Tag: Scottish Government

Commonwealth debt reform backed

Action urged on global debt and sustainable development

The Scottish Government, Malawi and Zambia are calling on Commonwealth countries to work together to tackle the global debt crisis and give Global South countries a stronger voice in international financial decision-making.

A joint statement calls for urgent reforms to the international debt system, including: 

  • fast and fair debt restructuring that helps countries resolve debt problems before they become crises
  • a new international framework, led by the UN or another global body, to help countries resolve debt problems more fairly and efficiently
  • new debt legislation ensuring private lenders share the burden of debt restructuring fairly with other creditors
  • improved access to financial help for climate projects

It highlights growing concern that unsustainable debt repayments are limiting the ability of many countries in the Global South to invest in essential public services, climate resilience and economic development. 

Announcing the joint statement at a reception celebrating Scotland’s longstanding relationship with Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, First Minister John Swinney said: “During my visit to Malawi and Zambia, I met communities who are taking control of their lives and livelihoods through Scottish Government supported, community-led climate resilience programmes, and I learned first-hand about the impact that both debt and climate injustice can have on communities.

“Across the Commonwealth unsustainable debt repayments are consuming resources that should be used to build schools, hospitals, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and climate change is exacerbating this problem. The Global South should not be forced to choose between repaying their creditors and helping their communities to recover from storms and droughts.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners across the Global South on a fair, long-term solution to the global debt crisis and supporting debt solutions that allow countries to invest in people, public services and climate resilience.”

Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika said: “Where Malawi stands now, debt relief needs to be considered seriously as the ameliorative effects of debt restructuring have been very minimal and inconsistent at best.

“We also need debt reforms that improve access to emergency liquidity before, during and after climate disasters.”     

Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka said: “Zambia welcomes this important joint statement and the spirit of solidarity it reflects.

“Our experience has shown that debt justice is not only about easing immediate pressures, but about creating a fairer international system that allows countries to invest in their people, strengthen resilience, and pursue sustainable development.

“We look forward to working with Commonwealth partners to advance reforms that ensure debt solutions are timely, fair, and climate-responsive.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund Lorraine Currie said: “Bringing diplomats, campaigners and academics together for the roundtable on debt justice was a powerful reminder that real progress begins with listening to those most affected and acting alongside them.

“The energy and unity in the room showed what genuine partnership can unlock. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for convening this vital conversation and for keeping debt justice high on Scottish, UK and global agendas.”

The statement was agreed earlier this week by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin, Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka and Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika. 

Debt Justice in the Commonwealth: Glasgow statement – gov.scot

No meeting of minds as Burnham declares Indref 2 ‘off limits’

‘Referendum would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living’

Prime Minister Andy Burnham met the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, in Glasgow yesterday, ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games.

According to Number Ten, the The Prime Minister began by congratulating the First Minister and the city of Glasgow for hosting the Commonwealth Games, especially at short notice, and said he was looking forward to watching the opening ceremony later that evening.

The conversation then turned to how the Prime Minister and First Minister can work more closely together to build a model of devolution to improve people’s lives across Scotland.

The Prime Minister reiterated his belief that deeper devolution could make a real difference in helping communities across the UK to re-industrialise – creating jobs, transforming high streets and reviving local economies – and welcomed the First Minister’s willingness to engage with that process. 

The Prime Minister stated up front that another referendum on independence was off limits because ‘it would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living’.

More broadly, the Prime Minister said this was a moment for both sides to work together in a constructive relationship. He looked forward to regular engagement with the First Minister in the months ahead.

The Scottish Government has not officially commented on the meeting, but First Minister John Swinney tweeted:

‘Good to welcome Prime Minister @andyburnham to Glasgow today. We will work constructively to improve the lives of people in Scotland, but that relationship must also be built on respect for Scotland’s right to choose its own future.’

Legal aid consultation

Building a fairer, more accessible legal aid system

Views are being sought on plans to reform the legal aid system, improving the service for the people who use it and the professionals who deliver it.

The Legal Aid Reform consultation sets out wide-ranging proposals to modernise the system, paving the way for a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill.

Legal aid provides publicly funded assistance to help people pursue or defend their civil legal rights or receive support with their legal defence when they could not otherwise afford to do so.

Proposals include simplifying processes, reducing duplication to support quicker decision making, improving access for those who use legal aid and providing greater autonomy for accredited solicitors.

Scotland’s legal aid system currently supports around 170,000 grants each year, with total expenditure reaching £169 million in 2024-25 – the highest ever annual spend on legal aid in Scotland.

The proposals build on a significant actions already under way, including a 13% increase in solicitor fees which will come into force in September, reforms to children’s and criminal legal aid which will be in place by the end of the year, a new £1.5 million Legal Aid Traineeship Fund supporting up to 40 trainees across Scotland and the establishment of the Independent Fee Review Mechanism Group, which is considering the longer-term changes needed to create a legal assistance system fit for the 21st century.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: “At its heart, this is about building a legal aid system that works better for the people who rely on it and the professionals who deliver it.

“The proposed reforms build on work already underway and align with our wider programme of Public Service Reform, focusing on efficiency, value for money and improved outcomes through more streamlined and effective services.

“This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of legal aid informed by the experience of those who rely on the system and the expertise of those who deliver it. I encourage all those with an interest to share their views.

