Plans to transform social care across Scotland will be progressed after the Scottish Parliament approved the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Thousands of people with experience of accessing, delivering and receiving social care, social work and community health services have helped co-design the legislation, putting people at the heart of reform.
The Bill will bring forward a number of enhancements to social care that include:
enshrining Anne’s Law into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter
strengthening support for unpaid carers by establishing a legal right to breaks, following the additional £13 million already allocated for up to 40,000 carers to take voluntary sector short breaks
empowering people to access information on their care and improving the flow of information across care settings
improving access to independent advocacy to guarantee people are heard and involved in decisions about their own care
creating a National Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector, as part of plans for a new National Social Work Agency.
Alongside the Bill, an advisory board will be established to drive progress and scrutinise reform, replacing an interim board that met for the first time in May.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “More than 200,000 people across Scotland access care each year.
“Anyone may need care during their lives, and that care should be high quality and delivered consistently across Scotland.
“That is why we have been so determined to bring forward much-needed reform, alongside the work we are already doing through the near £2.2 billion total investment in social care and integration in 2025-26.
“Reform is not easy to deliver and it is being made more challenging by recent UK Government changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions and changes to migration. These will undoubtedly impact on care delivery.
“However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver the sustainable change to social care that people urgently need.
“This is a significant step that will strengthen the rights of people living in care homes, support unpaid carers and social workers and improve experiences for the many people who access social care across Scotland.”
An essential care supporter is someone, for example close relatives or friends, who plays a vital role in providing their loved ones with regular care and support alongside staff. This includes companionship, personal support and advocacy.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh has called for action to minimise impacts on Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camps following recent International Aid cuts.
Convened by MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, the CPG met on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The meeting featured an update from Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Manchester, who spoke on behalf of the newly appointed High Commissioner, H.E. Abida Islam.
The session drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including members of the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora, students, local councillors, representatives from the Europe Bangladeshi Federation, the North East Bangladeshi Association (NEBA), entrepreneurs, and academics from the Universities of Stirling, Dundee, Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Newcastle.
Mr Hosen provided an overview of the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the ongoing social and economic pressures on host communities as the country enters its eighth year of sheltering over one million Rohingya refugees.
The CPG focused on the deepening refugee crisis, hearing a remote briefing from Maruf Mohammad Shehab, Head of Innovation and Resource Mobilisation Partnerships at ActionAid UK.
Speaking from Bangladesh, Mr Shehab outlined ActionAid’s humanitarian work in Cox’s Bazar, where in 2024 alone, the organisation reached over 901,000 individuals. Their efforts span gender-based violence prevention, youth empowerment, emergency shelter provision, hygiene kit distribution, and psychosocial support.
However, Mr Shehab expressed serious concerns about a growing funding shortfall. The 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya crisis is currently only 43% funded, jeopardising essential services such as safe spaces for women and children, education, and mental health care.
ActionAid warned that deteriorating conditions are fuelling rising violence and eroding community resilience within the camps.
This was followed by a presentation from Geraldine O’Callaghan, Director at the United Nations World Food Programme’s Global Office in London, who addressed the critical issue of food insecurity. Ms O’Callaghan noted that due to funding constraints, food rations have been drastically reduced, placing the refugee population, already vulnerable, at heightened risk of malnutrition.
Background
Cox’s Bazar currently hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar due to systematic violence and human rights abuses over the past six years. An additional 35,000 are housed on Bhasan Char Island, making this one of the largest protracted refugee crises in the world.
The situation has further deteriorated due to extreme weather events, including monsoon floods and storms that have destroyed shelters and displaced thousands within the camps. Renewed violence in Myanmar has triggered an influx of over 118,000 new refugees as of May 2025, overwhelming an already under-resourced humanitarian infrastructure.
The CPG raised urgent concerns over the lack of sustained international attention and appealed for immediate action, particularly in light of recent USAID funding cuts that have severely impacted vital services, especially for children who make up more than half of the refugee population.
