Tag: Politics

‘Consciously cruel’ – UK social security system is pushing people beyond the brink, says new Amnesty report

  • Human rights in the UK in crisis as new report exposes crushing evidence of a social security system ruining lives
  • Discrimination and dehumanisation reported as rife as punitive system drives poverty by policy 
  • ‘They told me to go in for an assessment, and my baby had passed away… not even two days before…. And they were like, well if you need the money, you will come in.  It’s not my fault your baby is dead’ – Claimant  
  • ‘I would often be asked the same question three times to see if I’d change my answer. The process feels like you are on trial for murder, they act like they are trying to catch you out and that you are begging’ – Peter 
  • ‘Lives are being ruined by a system that is consciously cruel – it erodes dignity by design. We are in a state of severe human rights violations’– Jen Clark, Amnesty 

Amnesty International UK’s new report takes a deep dive into the murky and divisive world of the UK social security system. The unique research is an extensive look through the lens of human rights violations across our basic rights to housing, food, education, healthcare and social security.  

The evidence delivers damning conclusions on how the system processes, punishes, harms and dehumanises people and fails to meet international legal obligations. Successive UK governments have ignored the UN’s pleas to take urgent action to fix this. 

Poverty is a visible sign of a failing social security system. When the government knowingly makes choices to make poverty worse, it is deliberately violating basic human rights. We have moved from a society that supports people to a punitive system that drives poverty by policy. 

The rate of poverty in the UK is now higher than at any point in the 21st century. Sixteen million people in the UK are living in families in poverty – almost a quarter of the UK*. Of these, 5.2 million are children, 9.2 million are working-age adults, and 1.5 million are pension-age adults.  

For its report ‘Social Insecurity’ Amnesty’s collaborated with over 700 benefit claimants and advisors to provide a platform for the people most gravely affected and show how politicians are playing with people’s lives and ignoring our most basic rights. In 2024 86% of low-income families on Universal Credit went without essentials such as heating, food and clothing. 

With the backdrop of the Spring Statement and devastating disability social security cuts, Amnesty’s report delivers a crushing blow of evidence on the UK’s social security system and political choices that have pushed people into poverty and centres real-life experiences throughout, demonstrating the depth of dehumanisation. 

Recommendations from the report

  • System overhaul: A landmark, independent Social Security Commission with statutory powers to overhaul the UK’s broken benefits system—rooted in dignity and human rights. 
  • Urgent protection from harm: The UK Government to urgently reverse harmful social security cuts, sanctions and caps including the two-child limit and ensure upcoming reforms of PIP, ESA and Universal Credit, meet international human rights standards and are shaped by those most affected. 
  • Legal protections: The UK Government to put in place legal frameworks protecting economic, social and cultural rights to ensure everyone’s basic human rights to food, housing, and dignity are protected in law and prevent failures in social security policy from causing wider harms. 

Sections of the report expose

Systemic failures and lack of dignity and respect: Reports of hostile attitudes and judgmental behaviour within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) illustrate systemic shortcomings. The current system fails to meet its obligations to treat claimants with humanity and compassion, contributing to distrust and trauma of vulnerable individuals.

“Client had a Personal Independent Payment claim terminated as they would only offer a telephone appointment, despite them being profoundly deaf”. (Social Security Advisor) 

“They told me to go in for an assessment, and my baby had passed away.  Like not even two days before…. And they were like, well if you need the money, you will come in.  It’s not my fault your baby is dead”. (Claimant) 

Restricted access to Social Security and discriminatory practices

There are discriminatory conditions that restrict access for marginalised groups, inadequate transparency in eligibility criteria, and insufficient efforts to ensure effective, fair and transparent appeal processes. 

“Every time someone is assessed inappropriately for benefits, it takes extra time and money for the mistake to be corrected. Most often the claimants suffer, but the taxpayers also suffer owing to the additional administration and resolution costs which need to be met”. (Advisor) 

Social Security advisors across the country described how difficult access to information about entitlements and processes are. 64% of advisors rated it very difficult or difficult to get access to information on Universal Credit, and 68% of advisors said the same for PIP and 58% for ESA.  

Of 416 claimants who responded to the question, 52% rated access to Social Security schemes as difficult or very difficult.

