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14th July 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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CRIME
Crime rate down across Scotland
New Scottish Government figures published as part of the Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25 report have revealed that crime rates fell marginally across Scotland last year, with a total of almost 300,000 crimes recorded over the year. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the figures "show that Scotland continues to be safe place to live with reported crime falling by more than half since 1991", particularly following "the flagship Scottish Crime and Justice Survey which also showed people feel safer in their communities". Ms Constance added that she is "concerned these figures also show a rise in reported sexual crimes. Multiple factors will lie behind this and our action to tackle sexual offending includes increasing confidence in the justice system so more victims come forward, improving support for victims and modernising the law on sexual offences."


 
THE LAW
MPs warn that Online Safety Act is 'not up to scratch'
The UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) has been criticised by MPs who that argue it fails to protect the public from harmful misinformation. The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (SITC) highlighted that the OSA has "major holes" and is outdated against rapidly evolving technologies. Dame Chi Onwurah MP said: "It's clear the Online Safety Act just isn't up to scratch." The report calls for new duties on tech firms to prioritise content flagged by independent fact-checkers and to enhance scrutiny of recommendation systems. Additionally, it warns of a regulatory gap in digital advertising and the risks posed by generative AI, urging for urgent legislation to address these issues. Without stronger measures, the committee warns that the UK public, especially young people, will remain vulnerable to online harms. The Government has described the act as the foundation of a safer internet but experts have warned that compliance could hinder smaller platforms. Ben Packer, partner at Linklaters, said that new obligations could prove "unsustainable" for firms with limited funds or those without existing moderation infrastructure.
Scottish Government urged to comply with gender ruling
Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, has urged the Scottish Government to proceed with plans following the Supreme Court's ruling on gender interpretation. She stated: "I do not think we should pause or put on hold any action awaiting this guidance," emphasising the need for immediate action to uphold women's sex-based rights. The ruling has significant implications for public bodies and businesses, yet the Scottish Government has faced criticism for delays in providing guidance. Alsalem highlighted the case of Sandie Peggie, a nurse suspended for advocating for single-sex spaces, as indicative of the challenges women face. She also called for clarity from Police Scotland regarding data collection practices. The Scottish Government acknowledged the Supreme Court's findings and said that work on guidance is ongoing.
Archbishop warns against assisted dying
The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, has expressed strong opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill, stating that "authority over death belongs to God alone." In his address to the General Synod, he warned that legalising assisted dying would alter the doctor-patient relationship, potentially pressuring vulnerable individuals. His comments follow a recent House of Commons vote that backed the Bill, allowing terminally ill adults to seek medical assistance to end their lives. The legislation, which could see assisted dying available by 2029, faced significant opposition from medical professionals.