MSPs Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs, who visited Cox’s Bazar in 2023, spoke of witnessing the magnitude of the crisis firsthand. They emphasised the critical need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vaccination and disease prevention, and called for ongoing international support to meet urgent health and safety needs in the camps.
MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “The CPG is keen to raise awareness of the Rohingya crisis following the recent USAID cuts. Bangladeshi diaspora have raised their concerns regarding the growing population of Rohingya refugees and lack of action from the international community.
The crisis seems to have been forgotten and needs to be brought back to the forefront of international attention.
“We must ensure that the Rohingya people are not left behind, especially as they face increasing challenges due to funding shortfalls that threaten essential services such as food aid, healthcare, and education.”
He added: ““It was fantastic to hear the update from the new Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh and commitments of the new Bangladeshi Government to work collaboratively with the CPG to continue to strengthen ties between Scotland and Bangladesh and work on common priorities.
“These include addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, advancing climate resilience, enhancing educational exchanges, and promoting inclusive development. The CPG is committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and partnerships that reflect our shared values and mutual interests.
“We look forward to continuing this collaboration between Scotland and Bangladesh on the refugee crisis and prioritise areas such as climate change, international development and education.”
Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Rahman Habib also attended the meeting to announce the UK’s first Rohingya Memorial Stone in Bradford which is set to serve as a reminder of the ongoing difficulties faced by the Rohingya people and commemorate the victims and survivors of the Rohingya crisis.
CPG Convenors Foysol Choudhury and Miles Briggs warmly accepted the invitation to attend the official unveiling of the Rohingya Memorial in Bradford on 25th August 2025.
The meeting concluded with updates from the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora on youth leadership, education, and climate justice initiatives, underscoring the strong and evolving partnership between Scotland and Bangladesh.
The Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh remains committed to championing these shared priorities and continuing its advocacy on humanitarian issues, international development, and the concerns of the Bangladeshi community in Scotland.
Here’s the full Bangla translation:
হোলিরুডের বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংকট নিয়ে জরুরি পদক্ষেপের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে স্কটিশ পার্লামেন্টের বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ (সিপিজি) সম্প্রতি আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তা হ্রাসের প্রেক্ষাপটে কক্সবাজারের রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী ক্যাম্পগুলোর উপর প্রভাব কমানোর জন্য জরুরি পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।
এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস-এর আহ্বানে ২০২৫ সালের ৩ জুন মঙ্গলবার অনুষ্ঠিত এই বৈঠকে চলমান মানবিক সংকট নিয়ে আলোচনা হয়। বৈঠকে ম্যানচেস্টারে নিযুক্ত বাংলাদেশের সহকারী হাইকমিশনার মোহাম্মদ জোবায়েদ হোসেন উপস্থিত ছিলেন, যিনি সদ্য নিযুক্ত হাইকমিশনার মহামান্য আবিদা ইসলামের পক্ষে বক্তব্য রাখেন।
এই বৈঠকে স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসী সমাজের সদস্য, শিক্ষার্থী, স্থানীয় কাউন্সিলর, ইউরোপ বাংলাদেশি ফেডারেশন, নর্থ ইস্ট বাংলাদেশি অ্যাসোসিয়েশন (NEBA), উদ্যোক্তা এবং স্টার্লিং, ডান্ডি, এডিনবার্গ, স্ট্রাথক্লাইড এবং নিউক্যাসল বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের শিক্ষাবিদসহ বিভিন্ন শ্রেণি-পেশার মানুষ অংশ নেন।
মো. হোসেন বাংলাদেশে চলমান পরিস্থিতির একটি সার্বিক চিত্র উপস্থাপন করেন এবং উল্লেখ করেন যে, রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থীদের আশ্রয় দেয়ার ফলে দীর্ঘ আট বছর ধরে স্বাগতিক বাংলাদেশি জনগোষ্ঠীর উপর সামাজিক ও অর্থনৈতিক চাপ বাড়ছে।
সিপিজি বৈঠকে রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংকট আরও গভীরতর হচ্ছে বলে আলোচনা হয়। বাংলাদেশ থেকে ভার্চুয়াল মাধ্যমে যুক্ত হয়ে অ্যাকশনএইড ইউকে-র ইনোভেশন ও রিসোর্স মোবিলাইজেশন পার্টনারশিপ বিভাগের প্রধান মারুফ মোহাম্মদ শহাব একটি বিস্তারিত আপডেট দেন। তিনি জানান, কক্সবাজারে ২০২৪ সালেই অ্যাকশনএইড প্রায় ৯ লাখের বেশি মানুষের কাছে সহায়তা পৌঁছে দিয়েছে। এ সহায়তার মধ্যে রয়েছে নারী নির্যাতন প্রতিরোধ, যুব ক্ষমতায়ন, জরুরি আশ্রয় প্রদান, স্বাস্থ্যবিধি কিট বিতরণ এবং মানসিক সহায়তা সেবা।
তবে, শহাব জানান যে বর্তমানে তহবিল সংকট ভয়াবহ আকার ধারণ করেছে। ২০২৫ সালের জন্য রোহিঙ্গা সংকট মোকাবিলায় যৌথ প্রতিক্রিয়া পরিকল্পনা (জেআরপি) মাত্র ৪৩% অর্থায়িত হয়েছে, ফলে নারীদের ও শিশুদের জন্য নিরাপদ স্থান, শিক্ষা এবং মানসিক স্বাস্থ্যসেবার মতো গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কার্যক্রম হুমকির মুখে পড়েছে। তিনি সতর্ক করেন যে এই সঙ্কট আরও সহিংসতা সৃষ্টি করছে এবং শরণার্থী ক্যাম্পগুলোর সামাজিক সহনশীলতা নষ্ট করছে।
এরপর জাতিসংঘের বিশ্ব খাদ্য কর্মসূচির লন্ডন অফিসের পরিচালক জেরালডিন ও’ক্যালাঘান একটি উপস্থাপনা দেন, যেখানে খাদ্য নিরাপত্তাহীনতার ভয়াবহ চিত্র তুলে ধরা হয়। তিনি বলেন, তহবিল সংকটের কারণে খাদ্য রেশন কঠোরভাবে হ্রাস করা হয়েছে, ফলে শরণার্থীরা অপুষ্টি ও অনাহারের ঝুঁকিতে রয়েছে।
সংকটের পটভূমি কক্সবাজারে বর্তমানে প্রায় ১০ লাখ রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী অবস্থান করছে, যারা গত ছয় বছরে মিয়ানমারে রাষ্ট্রীয় নিপীড়ন ও মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের কারণে পালিয়ে এসেছে। অতিরিক্ত ৩৫ হাজার রোহিঙ্গা ভাসানচরে অবস্থান করছে। এটি বিশ্বের অন্যতম বৃহৎ দীর্ঘস্থায়ী শরণার্থী সংকট হিসেবে পরিগণিত।
ঘূর্ণিঝড় ও মৌসুমি বন্যার মতো চরম আবহাওয়া পরিস্থিতির কারণে ক্যাম্পে বসবাসরত বহু মানুষ আশ্রয় হারিয়েছে। ২০২৫ সালের মে মাস পর্যন্ত মিয়ানমারে নতুন করে সহিংসতা ছড়িয়ে পড়ায় আরও ১ লাখ ১৮ হাজার নতুন শরণার্থী বাংলাদেশে আশ্রয় নিয়েছে, যা ইতিমধ্যেই দুর্বল মানবিক সহায়তা কাঠামোকে অতিরিক্ত চাপে ফেলেছে।
সিপিজি বৈঠকে অংশগ্রহণকারীরা আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তার অভাব নিয়ে গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেন। তারা অবিলম্বে পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের আহ্বান জানান, বিশেষ করে সম্প্রতি ইউএসএইড (USAID) এর অনুদান কমিয়ে দেয়ার ফলে শিশুদের জন্য খাদ্য, স্বাস্থ্যসেবা এবং শিক্ষার মতো মৌলিক সেবাগুলো ঝুঁকির মুখে পড়েছে।