Unjust and ill-informed decisions on sanctions and deductions

23% of the claimants who completed Amnesty research had experienced being sanctioned or having a deduction. Within this, 78% of people said it worsened their mental health.  55% told us they reduced the food they ate and 35% went without food. 47% of people stated that it worsened their physical health.  44% of people told us they were forced to borrow money to make ends meet.  

“Client lost benefits and home after being turned down for not attending the assessment as he soiled himself on the train to assessment centre and had to go home”. (Advisor) 

“I’ve been sanctioned loads of time because I’m working.  Borrowed off my sister and mother.  Without them, I would probably be dead in the gutter because I couldn’t afford to live” (Claimant) 

“They look down on you when you walk into the job centre.  I had a panic attack in the job centre.  I couldn’t breathe, and she went “you better get upstairs now and see your work coach, or we are going to sanction you” (Claimant) 

“The actual interview is on the phone when they talk to you.  They only give you one call…. If you missed that one call, they sanction that.  They should give at least 3 rings at least give you a chance.” (Claimant) 

Jen Clark, Economic and Social Rights Lead at Amnesty International UK, said: “Lives are being ruined by a system that is consciously cruel – it erodes dignity by design. We are in a state of severe human rights violations.  

“The social security system is impenetrable, inadequate, and for some completely inaccessible. 

“There can be no tinkering of the system – it has gone too far, and it is too late. There must be full reform. It is broken from start to finish and intentionally sets people up to fail. No-one would want political choices in this country to deliberately diminish dignity and perpetuate poverty.  

“I’ve worked to highlight human rights violations for more than two decades and witnessed many awful situations. But never have I encountered such raw and widespread distress from people sharing their experiences in the UK. 

“We need a landmark, independent Social Security Commission with statutory powers to overhaul the UK’s broken benefits system. It must be rooted in dignity and human rights and designed by and for the people. This must protect us all – be that today or in the future where we all may need it.” 

Voices of the campaign

John, 60’s, from Hampshire was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) quite late on in life – in his 60s. It progressed much faster than he could have ever expected. “In August 2021, before I even knew what was happening to me, I was still working at the Ministry of Defence as a Policy Advisor. I was deployed to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation. Before my diagnosis, I had spent years working and contributing, and I never once thought I would be in a position where I needed to rely on benefits.” 

In speaking about the experience of applying for Personal Independence Payment (PiP), John said:  

“Applying was a nightmare. The process was so difficult and one-sided. When I finally received my assessment, DWP had scored me zero for the impact MS had on my daily life. Zero. If they had at least acknowledged some of the difficulties, if they had scored me a five or six or even a seven instead of the eight, I needed, I might have accepted it. But to say that MS had no impact on my life at all? That was infuriating.   

“There is a bus stop 100 meters from my house. Usain Bolt could get there in less than 10 seconds whereas it takes me 10 minutes, but we would both score a zero for impact of MS on our lives. It’s ridiculous.”  

Carly, 39, London is a single mother to a young son. She was recently receiving Universal credit, with contributions towards housing and her son’s childcare costs. Despite having good knowledge of the process from a prior job, she found navigating the social security system difficult. 

In speaking about Universal Credit and the challenges that occur when benefits are wrongly cancelled, Carly said: 

“As a single parent, working in a temporary role, I was not earning enough to cover private rental fees. My son had just started nursery, and I had a lot of expenses that my salary couldn’t cover. I applied for benefits with a five week wait – which was a very difficult time.   

“When my role was made permanent, I got a lump sum of holiday pay in my paycheck – meaning I was paid more that month than usual. Unexpectedly, this led to my benefits claim being incorrectly cancelled. I wasn’t contacted about this and had no idea until the money didn’t appear in my bank account. I was crying on the phone telling my landlord I couldn’t pay my rent. I had a terrible ten-week wait until my social security payments started again and had to borrowed money from friends and family. I was offered an advance before the claim came through – but I’d already had one to pay for nursery fees and didn’t want to get into further debt. 

“I did lodge a complaint about the cancellation of my benefits, but the claim wasn’t upheld, and I felt I didn’t have the time or energy to fight it.   

“The hardest thing about the social security system is the uncertainty and insecurity around it all. It was very mentally challenging to not know when or how much my payments would be. I lived in fear of uploading the wrong information and having my benefits cancelled again. The worst part is the feeling like you have no control over anything. You always feel insecure. I was always relieved when universal credit went in, and it was the amount you were expecting.  

