Andrew Learmonth
Political Editor at The Herald (Scotland)
Political Editor @HeraldScotland. Email tips/stories/news to [email protected]. DMs open.
Articles
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2 days ago |
heraldscotland.com | Andrew Learmonth
However, a number of high–profile MSPs — including former first minister Nicola Sturgeon — restated their opposition to the proposals on Monday. Health Secretary Neil Gray has confirmed he will abstain, saying this reflects the Scottish Government’s neutral stance. Mr Gray, who will speak during the debate and lead the Government’s role in any amendment stages, said not voting would allow him to approach the legislation “in a demonstrably objective way”.
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2 days ago |
heraldscotland.com | Andrew Learmonth
When sworn in, Lord Jack said: “I, Alister, Lord Jack of Courance, swear by Almighty God that I will bear faithful and true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God.” READ MORE Alister Jack tipped for peerage despite gambling row Maggie Chapman accuses Supreme Court of 'bigotry' Why are justices' ruling on the definition of a woman?
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2 days ago |
heraldscotland.com | Andrew Learmonth
Large swathes of Scotland risk losing social care services altogether under UK Government plans to curb immigration and end the recruitment of overseas care workers, the head of Scottish Care has warned. Writing in The Herald, Dr Donald Macaskill said Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to shut down the care visa route in a bid to curb immigration numbers could cause “irreparable damage” to services already under severe strain.
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2 days ago |
heraldscotland.com | Andrew Learmonth
Neil Gray has been appointed Scotland's Health Secretary this week (Image: PA) Health Secretary Neil Gray has confirmed he will abstain in the first vote on a Bill to legalise assisted dying, in order to “reflect the Government’s neutral position”. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill will face its first vote in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, with MSPs asked to support its general principles.
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3 days ago |
heraldscotland.com | Andrew Learmonth
The Prime Minister's warning came as he unveiled plans to curb overseas recruitment and raise English language requirements. Scottish Government Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said she was in "no doubt whatsoever" that the changes would have a real impact on social care. READ MORE Fire crews still battling massive wildfire in West Lothian Can Italy’s underworld ultra movement tell us where our terraces may be heading?
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Got my numbers wrong here: the Bill needs 63 votes to pass, as the Presiding Officer would vote in favour at Stage 1 in the event of a tie. By my reckoning, that means Liam McArthur needs to find 9 more votes — unless, of course, more MSPs abstain.
With Neil Gray (and the PO) not voting — and with Parliament currently sitting with 128 members following the death of Christina McKelvie — the Assisted Dying Bill need 64 votes to pass at Stage 1, assuming all MSPs vote. https://t.co/1tR5DIxZMj
Labour's Paul O'Kane tells me he will also be voting against the Bill. That takes us to 29 against, that I know of.
So far, 50 MSPs have said they will back the Bill, with 28 expected to vote against and 11 undecided. Another 37 have yet to publicly declare their position.
RT @HeraldPols: Neil Gray to abstain on assisted dying vote in Holyrood https://t.co/2IuLRE7Wta
