Latest news with #ScottishParliament
The National
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Parliament won't release files on trans toilet policy
The National lodged a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Parliament asking for documents, emails, memos, or other correspondence relating to the decision, or around the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance. Holyrood officials released one email sent to parliamentary staff from the senior executive team setting out its position but did not give out any background information. In its refusal letter, the Scottish Parliament admitted it held the documentation we had requested, but cited several exemptions. READ MORE: Scottish Government changes guidance that led to Supreme Court ruling They claimed it would 'inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice', that disclosure would 'prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs' and that it refers to legal advice, which is exempt. On May 9, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone announced that trans women would be barred from using female toilets following the Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman and the subsequent EHRC guidance. The move led to MSPs and staff writing to Holyrood's governing body expressing 'deep concern' over the decision, but the policy has remained in place. We previously told how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) defended the decision in the Holyrood chamber last week. (Image: PA) The Scottish Parliament said it was refusing our request as correspondence related to a 'sensitive topic'. 'While an interim position concerning single sex facilities at the Scottish Parliament has been taken, work is planned to inform further practical changes which may be needed,' it stated. 'As such, this remains a live topic, and parliamentary officials must be able to communicate with each other freely and gather information for the purposes of provision of advice to the SPCB. 'The SPCB agreed to conduct an extensive consultation to inform what further changes may be required to facilities in the medium to longer term. 'This consultation will also take account of the updated EHRC statutory code of practice when it becomes available later this year. 'Disclosure of information in response to a freedom of information request has the effect of releasing information into the public domain.' READ MORE: I spent all day counting Keir Starmer's 17 U-turns — see the full list The refusal notice also claimed releasing the documents would discourage officials from 'engaging freely with each other when gathering information'. It added that it would not release correspondence or complaints as it was not in the public interest. 'It is important that members of the public feel free to express themselves on the matter they are corresponding about without the fear that their correspondence or our reply will be released into the public domain,' the notice added. In the one-page document that was released through the FOI, officials told staff in an email dated May 8 that they wanted to 'reassure you that we are managing our response at Holyrood with the utmost care and sensitivity'. 'We remain deeply committed to ensuring that all our staff feel supported, and we will continue to uphold our values of respect and inclusiveness as an employer,' they said, before explaining that all staff and visitors were able to use gender neutral facilities on the parliamentary estate. 'Holyrood must be a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in which to work and visit and one feature of an inclusive environment is the availability of convenient facilities for all individuals,' the email added. Officials then pointed staff to support and counselling services. 'In the meantime, Directors and I are happy to answer any questions you might have and we encourage all managers at Holyrood to take steps to support their trans and non-binary staff, offering ongoing wellbeing support,' the email concluded. Last week, Scottish Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw, responding on behalf of the SPCB, insisted the governing body had 'legal responsibilities'. READ MORE: Labour's 'minor' U-turn will leave benefits system 'woefully inadequate' 'Our job, even though we are politicians, is not to debate the politics of an issue, but to ensure that we are implementing the law as the law is communicated to us,' Carlaw told the chamber. And, on Monday, the Westminster Parliament implemented the same ban, after stating they would wait for official guidance to be published. It came after a transgender barrister was accosted by gender critical activists outside of a women's bathroom on the parliamentary estate. The EHRC was forced to rescind part of its interim guidance amid a legal challenge. Full guidance is expected to be published following a consultation, which is currently underway.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Calls to axe controversial upgrade to Edinburgh's Sheriffhall Roundabout snuffed out by transport boss
