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Daily Record
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Anas Sarwar backs plan to proscribe Palestine Action as terrorist group after RAF base break-in
Palestine Action has broken into defence factories in Glasgow and RAF bases in England. Anas Sarwar has said he supports UK Government plans to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. It come after six people were arrested on suspicion of a terror offence after the group shared footage online last week of RAF planes being spray-painted at a military base in Oxfordshire. The group previously broke into a Thales defence factory in Glasgow in 2022, causing £1,130,783 in damages using pyrotechnics and smoke bombs. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said Palestine Action had a "long history" of criminal damage, and since 2024 "its activity has increased in frequency and severity". Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following the Israeli invasion of the Palestinian enclave in 2023. Asked by the Record today if he agreed with Cooper's decision, Sarwar said: "I'm all for freedom of speech. I'm all for freedom of protest. And people have been expressing their views very strongly. "But people who use the name of Palestine to cross a red line, to break into RAF facilities, to attempt to tamper with RAF jets, are doing a disservice to the cause they claim to represent. "There are so many phenomenal pro-Palestinian organisations who do not fall for acts of vandalism, or attacks on our defence infrastructure, or who fall into prejudice and hate, but who rightly speak out against violence and for peace - not just peace abroad, but peace and security here at home too. "Those people who use the name of Palestine to do such horrific actions should face the full force of the law. So I do support the actions of the Home Secretary. "Those people do not speak for Palestine or for peace. They are spoilers, who are hijacking their cause for their own end." Sarwar added the scenes in Gaza of repeated bombings on civilian areas were a "stain on the international community". He continued: "What's happening in Palestine is completely and utterly unacceptable. It's stain on the international community. What you're seeing is the collective punishment of an entire population, and clear breaches of international law from an Israeli Government that seems out of control. "It seems to me that Benjamin Netanyahu is more interested in staying in power and staying out of jail than he is about doing the right or trying to find peace. "What you have is the mass starvation of the people of Gaza, the continued illegal occupation of Gaza. "At the same time, you have to call out the horrific actions of Hamas, a terrorist organisation that has continued to hold hostages who should be at home with their loved ones. "So it's a devastating set of circumstances that shows we have to prioritise peace and diplomacy." Patrick Harvie, the out-going co-leader of the Scottish Greens, described Sarwar's comments as "shameful". He said: "Shameful for UK Labour to label protest as terrorism. Shameful for Labour's Scottish leader to agree, and to dismiss people protesting against genocide as "spoilers". "I have no doubt there will be Labour members as outraged by this as anyone else. They need to take action."
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Iconic Scottish brands are selling our screen sector short
It's a hoot – but an Englishman, based in London, was chosen to direct it. And it's not the only recent Irn-Bru advert made by directing and production talent from south of the Border. What's more, Irn-Bru in January announced the end of its long partnership with The Leith Agency in Edinburgh and appointed Lucky Generals, a London-based agency, to handle a 'new direction' for its marketing and advertising. Nor is this the only iconic Scottish brand behaving this way. READ MORE: Irn-Bru axes 30-year deal with Scottish marketer and joins London-based firm Over the last few years Tennent's, Highland Spring, VisitScotland, Scottish Water, Shelter Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland, Brand Scotland and the Scottish Government have all commissioned TV ads and promotional videos produced and/or directed by talent based outside of Scotland, predominantly in London. Often, creative agencies based in Scotland are doing the hiring of production companies and senior screen talent (directors, producers, cinematographers etc) based outside Scotland to make the adverts for their Scottish clients. Ooft! So, what's the crack? In a nutshell, big firms like to enter into partnerships with big creative companies based outside Scotland so they can do deals across brand portfolios in the belief they can get the best work for their money, regardless of borders. But when our most iconic