Tag: Scottish Government

US and Israel attack Iran

UN CHIEF CONDEMNS AGGRESSION

“The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.” – @antonioguterres condemns military escalation in the Middle East.

I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.   All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the @UN.

The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”  

“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.  

“I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. The Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.”

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER STATEMENT

Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran.

Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region.

I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region – which for so many of us includes friends and family members.

So while the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response.

The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes.

But we have long been clear – the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent.

They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.

Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community.

Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.

So it’s clear – they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies – including the US.

I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict.

We extend our support and solidarity to them.

As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region – which we’ve recently taken steps to strengthen.

Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies – as Britain has done before, in line with international law. 

We’ve stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level.

We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them.

I have been speaking with leaders today – from the E3, and across the region.

It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. 

We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life. 

Iran can end this now. (EH? – Ed.)

They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine their own future, in line with our longstanding position. 

That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table.

FIRST MINISTER JOHN SWINNEY

First Minister @JohnSwinney has called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, following the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran:

JEREMY CORBYN MP:

The attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States are illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable. Peace and diplomacy was possible. Instead, Israel and the United States chose war.

This is the behaviour of rogue states — and they have jeopardised the safety of humankind around the world with this catastrophic act of aggression. Our government must condemn this flagrant breach of international law, and urgently pursue a foreign policy based on justice, sovereignty and peace.

STOP THE WAR COALITION:

Humanitarian aid for Malawi

Two charities are to receive funding to help people in Malawi facing food shortages as a result of prolonged dry spells and widespread flooding.

Tearfund and SCIAF will receive £400,000, which will be split equally between them and delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF)  to help address the humanitarian crisis which has seen widespread crop failure and livestock losses as a result of the climate-shocks.

The funding will allow the two charities to distribute cash to people in the affected areas to meet their immediate food and basic needs. It will also allow the charities to deliver training on cholera prevention, safe water usage and hygiene practices to combat the risk of cholera.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The widespread flooding has killed and displaced many people and exacerbated ongoing food insecurity for millions of people.

“This funding will help support people and businesses directly at a local level – where it is needed – by empowering them to buy food and supplies.”

SCIAF’s Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: “We secured this funding to support Malawian families suffering from the combined challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate-related shocks.  

“Since the onset of rains in November 2025, the country has been hit by floods, leading to deaths, displaced families, and damage to crops.

“A number of households are experiencing malnutrition, particularly children under five, and pregnant and breastfeeding mums. These people urgently require immediate, life-saving assistance to prevent a catastrophe.

“This funding comes at a time when many governments are turning their backs on people suffering from hunger, poverty and injustice around the world. Scotland continues to be a good global citizen. The funding means that we can reach out to over 3100 families with cash grants and much needed high-calorific food such as fortified corn soy blend. It’s literally a life-saver.”

Vincent Moyo, Tearfund Country Director for Malawi, said: “Communities in Nkhotakota are facing an extremely difficult and uncertain period. Repeated flooding and prolonged dry spells have destroyed crops, reduced incomes, and pushed many families to the brink as the lean season intensifies.

“With very limited assistance currently reaching these areas, households are being forced to skip meals and sell the little household assets they have just to survive. 

“This project will provide a vital lifeline at a critical moment – enabling families to meet their most urgent food and basic needs with dignity, while also reducing the risk of cholera through targeted health and hygiene awareness.

“It will help stabilise households’ livelihoods now and prevent an even deeper crisis in the months ahead.”

Maximising the benefits of Tour de France

£1 million boost to deliver lasting legacy for Scotland

A social impact programme will be rolled out to help capture the “once in a generation” benefits of hosting the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ.

National governing body, Scottish Cycling, will work with local authorities and community organisations to deliver a range of projects, funded by £1 million from the Scottish Government.

They will aim to bring long lasting social benefits across communities by helping tackle inactivity, improving mental wellbeing and increasing participation.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead announced the funding during a visit to Rural and Urban Training Scheme in Penicuik, where young people are already experiencing the positive impact of cycling initiatives.

Mr Lochhead said: “Hosting the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ is a once in a generation opportunity. It is the biggest free spectator event in the world and will showcase our country to a global audience.

“But it is about more than just a race. This £1 million investment will ensure communities feel the benefits across Scotland, supporting people to become more active, improving wellbeing and helping local areas to thrive long after the race has left.

“The Tour de France is just one of three upcoming major sporting events – along with this summer’s Commonwealth Games and the UEFA EURO 2028 football championships – that will underline Scotland’s status as a global sporting venue.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling Nick Rennie said: “Today is a huge milestone on the journey towards the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart and underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring this is more than just a bike race, but something that positively impacts the people of Scotland.

“We’re very proud the Scottish Government sees us as a trusted delivery partner and will be doing everything we can to get people from all walks of life on their bikes.”

