3 h. ago African diplomats urge UK government to back bill to speed up debt restructurings

Exclusive: Countries are struggling to manage expensive loans, with much of debt transacted through LondonDiplomats from eight southern and east African countries have signed a letter calling on the UK government to support a private member’s bill that aims to speed up debt restructurings, after economic crises meant countries were unable to pay back loans.Poor countries’ economies have been hit by a series of global events in recent years, including the coronavirus pandemic, which reduced growth; the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which sent inflation soaring; and raised US interest rates, which have pushed up the cost of international loans to often unaffordable levels. Continue reading...

Politics

7 h. ago Ed Miliband's GB Energy project is branded a 'betrayal' by Labour's trade union backers over 'bonkers' curbs on North Sea oil and gas

Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB Union, said it was 'bonkers' and 'absolute madness' to be cutting off investment into North Sea oil and gas.

Politics

8 h. ago Scottish Government urges DWP to abandon proposed welfare reforms due to start next year

The Scottish Government has written to Work and Pensions Liz Kendall calling for ‘damaging social security welfare reforms’ to be scrapped immediately.

Politics

11 h. ago John Swinney urged to 'seize opportunity' and kickstart economy by ramping up housebuilding

The First Minister has been urged to prioritise investment in infrastructure in his programme for government next month.

Politics

13 h. ago Scottish Labour MP calls for Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields to go ahead

EXCLUSIVE: Gregor Poynton said he wants the UK Government to grant licences for the two North Sea projects.

Politics

3 d. ago Scotland’s 'coldest' stadium located next to the North Sea named best in the country

It beat iconic stadiums like Celtic Park, Hampden Park and the Ibrox

Politics

3 d. ago Scots ship convoy to cross North Sea marking 80th anniversary of VE Day

"Everyone who crewed those small boats and ships taking the route knew they were risking their lives."

Politics

3 d. ago VE Day anniversary: Flotilla to cross North Sea in honour of 'Shetland Bus' heroes

The Shetland Bus missions which ferried soldiers, spies and supplies from Scotland to Nazi-occupied Norway are being honoured next month.

Politics

4 d. ago UK Government urged to end PIP reassessments for people with lifelong health conditions

Proposed changes to health and disability benefits will start from November 2026.

Politics

4 d. ago Giant icebergs once drifted off the coast of Britain, scientists find

Discovery could provide valuable clues as to how the climate crisis might affect Antarctica, says studyGiant, flat-topped icebergs the size of the city of Cambridge drifted off the coast of Britain during the last ice age, according to a study that has uncovered evidence of their existence for the first time.A series of distinctive, comb-like grooves found preserved in sediment near Aberdeen in Scotland were left behind by the underside of huge “tabular” icebergs that dragged across the North Sea floor between 18,000 and 20,000 years ago, the researchers said. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Alternative walking route along North Coast 500 gets biggest development yet after generous £10k donation

Walkers having to wade through what was sometimes a fast-flowing burn out to the north sea depending on the weather are now spoiled with a brand new bridge.

Economics

6 d. ago Instagram launches new video creation app Edits to rival TikTok

The announcement comes as TikTok faces an uncertain future in the US because of a looming ban linked to national security concerns.

Technology

6 d. ago Coroner urges government to act after man drowns at open water swimming event

Joel Ineson, 55, suffered a cardiac episode before drowning at a supervised session in a Sunderland park.

Politics

8 d. ago Shopkeepers urge Government to meet them before a planned vaping and smoking crackdown shuts them for good

Signed by 24 shopkeepers, the joint public appeal urges policymakers to consider the consequences of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Politics

9 d. ago Senior Labour advisers urge Keir Starmer to ditch party's ban on North Sea oil and gas drilling in light of growing Reform threat

A handful of senior officials are understood to be quietly urging the PM to consider watering down or scrapping the manifesto pledge altogether to see off the growing threat from Reform UK.

Society

1 week ago Government issues 'urgent' warning to check medication after MHRA alert

It comes after the manufacturer reported a misprint on the medication

Events

1 week ago SNP Government demands urgent meeting with Westminster following Supreme Court gender ruling

Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary plans to make a statement at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday’s judgment next week.

Politics

1 week ago Scottish ministers want urgent meeting with UK Government on gender ruling

Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary plans to make a statement on the judgment at the Scottish Parliament next week.

Politics

1 week ago Scottish Government requests urgent meeting as pressure mounts over self

Several opposition parties are demanding the Scottish Government urgently gives clarity on its single-sex spaces guidance.

Politics

1 week ago Huge blow for trans rights as Supreme Court says: you are not women

The government has been urged to ‘stand firmly behind the LGBT+ community’ in the wake of the landmark ruling

Events