A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
22nd April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Campaigners call for scrapping of lifelong jail orders
A prisoner serving an indefinite sentence under Scotland's Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) has described the punishment as "inhumane", as campaigners call for reform of the system. OLRs, introduced to manage the most serious offenders, allow detention beyond a minimum term until the Parole Board deems an individual safe for release, with more than 250 people currently subject to the orders. Critics, including human rights groups, argue the system is overused and causes psychological harm due to uncertainty over release dates. However, victims and government officials have defended the measures, stressing their role in protecting the public from high-risk offenders.

 
POLICING
Police Scotland's body cameras make 864,000 recordings
Police Scotland has recorded over 864,000 videos since the rollout of body-worn cameras began in March last year. Nearly 174,000 hours of footage have been uploaded, with over 55,000 files shared with the prosecution service. The final phase of the rollout has reached Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Argyll, and West Dunbartonshire. Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett clarified: "The cameras will improve the quality of evidence presented in court." Every frontline officer will wear a camera while on duty as part of efforts to enhance public trust and officer safety.

 
THE LAW
UK to ban cigarette sales for future generations
Children born from January 1, 2009, will be permanently banned from purchasing cigarettes following the passing of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation. The legislation, which was recently finalised by both the Commons and Lords, provides new regulatory powers for ministers over tobacco and vaping products, including restrictions on vaping in specific public places. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the bill as a significant advance for public health. Critics claim that vaping aids smoking cessation, and caution should be exercised against penalising users attempting to quit.
CASES
Four jailed for £8.8m VAT fraud
Four men have been sentenced to over 22 years for a multi-million-pound VAT fraud scheme. Leslie Thompson, Graeme Cullen, and Graham Newall were convicted of evading £8.8m in VAT from September 2015 to June 2017. Martin Lang admitted a lesser role, involving £4.8m. Lady Hood, the judge, stated that the money should have funded essential services but was instead misappropriated. She described the crime as "sustained dishonesty" and noted the significant planning involved. Advocate depute William Frain Bell KC remarked: "The tax collectors in this case were a group of individuals who never had any intention of parting with the VAT."
TECHNOLOGY
OpenAI under investigation over US university shooting
OpenAI is facing a criminal investigation in the United States over whether its ChatGPT chatbot played a role in a mass shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead. Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, alleged the AI provided "significant advice" to the suspect, including on weapons, timing and location, claims the company strongly denies. OpenAI said the chatbot did not promote harmful activity and only offered information already publicly available, adding it has cooperated with authorities. The case marks the first time the company has faced a criminal probe linked to alleged misuse of its technology. It comes amid broader scrutiny of AI firms, with regulators and lawmakers raising concerns over safety, accountability and the potential role of chatbots in violent incidents.
Ofcom probes Telegram over child safety
Ofcom has launched an investigation into Telegram after discovering child sexual abuse material on the platform. The regulator is also examining teen chat sites Teen Chat and Chat Avenue for compliance with the Online Safety Act. Ofcom's director of enforcement, Suzanne Cater, said: "These firms must do more to protect children, or face serious consequences." The Online Safety Act allows Ofcom to impose fines up to £18m. Despite issuing nearly £3m in fines, many remain unpaid, highlighting challenges in enforcement against non-compliant platforms.
FINANCE
Consumer group to challenge FCA's scheme
Consumer Voice is preparing to sue the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over its £9.1bn compensation scheme for victims of the UK car loan scandal. The group claims the scheme undercompensates drivers, offering an average of £830 per missold loan. Consumer Voice argues that the FCA prioritised banks' interests over consumer protection. An FCA spokesperson defended the scheme as the "quickest, fairest way to compensate consumers." If the challenge proceeds, it could delay payouts expected to start this summer.
FIRMS
CMS backs Women in Wind network launch
A new organisation has been launched to support women working in Scotland’s wind energy sector, bringing together industry professionals to promote networking, development and shared learning. The Women in Wind Network, founded by senior figures from CMS, Equinor and Nadara, aims to strengthen female representation across the industry.
ENVIRONMENT
Shell faces legal heat over emissions
Shell is facing a lawsuit from Friends of the Earth Netherlands, demanding an end to its new oil and gas investments. The group argues that Shell's actions threaten climate stability. Shell has reduced its renewable energy efforts and weakened emissions targets, aiming for a 4-5% annual increase in liquefied natural gas sales. Friends of the Earth said: "Shell must stop bringing new oil and gas fields into production." Shell labelled the lawsuit "unreasonable," claiming it ignores the global economy's reliance on fossil fuels. A hearing date for the case is yet to be set.
OTHER
Swinney vows to introduce food price cap Bill this year
First Minister John Swinney has pledged to introduce legislation capping the price of essential food items by the end of the year if the SNP wins the upcoming election. The proposal, which would use public health powers to limit the cost of up to 50 products, is aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis but has drawn criticism from retailers and the UK Government. Swinney defended the plan as a necessary intervention, despite warnings it could face legal challenges and prove difficult to implement within the proposed timeframe.

 

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