Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Anas Sarwar: Yousaf put Scottish independence before economy

Yousaf assumed the top post on March 28

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 business audience in Glasgow on Thursday (31), Sarwar argued that the government's focus on social policies over the past 25 years has led to the neglect of developing a more resilient economy.

According to him, this approach has disappointed Scottish employers and weakened the country's potential for growth.

He emphasised further that the 'extraordinary chaos' within their respective parties has diverted the attention of both the Tories and SNP from implementing necessary measures.

Sarwar launched a significant effort to attract businesses, aiming to win them over during a time when there was widespread dissatisfaction with the policy direction of Yousaf's SNP-Green government.

The decline in Scotland's GDP is being attributed to a drop in manufacturing. Adding to the government's challenges, a recent survey found that fewer than one in ten companies in Scotland believe that his government understands the needs of businesses.

Earlier, the Scottish Tory leader, Douglas Ross, cautioned that the current levels of public expenditure cannot be sustained unless there is a shift towards promoting economic growth.

Ross introduced his party's fresh economic approach, suggesting a reduction in taxes to align with those of the rest of the UK.

The strategy highlighted that Scotland's GDP growth was only about half of the UK's rate during Nicola Sturgeon's time as the first minister.

He also encouraged dissatisfied SNP members in Holyrood to collaborate with him, especially those disenchanted with the environmental policies pursued within their party's coalition agreement with the Greens.

Next week, Yousaf will unveil his government programme as the first minister, outlining his administration's plan for the upcoming year.

"The Scottish economy is not alone in facing extremely challenging circumstances. The cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates are impacting the ability of households and businesses to spend, which in turn affects the broader economy," Neil Gray, the SNP's wellbeing economy secretary, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

More For You

Police officers

Police officers stand guard between an anti fascist group and Tommy Robinson supporters during an anti-immigration rally organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, September 13, 2025.

REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

UK defends France migrant returns deal after court blocks first removal

THE British government has defended its new migrant returns deal with France after a High Court ruling temporarily blocked the deportation of an Eritrean asylum seeker, marking an early legal setback to the scheme.

The 25-year-old man, who arrived in Britain on a small boat from France on August 12, was due to be placed on an Air France flight from Heathrow to Paris on Wednesday (17) morning. But on Tuesday (16), Judge Clive Sheldon granted an interim injunction, saying there was a “serious issue to be tried” over his claim to be a victim of trafficking.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian surgeon sentenced to six years for sexual assault

Dr Amal Bose. (Photo: Lancashire Police)

Asian surgeon sentenced to six years for sexual assault

AN ASIAN senior heart surgeon, who abused his position to sexually assault female members of staff, has been jailed for six years.

Dr Amal Bose, from Lancaster, was convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault against five colleagues at Blackpool Victoria Hospital between 2017 and 2022. He was cleared of two other charges.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

Trump greets Modi on 75th birthday, trade talks continue in Delhi

Highlights:

  • Both leaders reaffirm commitment to India-US partnership
  • Trade talks resume in New Delhi amid tariff tensions
  • India defends purchase of discounted Russian oil

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call sparked hopes of a reset in India-US ties, which had been under strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
11th UK Gatka Championship

All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

Highlights:

  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

Inauguration by global leaders

The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vantara

The site, located in Gujarat, houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. (Photo: Instagram/Vantara)

India court probe clears Ambani family’s animal centre

AN INDIAN Supreme Court-ordered investigation has cleared a large private animal facility run by the son of Asia’s richest man, rejecting allegations of wildlife violations.

Vantara, described as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Keep ReadingShow less