A push to axe the council's support for a controversial upgrade to a congested city roundabout has been snuffed out by the city's transport boss. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Plans to upgrade the busy Sheriffhall Roundabout, the only flat junction on the bypass, have been in the works since 2018, but work has not yet started on the project. At a committee meeting yesterday, the city's Green group made a bid to cut the council's support for the flyover, saying money could be better spent elsewhere. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was rebuffed by the city's transport leader, although he admitted building new infrastructure on the city bypass was not 'ultimately' the solution to increased traffic caused by population growth in the Lothians. An artist's impression of the proposed Sheriffhall roundabout flyover While the bypass is Transport Scotland's responsibility, cutting the council's support would have sent a strong message of dissatisfaction with the project to Holyrood. Greens, both at the council and in the Scottish Parliament, have long opposed the flyover on the grounds that it could cause induced demand – the phenomenon by which adding more road infrastructure in an area can cause more people to start driving. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They say that money should instead be spent on improving public transport links and building infrastructure to allow for more walking and cycling. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, the Greens co-leader, said: 'Congestion is a human issue, no matter where and what it is, that unfortunately needs human-led behaviour change. 'We note the issues faced, and think we should be moving away from the conversation of the roads and staying on the path – no pun intended – of priortising walking, wheeling and cycling, and reducing car dependency. 'Totally appreciate that Sheriffhall is above all of us, and we're still awaiting the results of the public local inquiry. However we're all pretty tired of waiting, and we know there are better ways money could be spent across the region.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said some possible options could be putting money towards the trams, more park and rides and expanded bus lanes in the capital. She continued to say: 'We request that we withdraw the favour and support of the scheme, [or] any sort of waste of time road improvements that would cause congestion, not tackle it.' The exchange came as part of a debate over a motion by Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert calling for action on congestion on the city bypass, as well as modelling on what future traffic could look like on the road. Edinburgh's Green group added their request to scrap support for the flyover as an amendment to the motion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Transport and Environment Committee convener Stephen Jenkinson moved no action on Cllr Cuthbert's motion, which also eliminated the Green amendment. He said: 'One of the main reasons that there are times where the bypass does get congested – and it does get congested, from time to time I am stuck on it – It's as much to do with population growth, not only in Edinburgh, but predominantly in East Lothian, which has increased the traffic on the bypass. 'So how do you tackle it? I don't think that building a flyover is ultimately the solution. What you have to do is actually do things to do what you can to remove the traffic, to get it back to norms. 'So public transport solutions, like tram, potentially bus rapid transport links to East Lothian and Midlothian, are the long term solutions in regards to giving the people using the bypass an alternative option.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The debate over the flyover comes amid wider questions over the future of the project. A need for it was identified 17 years ago, and in 2018 it was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland city region deal, which put £120 million towards the project. But it has lumbered along slowly through the planning process, with more than 2,700 objections to its construction leading to an inquiry. Though it was submitted in October of 2023, the Scottish Government is still reviewing the inquiry's report. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs that she is waiting on advice from senior Scottish Government officials on the next steps for the project. She added that she was unable to provide a timeline for when action would be taken.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts
Now they're looking at AI security measures too SMILE, YOU'RE ON CCTV Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts A SHOP owner has called on the Scottish Government to fund security systems of the future — to ensure local stores don't become a thing of the past. Crime stats reveal shoplifting exploded in 2024/25 — with a 16 per cent year-on-year rise and a 57 per cent jump since 2015. 4 Natalie and Martin Lightfoot who own the Londis in Bailleston, Glasgow. Credit: Supplied, 4 Corner shops and convenience stores are facing a theft epidemic Credit: Getty 4 Figures show there's been a 57 per cent rise in shoplifting since 2015 Credit: Alamy Meanwhile, figures released earlier this year by the Scottish Retail Consortium show one in six Scots have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop staff in the last 12 months. Natalie Lightfoot, 42, has run the Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston, Glasgow, for 19 years. And she and hubby Martin have recently been forced to fork out on headsets and CCTV. Now they're looking at AI security measures too — after lobbying in the Scottish Parliament for increased protection via government grants for every independent shop. The businesswoman, who scooped £5,000 and a National Winners gong at Allwyn's first ever Local Retail Champions awards, said: 'I wanted to highlight that we can't keep going like this. It has been this way for years and we've endured a lot, but it's getting worse. 'I've been called names, people have threatened my life and I was broken into twice in 20 days when pregnant and ended up losing the baby. 'The thing is that 95 per cent of customers are wonderful. But I feel for people who don't have a bigger network of support around them. That's why I feel lucky to have got this award because otherwise I wouldn't be able to make these decisions that change our lives. 'I know people who have left the business because they can no longer keep going with the rise in crime. 