• Friday, March 29, 2024

Results for "Nicola Sturgeon"

Scotland’s Labour leader calls on pro-independence voters to oust Tories

During his first major speech on Monday (8), Anas Sarwar, Scotland's Labour leader urged independence backers to switch allegiance from the Scottish National Party (SNP) in a bid to unseat the Tories from Downing Street. Simultaneously, during his speech, first minister Humza Yousaf emphasised to undecided voters that the current…

Yousaf issues apology for deficiencies in Covid inquiry WhatsApp messages

Humza Yousaf issued an "unreserved" apology on Thursday (9) for deficiencies in the release of government WhatsApp messages, addressing new accusations of secrecy regarding legal advice and private emails during the Covid crisis. The first minister faced challenges about the accuracy of statements made last week by him and Deputy…

Yousaf faces backlash as tax freeze announcement angers Scottish councils

FIRST MINISTER Humza Yousaf is facing opposition from his own council members following the announcement of a council tax freeze in Scotland, which he failed to communicate to town halls in advance, The Telegraph reported. Cosla, which represents Scottish councils, expressed "real anger" about this unexpected move, which was the…

Humza Yousaf’s independence strategy compromise ends SNP rebellion

Humza Yousaf, the leader of the Scottish National Party, successfully quelled a party rebellion by MPs by compromising on his independence strategy during the party's 89th annual conference in Aberdeen (from Sunday 15 to Tuesday 17 October 2023). The compromise states that if the SNP secures a majority of Scotland's…

Anas Sarwar believes Labour is on the brink of beating…

The Labour Party's leadership sees a turning point in Scottish politics, believing they can defeat the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the upcoming general and Holyrood elections following last week’s byelection result. According to party strategists, Labour's victory in Rutherglen and Hamilton West indicates their support has reached approximately 35%…

‘Trailblazer’ Humza Yousaf appears on Time front cover

SCOTLAND’S first minister Humza Yousaf has appeared on the front cover of Time magazine which described him as one of the 10 “trailblazers shaping the future”. The recognition came on the eve of his Scottish National Party’s bigger-than-expected defeat in a parliamentary seat on the outskirts of Glasgow. Yousaf, born…

Labour secures ‘seismic’ victory in Scottish election

LABOUR hailed a "seismic" victory in an election for a UK parliamentary seat in Scotland, beating the Scottish National Party (SNP) in a sign of its recovery in the country before a national election expected next year. Labour is leading prime minister Rishi Sunak's Tories in the opinion polls, but…

Carers express frustration over Humza Yousaf’s inaction on poverty

People who had shared their personal stories with Humza Yousaf regarding their experiences living in poverty expressed their disappointment in the lack of concrete action in his first programme for government last week. Yousaf had convened a cross-party, cross-sector summit on poverty in May shortly after assuming leadership of the…

Anas Sarwar unveils expert panel to advise Scottish Labour on…

SCOTTISH Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has unveiled an expert independent board to advise the party on economic growth. The panel consists of high-profile business leaders, including a media executive who appeared on The Apprentice, as reported by The Times. Sarwar said that the panel will focus on green energy, finance,…

Anas Sarwar: Yousaf put Scottish independence before economy

THE Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has alleged that first minister Humza Yousaf has prioritised independence over the economy, as reported by The Telegraph. Scottish GDP declined by 0.3 per cent in the second quarter from April to June. Yousaf assumed the top post on March 28. While addressing a…

Margaret Ferrier’s removal triggers electoral test for Labour in Scotland

A Scottish lawmaker has been stripped of her seat in Britain's parliament for breaking Covid rules, triggering a by-election that will indicate whether the opposition Labour party is recovering support from Scotland's dominant pro-independence party. Margaret Ferrier is a former lawmaker for the Scottish National Party (SNP) who represented Rutherglen…

Yousaf unveils Scottish citizenship and passport proposal

First minister Humza Yousaf of Scotland has unveiled a plan for citizenship and passports in the event of an independent Scotland. The proposal, titled "Citizenship in an independent Scotland," outlines the rights and entitlements of citizens, migrants, and British nationals following the country's potential departure from the union. The prospectus…

