UK Government must “meet the moment” with decisive action
First Minister John Swinney has called for a new package of support for industry from the UK Government in the face of global economic uncertainty.
As financial markets react to global events, Mr Swinney has called on the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to change their fiscal rules and commit to a package of investment to support business, workers and consumers.
The First Minister said: “We are currently enduring a time of global financial and economic uncertainty and volatility. But while we are not immune to global trends, we can be confident in the strength of Scotland’s economy.
“Indeed, throughout my time in the United States since last week, there has been a clear confidence in Scotland as a place to do business and as a destination for investment.
“However, the global economy is clearly going through a time of upheaval and it is vital that we see strong action to meet the moment, support Scottish industry and ensure workers and consumers are protected.
“My government will continue to do everything in our power to do that, but given where powers over the economy sit, this will require clear, determined and decisive action from the UK Government.
“The old economic orthodoxies of Westminster will not be enough to meet a moment of real global challenge. The UK Government cannot meet this global uncertainty with austerity – we need to see a new approach which provides investment and support for industry as we are seeing in countries like Spain.
“It is now obvious that the era in which the UK Government’s fiscal rules were set is over. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor must accept that new reality, end their outdated commitment to the fiscal rules and deliver serious investment to support industry.
“And in the face of this economic volatility, the last move any serious government would implement is a tax on jobs. The increase in employer’s national insurance contributions was always the wrong move – but the Prime Minister should not risk further economic damage by making it more difficult for business to take on or keep staff. The Chancellor should abandon the national insurance hike immediately.
“The events of the last few days require truly bold action from the Prime Minister. He cannot simply respond to an unprecedented situation by continuing with a plan set in completely different circumstances and which already looks doomed to failure.”
Welfare reforms must be shaped by and for disabled people, the Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said today [Monday 7th April], as the official consultation on the government’s proposals begins.
Publication of all accessible versions set to trigger the start of official consultation into welfare reforms announced by Work and Pensions Secretary.
Disabled people and those with health conditions are encouraged to have their say so their views are at the heart of the new system.
Reforms will fix the broken welfare system by giving people genuine support to unlock work and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Welfare reforms must be shaped by and for disabled people, the Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said today [Monday 07 April], as the official consultation on the Government’s proposals begins.
It comes as the government commits to the establishment of ‘collaboration committees’ to further develop the reforms, bringing together groups of people for specific work areas to provide discussion, challenge, and make recommendations.
Announced on Tuesday 18 March, the proposed reforms will ensure that sick and disabled people have the same opportunities to work as anyone else, and will unlock work, boost living standards, and help grow the economy as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
They will also seek to overhaul the broken benefits system so it supports those who need it, while helping those who can work into jobs and delivering fairness to the taxpayer.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability is urging those likely to be affected by the changes – either individually or through disability charities and organisations – to have their say through the consultation, ensuring their views help shape the proposed changes.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill-health, locks people out of work and isn’t fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions.
“We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system.
“I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
The 12-week consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launches today with publication of all accessible versions of the Pathways to Work Green Paper.
The proposed reforms aim to support people into work, protect people who can never work and put the welfare system on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to support those in need now and into the future. One in three of us faces a long-term health condition, so we all need a system that can support us to stay in work or get back into work.
The measures are the latest step in the government’s drive to build a modern welfare system that helps people get jobs rather than creating unnecessary barriers, with ministers’ proposed plans set to:
Provide more tailored employment support for those who can work, breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Simplify the system and reduce unnecessary assessments, cutting bureaucracy and making it easier to navigate.
Improve the way financial support is assessed and delivered, ensuring it reaches those who need it most and that people using the system have a better experience and are treated with dignity and respect.
Build a more flexible approach that recognises the diverse needs of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Without changes, it is forecast that the system could cost as much as £70 billion a year by the end of the decade and risk not being there for people when they need it in future.
Issues open for consultation include:
Supporting people to thrive with the new support offer.
Supporting employers and making work more accessible.
Reforming the structure of the health and disability benefits system.
These are part of the wider reforms that also include reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren’t indefinitely written off, targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs, and rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate will be changed to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles
2030 phase out date of new petrol and diesel car sales confirmed with hybrids to be sold until 2035 and small manufacturers exempt
firms given greater freedom on how to meet the target – easing pressure on industry
£2.3 billion to boost manufacturing zero emission vehicles and help working people make the switch
Prime Minister says new era means we must go ‘further and faster’ on the Plan for Change to spur growth that puts more money in working people’s pockets
British car brands like Rolls-Royce, Vauxhall and Land Rover are being given certainty, stability and support as the Prime Minister sets out plans to back industry in the face of global economic headwinds today (7 April 2025).
