Louise Wilson

Edinburgh, Glasgow

Political Editor and Sketch Writer at Holyrood

Political Editor, sketch writer and generally nosy person, for @HolyroodDaily 📨 [email protected] She/her

Articles

Keir Starmer criticises SNP's anti-Trident stance

6 days ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised the SNP’s opposition to Trident, labelling it the “single most important part” of the UK’s defence capability. Speaking from BAE Systems in Glasgow as the UK Government publishes its strategic defence review, the prime minister said the country was “moving to warfighting readiness”.
Russell Findlay: We'd pursue policies that would 'upset the blob'

6 days ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

It’s a difficult time to be the leader of the Scottish Conservatives. Current polls suggest the party may lose half of its MSPs at the Holyrood election next year, shrinking to its smallest size in the history of devolution, and potentially putting it in fourth place behind both Scottish Labour and Reform UK. Yet Russell Findlay has managed to maintain some optimism.
Sketch: What does a 1872 tall ship race have in common with the Hamilton by-election?

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Next year’s Scottish Parliament election is, in many ways, similar to the 1872 Tall Ship Tea Race. Two Scottish titans competing against one another to claim a coveted title. One, the Thermopylae, had set record after record in previous races – a winning machine, you might say. The other, the Cutty Sark, looked set for victory by building up a good lead only to lose its steering, squandering its chances.
Douglas Ross questions neutrality of presiding officer after being thrown out of chamber

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone “risks losing the support of the chamber”, Douglas Ross has said after being thrown out during First Minister’s Questions. The former Scottish Tory leader was asked to leave on Thursday afternoon after heckling John Swinney and has been banned from the chamber for the rest of the day. While the move comes after several weeks of warnings from the presiding officer about Ross’s behaviour, Johnstone instructed Ross to leave without additional warnings.
Douglas Ross excluded from chamber during angry exchanges at FMQs

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross was asked to leave the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament after repeatedly heckling during First Minister’s Questions. The MSP has also been excluded from chamber business for the rest of the day by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. First Minister John Swinney had been answering questions from the current Tory leader, Russell Findlay, in relation to net zero.
Complex NHS structure ‘limiting’ drive for reform, auditors warn

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

The complexity of the healthcare system in Scotland is limiting the ability to reform the NHS, the public sector watchdog has said. Audit Scotland has called for NHS governance to be strengthened in its latest report, warning there are “weaknesses” in scrutiny. In particular, auditors say lines of accountability and decision-making are “difficult” due to the mix of local, regional and national partners.
Nigel Farage stands by Anas Sarwar attack ad

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Nigel Farage has accused Anas Sarwar of introducing “sectarianism into Scottish politics” as he stood by a social media advert put out ahead of the Hamilton by-election. Both Labour and the SNP have described the advert, which claims Sarwar would “prioritise the Pakistani community”, as “racist”. The advert, which appears on Instagram and Meta, features clips of the Scottish Labour leader speaking at an event marking 75 years of Pakistani independence.
Seventeen MSPs sign letter opposing single-sex toilet rule change

1 week ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

Seventeen MSPs and several staff members have signed a letter opposing the imposition of new rules in the Scottish Parliament on the use of toilets. Holyrood’s corporate body (SPCB) made changes to the provision of toilets in the building this month following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act.
'Immediate action’ needed on net zero, Climate Change Committee tells ministers

2 weeks ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

The Scottish Government must take “immediate action” to meet its “ambitious but credible” net zero goal, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has said. In its latest report to ministers, the statutory body has set out its recommendations for carbon budgets that will see Scotland reach net zero by 2045. The CCC also estimates that delivering the carbon budgets will have a net cost of 0.4 per cent of Scotland’s GDP per year – though adds it will come with wide economic benefits too.
Minister will not intervene in Flamingo Land Loch Lomond plans

2 weeks ago | holyrood.com | Louise Wilson

The Scottish Government will not intervene to stop a controversial development on the banks of Loch Lomond, a minister has confirmed. A report from the government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division confirmed it was allowing the appeal lodged by Lomond Banks, which challenges a decision made by the local planning authority last year. It could give the green light to a new £40m resort, including a monorail, waterpark, hotel and restaurants.