Poll: Humza Yousaf’s performance as first minister disappoints Scots

A new poll revealed that half of Scots believe the first minister is doing a bad job, while only a small minority (23 per cent) believe that he is performing well. According to the YouGov survey, fewer than a fifth of voters said that Humza Yousaf is performing well in key…

Yousaf’s plan for Scotland’s independence may not work: SNP MP

A VETERAN SNP MP has said first minister Humza Yousaf’s plan to secure Scotland’s independence is unlikely to succeed.Yousaf told an SNP conference in Dundee on June 24 that a referendum was the preferred way to break away from the UK. But if it fails, the SNP would ask people…

Humza Yousaf seeks to foster ties with EU during Brussels…

SCOTTISH First Minister Humza Yousaf is set to travel to Brussels on Monday (26) in a bid to bolster ties with the EU, in his first foreign trip since succeeding Nicola Sturgeon in March. Yousaf, who became the leader of Scotland's devolved government following Sturgeon's shock resignation, vowed to set…

Yousaf vows to put IndyRef2 in election campaign

THE Scottish National Party (SNP) will fight the next UK general election with independence "front and centre" of its campaign, first minister Humza Yousaf said on Saturday (24). At a party conference in Dundee, Yousaf vowed he would seek fresh negotiations with the government about independence if the SNP wins…

Labour to secure greater number of seats in Scotland than…

The opposition Labour Party is projected to secure more seats in Scotland than the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the next general election according to a recent poll conducted by Panelbase for The Sunday Times. This outcome would significantly enhance Labour's prospects of attaining an outright majority across Britain. The…

Humza Yousaf says will not suspend predecessor Nicola Sturgeon

Scotland's leader Humza Yousaf said on Monday (12) he will not suspend the party membership of his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon, following her arrest as part of a police probe into the ruling party's finances. Sturgeon, who was on Sunday (11) arrested in connection with the investigation and then released without…

Humza Yousaf says SNP ready for deal with Labour

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has said his Scottish National Party (SNP) would be willing to do a deal with the Labour Party if a British national election expected next year resulted in a hung parliament. The top ask on the SNP's list would be a second Scottish independence referendum,…

Nicola Sturgeon asserts innocence after arrest in SNP funding probe

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was innocent following her arrest and subsequent detention for over seven hours on Sunday (11). The arrest took place as part of a police investigation into the allocation of funds for her pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP). The investigation centres around the…

SNP funding probe: Former treasurer Colin Beattie released

Police in Scotland said a 71-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday (18) in connection with an investigation into the Scottish National Party's funding was released without charge. Police had arrested the suspect in its ongoing inquiry. The party's leader said the arrested man was the SNP treasurer Colin Beattie.…

SNP treasurer arrested as part of funding investigation

The treasurer of the Scottish National Party was taken into custody by police on Tuesday (18), a party official said. This was part of a probe into the finances of the pro-independence party that is currently in power. The police did not disclose the name of the 71-year-old man who…

Timing of Murrell’s arrest has nothing to do with SNP…

SCOTLAND’S first minister Humza Yousaf has denied there was any political reason over the timing of the arrest of his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon’s husband. Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was arrested and released on Wedensday (5) as part of an investigation into the…

Sunak, Yousaf have ‘big responsibility’ to leave behind a positive…

Humza Yousaf on Monday (27) became the first Muslim to be elected as a national leader in any western democracy, five months after Sunak walked into Downing Street as the UK’s first Asian and Hindu prime minister. A prominent Asian parliamentarian told Eastern Eye on Tuesday (28) that both appointments…

Yousaf sworn in as Scotland’s new leader amid party row

Humza Yousaf was sworn in as Scotland's first minister on Wednesday (29), becoming the first Muslim leader of a government in western Europe but already facing unrest in his party. At 37, Yousaf is also the youngest leader yet of the Scottish National Party (SNP), and is vowing to reinvigorate…

Humza Yousaf confirmed as new Scottish leader

Scotland's parliament on Tuesday (28) confirmed Humza Yousaf will replace Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, the devolved nation's youngest and the first Muslim leader of a government in western Europe. Yousaf, 37, narrowly won a Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership battle on Monday (27) to clinch the party's top job,…

Humza Yousuf: ‘We will be the generation that delivers independence…

Humza Yousaf has been elected as the first Muslim leader of Scotland after a tough party contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon. At 37, he is also the youngest leader of the SNP but now faces the challenging task of uniting the Scottish National Party (SNP) around their independence bid. Yousaf's…