The Prime Minister will say the new era of global insecurity means that the government must go further and faster reshaping our economy through the Plan for Change.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate will be changed to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles while delivering the manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, which will help even more British consumers access the benefits of cheap to run electric vehicles.
The package will be backed by a modern Industrial Strategy, to be published in full this spring, which will help British businesses realise the potential of industries of the future.
The changes, which reflect extensive consultation, will help the car industry by:
increasing flexibility of the mandate for manufacturers up to 2030, so that more cars can be sold in later years when demand is higher
allowing hybrid cars – like the Toyota Prius and Nissan e-Power – to be sold until 2035 to help ease the transition and give industry more time to prepare
continuing to boost demand for electric vehicles, on top of the £2.3 billion we’re already spending on boosting British manufacturing and improving charging infrastructure – with a new charge-point popping up every half an hour
pressing on with tax breaks worth hundreds of millions of pounds to help people switch to electric vehicles
Support for the car industry will be kept under review as the impact of new tariffs become clear.
This package is the latest in a series of pro-growth measures that the Prime Minister is announcing to counter the impact of new global headwinds and build a strong, resilient economy with more well-paid jobs.
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Global trade is being transformed so we must go further and faster in reshaping our economy and our country through our Plan for Change.
“I am determined to back British brilliance. Now more than ever UK businesses and working people need a government that steps up, not stands aside.
“That means action, not words. So today I am announcing bold changes to the way we support our car industry.
“This will help ensure home-grown firms can export British cars built by British workers around the world and the industry can look forward with confidence, as well as back with pride.
“And it will boost growth that puts money in working people’s pockets, the first priority of our Plan for Change.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We will always back British business. In the face of global economic challenges and stifled by a lack of certainty and direction for too long, our automotive industry deserves clarity, ambition and leadership. That is exactly what we are delivering today.
“Our ambitious package of strengthening reforms will protect and create jobs – making the UK a global automotive leader in the switch to EVs – all the while meeting our core manifesto commitment to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
“Once again, the Prime Minister’s decisive and bold actions show how we’re on the side of British business while harnessing the opportunities of the zero emissions transition to create jobs and drive growth, securing Britain’s future, and delivering our Plan for Change.”
In recognition of the changing global trading landscape, the government has worked with the industry to both strengthen its commitment to the phase out and introduce practical reforms to support industry meet this ambition.
Demand for electric vehicles is already rising, with the latest data showing sales in March were up over 40% on last year, which will help with the transition.
There is a huge opportunity to be harnessed here – with the UK being the largest EV market in Europe. Over £6 billion of private funding is lined up to be invested in the UK’s chargepoint roll-out by 2030. Since July, the government has also seen £34.8 billion of private investment announced into UK’s clean energy industries.
The updated ZEV Mandate will ensure flexibilities support UK manufacturers by:
maintaining the existing phase-out dates and headline trajectories for cars and vans
extending the current ability to borrow in 2024-26, to enable repayment through to 2030
extending the current ability to transfer non-ZEVs to ZEVs from 2024-26, out to 2029, giving significant additional flexibility to reward CO2 savings from hybrids – caps will be included to ensure credibility
introducing a new flexibility by allowing for van to car transfer, i.e. 1 car credit will be exchanged for 0.4 van credits, and 1 van credit will be exchanged for 2.0 car credits
The wide-ranging package of measures introduced today will also exempt small and micro-volume manufacturers – supercar brands including McLaren and Aston Martin – from the 2030 phase out, preserving some of the UK car industry’s most iconic jewels for years to come.
Vans with an internal combustion engine (ICE) will also be allowed to be sold until 2035, alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrid vans.
Employing 152,000 people and adding £19 billion to our economy, the UK’s automotive industry is a huge asset to our nation – and the transition to zero emissions is the biggest opportunity of the 21st century to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come.
Owning and buying an EV is becoming increasingly cheaper, with drivers able to save £1,100 a year compared to petrol if they charge overnight at home. Half of used electric cars are sold at under £20,000 and 29 brand new electric cars are available from under £30,000.
The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 75,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 29 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “The world is changing but we are determined to deliver for working people, protect their jobs and put more pounds in their pockets.
“That is why we are backing British business and investing in industries of the future, including our car manufacturers.”