“The stigma is real, navigating the system only amplifies it, making an already difficult situation even harder. You have no autonomy, no choice, there’s nothing you can do. It creates a feeling that you aren’t deserving or worthy – that you should be grateful and not challenge anything.” 

Philip from Leeds   

“I lost my job suddenly in September 2023. I did my applications early to get ahead, but I didn’t realise the claim automatically starts from the day you fill the form in, and you can’t change the date. It made my claim invalid which meant I missed my initial payment. I also never received the support I was due towards my home costs, despite chasing and asking many times. When I contacted the Job Centre to request a face-to-face appointment with a work coach, but it took me over a month to be able to get the appointment and sadly, it wasn’t helpful at all.  

“Around this time, my father was ill with dementia. I live far from my parents and don’t drive, and being on such a low income meant I didn’t have the funds to travel there by public transport. I couldn’t afford to visit my father in his final days, and he passed away in November 2023. Not being able to see him before he died was extremely difficult and after going to my GP, I was put on anti-depressants.

“Having to chase my social security claim and not getting responses or offers to the jobs I was applying for, alongside with the grief I was experiencing, had a huge effect on my mental health and made things very difficult. I was struggling to cope.” 

Additional case studies

Valerie*

“Being on benefits in the UK can feel almost taboo- something to keep private and feel embarrassed about. This is sad, because the vast majority of us are just normal people trying to live life the best way we can, raise our families and find whatever happiness there is in life despite the hardships we face.”   

Peter

“I started receiving social security in 2021, just after I finished university. I applied for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) due to a long-term health condition. The PIP application process was atrocious and ultimately took over a year.   

“I had to deal with a lack of understanding about my condition. One of the interviewers mislabelled and misunderstood the medical equipment I use and even went as far as to lecture me about my own illness. I had to get my doctor to write a letter just to confirm what I’d said.    

“I would often be asked the same question three times to see if I’d change my answer. The process feels like you are on trial for murder, they act like they are trying to catch you out and that you are begging.  

“The PIP application needs to be renewed every couple of years or so – despite my disability being due to a long-term health condition that won’t improve over time. Itt’s like I am starting over again each time.   

“Watching my friends from Uni live their lives makes me feel like I am missing out on a lot.  I would like to be able to do more things, to get out and about a bit more – perhaps take a day trip to a local area. Even to travel locally is hard as the buses are too expensive and I can’t afford a car. I don’t want to be on benefits, I’d love to be able to work but I simply can’t.”    

Steve

“I had to stop working 15 years ago. I’d been struggling with severe pain in my right knee for about two years before finally having surgery. That’s when I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. I somehow managed to keep working through the pain, but eventually, it just became too much. I’ve now developed Osteoarthritis throughout my whole body.  

“I use a crutch indoors and both crutches whenever I go outside. Getting around is incredibly difficult, but I push myself because if I didn’t get out at all, I’d feel down and alone.  

“Appling for Universal Credit and PIP was tough. Being on benefits doesn’t feel great. I’m in a small studio flat and most days I’m by myself. Going out for shopping is the only time I see anyone. Prices have gone up too, which makes things harder.  

“Losing my mum in 2020, just before lockdown, hit me hard.  I still miss her so much. And visiting and being with my dad brings me comfort. It makes things much better for me. Visiting my dad is really hard with my condition. He’s 92 now and lives over three and a half hours away. My sister moved closer to him to help out. I try to go see them when I can, but the journey is a lot.

“I have to get a train into London, struggle through the underground to catch another train, then a bus, and finally a taxi to his place. Before COVID, I used to take the National Express coach straight to his, then just a taxi. But that route’s been cancelled and it’s now so much longer and more exhausting.” 

MSP welcomes rollout of PADP

NEW PENSION AGE DISABILITY PAYMENT REPLACES ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE 

The SNP Scottish Government has introduced the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Edinburgh and across Scotland with the national rollout of a new, fairer replacement to Attendance Allowance.  

The payment is for people of state pension age living with a disability or long-term health condition.  

PADP takes a fairer, more dignified approach to supporting pensioners than Attendance Allowance. While Attendance Allowance only classes those with terminal illness as eligible to receive support if they are expected to live for 12 months or less, PADP classes terminally ill people as eligible regardless of how long they are expected to live. 

