Wealthy individuals and powerful corporations who seek to silence critics by abusing the UK legal system have been put on notice by the government. The Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab will today set out proposals that take aim at so-called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
A detailed analysis of how Covid-19 business support funding was distributed during the pandemic is not possible due to gaps in data. The Scottish Government provided about £4.4 billion of grants and non-domestic rate reliefs between March 2020 and October 2021, mostly paid out to businesses by councils.
9,721 new cases of COVID-19 reported*. 28 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.
All Ukrainians arriving in UK will be able to access NHS healthcare free of charge, including GP and nurse consultations, hospital services, and urgent care centres. Changes coming into force today (Thursday 17 March) will also cover any treatment that has taken place since the start of the Russian invasion.
We are glad to report that the school will be open tomorrow, Thursday 17th March. Tomorrow is also a fundraiser for Ukraine with staff and pupils being asked to wear something blue or yellow to support the aid effort.
The redesign of services in Caithness has taken another step forward this month after the Scottish Government's Capital Investment Group (CIG) approved the initial agreement. Professor Boyd Robertson, Chair of NHS Highland, said: "I'm pleased that we have reached what is a significant milestone for the redesign project.
Scotland's development agency for the Highlands and Islands is stepping up its commitment to making the country a Fair Work Nation. As part of its support for the Scottish Government Fair Work First agenda, the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is introducing new conditions attached to future funding awards.
Disabled people with the most serious lifelong health conditions will have more financial security under Scotland's social security system. Adult Disability Payment will replace the UK Government's Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Legal requirements to wear face coverings on public transport and most indoor public settings will continue until at least early April given the current spike in Covid case numbers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today. Remaining legal requirements for businesses and service providers to collect customer details for contact tracing, and to have regard to and take reasonable measures set out in Covid guidance, will end as planned on Monday 21 March.
38,770 new cases of COVID-19 reported*. 25 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.
As new ONS figures show Scotland's unemployment rate decreasing, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack says the UK Government is continuing to help people into work. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:"There are some encouraging signs in Tuesday's employment figures, and while we should not be complacent, our economy is proving resilient.
Funding announced for advice services. Organisations that will provide advice, support and information services for Ukrainian people and their families are to receive Scottish Government funding as part of Scotland's response to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act received Royal Assent in the early hours of this morning (15 March), following an expedited passage through Parliament. Introduced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the new legislation will mean the government can move more quickly to impose sanctions against oligarchs already designated by our allies, as well as intensifying our sanctions enforcement.
The Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Hands, responded to a Urgent Question on the government's plans for fracking. Mr.
New measures to make Scotland a world-leader in managing fisheries stocks have been published for consultation. Views on a draft future catching policy are being sought along with plans to roll-out Remote Electronic Monitoring systems for boats fishing in Scottish waters.
The Chief Statistician has released statistics showing that the economy grew by 1.3% during the fourth quarter of 2021, covering the period October to December. Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet leaders in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh today. Prime Minister to travel to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia today.
10,710 new cases of COVID-19 reported*. 31 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.
The A9 will be closed in both directions during the night this weekend (19/20 March) between the exit for Inverness Campus and Inshes, and the Raigmore interchange. This is to allow access for a scheduled maintenance inspection of the ‘Golden Bridge'.
The details of particle finds on Dounreay foreshore has been updated. See full details at - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/radioactive-particles-in-the-environment-around-dounreay/dounreay-foreshore-particle-finds-2021.
