Latest news with #AudreyNicoll
STV News
16-05-2025
- STV News
Inquiry into drug abuse in Scotland's prisons launched
An inquiry has been launched into drug abuse in Scotland's prisons. Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee announced the probe after a parliamentary people's panel raised concerns over the rise and strength of synthetic drugs taken by inmates. The inquiry will be split into three parts, with the first investigating how drugs enter prisons, what detection and prevention measures are in place and the role of organised crime. The second leg will consider the impact drug misuse has on prisons, and how it impacts inmates, their families and prison staff. The third part of the inquiry will focus on what rehabilitation and support are available for prisoners. It will also look at why prisoners turn to drugs and other substances while incarcerated. A people's panel previously warned about the impact of drugs and alcohol on prisoners and the urgent need for better rehabilitation and support. As the call for views launched, Criminal Justice Committee convener Audrey Nicoll MSP said: 'We listened intently to the concerns raised by the people's panel and our committee was keen to take action to look into this serious issue. 'As one of the Scottish Parliament committees which considers issues related to drug harms and drug deaths in Scotland, we are acutely aware of the suffering caused by substance misuse and the sensitivities around these issues. 'There is no doubt this is a multifaceted issue, and our inquiry will look into the supply of illegal substances, the impact of illegal substances, and the support and rehabilitation services available for those struggling with the effects of usage. 'We are keen to better understand these issues and to evaluate how the Scottish Prison Service and other authorities are dealing with this challenge, and to identify any potential solutions.' She added: 'We want to hear from people with lived experience of these issues, including individuals, families and from those who work in these settings, to help us understand how things are working in practice and what changes are needed.' The committee said it wants to hear from those impacted by drug abuse in prisons. People can submit their views from now up to August 22 here. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Press and Journal
03-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Raac buck-passing needs to stop, Aberdeen people are suffering
Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan has finally visited the Raac-affected people of Torry. It's only taken a year, and constant pleas from beleaguered Balnagask families, but yesterday it finally happened. Alongside MSP Audrey Nicoll, he spoke to a delegation from Torry's Community Raac Campaign, in the Bridge Centre community hall – once known as the Phoenix. But was his presence enough to reassure homeowners that they, too, can rise from the ashes of this catastrophe? That remains to be seen. His warmth and approachability, however, was hugely appreciated by those he met. Promising to respond to each of the handwritten letters he received from families Trapped by Raac, it's a stark contrast to the residents we've featured this week who heard about their houses being condemned from social media. As our campaign has picked up steam, all attention has been on the homeowners. This has helped add more than 1,000 names to their petition. But let's not forget that more than 400 households in council-owned properties have been – and are – trapped by Raac too. When Dr Adrian Crofton spoke earlier this week on the harrowing health toll the Raac crisis has taken, his shocking findings weren't exclusive to the homeowners. Being plucked from your community, removed from your lifelines and separated from your support networks has been the disproportionate reality of ALL those in social housing, now living in accommodation all over Aberdeen. The result: the prescribing of sedatives and antidepressants. Proof, if it was needed, that this is a living nightmare for those involved. Every single person at the Raac end of this crisis is coming to terms with starting again, through no fault of their own. How long will this game of piggy in the middle continue? As long as the lives – and livelihoods – of Aberdeen families are tossed between Aberdeen City Council, Holyrood, Westminster and back, people will continue to suffer. We're calling on every elected official, called to serve the people at the heart of this crisis, to come together. Fairness is what's needed, not abdicating responsibility.
BBC News
09-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll to stand down at Holyrood 2026 election
The SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Audrey Nicoll, has announced she will not stand in next year's Holyrood election. The party leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn, repesents the area of Aberdeen South and announced his intention to challenge Ms Nicoll for the Holyrood seat in plan to hold a seat in both parliaments led to a political row, and he ultimately conceded that he had made a mistake and said he would not seek to be both an MSP and an MP. However, he did not explicitly say whether he still intended to stand for Holyrood, or if he would quit Westminster should he win a Holyrood seat. He told the Press and Journal newspaper last year that he intended to make his decision "after Christmas". BBC Scotland News has asked the SNP for an update on Flynn's plans. On Sunday, Nicoll said she had advised local branch members of her intention to stand down at the next Holyrood elections. She added: "I look forward to a robust contest to select a strong candidate who will bring life experience, compassion, and respect to the role and give the interests of the constituency their full focus."The MSP added that she would continue to work for her constituents until the election. A spokesman for Nicoll said her decision to stand down was unrelated to Stephen Flynn's interest in her seat. Flynn has been tipped as a future SNP leader, but he predicted there would not be a contest to replace John Swinney for "long, long time", adding that he had full confidence in the first told BBC Scotland News: "I just want to be part of his team."Speaking about Nicoll's decision to stand down, the first minister said: "I am very sorry to hear that Audrey Nicoll has decided to step down at the next election. She has made a superb contribution at the Scottish Parliament."