The payment, which is not means-tested, is paid either at a higher rate of £441 a month, or a lower rate of £295 a month. Under PADP, terminally ill recipients are automatically entitled to the highest level of payment – which is not the case under Attendance Allowance. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “In light of the UK Labour government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and slash PIP provision, the SNP Scottish Government is delivering the support that older disabled people across Edinburgh deserve.  

“I welcome the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment as people living with terminal illness will automatically be entitled to the highest level of payment, regardless of life expectancy – a marked difference from Westminster’s Attendance Allowance. 

“This new benefit is the 15th delivered by Social Security Scotland with the principle of dignity, fairness, and respect at its heart. 

“I urge all those across the city who think they may be eligible to apply.”  

Building a Healthier Future: The growing demand for Occupational Therapists in Edinburgh

As the mental health crisis rages throughout our nation, the Scottish Government continues  to fail to address the crucial role of occupational therapy for our forgotten citizens (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

As Scotland contends with an escalating mental health crisis, it is heartbreaking to see the  Scottish Government neglect the crucial role of occupational therapy in supporting our  citizens. This oversight leaves countless individuals without the essential care they need to  overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. We must urgently address this gap and  ensure that occupational therapy receives the recognition and support it deserves. 

The shortage of occupational therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland is truly distasteful.  These professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome physical, emotional,  and social challenges, allowing them to achieve their full potential. The growing demand for  occupational therapy services highlights the need for increased support and investment in this  vital field. 

Occupational therapists are essential in enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities,  mental health issues, and other barriers to daily living. Their work improves individual well being and strengthens our community by encouraging independence and resilience. 

In Edinburgh, the need for occupational therapists is particularly severe. According to the  Scottish Health Survey, more than 1 in 3 people in Scotland are affected by mental health  problems each year. Furthermore, in a report conducted by the Scottish Action for Mental  Health, over 50,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health conditions in  2023/24. 

These statistics underscore the urgent need for more occupational therapists to provide timely  and effective care. The impact of occupational therapy extends beyond individual patients. By  helping people regain their independence and participate in daily activities, occupational  therapists contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community. 

Occupational therapists operate in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and  community centres, providing support to individuals of all ages. In Edinburgh, iThrive’s mental  health and wellbeing strategy emphasises the importance of supporting and promoting  mental health in addition to addressing mental illness. 

Occupational therapists are at the forefront of these efforts, helping to create a more inclusive  and supportive environment for all. Despite the critical role of occupational therapists, there  is a significant shortage of these professionals in Scotland. The Mental Health Inpatient Census  2022 revealed that there were 2,959 mental health, addiction, and learning disability  inpatients in NHS Scotland at the time of the census.

This represents an 11% decrease compared with the 2019 Census and a 24% decrease since  the first Census in 2014. The number of available beds for mental health, addiction, and  learning disability patients has also been consistently decreasing, with a 12% decrease in  available beds from the 2019 Census. These trends highlight the growing need for  occupational therapists to provide essential care and support to those in need. 

In a recent conversation with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, I heard about the  ongoing shortage of occupational therapists having far-reaching consequences. It leads to  longer waiting times for patients, reduced access to services, and increased pressure on  existing healthcare providers.

This delay in care can have a detrimental impact on the mental  health and well-being of young people, making it even more critical to address the shortage  of occupational therapists. We also discussed the need to expand the therapy workforce and  improve early intervention, supporting people to be economically active. 

To address this urgent need, we must prioritise the recruitment and retention of occupational  therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

This requires increased investment in education  and training programmes to ensure that we have enough qualified professionals to meet the  growing demand. Additionally, we must provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract  and retain skilled occupational therapists. By investing in these professionals, we are investing  in the future of our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Furthermore, we must raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy and the  critical role these professionals play in our healthcare system. Public campaigns and early  educational initiatives can help to highlight the value of occupational therapy and encourage  more individuals to pursue careers in this field. Through promoting the benefits of  occupational therapy, we can help to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. 

The need for occupational therapists in Edinburgh and Scotland is urgent and cannot be  ignored. Here, we must value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. Let us work  together to address this critical issue and build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.

Scottish Secretary increases Scottish Government borrowing powers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has laid the ‘The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025’ which increases the Scottish Government’s borrowing limits to a cumulative total of £3 billion for capital and £629 million for resource. 