“Together, we can build a legal aid system that is fairer, more accessible and fit for the future.”

The Reforming Legal Aid consultation will run until 13 October 2026

Offshore wind farms approved

Licences granted for Caledonia offshore wind farms

Two offshore wind farms are set to be developed in the Moray Firth.

The North and South Caledonia offshore windfarms, which will cover an area of 429km2 with up to 140 wind turbines, have been granted consents and marine licences by the Scottish Government. The projects estimate they could generate enough electricity annually to power 2 million households.

In its latest Supply Chain Development Statement, Ocean Winds has committed to spend £1.7 bn in Scotland across the two projects. The wind farms will support jobs across engineering, manufacturing, ports and vessels, as well as creating long-term operations and maintenance roles.

The Caledonia South project is planning to use a mix of foundation technologies and will help advance Scotland’s position as a world-leader in floating wind.

Developer Ocean Winds must mitigate and minimise impacts to the environment and other sea users, including preparing a detailed seabird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for. These plans will need to be approved by Ministers ahead of Caledonia North and South proceeding.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We have given the Caledonia North and South offshore wind farm applications very careful consideration.  

“This consent decision is a significant step in Scotland’s progress towards tackling climate change and reaching net zero, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector.  This investment will be built upon further through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects.

“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation to minimise impacts on the marine environment and other marine users, balancing the needs of people and nature.”

Deputy First Minister visits reopened Glasgow fire site

JENNY GILRUTH PRAISES EFFORTS TO MAKE SITE SAFE

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has praised the emergency services, Glasgow City Council and Scotland’s Railway workers for their efforts in dealing with the huge fire that caused major damage to a large part of Union Street earlier this year.

Ms Gilruth visited the area around Central Station which has reopened fully to the public this afternoon having been closed since the blaze broke out on March 8 this year.

The Scottish Government made available a financial package worth up to £10 million to offer immediate support to those affected and as a contribution toward the longer-term economic recovery in the area.

https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/2078147827037798782/video/1

The Deputy First Minister said: “I want to thank everyone involved in getting this busy part of Glasgow’s city centre fully open for business again – from the hundreds of emergency service workers who were first on the scene to the staff who have worked so hard in the weeks since to make the area safe.

“This was a major recovery operation, and with the Commonwealth Games starting next week, it is a huge boost that the Union Street and Gordon Street entrances to Central Station have also reopened.

“The fire caused major disruption to the public and businesses and following this remarkable recovery effort, the city is now ready to showcase Scotland to the world when the Games get underway with the Opening Ceremony next week.”

Air Departure Tax

Highlands and Islands exemptions set out

All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.

Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.

Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.

The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.

“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.

“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.

“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”

‘Delivering Scotland’s Air Departure Tax’: consultation analysis report

COSLA calls for clarity over severance scheme for councillors

COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:

The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.

Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.

“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.

“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.

“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.

“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”

Animal charities push for compulsory microchipping for Scottish cats

A coalition of animal charities is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats. 

Currently around 69% of owned cats in Scotland are microchipped, and the charities believe the most effective way of achieving a significant increase is by making microchipping compulsory.

The coalition, which includes Cats Protection, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, has written to the newly-re-elected Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, asking him to commit to bringing in compulsory microchipping.

Compulsory microchipping for pet cats was introduced in England in 2024, putting them on a par with dogs.

Cats are naturally curious and can easily become lost, injured or inadvertently trapped in vehicles. Even cats that are kept exclusively indoors can slip outside unnoticed. A microchip significantly increases the chances of a lost or injured cat being safely reunited with its owner. 

Cats Protection Scotland Cat Centre recently took in a pregnant stray whose friendly personality showed she had clearly once been a much-loved pet. Striking Ragdoll Mattel was not microchipped so, despite extensive efforts, an owner could not be traced, and she was eventually rehomed to a new family.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection said: “Around 260,000 cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped.

“Every year, animal welfare organisations take in friendly stray cats that are clearly someone’s pet, but without a microchip identifying their owner can be extremely difficult.

“This places avoidable pressure on rehoming services, occupies valuable pen space that could be used for cats in genuine need, and can ultimately result in cats being rehomed unnecessarily while their owners are left never knowing what happened to them.”

The coalition welcomed the recommendation by the Scottish Welfare Commission that microchipping and registration of owned cats is made compulsory and has offered support to the Scottish Government to enable this.

Microchipping also supports trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) programmes by enabling owned cats to be identified quickly, allowing efforts to focus on genuinely unowned populations. This contributes to effective feral cat management and supports the conservation of the Scottish wildcat by reducing opportunities for hybridisation and disease transmission.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection added: “There’s clear public appetite for compulsory microchipping, with 76% of people in Scotland supporting its introduction.

“As well as helping reunite more cats with their owners, mandatory microchipping would bring benefits for veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations too. We urge the Scottish Government to place this legislation high on its agenda during the current parliamentary session.”

Call for review of bowel cancer screening age

With bowel cancer cases rising among under 50’s in Scotland, extending bowel cancer screening could save more lives.

Public Health Minister @MareeToddMSP has asked the UK National Screening Committee to consider reviewing the recommended age for bowel cancer screening.

Local MSP questions Scottish Government over it’s commitment to heat networks in Edinburgh Northern

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.

Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings. 

The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.

Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.

However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.

“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.

“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.

“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”