Children’s charity Aberlour helping mothers through recovery
A second residential rehabilitation service to support women and their children through recovery from addiction / substance use has been opened in Falkirk.
The Scottish Government has invested £5.5 million to support the development of this Aberlour Childcare Trust facility, as well as a house in Dundee which opened in January 2023.
The houses offer 24/7 support and keep families together by letting children of women with problematic substance use stay with their mothers during their recovery.
Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This house will allow women to access residential rehabilitation services and keep their family together.
“We know there is a strong link between women having children removed from their care and risk of drug-related death. Treatment is more effective when families are kept together and it also reduces the harmful impact on children.
“Widening access to residential rehabilitation is a key part of our National Mission on Drugs. We have made £100 million available for residential rehabilitation from 2021 to 2026 to ensure 1,000 people receive public funding for their placement each year by then. That includes £38 million as part of our commitment to increase the number of beds to 650.”
Aberlour Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly OBE said: “We are delighted to open our new Mother and Child Recovery House in Falkirk. It follows the opening of our first house in January 2023 in Dundee, which has transformed the lives of mothers and their children.
“Both houses offer a unique service enabling women with problem drug and alcohol issues to keep their young children with them as they recover.
“They provide specialist support that helps women develop skills and encourages them to build new futures for themselves and their children. We understand the need to work alongside women to address their fears.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for funding this much-needed new service.”
We want to create wealth everywhere, but first we must fix the foundations of our country.
In the first few weeks of this Government, an audit found a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. It means we’ve had to take tough decisions, like means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment. Our Budget in October will be difficult.
But we have already taken action to improve the lives of working people in every corner of the country, from unlocking planning decisions to help build 1.5 million new homes to setting up Great British Energy, to create good jobs and provide clean energy to cut people’s bills in the long term.
Here are some of the things we are doing to fix the foundations of this country.
Setting up a new National Wealth Fund
Growth is the number one priority of this government. That’s why we set up the National Wealth Fund.
It is a publicly owned investment fund that will help attract investment into our country, stabilise our economy and create wealth for future generations.
It will help unlock private investment into the UK by directly investing in new and growing industries, and help create thousands of jobs in clean energy industries.
Accelerating housing planning
We’re overhauling our housing system to meet the needs of working people and put communities first.
Our plan will include introducing mandatory planning targets to aim to deliver on our ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
The new targets will boost housebuilding in areas most in need, to help more people buy their own homes, and help drive growth – making everyone in the country better off.
Putting passengers first We’ll put our rail system back on track with new laws to deliver for passengers.
They will improve the railways by reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership.
Protecting taxpayer money
We’ll introduce legislation that makes sure nobody can play fast and loose with public finances.
A new Bill will strengthen the role of the Office of Budget Responsibility, meaning significant fiscal announcements must be properly scrutinised and that taxpayers’ money is respected.
Protecting workers’ rights
We’ll improve workers’ rights with new legislation – a significant step towards delivering this Government’s plan to make work pay.
We will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one.
And we’re changing the way the Minimum Wage is set so it keeps in line with the cost of living, in a move to put more money in working people’s pockets.
Launching GB Energy
Producing clean energy and creating good jobs will be our focus for the rest of the year. Great British Energy, a publicly owned, clean-energy company, will own, manage and operate clean power projects, such as wind farms, across the country.
Great British Energy will be headquartered in Scotland and paid for by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants. It will invest clean power projects across the United Kingdom, such as wind farms, which are the cheapest forms of electricity generation to build and operate.
This will help make our country energy independent, tackle climate change and save families money. And investing in clean domestic power will create jobs and build supply chains in every corner of the UK.
The cross-party committee of MSPs learned about the contribution life science research can make towards growing Scotland’s economy.
The visit forms part of its parliamentary inquiry into ‘Managing Scotland’s public finances’, which aims to influence the Scottish Government’s Budget before it is announced in autumn.
The MSPs are examining how the Scottish Government uses its capital expenditure to achieve innovation, productivity, and growth – and whether its priorities are the most effective choices.
Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said:“Our parliamentary inquiry is about examining the effectiveness of the Scottish Government’s overall approach towards managing Scotland’s public finances.
