Latest news with #JohnSwinney
The Independent
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump's plans for his private five-day trip to Scotland
President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five-day private visit, concluding on Tuesday. His itinerary includes visits to his Turnberry and Menie golf courses, and the opening of a new course dedicated to his Scottish mother. The visit will involve a significant Police Scotland operation, with mass protests anticipated around his golf courses and major Scottish cities. Trump is expected to meet with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss a UK-US trade deal, and First Minister John Swinney. First Minister John Swinney intends to use the meeting to address issues such as tariffs, Gaza, and Ukraine, while also promoting Scotland's tourism and economic potential.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Trump Turnberry must host the Open – and Swinney must drive it
Hope that you'll benefit from cheap energy when the government drills, baby, drills rather than building wind turbines. Hope that when your daughter tries out for the track team she won't have to compete against someone who was born a boy. But first and foremost hope that the factory down the road will reopen and that you will get a job there rather than the job going to the foreigner who arrived yesterday. This is America First, the midwife of global economic uncertainty, including in Scotland, a nation with major export interests in the US and therefore with much to lose from a punitive tariff regime. Read more by Andy Maciver America First is also the midwife of global security uncertainty. President Trump's desire to retrench from global military engagement is, in essence, leaving various geopolitical fields of play to bad actors. President Putin wants to recover Russia's historical position as the biggest global player in eastern Europe and western Asia, and America's on-off willingness to let that happen is destabilising Nato, Europe and particularly those western countries which border Russia, in ways the President struggles to understand. Hardly for the first time, though, it is Gaza which is at the centre of most people's moral consciousness, and which is central to the protests against President Trump's Scottish trip, and his meeting with First Minister John Swinney. This conflict is tens, or hundreds, or by some interpretations thousands of years old, and therefore expecting a President with little foreign policy experience or interest to solve it is fanciful. However, it is his unwillingness, or at least inability, to persuade Mr Netanyahu of both the moral indecency and the strategic hopelessness of the scale of his retaliation in Gaza which is of most concern. This is not where we would wish to be. However it is where we are. Being the leader of a country is, and must be, different from being the leader of a party. It is impure. It requires compromise and diplomacy. And it requires you to do business with people you don't agree with. If we draw a line in the sand here, because of President Trump's adjacency to Prime Minister Netanyahu, what are the implications? What if the populist formula which elected Trump generates leaders we don't like in France or Germany, as it has already done in Italy. Should Mr Swinney also refuse to meet them because they are adjacent to President Trump? What if Nigel Farage is Prime Minister of the UK in 2029. Should Mr Swinney refuse to meet him? And if adjacency is the problem, the list of offenders is endless. Churchill and Stalin. Blair and Gaddafi. Xi Jinping and pretty much every global leader. No, this is the wrong place to draw the line. John Swinney is right to meet the President during this visit. More than that; to reject the opportunity would have been a dereliction of his duty as Scotland's leader. He should be welcoming the half-Scottish Donald John Trump with open arms, ready to deal. I use the word "deal" deliberately. President Trump likes to see himself as a man with considerable dealmaking prowess, but engagements with Presidents Putin and Netanyahu, amongst others, tell us that his dealmaking abilities appear to be considerably less proficient than he would wish us to believe. Why shouldn't we expect that Mr Swinney can outmanoeuvre President Trump over the next few days and put Scotland in a stronger position? Of course it is true that Mr Swinney will, to some degree, be deferential. Of course it is true that he will have to pander to the President. Of course it may even be true that he will have to tarnish himself, just a little bit, in order to get the most out of the interaction. But this – all of this – is a price worth paying if he can help put President Trump in a position where he is more sympathetic to giving Scotland and the UK a better deal, primarily on tariffs. Scotland is home to the UK's largest food and drink exports – Scottish salmon and Scotch whisky – both of which are heavily invested in the US import market. This matters hugely to Scotland's economy and to the jobs which depend on these industries. Moreover, salmon and Scotch are part of a Scottish soft power which is highly influential in the US. A soft power which includes the stereotypical tartan and bagpipes, and which crucially also includes golf. Mr Swinney