The Scottish Government’s borrowing limits (both annual and cumulative) are uprated annually in line with inflation, as set out in the Fiscal Framework. As the cumulative limits are legislated for under the Scotland Act 1998, secondary legislation is required to make the annual changes. The annual limits are non-legislative so no legislative change is required to amend these. 

Speaking after laying the Order, Mr Murray said: “I’m very pleased to have laid this Scotland Act Order which increases the Scottish Government’s cumulative borrowing limits to a total of £3.6 billion.

“The Autumn Budget provided an additional £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, ending austerity. These borrowing powers are on top of the Scottish Government’s record funding settlement of £47.7 billion this financial year.

“We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and this order is a key part of our commitment to maintain the devolution settlement.”

The Order will take effect on 30 June 2025. There will be a debate in the House of Commons before then. 

The 2023 Fiscal Framework Agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments sets out the Scottish Government’s funding arrangements, including budget management tools such as borrowing powers. 

Officials in both the UK Government and the Scottish Government worked together to deliver the Order, as they do with all Scotland Act Orders.

Commitment to safeguarding democracy

Civic, faith, trade unions and political leaders commit to action

Civic, faith, trade union and political leaders have committed to taking action to safeguard Scotland’s democracy and tackle people’s feeling of being unheard and disempowered.

At a gathering of representatives from across society, the First Minister described the pledge as demonstrating a ‘strength of unity’ which reflects the democratic values felt by communities across the country. 

Today’s event saw more than 50 leaders meet in Glasgow to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system. Across the day, there were focused discussions, moderated by civic leaders, on four key themes which are contributing to a breakdown in democratic trust, including:

  • combating inequality and discrimination
  • tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment  
  • enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions
  • strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation

Following discussions, participants considered a mission statement that seeks to provide a framework that can underpin specific actions and solutions to help tackle some of the issues identified.  

The statement reads:  

STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND 

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard Scotland’s democracy. 

We recognise many people in our country feel distant from politics or failed by society. They feel unheard and disempowered.  

We recognise also that much of our public discourse has become polarised and soured. 

Our starting point has been a recognition of that reality and, alongside this, a recognition also that the solutions, which will be manifold and complex, require a collective response. 

We have a shared responsibility to map a way forward for Scotland, which is why we are committed to working together to ensure that our democratic structures evolve to meet our democratic ideals and are both trusted and robust. 

There are certain fundamental principles and values that are already part of our understanding of Scottish democracy, rooted in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, that we believe should shape and guide our work. 

These are: 

Participation and openness 

The sharing of power 

Accountability 

Equal opportunity 

We stand together on these principles and values, recognising that they offer both a foundation on which to build and markers to guide this next stage of our nation’s democratic journey. 

I pledge my support. 

Speaking after the event, First Minister John Swinney said: “Our discussion was incredibly powerful and equally inspiring.

“I am grateful to the many representatives from across Scottish society who shared their honest reflections on the challenges we face, alongside their absolute determination to work together to ensure we stand up for the values and principles we hold so dear. 

“Today’s event is a pivotal moment for Scotland as we demonstrate our shared commitment to democracy but to make that a reality, we must now work at pace to ensure targeted action delivers results.

“By coming together, we have started that process, with all participants committed to developing actions that can address some of the root causes of the challenges facing our country. I pledge my government’s absolute support for that work, to ensure we leave no stone unturned in identifying solutions and empowering the disempowered who so often feel left behind. 

“We can only protect the rights of each citizen, if we protect, strengthen and renew our democratic values. By reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding democracy in Scotland, we have demonstrated a strength of unity which will guide us in our actions.” 

Following the gathering, political and civic leaders taking part in the press conference pledged their support for the statement. They are: 

  • Anas Sarwar MSP – Leader, Scottish Labour  
  • Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats  
  • Patrick Harvie MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party  
  • Lorna Slater MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party Leader  
  • Ash Regan MSP – Alba parliamentary leader  
  • Roz Foyer – General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress 
  • Sara Thiam – Chief Executive of Prosper  

All delegates attending the gathering have been invited to take the statement to their organisation to seek agreement for pledging their support. Work will now be developed in partnership with participants to ensure actions are agreed and taken forward.  