“With a really challenging fiscal and economic outlook, it’s vital that we look critically at boosting innovation, productivity and growth.
“Life sciences already contribute to the Scottish economy, but we want to learn more about its potential for growth and what that could mean in terms of high-value Scottish jobs, high return research and successful spin-out companies.”
“A key part of our inquiry is examining how the Scottish Government currently uses its capital expenditure to boost growth – but we want to ensure its priorities are the right ones ahead of the coming budget.
“Our visit to the University of Dundee’s school of life sciences, to meet leading figures in the field, will give us a good insight into what scope there is to expand research and boost innovation and growth.
“We’ll take the learning from our visit back to Holyrood to inform our inquiry and our recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of the budget.”
Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Dundee, Professor Iain Gillespie, said:“We are delighted to welcome the Finance and Public Administration Committee to Dundee and help boost innovation and growth.
“As the UK’s top university for both biological sciences research and for nurturing spinout success we are a key driver of the economy, learning and skills, as well as a vital part of the scientific ecosystem that is addressing the great health challenges of our time.
“Investment in research and innovation is an investment in the nation’s health and wealth, and we are happy to share our expertise in creating high value companies and anchoring jobs in Scotland.”
The committee’s Dundee visit will provide insight into:
funding of research & development at the University
commercialisation: turning research into innovation
creating, support and scaling of high growth spin-out companies
Background provided by the University of Dundee:
Dundee has been the UK’s top ranked university for Biological Sciences in the last two Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercises. It was also named the UK’s best university for supporting spin out companies by venture capitalist firm Octopus Ventures last year.
While at the University, members of the Finance and Public Administration Committee toured Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), which bridges the gap between academic scientific research and industrially experienced drug discovery.
DDU’s successes include the invention of cabamaquine, a new compound currently in human trials that has been shown to treat malaria with a single dose, while potentially protect people from contracting the disease and prevent its spread.
The University is one of the world leaders in targeted protein degradation, a field of research which has received billions of pounds of investment in recent years and is making the treatment of diseases previously thought to be undruggable a reality.
Liz Smith CBE MSP endorses Tom Tugendhat MP for Conservative Leader and his vision for public services
Shadow Finance Secretary Liz Smith CBE MSP endorses Tom Tugendhat for Leader of the UK Conservative Party after he outlined his vision for public services
She argues Scotland deserves better than 17 years of SNP failure on public services and prioritising constitutional reform over delivery
Joining 11 other MSPs, she recognises Tom is the only person who understands the challenges Scotland is facing and will deliver a true, conservative approach to public services
Scotland’s Shadow Finance Secretary Liz Smith CBE MSP joins eleven of her Conservative Colleagues in Holyrood and endorses Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat for UK Conservative Party Leader.
Echoing her Conservative colleagues, Liz is clear that she wants to see the end of 17 years of SNP failure, which have left Scotland’s public services crumbling. She argues the Scottish people deserve a government which will deliver on their priorities – securing jobs and economic growth and improving schools and health care – rather than being obsessed with constitutional reform.
Liz says she wants a Conservative Party Leader in Westminster who will deliver for Scotland – someone who believes that unionism is indivisible from conservatism and who will fight to protect the Union.
She knows that Tom is the only person who can do this and that he is the only candidate who has taken the time, over many years, to get to know Scotland whilst on regular visits and also whilst meeting members and local associations.
Following his public services speech in London today, she commends him for having a conservative vision which will benefit every nation in the United Kingdom. Tom called for a bold new approach to public services that empowers professionals to innovate and boost productivity, rather than be stifled by centralisation and bureaucracy. Liz strongly supports this and the need to prioritise individuals and choice – qualities the SNP has stripped from Scottish public services.
It is very clear from the most recent analysis from both the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Fraser of Allander Institute that the SNP has to bear most of the responsibility for the financial pressures facing Scotland. As a result, Scots now face emergency cuts to SNP spending and the prospect of public services falling further behind those in the rest of the UK.
Liz argues Tom is the only one who can stand up for her conservatism, just as he has done in Parliament. Whether it was voting against Covid vaccine passports or not supporting the National Insurance rise.
