2 h. ago The Guardian view on falling net migration: political debate is now detached from the facts

A fixation on reducing numbers leaves no room for rational discussion of what that means for the economy and societyBritish political debate has long been dominated by public anxiety about rising levels of immigration. How might that change if the population tide were to turn? Not at all, would appear to be the answer. Net migration has in fact been falling since before Labour came to power last July, and yet there has been no end of demand for ever tighter controls and no end of government acquiescence.New figures published this week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), adjusting historical data for methodological changes, show that net migration was 944,000 for the year ending March 2023 – about 40,000 higher than had previously been thought. The drop since then has also been steeper. The number for the year ending December 2024 is now thought to be 345,000 – lower than the earlier count by 86,000.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would li...

Politics

3 h. ago Rare Greater Manchester pub with quirky history undergoes £300k transformation

The pub's design dates back to 1901 and mirrors the passage of time

Economics

4 h. ago David Beckham signs deal with Bank of America ahead of 2026 World Cup

David Beckham wants to boost engagement in soccer ahead of next year’s World Cup

Economics

4 h. ago ‘An impossibility made possible’: how tiny Curaçao made World Cup history

Caribbean island team are the smallest to reach tournament after appointing wily coach and drawing on diasporaThe delay in Dick Advocaat becoming Curaçao’s head coach might have been ominous but instead was the foundation for glory. Frustrated by the national federation’s financial problems, he deferred starting until January 2024, when the issues were resolved and players paid, paving the way for a historic World Cup qualifying campaign.Curaçao will be the smallest nation – by land area and population – to play at the 2026 World Cup after their 0-0 draw in Jamaica on Wednesday. The Caribbean island has a population of 156,000, sinking the previous record holders Iceland, which has about 400,000 inhabitants. Last month Cape Verde were confirmed as surprise tournament debutants but the African nation is almost 10 times bigger by area than the former Dutch colony, indicating the level of achievement by Advocaat and his squad. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Scotland at World Cup 2026: Moment dad and daughter go 'bonkers' as Scotland scores against Denmark

The mum who posted the video described the reaction as “bonkers”.

Politics

5 h. ago Where will Scotland play in the World Cup? Here are all 16 host cities the Tartan Army could be invading

It’s official - Scotland are going to the 2026 World Cup. But where will fans be looking to book a flight to?

Events

5 h. ago Scotland squad celebrate World Cup qualification with private Glasgow party

Scotland's footballers were spotted partying at a Glasgow bar into the wee small hours after sealing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Politics

5 h. ago Kenny McLean: Scotland screamer from halfway line tops the lot

The midfielder on his stunning strike that sent Scotland to the 2026 World Cup

Politics

6 h. ago World Cup 2026: Watch as Scotland fans go wild in pubs after historic World Cup return

Watch the fans reaction to Scotland’s historic win against Denmark on Tuesday night.

Politics

7 h. ago Scotland World Cup 2026 travel: How to fly to the US, Canada and Mexico from Scottish airports

Tartan Army to find out next month which US, Mexican or Canadian cities to head for

Transport

7 h. ago 10 smallest nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup including greatest minnows ever

Curacao have made history by qualifying for the World Cup next summer, but a small population hasn't always served as a barrier for some nations, who have been able to make finals in the past

Politics

7 h. ago World Cup 2026: Why Donald Trump will be desperate to join Tartan Army's massive party

The amazing atmosphere created by the Tartan Army will attract the attention of US President Donald Trump – and Scotland could use that to its advantage

Politics

8 h. ago When was Scotland last in the World Cup? Every tournament Scotland has played after 2026 qualification win

Here is every World Cup Scotland has played at, after the team has officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Politics

8 h. ago Scotland’s wild World Cup moment was built by collective will and individual brilliance | Ewan Murray

Steve Clarke’s history-making team has a ferocious work ethic that should typify what Scotland stands forIt was not a time for calm reflection. Kenny McLean had just lobbed Kasper Schmeichel from the halfway line. Limbs. Unbridled, unfiltered joy.On one outrageous Hampden Park night McLean, Kieran Tierney and Scott McTominay relegated Archie Gemmill’s stupendous solo effort against the Netherlands in 1978 to merely the fourth best Scotland goal of all time. Zinedine Zidane’s volley for Real Madrid in Hampden’s Champions League final of 2002? A mere tap-in by comparison. What was produced by McTominay, Tierney and McLean will live long in the memories of the children and grandchildren of anybody who was in attendance on Tuesday night. They call McLean “the Mayor of Norwich”. He may as well now be the mayor of Nairn, North Berwick and Newtongrange. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Scotland will be on granny watch as Hotline breaks a habit of a lifetime for Sir Steve and our amazing heroes

Fraser Wilson takes your calls. and our fans couldn't wait to congratulate them as Fraser Wilson takes your calls.

Politics

10 h. ago Scotland at the 2026 World Cup: When is the draw, possible opponents, tournament dates, host cities

Scotland qualify for first World Cup since 1998

Politics

10 h. ago Historic Greater Manchester pub goes up for sale just weeks after reopening

It's been listed for sale with a six-figure price tag

Politics

10 h. ago World Cup 2026: Calls for 'huge' fan parks and late night pub licences for Scotland’s World Cup games

The games could be scheduled for late at night.

Sport

11 h. ago Scotland football supporters: share your views on qualifying for the men’s World Cup

We’d like to hear from Scotland football supporters – tell us how you feel about qualifying and any plans to watch the matches Scotland’s men have secured a place at the World Cup for the first time in nearly three decades.After a nail-biting match at Hampden Park in Glasgow, they beat group favourites Denmark 4-2. Continue reading...

Politics

11 h. ago World Cup 2026: How do Scotland fans get tickets for the tournament? Dates, fixtures and application process

Here is all the ticketing information Scotland fans need after sealing their place at the World Cup 2026.

Sport