Scott Begbie: Brown’s indy scare tactics falling on wiser deaf ears
The starting gun has already been fired in the race to tell Scotland how poor, how small, how weak and how useless it is.
UK
Almost 45,000 fines handed out for Covid-19 breaches across UK
Almost 45,000 fines have been issued to people across the UK for breaching Covid-19 laws, a senior police chief has said.
Readers’ Letters: Passports for health crucial
While the intent behind new rules to have international passengers prove their Covid-negative status before entering the UK may be to strengthen the nation’s coronavirus management, the move risks undermining public health protections.
Snow and ice set to hit UK over bitterly cold weekend
Snow, ice and heavy rain are set to hit the UK during a bitterly cold weekend.
‘Real risk’ of Covid-19 vaccinations falling because of delay to second jab
Doctors leaders in Scotland have voiced concerns about UK plans to delay giving people the second dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, claiming the move could cause a drop in the number of vaccinations in coming weeks.
Pandemic issues overshadow Brexit as Gibraltar moves into new era
Fears of disruptions following Britain’s departure from the European Union were replaced by coronavirus-related restrictions on border traffic between Spain and Gibraltar on Monday, the first working day at the United Kingdom’s only land border with the European mainland.
One-third of new Universal Credit CAS clients in work
More than a third of new Universal Credit claimants across Scotland seeking advice from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) are in work, according to new figures.
India approves Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and local jab
India has given emergency approval to the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine as well as a jab developed in the country to stem the coronavirus pandemic.
Scottish Parliament refuses to approve Westminster post-Brexit trade deal
The Scottish Parliament has voted against giving consent to the UK-EU trade bill, hours after it was approved in Westminster.
China sentences 10 seeking to flee Hong Kong to prison terms
A Chinese court on Wednesday sentenced 10 pro-democracy activists who sought to flee Hong Kong by speedboat to between seven months and three years in prison, in a case with major political overtones for the territory.
Stormont Assembly set to be recalled to discuss Brexit trade deal
The Stormont Assembly is set to be recalled to discuss the Brexit trade deal.
Rescues, police dogs and cats on leads brave snow as cold snap hits UK
Pets were among those who tentatively stepped outside to enjoy the festive conditions after snow fell across the UK on Monday.
North-east MP welcomes Brexit trade deal
A north-east MP has welcomed a trade deal being signed by the UK and EU.
Charity thanks volunteers five years on from Boxing Day floods
A charity set up to tackle flooding in an area of West Yorkshire devastated by Christmas storms in 2015 has thanked its volunteers in a video message on the fifth anniversary of the floods.
What we know so far about the Brexit trade agreement
The UK and European Union have reached a historic agreement on post-Brexit trade.
Europe reacts to ‘damage control’ Brexit deal
European politicians and media outlets have been sharing their reaction to the new Brexit deal that sets the scene for an altered relationship between Britain and its closest trading partners.
Brexit deal sees European fisherman still allowed in UK waters and threat of tariffs and quotas
EU fisherman will get access to UK waters for another five-and-a-half years, under the EU-UK exit deal.
Key points: What we know so far about Brexit trade agreement
The UK and European Union have reached a historic agreement on post-Brexit trade.
Brexit: What will change from January 1?
Some aspects of life in the UK are going to change regardless of whether a Brexit trade deal is secured with the European Union.
Economic bounceback from lockdown stronger than first thought
The UK’s economy grew by more than initial estimates suggested this summer as it bounced back from the deepest economic hit in more than 60 years.
Boris Johnson cancels Christmas for millions across London and south-east England as new coronavirus strain found to be ‘70% more transmissible’
Coronavirus restrictions will be severely tightened across London and south-east England over the Christmas period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced.
Post-Brexit trade talks continue into the weekend
Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are set to continue into the weekend, with both sides warning that the chances of agreement remain in the balance.
‘Significant difficulties’ remain in Brexit trade deal talks – Micheal Martin
The Irish premier has said “very significant difficulties” remain in the Brexit trade deal talks between the EU and UK, particularly in relation to fisheries.
Why is EU taking so long to approve coronavirus vaccine?
As Britons, Americans and Canadians begin getting immunised with a German-developed vaccine against coronavirus, pressure is building on the European Medicines Agency to approve the jab.
Can I visit the EU when the transition period ends?
UK travellers visiting the EU once the Brexit transition period ends will face a number of new hurdles.
Readers’ Letters: Brexit deal not ready after all
As the UK and EU struggle on to try and achieve a deal, one should remember that it was not long ago that Boris Johnson told us: “That oven-ready deal I talked about so much during the election campaign has already had its plastic covering pierced and been placed in the microwave.”
Brexit and fishing rights: Key questions answered
Fishing is an industry responsible for 12,000 jobs on around 6,000 vessels in the UK – and one massive Brexit headache.
Migrant children among those landing on Kent coast amid near-freezing conditions
Five children wrapped up against the bitter cold – including a baby without socks or shoes – were among the migrants who landed on the Kent coast on Monday morning.
Tory MPs press ministers to back UK industry rather than ‘send pounds to Putin’
A key British industry is being forced to “send pounds to Putin” rather than support the domestic coal market, ministers have been warned.
‘Good chance’ of a Brexit deal in the next few days, Irish Foreign Minister says
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has said he believes there is a “good chance” of securing a Brexit deal in the coming days.