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The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Alex Neil: Fergus Ewing will beat the SNP in 2026 election
Son of the late SNP trailblazer, Mr Ewing has served as an SNP MSP in 1999, first representing Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber from 1999 to 2011 and then from 2011 for its successor seat Inverness and Nairn. The long serving MSP today announced he would be standing next year as an independent having previously said he would not be standing as an SNP candidate. READ MORE: SNP's Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent in 2026 Swinney programme failed to mention independence – so why all the talk now? Will the 2026 elections see people voting against parties - rather than for? John Swinney has discussed indyref2 with PM, says senior SNP minister The former rural affairs secretary said his decision was 'not an easy one' but was driven by disillusionment with the direction of his party and the state of the Scottish Parliament. Mr Neil, who served with Mr Ewing in Alex Salmond's government, told The Herald: "I can understand why Fergus has taken that decision. "And in my view if Fergus stands as an independent in that constituency the chances are Fergus will win quite easily." Former SNP minister Alex Neil (Image: Gordon Terris) Pressed why he thought that was the case, Mr Neil replied: "People are fed up with nodding donkeys, people who just do what they're telt instead of actually standing up for their principles and their areas. "I think that is the case for all of the parties. Whether at Westminster or Holyrood there are too many people who do not stand up and speak out on the key issues of the day but just wait for their daily instructions from the whips. "If you really want to be a member of parliament, whether Holyrood or Westminster, you should act accordingly. Very few do and Fergus Ewing is one of the few." Mr Neil added he thought "bookies would make Fergus the favourite" in the contest from "day one". Ms Roddick hit back. "I have always stood up for the Highlands and spoken out on issues that affect all of us who live here, I've never been shy about doing so," she said. "I am SNP because I share our principles and belief in Scotland - that, as an independent country, we can best serve the people I represent and work hard for every day. "That's why I was backed overwhelmingly in the local selection contest for Inverness and Nairn, and I look forward to putting that positive vision across during the campaign." First Minister John Swinney said he is saddened by Mr Ewing's decision "to leave the Scottish National Party". The former rural affairs secretary has been a vocal critic of the Scottish Government on several issues, often providing fiery contributions from the back benches. Slow progress on the dualling of the A9 and A96 roads were key to his decision to run as an independent, he said. He told the Press and Journal: "I cannot stand again for the SNP and defend the indefensible. "I have taken it (the decision) because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn, and the people of Scotland, more than my party which I have been in for more than half a century." He added: "I have seen the Scottish Parliament at its best and its worst. "I fear in recent years it has been at its worst. "The failures of the SNP to deliver on its longstanding pledges to dual the A9 and A96 are a major part of that." He told the BBC the SNP had "lost its way" and Holyrood had become "more fractious and tribal than ever before". Since leaving government, Mr Ewing has criticised SNP ministers on a range of issues, including the decision to bring the Greens into the Scottish Government in the Bute House Agreement, which collapsed last year. Public finance minister Ivan McKee was asked about Mr Ewing's decision as he spoke to the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme on Friday. He disagreed the pro-independence party had "lost its way", saying: "I don't believe we have, I think under John Swinney's leadership, we're taking forward priorities for the people of Scotland. "I'm disappointed in Fergus's decision, I have worked with him on a number of things over the years. "I think he's not correct on this and I think it would be more effective for him to stay in the party and work to deliver the change Scotland needs." SNP leader Mr Swinney said: "It was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing's decision to leave the Scottish National Party. "We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021. "Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party. "The SNP approaches the 2026 election ahead in the polls, with growing support for independence, and I am looking forward to taking our positive, ambitious vision for Scotland's future to the people." The SNP and Ms Roddick have been approached for comment in response to Mr Neil's remarks.