brands aren't being team players, we have every right to show Irn-Bru a yellow card because our screen mannschaft urgently needs better support to go the distance. While there's no regulatory requirement on Scottish companies to spend their marketing budgets in Scotland, I'd argue there's a wider imperative for them to do so. This is not just because being Scottish is part of their DNA but because every time they sign off on hiring a director, producer, cinematographer, production or facilities company based elsewhere, it can limit the ambition of emerging talent and make it all the harder for our world-beating screen talent to survive and flourish. Hiring decisions reinforce the cultural bias that results in the systematic sidelining of Scottish screen talent. If there's any doubt, less than 38% of the directors hired to work on PSBpublic service broadcasting productions (both factual and dramas) marked as Scottish in the latest Ofcom Made Out Of London titles register are actually based in Scotland. There are some ads made here that do provide work for Scottish screen talent, many of whom also work in film and TV. Interconnected – there's a symbiotic relationship between the different screen sectors. Making commercials is also traditionally where directors in particular can develop and hone their craft and build a reputation and visual style with the aim of breaking into making high-end TV drama and movies. So, when Scottish brands don't play ball, not only does earning a living become more of a challenge, it's even harder for authentic and original Scottish screen voices to emerge on the big stage. No-one is arguing for 'local ads for local people'. Rather what's happening in the world of advertising mirrors the challenges faced by Scotland's screen sectors as a whole. READ MORE: Labour accused of 'breath-taking hypocrisy' over English oil refinery rescue This brings me to the publication this week of the UK Government's new Creative Industries Sector Plan. Jam-packed with hyperbole and nebulous objectives, this 80-page stream of fantastical policy statements reads like it has been written by an AI bot. One positive development could be the appointment of a freelance commissioner. The film and TV production communities' hope is that it will, at the very least, go to someone with credible freelance experience and insight. A £75 million screen growth package presents another glossy headline, but on closer inspection it's hard to see how this spend will benefit our established screen production talent. The ambition to 'train 2000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade' begs the question: for what jobs? The ones the DCMS imagines will be created by the new 'createch' gods? I'm not a disciple. With more than two-thirds of film and TV freelancers currently not working, this public money would be better invested in ways that provide greater opportunity for the already well-trained and experienced screen production professionals, especially those in broadcast, senior roles and the nations and regions. READ MORE: See the full lists of acts who made political statements at Glastonbury 2025 Besides, there's an unethical glut of new entrant schemes that make for 'good' PR. With ageism rife in broadcasting, it feels like an entire generation of broadcast professionals is simply being written off. By the time any benefits, real or imagined, of this 10-year plan materialise, many successful film and TV careers will have died for a lack of life support. This places even greater responsibility on the ongoing review of Creative Scotland, which oversees Screen Scotland. It's a welcome chance to introduce positive change – and there is much that needs improving. For starters, making our national screen agency a separate entity or giving it full administrative autonomy is essential. It must also be financed better. Funded to the tune of £35m, Screen Ireland has almost double the budget. Contributing more than £5 billion to the Scottish economy, Scotland's creative industries punch above their weight and are therefore deserving of greater support. It's also imperative more incentives are introduced across the board, not just in selected genres, to entice Scottish and international businesses to back our screen production talent. At present, not all the changes needed, structural and regulatory, are within our own grasp. But, for now, we can reform what is. The title of a film or TV programme can make or break a production. Fortunately, the national agency that nurtures our cultural life already has a good one. It's now time for Creative Scotland to prioritise exactly what it says on the tin. Peter Strachan is a Bafta-nominated film director and producer who sits on the board of trade body Directors UK
STV News
27-05-2025
- STV News
Why was serial domestic abuser allowed to leave jail to murder mum-of-four?