Champion junior cyclist Daisy Wilkinson, who is on the GB Olympic pathway, said: “It’s amazing to be involved today and to see so many young people enjoying cycling.

“I’ve no doubt the Tour de France will inspire many more people to get on a bike too. I’m already so excited for the Tour de France Grand Depart next summer and will be out on the road cheering on riders.”

The Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh on 2 July 2027 before travelling through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, finishing in Carlisle.

Improving cardiac arrest survival rates

Funding to strengthen emergency response and tackle health inequalities

At least a thousand additional defibrillators and targeted support will be rolled out to improve cardiac arrest survival rates in communities with the poorest outcomes.

First Minister John Swinney announced a £2.5 million investment to improve community capacity to respond to cardiac arrests through the purchase of 1,000 – 1,250 additional defibrillators over three years.

The funding will also support:

  • new Cardiac Arrest Rescue (CARe) Zones to strengthen the community response to cardiac arrests, such as increased CPR training in schools. Areas facing the greatest inequalities will be prioritised.
  • creation of first responder networks that can respond to emergencies quickly in remote areas
  • promotion and increased uptake of the GoodSAM app, supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service, which alerts registered users to nearby cardiac arrests so they can provide first response.

Around 3,700 people experience a cardiac arrest outside hospital every year and defibrillators can help restart the heart before emergency services arrive. The additional defibrillators will be placed in areas where data shows they are most needed.

The First Minister met Scottish Ambulance Service staff and cardiac arrest survivor John Sinclair, who received CPR from a responder using the GoodSAM app.

Mr Swinney said: “Surviving a cardiac arrest often depends on what happens in the minutes before an ambulance arrives.

“That is why we are investing £2.5 million to deliver more defibrillators into communities, strengthen local response networks and ensure more people have the skills and confidence to act.

“Survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have increased since 2015 thanks to the work of Save a Life partners in training more than one million people in CPR skills and improving defibrillation rates. We can and must, however, do more – and this investment will deliver targeted support in the areas that need it most.

“We will work towards ensuring there is a defibrillator within reach of every incident, using evidence to identify the best locations and modes of delivery. We are determined to build a Scotland where everyone, regardless of where they live, has the best possible chance of surviving a cardiac arrest and can live healthier, longer lives.”

Chair of Save a Life for Scotland Dr Gareth Clegg said: “This £2.5 million investment is a transformative step for communities across Scotland.

“By expanding access to defibrillators in the places they are most needed, we are giving many more people the chance to survive cardiac arrest and return home to their families.

“This funding will allow the University of Edinburgh to work in close partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, councils, emergency services, schools and third-sector organisations to ensure defibrillators are not only more numerous, but more equitably and strategically deployed in communities that are ready to use them.”

Save a Life for Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, St John Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Strengthening protections for women and girls

Consultation on further improving justice system

Further protections for women and girls from violence and abuse are being considered as part of a consultation that has been launched, including consideration of a new law on the creation of deepfake intimate images.

While laws already exist covering the sharing of deepfake intimate images, the consultation proposes a new offence which would address issues around the use of artificial intelligence tools to create intimate images without consent.

The consultation also asks for views about criminalising digital tools that are designed solely to generate intimate images and videos.

Pregnancy is a time when women can be at greater risk of domestic abuse. The consultation considers a new statutory aggravation so that courts must take into account treating a domestic abuse offence involving a pregnant woman more seriously in sentencing.

To tackle spiking crimes, where someone is given alcohol or drugs without their consent, the consultation outlines that whilst there are existing effective laws in place, we want to hear views on how best women and girls can be protected from harm.

The consultation also seeks views on whether to remove the need for a court to impose non-harassment orders to improve protection for victims, instead allowing the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to use these as an alternative to prosecuting cases.

The benefits of existing Scots law in dealing with the dangers of non‑fatal strangulation are highlighted in the consultation and views can be offered on whether new criminal laws are needed to deal with this conduct.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and we must ensure we are doing all we can to tackle it, whether it is established or emerging forms of harm.

We have made significant progress already” – including the introduction of the domestic abuse offence, improved training for those supporting victims and new powers to enforce protective orders in Scotland imposed elsewhere in the UK.

“For this consultation I am particularly keen to hear from those with direct experience of harm. The responses will help to inform future action that is needed to achieve the outcome we all seek: stronger protections and actions which lead to lower levels of violence against women and girls and a safer Scotland.”

Consultation: Protections in the justice system for women and girls

The consultation will run until 19 June.

Free, universal learn-to-swim offer

Primary School children to learn vital water safety skills

Primary children will have the chance to learn to swim as the Scottish Government capitalises on the forthcoming ‘spectacular summer of sport’.