Tom has always kept his promise to deliver for the people of Britain, which Liz highlights as a reason for her endorsement. Before Parliament, he served in military operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan to keep the Union safe. Tom also was the first to warn of the threats from Russian, China and Iran. And, as Security Minister, he introduced the National Security Act which oversaw the arrest and charging of more Russian and Chinese spies than in the previous decade.
As someone with a clear vision on how to fix public services and unite the Party, Liz believes Tom as Leader will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. Scotland deserves better and Tom will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era.
Responding to Tom Tugendhat’s speech, Liz Smith CBE MSP said: ““After 17 years, the SNPs obsession with unnecessary constitutional debates has resulted in a record of failure that keeps growing.
“Because of their mismanagement Scotland is lagging behind the rest of the UK when it comes to economic growth and we have plummeted down international educational rankings and our healthcare system is struggling.
“On top of this record of failure, hard working Scots now pay more income tax than in any other part of the United Kingdom. They now face the prospect of deep spending cuts and more tax rises after the Scottish Fiscal Commission said the SNP bears most of the responsibility for the financial pressures Scotland now faces.
“Now is the time to provide strong, united leadership based on truly conservative principles of lower taxes and public service which puts the public first.
“Tom knows what it will take to transform public services – by offering a new approach that prioritises individuals and choice. This is exactly what Scotland and our Union needs – public services focussed on delivering for individuals and their families rather than on unnecessary centralisation and bureaucracy.”
Welcoming Liz Smith CBE MSP’s support, Tom Tugendhat said:“Liz is right – we need a new approach to public services throughout the Union. And it is a privilege to have her endorsement to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
“It is an honour to now have over a third of the Conservative Scottish Party endorsing me.
“I fought for all nations in this Union in Afghanistan and Iraq and in Parliament, this has never and will never change.
“A key part of why I am a Conservative is that I know unionism is indivisible from conservatism. As the Conservative Leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”
The First Minister’s former school teacher sought to give a climate lesson to her famous ex-pupil today as the SNP conference got underway in Edinburgh.
The teacher was part of a group of activists from the Edinburgh Climate Coalition urging the SNP to stop rolling back on climate change action following the decision earlier this year to scrap its critical 2030 climate targets.
The teacher wore a black gown and cap whilst standing in front of a large blackboard with repeated lines written on reminding the First Minister “I must try harder to protect the climate. I must try harder to protect the climate. I must try harder to protect the climate…”
Environmentalists have been angered by the regressive approach taken under Swinney’s leadership including removing its opposition to drilling new oil and gas fields, announcing it will increase train fares and slashing millions of pounds from environmental restoration schemes.
Activists spoke to SNP conference delegates and politicians as they went inside the conference urging them to put pressure on decision makers to get back on track.
Caro Wilkinson, who was John Swinney’s German teacher at Forrester High School in Edinburgh commented, “When I taught John Swinney, he was both intelligent and caring. His kindness was clear when he organised a class whip round when I was pregnant to buy me a teddy bear for my new baby.
“He is clever enough to know how urgent the threat of climate change is and so I hope he cares enough for the planet to take the action that’s needed.
“If he does, he’ll speak out against the huge Rosebank oil field, reject the proposed Peterhead gas fired power station and do what he can to put the Scottish Government back on course to fight climate change.”
Luke Henderson, Edinburgh Climate Coalition spokesperson added: “People around the world are already suffering from the impacts of changed climate in fires, floods and landslides but the Scottish Government is going backwards and slowing down the action that will improve lives and cut climate pollution.
“Renewable energy is already far cheaper than new fossil fuels whilst solutions like making public transport more affordable and accessible will help more people get to where they need to be.”
Union: Ministers must not blame spending cuts on public service pay
Ministers must not blame public service pay deals for spending cuts, according to GMB Scotland.
The warning comes as the union announces members have voted to accept a council pay offer and halt looming industrial action.
The union, one of the biggest across Scotland’s local authorities, revealed a ballot of members in councils showed 78% of those voting supported the deal offering up to 5.6% for frontline workers.
The offer from Cosla, representing Scotland’s councils, came just days before the start of strikes in waste and cleansing earlier this month.
Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, confirmed the industrial action, suspended during the vote, would not now go ahead.