Foysol Choudhury MSP celebrates Scotland’s first Transplant Football Team

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for the celebration of Scotland’s first ever transplant football team, encouraging progression post-procedure. Scotland has made history with the formation of its first-ever transplant football team, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together individuals who have undergone organ, stem-cell, or bone marrow transplants.

The mixed-gender team, with an average age of 40, welcomes players from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where transplant recipients can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. The club’s mission extends beyond fitness—it’s about reclaiming life after a transplant, proving that recovery is not just about survival but about thriving. 

The health benefits of the club go far beyond physical activity. Jelina Berlow-Rahman, the only female player on the team, embodies the spirit of resilience. Diagnosed with kidney failure at 26, she endured four years on dialysis before receiving her transplant.

Remarkably, she built her own law firm while undergoing treatment, demonstrating the power of perseverance. Jelina shares the team’s message: “Anyone can play, for however long they want. Everyone is welcome. It’s fine to play continuously and guide one another.” 

For many transplant recipients, the journey doesn’t end with surgery—it’s a lifelong process of adapting to new challenges. The team provides a support system, helping players overcome emotional and physical hurdles that often accompany major medical procedures. Many patients struggle with mental health difficulties post-transplant, feeling isolated or uncertain about their future.

Football offers them an outlet for expression, a way to regain confidence, and a chance to honour their donors. The Scottish Transplant Football Team has already made waves in the international transplant sports community.

Despite being only six months old, the team competed in the 2025 European Transplant Football Championships, facing off against seasoned teams from across the continent. Scotland was the only mixed-gender team in the tournament, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 

The squad, founded by Duncan MacAulay, an Inverness-based fire service worker who underwent a heart transplant, has rapidly grown into a 21-player team.

Their participation in the Euros was a testament to their determination, securing an 8-1 victory over Ireland before battling against top-tier opponents like Spain and Italy. Jelina Berlow-Rahman also made history as the first woman to play for Scotland’s transplant football team at an international level. Her presence on the pitch was a powerful statement about breaking barriers and proving that transplant recipients can achieve incredible feats. 

The team’s journey is just beginning. With plans to expand recruitment, raise awareness about organ donation, and compete in the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup, Scotland’s transplant footballers are determined to inspire others and change perceptions about life after transplantation. 

Their message is clear: transplant recipients are not defined by their medical history—they are athletes, professionals, and individuals with limitless potential.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Scottish Transplant Football Team is more than just a sports club—it’s a lifeline for players seeking physical and mental well-being, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Through football, they are proving that life after a transplant is not just about survival—it’s about thriving, competing, and celebrating second chances.”

Stuart Dobbin aims for Holyrood selection

SNP Forth Ward councillor, Stuart Dobbin, has announced he has put his name forward to represent the new Edinburgh Northern constituency at the next  Scottish Parliament election  next May.

Having been living with his wife, Rosanna, in Inverleith for several years, he knows Northern Edinburgh very well. 

As a local councillor he has represented Forth Ward since 2022, and before returning to Scotland worked internationally in business for over a quarter of a century. 

As councillor, he is an active presence in the community and recognised by residents and third sector organisations as an energetic and active advocate for them. 

He is proud of the success he has had in pressuring the council to change how they respond to tenants living in damp and mould-ridden homes. It shows how he can challenge institutions to achieve outcomes, in this case, that change peoples’ lives for the better and healthier. 

Stuart said “This election is about Scotland’s place in the UK, in Europe and, ultimately, in the world.  Our country faces challenges that are of a scale radically different to those we face locally. 

“Having rid ourselves of the Tory government, we find a Labour Prime Minister who clearly treats Scotland with contempt and is doing nothing to protect our pensioners, the disabled or the workers at Grangemouth.  All promises broken.

“I bring a wealth of professional and lived experience.  I spent quarter of a century in leadership positions, living and working across Asia, engaging with commercial and government organisations and managing through some very tough times. 

“I have proven my commitment and ability to represent my constituents, with the drive and energy to affect change within institutions, with the temperament and broad professional and lived experience that would make me an effective advocate to stand up in the Scottish Parliament to represent Edinburgh Northern  and our national interests.”

Letters: The Great Labour Betrayal – From Welfare State to Warfare State

DEAR EDITOR

When Labour swept to power in 2024, they promised a “year of change” built on fairness, economic security, and real support for working people. Nine months on, millions of voters who believed in that vision are left wondering: where did that promise go?