২০২৩ সালে কক্সবাজার সফর করা এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস জানান যে, তারা সরেজমিনে রোহিঙ্গা সংকটের ভয়াবহতা প্রত্যক্ষ করেছেন। তারা ক্যাম্পে টিকাদান ও রোগ প্রতিরোধসহ স্বাস্থ্যসেবা উন্নয়নের প্রয়োজনীয়তার উপর জোর দেন এবং আন্তর্জাতিক সহায়তা জোরদারের আহ্বান জানান।
এমএসপি ফয়ছল চৌধুরী বলেন: “সম্প্রতি ইউএসএইড-এর অনুদান হ্রাসের পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে সিপিজি রোহিঙ্গা সংকট নিয়ে সচেতনতা বাড়াতে আগ্রহী। বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসীরা ক্রমবর্ধমান রোহিঙ্গা শরণার্থী সংখ্যা ও আন্তর্জাতিক সমাজের নিষ্ক্রিয়তা নিয়ে তাদের উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছেন। এই সংকট যেন ধীরে ধীরে ভুলে যাওয়া হচ্ছে, যা ফের আন্তর্জাতিক অঙ্গনে আলোচনায় ফিরিয়ে আনা জরুরি। আমরা নিশ্চিত করতে চাই যে, রোহিঙ্গারা যেন এই দুঃসময়ে পিছিয়ে না পড়ে – বিশেষত যখন খাদ্য সহায়তা, স্বাস্থ্যসেবা ও শিক্ষা হুমকির মুখে।”
তিনি আরও বলেন: “বাংলাদেশের নতুন সহকারী হাইকমিশনারের কাছ থেকে আপডেট শুনে ভালো লেগেছে এবং নতুন সরকারের পক্ষ থেকে স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে সম্পর্ক জোরদারে সহযোগিতার প্রতিশ্রুতি আশাজনক। এই যৌথ প্রয়াসের মধ্যে রয়েছে রোহিঙ্গা সংকট মোকাবিলা, জলবায়ু সহনশীলতা উন্নয়ন, শিক্ষাক্ষেত্রে আদান-প্রদান এবং অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক উন্নয়ন। সিপিজি অর্থবহ সংলাপ ও অংশীদারিত্ব গড়তে প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ, যা আমাদের অভিন্ন মূল্যবোধ ও পারস্পরিক স্বার্থকে প্রতিফলিত করে।
“আমরা স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে এই সহযোগিতা আরও এগিয়ে নিতে এবং জলবায়ু পরিবর্তন, আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন ও শিক্ষা-সহ বিভিন্ন অগ্রাধিকারমূলক বিষয়ে একসাথে কাজ করতে দৃঢ় প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ।”
নিউক্যাসলের সাবেক লর্ড মেয়র কাউন্সিলর রহমান হাবিবও বৈঠকে উপস্থিত ছিলেন। তিনি যুক্তরাজ্যের প্রথম রোহিঙ্গা স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ ‘রোহিঙ্গা মেমোরিয়াল স্টোন’-এর ঘোষণা দেন, যা ব্র্যাডফোর্ডে স্থাপন করা হবে। এই স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ রোহিঙ্গা জনগণের চলমান দুঃখ-কষ্টের স্মারক হিসেবে কাজ করবে এবং এই সংকটের ভুক্তভোগী ও বেঁচে থাকা মানুষদের স্মরণে নিবেদিত থাকবে। সিপিজি-এর আহ্বায়ক ফয়ছল চৌধুরী এবং মাইলস ব্রিগস ২৫ আগস্ট ২০২৫ তারিখে ব্র্যাডফোর্ডে অনুষ্ঠেয় স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ উন্মোচন অনুষ্ঠানে অংশগ্রহণের আমন্ত্রণ আন্তরিকভাবে গ্রহণ করেন।
বৈঠকের শেষে স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি প্রবাসীদের পক্ষ থেকে যুব নেতৃত্ব, শিক্ষা ও জলবায়ু ন্যায়বিচার বিষয়ক বিভিন্ন উদ্যোগের অগ্রগতি তুলে ধরা হয়, যা স্কটল্যান্ড ও বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে মজবুত ও বিকাশমান অংশীদারিত্বের প্রতিফলন।
বাংলাদেশ বিষয়ক ক্রস-পার্টি গ্রুপ মানবিক সংকট, আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন এবং স্কটল্যান্ডে বাংলাদেশি কমিউনিটির বিভিন্ন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়ে সচেতনতা এবং সুরক্ষায় অঙ্গীকারবদ্ধ।
Amendments passed to strengthen protection for tenants
Legislation to improve tenants’ rights and introduce homelessness prevention measures has completed Stage 2 scrutiny by a cross-party committee of MSPs.
The Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament last year to help tackle poverty by improving the experience of renters and introducing a range of new duties to prevent homelessness.
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee approved a number of Scottish Government amendments to the Bill at Stage 2, including powers to implement Awaab’s Law that would give social tenants greater protection against damp and mould, and measures to set out how rents could be capped in rent control areas.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Housing Bill will play an important role in our efforts to tackle poverty by keeping rent affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes by securing tenancies.
“Our amendments on rent control not only provide certainty for tenants but also provide more clarity to the housing sector on what our rent control proposals will look like, giving investors confidence to continue to support housebuilding in Scotland.
“We have also introduced plans to implement Awaab’s Law which will mean everyone can have the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home free from disrepair.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for people threatened with homelessness. The Housing Bill will provide even greater protection, so I am pleased the Committee has completed its Stage 2 scrutiny and I look forward to working with Members across the chamber as the legislation goes through the final Stage 3 process.”
On 29th May 2025, the Gandhian Peace Society, under the leadership of General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, convened a landmark event at the Fleming Room of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
In an inspiring convergence of values and voices, the Fleming Room at the Scottish Parliament became a sanctuary of peace, non-violence, and unity as the Gandhian Peace Society, led by General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, hosted a landmark event celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
The occasion marked a reflection on Gandhian values but also a celebration of a historic milestone: the first-ever motion passed in Scotland against Hinduphobia, community cohesion, unity, and philanthropy works.
A significant highlight of the event was the unanimous appreciation of the Gandhian Peace Society’s role in building intercultural bridges and promoting peace.
It was attended by cross-party parliamentarians, diplomats, and community leaders, the event underscored the resonance of Gandhian ethics in Scotland’s pursuit of social justice and self-determination. Scottish Parliamentarians, speaking from across party lines, endorsed the relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s turbulent global climate.
“In these divisive times, the teachings of Gandhi offer a path not just to peace, but to purpose,”
The Fleming Room, a space typically reserved for parliamentary committee discussions, transformed into a forum for intercultural solidarity.
The Gandhian Society’s event drew MSPs from the Alba Party, SNP, Labour, and Unionist factions, alongside representatives from the Indian Consulate, the French Consulate, the African Consulate, and members of the House of Lords, as well as very high-profile dignitaries across the UK.
This diverse assembly reflected the universal applicability of Gandhi’s teachings, particularly in a nation navigating the complexities of independence aspirations and multicultural cohesion.
General Secretary Dhruva Kumar delivered a rousing address outlining the Society’s initiatives in promoting social unity, mutual respect, and constructive non-violence.
“Gandhiji’s values are not relics of the past but blueprints for a just and inclusive society. In the Scottish aspiration for independence, there lies a parallel quest for dignity and self-determination that echoes Gandhi’s dream for India,” Kumar said.
Dhruva Kumar, a scholar, educationist-turned-activist, political figure and former Alba Party parliamentary candidate, framed the motion as a testament to Gandhi’s relevance in modern governance.
“Non-violence is not passive acceptance but active resistance to injustice,” he asserted, drawing parallels between India’s independence struggle and Scotland’s constitutional ambitions.