He said it was right the offer, delivering a minimum rise of 3.6% for all grades, was weighted to ensure full-time frontline staff got a rise of £1,292 – equivalent to 5.6% for the lowest paid – but criticised needless delays.
Greenaway said: “Council leaders’ lack of urgency and stubborn refusal to ask the Scottish Government for support meant negotiations and uncertainty went on far longer than necessary.
“It should not take imminent strike action to deliver a fair offer but, while it came too late, the deal was above inflation for all staff and weighted to benefit frontline workers most.
“That was what the unions had asked for and, given that, it is no surprise our members accepted it.”
GMB Scotland has criticised the Scottish Government, however, after ministers froze non-essential spending within 24 hours of the offer being made before warning of more cuts this week.
Greenaway said: “Ministers implying a fair pay offer for our members means cuts to spending are only diverting attention from the real cause of the crisis in our public services.
“We have endured more than a decade of cuts not because of staff being paid fairly but because our governments, at Westminster and Holyrood, have failed to properly fund the public sector.
“Government is about choices but, when our public services are struggling to recruit and retain skilled staff, paying council staff fairly is not part of the problem but part of the solution.”
Thank you. And can I first express my sincere condolences for the shocking attack in Solingen last week. Our country knows what it’s like to suffer such senseless and despicable acts and our thoughts are with all the families affected by this terrible event.
And Olaf – thank you. It’s fantastic to be with you here in Berlin.
Not, alas, my first visit here as Prime Minister. Football, it turns out…
Decided to visit it’s second home in Spain, this time. But anyway – it was still an incredible experience…
And a showcase for the fantastic hospitality of this great nation.
So thank you for hosting yet another episode in English footballing trauma! I’ve been through a lot.
Anyway – I’m delighted to be back at this moment of opportunity for our two countries.
Olaf – on every occasion we’ve met, we’ve talked about our ambitions for the future. Our values of security, prosperity, respect and our shared determination to harness the power of government for the service of working people.
That is what we are doing today.
A new UK-Germany Treaty. A once in a generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany.
A new agreement… A testament to the depth and potential of our relationship.
With deeper links on science, technology, development, people, businesses, culture.
A boost to our trading relations.
Germany – of course, already the UK’s second largest trading partner in the world. And through that – a chance to create jobs here and in the UK and deliver that most precious of goods, for both our countries … Economic growth.
Let me be clear – growth is the number one mission of my Government.
And what we understand, clearly is that building relationships with our partners – here in Germany and across Europe is vital to achieving it.
That is what our agreement today represents – the chance that we have.
We’ll also deepen cooperation on shared social challenges. For example, on illegal migration. Because we cannot smash the smuggling gangs who perpetrate this vile trade without the help of our partners.
And I’m really glad that we had substantive discussions today about how we tackle the smuggling gangs and agreed to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration.
So we will renew our commitment to the Calais Group – enhance our intelligence sharing on organised immigration crime. but also – increase collaboration on tackling climate change.
An important goal for the planet, of course for greater energy security, but also – for tackling the drivers of challenges like illegal migration at source.
And finally – at the heart of this Treaty will be a new Defence Agreement. An agreement that builds upon our already formidable defence co-operation but which expands that relationship to face the threats of a volatile world, together.
That of course means a shared resolve to stand up for the security of our people and the wider European continent.
And that begins with our unyielding support for Ukraine – we discussed that in some detail today.
Because, as Europe’s largest contributors to Ukraine’s war efforts, and as the nations with the highest defence expenditure among European countries in NATO, we know only too well the debt we owe to the Ukrainian people who fight not just to defend themselves, but for all the people of Europe.
So today – we reaffirmed our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We also share a common commitment to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, and agree on:
…Israel’s right to self-defence, in compliance with International Humanitarian Law…
…the need for de-escalation across the region; and for restraint and caution to be exercised…
Unfettered humanitarian access into Gaza…
…agreement to a ceasefire and release of all hostages…
…and the importance of working together towards a political solution based on the creation of a Palestinian State alongside a safe and secure Israel.
The only way to provide long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
That of course – is not an easy goal. But it is one that we are committed to pursuing, together.
Because – as today shows – Britain can advance its interests much more effectively when we stand with our friends and partners.