'The Scottish Government has helped out with money before with grants for environmentally friendly refrigeration. 'But a contribution or percentage towards security would be key right now as it's a decision for a lot of people as to whether they want to keep running their stores.' THREE TIPS FOR CURBING LOSSES 1. MEET AND GREET Shoplifters assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by staff. It's 'the three-to-five second rule'. Greeting customers as they enter premises can put off shoplifters because it sends out a message you and staff are paying attention. 2. KEEP IT TIDY A clean and tidy outlet with clear visibility tells a thief that everything is shipshape – and that surveillance is also probably first class. Keep things security friendly, with uncluttered, wide aisles where possible, thereby making it extremely difficult for them to steal unnoticed. Ensure the exterior, grounds and building are also well maintained and clean. 3. DON'T BE ALONE Thieves target stores where there is only one worker. More eyes in the store means you're more likely to spot a thief. Natalie received the funding after being nominated for the award by customers for community work, such as organising fundraising events, litter-picking activities and providing home delivery for those in need. She used the money to get better CCTV and bought headsets for staff so they can communicate with each other when they spot shoplifters. AI is the next consideration. The £4,000 technology automatically warns thieves over a tannoy if it detects them stealing. As well as saving money by stopping shoplifters, Natalie thinks it's important that people realise the toll the abuse takes. 4 AI is the next step in the fightback against shoplifting Credit: Getty She said: 'As soon as a customer gets products — usually alcohol — in their hands, it's harder to get it off them. 'Technology allows us to intervene sooner. Shoplifters are ruthless and often it feeds into an addiction. But it's the abuse that comes alongside shoplifting. Recently over a weekend to Tuesday, we had shoplifting every day. 'We had somebody walk in, pick up a ten-pack of beer and try to walk out. Our staff had to physically block the door. 'I'm at the lower end of the shoplifting scale but am losing about £150 a week in retail value. We're at our wits end and money is literally walking out the door. It's about weighing up the cost of security versus what we lose. 'It's a conflict situation which makes staff anxious and they don't feel safe at work so I turnover staff more often. 'But if the security is better they feel safe and it's a better experience for our customers.' Natalie is working with community police officers, has been lobbying with the Scottish Grocers Federation and attended a cross-party group to talk about her experiences in retail crime — and urge more support. When someone steals, owners can email police the details and hope the suspect is caught. But she'd much rather the Holyrood Government stepped up to ensure local shops can afford the deterrents they need to keep staff safe and stores open. She said: 'We wish they would look at it from the perspective that everybody needs this help so they can benefit their area and be a community store in their own right.' Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: 'The Scottish Government is concerned by the significant harm and disruption caused by retail crime, which is why £3million has been made available this year for police to work with the retail sector to help tackle this issue.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Why John Swinney should beware calling for price to be paid for 'incompetence'
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... On being asked if he was incompetent or corrupt at a Scottish Parliament education committee hearing, Professor Iain Gillespie – accused of almost destroying Dundee University during his time as principal – at least did not dodge the question. 'Certainly not corrupt, so I would have to choose incompetent,' he said, with a candour, or perhaps a flippancy, that may have surprised some politicians. The academic, who resigned in December, has been widely pilloried for his role in the university's financial crisis, which has prompted plans for hundreds of job cuts and Scottish Government bailouts so far totalling £62 million. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given the situation, John Swinney and MSPs from other parties have suggested that Gillespie should hand back a £150,000 payment he received on his resignation. Asked if he would do so, he told MSPs the money was a 'contractual obligation' although he eventually agreed to 'reflect' on the idea with his family. Scottish Government ministers are unlikely to pay a financial price for their failings, but they could pay a political one (Picture: Jane Barlow) | PA Public money squandered However, the First Minister, in particular, should have a care. After all, the Scottish Government is facing the prospect of its own yawning funding gap of an estimated £5 billion, which could grow to nearly £6bn. And the Scottish Government has warned the situation appears to be so dire that it may have to cut more than 12,000 public sector jobs in the coming years. The parallels with the situation at Dundee University are hard to ignore. If the SNP ministers had not squandered so much public money on pointless independence papers, botched legislation like the calamitous deposit return scheme – which may end up costing far more as private companies seek compensation – and the construction of two over-budget, long-delayed ferries, the government's financial position would have been in a far better state. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So it would be understandable if taxpayers look at the pressure being put on Gillespie to pay a price for his failings and start to think about whether ministers should offer to do something similar.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Calls for Scotland-wide seagull summit as fears grow someone could be 'killed' in bird attack
