A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

Liam McArthur has said his proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would include the "most heavily safeguarded" framework for assisted dying if passed. The bill, which would allow terminally ill adults to seek medical assistance to end their lives, is undergoing three days of amendment debates at Scottish Parliament ahead of a final vote next week. McArthur said the legislation draws on systems used in countries such as Australia and New Zealand and includes additional protections introduced through amendments. However, critics warn the proposals could expose vulnerable people to coercion and raise concerns about protections for healthcare staff who object to participating. The outcome remains uncertain as MSPs consider more than 300 proposed amendments before the final vote.

 

Central Fife Times

Herald Scotland

The Press and Journal

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Legal concerns have been raised about the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as it enters its final stages in Scottish Parliament. Neil Gray warned MSPs that parts of the bill may fall outside the Scottish Parliament’s legislative competence and could face a challenge in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom if passed. The concerns relate partly to provisions on conscientious objection, which may intersect with reserved UK laws governing employment and health professions. MSPs are debating more than 300 amendments ahead of a final vote expected next week. With some members withdrawing earlier support, the outcome is considered uncertain as parliament continues scrutiny of the legislation.

 

Daily Mail (Scot)

Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, argues that the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill should not be passed, warning it risks harming vulnerable people and creating ethical challenges for medical professionals. In his opinion, safeguards against coercion are insufficient, protections for healthcare staff who object to participation remain unclear, and the financial implications for the NHS are uncertain. Fraser says MSPs should focus on whether the legislation provides a safe and workable framework before approving such a significant legal change.

 

The Scotsman

The Scottish Government has reduced burial rights to 25 years, impacting families who may face additional fees every decade to retain grave access. Previously, rights varied from 40 to 100 years, with some granted indefinitely. This change, effective for lairs purchased after February 28, aims to address graveyard space shortages. Tory MSP Meghan Gallacher stated: "These changes will be traumatic for many families, especially those who have lost a child." A government spokesman noted the intent is to ensure resting places are maintained for future generations.

 

Daily Mail (Scot)

 

The Scottish Government has decided against altering the dual role of Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, despite criticism over her handling of the Peter Murrell case. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated that the current system is appropriate, following an independent review by Malcolm McMillan. The Lord Advocate acts as head of Scotland's prosecution service but also has a ministerial role as chief legal advisor to the Scottish Government. Constance noted that any changes would require UK Parliament legislation. Bain faced backlash after it was revealed she informed First Minister John Swinney about Murrell's charges nearly a year before the public was notified. Bain maintains her independence and insists she was not involved in the case.

 

BBC News

Daily Mail (Scot)

Herald Scotland

The Press and Journal

The Scotsman

A consultation commissioned by the Scottish Government while the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens was in place has found that 62% of respondents would support extending tourist visitor levies from conventional accommodation to cruise ships. Green MSP Ariane Burgess said the consultation's findings are "an important step forward for local councils and our environment", and said extending the levy to cruise ships "will make a big difference for communities across Scotland, like Greenock , Kirkwall, Ullapool and Rosyth who host these luxury ships regularly", supporting local infrastructure, services, and environments put under pressure by rising visitor numbers.

 

Herald Scotland

Sony is facing a £2bn class action lawsuit led by consumer advocate Alex Neill, alleging it has violated competition law through its control of the digital PlayStation Store. The lawsuit claims that Sony has exploited UK customers by charging excessive prices for digital games, which are reportedly 20% higher than physical copies. Approximately 12.2m UK gamers who purchased PlayStation games between August 2016 and February 2023 are included in the case. Sony contests these claims, arguing that its distribution model is necessary for security and privacy.

 

Sky News

Jones Whyte has strengthened its specialist litigation services after the team from NewLaw Scotland LLP joined the firm. The move brings around 3,000 clients and more than 30 solicitors, paralegals and support staff. Partners Paula McMillan and Laura McGee will lead work in clinical negligence, personal injury and credit hire litigation as Jones Whyte expands its presence across Scotland.

 

Press Release

A man jailed for selling imported tea as Scottish-grown products made more than £1m from the fraud, a court has heard. Thomas Robinson, previously convicted of defrauding businesses including hotels and retailers, earned about £1.07m through the scheme. The case returned to Stirling Sheriff Court as prosecutors pursue confiscation of his profits under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

 

Daily Mail (Scot)

The BBC reports that a leaked memo from Sir Keir Starmer, obtained by Plaid Cymru, sees the Prime Minister warn senior ministers that this year's elections in Wales and Scotland will have a "significant impact on how we govern at UK level in the second half of parliament", and that while UK ministers "will maintain a professional and respectful working relationship with our counterparts in devolved governments", being "overly deferential" to devolved administrations "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities". "We should be confident", he wrote, "in our ability to deliver directly in those nations, including through direct spending, even when devolved governments may oppose this." The memo has sparked fresh concerns over the Labour Government's attitude towards devolution, with Westminster seeking to direct more local spending in devolved areas using the UK Internal Market Act.

 

BBC News

The Commons has passed the controversial Courts and Tribunals Bill, which limits jury trials for cases with sentences under three years. The vote, with a majority of 101, faced backlash from Labour MPs including Charlotte Nichols, who accused the Government of "weaponising" the experiences of rape victims to justify changes. But Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, backed the bill detailing how she was a victim of the courts backlog while Natalie Fleet said: "This is a difficult bill, but it's going to pass and the difference it will make to women and girls is massive." This comes as over 3,200 lawyers, including top barristers, condemned the proposals as lacking evidence and risking miscarriages of justice.

 

Sky News

Legal Cheek

Daily Mail

London Evening Standard

The Guardian

The Times