This Treaty is part of a wider reset – grounded in a new spirit of co-operation… with our shared understanding that this will be developed at pace and that we hope to have agreed it by the end of the year.
A Britain reconnected… Resetting our relationships… Rediscovering our common interest…Delivering for working people.
Britain and Germany already have an incredible relationship. We invest billions in each other’s countries. Thousands and thousands of jobs are supported through trade.
And every year, millions of people travel between our two countries; exchanging ideas, collaborating, creating and connecting. But today – we build on that … A bright new future for UK-German relations.
Two great countries – brought closer together than ever before. The strongest strategic partners in Europe and on the world stage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech in the Downing Street garden today on fixing the foundations of our country
When I stood on the steps of Downing Street – just over there – two months ago. I promised this government would serve people like you.
Apprentices. Teachers. Nurses. Small business owners. Firefighters. Those serving our community and our country every day.
I promised that we would get a grip on the problems we face. And that we would be judged by our actions, not by our words.
I said before the election – and I say it again really clearly today: Growth.
And, frankly, by that I do mean wealth creation…
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is the number one priority of this government.
That’s why, in our first few weeks, we set up the National Wealth Fund –
because we want every person and every community to benefit.
It’s why we’ve unlocked planning decisions –
Because we are going to build 1.5 million new homes.
It’s why we’ve set up Great British Energy –
To create good jobs and cut people’s bills.
And it’s why we ended the national strikes that have crippled our country for years.
Because I defy anyone to tell me that you can grow the economy…
when people can’t get to work – because the transport system is broken.
Or can’t return to work – because they’re stuck on an NHS waiting list.
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And these are just the first steps towards the change that people voted for.
The change I’m determined to deliver.
But before the election I also gave a warning.
I said change would not happen overnight.
When there is deep rot in the heart of a structure, you can’t just cover it up.
You can’t tinker with it or rely on quick fixes.
You have to overhaul the entire thing.
Tackle it at root.
Even if it’s harder work and takes more time.
Because otherwise what happens?
The rot returns.
In all the same places.
And it spreads.
Worse than before.
You know that – I know that.
That’s why this project has always been about fixing the foundations of this country.
But I have to be honest with you. Things are worse than we ever imagined.
In the first few weeks, we discovered a £22 billion black hole in the public finances.
And before anyone says ‘oh this is just performative’.
Or ‘playing politics’.
Let’s remember.
The OBR did not know about this.
They didn’t know.
They wrote a letter saying they didn’t know.
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Even just last Wednesday, we found out that
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We borrowed almost £5 billion more than the OBR expected in the last three months alone.
That’s not performative – that’s fact.
But as well as the things we’ve discovered, we’ve also seen shocking scenes across the nation.
A mindless minority of thugs – who thought they could get away with causing chaos.
Smashing up communities and terrifying minorities.
Vandalising and destroying people’s property.
Even trying to set fire to a building – with human beings inside it.
And as if that wasn’t despicable enough.
People displaying swastika tattoos.
Shouting racist slurs on our streets.
Nazi salutes at the cenotaph –
The cenotaph – the very place we honour those who gave their lives for this country.
Desecrating their memory….
Under the pretence – and it is a pretence – of ‘legitimate protest’.
Now they’re learning that crime has consequences.
That I won’t tolerate a break down in law and order under any circumstances.
And I will not listen to those who exploit grieving families, and disrespect local communities.
But these riots didn’t happen in a vacuum. They exposed the state of our country. Revealed a deeply unhealthy society. The cracks in our foundation laid bare –
Weakened by a decade of division and decline.
Infected by a spiral of populism…
Which fed off cycles of failures
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Stuck in the rut of the politics of performance.
And I saw the beginning of that downward spiral firsthand.
Back in 2011.
When riots ripped through London and across the country.
I was then Director of Public Prosecutions.
And when I think back to that time.
I see just how far we have fallen.
Because responding to those riots was hard – of course it was.
But dealing with the riots this summer was much harder.
In 2011, I didn’t doubt the courts could do what they needed to do.
This time – to be honest with you – I genuinely didn’t know.
Let me tell you this. Every day of that disorder – literally every day – we had to check the precise number of prison places we had and where those places were.
To make sure we could arrest, charge and prosecute people quickly.
