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Humza Yousaf demands independence referendum in first meeting with Rishi Sunak

The other topics raised in the meeting were a Scottish government demand for its deposit return scheme on drinks containers to receive an exemption from the Internal Market Act

Humza Yousaf demands independence referendum in first meeting with Rishi Sunak

Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf has urged Rishi Sunak to 'respect the democratic wishes' of the Parliament and demanded the power to hold an independence referendum.

In response, the Prime Minister asked Yousaf to work with the UK government on tackling the cost of living crisis, The Telegraph reported.


In his first meeting with Sunak, Yousaf protested the foreign secretary's crackdown on SNP ministers using meetings with overseas governments to promote independence and attack Brexit.

It was reported that James Cleverly was to write to Britain's embassies to remind them that a UK diplomat should be present during meetings between SNP ministers and foreign governments.

During the 20-minute meeting, the first minister also raised Lord Frost's recent call for some devolved powers to be rolled back.

According to report, political fallout around the police investigation into SNP's finances is likely to dominate the discussions with Scottish National Party's (SNP) Westminster group on Tuesday (25).

Recently, SNP's president Mike Russell stated that independence could not be achieved 'right now' as the party is 'facing its biggest crisis in 50 years'.

"The first minister made clear that he expects the prime minister to respect the democratic wishes of Scotland’s Parliament by granting a Section 30 order," a spokesman for Yousaf is reported to have said.

"The minister raised concerns around UK government attacks on devolution, including the foreign secretary’s clumsy intervention on Scottish government activity abroad and comments on devolution from Lord Frost."

The other topics raised in the meeting were a Scottish government demand for its deposit return scheme on drinks containers to receive an exemption from the Internal Market Act.

Also, Yousaf protested a 10.1 per cent rise in duty on Scotch whisky.

During the meeting, Sunak reiterated his commitment to supporting people with the cost of living and asked the Scottish government to help increase the support.

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ISKCON reclaims historic London birthplace for £1.6 million after 56 years

Highlights

  • ISKCON London acquires 7 Bury Place, its first UK temple site opened in 1969, for £1.6 million at auction.
  • Five-storey building near British Museum co-signed by Beatle George Harrison who helped fund original lease.
  • Site to be transformed into pilgrimage centre commemorating ISKCON's pioneering work in the UK.
ISKCON London has successfully reacquired 7 Bury Place, the original site of its first UK temple, at auction for £1.6 m marking what leaders call a "full-circle moment" for the Krishna consciousness movement in Britain.

The 221 square metre freehold five-storey building near the British Museum, currently let to a dental practice, offices and a therapist, was purchased using ISKCON funds and supporter donations. The organisation had been searching for properties during its expansion when the historically significant site became available.

The building holds deep spiritual importance as ISKCON's UK birthplace. In 1968, founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada sent three American couples to establish a base in England. The six devotees initially struggled in London's cold, using a Covent Garden warehouse as a temporary temple.

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