needs to exploit President Trump's weak point. The locations of his visit offer the clue about what that is – golf. And so there is one deal, perhaps above all others, which Mr Swinney, in alliance with Sir Keir Starmer and by leaning heavily on the R&A, should seek to do, and that is to offer Trump Turnberry golf's Open Championship. Stewart Cink on his way to victory the last time the Open was played at Turnberry, in 2009 (Image: PA) Having just left Royal Portrush, The Open goes to Royal Birkdale next year before returning to St Andrew's in 2027. There is no announced venue for 2028, the last Open of the Trump Presidency. It should go to Turnberry. This would be a win-win. The suitability of the majestic Ailsa course at Turnberry is not in question, including by the R&A. Turnberry's problem, in this era of larger crowds, is poor transport infrastructure and insufficient accommodation options. Mr Swinney should be looking at this as an opportunity to work with the UK Government, and international investors, to leverage investment in road and rail connections, which would benefit Scotland well beyond the staging of the golf tournament. Leaning on the R&A to award Turnberry the Open in 2028 would be a tiny price to pay for a better deal on a range of other issues. It is a deal Mr Swinney should actively try to make. Welcome to Scotland, Mr President. Come back in 2028 for your Open. Andy Maciver is Founding Director of Message Matters, and co-host of the Holyrood Sources podcast
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
First Minister meets with family of Glasgow teen killed in stabbing
John Swinney promised Kory McCrimmon's family a follow-up meeting to discuss ways to solve youth knife crime in Scotland. The 16-year-old was stabbed in the heart at Greenfield Park in the city's East End in May last year following a feud with a member of a rival gang. The High Court in Glasgow heard that the pair had fallen out over £50 which led to an argument and threats over social media. READ NEXT: Family of Kory McCrimmon hope his memory 'will help to provide a safer future' (Image: Police Scotland) The killer, who was 13 at the time, was sentenced in May to five years after being found guilty of culpable homicide while acting under provocation. On Wednesday, the First Minister and Justice Secretary Angela Constance met with the teenager's family to discuss youth knife crime. The McCrimmon family called for the meeting to ask the First Minister what could be done to tackle the issue of knife crime, especially amongst young people, and what preventative measures could be put in place. During the meeting, the First Minister promised the family, who were joined by Victim Support Scotland, a follow-up meeting to look into the potential solutions in more detail. READ NEXT: Family of Kory McCrimmon to meet First Minister in bid to tackle youth knife crime (Image: Robert Perry) The family said in a statement: "The main purpose of this meeting was to do everything possible so that Kory's death was not in vain. "We really appreciated the chance to meet with the First Minister and Justice Secretary yesterday to talk about their plans to tackle youth knife crime. "They really listened to our concerns and ideas, and the First Minister suggested having another meeting soon to look at possible solutions in more detail. "We will hold the First Minister to this promise and to hearing in more detail about what the Scottish Government plans to do to stop more needless deaths caused by knife crime. "Lasting positive change is our goal." READ NEXT: Boy, 14, who admitted killing fellow teen at Glasgow park sentenced The First Minister said: "The Justice Secretary and I were extremely grateful to Kory McCrimmon's family for meeting us yesterday. "I offered my heartfelt condolences for the unimaginable loss they suffered – losing a child in that way is utterly heartbreaking. "We listened carefully to their concerns and suggestions for ways to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. "We agreed with the family that there is absolutely no justification for carrying any weapon, including knives, at anytime, anywhere – and we must be relentless in that message. "We also agreed about the importance of prevention and early intervention through education and effective consequences in place for those who believe they can commit violence including knife crime. "I look forward to meeting again with the family to continue our discussions." Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, added: "We welcome the First Minister's commitment to a follow-up meeting with the McCrimmon family. "This will be vital for solidifying the Scottish Government's commitment to addressing knife crime, especially amongst young people. "The McCrimmon family took the opportunity yesterday to question the First Minister and Justice Secretary about this issue and what they are doing to stop more preventable deaths. "We look forward to a swift response from the First Minister in regards to a follow-up meeting with the family. "It is crucial that action focuses on a joined-up approach to preventing young people from being involved with this type of crime in the first place. "Everyone has a right to feel safe in their communities. "We will continue to advocate on the McCrimmon family's