The Scottish Government bears responsibility for the death of Julie Parker, who died after waiting nearly four hours for an ambulance, according to a Record View opinion piece. The 55-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on her way to hospital after collapsing at home. Police found her after she failed to answer her door, and it took almost four hours for an ambulance to arrive after officers called.
Family demands answers
Julie's grief-stricken family wants answers over the delay. Health Secretary Angela Constance offered to meet them after the Scottish Ambulance Service completes a review. The family believes responsibility lies with the Scottish Government, not the ambulance service, and feels ignored.
Ambulance service under strain
Scotland's ambulance service faces unprecedented demand, leaving patients in agony for hours. Ambulance bosses blamed significant pressure that day. The tragedy highlights that such delays are increasingly common, sometimes with fatal results. Record View argues that ambulance provision must be reviewed as a whole, and expanding the system should be a priority.
Sexual crimes at highest level since 1971
Separately, shock figures show sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland increased by 10% in 2025 to 16,430, the highest since 1971. Experts warn many survivors do not report, so the true number is likely higher. Record View criticizes the Scottish Government for not introducing tougher measures against domestic abuse, despite legislation backed by MSPs over five years ago. The measures would allow police and courts to remove abusers from homes immediately after an incident. The Government says it is working towards implementation, but the article argues five years is long enough.