Humza Yousaf, the history-maker

“IT is hard for me to find the words”. Humza Yousaf’s emotional response to the news that he has been elected as the Scottish National Party (SNP)’s new leader captures his role as a history-maker. Yousaf’s victory in a bruising leadership contest heralds an unpredictable new era, where the future…

Yousaf pays tribute to grandparents as he vows to deliver…

Scotland's next first minister Humza Yousaf has pledged to deliver independence for his country and return it to the European Union. In his acceptance speech on Monday (27), when he became the first Asian elected to lead the Scottish National Party (SNP), Yousaf also paid tribute to his grandparents and…

Humza Yousaf wins SNP race to lead Scotland

Pakistan-origin politician Humza Yousaf has been elected to be Scotland's next leader. The 37-year-old practising Muslim will succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the governing Scottish National Party (SNP). The Scottish government’s first and only Muslim cabinet minister will be sworn in as Scotland's leader on Wednesday (29) if he…

Scotland set for new leader as independence quest stalls

A new Scottish first minister will be named on Monday (27), with the leader facing the daunting task of reviving a faltering independence movement after Nicola Sturgeon's surprise resignation. Members of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) wrap up two weeks of voting at midday, with the result to be…

SNP’s voter base shrinks to 72,000 after 2019 peak

The number of voting members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) has shrunk dramatically from its pre-pandemic peak.It now has 72,186 members eligible to vote in the ongoing leadership contest, compared with 125,000 in 2019 when the membership size topped out - clocking a decline of about 42 per cent…

Humza Yousaf vows to ‘use any means necessary’ for Scotland’s…

SNP leadership hopeful Humza Yousaf said he would go all out to press for Scotland's independence if he succeeds Nicola Sturgeon as the first minister of the country.The Scottish health secretary, who is among three aspirants left in the fray for his party’s leadership, said he would use "any means…

Voting starts for new Scotland leader as Sturgeon’s allies back…

Voting to elect a new Scottish leader opened on Monday (13), with all three candidates pledging to reinvigorate outgoing first minister Nicola Sturgeon's push for independence. Sturgeon's independence drive hit trouble after the UK government blocked her plans to hold a fresh referendum on the issue. The vote is the…

UK’s PM vows economic win for N.Ireland from Brexit breakthrough

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday (28) urged pro-UK politicians in Northern Ireland to grab the economic "prize" on offer after he secured a breakthrough reform deal with the European Union. On a visit to the tense province, Sunak said he was "over the moon" at clinching the pact…

Humza Yousaf says he skipped gay marriage vote due to…

SNP leadership candidate Humza Yousaf has said that he missed the final vote on Scotland's equal marriage legislation in 2014  due to an 'unavoidable' engagement about a death row prisoner in Pakistan. Alex Neil, who was in charge of the legislation eight years ago, alleged that Yousaf skipped the final…

SNP leadership contender Kate Forbes urged to reveal links with…

Kate Forbes, who joined the race for the leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP) earlier this week after Nicola Sturgeon decided to step down, has been urged to reveal her dealings with Sanjeev Gupta, a controversial steel tycoon, in detail. The 34-year-old Scottish finance minister now faces questions from…

Humza Yousaf to run for Scotland’s leadership

SCOTTISH health secretary Humza Yousaf said on Saturday he would run in the leadership contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and first minister.Yousaf becomes the first to publicly announce his intention to stand in the race after Sturgeon's surprise resignation earlier in the week saying…

SNP MPs with south Asian links among contenders to succeed…

Two SNP MPs who have south Asian connections are among the possible contenders to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as the first minister of Scotland.Sturgeon announced her resignation dramatically Wednesday after more than eight eventful years in office, setting off the race for a new leader to deliver on her party's faltering…

UK government to block controversial Scottish gender law

The UK government will block Scotland's controversial gender reform bill, Scotland Secretary Alister Jack said on Monday in a move that is likely to set up a legal showdown between the two governments. Jack said he was concerned that the move by the devolved legislature in Edinburgh to make it…