His address highlighted how Gandhian principles, decentralised governance, economic equity, and social harmony align with Scotland’s vision of an inclusive, self-determined future.
The Gandhian Society’s advocacy extends beyond legislative change.
“I was honoured to be invited and say a few words at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament organised by the Gandhian Society to honour the work done, said Christian Albuisson, Conseiller des Français de l’Etranger.
“I was glad to have the opportunity of meeting people of goodwill from so many different backgrounds and to discover the work done by the society. Let’s work together for a better world!”
The 29th May event transcended ceremonial significance, crystallising a broader movement for equity.
As Scotland contends with independence debates and societal fractures, the Society’s fusion of Gandhian philosophy and pragmatic policy offers a cohesive framework. The true measure of progress, as Kumar noted, lies in “translating parliamentary applause into palpable change”, a task requiring sustained collaboration across political, cultural, and economic spheres.
In the spirit of Gandhi’s satyagraha (truth force), Scotland’s journey toward inclusivity and self-determination continues, guided by the conviction that justice, much like independence, is not bestowed but built.”
Should schools be recording and reporting on the use of restraint and seclusion? This is just one of the questions a Scottish Parliament committee is asking as it considers a new Bill.
The Education, Children and Young People Committee will be considering the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill, which has been introduced by Daniel Johnson MSP.
The Bill aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, as well as stating that schools would need to inform the parent of a child or young person subjected to restraint or seclusion about the incident and annually report on the use of either approach.
Restraint and seclusion have been used in schools to manage children’s behaviours, but there have been serious concerns about both practices for several years, with campaigners calling for change.
If the Bill is passed, schools would need to be issued with detailed guidance about the use of restraint and seclusion. Schools would also need to inform parents of when restraint and seclusion have been used and maintain a report on the use of these approaches.
The Committee would like to understand whether the measures outlined in the Bill are appropriate.
Douglas Ross, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, (who knows a fair bit about bad behaviour! – Ed.) said: “The use of restraint and seclusion has been controversial for many years.
“This Bill aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion and we want to understand the implications of adopting this approach on children and young people, parents and professionals.
“The Committee is keen to hear from people who have views on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. We’re also interested in hearing from teachers, school leaders and specialists to give us a broad perspective of views on the proposals in this Bill.”
ASH Scotland has welcomed the unanimous vote by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Thursday 29 May 2025) to pass the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill Legislative Consent Motion (LCM).
The health charity believes this will be a positive step towards the opportunity of bringing in strong measures to drive down the use of tobacco as well as addictive, health harming nicotine products in the next generation.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “In supporting the World Health Organization’s 2025 World No Tobacco Day campaign in Scotland, the predatory tobacco and nicotine industry’s marketing tactics must be stopped to prevent a new wave of addiction and today’s vote sends a signal that our elected representatives are rising to that challenge.
“We welcome the cross party support for the proposed robust measures in the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the Scottish Government’s LCM to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.”
A new report published by a Scottish Parliament committee is calling for a world-leading pilot project, which puts people at the heart of politics, to be made permanent.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee wants to see the Scottish Parliament continue its cutting-edge approach to embedding deliberative democracy in its work.
It follows the success of a series of ‘People’s Panels’ which brought together groups of randomly selected people, who reflect the makeup of the Scottish population, to learn about and discuss an issue, before making recommendations about what action should happen and how things should change to tackle it.
The Committee has published a plan as to how People’s Panels could be rolled out from the start of the new parliamentary term in 2026.
Committee Convener, Jackson Carlaw, MSP, said: “The idea that the people of Scotland can and should play an important role in the work of the Scottish Parliament forms part of its founding principles.
Engaging better with communities, particularly when understanding whether laws and policies that affect them are working properly, is essential.
“We have seen how people’s panels have positively impacted the work of committees by supporting their role scrutinising Scottish Government policy and driving recommendations for change.
“By giving committees access to this innovative tool, Parliament can better connect with individuals, groups and communities from every part of Scotland, building trust between the public and politics, and involving the public directly in the important issues of the day.”