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “It is very important that the government has strengthened our commitment to our world leading EV transition plan.
“This plan will benefit UK consumers by expanding the market for cars that are cheaper to run. And it will support our domestic manufacturing so we can seize this global opportunity.”
Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “This pro-business government is taking the bold action needed to give our auto sector the certainty that secures jobs, drives investment and ensures they thrive on the global stage.
“Our Industrial Strategy will back the country’s high growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, so we can grow the economy and deliver on the promises of our Plan for Change.”
Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across Government departments
Government doing away with costly away days and pricy merchandise
Every pound of taxpayer money targeted on securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and renewal for our country
Part of crackdown on wasteful spending in government in favour of ‘a more productive and agile state‘
Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across departments.
Staff training and development are key to boosting productivity, but officials will now be instructed to hold training and team-building exercises and ‘away days’ in government buildings that are available for free, instead of hiring external venues.
Thousands of pounds have also been spent in recent years on goods branded with department logos or slogans—including mugs, jumpers, water bottles, and even fidget cubes.
Such spending will be banned, focusing funding where it matters to working people such as rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP, said: “By cutting wasteful spending we can target resources at frontline public services with more teachers, extra hospital appointments and police back on the beat.
“We will use taxpayers’ money to deliver our Plan for Change, kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.”
The Cabinet Office has set out requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise, with a view to restricting future purchases.
These stricter rules will permit government merchandise only when essential for delivering the government’s agenda, for example, in overseas trade and diplomacy, to promote growth.
Further measures will require departments to ensure that external venues for away days are only used when space in government buildings is unavailable.
This announcement builds on plans to significantly reduce the approximately 20,000 government credit cards in circulation. Last week, all departments and their public bodies were instructed to freeze their cards, with cardholders required to reapply under tighter new guidelines.
Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK
Fake reviews and hidden fees that cost consumers £2.2bn every year now banned
CMA takes on major new powers to directly enforce new consumer laws
Changes will protect consumers and create a more level playing field for businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change
Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK. These laws will help deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change.
The new measures coming into force today will give the public control over their cash and save them money in the long run.
All mandatory fees, such as admin fees or ticket booking fees, must now be included in the headline price and can’t be deceptively dripped in throughout the checkout process, to dupe customers into paying more than they originally bargained for.
The ban aims to bring to an end the shock that online shoppers get when they reach the end of their shopping experience only to find a raft of extra fees lumped on top.
So, for shoppers buying train tickets – they won’t be stung by a hidden booking fee at the end of the checkout.
When buying a takeaway, the delivery and admin fees must be clear at the start of the process.
The same will apply to all online shopping experiences from concert tickets to trips to the cinema.
Every year a whopping £2.2 billion is spent by consumers on unavoidable hidden fees, which is why these new rules are coming into force.
Not only will it create greater transparency, but it will make it far easier for consumers to confidently compare products and services to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.
Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said: “From today consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.
“These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change.”
Outlandish fake reviews will also be banned today – so customers know what they are buying when they shop online.
The legislation will prevent punters turning up to a restaurant with 5-star reviews only to be served 1-star quality food. Or ordering a product online from a top-rated seller only to find it never turns up, or that when it does, it doesn’t look anything like it did in the picture, despite what previous buyers said.
Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £217 billion spent in online retail markets in 2023, underscoring the importance of these new consumer protection laws.
New laws will also help prevent well-intentioned and compliant businesses from being under-cut by those seeking to catch out consumers with stealthy additional prices and fake reviews.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “We will use these new provisions to safeguard people from harmful and unfair treatment, and to foster the level-playing field for the vast majority of businesses who want to do the right thing for their customers.
“We will be tackling the more egregious practices first and working hard to support businesses with compliance, conscious that – especially for small businesses – the burden of following the rules must be proportionate.”
This new consumer protection regime will be implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a way that is as simple as possible for smaller businesses to comply with.
This government is committed to taking action to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, meaning that should any new rules be required, these will be as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.
Millions of pensioners will receive as much as £470 more a year added to their State Pension from today, thanks to the government’s’ ‘ironclad commitment’ to the pensions Triple Lock throughout this parliament
Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £470 in their State Pension this year.
Triple Lock means those receiving the State Pension are set to increase by up to £1,900 over the term of this Parliament.
Over five million households receiving working-age benefits such as Universal Credit will also see an average boost of £150, with Plan for Change putting more money in working people’s pockets.