Resetting ties, UK’s Sunak to have private dinner with Scotland’s…

British prime minister Rishi Sunak will travel to Scotland and meet first minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday (19) for a private working dinner, as part of efforts to reset the two nations' strained ties. Sunak makes his first official visit to Scotland since taking office in October at a time…

Adil Ray slams Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial comment on Meghan Markle:…

Discussing Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial rant about Meghan Markle on the Good Morning Britain show, actor, comedian, and radio/television presenter Adil Ray said that “a line has been crossed.” “Our words have consequences. We sometimes spark debate but we know our words have consequences,” Ray said. Clarkson has been receiving massive…

Sunak: People of Scotland want us to focus on challenges…

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday (23) that he respected the decision by the UK's top court on Scotland's referendum vote, adding that the Scottish people wanted the government to focus on the major challenges ahead. Asked about the Supreme Court ruling, Sunak said: "I think that the people…

Blow for Scottish nationalists as UK court rejects independence vote…

The UK's top court ruled on Wednesday (23) that the Scottish government cannot hold a second referendum on independence without approval from the British parliament, dealing a hammer blow to nationalists' hopes of holding a vote next year. In 2014, Scots rejected ending the more-than 300-year-old union with England by…

Scottish gender bill: JK Rowling calls Nicola Sturgeon ‘destroyer of…

The Harry Potter author JK Rowling has called Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon 'destroyer of women’s rights' as the former extended support to people protesting over a new gender recognition law in the country, media reports said. On Thursday (6) lawmakers in Scotland showed the green light to a new…

Darling late mother set example of selfless duty: Britain’s King…

King Charles III on Monday (12) addressed Parliament for the first time as Britain's monarch during which he pledged to follow the example of selfless duty set by his "darling late mother" Queen Elizabeth II in upholding "the precious principles of constitutional governance. Responding to the condolences offered by the…

Queen Elizabeth’s family rushes to side of ailing monarch

Britain's royal family rushed to be with Queen Elizabeth after doctors said they were concerned about the health of the 96-year-old monarch on Thursday and said she should remain under medical supervision. The queen, Britain's longest-reigning sovereign and the world's oldest monarch, has been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has…

JK Rowling’s new book features a character murdered after being…

Author JK Rowling, who made headlines for sharing her controversial views on transgender rights lately, has come up with a new novel that involves a storyline about a woman who is killed after being accused of transphobia. In conversation with Graham Norton, Rowling told that her new novel, "The Ink…

Alba member Farah Hamid investigated over journalist abuse at Tory…

A charity in Scotland is investigating an incident in which an Alba party member posted a video of the BBC Scotland editor James Cook being abused as a 'traitor' outside the Tory leadership hustings, according to a report. Farah Hamid, 53, published a film of Cook facing an angry crowd…

UK’s political vacuum threatens deeper economic crisis, government warned

Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under heavy criticism on Monday for allowing a political vacuum at the heart of his government to threaten an even deeper economic crisis in Britain before his successor takes office in September. Britain is bracing for a long recession as energy prices surge to unprecedented…

His resignation was inevitable. As a Party we must quickly…

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to resign on Thursday.Below are some reactions:KEIR STARMER, LEADER OF OPPOSITION LABOUR PARTY"It is good news for the country that Boris Johnson has resigned as Prime Minister."But it should have happened long ago. He was always unfit for office. He has been responsible…

UK’s Labour rules out pact with Scottish independence party at…

The leader of the Labour Party in Scotland on Monday ruled out any deal with the Scottish National Party (SNP) after the next British election, dismissing the idea that such a pact could lead to a new independence referendum. Scottish first minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon last week said…

Explainer: The issues surrounding a Scottish independence vote

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans on Tuesday for a second referendum to be held on Scottish independence in October 2023.  In a referendum in 2014, Scots voted 55%-45% to remain in the United Kingdom, but both Brexit and the British government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis have bolstered…

Now is not the time to talk about Scottish independence…

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not believe now is the time to be talking about another referendum on Scottish independence, his spokesman said on Tuesday.Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier said she was nearly ready to give more details on how the nation's devolved parliament could move ahead with…

Sinn Fein urges to start united Ireland debate after historic…

SINN FEIN, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), hailed its first victory in a Northern Ireland Assembly election as a "defining moment" for the British-controlled region and called for a debate on a united Ireland. Sinn Fein was ahead of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)…

