Angus Cochrane

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

1 month 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.