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UK

Latest news from across the United Kingdom.

‘Tough’ hospitality conditions drag sales lower at Magners owner C&C

The company revealed net sales slipped by 5.7% to £1.57 billion for the year to February 28, compared with a year earlier.

By Henry Saker-Clark, Press Association Deputy Business Editor · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

First Minister under fire over ‘dangerously long’ A&E waits

It came as the latest weekly figures showed waiting times performance worsened.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland Political Editor · 19 May 2026 · 3 min read

Two women stand and wait to cross a busy road

Scotland

‘Urgent action’ demanded as report lays out ‘system’ inequalities in healthcare

The report from Voluntary Health Scotland found there is ‘clear evidence of systemic misogyny in our healthcare system’.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland political editor · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Exterior view of the Scottish Parliament building

Scotland

Rebalancing business rates must be top priority for new minister, says SNP MSP

Firms across Scotland have raised concerns about a recent revaluation of business rates.

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

Scotland

Smoking death rate almost five times higher in Scotland’s poorest areas

While the estimated number of deaths from smoking has fallen, the rate of deaths is 4.7 times higher in the poorest areas than it is the richest.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland political editor · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

John Swinney swearing an oath in Holyrod

Scotland

MSPs to elect new first minister after Scottish elections

All six parties at Holyrood will put their leader forward for the top job with SNP leader John Swinney saying he is confident he will win.

By Craig Meighan, Press Association Scotland political reporter · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

Reeves must go ‘much further’ to aid families in cost-of-living crisis, says SNP

Westminster economy spokeswoman Kirsty Blackman called on the Chancellor to act to help families – including those in the ‘squeezed middle’.

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

Scotland

Number of Scots in work falls by 34,000 over three months

New figures for January to March also showed a rise in the number of people in Scotland who are unemployed.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland Political Editor · 19 May 2026 · 1 min read

Scotland

One in four children manipulated into online sexual interactions – study

The Childlight Global Child Safety Institute based at the University of Edinburgh said 38.6% of girls and 19% of boys are affected before turning 18.

By Ryan McDougall, Press Association Scotland · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Will Homer pictured training on his unicycle

Scotland

Scottish unicyclist takes on 215-mile coast-to-coast challenge for charity

The cycling enthusiast is currently training for what he expects to be three gruelling days on the road.

By Danyel VanReenen, Scotland Reporter · 19 May 2026 · 3 min read

Scotland

Reform UK launch by-election campaign with call to ‘drill Scotland drill’

The party has selected Jo Hart as its candidate for the Aberdeen South Westminster byelection.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland political editor · 18 May 2026 · 3 min read

John Swinney wearing a hard hat and wearing a high-vis jacket

Scotland

John Swinney confident he has the votes to retain post as first minister

The vote to appoint the leader of the Scottish Government will take place on Tuesday.

By Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland Deputy Political Editor · 18 May 2026 · 2 min read