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UK

Latest news from across the United Kingdom.

‘Beastie House’ children failed despite cries for help, report finds

It said authorities failed to act on warning signs from the youngsters exposed to one of Scotland’s most high-profile abuse rings.

By Craig Meighan, Press Association Scotland Political Reporter · 20 May 2026 · 4 min read

John Swinney holding one hand up as he is sworn in

Scotland

Swinney sworn in as First Minister ahead of Cabinet appointments

It comes after the SNP’s election victory earlier this month.

By Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland Deputy Political Editor · 20 May 2026 · 2 min read

John Swinney standing in front of the SNP group

Scotland

Swinney to be sworn in as First Minister and appoint Cabinet

John Swinney will be sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday.

By Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland Deputy Political Editor · 20 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

Standards at HMP Kilmarnock ‘generally acceptable’ but have declined – report

Inspectors praised a number of factors at the institution but warned there were several areas for improvement.

By Ryan McDougall, Press Association Scotland · 20 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

MPs reject Tory bid to issue new oil and gas licences

In the King’s Speech, the Government reiterated its manifesto commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields.

By Rhiannon James and Will Meakin-Durrant, Press Association Political Staff · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

Scottish Government urged to act on ‘alarmingly high’ smoking death figures

Figures showed an estimated 7,085 deaths in 2024 were attributable to smoking.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland political editor · 19 May 2026 · 3 min read

Scotland

Being First Minister ‘greatest privilege’ of Swinney’s life

John Swinney will be sworn in again as First Minister on Wednesday.

By Katrine Bussey and Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland political staff · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

Nothing off the table in responding to Celtic disorder, says Justice Secretary

Some 900 police officers responded to the unrest, Angela Constance told MSPs.

By Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland Deputy Political Editor · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

‘Only a complete whacko’ would scale down North Sea oil and gas, MPs told

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Claire Coutinho traded blows ahead of a Commons vote on whether to permit new licences for oil and gas fields.

By Will Meakin-Durrant, Press Association Political Staff · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

John Swinney in Holyrood, with Shirley-Anne Somerville clapping while seated nearby

Scotland

John Swinney ready to ‘get on with the job’ as he is re-elected First Minister

The SNP leader, whose party is the biggest in the Scottish Parliament, was voted back into the role in Holyrood on Tuesday.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland Political Editor · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

Teenager admits murdering 16-year-old on beach as two others on trial

Kayden Moy died following the incident on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire last May.

By Lucinda Cameron, Press Association Scotland · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

Man and woman released by police investigating east Belfast murder

Two men arrested in Scotland were being transferred to Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

By Rebecca Black, Press Association · 19 May 2026 · 1 min read