Not having enough prison places is about as fundamental a failure as you can get.
And those people throwing rocks, torching cars, making threats.
They didn’t just know the system was broken.
They were betting on it.
Gaming it.
They thought – ‘ah, they’ll never arrest me.
And if they do, I won’t be prosecuted.
And if I am, I won’t get much of a sentence.’
They saw the cracks in our society after 14 years of populism and failure – and they exploited them.
That’s what we have inherited.
Not just an economic black hole.
A societal black hole.
And that’s we have to take action and do things differently.
And part of that is being honest with people – about the choices we face. And How tough this will be. And frankly – things will get worse before they get better.
I didn’t want to release prisoners early.
I was Chief Prosecutor for five years.
It goes against the grain of everything I’ve ever done.
But to be blunt – if we hadn’t taken that difficult decision immediately.
We wouldn’t have been able to respond to the riots as we did.
And if we don’t take tough action across the board. We won’t be able to fix the foundations of the country as we need.
I didn’t want to means test the Winter Fuel Payment. But it was a choice we had to make.
A choice to protect the most vulnerable pensioners. while doing what is necessary to repair the public finances.
Because pensioners also rely on a functioning NHS.
Good public transport.
Strong national infrastructure.
They want their children to be able to buy homes.
They want their grandchildren to get a good education.
So we have made that difficult decision –
To mend the public finances.
So everyone benefits in the long term –
Including pensioners.
Now that is a difficult trade off.
And there will be more to come.
I won’t shy away from making unpopular decisions now…
If it’s the right thing for the country in the long term.
That’s what a government of service means.
This shouldn’t be a country where people fear walking down their street.
Their TVs showing cars and buildings being set on fire.
This shouldn’t be a country where the Prime Minister can’t guarantee prison places.
This shouldn’t be a country where people are paying thousands more on their mortgage.
Or waiting months for hospital appointments they desperately need.
Where our waters are filled with sewage.
Where parents worry that their kids won’t get the opportunities they did.
Where nothing seems to work anymore.
So, when I talk about the inheritance the last government left us…
The £22 billion black hole in our finances…
This isn’t about a line on a graph.
That’s about people’s lives.
Your lives.
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This government won’t always be perfect, but I promise you this:
You will be at the heart of it…
In the forefront of our minds…
At the centre of everything we do.
That’s why I wanted to invite you here today.
To show that decent, hard-working people who make up the backbone of this country belong here.
This government is for you.
A garden and a building that were once used for lockdown parties…
Remember the pictures just over there? With the wine and the food.
Well this garden…
And this building…
are now back in your service.
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Those things happened precisely because the government itself lost its focus.
on the hopes and ambitions of working people.
During those recent riots, I made huge asks…
of the police and of the criminal justice system –
People already stretched to the limit.
They knew I was making big asks of them.
And I’m not going to apologise for it.
But let me tell you this – they delivered.
They deserve our gratitude.
And that’s why I went to Southport…
To Lambeth…
To Belfast…
To thank them personally. To shake the hands of the first responders who rose up to the ask I made of them.
They deserve a government that trusts them.
Supports them.
And works with them.
That is the sort of government we will be.
One that works with people, not does things to them.
One that believes in hard graft, not gimmicks.
Honest about the challenges we face…
And working tirelessly to fix them.
That is how we will always work.
Now, next week, parliament returns. The business of politics will resume. But it won’t be business as usual.
Because we can’t go on like this anymore. Things will have to be done differently.
We will do the hard work to root out 14 years of rot. Reverse a decade of decline. And fix the foundations.
Between now and Christmas, we will carry on as we have started. Action not words.
We will introduce legislation and take decisions to protect taxpayers’ money.
To take on the blockers by accelerating planning. to build homes and boost growth.
We’ll move forward this autumn with harnessing the full potential of AI for growth and the public good.
We’ll bring rail service into public ownership, putting passengers first.
The biggest levelling up of workers’ rights in a generation to give people security, dignity and respect at work.
And Great British Energy will be owned by the taxpayer, making money for the taxpayer. Producing clean energy and creating good jobs.
That is our focus for the rest of the year.
But I will be honest with you. There’s a budget coming in October. and it’s going to be painful.