Rhyl Journal
6 hours ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Ali Oliver highlights importance of keeping children active
Ali Oliver highlights importance of keeping children active (Image: RICHARD LEE PHOTOGRAPHY) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE hopes to create awareness of the need for children to be active as she helped to launch National School Sports Week on Monday. Oliver was at Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland for a day packed with sport and activity as they kicked off the campaign which promotes the importance of daily physical activity by encouraging schools, families, and communities to engage in 60 minutes of PE, sport, and play. Pupils were involved in a Girls Active session where leaders from the student body taught sessions to younger years and PE classes using National School Sports Week resources. It marked the start of a week dedicated to bringing attention to the need for children to spend 60 minutes active each day. 'National School Sports Week is an opportunity to shine a light on why it's important children are active and get those important messages across about not just physical health, but social wellbeing in the digital age,' said Oliver. 'Playing together physically is really important for the cognitive benefits, because sadly lots of adults will judge physical education on their own experiences. 'Today's generation is a much more sedentary generation, and it's really important that the school day compensates for some of the time that young people are more sedentary in the rest of their lives.' The annual campaign highlights and aims to change worrying statistics that indicate children are less active than ever. Research shows that fewer than half (47%) of children are meeting the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines of engaging in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity daily. In Sunderland, where the week was launched 25% of children in reception are overweight or obese - and over 40% by Year 6. But the Youth Sport Trust are on a mission to change the direction of travel and transform the lives of young people through sport. '[We want] to equip educators and empower young people so together they can create brighter futures through the power of play and sport,' explained Oliver. 'We have a wonderful vision, which is a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of PE and sport. 'We also deliver a number of products and services which schools can use to help them think more creatively, whether it's about how they use their playground, or how they make their maths lessons more active.' National School Sports Week is an annual campaign by the Youth Sport Trust, dedicated to celebrating the power of PE, sport, and play to build brighter futures. This year, powered by Sports Direct x Under Armour, marks the 30th anniversary of the Youth Sport Trust, who is a UK leading children's charity for improving young people's wellbeing through sport and play. Visit
South Wales Guardian
7 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Ali Oliver highlights importance of keeping children active
Ali Oliver highlights importance of keeping children active (Image: RICHARD LEE PHOTOGRAPHY) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE hopes to create awareness of the need for children to be active as she helped to launch National School Sports Week on Monday. Oliver was at Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland for a day packed with sport and activity as they kicked off the campaign which promotes the importance of daily physical activity by encouraging schools, families, and communities to engage in 60 minutes of PE, sport, and play. Pupils were involved in a Girls Active session where leaders from the student body taught sessions to younger years and PE classes using National School Sports Week resources. It marked the start of a week dedicated to bringing attention to the need for children to spend 60 minutes active each day. 'National School Sports Week is an opportunity to shine a light on why it's important children are active and get those important messages across about not just physical health, but social wellbeing in the digital age,' said Oliver. 'Playing together physically is really important for the cognitive benefits, because sadly lots of adults will judge physical education on their own experiences. 'Today's generation is a much more sedentary generation, and it's really important that the school day compensates for some of the time that young people are more sedentary in the rest of their lives.' The annual campaign highlights and aims to change worrying statistics that indicate children are less active than ever. Research shows that fewer than half (47%) of children are meeting the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines of engaging in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity daily. In Sunderland, where the week was launched 25% of children in reception are overweight or obese - and over 40% by Year 6. But the Youth Sport Trust are on a mission to change the direction of travel and transform the lives of young people through sport. '[We want] to equip educators and empower young people so together they can create brighter futures through the power of play and sport,' explained Oliver. 'We have a wonderful vision, which is a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of PE and sport. 'We also deliver a number of products and services which schools can use to help them think more creatively, whether it's about how they use their playground, or how they make their maths lessons more active.' National School Sports Week is an annual campaign by the Youth Sport Trust, dedicated to celebrating the power of PE, sport, and play to build brighter futures. This year, powered by Sports Direct x Under Armour, marks the 30th anniversary of the Youth Sport Trust, who is a UK leading children's charity for improving young people's wellbeing through sport and play. Visit
The Herald Scotland
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Impact Awards highlight where purpose meets progress
