Angus Cochrane

Glasgow

Journalist at BBC Scotland

Journalist @BBCScotlandNews @anguscchrn.bsky.social

Articles

Scottish government to end two-child benefit cap from March

1 week ago | bbc.com | Angus Cochrane

Scottish government to end two-child benefits cap from MarchAngus CochraneGetty ImagesThe Scottish government says the move will lead to 20,000 fewer children living in relative povertyThe Scottish government will effectively scrap the two-child benefits cap north of the border from 3 March next year, ministers have announced. The UK-wide policy prevents parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for more than two children, with a few exemptions.
Labour wins Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Angus Cochrane

Scottish Labour has taken Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from the SNP in a closely fought by-election. The vote followed the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, who had represented the constituency since 2011. Labour's Davy Russell won with 8,559 votes, with a majority of 602 over the SNP. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said his party had "proven the pollsters wrong". Reform UK finished third on 7,088 votes, with the Tories in fourth on 1,621.
Scotland's councils make cuts to plug £650m budget gap

1 month ago | bbc.com | Angus Cochrane

Scotland's councils make cuts to plug £650m budget gapAngus CochraneGetty ImagesCouncil services such as road maintenance could be affected by cutsScotland's councils are facing a £647m budget shortfall this year despite an increase in government funding, a watchdog has said. The Accounts Commission warned that funding had not kept pace with inflation, higher costs and increased demand for public services.
How could Holyrood's assisted dying law work in Scotland?

1 month ago | bbc.com | Angus Cochrane

How could the assisted dying law work in Scotland? Angus CochraneGetty ImagesCampaigners gathered outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of an emotional debate on assisted dying Assisted dying is a step closer to being legalised in Scotland following a landmark vote at Holyrood. Parliamentarians backed the general principles of a bill brought by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur following a highly emotional debate.
Scottish assisted dying bill passes first vote

1 month ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Angus Cochrane

MSPs voted on the bill following a highly emotional debate in the Scottish Parliament [PA Media]A bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland has passed an initial vote at Holyrood. The proposals would allow terminally-ill, mentally competent adults to seek medical help to end their lives. A vote on the bill's general principles passed by 70 votes to 56. It would need to clear two more phases of parliamentary scrutiny before it could become law.
MSPs to vote on assisted dying in Scotland

1 month ago | bbc.com | Angus Cochrane

MSPs to vote on assisted dying in ScotlandAngus CochraneGetty ImagesTerminally-ill Scots would be able to request medical assistance to end their life under the proposals For the third time in Scottish parliamentary history, MSPs are to vote on plans to legalise assisted dying. Supporters describe the Holyrood bill as a progressive move to ease the suffering of dying Scots. Opponents say it would fail to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Chapman survives bid to remove her from committee

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Angus Cochrane

The Scottish Conservatives have failed in a bid to oust Green MSP Maggie Chapman from Holyrood's equalities committee after she criticised the judiciary over a judgement on the definition of a woman. Chapman – the committee's deputy convener – accused the court of "bigotry, prejudice and hatred" after it ruled a woman is defined by her biological sex under the Equality Act.
Chapman survives bid to remove her from committee

2 months ago | bbc.com | Angus Cochrane

Chapman survives bid to remove her from committeeAngus CochranePA MediaMaggie Chapman criticised the judiciary after the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman The Scottish Conservatives have failed in a bid to oust Green MSP Maggie Chapman from Holyrood's equalities committee after she criticised the judiciary over a judgement on the definition of a woman.
The battle to ban greyhound racing in Scotland

2 months ago | bbc.co.uk | Angus Cochrane

Image caption, Narisa Rojanamonthien, who adopted rescue dog Crafty, is backing a proposed ban on greyhound racing Once a sport that packed out stadiums across the country, greyhound racing is facing extinction in Scotland. As the nation's last track shuts its door indefinitely, MSPs are considering a bill that would ban the sport for good. Campaigners are demanding Scotland follow Wales in committing to outlaw what they describe as outright animal cruelty.
Supreme Court backs 'biological' definition of woman

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Angus Cochrane

Judges at the UK Supreme Court have unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. It marks the culmination of a long-running legal battle which could have major implications for how sex-based rights apply across Scotland, England and Wales. The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish government arguing that sex-based protections should only apply to people that are born female.