UK voters head to polls with historic N.Ireland result predicted

Polls opened across the UK on Thursday in local and regional elections that could prove historic in Northern Ireland and heap further pressure on embattled prime minister Boris Johnson. The contest for the devolved assembly in Belfast could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win for the first time in the…

Russia bans entry to Boris Johnson

MOSCOW on Saturday (16) announced it was banning entry to UK prime minister Boris Johnson and several other top UK officials after London imposed sanctions on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine."This step was taken as a response to London's unbridled information and political campaign aimed at isolating Russia…

Valneva’s Covid vaccine gets UK approval

BRITAIN has approved a new coronavirus vaccine by the Austrian-French drugmaker Valneva, the UK regulatory authority MHRA said on Thursday (14). "An approval has been granted after the Valneva Covid-19 vaccine was found to meet the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards," the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said…

Johnson scraps Covid restrictions in England

BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday said he would end all coronavirus restrictions in England including mandatory self-isolation for people with Covid-19 and free testing, drawing scepticism from some scientists and political opponents. Johnson's "living with Covid" plan has sparked alarm that it is premature and will leave the…

Johnson denies blackmailing Tory rebels

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has dismissed new allegations that his aides had tried to "blackmail" and threaten Conservative rebels, in a potentially criminal twist to Downing Street's "partygate" scandal. Senior Tory William Wragg disclosed the alleged intimidation campaign as Downing Street battles to shore up Johnson against calls from…

Most Covid rules in England to be scrapped as infections…

THE UK government announced Wednesday (19) that restrictions reimposed in England last month to fight the surge in Omicron coronavirus cases would be lifted, citing data that showed infections had peaked. Guidance advising people to work from home was lifted immediately, while from the middle of next week they will…

UK eases curbs for travel into England

THE UK government announced changes on Wednesday (5) to Covid travel rules for England, scrapping the need for visitors to have pre-departure tests and quarantine on arrival until they have tested negative. The new arrangements under which arrivals will be able to take a lateral flow in the first two…

UK reports record 93,045 Covid-19 cases as Omicron surges

BRITAIN reported record Covid-19 infections for the third consecutive day on Friday (17), with a rise to 93,045 new cases fuelled by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the virus. The government will hold an emergency committee meeting on Omicron at the weekend with the devolved administrations in…

British hospitality businesses reel from Omicron surge

Britain's pandemic-weary hospitality businesses have taken a fresh hit from soaring coronavirus cases fueled by the Omicron variant, as anxious customers curtail socialising and cancel bookings over the Christmas period. Pubs, restaurants and bars -- already struggling after nearly two years of reduced revenues due to the pandemic -- now…

Deal to sell steelworks to Sanjeev Gupta comes under scrutiny

MINISTERS have admitted that Nicola Sturgeon's government may have broken state aid rules in a deal to sell steelworks to Sanjeev Gupta, reported The Telegraph. There is growing scrutiny of the SNP's ties to the industrialist as he fights to keep his empire afloat, it was reported. The Scottish business…

UK virus cases highest since January

BRITAIN on Friday (10) saw the highest number of Covid infections since January as the government seeks to slow the spread of the new variant. Communities secretary Michael Gove said the country faces a "deeply concerning situation" as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly, with case numbers doubling every two to three days in England.…

Sturgeon seeks Raab help for Scottish Sikh held in India

SCOTLAND first minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked foreign secretary Dominic Raab to meet the family of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh man from Dumbarton who is being held under anti-terror laws in India and imprisoned there for almost four years. Johal, who was held in the northern Indian state…

Scotland’s minister faces scrutiny over £55m unpaid Gupta debt

SCOTLAND’S first minister Nicola Sturgeon is under a fresh scrutiny over her dealings with the steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta after he failed to set aside the pledged amount of £55 million for Britain’s last aluminium smelter, The Telegraph reported. In 2016, Gupta’s GFG Alliance had struck a taxpayer-backed deal with…

UK to offer Covid vaccines for 16 and 17-year-olds soon

ABOUT 1.4 million teenagers, aged 16 and 17, in England will soon be offered Covid-19 vaccines, as per media reports on Wednesday (4), which claimed that Joint  Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will update the advice “imminently”.   It is not yet known when the jabs will start though…

