27 h. ago 'Bombshell' council tax rise warning over Rachel Reeves' police funding plans

Chancellor accused of ‘relying on a hidden council tax bombshell to fund a half-hearted rise in police funding’ as she outlines Spending Review

Events

30 h. ago Council tax 'bombshell' warning over Chancellor's police funding plans

The government was accused of ‘relying on a hidden council tax bombshell to fund a half-hearted rise in police funding’

Events

31 h. ago Murray asks who Scots voters ‘trust to spend’ £9.1bn rise in funding

The Scottish Secretary was speaking after Chancellor Rachel Reeves laid out her spending plans for the next three years.

Economics

3 d. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s tough choices: they are costing the government dearly | Editorial

Austerity-era scepticism runs deep – and Labour’s abstract promises are falling flat as Nigel Farage rises in the pollsThe Labour government’s abrupt U-turn on winter fuel payments – restoring the benefit to more than three-quarters of pensioners – reveals less a change of heart than a sobering realisation in Westminster: after years of austerity, the public no longer gives politicians the benefit of the doubt. The irony is hard to miss. Labour set out to prove that “grown-up” economics means difficult decisions – only to find that once trust is lost, voters won’t accept vague promises without tangible results.It turns out many are sceptical that sacrifices will produce better results for society. That’s why ministers are struggling to justify cuts to disability benefits as a way to “fund” public services – or to convince the public that Britain can’t afford to lift the two-child benefit cap even as ministers claim they will reduce child poverty. There may be more conspicuous retrea...

Politics

7 d. ago Ian Murray clashes with SNP as Chancellor announces winter fuel allowance boost

The Scotland Secretary criticised the SNP during Scottish questions

Politics

7 d. ago Scots businesswoman hit with ban for paying daughter £200k as firm went bust

Hazel Lamont, 74, and her daughter Nicola Murray, 54, were directors of Scotparts UK Ltd, a Glasgow-based machinery parts firm which went into liquidation with debts of £900k.

Economics

8 d. ago Fin removed from submarine as disposal reaches ‘significant marker’

It is hoped that by dismantling the Swiftsure, a blueprint for future decommissioned submarines can be created.

Politics

9 d. ago Healey insists defence funding will rise to 3% target to meet review aims

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was ‘100% confident’ spending will rise to 3% of gross domestic product.

Events

9 d. ago Ian Murray: 'A clear path for the next decade to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad'

Review marks a fundamental shift to restore Britain’s readiness, writes Scottish Secretary Ian Murray

Politics

1 week ago Blind man stabbed flatmate in heart with kitchen knife during 'argument', jury told as murder trial opens

James Murray died after Scott Thomson plunged a kitchen knife eight centimetres into his heart, jurors heard

Events

2 w. ago Nigel Farage claims Keir Starmer's attacks on his economic plans are 'Project Fear 2.0' as Reform leader faces questions over £85bn cost of 'fantasy' policies

Sir Keir this morning warned voters they cannot trust Mr Farage with their 'future, mortgages or jobs' in a speech deriding his economic literacy.

Economics

2 w. ago SNP spent decades 'selling Scotland to Scots' rather than rest of world, Ian Murray claims

The SNP claimed issues around exports were down to Brexit

Politics

3 w. ago Partially funded teacher pay rise may lead to cuts to school provision – unions

The largest education union in England has threatened to ‘register a dispute’ with the Government unless it fully funds the pay award.

Economics

3 w. ago Wonder wallets: Oasis fans ‘set to spend £1bn on UK reunion tour concerts’

Spending on the Oasis tour is part of a broader shift towards the ‘experience economy’, Barclays said.

Economics

3 w. ago Chance to pitch to Andy Murray as Scottish sporting icon becomes investor

The tennis champion will help find purpose-driven founders and businesses that match his values to invest in.

Economics

3 w. ago EU deal gives ’12 years of certainty’ to Scottish fishermen, says Murray

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has described the agreement as a ‘horror show’.

Economics

3 w. ago Celtic’s coronation shows Scotland needs end to 40 years of title tedium | Ewan Murray

When Callum McGregor lifts the Premiership trophy on Saturday, it will be four decades since a team other than Celtic or Rangers won the top flightThis Scottish football season involved a debate surrounding the possibility of reconstruction. Would 10, 14 or 16 be the ideal number of Premiership sides, as opposed to the present dozen? There was, however, a tartan elephant in the room. Scotland has been operating a one, one-and-a-half or two-team league for far longer than is healthy. There is no indication that can change. Distress signals should have been raised long ago.Celtic’s match against St Mirren on Saturday will precede receipt of the Premiership trophy. For Celtic, this is a 12th title in 13 seasons. The likely defeat of Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday week will secure a sixth domestic treble since 2016. Cliche suggests Celtic and Rangers joust for honours, and occasionally they do. This, however, is an unprecedented spell of Celtic dominance. Continue readin...

Politics

3 w. ago Democrats keep trying to move past the cover up around Biden’s decline. It’s not helping their credibility

Democrats are trying to rebuild trust with voters. Why is Joe Biden trying to rewrite history when only his loyalists believe him, asks John Bowden

Politics

last month Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic split as tennis stars have say on coaching partnership call

Blockbuster coaching duo call time just six months after teaming up

Sport