Welcome to The Courier’s morning politics briefing — everything you need to know about politics in your region and across the country, before you start your day.
Top stories
- Michael Gove has said there will not be another independence referendum “anytime soon”.
- The SNP is recruiting for a new “complaints officer” after a series of controversies over the conduct of senior figures in the party.
- Politicians and campaigners are urging the Scottish Government to do more to encourage children to walk and cycle to school.
- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed young carers in Scotland further into poverty, according to a new report.
- Four-fifths of Muslims in Scotland have directly experienced Islamophobia, according to a new report.
What’s on today
- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to provide her latest update on coronavirus restrictions.
- Ian Blackford will table an urgent question at Westminster asking the Cabinet Office minister to make a statement on the UK Government’s use of emergency Covid contracts.
In case you missed it
- Michael Gove has issued a scathing attack on the Scottish Greens, branding the party “anti-oil and gas, anti-jobs and anti-Aberdeen”.
- Two laws backed unanimously at the Scottish Parliament could lead to “unparalleled” powers to strike out Westminster’s ability to legislate, the country’s highest court has been told.
- Bosses at the Electoral Commission have offered to help the SNP hold a second independence referendum, despite opposition from the prime minister.
- The UK Justice Secretary has insisted “due process” was followed in appointing the aide Matt Hancock was caught kissing to a paid role at the health department.