The week outside Westminster
The devolution of policing & justice powers to the Northern Ireland assembly was finally completed this week, in spite of opposition from the Ulster Unionists.
Scotland
PCS strike: “democratic right” or “militant behaviour”?
The decision by the Scottish parliament & Welsh assembly to suspend all business as a result of strike action by the PCS union has drawn criticism from the CBI.
Policy focus – paying for devolution
New research by the ippr suggests those parties favouring greater devolution while committed to the Union might have a difficult time convincing the English.
The week outside Westminster
The SNP’s plans for independence, the Newry bomb attack, Peter Hain’s attack on the far right and more.
More evidence of public sector cuts
More evidence has emerged of the financial squeeze set to confront the public sector, as policy makers turn their attention to how to plug budget deficits.
SNP anger at revelation of Scotland’s £75bn “devolution dividend”
The Scotland Office has has revealed that since devolution in 1999, spending by both Westminster and Holyrood has outstripped total revenue by £75.8 billion.
Scottish public sector fat cats face pay freeze
The SNP Government will enforce pay freezes for top public sector managers and civil servants. A pay freeze is critical to Lib Dem support for the budget.
New arthritis drug could pave way for ‘medical apartheid’
A new drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis has been approved for use in Scotland but not in England and Wales, raising fears of a ‘medical apartheid’ in the UK.
Is a minimum alcohol price now more likely?
The issus of alcohol abuse and minimum pricing for alcohol are back in the news after figures revealed Scots drink 20% more alcohol than the rest of the UK.
Devolution update
The latest from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.