Loch Lomond tragedy: Tributes pour in as mum, son and…

TRIBUTES are pouring in for the woman, her son and a family friend, who died in Loch Lomond on Saturday (24). Waris Ali, who lost his family and a good friend, revealed how he tried in vain to save his drowning wife.   Edina Olahova, 29, and Rana Haris Ali,…

Scotland’s health secretary urged to reveal full details of watchdog…

THE health secretary of Scotland has been urged to reveal the full details of a deal between the health watchdog and the government. Humza Yousaf is facing the demand after it was revealed the watchdog's duties include shielding ministers from criticism, reported The Times. In a letter to Yousaf, Jackie…

Pressure mounts on Johnson to ‘get on with’ June 21…

  SENIOR Tory MPs are urging prime minister Boris Johnson to lift restrictions as planned this month while Scotland opts for a slower pace of reopening.   Senior MPs have reportedly urged the UK prime minister to “get on with” relaxing restrictions on June 21 after Scotland’s first minister Nicola…

UK defends by Eid immigration raid in Glasgow

THE UK government has defended an immigration raid that inflamed tensions in Glasgow's Muslim community at the start of Eid al-Fitr on Friday (14). The government clarified that there was no connection to the Islamic festival. Thursday's deportation raid targeted a property housing two illegal immigrants from India, who were…

‘Polls showed importance of geography and identity in politics’

  By Sunder Katwala ‘CARRY on governing’ seemed to be the key message of the ‘Super Thursday’ elections across the UK last week. That this did not seem a ‘time for a change’ was the common thread linking the renewed mandate to govern of Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP)…

‘It’s a sad day’, say protesters on Glasgow immigration raid…

AROUND 200 protesters in a largely Muslim part of Scotland's biggest city demonstrated as immigration officials raided a property on Thursday (13), the start of the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The raid occurred in the Glasgow constituency of Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said she was "deeply concerned by…

Ethnic minorities elected to Scottish Parliament

The 2021 Scottish Parliament election has witnessed the victory of some ethnic minorities, elected as the Member of Scottish Parliament. Read about them below: FOYSOL CHOUDHURY: First Bangladeshi origin to mark presence in Scottish Parliament Scottish Labour’s Foysol Choudhury becomes the first ethnic minority MSP in the Lothians. He is a…

Scottish independence party’s majority hopes hang in balance

THE Scottish National Party hoped a second day of vote-counting Saturday (8) would bring it a slim majority in the devolved parliament while prime minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an independence referendum. The UK voted in a series of local and regional polls on "Super Thursday" in its…

Conservatives score crushing win in Labour stronghold

Prime minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives scored a stunning election victory in a Labour stronghold on Friday, after Britain held its first major ballot box test since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis. The "Super Thursday" regional and local elections could reshape the UK as pro-independence forces in Scotland, where voting for…

Anas Sarwar: ‘The fight for equality is not over’

by LAUREN CODLING SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar has revealed that racist abuse targeting him has increased since he was elected head of his party, but said he no longer pays attention to it. In an exclusive interview on Monday (26) with Eastern Eye, the Asian politician also said that…

Anas Sarwar becomes first non-white leader of of major UK…

Scottish Labour named Anas Sarwar as their new leader on Saturday, ahead of an election for the country's devolved parliament in May. Sarwar, a Glasgow member of the Scottish parliament (MSP), succeeds Richard Leonard who resigned in January. Labour's fortunes have flagged in Scotland with the Scottish National Party (SNP)…

UK starts hotel quarantine for arrivals from 30 ‘red list’…

The UK government on Monday(15) introduced mandatory hotel quarantine rules for arrivals from dozens of countries deemed 'high risk' for coronavirus variants, as it tries to stop new strains spreading. The new policy requires all UK citizens and permanent residents entering England from 33 countries on a wider travel ban…

‘We want a referendum soon’, says Scotland’s Sturgeon

SCOTTISH leader Nicola Sturgeon said an independence referendum that could wrench apart the UK after Brexit should take place in the earlier part of the devolved parliament's next term, which begins next year. If there was another referendum and if Scots voted out, it would mark the biggest shock to…