We have no other choice given the situation that we’re in. So those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden. And that’s why we’re cracking down on non-doms.
Those who made the mess should have to do their bit to clean it up. That’s why we’re strengthening the powers of the water regulator and backing tough fines on water companies that have let sewage flood our rivers, lakes and seas.
But just as when I responded to the riots – I’ll have to turn to the country and make big asks of you as well.
To accept short term pain for long term good.
The difficult trade-off for the genuine solution.
And I know that after all that you’ve been through – that is a really big ask and really difficult to hear.
That is not the position we should be in. It’s not the position I want to be in. But we have to end the politics of the easy answer that solves nothing.
But I also know that we can get through this together.
Because the riots didn’t just betray the sickness. They also revealed the cure.
Found not in the cynical conflict of populism. But in the coming together of a country.
The people who got together the morning after. All around the country. With their brooms, their shovels, their trowels. And cleared up their community.
They reminded us who we really are.
I felt real pride in those people who cleaned up the streets.
Rebuilt the walls. Repaired the damage.
And I couldn’t help thinking about the obvious parallels.
Because imagine the pride we will feel as a nation.
When, after the hard work of clearing up the mess is done.
We have a country that we have built together.
Built to last.
That belongs to every single one of us.
And all of us have a stake in it.
Our hard work rewarded – a dozen times over.
Because we’ll have an economy that works for everyone.
An NHS not just back on its feet, but fit for the future.
Streets that everyone feels safe in.
No longer dependent on foreign dictators…because we’re producing our own clean energy right here.
And giving every child – wherever they come from. Whatever their background.The chance – to go as far as their talent will take them.
I won’t lose sight of that prize. I won’t lose sight of what we were elected to do.
And most importantly – I won’t lose sight of the people that we were elected to do it for.
Two more Scottish MSPs announce they are endorsing Tom Tugendhat’s bid to become the next Leader of the Conservative Party
They argue that they’re supporting Tom because he understands the challenges facing Scotland including those around food and energy security, rural communities, and Scotland’s farmers and fishing industries
Joining the eight Conservative MSPs who endorsed Tugendhat earlier this week, demonstrating the strength of support he’s building across Scotland
Two more Members of the Scottish Parliament – Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP – have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party, bringing his total MSP support to 10.
Reiterating their colleagues’ comments, the two MSPs said they want to see an end to 17 years of nationalist SNP rule that has led to failing public services and a government distracted by unnecessary constitutional debates. Scotland needs a government that serves the Scottish people and delivers on their priorities. They believe Tom is the only candidate who will help deliver this.
Celebrating Tom’s passion for Scotland and the wider Union, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities. Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times.
The MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the Union, but understood that if Scotland fails, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.
As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China. As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.
The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries.
Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public. He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values. He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.
The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.
They also believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery. As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs argue thatTom will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era.
In a joint statement, Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP said:“We are proud to join eight of our Conservative MSP colleagues who are endorsing Tom Tugendhat to be the next Leader of the UK Conservative Party.
“Together with our colleagues, we represent all parts of the Scottish Party and recognise the need to have a Conservative Leader at the helm in Westminster who not only champions our successes, but also recognises that if any part of the Union fails, we all fail.
“Tom is that Leader. He is a man of principle, service and duty. Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who knows that Scottish people deserve more, who will champion our nation and is an asset to the Party in Scotland. He understands the challenges our nation faces and will offer real solutions.
“The journey ahead of us is immense. But, this is our opportunity to reset our Party under a new leader who can take the fight to the SNP. Under Tom’s leadership, we can win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people at the Holyrood elections in 2026 and local elections the following year.”
Welcoming the MSPs’ support, Tom Tugendhat said:“It is an absolute privilege to have Brian and Alexander backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
“I am thrilled to have their support, along with 8 of their Conservative MSP colleagues, who announced their support for me earlier this week.
“Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as the Conservative Leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”
PLANS for a Visitor Levy in Edinburgh took another significant step forward yesterday (22 August), as councillors agreed key details of the draft scheme.
It is anticipated that the levy will generate tens of millions of pounds a year to reinvest in the city’s infrastructure and sustainable tourism from summer 2026.