We are proud to officially launch the Scottish Impact Awards 2025, a new national celebration of organisations who are leading with purpose, values, and vision. This is not just another awards programme. It is a platform for recognising those who are embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their culture, strategy, and communities and delivering tangible results. A New Kind of Recognition Developed by GenAnalytics, The Herald, and Newsquest Events, the Scottish Impact Awards build on a decade-long partnership celebrating diversity and inclusion in Scotland. In 2025, this effort evolves to reflect the broader, interconnected challenges we face, spotlighting organisations that are not only talking about change, but making it happen. These awards recognise the best of Scottish leadership across six categories that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the '5Ps' framework: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. Jane Gotts, Director, GenAnalytics (Image: Colin Mearns) The Categories Climate Action Champion - sponsored by Scottish National Investment Bank – Leading the charge on emissions reduction, sustainability, and ethical sourcing Diversity & Inclusion Leadership - sponsored by Diageo – Championing equality, inclusive cultures, and equitable access Community Impact – Creating meaningful change in local communities through collaboration and regeneration Wellbeing & Workforce – Putting people first through mental health support, fair work, and ethical labour practices Sustainable Innovation - sponsored by Aegon – Driving the circular economy with forward-thinking solutions Governance & Transparency – Demonstrating accountability, ethical governance, and ESG performance Each award will be presented across three organisational sizes: micro, small/medium, and large which will ensure fair and inclusive recognition. Why Now? In 2025, the call for stronger, values-led leadership is louder than ever. Against the backdrop of climate change, global economic uncertainty, and rapidly shifting political dynamics, organisations are being asked to step up not just to grow profits, but to create positive, lasting impact. The Scottish Impact Awards exist to spotlight those who are doing just that. By bridging inclusion and sustainability, these awards raise awareness, drive accountability, and inspire others to act. Purpose is no longer just a buzzword, it is a business imperative. Fair and Transparent Selection Process An independent panel of Judges has been assembled from across a range of ESG disciplines, including Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Investment and Sustainable Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise; Mariam Ahmed, CEO, Amina MWRC and EHRC Scotland Committee; Laura Young, an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer known as LessWasteLaura; and Fran van Dijk, CEO, One Stone Advisors, Scotland's first B-Corp. Forming part of the awards' development steering committee before joining the judging panel, Fran said, 'The Scottish Impact Awards are Scotland's first ESG Awards and provide a unique opportunity for companies and organisations, of all sizes, to showcase best practice, good governance and sustainability commitment. As a long-time advocate of B Corp principles and sustainability impact measures, I am pleased to be part of the expert judging panel that will recognise the unique and distinctive work underway in Scotland across all sectors and regions of the country' All entrants will find clear entry criteria and desired KPIs to really showcase the impact they are making, which will be assesed by our credible panel of experts. Join Us Entries are now open through to Friday, July 25, 2025 and judging takes place in August. The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Radisson Blue Hotel, Glasgow. For organisations committed to making a difference, in their workplace, in their community, and across society, this is your moment to shine! To find out more, and submit your entry, visit:
Rhyl Journal
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Israel and Iran launch new strikes as new diplomatic effort takes shape
2 This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes a week into their war as Donald Trump considered US military involvement and new diplomatic efforts appeared to be under US president has been weighing whether to attack Iran by striking its well-defended Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is buried under a mountain and widely considered to be out of reach of all but America's 'bunker-buster' said he will decide within two weeks whether the US military will be directly involved in the war given the 'substantial chance' for renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear foreign minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to be heading to Geneva for meetings with the European Union's top diplomat and counterparts from the UK, France and in an interview aired on Friday he said that 'in the current situation, as the Zionist regime's attacks continue, we are not seeking negotiations with anyone'.'I believe that as a result of this resistance (by Iran), we will gradually see countries distancing themselves from the aggression carried out by the regime, and calls for ending this war have already begun, and they will only grow stronger,' he said, adding that Tehran considers 'the Americans to be companions and collaborators of the Zionist regime'.Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he met US secretary of state Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House to discuss the potential for a deal to cool the said it conducted air strikes into Friday morning in Iran with more than 60 aircraft hitting what it said were industrial sites to manufacture also said it hit the headquarters of Iran's Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research, known by its acronym in Farsi, SPND. The US has linked the agency to alleged Iranian research and testing tied to the possible development of nuclear explosive foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (Hassan Ammar/AP)Israeli air strikes reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early on Friday, Iranian media Israeli military had warned the public to flee the area around Rasht's Industrial City, but with Iran's internet shut off to the outside world, it is unclear how many people could see the Israel, paramedic service Magen David Adom said missiles struck a residential area in southern Israel, causing damage to buildings, including one six-storey building. Crews provided medical treatment to five people with minor injuries, it comes a day after at least 80 patients and medical workers were wounded in a strike on the Soroka Medical Centre in the southern Israeli city of defence minister threatened Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the Iranian missile crashed into the hospital. Israel's military 'has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist', said defence minister Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he trusted that Mr Trump would 'do what's best for America'. Speaking from the rubble and shattered glass around the hospital, he added: 'I can tell you that they're already helping a lot.'Smokes rises from the Soroka hospital complex (Leo Correa/AP)The war between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 with Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear and military sites, senior generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's air defences, but at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds has long maintained its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear weapons programme but has never acknowledged Israeli air campaign has targeted Iran's enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuge workshops around Tehran, a nuclear site in Isfahan and what the army assesses to be most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers. The destruction of those launchers has contributed to the steady decline in Iranian attacks since the start of the conflict.