Race and faith diversity ‘new normal’ in politics

  By Sunder Katwala British Future “I’VE placed our rangoli outside No 11, the mith­ai is set to be delivered and the family Zoom is booked in. I know things will feel a bit different, and it’s hard not to be able to see family, but we will get through…

UK PM Johnson under fire over Scottish parliament criticism

SCOTTISH independence campaigners have seized on comments by British prime minister Boris Johnson in which he said the creation of a devolved parliament in Edinburgh had been "a disaster". Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon, who is first minister in the devolved parliament, tweeted late Monday that it was "worth…

‘Very serious tipping point’: Sadiq Khan raises alarm over rapid…

TOUGHER lockdown measures may be on the way for London as the Sadiq Khan issued a stark warning on Tuesday (6) about rapid spread of the coronavirus, with hospitalisations tripling in the last month. The London mayor urged people to continue following norms and adhering anti-virus measures such as regular…

‘Get through winter together’: Johnson announces curbs that could last…

BORIS JOHNSON told the British people on Tuesday (22) to work from home where possible and ordered restaurants and bars to close early to tackle a swelling second coronavirus wave. "This is the moment we must act," the prime minister said, noting the new measures -- which could last up…

People unable to get tests even in worst-hit Covid-19 hotspots…

AS the UK government’s Lighthouse laboratories are trying to clear a backlog of 185,000 tests, people in England's worst-hit Covid-19 hotspots, including regions which have significant BAME presence, find it 'too difficult' to get tests. Unavailability of manpower t walk-in centres, drive-through facilities or for home delivery was cited as…

Scotland and Wales say British government’s bill threatens UK unity

SCOTLAND AND WALES said the British government's internal market bill, which a minister admitted breaks international law over Brexit, will undermine the UK by stealing powers from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The bill, a blueprint for life outside the European Union, will be published on Wednesday(9). A government minister…

Independent group of UK scientists questions government’s pandemic response

AS Britain navigates its way through the coronavirus pandemic, the government insists that science is guiding its decisions. But a self-appointed group of independent experts says it sees little in Britain's response that is evidence-based, especially after an upturn in new cases forced a delay in lifting more lockdown restrictions.…

Getting kids back in schools is country”s ”moral duty” after…

UK prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday said it is the country's “moral duty” to get children back into schools after the COVID-19 lockdown as a matter of priority to safeguard their health and mental wellbeing. During a visit to a school in east London, he sent out a message…

No end to lockdown yet but ‘careful’ easing begins, says…

British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday (10) the coronavirus lockdown will not end yet, urging people to "stay alert" to the risks as he outlined plans to begin slowly easing measures that have closed down much of the economy for nearly seven weeks. While his government was giving…

UK to maintain ‘maximum caution’ in easing lockdown as ‘it…

BORIS JOHNSON told senior ministers on Thursday (7) the government would adopt "maximum caution" as he prepared to outline how lockdown measures imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak could be eased. The prime minister will address the nation on Sunday evening to set out a "roadmap" for relaxing social distancing…

Johnson readies plan to ease lockdown with new office guidance

British prime minister Boris Johnson will set out his plan to ease a nationwide coronavirus lockdown next Sunday, media reports said, as new guidance emerged on how to maintain social distancing in workplaces. Stay-at-home orders imposed in late March are up for review on Thursday in Britain, one of the…

Sadiq Khan says he might ‘unilaterally’ instruct Londoners to wear…

SADIQ KHAN has said he would “unilaterally” direct Londoners to cover their faces in public places if the government did not issue an advice to use masks. The London mayor’s warning came hours after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday (27) urged people to wear face masks if they…

UK virus lockdown extension looms as Johnson’s health ‘improves’

British prime minister Boris Johnson's health "continues to improve" on his fourth day in COVID-19 intensive care, his spokesman said Thursday, while the government prepared to extend a nationwide lockdown. "The prime minister had a good night and continues to improve in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital. He's in…

Dundee woman beats Covid-19 to return home ahead of 99th…

A 98-year-old Indian-origin woman has pleasantly surprised her doctors and family after beating Covid-19 to return to her home in Scotland within days of her hospital admission. Daphne Shah, who turns 99 in July, was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with a high temperature, persistent cough and breathing difficulties…