Serial domestic abuser Mark Keel receives life sentence for brutal murder of mum-of-four Maxine Clark Keel must serve a minimum of 22 years before being considered for parole Despite his history of violence, Keel was released on bail to Ms Clark's home in the Riddrie area of Glasgow He was the subject of separate non-harassment orders banning him from approaching or contacting three former partners Keel was also referred to the Caledonian System – designed to rehabilitate male perpetrators of domestic abuse His attendance on the programme was described as 'sporadic' Keel pleaded guilty to a murder charge last month and was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday Mark Keel had a long history of violent and abusive behaviour. He was a serial domestic abuser deemed at high risk of reoffending. As a result, he was the subject of non-harassment orders banning him from approaching or contacting three former partners. He was also placed on the Caledonian Programme, designed to rehabilitate male perpetrators of domestic abuse. But all of those measures failed to prevent him from murdering mum-of-four Maxine Clark at her home in Riddrie, north-east Glasgow, in June 2024. Opposition politicians and campaign groups say her death is an example of a justice system 'that betrays victims'. On Tuesday, Keel was jailed for life and he must serve a minimum of 22 years before being eligible for parole. Mark Keel jailed in June 2022 for domestic violence In 2023, Keel, who was deemed a 'high-risk offender', was told to attend the Caledonian Programme His attendance was described as 'sporadic' In January 2024, he was instead given a 12-month supervision order as well as an 18-week night-time curfew On June 27, 2024, emergency services attended the home address of Maxine Clark in Riddrie, Glasgow; Despite the efforts of emergency services, Maxine died Keel was convicted of murder after pleading guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on April 30, 2025 Sentenced to 22 years in jail at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday Deemed at high risk of offending again, Keel was referred to the Caledonian Programme, a behavioural programme designed to rehabilitate male perpetrators of domestic abuse. The programme is a requirement of a community payback or probation order – normally for a period of two years. It aims to reduce the chances of reoffending, but Keel's attendance was described as 'sporadic'. He also went on to flout a court-imposed community payback order. In January 2024, Keel was instead put on 12-month supervision as well as an 18-week curfew. The Caledonian Programme is operated by local authority criminal justice social work departments and works with domestic abuse perpetrators who present as being moderate and above in terms of risk of re-offending. The programme has been independently accredited, and a requirement of receiving the programme is that an individual is subject to a court order of at least two years' duration. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Maxine Clark who have lost a loved one in horrific circumstances. 'Sentencing in any given case, including the imposition of Community Payback Orders and Restriction of Liberty Orders, is always a matter for the independent courts. The Scottish Government cannot comment on sentencing decisions.' At the time of the killing, Keel and mum-of-four Ms Clark had been in a relationship for 18 months. He had recently moved into her home in Riddrie. Maxine had once been described as 'healthy, happy and outgoing'. However, she had told others of physical violence being inflicted on her by Keel. Police Scotland Maxine Clark Ms Clark had been seen with black eyes as well as an injury to her jaw. She also had 'grab marks' around her neck. Prosecutor David Dickson said: 'Family and friends warned her they felt Keel posed a threat to her.' In the hours before the murder on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Keel called his own mum asking to get picked up, claiming he was 'leaving' Ms Clark. They went to his father's home in the Southside of Glasgow before he later got a taxi back to Ms Clark's house. He was described as 'drunk' and Ms Clark was in bed when he got there. Mr Dickson said it was at the property that the fatal attack occurred. A child also staying at the house got up the next morning to find Ms Clark still in the bed with Keel wrapped in a blanket sitting beside her. Mr Dickson said: 'She appeared to have fresh injuries to her face and her breathing was described as laboured.' Ms Clark was rolled onto her side. The child left to play with friends, but returned every hour to see how she was. Advocate depute Mr Dickson told the court: 'Keel said he thought she was having an allergic reaction and that there was no need to call an ambulance.' At around 6pm, G4S security staff arrived to fit an electronic tag on Keel due to the curfew imposed on him weeks earlier. But he steered them away, claiming he had just woken up. Spindrift Mark Keel Keel instead went on to dial 999, claiming Ms Clark's tongue was swollen and that he had not seen her awake that day. Emergency crews arrived to find her still lying on the blood-stained bed, partially covered with a duvet. It was found she was already dead. Mr Dickson said Ms Clark had 51 separate injuries, including brain damage, significant bruising, fractures, and wounds. These were likely caused by punches, kicks, and being stamped upon. The imprint of the soles of Keel's shoes were found on her leg such was the force. Emergency services attended the home address of Maxine Clark in Riddrie, Glasgow. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Maxine died. Sharon Dowey, Scottish Conservative shadow minister for victims and community safety, said: 'This tragic case is another shocking example of the SNP's justice system betraying victims. 'This dangerous offender had a history of violence yet was free to brutally carry out this murder of Maxine Clark. 'Cases like this expose the stark reality of the SNP's relentless weakening of the justice system which repeatedly prioritises criminals over victims. 