The SNP attack on Starmer's EU deal makes no sense
The agreement reached between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will increase freedom of movement, create closer relationships between businesses, and increase cooperation on food standards. These are things that the SNP has been demanding ever since the UK voted, in 2016, to leave the EU. But the decision to maintain the status quo of EU fishing boats having access to UK waters until 2038 undermines all of that so far as the First Minister and his colleagues are concerned.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
3 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Mikaku: ‘End of an era' as Tokyo-inspired Glasgow restaurant to shut due to National Insurance rise
A 'much-loved' Scottish restaurant that brought a colourful and innovative experience of Japan is set to close in September. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A Japanese bar and restaurant in Glasgow will close its doors for the final time next month, citing the 'strangling' National Insurance rise as a key reason. Mikaku, known for its immersive 'slice of Tokyo' experience, colourful interiors and innovative menu, will shut on Sunday, September 14. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Queen Street restaurant has been a staple of Glasgow's hospitality landscape since it opened in 2018. Over the years, it has built a loyal customer base and welcomed thousands of guests through its doors. The decision to close Mikaku comes as the team behind the venue shifts focus to their next chapter – the launch of Clydeside Containers, a new riverside street food and drink destination opening on Glasgow's waterfront. Restaurant director Nathan Sparling said: 'Closing Mikaku was not an easy decision. It has been a truly special place for both our team and our guests, and we are incredibly proud of what Mikaku has achieved. 'From celebrating Ramen Week with £1 bowls, to launching one of Glasgow's most innovative cocktail menus, to introducing a real Robata Grill to the city for the first time – Mikaku has been about bringing something bold, different and authentic to Queen Street, seven days a week. The memories created here, and the community that has grown around it, will always be a huge source of pride. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "But like so many venues in Glasgow and across the UK, we've faced the well-documented challenges in hospitality – from rising costs and staffing pressures, to shifts in consumer behaviour. Mikaku 'The recent rise in National Insurance contributions has added even more pressure, strangling independent operators like us at a time when the sector is still recovering. These wider challenges have been a significant factor in the decision to close, allowing us to refocus our efforts and resources on the exciting opportunity ahead at Clydeside Containers.' Mikaku will adjust its opening hours for the final weeks of service. From Wednesday, August 20, the restaurant will open Wednesday to Sunday, before moving to a Thursday to Sunday schedule from August 28 until the final day of service on September 14.
South Wales Argus
23 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Waitrose apologises as product recalled due to 'health risk'
The supermarket chain has recalled its Waitrose & Partners Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta from shelves in its Scottish and Welsh stores. The pasta poses a 'possible health risk' to some customers as it contains mustard which is not mentioned on the label. The affected pasta has a use by date of August 27, 2025 and comes in packs of 375g. A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: 'Waitrose is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. 'The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. 'These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. 'If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to mustard, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund. 'You can contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884, Option 4.' A Waitrose spokesman added: 'We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.' Recommended Reading: What is a product recall? If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.
Daily Record
33 minutes ago
- Daily Record
B&M confirms exact date Scottish store will close with shoppers left 'heartbroken'
The firm will be switching its focus to a refurbished store nearby instead. The Scottish high street is set for another closure. This time, it's B&M that is shutting up shop, with one of its branches near Edinburgh being axed in the new year. The popular bargain retailer will be shuttering its Musselburgh store in East Lothian within the next few months, with bosses confirming it will close its doors on January 9, 2026. It's unclear why the store will be closing down, although the Scottish Sun reports that bosses have revealed that staff members will be relocated to alternative stores within the area. It comes as bosses have said that they will be switching focus onto the firm's store based in the Fort Kinnaird centre that has recently undergone a massive revamp. Located just 12 minutes away from the Musselburgh branch and actually within the capital's city limits, it now offers shoppers a garden centre and a much larger selection of products for them to browse through. A spokesperson for B&M said: "All colleagues from this store will be offered employment at local B&M stores in the surrounding area after the closure on January 9. 'We're committed to bringing the best possible B&M stores to East Lothian. "We recently upgraded our nearby Fort Kinnaird store – now home to a garden centre and a much bigger range just two miles away, ensuring we continue to offer the best possible shopping experience and broadest range in the area." Shoppers on social media haven't met the news lightly, with one saying: "More empty shops. No parking in Musselburgh to encourage retailers. Shame for staff." Another added: "A bloody disgrace." Someone else wrote: "Such a shame, it's always busy." While a fourth posted: "Heart is BROKEN, this is gutting." And a fifth chimed in: "Shocking news". Formed in 1978, B&M is now one of the UK's leading retailers on the high street, employing more than 35,000 staff members across over 700 stores, with 76 based in Scotland alone. The news comes amidst a wave of closures to hit the high street recently, with The Original Factory and Poundland closing down stores across Scotland in recent weeks, with more planned for the future. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Meanwhile, in other high street related news, the UK branch of Claire's Accessories recently collapsed into administration, leaving 2,000 jobs across over 300 stores at risk. We reported last week that the jewellery firm's website was no longer taking orders. Customers are also unable to seek refunds on previously made orders after the company drafted in advisors to help repay a loan worth $480million (£355million).
