Phoebe O'Carroll-Moran, client manager, looks at the top stories for the week ahead.
It’s been quite the weekend for global affairs with European leaders yesterday embracing Volodymyr Zelenksyy just 48 hours after Friday’s shocking fracasbetween him and Donald Trump, which led to the Ukrainian president being ejected from the White House.
Zelenskyy was greeted effusively by Keir Starmer on his visit to the UK, in a display of solidarity that underscored the inherent tension in Starmer’s position.
Following a summit with European leaders in London yesterday, Starmer unveiled a four-step plan to guarantee peace in Ukraine. He said that “Europe must do the heavy lifting” but warned backing from the US is needed to bring an end to the war with Russia.
The prime minister avoided criticising the aggressive display from Trump and Vance, unlike some of his European counterparts.
Last night Zelenskyy met with King Charles III, with the Royal Family later sharing a series of photographs of the two men.
For his part, the Ukrainian president has indicated that he is ready to sign a mineral deal with the US in order to secure Trump’s support.
Speaking on The Sunday Show, John Swinney called for the UK government to revoke its offer of a second state visit for president Trump if the US withdraws support from Ukraine.
In brief - Scotland's economy and business
Business secretary Kate Forbes accused the UK government of treating Scotland as an “afterthought”. Forbes’ comments came after Rachel Reeves announced ambitions to create “Europe’s Silicon Valley” in the South East of England, via the “golden triangle” of Oxford, Cambridge and London.
Scottish tech firm FanDuel has been accused of patent infringement by a major US company. The sport betting giant is embroiled in a legal battle with US-based WinView over claims it impinged on nine different technologies patented by the American firm, sparking a high-stakes courtroom showdown.
ScottishPower boss Keith Anderson has hit out against plans allegedly considered by the UK government to implement a regional pricing structure in the UK energy market. The measure is intended to increase efficiencies by charging consumers base on local need and availability, but Anderson highlighted the possible risks of market uncertainty.
The University of Strathclyde announced plans for a “root-and-branch” efficiency review after revealing a £60m drop in surplus. The university is just the latest in a growing list of crisis-hit higher education institutions.
Glasgow City Council has been condemned over claims it has broken homelessness laws 12,600 times since the pandemic, despite investing nearly £300m into relevant services.
OpinioNation - columns of interest
Following Zelenskyy’s savaging in the Oval office, The Economist warns that European nations must step up, or risk telegraphing fatal weakness to the Kremlin.
In The Times, Alex Massey argues that Scotland must face the music too, and calls for investment In our defence capabilities.
The Journal podcast pulls back the curtain on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Closer to home, Brewdog founder James Watt talks up his proposed Coalition for Organisational Reform and Government Improvement (Corgi) in The Sunday Times.
During a post-budget victory lap last week, John Swinney set out plans to bring civic society together to face down the populist right. The Herald asks whether this can stave off Nigel Farage’s Reform.
Finally, high literature can offer us an escape in times of turmoil. However, Gareth Rubin argues that middle class bookshelves everywhere could use a dose of low brow realism. Meanwhile, The Economist examines trends in erotic fiction, and The Financial Times investigates why nobody knows the ending of The Little Mermaid.
The week ahead - fill your diary with key events
Monday
- Ex-Barclays chief executive Jes Staley’s appeal against the Financial Conduct Authority begins in a London tribunal
- Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment inquiry begins
- Paris Fashion Week begins
Tuesday
-
In the Holyrood chamber
- Scottish Government Debate: Scotland’s Renewable Future
- In the Holyrood Committee rooms
- The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will consider the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2
- The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee will consider the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill draft Stage 1 report
- The Finance and Public Administration Committee will take evidence on the Budget (Scotland) Act 2024 Amended Regulations 2025 draft from Ivan McKee, minister for public finance, and civil servants
- The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee will take evidence on the Council Tax Inquiry
- Tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods set to be imposed
- Pancake day
Wednesday
-
In the Holyrood Chamber
- Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister responsibilities, finance and local government
- Scottish Government Debate: Achieving a Fair Balance in the UK’s economy
- Member’s Business Debate: Colin Beattie: Three Years in Solidarity with Ukraine
- In the Holyrood Committee rooms
- The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will consider PE2033: introduce a full ban on disposable vapes, among other petitions
- The Public Audit Committee will take evidence on fiscal sustainability and public reform in Scotland
- Prime Minister’s Questions
- At Westminster
- Charlotte Street Partners and Reform Scotland think tank host a discussion with Scottish Conservative Party leader Russell Findlay
- International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
- Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey appears before the parliamentary Treasury committee in London
- Rishi Sunak interview on BBC’s Political Thinking podcast
- Ash Wednesday
Thursday
-
In the Holyrood Chamber
- First Minster’s Questions
- Portfolio Questions: Net Zero and Energy, and Transport
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to attend EU special leaders’ summit
- World Book Day
Friday
- Expected meeting of U.K. and Japan foreign and economic ministers
Saturday
- International Women’s Day
Sunday
- Leadership election for Justin Trudeau’s Canadian Liberal Party
- Crufts final day