'He must now feel the full force of the law given the clear and huge risk he presents to public safety.' On sentencing, Lord Mulholland said: 'What you did to this defenceless woman was cowardly and evil. They were the actions of a brute. 'You have a history of domestic violence as confirmed by your criminal record and in the agreed narrative read to the court. STV News 'You have been violent to three previous partners, and you were also violent to Maxine Clark. Witnesses speak to seeing her with black eyes and grab marks to her neck. 'I also note that at the time of the murder you were subject to a community payback order with a curfew and a restriction of liberty order for a previous domestic abuse conviction. here is no guarantee that you will ever be granted parole and you may never be released from prison. You are assessed as posing a very high risk to women in a relationship with you. 'You will only be released if you are considered by the parole board to pose no risk to the public, particularly women, and that is a long way off, if ever.' Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said 'more' needs to be done to better support victims of domestic abuse in Scotland. This includes having robust risk assessments and monitoring arrangements in place when offenders are released back into communities. Victim Support Scotland argued against the removal of existing protections in the recently passed Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act, such as Section 23D of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. 'Section 23D set out a presumption against Bail for people accused of violent, sexual, and/or domestic abuse offences in solemn proceedings, where they had a previous conviction of a similar nature – so that they would only be granted Bail in 'exceptional' circumstances,' Ms Wallace said. 'We believe that it was an important safeguarding tool and it will be much missed in the new regulations, in which bail is expected to be granted unless the court can determine a good reason for refusing it. 'Cases like those of Maxine Clark tragically underscore the dangers of not having adequate safeguards in place. 'Victims of domestic abuse need to have the confidence to come forward for help, knowing that their fears will be taken seriously and that they will receive assistance to plan for their safety of that of their family.' If you don't feel comfortable reporting it to the Police, Victim Support Scotland can provide essential support, including financial aid if you have no other funds available. You can call its helpline 0800 160 1985 or visit its website for a free, confidential chat: Detective sergeant Ian Evans said: Detective Sergeant Ian Evans said: 'Keel is a violent individual and women are safer now he has been convicted for his crimes. 'Maxine was a beloved mum and daughter. Maxine's family miss her every day and they still feel her loss profoundly. I hope they find some solace in knowing Keel is no longer able to inflict his brutal and violent behaviour on any other women. 'We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls. I would like to assure anyone suffering at the hands of an abuser not to suffer in silence. 'We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.' 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Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Scottish Water imposes ‘hypocritical' guidelines amid heatwave – see how it affects you
PIPE DREAM Scottish Water imposes 'hypocritical' guidelines amid heatwave – see how it affects you Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTISH Water have been blasted for imposing "hypocritical" water guidelines on the public while losing MILLIONS of litres every day. The country is currently going through one of its worse dry spells in decades as temperatures soar past 22C. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Scotland is going through its worst dry spell in 60 years Credit: John Kirkby 4 Rivers are running low after drying up in the heat Credit: John Kirkby 4 Scots are being urged to save water Credit: John Kirkby Reservoirs are currently sitting at 81 per cent, ten percent less than they normally are in May. It has seen the water quango urge Scots to conserve water. Alex Plant, Scottish Water's Chief Executive, said: 'We're working hard to maintain normal supplies for all customers and would ask that they use water efficiently to protect this precious resource. 'We believe that a large part of the additional water use at the moment is in gardens so we would ask that customers are mindful of how much water they use there. 'Scotland's climate is clearly changing and, as a country, we need to ensure we adapt both by investing appropriately in water infrastructure – which Scottish Water is doing - and ensuring we do what we can to use water more efficiently in our homes and businesses. 'Water is always worth saving and by taking simple steps to reduce the volume used around the home and garden we can make our country's water go even further and help maintain normal supplies.' Scottish Water's plea ended up being soaked in irony, after it emerged while urging the public to save water, they are losing millions of litres. The company's own figures revealed they lost 454 litres in a day because of leaky pipes across the country, reports The Daily Mail. Scotland's Drinking Water Quality Regulator served Scottish Water with a notice over a major maintenance backlog. Douglas Lumsden, Scottish Conservative energy and net zero spokesman, said: "Scottish Water cannot expect Scots to cut down given they are losing the equivalent of nearly 200 swimming pools each day, which people will see as completely hypocritical. "This advice will also have a major impact on our farmers who rely on water for crop production and to do their jobs. Scotland faces 25C heat surge from TODAY – but weather expert has warning for early May "Scots will be hoping that their efforts to cut down water wastage will prove more fruitful as this spell of good weather continues." Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton added: "Being told to reduce water consumption will be hard for people to swallow when Scottish Water have failed to fix underlying problems and leaky pipes." A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: "We work hard every day to find and fix leakage. How can you save water? HERE is how Scottish Water is urging people to save water: Showers and baths use the most amount of water in the home (30%). Knocking 2 minutes off your shower can save over 5,000 litres and £130 off your energy bill, each year. Cleaning our teeth with the tap running wastes 5 litres of water a minute - an instant saving by simply turning off the tap while brushing. Found a dripping tap? A dripping tap can waste over 5,500 litres of water a year so make sure taps are turned off properly or replace the washer. A leaking toilet can waste between 215 and 400 litres of water every day. Between 5 and 8% of toilets are leaking, and it is most common with dual flush toilets. So if your toilet is leaking, get it fixed as quickly as possible. Save on your energy bills by filling the kettle with only the water you need, you'll also save time waiting for the kettle to boil! Remember to wash your dishes in a basin or bowl instead of under a running tap, or if using a dishwasher wait for a full load and use the eco setting to help save not only water but energy too! Fully load your washing machine and dishwasher and use the eco-setting where possible to save water and energy. Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees reduces your machine's energy consumption by 57%. Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car instead of a hosepipe. A hose wastes 1,000 litres of water an hour. Save water and nourish your plants' roots using a watering can instead. Alternatively, you can fit your hosepipe with a trigger nozzle so it only runs when you need it. Use a water butt! Did you know? Rainwater is better for your plants as there is nitrogen in the rain which helps plants thrive. A small Scottish roof collects over 45,000 litres of water each year, that's more than enough to keep your water butt topped up! Source: Scottish Water "A large proportion of the leaks we now have are small in size and nature, so harder to find and fix, and we are deploying a range of approaches and innovations to hunt them down. "About a quarter of leakage is from pipework within home owners' gardens and under driveways. We will support home owners to resolve these problems when identified.' "In addition to being criticised for its leaks, Scottish Water was ordered in 2023 to carry out an emergency clean-up of tap water supplies after they were found to pose a 'potential danger to human health'."
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Commercial contracts must be crystal clear
Business Energy Claims could be the next mis-selling scandal Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Major lenders are starting to set aside cash in anticipation of potential payouts to millions of drivers for mis-sold car finance products, with experts estimating that the bill could reach several billion pounds. But, much like the PPI scandal that came before the PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) issue was revealed, this isn't the only instance where dishonest broker practices have been uncovered. Many businesses with commercial office spaces, shops or warehouses are likely to have been engaged in historic energy contracts with hidden commission fees, which should have been disclosed. In contrast to consumers who usually shop around via comparison sites or go directly to energy suppliers, Ofgem reports that around one-third of businesses arrange contracts via a third party. Up to 3,000 brokers operate in the UK's non-domestic energy market, which was deregulated in 2000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In theory, businesses had put their trust in an expert to find the best deal for them. However, in practice, this may have come at a price, with hidden commission benefitting both the brokers and the energy companies through inflated tariffs and increased contract lengths pushed by the brokers responsible for the deals. Some unscrupulous experts have been playing the system, says Cat McGarrell The basis of the legal case is similar to the PCP scenario; the hidden commission is viewed as a bribe, and a remedy can be sought from the briber - in this instance, the energy companies. The full extent of the issue is yet to be fully understood, but with deals dating back two decades and potential claims of up to £20,000 per business, the impact could be significant. Of course, not all brokers were involved in these types of contracts, but concerns prompted new rules to be introduced in 2022. It is now mandatory for suppliers to be much clearer about what fees are passed on to customers. The lack of informed consent is the real problem here. Even if there was wording around commission in the contract, courts have since ruled that this did not go far enough to imply informed consent, and full details should have been included. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last December, the Energy Ombudsman introduced a framework to support small businesses to help make sense of potential claims and, where possible, avoid complex court proceedings. It covers firms with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover of less than £6.5 million – meaning the majority of Scottish businesses will fall under this umbrella. Importantly, it is not just private businesses potentially affected. Charities, public sector organisations and community groups with a physical space may also have been given these kinds of deals, ending up paying more than was required. The fact that this framework already exists highlights the potential scale of the issue, but the process of gathering the necessary evidence, interpreting recommendations and negotiating refunds from the energy companies could be a significant burden on a small business. If you think you may have been involved in this kind of contract via a broker, consider seeking legal advice to relieve some of the pressure. Every aspect of this case highlights the need for commercial contracts to be crystal clear. While brokers' exploitation of loopholes could result in billions of pounds in compensation, it may also have widespread impacts for the entire energy market, just like the impact of PPI and PCP on financial services.
