Rebecca Mason, associate, looks at the top stories for the week ahead.
As the Scottish Parliament approaches its winter recess on Friday, many politicians are preparing to hang up their stockings for the festive season. Yet, others show no sign of slowing down, seizing the opportunity to strategise and fine-tune their agendas for the year ahead.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is gearing up to place public sector reform at the heart of his vision for Bute House, as he works to steer his party back on course ahead of 2026. Speaking over the weekend, Sarwar expressed confidence in Labour’s ability to position itself as a credible alternative to the SNP. This comes despite nearly half of Scottish businesses believing John Swinney’s government better understands their concerns, particularly in light of unease surrounding Keir Starmer’s UK budget. Sarwar emphasised the need for a proactive approach to using Scotland's existing powers and resources, distancing himself from the narrative of relying on Westminster to address the country’s challenges.
Values of tolerance and inclusion will underpin the road ahead for John Swinney as his government seeks to address the continuing rise of Reform UK, a party which the first minister labelled on Sunday as a new “factor” in British politics. Swinney pledged that, unlike the Conservatives—who he accused of mimicking Reform—the SNP will tackle the issues drawing voters to Nigel Farage’s party, prioritising economic growth, expanding job opportunities, and enhancing public services.
Meanwhile, Stephen Flynn announced that he will be putting his Holyrood ambitions on hold until after the festive period,postponing his decision on whether to contest the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat. Last month, he ruled out holding a dual mandate at Westminster and Holyrood amid backlash from within the party. Now, as the SNP Westminster leader focuses on restoring trust after this year’s election losses, he has hinted he’ll be unwrapping his final decision on the matter in the new year—perhaps after a few festive ales he quipped.
In brief - Scotland's economy and business
Despite calls to cease trading with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Scotland has exported at least £26m worth of beverages, including whisky, to the country (£), new government figures show. Scottish exports to Russian totalled just under £3.85m in the second quarter of 2024 alone.
Scottish government debt is projected to reach a record £3.1bn by April 2026 (£), with loan repayments set to rise to £273m next year. A government spokesperson stated that this borrowing arrangement ensures the capacity to secure an additional £300m annually over the next five years for capital investments.
The UK is the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trading bloc. Government officials estimate this move could generate up to £2bn annually in additional trade, unlocking new opportunities for British businesses on the global stage.
Edinburgh-based biotech firm Concinnity Genetics has secured £3 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven gene control technology, described as the "holy grail for emerging gene therapies." The investment, led by Eos Advisory, will help the company develop key applications in the cell and gene therapy market.
OpinioNation - columns of interest
Will Lloyd in The Times critiques Sir Keir Starmer's reliance on traditional broadcast media, arguing that declining viewership and shifting public preferences towards internet platforms like TikTok and podcasts render such appearances outdated and ineffective. He suggests that Starmer, as potentially the "last television prime minister," risks missing the political opportunities offered by direct engagement with voters through internet-based formats, marking a generational shift in political communication.
Labour MSP for Lothian, Foysol Choudhury, highlightsScotland’s rising homelessness and growing reliance on temporary accommodation in The Scotsman, urging immediate action on prevention, improved communication, and practical solutions to provide safe, stable housing for all.
The Spectator’s economics editor, Kate Andrews, travelled to La Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires to interview president of Argentina Javier Milei for Spectator TV. In their conversation, they explore his commitment to libertarianism, his thoughts on Donald Trump’s alignment with those principles, and the aspects of British culture he most admires.
The week ahead - fill your diary with key events
Monday
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Westminster
- Oral questions: Work and Pensions (including Topical Questions)
- Public Accounts Committee – Oral evidence: tax evasion in the retail sector
- UK: Rightmove December House Price Index
Tuesday
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In the Holyrood chamber
- Stage 3 Proceedings: Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill
- Members’ Business – S6M-15775 Emma Roddick: Celebrating 10 Years of Same-sex Marriage in Scotland
- In the Holyrood committee rooms
- Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee will take evidence from the Scottish Housing Regulator; consider draft correspondence to the Ethical Standards Commissioner, Standards Commission for Scotland and the Finance and Public Administration Committee; consider a draft report on its visit to Argyll & Bute Council as part of the housing emergency inquiry; consider a draft report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum LCM-(S6)-49 as part of the Renters' Rights Bill (UK Parliament legislation).
- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee will take evidence on the proposed Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025; take evidence on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1
- Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee will consider its work programme (in private); consider any follow-up to its work on the report of the Gender Sensitive Parliament Advisory Group (in private)
- Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government's Budget 2025-2026; take evidence on legislative consent memorandum LCM-S6-51 as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (UK Parliament legislation)
- Finance and Public Administration Committee will undertake budget scrutiny 2025-2026; take evidence on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Financial Memorandum
- Labour Market Trends, December 2024
- Public Sector Employment in Scotland, Q3 2024
- Empty homes and second homes, Empty and second homes 2024
- Housing Statistics for Scotland quarterly update, December 2024
- Winter Heating Benefits, Management Information release to 15 December 2024
- National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times, Jul-Sep (Q2) 2024/25
- Alcohol Related Hospital Statistics, Autumn 2024
- Oral Questions: Energy Security and Net Zero (including Topical Questions)
- Westminster Hall debate: Public perception of trades and apprenticeship completion rates; diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions
- General Committee debates: Employment Rights Bill to further consider the Bill
- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee – private meeting
- Treasury Committee – Oral Evidence: Acceptance of Cash
- Health and Social Care Committee – private meeting
- Culture, Media and Sports Committee – Oral Evidence: the future of the BBC World Service
- Business and Trade Committee – Oral Evidence: Make Work Pay – Employment Rights Bill
- Scottish Government data
- Westminster
- US: December National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index
- Canada: November consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate data
- UK: Conclusion of the oral evidence stage of inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
Wednesday
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In the Holyrood chamber
- Portfolio Questions: Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; Health and Social Care
- Stage 1 Debate: Education (Scotland) Bill
- Members’ Business – S6M-15634 Lorna Slater: A Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Holyrood Park for the 21st Century
- In the Holyrood committee rooms
- Rural Affairs and Islands Committee will continue its consideration of a draft report as a follow up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland (in private)
- Scottish Commission for Public Audit will take evidence on Audit Scotland’s Budget Proposal for 2025/26
- GDP Monthly Estimate, 2024 M10 October
- UK House Price Index Scotland, UK House Price Index Scotland: October 2024
- Prime Minister’s Questions
- Westminster Hall debate: Employment rights of people with a terminal illness; future funding of the BBC; immigration and nationality statistics
- Work and Pensions Committee – Oral Evidence: pensioner poverty: challenges and mitigations
- Health and Social Care – Oral Evidence: The Work of the Department for Health and Social Care
- Environmental Audit Committee – Oral Evidence: The role of natural capital in the green economy
- Energy and Net Zero Committee - Oral Evidence: Work of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Scottish Government data
- Westminster
- UK: Latest inflation figures published
- US: Federal Open Market Committee interest rate announcement
Thursday
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In the Holyrood Chamber
- Parliamentary Bureau Motions
- General Questions
- First Minister’s Questions
- Portfolio Questions: Social Justice
- Westminster:
- Oral Questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (including Topical Questions)
- Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House
- UK: Final Bank of England interest rate decision of the year
- US: final Q3 GDP estimate
- Russia: President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual press conference
Friday
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Scottish Government data
- Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) Weighted Scotland Estimates, Wave 122
- Westminster is in recess until 6 January 2025
- Scottish Parliament is in recess until 5 January 2025
- UK: November public sector finances and Great Britain retail sales figures
- US: November employment figures