Douglas Ross warned that Scots risk losing their lives over the 'growing problem' of 'nuisance' gulls. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... A Scotland-wide summit to tackle 'deadly' seagulls must be held amid warnings someone could be killed, the Scottish Parliament has heard. Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, who called a debate on the issue at Holyrood, warned that Scots risk losing their lives over the 'growing problem' of 'nuisance' gulls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fellow Tory Rachael Hamilton said a nationwide summit must be held to tackle the issue as she warned that Scots are being left 'scared, attacked and traumatised'. Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie had already promised to hold a seagull summit in the north of Scotland but Ms Hamilton, who represents the south of Scotland, said a summit for the whole country is needed. The Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP said 'aggressive' seagulls had attacked seven children in one month last year in Eyemouth, with one girl 'left with gashes to her scalp and blood running down her face'. She called for action on the 'growing nuisance', which she said posed a health and safety risk to residents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite rising complaints from locals, though, she said NatureScot's licensing system to control the birds was bureaucratic and failing to solve the issue. A Scotland-wide summit to tackle 'deadly' seagulls must be held amid warnings someone could be killed, the Scottish Parliament has heard. Picture: Richard Ponter 'I think we need a summit,' she said. 'I don't think we just need a summit in Moray, we need a summit across Scotland.' Ms Hamilton said the debate was 'important' as she criticised what she said was a lack of action from the Scottish Government. She told MSPs: 'Absolutely nothing is getting done. I don't believe the Government are listening to us because the issue continues in my constituency in Eyemouth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Aggressive seagull behaviour continues to cause a real concern amongst businesses, amongst tourists, amongst everybody that has anything to do along the harbour. 'And it is not just a seasonal nuisance. It is a serious, growing health risk. It's a safety risk, particularly for children and elderly residents.' She said one business owner had described the situation as 'people being scared, attacked and traumatised'. MSPs debated the issue on Thursday, the last day of Parliament before the summer recess. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Opening the debate, Mr Ross said people often 'smirk' when hearing that the Scottish Parliament is debating the problems around gulls – but he said it was an 'extremely serious issue'. The Highlands and Islands MSP said constituents have told him they are worried about leaving their homes for fear of being 'divebombed', while others have suffered mental health issues thanks to a lack of sleep caused by noisy gulls. One resident, he said, is spending £2,000 a year to remove nests from her home. 'People should not have to keep living in fear of being divebombed by these menaces on a daily basis, and are crying out for action,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He accused NatureScot of having a conflict of interest as the body responsible for both the licensing to control birds and to conserve them. He went on: 'The behaviour of the SNP's quango NatureScot confirms they have lost the plot. They have told people to protect themselves with umbrellas and even suggested dogs as a deterrent. 'The time has come to break up NatureScot. There is a clear conflict of interest in the fact they are responsible for considering licences to control gulls but are also responsible for protecting bird numbers. 'If the minister cannot see that is a problem, then he is divorced from reality. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The strength of the cross-party support in my debate today should be all the SNP government need to finally act before we see someone killed due to being attacked by a gull.' Jim Fairlie, the minister for agriculture, said that while people often 'chuckle and laugh' about the issue of gulls, he warned it was 'deadly serious'. But he told MSPs that he could not intervene on NatureScot to change the licensing system because it would leave the Government open to judicial review. He urged people to stop feeding the birds, which he said was the primary reason for the issue. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The birds have been an increasingly common site in urban areas as they leave their natural habitat in search of food. He said: 'We have to work out what it is that is causing the issue in the first place. 'We are feeding them – it is quite simple. We are creating habitat, and we are creating feeding stations which are allowing gulls to inhabit our space, and that is now quite clearly coming into conflict.' He added: 'We have got to try and limit food waste and public littering. We have got to take away these feeding opportunities.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNP MSP Christine Grahame warned against 'demonising' gulls, which she described as 'clever, adaptable' animals. 'Language such as 'mugging', 'menace' can be applied to us, our fellow counterparts,' she said, 'but it is not appropriate to demonise an animal simply looking for food. 'Anthropomorphising is tempting but not helpful.'