Take the Winter Fuel Allowance. Labour pledged to protect pensioners, but instead, they’ve means-tested this vital support, stripping £300 a year from 10 million elderly households. For pensioners in Scotland, where fuel poverty is already a crisis, this is more than a broken promise, it’s a direct hit on dignity and security in retirement.

Then there’s the closure of Grangemouth Refinery, Scotland’s largest industrial site. While Labour’s manifesto talked up industrial renewal, the reality has been the loss of thousands of skilled jobs and a blow to local communities. Promised “Just Transition” funding has stalled, and the government’s silence is deafening.

Small businesses, too, are feeling the squeeze. Labour’s hike in employer National Insurance contributions, hits small shops and local employers hardest. Big chains can pass on costs, but for independent bakers and butchers, this could be the final straw. This isn’t “backing British or Scottish business”, it’s making survival harder for the backbone of our communities.

Labour has refused to tax extreme wealth or impose windfall taxes on energy giants. Meanwhile, households face rising bills, not the £300 cut Labour promised. Their much-touted energy plan has faltered, and green levies are pushing costs even higher, especially painful in Scotland’s long, cold winters.

Welfare cuts are another blow. The government’s own figures show that recent changes will push 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children into poverty. Universal Credit health payments are frozen, and support for the sick and disabled is being slashed. This is austerity by another name, and it’s hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

Perhaps most telling is Labour’s decision to pour billions into defence, aiming for the highest military spending since the Cold War, while cutting £15 billion from public services. For Scotland, where Labour refuses to devolve full fiscal powers or reverse Tory-era cuts, the sense of betrayal is acute. Many now feel Labour is more interested in appeasing the centre than standing up for the people who put them in office.

This isn’t the change we were promised. It’s a retreat into old, failed policies that deepen inequality and erode trust. The working class deserves more than slogans and spin. It’s time for Labour to remember who they serve – and for all of us to hold them to account.

We urge voters and the media to hold this government to account. The working class deserves more than empty slogans and reheated Thatcherism.

Yours sincerely,

Dhruva Kumar

Former Glasgow South MP Candidate

Depute Convenor, Media Officer, Alba Party Glasgow

Victory for For Women Scotland

UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.

“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.

“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”

SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement. ALBA Women’s Convener Kirsty Fraser said: “Since our inception, the ALBA Party have been steadfast in standing up for the sex-based rights of Women and Girls across Scotland.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Supreme Court which vindicates our longstanding position on this issue.

“Now is the time for our political leaders in Scotland to reflect on their actions over recent years and recognise that the rights of women merit some attention”

ALBA Party Depute Leader, Neale Hanvey said: “The UK Supreme Court judgement has clearly established in law the boundaries between protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act making clear that Sex in the Act pertains to biological natal sex.

“This judgement will reverberate around the world thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Marion, Trina and Susan of For Women Scotland.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgement. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.

“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.

“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”

LABOUR’S Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: ” We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges and sports clubs.

“Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”

Ms Phillipson’s remarks were followed by similar comments by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said on X this evening: “I’ve always called for the protection of single sex spaces on the basis of biological sex.

“This judgment gives clarity to women and service users about the protections in the Equality Act. The SNP Government must provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly to uphold dignity for all.”

In fact Sarwar voted IN FAVOUR of the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The official Scottish Parliament record shows that only two Labour MSPs – Carol Mochan and Claire Baker – voted against!

NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling: “NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.

“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry MP said before the judgement was announced: “Whatever way the judgement falls three extraordinary women will well and truly have cemented their right to be remembered alongside Scotland’s great feminists like Mary Burton, Elise Inglis, and Frances Wright.“

She added later: Today’s judgment is not about rolling back trans rights. It is a victory for grass roots activism because self-funding feminist and lesbian groups have fought the might of the state and won.”

Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

Historic Motion in Scottish Parliament Tackles Hinduphobia

Ash Regan Leads Charge for Equality

In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).

The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.

The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.

As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.

Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”

She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”

Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:

Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.” 

They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”

Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”

The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.

Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”

The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.

As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.

Read the Full Motion Here:

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17089

Read the Full Report (Hinduphobia in Scotland) Here:

Scottish Parliament Group Endorses Groundbreaking Hinduphobia

Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”

Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.

“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”