This comes alongside the annual uprating of working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, with people receiving those set to receive an extra £150 on average over the course of this year – an increase set to benefit 5.7 million working-age households. Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and child benefits are also set to increase by the same amount.
The Triple Lock – which guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5% – means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%, well above the current level of inflation.
These changes come alongside increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefiting three million eligible workers across the country. With the National Living Wage increasing to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 seeing a record increase to £10 an hour, three million workers will benefit, with eligible full-time workers set to see an increase in their annual salary of £1,400.
This support is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuilding the NHS.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our ironclad commitment to the Triple Lock gives pensioners across the country the certainty and security they need to live a full life in retirement.
“We are putting more money in people’s pockets and driving up household income as part of our Plan for Change.”
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “Raising the State Pension and rescuing the NHS – these are this government’s priorities to give all pensioners the dignity they deserve in their retirement. Those who have worked hard throughout their lives, paying into the system, are owed nothing less.
“We’re improving the lives of millions of pensioners through our £7.84 billion additional funding for the State Pension this year.
“That means up to £470 extra in pensioners’ pockets from this week and comes alongside our work to boost Pension Credit uptake, and the £26 billion we’ve invested in the NHS that has seen waiting lists in England fall for 5 months in a row.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “With today’s increase in working-age benefits, and our ironclad commitment to pensioners through the Triple Lock, we are making the decisions that support those who need it in Britain, putting money into people’s pockets and delivering our Plan for Change.“
The uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits amounts to a cash boost of over £6.9 billion, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring pensioners enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement, while also supporting low-income families.
It also comes alongside proposals for the biggest welfare reforms for a generation. These measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need.
That support also includes help for pensioners. The government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.
Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.
Support also includes a £742 million extension of the Household Support Fund in England, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.
The Greeting Card Association-backed petition calling for MPs to scrutinise changes to the postal service has reached 10,000 signatures – crossing the threshold which mandates a response from government.
Milestone reached as Ofcom consultation deadline on reforms looms and Royal Mail raises stamp prices again on Monday 7 April
The Greeting Card Association’s campaign to keep the Royal Mail service reliable, national and affordable, has received a significant boost as its parliamentary petition reached 10,000 signatures.
Despite Royal Mail’s claims that it should be allowed to reduce second class postal deliveries to as few as two days per week and cut Saturday deliveries altogether, over 10,000 UK voters have now joined the GCA’s call for proper parliamentary scrutiny of any proposed changes.
This petition, which also calls on MPs to regulate the price of first-class mail and mandate the Royal Mail meet existing delivery targets before changing the Universal Service Obligation (USO), now must receive a formal response from the government.
And the crossing of the 10,000-signature threshold is timely – the Royal Mail’s regulator Ofcom is currently consulting on those proposed changes setting a 10 April deadline for responses but has made it clear it can make changes to the USO without any involvement from MPs[1].
The posts highlight the concern caused by the current uncertainty over Royal Mail’s ownership and the threat to the price and reliability of the postal service if they are allowed to dilute the service.
Royal Mail has failed to meet delivery commitments outlined in the current USO since 2022 but has consistently raised prices. A first-class stamp is now 75 per cent more expensive than three years ago offsetting the £15m-plus fines levied by Ofcom on Royal Mail for missed delivery targets.
The cost of a first-class stamp price is up a staggering 170 per cent over the last decade, and the price rise that takes effect on Monday (7 April) when the price rises to £1.70, will be the sixth in under three years.
GCA members believe the proposed weaking of the USO will lead small businesses and consumers to rely on an increasingly unaffordable, uncapped and unregulated first-class service to ensure cards and important letters are delivered on time.
The GCA, which represents over 500 publishers, retailers, agents, specialist suppliers and distributors that make up an industry worth over £1.5bn to the UK economy now awaits the government’s official response to its petition.
Amanda Fergusson, chief executive of the GCA said: “Our members are deeply concerned that they’re being railroaded into accepting reforms that will make the Royal Mail service they depend on, less reliable and affordable.
“We now look forward to receiving a formal government response to their petition.
“We know a postal service that’s a mere shadow of the service Royal Mail should be delivering, will cause real damage to small businesses, consumers, high streets and communities.”
It calls on the Government to amend legislation to require parliamentary scrutiny of any change to the Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO).
It also asks the government to insist any changes to the USO are dependent on:
Royal Mail meeting existing performance delivery targets for letters and cards
New regulation for the price of first-class mail to avoid further above-inflation rises and
Royal Mail maintaining a national, affordable, and reliable postal service that supports high streets and communities across the UK.