behalf, and on behalf of everyone impacted by knife crime in Scotland." Last month, Kory's family planned a 'Parents Against Knives' to commemorate the first anniversary of his death. Speaking ahead of the event on Sunday, June 22 Kory's big brother Jamie told crowds that his sibling's absence is a 'senseless burden that his family have to carry for the rest of their lives'. The walk began at Ibrox Stadium in the city's Southside shortly after 1.30pm. Hundreds of people joined Kory's parents, Neil and Elizabeth McCrimmon, and his brother as they braved the pouring rain. Attendees wore t-shirts with a picture of the teenager and held banners as they made the six-mile journey to Celtic Park in the East End. The walk was organised to help raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and to remember all those who have been lost to knife crime. Anyone who has been affected by knife crime or any other type of crime can contact the Victim Support Scotland helpline on 0800 160 1985 or visit
The National
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Donald Trump is sure to receive a beelin' welcome from Scots
FIRST Minister John Swinney is facing calls from within the SNP to confront US President Donald Trump when the work-dodging president takes yet another golfing break, this time to visit the golf courses in Scotland which he acquired with funding from sources of which have never been properly explained. Since returning to the presidency in January this year, Trump has gone golfing for 43 days out of the 186 days since his second inauguration – 23.1% of his entire presidency. This is the man who repeatedly attacked his predecessor Barack Obama for going golfing and promised prior to his election in 2016 that he would give up golf for the duration of his presidency. An analysis by American broadcaster CNN in May 2020 found that up to that date, Trump had spent 266 days playing golf compared to the 98 days Obama had spent golfing at the same point in his presidency. Buoyed up by the political impregnability granted to him by the MAGA cultists of the US Republican party, Trump looks set to spend well over 300 days of his second term golfing. It looks like Trump lied. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. READ MORE: If I was John Swinney, here's what I would say to Donald Trump Trump arrives in Scotland tomorrow for a scheduled four-day visit. The main purpose of the trip is for Trump to go golfing and to open a new course on his estate at Menie in Aberdeenshire, the one with the lovely view of majestic offshore wind turbines. Trump will, however, squeeze in a couple of meetings with Keir Starmer, Scotland Secretary Ian Murray, and of course First Minister John Swinney. Nadia El-Nakla, SNP councillor and the wife of the former First Minister Humza Yousaf, is also the convener of the SNP's Friends of Palestine group. She herself is of Palestinian descent and this week, together with her husband issued a video statement describing how her family is facing starvation in Gaza. She has called on the First Minister to "demand" during his meeting with the US President that Trump should 'compel' Israel to end the suffering of Palestinians. Together with her husband, she said that they and the SNP Friends of Palestine Group agree that whilst the First Minister meets with Trump, he must use the meeting to put pressure on Trump to end the suffering in Gaza. She said: 'Of course, the first minister should meet with President Trump. This is a critical opportunity to raise, directly and unequivocally, the ongoing genocide in Gaza. 'Time is not on the side of the people there. As I speak, my family — like millions of others — is starving. The First Minister must demand that Trump use his influence to compel Israel to end the starvation and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.' The crisis in Gaza has now become a man-made famine. Food, water, and medical supplies are piled up just a couple of kilometres from where they are needed. Palestinians in Gaza are starving to death while Israel continues to block their entry into the besieged territory, and Israeli spokespeople deny that mass starvation is taking place. This week, more than 100 aid organisations have warned of 'mass starvation' in Gaza. More than two million people are facing critical shortages of food, water and medical supplies after 21 months of brutal bombardment, forced displacements and blockade by Israel. Just this week, health authorities in Gaza recorded 43 deaths from starvation, on top of the 68 deaths attributed to starvation which were recorded over the preceding three weeks. READ MORE: Timings of Donald Trump visit to Scotland revealed as flight restrictions in place Trump is unlikely to be swayed by entreaties from the Scottish First Minister. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he doesn't care about human suffering. All Trump cares about is himself. Trump is deeply unpopular in Scotland – he is more unpopular here than he is in the rest of the UK, where he's not exactly loved either. A poll by IPSOS in February found that 71% of Scots had an unfavourable opinion of Trump, compared to 57% in the UK as a whole. His visit is likely to be met by large protests. The Stop Trump Coalition has organised events in Aberdeen in the city centre as well as outside the US consulate in Edinburgh on Saturday at midday. Protests are also expected in Glasgow, as well as close to Trump's golf courses at Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Menie in [[Aberdeen]]shire. Trump's previous visits to Scotland attracted thousands of protestors. Police Scotland have geared up for a major operation over the four days that Trump plans to spend on his golfing holiday. Ian Murray's BBC interview Speaking on BBC Scotland's Good Morning programme on Thursday, Scotland Secretary Ian Murray was asked whether he'd be meeting Trump. He replied: "Well, it's expected, but not fully confirmed as yet. The details are obviously being worked out. "My predecessor, the Secretary of State David Mundell, met with the president when he last landed in Scotland. "It's a duty for us to make sure that we are welcoming foreign dignitaries to Scotland in the right way, particularly one that's our closest and nearest ally, both economically and defence and security, and there's lots to talk about, of course.' The BBC journalist interviewing him seemed to be very eager to get Murray to say that Trump would receive a "warm welcome". Murray was repeatedly interrupted and asked whether Scotland should be welcoming Trump "with open arms'. He was asked for a third time: "I just wanted to ask again, is it a warm welcome? Is it a welcome with open arms?" For reasons best known to itself, [[BBC Scotland]], the state broadcaster in a country where a large majority of people disapprove of Donald Trump, seems extremely keen to ensure Trump will get a warm welcome. I'm sure the welcome he gets from ordinary Scots will be more than warm – it will be beelin'.
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
East Kilbride MSP praises Scottish Government for delivering more NHS appointments
This extra boost to the NHS will see the Scottish Government reduce waiting times and backlogs for key services, including for cancer, dermatology and diagnostic services like imaging. East Kilbride's MSP has praised the Scottish Government for delivering more NHS appointments. In May, the First Minister committed in his Programme for Government to delivering 150,000 additional NHS appointments and procedures. Now, more than 210,000 appointments will be delivered in total, backed by £110 million of Scottish Government funding. This extra boost to the NHS will see the Scottish Government reduce waiting times and backlogs for key services, including for cancer, dermatology and diagnostic services like imaging. This announcement will mean it is easier for people across Scotland to see a doctor and receive the treatment they need more quickly. Collette Stevenson MSP said: 'Scotland's NHS is a valued public resource that people across East Kilbride rely on. 'Despite challenges in recent years, from the impact of Covid to recruitment challenges because of Brexit, the SNP government is investing record sums in getting Scotland's NHS back on track. 'First Minister John Swinney promised to deliver 150,000 extra appointments in Scotland's NHS. 'The SNP Government is not just delivering on its promise - but will exceed it, delivering more than 210,000 appointments and procedures across Scotland this year. This will make a huge difference for people receiving treatment from NHS Lanarkshire. 'I want to pay tribute to NHS staff in East Kilbride, whose hard work and commitment to the service of their communities makes this vital progress possible.' An extra £4 million of funding has been allocated towards dermatology - taking the overall total that ministers are providing as part of efforts to cut waiting lists to £110 million. The cash should allow 4,100 more dermatology outpatient appointments to be carried out this year than there were last year. The announcement comes as First Minister John Swinney and his Health Secretary Neil Gray continued to focus on cutting the longest waits for treatment. The Scottish Government hopes these efforts will mean 213,000 more NHS appointments are carried out this year than there were in 2024-25. The health service is expected to deliver 195,000 scans in 2025-26, along with 88,000 new outpatient appointments and 31,000 inpatient or day case procedures. The increases come as the Government continues its efforts to tackle waiting times for treatment after backlogs increased during the Covid pandemic. Mr Gray declared: 'Reducing long waits in the NHS is one of the biggest priorities for the First Minister and the Scottish Government. 'Our record investment in the NHS this year is allowing us to target specific areas that are experiencing long waits, reducing backlogs and getting people the appointments and treatments they need as quickly as possible.' The Health Secretary continued: 'I am pleased to confirm that we expect the additional funding committed to reduce waiting times to result in more than 300,000 appointments and procedures this year. 'My thanks go out to all the hard-working NHS teams for their continued efforts. 'I am announcing an additional £4 million specifically for dermatology. 'We know that this is an area with significant backlogs, so by investing in increased capacity we hope to be able to reduce waiting times for this speciality.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Article continues below