The plan sets out proposals for four people’s panels to operate in the next session of the Scottish Parliament, one a year from 2027 to 2030. It also provides clear guidance and criteria for how and when a panel can be used, what the selection process should be and how committees use and respond to their work.
Impact of People’s Panels
The most recent People’s Panels took place in 2024 – one on climate change and the other looking at reducing drug harm and deaths.
These brought together two groups of approximately 25 randomly selected citizens who broadly reflected Scotland’s demographics across gender, age, region, ethnicity, disability and educational level. Tasked by committees to answer a question, they spent two weekends learning about the given topic, hearing from and questioning subject experts, before debating, deliberating and making informed recommendations to the relevant Scottish Parliament committee involved.
The Panels’ recommendations had a direct impact on scrutinising legislation and have since influenced policy, informed debates, and been used by MSPs suggesting amendments to legislation.
Of the 19 recommendations that were made by the People’s Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths, the Scottish Government accepted, either in full or in principle, the 18 recommendations directed at them. One recommendation was for further Parliamentary scrutiny focused on drug supply in the prison sector, which is being taken forward by the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s recommendations are set to be debated by the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 3rd June.
Panel member quotes
Caroline Bunce from Renfrewshire took part in a People’s Panel set up to make recommendations to answer the question: ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’
She said: “For me, it felt that maybe the Government would listen to our recommendations as we were the spokespeople for the public and more help could be made available.
“I would strongly recommend anyone who is selected to go on a People’s Panel in the future to participate as it is a great experience and a unique opportunity.”
Gillian Ruane, from Dumfries, took part in a panel on Public Participation.
She said: “I was given the opportunity to participate in discussions and listen to various perspectives from a diverse group representing all of Scotland. Together, we made our recommendations as a group and its fantastic to be part of shaping decisions on public participation.
“I now know there is a difference between the Parliament and the Government. As citizens we have a lot more power than we believe we have. Parliament is held accountable by the citizens, and the government is held accountable by the parliament. It’s up to the individual to make their voice heard and make an impact.”
Former panel member, Alan Currie, from Glasgow, said: “The most valuable thing about the panel was to see my input and other citizens ideas from our deliberations with experts lead to meaningful contributions.
“It enabled all attendees, irrespective of background, an opportunity to contribute to the workings of the Parliament.”
Yesterday (Tuesday 20 May) pupils met at the Scottish Parliament for a special space-themed walk for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week.Pupils from Royal Mile Primary School in Edinburgh dressed as astronauts for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (19-23 May).
Joined by representatives from City of Edinburgh Council they embarked on a space-themed walk to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, enjoying discovering facts about the solar system and how walking and wheeling to school can help protect our planet. Pupils also enjoyed a visit to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, the only science centre and planetarium in Edinburgh.
During Walk to School Week, pupils across Scotland are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school each day during the week, to feel the benefits of getting active before the school day.
This year’s Walk to School Week theme, The Great Space Walk, has inspired thousands of children to travel actively to school each day of the week, with over 250,000 pupils already signed up for the challenge.
Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “Walk to School Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary steps pupils across Scotland are taking to make their journey to school more active, which is better for individuals, communities and the planet.
“By choosing to walk, they’re showing how small actions lead to big impacts, such as easing congestion, improving air quality, and creating cleaner, healthier streets. We hope this week inspires others to walk and wheel to school and discover how easy it can be to make their daily commute truly ‘out of this world’.”
Mrs Black, Head Teacher at Royal Mile Primary School said:“It is wonderful to see how much our children enjoy participating in the WOW challenge, and having their hard work acknowledged in this way is incredibly rewarding.
“We are extremely proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm to walk and wheel to school in all weathers. We’ve also seen a real difference in the number of cars outside the school gates, making the roads safer for pupils and the wider community.”
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“Walking, wheeling and cycling to school has such a positive impact on young people. It helps build independence, improves road awareness, and helps pupils start the day feeling energised and ready to learn.