A formal 12-week public consultation seeking further input from residents, visitors and businesses, will commence in the coming weeks. This will inform the final scheme, which will be agreed in January 2025, allowing the 18-month implementation period to begin.
Edinburgh will become the first place in the UK to launch such a city-wide levy, which will drastically help the Council manage the demands of increased tourism while ensuring sustainable investment in the visitor economy, public services, city maintenance, affordable housing and preserving the Capital’s cultural heritage.
Edinburgh Council backed the Lib Dem proposal to split Transient Visitor Levy income, after a fixed Housing investment, between: 55% city operations 35% culture and 10% destination management.
Key highlights of the draft visitor levy scheme include:
Flat 5% charge per night: Visitors staying in accommodation will be required to pay a small, fixed fee per night of 5% of the accommodation cost, capped at seven consecutive nights.
Wide range of accommodation: The levy will apply to paid accommodation including hotels, short-term lets, hostels and bed and breakfasts, but will exclude stays in campsites.
Funding allocation: The levy is expected to raise £45-50 million a year by 2028/29. Revenue generated will be reinvested directly into initiatives that benefit residents and enhance visitor experiences, such as a ‘Well Kept City Fund’, affordable housing, city infrastructure, destination marketing and support for major events and festivals.
Shaped with industry input: The draft scheme has been shaped by many years of engagement with local businesses, residents, and tourism stakeholders including hoteliers.
Expected to launch 2026: When the draft scheme is finalised, early in the new year, the Council will begin working with partners to implement the Visitor Levy and make it live by Summer 2026.
The decision is a victory for Edinburgh housing campaigners and trade unionists:
Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “We can’t take Edinburgh’s incredible cultural offering and reputation as a fantastic place to visit for granted, and a visitor levy presents an innovative way of sustaining the sector and the city.
“It will significantly increase our ability to invest in the visitor experience and the tourism pressures we face, from keeping the city clean to responding to our housing emergency, so that everyone can continue to enjoy all that the city has to offer. By better supporting these services we can secure Edinburgh’s future as a top global destination.
“These proposals have been shaped by the views of residents, visitors and industry. We’re committed to making sure this is the best levy for Edinburgh and will begin our formal consultation as soon as the Scottish Government allow.
“This is a once in generation opportunity for Edinburgh and I look forward to the many benefits a visitor levy will bring, allowing us to reinvest tens of millions of pounds in sustaining and improving the things that make our city so special – for our visitors and residents who live here all year round.”
Neil Ellis, Chairman of the Edinburgh Hotels Association, said: “Edinburgh Hotels Association welcomes the introduction of the visitor levy for its intended use of improving the experience of all visitors, local, national or international, through additional spending.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further enhance Edinburgh’s reputation on the world stage as a must-visit destination.”
Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said:“The visitor levy brings an opportunity to generate crucial funds to invest in our historic city, ensuring its heritage remains authentic and that the UNESCO-designated Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site are protected, enhanced and promoted for future generations.
Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, said: “ELGT are in support of the funds raised from the proposed visitor levy to provide additional resource to make improvements to the city’s public spaces. It will be encouraging to see much needed funding for the upkeep of our much-valued greenspaces that provide many benefits to residents and visitors.
“The funding will also provide an opportunity to develop sustainable improvements to help mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, said:“We welcome the next phase of the consultation by the City of Edinburgh Council.
“The key principle for the implementation of the visitor levy remains, that the money collected and then distributed should be additional to existing Council resources and not replacement funds and be used to finance projects that primarily support the tourism sector.
“We welcome the three potential funding pots which if used appropriately will have a significant impact on how our city looks, and how we can support our crucial heritage and arts/event sectors.
“Importantly, it will also invest in dedicated marketing and promotion, to ensure our successful tourism sector continues to grow sustainably. With an effective public and private partnership driving this work, we are excited that real progress can be made.
“Edinburgh must not take our tourism sector for granted, and if the finance generated through the levy goes towards supporting our tourism sector, then the city will see economic benefits for our business both directly and in the supply chain, employment growth and much needed large infrastructure projects being delivered. This will materially benefit all the residents in the city.
“Essential Edinburgh will continue our engagement with our members, the industry and Council to move forward towards the finalisation of the scheme.’
