National Focus: Stories from Scotland

Rise in minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland from 50 to 65 pence

The Scottish Parliament has increased the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol by 30 per cent, to 65 pence per unit instead of 50 pence. Retailers are increasingly concerned that this might increase stealing in stores. 

Health Secretary Neil Gray told BBC that the new MUP policy will be extremely beneficial for many because “more than twenty people a week in Scotland die due to alcohol misuse.” That being said, the initial reasoning behind this alteration in the policy was to keep up with inflation. 

Some Scottish health spokespersons believe that the change in the MUP will not amount to an instant solution for the drinking problems in Scotland and that more fundamental changes need to take place. Conservative Health Spokesman for Scotland Dr. Sandesh Gulhane told the BBC that the initiative "simply punishes responsible drinkers.” Scottish Greens Health Spokeswoman Gillian Mackay acknowledged that it is not a “cure-all.”

The Scottish Government is increasingly concerned by the threat that alcohol poses to public health in Scotland. Incentives to limit the advertising of alcohol have also emerged, although many retailers are concerned about what this means for their businesses.

Debate around National Care Service Pushed Back for 2028-29

In 2021, former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon advocated for the establishment of the National Care Service. The Service advises the transferring of responsibility of care for the Scottish people from local administrators to a newly established National Service plan. The aim is to provide overall better levels of care in Scotland for those who need it.

The proposal has yet to be enacted, and in recent weeks there has been significant debate amongst Scottish government officials that believe the Service is too ambitious. 

It is now pushed back to initiate in 2028-29, delaying it by three years. Councils have not been eager to accept the Service plan as they would be responsible for organising the staffing and specific services.

GMB Scotland, a campaign union protecting workers’ rights, said that the service “won’t deliver real change.” Criticism also came from the NHS, which argued that the Service plan would be trying to create a new social care system altogether, as opposed to altering and enhancing the framework that is already at hand.

Councils across Scotland would like to see a clear report on the cost and benefits of the bill before committing to it. 

Increase in Recorded Hate Crime in Scotland Since Hate Crime and Public Order Act was Introduced last April 

Police Scotland have recorded an increased number of hate crimes since the establishment of the Hate Crime and Public Order Act in April 2024. It protects existing law against any act associated with hate directed towards an individual based upon characteristics of their identity. The Act also outlaws “stirring up hatred” with threatening behaviour or statements.

The recorded number of hate crimes in the country in the last six months has surpassed 5,400 crimes. This is an increase of 63 per cent since the new Act was introduced. The Act has stirred a debate in the media over how the language used in the law might interfere with freedom of speech protections. 

Police Scotland has told BBC that it recognises this increased number of reported hate crimes as the result of individuals being “more confident” in the police to handle issues related to hate crimes. 

Community Safety Minister for Scotland Siobhian Brown told the BBC: “It is vital that everyone in Scotland feels safe, and this data shows hate crime laws are being used to hold to account those who target vulnerable communities and commit criminal acts fuelled by hatred and prejudice."

Updates with Housing Insecurity in Scotland

Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour Leader, put forward a motion for the Members of the Scottish Parliament on whether the Scottish Government has been unsuccessful in their May 2024 response to the National Housing Emergency. The motion was defeated by 60 to 54 votes, with eight MSPs abstaining.

The number of homelessness applications in Scotland has reached new heights and over 10,000 children have been living in temporary housing this past year. 

There has been increasing criticism directed toward the SNP, with Scottish Tory MSP Miles Briggs stating: "We simply cannot continue like this. We need leadership and a fresh approach."

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said that the Government and local authorities are trying their best to address this issue which she recognises as “one of the defining issues of the generation.”

Photo from WikiCommons