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.
New this morning:
‘Central belt bias’ claim in row over access to lifeline Covid business relief.
Politicians from Holyrood, Westminster, the Northern Irish Assembly and the Welsh Senedd have come together to pen a letter to the UK Government, urging it to make the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit permanent.
A centre for sexual assault victims has been praised by the Justice Secretary as a “beacon” of the model he would like to see across Scotland.
Priti Patel has indicated street harassment such as wolf-whistling could become a specific crime as plans to better protect women and girls widespread safety concerns are unveiled.
In case you missed it:
Most Covid-19 hospital admissions are unvaccinated, adviser says
Sturgeon: No decision on whether Scotland will introduce vaccine passports
Coronavirus: What did Nicola Sturgeon say about the return of schools after summer break?
Even the most ‘well intentioned’ fake news can erode public trust, expert warns.
SNP MP grills BBC boss over ‘that Gazza goal’ shown during Euros coverage.
Michael Gove: I’ll be enjoying my retirement before indyref2.
The sooner Johnson leaves No 10 the better, says Cummings.