Deputy First Minister urges UK Government to restore Scottish Parliament’s full powers
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has urged the UK Government to “restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament” by repealing the Internal Market Act and providing full restoration of powers that were removed by the previous UK administration.
A Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020 published today says the Act should be repealed and replaced with a system built around the Common Frameworks approach and agreed by all devolved administrations and the UK Government.
Two votes in the Scottish Parliament, in October 2023 and February 2025, have called for the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament but have been ignored.
The new paper comes as the consultation period for the UK Government’s statutory review of the Internal Market Act concludes. The UK Government specifically ruled out repealing the Act before its consultation began.
Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government’s position is clear, we must see the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Internal Market Act should be repealed and the UK Government must work with the devolved governments to deliver an agreed and workable alternative.
“The Act was imposed by the previous UK Government without the consent of any devolved legislature. It remains the single greatest impediment to more effective and respectful intergovernmental relations.
“Neither the Scottish Parliament nor any of the other devolved legislatures gave their consent to the Act. It has introduced radical uncertainty as to the effect of devolved laws, effectively introducing a far-reaching and unpredictable new constraint on the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
“It also provides UK Ministers with an open-ended power effectively to nullify laws passed by a democratically elected – and accountable – legislature.
“It is deeply regrettable that the UK Government explicitly ruled out repealing the Internal Market Act before it began the review process and consultation but this new paper offers them an opportunity to work with the Scottish Government to restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.”
A new public park officially opened in Edinburgh today as part of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront to become a new environmentally friendly coastal town.The Gasholder 1 Park sits within the completely restored gasholder with views over the Firth of Forth.
Council Leader Jane Meagher was joined by Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur, representatives from the main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, as well as volunteers from Granton Hub and members of Pianodrome, Scran Academy and Craigyroyston Youth Football Club to mark the opening of the park ahead of a family fun day and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday 5 April.
A club member of the Craigroyston Youth Community Football Club will join the Council Leader to cut the ribbon and officially declare the park open for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.
The entrance of the park is marked with large Hollywood style lettering making it more visible for local people and others visiting to enjoy its open green space and play equipment. It has six different zones including three play areas with a wide range of play equipment.
There is plenty of outdoor space to explore and an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame with a range of places to sit and relax. An outdoor exhibition has also been created which showcases the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process.
A new sculpture now also takes pride of place at the centre of the park, commissioned by the Council last year following input from the local community. Svetland Kondakova Muir designed the piece to portray one of the Firth of Forth’s most special visitors – the humpback whale – the recently completed artwork was put in place last week.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Gasholder 1 Park opening is a huge milestone reached for the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront project. It is really inspiring to look out over this important piece of coastal land for our Capital city and see these much needed homes and other facilities literally springing up out of the ground.
“The new park is a fantastic addition for local communities and the hundreds of new tenants including families who have recently moved into the homes we have built for social and mid-market rent in the area.
“Many of these are on land immediately surrounding the new park and I’m delighted to say that many more homes are being planned or under construction which will be ready for hundreds of new tenants in the next few years.
“The historic gasholder gives the new park a unique look and feel and it will also be seen for miles around as the restored frame is lit up after dark.
“I’m delighted to cut the ribbon on Saturday to open this exciting new space for the local community as well as the thousands of other visitors I’m sure it will attract from Edinburgh and beyond in the years to come.”
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We have contributed £1.2 million towards transformation of Granton’s Gasholder from a derelict site to a vibrant and accessible space for people to enjoy.
“This is part of wider efforts to regenerate the Granton area, including a recent project supported by the Scottish Government to transform derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces.
“To help communities thrive, we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration in 2025-26. This will support projects which revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.”
UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said: “Having visited Granton earlier in the year, it is wonderful to see the new Gasholder 1 Park will be opening this week. This green space will really bring the community together, from young families to elderly residents and visitors to the City.
“The refurbishment of the derelict gas holder structure has provided a real beacon of light to Edinburgh, retaining its unique history and character, while wider transformation work is underway to Granton Waterfront.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration and locally led growth we want to see all across Scotland and the UK in our mission to boost growth and renewal as part of our Plan for Change.”
Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said:“Gasholder 1 Park was a unique restoration project to deliver for the City of Edinburgh Council.
“In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges.
“The ribbon cutting ceremony is a brilliant opportunity for McLaughlin & Harvey to celebrate the vast civil engineering experience of our team as well as the success achieved in our collaboration with our client and supply chain partners.”