 
CASES
Costs soar in SNP finances probe
The investigation into the SNP's finances has seen costs to the Crown Office surge from £206,000 in February to nearly £460,000 in just five months, primarily due to staffing expenses. Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, faces embezzlement charges but has not yet entered a plea. A spokesperson for the Crown Office stated: "Resources are being applied to this investigation... based upon evidence not assumptions." Earlier this month, the Scottish Legal Aid Board confirmed Mr Murrell had been granted legal aid. The news prompted criticism from Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who questioned why taxpayers should cover his legal expenses.
Legal firm pushes for M&S compensation
Following the arrest of four individuals linked to cyber-attacks on Marks & Spencer (M&S), the Co-op, and Harrods, Thompsons Solicitors are spearheading a class action for affected customers. Patrick Mcguire, a partner at Thompsons, stated: "Their loyal customers feel heavily let down by their failures, they are entitled to compensation." The hackers accessed sensitive information, including home addresses and online ordering histories, affecting millions. The National Crime Agency reported the suspects face charges related to blackmail and organised crime. Industry experts estimate UK claims could exceed £100m.
INDUSTRY
Former pupils 'encouraged' to make abuse claims
A former senior member of staff at Starley Hall School in Fife, an independent residential school for children with special needs, has told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry that some former pupils were "encouraged to make statements" to the effect that they had suffered abuse - and that sometimes "complaints made about residential schools are not about abuse but about misunderstandings". The individual, who was granted anonymity to give evidence to the inquiry, said they were not "dismissing the fact difficult and wrong things happened", but that "some of the stories that have come out have come from people talking to each other and encouraging each other".
Government should set stadium accessibility standards
City of Edinburgh Council member Cllr Kayleigh Kinross O'Neill has urged the Scottish Government to do more to support disabled sports fans - including by setting minimum standards for disabled facilities in football stadiums and by supporting clubs financially to deliver improvements to facilities like seating and toilets and to improve staff training. Cllr Kinross O'Neill, herself a wheelchair user, said the Government risks "neglecting a large chunk of society" by failing to prioritise the issue, adding that in "a lot of stadiums, including culture and transport spaces, disability is usually an afterthought. You've got the basics, but then anything else is an extra."
EMPLOYMENT
Rural businesses brace for employment changes
Robin Turnbull, a partner at Anderson Strathern, discusses the implications of the UK Employment Rights Bill for rural businesses, where 84% are family-owned. The bill aims to enhance worker protections, including guaranteed hours and rights against unfair dismissal. Turnbull emphasises that employing family members or volunteers will not exempt businesses from legal obligations. He advises that businesses should formalise agreements and maintain accurate records to comply with the new regulations. "Cutting corners isn't an option," he warns, highlighting the importance of seeking professional advice to navigate these changes effectively.
Sexism still haunts women at work
Despite progress, the Telegraph explores how workplace sexism remains a significant issue in the UK. While a 2020 Government survey revealed that 29% of employees experienced sexual harassment, the actual figures are believed to be much higher. The Financial Conduct Authority has expanded rules to combat harassment, yet many women say they still feel unsafe and undervalued in their workplaces. It is noted that the Government is looking to ban bosses from covering up scandals by outlawing the use of non-disclosure agreements in the workplace.
PRISONS
Investigation launched into prisoner's death
The death of John Barr, a 71-year-old prisoner at HMP Edinburgh, will undergo a formal investigation starting in November. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has initiated a First Notice to commence court proceedings for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), which is mandatory when a death occurs in legal custody. Barr, who was convicted of four charges of rape following a trial in July 2019, was transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for medical treatment before being moved to palliative care in Granton, where he passed away on October 5, 2023.
SENTENCING
Judicial disparities raise eyebrows in court
David Knight discusses in the Press and Journal the troubling disparities in sentencing for two similar violent crimes committed by 15-year-old boys. In one case, the boy received a sentence of four years and four months for the brutal killing of bus driver Keith Rollinson, while another boy was sentenced to six and a half years for the murder of Scott Mitchell. Knight questions whether the victims' interests were adequately addressed, stating: "Does the punishment fit the crime?" He highlights public concern over the perceived inconsistencies in the judicial system and the impact of these sentences on grieving families and communities affected by crime.
HOUSING
Cost of emergency housing continues to rise
New Glasgow City Council figures have revealed that the local authority spent more than £7.7m on hotel and B&B accommodation for homeless households in the period from April 1 and June 1 2025 - while the total spend for 2024/25 was more than £36.1m, more than double the £16.3m spent in 2021/22. Despite the growing spend, the growing demand for homeless accommodation, including from asylum seekers granted leave to remain by the Home Office, has meant that 753 people reporting as homeless over the same period were refused accommodation, breaching the council's legal duty to house them.
TECHNOLOGY
Meta exec warns UK over AI regulations
Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, has warned that the UK risks losing Silicon Valley investment if regulators target the tech sector too aggressively, saying EU rules have been "over-enforced by activist regulators to treat US companies as a cash cow." In an article for the Sunday Times, Mr Kaplan described the EU as a "cautionary tale" for the UK, saying that "a European-style regulatory regime" could hinder innovation. He emphasised the need for a "thoughtful approach" to AI, cautioning against over-regulation.
HOLYROOD
Scottish Tories splurge on media training
The Scottish Conservatives have spent over £154,000 of taxpayer money on media training from March 2022 to March 2024, primarily benefiting firms run by former party spin doctors. Gen Comms Limited, led by Ramsay Jones, received £118,200 for training 31 Scottish Tory MSPs, while Shorthand PR, headed by Adam Morris, was paid £26,000 for social media and written media training. The expenditure is significantly higher than that of other parties, with Scottish Labour spending £30,000 on similar training.
FINANCE
Cost of Scottish Government borrowing to rise to £499m
The Mail on Sunday reports that Finance Secretary Shona Robison's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) sets out plans for significant new borrowing for capital investment that will see the cost of repayments and interest rise from £302m this year to £499m a year by 2030/31. While a Scottish Government spokesperson argues that a "fiscally sustainable approach to borrowing" has enabled it to "maximise capital funding this year, helping deliver new infrastructure and supporting economic growth", Scottish Conservative finance spokesperson Craig Hoy argues that the "plans for record borrowing tucked away in the small print suggest that the SNP hopes to hand out some sweeties before next year’s election", and Scottish Labour's Michael Marra said the SNP is "borrowing more and receiving record sums from the Labour government but it’s hard to see what we’re getting in return".
AND FINALLY...
Arrest made after glass protecting Stone of Destiny smashed
Police Scotland have said that a 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged after attempting to smash through the glass display case protecting the Stone of Destiny at Perth Museum. A spokesperson for Culture Perth and Kinross said the museum "was evacuated as a precaution and there was no damage to any artefacts on display".
 


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