The rollout of the National Primary School Swimming Framework, a universal offer to primary aged children, is part of a package of measures to get people more active, inspired by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Scotland men’s team playing in the FIFA World Cup finals.

An additional £40 million for sport has been allocated in the 2026-27 Budget, with £2 million for the swimming initiative in its first year, with plans to expand the offer in future years.

Watching pupils from Pirniehill Primary School learning the basics at a pool in Edinburgh, Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “We believe that every child, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to learn to swim – a core skill that can save lives.

“There is no better time to offer them that chance than now. We are preparing for a spectacular summer of sport which will see Scotland welcome some of the world’s best swimmers to Glasgow and having elite sportsmen and women competing live on our doorstep is an experience which can only serve to inspire. 

“This investment is part of an additional £40 million of funding for sport – enabling more people to get active and enjoy the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits that will last long after this year’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games have come to a close.”

Swimmer Duncan Scott, who has won eight Olympic medals and 13 Commonwealth medals across three Games, said: “I am delighted to see this Scottish Government commitment and investment in school swimming to keep children safer and more confident in, on and around water.  

“As an island nation with so much access to water it’s critical that primary school children have access to basic swimming and water-safety skills.”

Scottish Swimming Chief Executive John Lunn said: “It’s fantastic to see this commitment to school swimming after a long-fought campaign to ensure children have access to basic swimming and water safety skills.

“This is an investment in the future – a future where children are equipped with critical life skills to keep them safer in, on and around water.”

The Scottish Government has allocated an additional £40 million in the 2026-27 Budget for sport.

Scotland’s Budget Bill passed

HOLYROOD has approved the 2026-27 Scottish Budget, including a record £22.5 billion for health and social care and enhanced cost of living support.

The Budget Bill sets out funding of almost £68 billion with investment in Scotland’s infrastructure, direct support for household budgets and extra help for families.  

The spending plans include:

  • continued investment in cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail – and freezing of remaining Scotrail fares
  • free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
  • an increase in the Scottish Child Payment and, from 2027-28, a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months
  • an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
  • significant extra funding for universities and colleges, more than £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency and £4.3 billion transport funding
  • record investment of £926 million for affordable housing supply, record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government’s Budget delivers for the people of Scotland – strengthening our NHS and providing real, practical support with the cost of living.

“It will improve access to healthcare, including funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days per week, and builds on our game-changing work to eradicate child poverty, with an increase in the Scottish Child Payment.

“This Budget demonstrates our determination to improve lives across Scotland, and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.”

WE CAN THANK THE LIB-DEMS, OF COURSE …

‘The £300m that we have secured in a whole host of areas shows just how serious we are about getting stuff done. With the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you get grown-up, sensible politics.

‘You can get more of that by backing us in May on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.’

Budget Bill

Scottish Budget

Tackling stigma around social security

Survey shows stigma could be holding people back from seeking support

People may be missing out on social security support they are entitled to due to stigma around social security, new research shows.

Independent research commissioned by Social Security Scotland found that while nine in ten (91%) people agree anyone could need financial support when their circumstances change – four in ten (39%) say applying would make them feel less positive about themselves. This rises to almost half (48%) among 16 to 34-year-olds.

The survey also shows how negative portrayals could be fuelling this. Three quarters (75%) of people believe those who receive social security support are portrayed negatively by politicians and/or the media. Almost four in ten (39%) of people surveyed agreed people who receive social security are judged negatively by their family and friends.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Everyone should be able to access support without fear or shame, and these findings reinforce why we are delivering social security differently in Scotland — through a system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

“From the language we use to how we deliver our services – we designed our social security system based on feedback from people with lived experience. This has included using more compassionate language in letters, providing help in a format or language that best suits the individual and offering help with applications online, over the phone and in person. We all share responsibility for talking about social security with kindness – words matter.

“We’ll continue to work with clients and stakeholders to make further improvements and help break down the barriers that stop too many people getting the help they are entitled to.”

David Reilly, Communities and Networks Manager at Poverty Alliance added: “Our social security is a public good like the NHS – it’s there for everybody, especially those who need it most.

“There are 1.1 million people in Scotland who are struggling today on a low income – they have the same right to thrive as everybody else.

“But prejudice and negative stereotypes, often starting in our media and politics, then trickling down into our own communities and families – this unfair judgement can hold people back from reaching out and claiming what they’re entitled to – sometimes to the point of starvation and destitution. That’s simply wrong.

“Together, we can stand up for each other and reclaim the idea of social security as a basic human right, and a foundation that allows people to build better futures for themselves and their households.”

Karen Wylie, Policy and Participation Manager at Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) added: “GDA hears from our members that disability benefits are a lifeline not a luxury for disabled people.

“In our survey conducted in October 2025, we heard that stigma played a significant, prohibitive role in how and when people apply for benefits.

