Category : Devolution


Scottish welfare branded 'fraudster's charter'

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay warns the SNP's 'light touch' benefit system is 'out of control'. With spending set to hit £10bn, he pledges a review and cuts ahead of the Holyrood election. Read the full analysis.

Stormont budget draft published despite DUP rejection

Finance Minister John O'Dowd publishes a draft multi-year budget for Northern Ireland, sparking immediate criticism from the DUP who label it 'deeply flawed'. Read the details of the £26bn health spend and the political standoff.

Justice Secretary breached code but keeps job

An independent probe found Scotland's Justice Secretary breached the ministerial code twice over grooming gangs comments. She will keep her role after receiving a formal letter of reprove. Read the full details.

Sturgeon's Novel Plans and £75k Golden Goodbye

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon plans a political thriller novel as she steps down, with a taxpayer-funded exit package and a legacy of policy failures under scrutiny. Explore her next moves.

Findlay 'Not Holding Breath' on Scottish Budget Deal

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay expresses scepticism over a budget deal with the SNP government, citing a 'punitive' income tax system. Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out plans in January.

Late-Night Pubs for Scotland's World Cup Games Proposed

The Scottish Government hints at extended pub hours for Scotland's 2026 World Cup matches, including a 2am kick-off. Health Secretary Neil Gray pledges to work with councils so fans can 'enjoy the celebration'.

UK Launches 'Living Heritage' Register for Traditions

Communities across the UK are urged to nominate cherished traditions, from cheese-rolling to steel-drumming, for a new national register aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage for future generations.

Martin: Withdraw 'Divisive' Herzog Park Renaming

Taoiseach Micheál Martin urges Dublin City Council to scrap a proposal to rename Herzog Park, calling it 'divisive and wrong'. The park honours former Israeli President Chaim Herzog, who had strong Irish roots.

NI Minister: Budget does 'sod all' for workers

Stormont's Gordon Lyons warns against revenue-raising, saying it would hammer working people. The Budget delivers far less than needed, creating a £400m shortfall. Read the full analysis.

Tourist Tax Powers for English City Mayors

English city mayors gain powers to impose a tourist tax on overnight stays. Discover how this will fund local projects and the mixed reaction from leaders.

New 'Bed Tax' on UK Hotels and B&Bs Approved

English mayors can now impose a local tourist tax on hotel stays, potentially raising £500m yearly. Sadiq Khan could gain £200m for London. Discover the impact.

Swinney Urged to Apologise for SNP Covid Response

First Minister John Swinney faces mounting pressure to apologise for the SNP government's criticised Covid pandemic response. Bereaved families demand accountability as inquiry reveals damning findings.

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