#scottish-politics

#scottish-politics

He urged moderate unionists no longer represented by the Tories and rational nationalists no longer represented by the SNP to find common ground in their support for Reform, but dismissed any prospect of a second referendum on independence in the medium term. I say no to the distraction of another referendum, for at least another 10 years, without ruling one out in the future, he said.

Announcing his resignation from the Conservative party, Lord Offord said: "From today, for the next five months, day and night, I shall be campaigning with all of you tirelessly for two objectives. "The first objective is to remove this rotten SNP government after 18 years, and the second is to present a positive vision for Scotland inside the UK, to restore Scotland to being a prosperous, proud, healthy and happy country."

They had managed to have three leaders in a little over a year: Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf and then John Swinney. It was a rate of attrition that would make even the Conservative Party of recent years blush. There had also been a high-profile and long-running police investigation into the SNP's finances, involving Sturgeon, who was told earlier this year she would face no action.

I think it it appropriate that I also apologise to this chamber and to all colleagues. For those of us who love this institution, it is important that we all act in a manner that does not bring it into disrepute. I wouldn't normally conduct myself in such a fashion. I regret that lapse last week and I wish to apologise to all colleagues.

Nicola Sturgeon describes feeling at risk of physical harm after JK Rowling's provocative T-shirt, which stated: 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights.' She decried the vile abuse stemming from it.

Data from the Scottish Qualifications Authority showed this year's attainment gap was very similar to that of 2019, the year before the Covid crisis hit, when the gap for National 5s was 17 points.

Swinney stated, "It's quite clear that there is a genocide in Palestine - it can't be disputed." He expressed that reports of atrocities suggest genocidal actions.

We can't continue to leave this issue in the too difficult' box. That would be unforgivable.

Swinney’s focus is on delivering noticeable improvements in public services, especially in the NHS, which is seen as key for building voter trust and retaining power.