“Our members call for a change in narrative around social security so that it’s seen as a human right that not only covers the basics but also covers the additional costs of being disabled and enables people to live full and participative lives with choice and control.” 

Scottish Government confirms Public Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse

Professor Alexis Jay to chair statutory Inquiry

Professor Alexis Jay has agreed to chair a statutory Public Inquiry to examine Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).

In a statement to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to establish a targeted independent Inquiry and establish a Scottish Truth Project.

The Inquiry will focus on the prevalence of group-based CSAE now and in the recent past, whether brought forward by survivors or relating to findings from the independent National Review being led by four Inspectorates.

The new Inquiry will be distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith. The Scottish Government will ensure the new Inquiry does not duplicate the valuable work of the SCAI.

The scope of the Inquiry and its detailed terms of reference will be finalised and confirmed in due course, following input from Prof Jay.

The Education Secretary also announced that the Government intends to establish a Truth Project in Scotland, to enable victims and survivors of CSAE to share their experiences to help inform change and access support.  

Ms Gilruth said: “Survivors of abuse want to see accountability and improvement delivered as quickly as possible, and that sense of urgency is shared by the Scottish Government.

“We are determined to act decisively to protect children from the horrendous harm of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“I consider the establishment of a Public Inquiry to be essential, and from discussions I know Professor Jay wants to ensure that the Inquiry is carried out at pace. Announcing an Independent Public Inquiry today will not cure all which has come before, but it is a statement of intent from this Government that we will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.

“The work of the National Review and Police Scotland’s ongoing review of cases of group-based abuse will ensure that any improvements that must be made to practice or action to bring perpetrators to justice is taken as quickly as possible.

“The Truth Project, to be led by John O’Brien, will ensure that the voice of survivors is central to our collective efforts so that every action is informed by their experience and brings about the changes they have told me must be made.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “The sexual and criminal exploitation of children entails abuse of the most horrific kind, usually at the hands of many perpetrators. The Public Inquiry will get to the truth of exploitation in Scotland in the past and the present, in order to prevent it in the future.

“It will examine the extent to which public authorities and other organisations effectively identify the risk of child exploitation and take action to protect children. I will engage with victims and survivors early, as the terms of reference are formed.”

Education Secretary’s statement to Parliament on protecting children from harm.

Commenting on the Scottish Government announcement today of a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “Children First have long supported victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to fight for better systems of prevention, detection and protection. Scotland has a duty to confront the harm children have suffered and to put a stop to more children being abused.  

“We now need to see full details of this inquiry so we can understand its scope and how it will ensure children’s voices and rights are placed at its centre.

“What cannot wait is urgent investment in specialist support like that provided by Bairns Hoose. This must be made available to every child who needs it so they can safely disclose harm and receive all the help they need to heal and reclaim their childhood.” 

Rising attainment among school leavers

Positive destinations second highest on record

The proportion of young people leaving school with five or more passes at National Courses and Highers, as well as their equivalent vocational and technical qualifications, has increased over the past year.

A record high of 68.6% of young people left school with five or more qualifications at SCQF Level  5 (National 5 equivalent), according to the School Leaver Attainment and Initial Destination statistics 2024-25 published today. Those leaving with five or more passes at SCQF level 6 (Higher equivalent) rose to 40.8%. The gap between those from the most and least deprived areas leaving with five or more qualifications narrowed at Level 5.

Nine out of ten young people (95.7%) were in positive destinations – such as work, training, college or university – three months after leaving school. This is the same level as 2023-24 and the second highest on record.

There has also been a fall in the number of young people leaving school at S4, down by 544 pupils to 7,540, and in S5 (down 370), with more pupils (732) staying on until S6. This starts to reverse the trend seen in the immediate post-COVID period.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “An increasing number of young people are leaving school with five qualifications or more at SCQF Level 5 or better, including National 5s and Highers.

“This underlines the strong recovery we are seeing in education, following the pandemic and the importance of the breadth of choice schools offer to young people in the senior phase.

“It shows the hard work of learners, teachers and parents and carers and comes after we saw record levels of literacy and numeracy in Scotland’s schools in the recent ACEL statistics  

“The Scottish Government has invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade helping improve outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty – and, while this latest data shows there is more to do, we remain determined to address this.

“The proportion of Scotland’s young people in positive destinations remains at a near record high. The welcome increase among those going on to Higher  Education underlines the importance of our commitment to free tuition, ensuring in Scotland education is based on the ability to learn, not pay.

“The recently passed Tertiary Education and Training Bill will also put apprenticeships on a statutory footing for the first time, creating parity with other post-school routes to provide more choices for young people.” 

destinations and attainment of 2024-25 leavers

Literacy and numeracy standards reach record high – gov.scot