The family fun day will include
Community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am with Council Leader Jane Meagher
Family arts and craft activities
Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club
The Business and Trade Secretary’s statement to Parliament on the imposition of US tariffs
With your permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the United Kingdom’s economic relationship with the United States.
The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion which supports 2.5 million jobs across both countries. This is second only to the EU where our trading relationship is worth £791 billion.
Yesterday evening, the United States announced a 10% reciprocal tariff on UK exports and have today imposed a 25% global tariff on cars. This follows the application of tariffs of 25% on US imports of steel, aluminium and derivative products that was announced on 12 March.
No country was able to secure an exemption from these announcements, but the UK did receive the lowest reciprocal tariff rate globally. And though this vindicates the pragmatic approach this Government has taken, we know that while these tariffs are still being levied, the job is far from done.
We are, of course, disappointed by the increase in tariffs on the UK, and on other countries around the world. The impact will be felt amongst all trading nations. But I would like to update the House on how the UK can navigate these turbulent times, acting in our national interest and for the benefit of all our industries.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my American counterparts, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Special Envoy Mark Burnett for their engagement over the last few months. While any imposition of tariffs is deeply regrettable, from the beginning, they promised to make themselves available and have been true to their word, and I look forward to our continued engagement over the days ahead.
As Members will know, since the new US administration took office, my colleagues and I have been engaged in intensive discussions on an economic deal between the US and the UK. One that would not just avoid the imposition of significant tariffs but that would deepen our economic relationship. On everything from defence, economic security, financial services, machinery, tech and regulation there are clear synergies between the US and UK markets. And this is reflected in the fair and balanced trading relationship that already exists between our two countries.
I can confirm to the House that those talks are ongoing and will remain so. It is this Government’s view that a deal is not just possible, it is favourable to both countries. And that this course of action serves Britain’s interests as an open-facing trading nation. I have been in contact with many businesses, across a broad range of sectors including those most affected, who have very much welcomed this approach. It is clear to me that industry themselves want to grasp the opportunity a deal can offer and they welcome this government’s cool-headed approach.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in increasingly insecure times – I have heard some Members cling to the security of simple answers and loud voices. I understand the compulsion, but I caution members of this House to keep calm and remain clear eyed on what is in our national interest not to simply proclaim that we follow the actions of other countries.
The British people rightly expect this Government to keep our country secure at home and strong abroad. An unnecessary, escalating trade war would serve neither purpose.
True strength comes in making the right choices at the right time. And thanks to the actions of our Prime Minister, who has restored Britain’s place on the world stage, the UK is in a unique position to do a deal where we can – and respond when we must.
It remains our belief that the best route to economic stability for working people is a negotiated deal with the US that builds on our shared strengths. However, we do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured.
To enable the UK to have every option open to us in the future, I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action.
This is a formal step, necessary for us to keep all options on the table. We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response. This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say, and influence the design of any possible UK response.
If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs that have been placed on our industries, this request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from that, will be lifted.
Further information on the request for input will be published on gov.uk later today, alongside an indicative list of potential products that the Government considers most appropriate for inclusion.
I know this will be an anxious time for all businesses, not just those with direct links to America. Let me say very clearly that we stand ready to support businesses through this. That starts by making sure they have reliable information. Any business which is concerned about what these changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on great.gov.uk where there is now a bespoke webpage.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this Government was elected to bring security back to working people’s lives. At a time of volatility, businesses and workers alike are looking to the Government to keep our heads, to act in the national interest and navigate Britain through this period. And while some urge escalation, I simply will not play politics with people’s jobs.
This Government will strive for a deal that supports our industries and the well-paid jobs that come with them, while preparing our trade defences and keeping all options on the table.
It is the right approach to defend the UK’s domestic industries from the direct and indirect impacts of US tariffs in a way that is both measured and proportionate, while respecting the rules-based international trading system.
As the world continues to change around us, British workers and businesses can be assured of one constant: that this is a Government that will not be set off course in choppy waters. So the final part of our approach will be to turbo boost the work this government is doing to make our economy stronger and more secure including our new industrial strategy. We will strike trade deals with our partners, and work closely with our allies for our shared prosperity.
We have a clear destination to deliver that economic security for working people.
We are progressing a deal that can do that, we are laying the foundations to move quickly should it not, and we are ensuring British businesses have a clear voice in what happens next. And I commend this statement to the House.
