Eric Joyce charged with breach of peace after incident at Edinburgh airport

Wednesday, 22 May 2013 16:47

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By a Newsnet reporter

Falkirk MP Eric Joyce has been charged with breach of the peace following an incident at Edinburgh airport on Sunday.

According to witnesses, Mr Joyce, who had arrived on a flight from London, left his mobile phone on the plane and allegedly became abusive after staff refused to allow him to return to the aircraft to collect it.

Treasury claims on independence 'don’t quite add-up' says financial expert

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 23:38

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By Martin Kelly

The conclusions reached by the UK Treasury on the effects of independence on Scotland’s financial sector "don’t quite add-up" a leading financial expert has claimed.

Rod MacLeod, a leading financial and banking expert and Partner at Tods Murray Solicitors, has claimed a report issued on behalf of the UK government "fails to appreciate the true nature of banking regulation".

Greens call for fairer society in independent Scotland

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 22:52

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By a Newsnet reporter

Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, has called on voters who have yet to decide how they will vote in next year's referendum to consider the opportunity that a Yes vote presents to create a fairer and more just Scotland.

Mr Harvie said that the report, Scotland's Economy, the Case for Independence published on Tuesday by the Scottish government, which highlighted the economic advantages which an independent Scotland would enjoy, also points out that social and economic inequalities have been widening in the UK.

Alcohol Act successfully reducing alcohol sales in Scotland

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 17:44

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By a Newsnet reporter

SNP MSP Bob Doris has welcomed statistics showing the amount of alcohol sold in Scotland has fallen by 2.6% in the year since the ban on multi-buy deals was introduced in 2011.

Mr Doris, deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, welcomed the report from NHS Scotland Glasgow University that says the Alcohol Act was responsible for a 4% drop in wine sales and an 8.5% cut in pre-mixed drinks.

Independence not just possible but necessary says Scottish government

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 06:45

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By Lynn Malone

A lack of decision making power is holding back Scotland’s potential for growth, according to a paper to be published later today [Tuesday].

The Scottish government paper on independence will look at the key strengths of the economy in the creative industries alongside food, drink and tourism. And it will explore Scotland’s strengths in life sciences and renewable energy.

Scotland 'guinea pig' for cuts as NUJ chief accuses BBC Scotland management of 'major dumbing down'

Sunday, 19 May 2013 21:56

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By a Newsnet reporter

The head of the Scottish branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has accused BBC Scotland head Ken MacQuarrie of carrying out a "major dumbing down" of news coverage in Scotland and of targeting journalists.

Addressing hundreds of protestors in Glasgow at the weekend, Paul Holleran claimed that highly experienced and qualified staff had been targeted by BBC Scotland management who he said had agreed to use Scotland as a "guinea pig" for cuts.

Labour suspends selection process for Eric Joyce's replacement

Friday, 17 May 2013 23:47

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By a Newsnet reporter

The Labour party has suspended its selection procedure for the Falkirk Westminster constituency seat currently occupied by Eric Joyce, who was expelled from the party when he was convicted of assault.

Labour had embarked on a selection process to choose a candidate to replace Mr Joyce at the next UK General Election, however the process has been suspended following concerns about alleged irregularities after 100 members of the Unite union joined the local party in the past months.