Matt Hancock warns of tougher social distancing measures

The British government on Sunday warned that outside exercise could be banned if people flout stringent guidelines to cut the spread of coronavirus infections. The UK government on March 23 ordered a three-week shutdown of non-essential shops and services to cut close-contact transmission of the virus. But warmer weekend weather…

Virus ‘accelerating’ in UK as fears grow of Italy-like trajectory

Prime minister Boris Johnson warned Sunday (22) the coronavirus outbreak was "accelerating", as fears grew that the crisis in Britain was following the same path as the one devastating Italy. Johnson said the health service could be "overwhelmed" as health department figures showed that 233 people died from COVID-19 in…

UK closes schools as coronavirus deaths rise

Britain announced on Wednesday (18) it would be closing schools in the coming days to stem the spread of coronavirus, as the death toll topped 100 and Londoners braced for tougher measures to tackle the outbreak. Prime minister Boris Johnson had held off following the lead of other European countries…

Alok Sharma to lead UN climate summit in UK

Alok Sharma was on Thursday named the new UK minister in charge of the crunch UN climate talks to be hosted by Britain this November. Agra-born Sharma, promoted to the post of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle, will…

Scottish finance chief quits after report he messaged 16-year-old boy

Scotland's finance chief has resigned after a newspaper report that he had sent hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy. Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, 42, apologized for what he said was foolish behavior. "I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry," Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said in…

Smaller parties could hold keys to power at UK election

If British prime minister Boris Johnson fails to win an absolute majority in parliament on Thursday, smaller parties may find themselves holding the trump cards in negotiations to form an alliance. Here are the parties who could hold the keys to power. - Lib-Dems, voice of Remain pain - Under…

Britain goes to polls to decide fate of Brexit

BRITAIN went to the polls on Thursday (12) to decide the future of Brexit in a snap pre-Christmas election aimed at ending years of political deadlock and bitter divisions over the country's  European Union membership. A decisive victory for prime minister Boris Johnson would most likely end Britain's 46-year involvement…

Conservatives lose majority, Theresa May faces pressure to resign

British prime minister Theresa May faced pressure to resign on Friday after losing her parliamentary majority, plunging the country into uncertainty as Brexit talks loom. May called the snap election in April in an attempt to extend her majority and strengthen her position, but her gamble backfired spectacularly after she…

Theresa May invokes post-Brexit trade with India to win votes

Prime minister Theresa May today (1) said talks on post-Brexit trade ties with countries like India, Australia and New Zealand are already underway as she tried to woo voters ahead of the June 8 general election. The Conservative party leader is in a fight-back mode as latest opinion polls showed…

MPs back May’s call for snap election in Brexit shadow

British MPs on Wednesday overwhelmingly backed prime minister Theresa May's call for a snap election, paving the way for a June vote she hopes will give her a "mandate to complete Brexit". The House of Commons voted by 522 to 13 to hold a general election on June 8 plunging…

May to launch Brexit proceedings on March 29

Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger Britain's divorce proceedings with the European Union on March 29, launching two years of negotiations that will reshape the future of the country and Europe. May's government said her permanent envoy to the EU had informed European Council president Donald Tusk of the date…

Theresa May and Nicola Surgeon to have Brexit talks

New UK prime minister Theresa May will have Brexit talks with Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland today. It will be May’s first visit as Britain’s new prime minister, and she will be expected to stress Scotland’s continued unity with UK. May took office on Wednesday after David Cameron…

Britain to leave EU single market as May sets course…

Britain will quit the EU single market when it leaves the European Union, prime minister Theresa May said on Tuesday (17), in a decisive speech that set a course for a clean break with the world’s largest trading bloc. Setting out a vision that could determine Britain’s future for generations…

Millions protest against Trump’s British state visit invite after travel…

US president Donald Trump’s administration has indicated for the first time that Pakistan could be included in a list of Muslim-majority countries from where immigration to the US has been banned. It follows his controversial executive order last week barring refugees and people from seven mainly Muslim nations. The travel…

Millions protest against Trump’s British state visit invite after travel…

US president Donald Trump’s administration has indicated for the first time that Pakistan could be included in a list of Muslim-majority countries from where immigration to the US has been banned. It follows his controversial executive order last week barring refugees and people from seven mainly Muslim nations. The travel…