3 h. ago ‘A move towards an authoritarian state’: what those with trial experience think of removing juries

David Lammy’s plans to cut the the number of jury trials in England and Wales. A defendant, a victim, a barrister, a KC, a judge and a juror have concernsThis week the justice secretary, David Lammy, announced sweeping changes to the criminal justice system that will significantly reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales. Under the radical plans, jury trials will be reserved for cases in “indictable-only” offences such as murder or rape, and “either-way” offences (those where the defendant can currently decide whether they will be tried by a jury or magistrates), with a likely sentence of more than three years in prison.While Lammy backed down on plans to remove jury trials for all cases involving a maximum jail term of five years, the move has led to an outcry from MPs, lawyers and campaigners. The Guardian spoke to a range of people who have seen juries’ work close up about their experiences and the proposals. Continue reading...

Events

5 h. ago SNP government to back Labour MSP Monica Lennon's Ecocide Bill at first stage

Nats minister Gillian Martin signalled the move to MSPs which could see Scotland establish a specific crime of mass environmental destruction.

Politics

25 h. ago Bonnie Blue has 'passport seized' after adult star's Bang Bus raided by officials

Adult influencer Bonnie Blue, who has slept with 1,057 men in a day, has reportedly been arrested in Bali while on her controversial "Bang Bus" tour as her passport has now been seized

Politics

28 h. ago Scottish Budget: Greens reveal demands as SNP's negotiating 'trump card' taken away

The Greens are the most likely party to back the SNP minority government’s budget plans.

Politics

3 d. ago Watchdog warns Scotland's NHS 'financially unsustainable' despite SNP's £3bn extra funding

Audit Scotland has warned that SNP pledges to improve the NHS have not been delivered despite extra funding and staff for the health service.

Economics

3 d. ago Tackling this evil is taking too long as grooming gangs probe ordered by SNP Government

Record View says the concerns of victims must be central if this review is to command public support and reassurances have to be provided.

Politics

3 d. ago Grooming gangs probe ordered by SNP Government after anger by victims

Professor Alexis Jay will have a role on a review that could result in a full inquiry.

Events

3 d. ago Several children injured as bus crashes into low bridge in Lancashire

Emergency services rushed to the scene and passengers were taken off the bus

Events

4 d. ago Scathing report from Gordon Brown's think tank warns SNP government 'struggles to deliver'

A new report has called for next year’s election to be a chance to reset how Scotland is governed

Events

4 d. ago Grooming gangs expert calls on SNP Government to launch urgent child sexual exploitation review

Professor Alexis Jay said a review could be a "precursor" to a public inquiry.

Politics

5 d. ago Chancellor ruling out another independence vote does not carry weight – Flynn

The SNP MP claimed Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will both be ousted if the SNP wins next year.

Politics

5 d. ago Free bus travel for everyone under 30 is top Budget demand for Scottish Greens

John Swinney's SNP Government will announce its Budget next month.

Transport

5 d. ago SNP Government urged to consider asylum hotel protest curbs by abortion buffer zone law MSP

EXCLUSIVE: Gillian Mackay was responsible for safe access zones for women outside clinics and said asylum seekers may need similar protections.

Events

7 d. ago The real Mo Farah: How I begged Sir Mo to back my bid for the life in Britain stolen from me 32 years ago

Mohamed Farah stands by the roadside, waiting impatiently for passengers to clamber off a blue, rickety bus that has just arrived from Mogadishu Airport.

Politics

8 d. ago Flynn warns foundations of UK ‘can’t and won’t be fixed’ as SNP eyes indyref2

The SNP Westminster leader has urged Scots to back his party at next year’s election.

Events

8 d. ago Watchdog orders release of withheld Nicola Sturgeon inquiry evidence. as SNP Government called 'disappointing'

David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner, criticised the Scottish Government over its handling of the case

Politics

8 d. ago SNP government 'wrongly withheld' information' from Nicola Sturgeon breach probe

The decision by Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton now requires the Government to disclose some of the written evidence used in that investigation.

Politics

9 d. ago TfL passengers can now get live alerts for London Underground and London bus arrivals

TfL passengers can now get live alerts for London Underground and London bus arrivals  My London

Events

9 d. ago SNP Government can NOW afford a council tax freeze thanks to Rachel Reeves’ budget

THE SNP Government can now afford a council tax freeze thanks to Rachel Reeves’ budget, it emerged yesterday. The Chancellor’s block grant increase could be used by John Swinney to announce tax cuts after Christmas — with around £307million freed up for next year. It means Labour’s latest hike to Scottish Government funding — now...

Politics

1 week ago MSP highlights support for Lanarkshire pensioners this winter

The first payments of the SNP Scottish Government’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment have been processed and started landing in pensioners accounts.

Politics