News Archive

Temporary closure queen scallops areas

Queen scallop fishing in ICES sub areas 6a and 7a will be closed from 1 April to 30 June 2025 to protect spawning stocks.   Marine Management Organisation, working with the other UK fisheries administrations, has reached a decision to enact a licence variation for the temporary closure.  

Promoting local produce - £100,000 funding for Regional Food Fund

Encouraging small businesses to thrive and foster collaboration amongst producers and food groups to promote local produce.   The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 funding for the sixth round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership's Regional Food Fund.  

Europe Warns Trump: 'Retaliation Plan Ready If Tariffs Escalate Trade War Further'

Europe has "a strong plan" for striking back at the United States in response to Donald Trump's tariff hikes “if necessary,” a top official said Tuesday on the eve of a long-anticipated announcement of massive import levies by the US president.   For weeks, Trump has promoted April 2 as “Liberation Day” in America, when a number of hefty tariffs will be unveiled to implement his administration’s radical economic agenda.  

Senator Cory Booker breaks Senate record with a 25-hour speech against Trumps policies

In a feat of determination, New Jersey Democratic Sen.  Cory Booker held the Senate floor with a marathon speech that lasted all night and into Tuesday evening, setting a historic mark to show Democrats' resistance to President Donald Trump's sweeping actions.  

Protests As Trump Sacks Thousands of Health workers and Others

Rachel Maddow looks at some of the extreme actions Donald Trump has taken in the 24 hours that Senator Cory Booker was delivering his history-making speech in the Senate.   From slashing thousands of healthcare jobs to cutting veterans' health services to snatching immigrants off the street, with Americans protesting every step of the way.  

Social security payment rates increased for 2024-25

14 Scottish Government benefits including Carer Support Payment, disability benefits and Best Start Grants will increase by 6.7% in April.   The increases are in line with inflation as measured by the Consumers Price Index.  

Tariffs - Europe Gets Ready To Hit Digital Services Companies

Europe is reportedly considering targeting American tech giants in retribution for Trump's planned tariffs.  Plus, one of Trump's VIP inauguration guests is reportedly asking the White House for a big favor.  

Employers set for biggest ever increase in cost of employing part-time staff on minimum wage

The combination of rises in the National Living Wage (NLW) and employer National Insurance (NI) this week will massively increase the cost of employing low paid workers and should prompt a rethink in how the minimum wage is set in future, according to new Resolution Foundation research published.   Minimum wage, maximum pressure notes that the 6.7 per cent rise in the National Living Wage - from £11.44 to £12.21 on 1 April – is not particularly high by recent standards, being the seventh biggest in real terms.  

To get growth, money must be redistributed from those who don't need it to those who do

Growth is totally dependent upon people having enough money to spend.   Without the redistribution of wealth in the UK, that is not going to happen.  

Minimum wage, maximum pressure? - The impact of 2025's minimum wage and employer NICs increases

The combination of rises in the National Living Wage (NLW) and employer National Insurance (NI) this week will massively increase the cost of employing low paid workers and should prompt a rethink in how the minimum wage is set in future, according to new Resolution Foundation research published.   Minimum wage, maximum pressure notes that the 6.7 per cent rise in the National Living Wage - from £11.44 to £12.21 on 1 April - is not particularly high by recent standards, being the seventh biggest in real terms.