and £7.55 for workers aged 16 and 17.
Testimony submitted to the STUC outlined the experience of young workers working full-time for less pay when compared to other colleagues doing the same role.
One respondent noted: “I regularly worked 40-45 hours per week… and did not pursue further education opportunities as I could not afford to do so.
“It was very frustrating to be paid less that my colleagues when I was under 21 as I was doing the same work as them, worse hours, and with no additional responsibilities.”
Ms Foyer also warned the Prime Minister not to “betray” young workers after his promises during the general election to abolish youth rates of pay.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer, said: “Our report highlights the impact of the abundantly discriminatory rates of pay for young workers. Working alongside colleagues doing the exact same job should result in the exact same pay.
“Age should not define your worth or wage. With 66% of respondents saying they’re in eye watering debt – some as much as £10,000 – resultant from poor pay, it’s clear that discriminatory wage rates are trapping young people into poverty.
“Our message to the Prime Minister is clear: do not betray our young people. During the election, the Labour UK Government made the pledge to abolish youth rates of pay. It’s high time they paid up for young people and gave them a proper pay rise worthy of their work.”
Testimony heard further by the STUC outlined the account of Niamh, a previous retail worker who experienced youth rates of pay:
“Previous to this job, I worked many roles whilst studying at university where age discrimination in pay was prevalent. I was expected to do the exact same job and had the same responsibilities as other members of staff but was paid less simply because of my age.
“I do believe that this is one of the reasons I landed myself in debt as I was working as many hours a week as I could around my studies but was still unable to afford many things.
“I still had rent to pay, bills to be covered and food to put on the table like every other employee but because of my age, I was paid less and likely then struggled more because of this.”
Access the full report ‘Young Workers Won’t Wait’ here: https://www.stuc.org.uk/resources/young-workers-wont-wait-stuc-report-into-minimum-wage-discrimination-with-front-cover.pdf
TUC tells Peers to stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers
- Union body accuses Conservative and Lib Dem Peers of “doing the bidding of bad bosses” by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts and allowing employers to sack workers unfairly
- TUC urges government to “stand firm” as the Employment Rights Bill is set for parliamentary ping pong
The TUC has told Conservative and Lib Dem Peers to “get out of the way” and “stop trying to block” stronger rights for millions of workers.
The union body is urging the government to “stand firm” in the face of cynical attacks on the Employment Rights Bill, with the Bill set for parliamentary ping pong after Peers tried to dilute key workers’ rights in the Lords last week.
The TUC says the Tories and Lib Dems are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts and allowing employers six months to sack workers unfairly.
Conservative and Lib Dem Peers also voted to attack teaching assistants’ pay and exempt voluntary work on heritage railways from restrictions on employment of children.
The Bill will return to the House of Commons in September for MPs to consider the Lords’ amendments. The two houses will continue to vote on amendments in a process known as “ping-pong” until a way forward is agreed.
The TUC points out that a significant number of the Conservative Peers trying to block stronger rights for workers are Hereditary Peers.
Many of the amendments to the Bill seek to overturn the Labour government’s manifesto commitments, something the House of Lords has traditionally avoided.
Defying their own voters
The TUC says Conservative and Lib Dem peers are defying their parties’ own voters – and the public at large – by attempting to water down the Bill.
A recent TUC mega poll revealed huge support across the country and across the political spectrum – including Conservative voters – over key policies in the Bill.
According to the polling, every Conservative and Lib Dem seat has overwhelming support for banning zero hours contracts and statutory sick pay from day one.
The TUC says this shows “how out of touch” the Peers are.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s time for Tory and Lib Dem Peers to get out of the way and stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers.
“They are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts, allowing bosses to sack workers unfairly and attacking teaching assistants’ pay.
“The sight of Hereditary Peers voting to block stronger workers’ rights belongs in another century. It’s plain wrong.
“Banning zero-hours contracts and protecting workers from unfair dismissal are common-sense protections that the vast majority of the people, including Tory and Lib Dem voters, want to see become law.
“These Peers are not just out of touch, they are actively defying their own voters – and the public at large. The government must stand firm in the face of cynical attacks and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.”
SNP ‘closing the attainment gap across Edinburgh’
PENTLANDS MSP CONGRATULATES STUDENTS RECEIVING EXAM RESULTS
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has congratulated pupils across Edinburgh as they received their exam results.
This year’s results show a strong rise in attainment across Scotland’s schools and colleges, including for young people in the city.
More than 147,000 learners across the country received their results, with rates increasing at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels compared to 2024 and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The results also confirm that the poverty related attainment gap continues to narrow across all levels, demonstrating the SNP Government’s commitment to ensuring every young person can succeed, no matter their background.
Notably, a record 110,380 young people achieved vocational and technical awards in subjects such as construction, business, and hospitality, up over 22% on last year.
The SNP Government has committed to continuing its work to close the attainment gap and invest in a world-class education system that supports all learners, no matter their path.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Yesterday’s results are a huge achievement for the young people of Edinburgh and across Scotland, and a testament to the hard work of students, teachers, parents, and carers. Congratulations.
“I’m particularly encouraged to see the attainment gap continuing to close. It’s clear that SNP investment in education, from early years through to school and beyond, is delivering for our communities.
“The growth in vocational qualifications is especially welcome. It shows that our young people are gaining real skills for work and life, supported by a modern, inclusive curriculum that offers pathways for everyone, not just the traditional academic route.
“There’s more to do, but this year’s results prove that the SNP is making progress where it matters – in classrooms, colleges, and communities. I couldn’t be prouder of what our learners are achieving across the city.”
Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes Tram Consultation and calls for ‘strong community voice’
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the upcoming public consultation on Edinburgh’s proposed tram expansion, describing it as a “vital opportunity for communities to shape the future of their city.”
The 12-week consultation, beginning Monday 25 August 2025, will gather views on a new north-south tram line stretching from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary, alongside wider proposals for a city-wide tram network.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This is a much-needed investment in our city’s infrastructure. Expanding the tram network will help deliver a more connected, sustainable Edinburgh. But it’s vital that local people have their say and that their voices shape how this project moves forward.”
The plans include potential routes through existing walking and cycling corridors such as the Roseburn Path, which has prompted strong feelings from residents and active travel groups.
Tracy Gilbert emphasised the importance of listening carefully to community concerns. She added: “While I support the ambition behind this project, I know there are legitimate concerns, especially around preserving green space and existing active travel routes.
“Those must be properly heard and respected. This can’t be a top-down decision.”
The consultation will inform the next stage of the project’s development, including the preparation of a Strategic Business Case, expected to go before the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026.
Scotland DEMANDS Better events
Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. Scotland Demands Better is the march and rally for all of us.
On Saturday 25 October thousands will come together in Edinburgh to demand that politicians make the changes we need for a society where every household can thrive and prosper.
We’re holding a series of public meetings across the country, and we’ve just got dates for the first three – in Glasgow on 4 Sep, Edinburgh on 9 Sep, and Dundee on 11 Sep. We’ll be sharing further details on the Scotland Demands Better website in the coming days.
On the updated Scotland Demands Better website, you can also download our new toolkit, with lots of inspiration and ideas about how you can get involved and mobilise people in your communites. You can also order a Promo Pack, with posters, leaflets, badges, and stickers.
On Thursday 14 August at 1pm and then again at 7pm we’re hosting free online events where activists can join to talk about how the campaign is going so far, and how we can best organise transport to get people to Edinburgh on the day.
And there’s a fantastic guest blog from Andrea Bradley, General Secretary of the EIS teaching union, outlining why teachers and lecturers are standing up to say Scotland Demands Better.