“From ambitious active travel projects like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and Roseburn to Union Canal along with traffic calming and road safety measures – we’re committed to making people feel more comfortable walking, wheeling, and cycling, whilst creating more liveable and inclusive streets and neighbourhoods.
“Congratulations to the pupils and staff at Royal Mile Primary School for their outstanding commitment to travelling to school in safer, healthier, and more sustainable ways.”
The pupil-led initiative encourages students to log their active journeys to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school once a week for a month are rewarded with a special collectible badge.
You can find out more about Living Streets, Walk to School Week and WOW – the walk to school challenge at Home | Living Streets.
Groups representing Scottish sex workers unite to fight Ash Regan’s bill to criminalise the purchase of sex
Public urged to use new one-click email tool to tell their MSP to oppose Regan’s dangerous proposals
Groups warn new law would increase violence and discrimination against sex workers
Scottish sex workers have launched a campaign to fight proposed new laws that would criminalise the purchase of sexual services in Scotland.
The Scotland for Decrim campaign has been set up to oppose Alba MSP Ash Regan’s new Prostitution (Offences And Support) (Scotland) Bill, which is set to be presented to the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday).
Sex workers have warned that these laws would put them in more danger, pushing the industry underground, increasing stigma, and exposing people to more violence and poverty. This isn’t just about policy – it’s about real lives. Criminalising clients won’t stop sex work, but it will make it far less safe.
Campaigners are urging members of the public to use a new one-click online tool to email their MSP to block the new legislation, which polls show is opposed by the Scottish public.
A YouGov poll of 1,088 Scottish adults, carried out last year, showed that Scots firmly oppose the Nordic Model, with 47% saying it should be legal for a person to pay someone to have sex with them, versus 32% who think it should not be legal.
The poll showed that 69% of Scots say the MSPs should focus on protecting the health and safety of sex workers, and providing support to people who want to leave the industry, compared to just 14% who support new laws to prevent people exchanging sexual services for money.
An official government review of similar legislation in Northern Ireland – the only nation in the UK to enact the Nordic Model – found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”.
It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Scotland for Decrim absolutely rejects Ash Regan’s attempts to bring in the Nordic Model on sex work in Scotland.
“As a sex worker-led coalition campaigning for our rights, we know that this offensive bill will endanger sex workers by exposing us to more violence, poverty, and exploitation.
“Criminalising clients does not solve the reasons why people go into sex work: because of financial need, caring responsibilities, disability, or simply preferring this work to other kinds of work.
“Sex workers are the experts on our own needs. We know that only full decriminalisation will protect our safety, health, and human rights, giving us the power to choose when and how we work. The Scottish Government must also urgently strengthen the social security system so that everyone has access to the resources they need to live, and so that no one has to do sex work if they don’t want to.
“This Nordic Model bill would be disastrous for sex workers’ safety, as we have seen in other countries where this model has been implemented and sex workers have experienced more violence from clients and the police. Sex workers don’t want this, the Scottish public doesn’t want this, and politicians from a range of parties oppose this dangerous bill.”
Lynsey Walton, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety charity, said: “This bill won’t reduce harm; it will increase it. Criminalising the purchase of sex doesn’t protect anyone. It pushes sex work further underground, makes it harder for people to report violence, and forces those already at risk into even more dangerous situations.
“NUM stands in solidarity with sex workers across Scotland who are calling for safety, not criminalisation. We hear every day what they need: access to justice, housing, healthcare, and a voice in the laws that shape their lives. This bill ignores that—and it puts lives at risk.
“It’s therefore no surprise that opinion polling shows Scots overwhelmingly oppose Ash Regan’s plans for the Nordic Model, alongside international organisations such as Amnesty, UN Aids and the World Health Organisation.”
A spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes, which represents sex workers across the UK, said: “If Ash Regan wants to reduce prostitution she should look at reducing women’s poverty, and specifically mothers’ poverty, which is pushing more and more women into prostitution.
“Criminalisation of sex work increases violence and discrimination against sex workers. We want decriminalisation so that women are no longer branded as criminals for working to feed themselves and their families.”
