The Scottish political year in review
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The past 12 months proved to be a huge year for politics in Scotland, with the sudden death of former first minister Alex Salmond shocking people across the country. There was also a change of First Minister at Holyrood, with John Swinney taking over from Humza Yousaf, as well as the small matter of a UK general election in the summer.
This is how the year unfolded:. – January 11. Humza Yousaf announced the Scottish Government would follow England and Wales in banning XL bullies, almost two weeks after it came into force south of the border. – January 17. The UK Government announced it would seek costs from the Scottish Government which it incurred in defending the decision to block the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Act in court.
– January 25. Humza Yousaf announced an external review into the use of informal messaging apps in Government, which he described as “frankly poor”. – January 31. An emotional Nicola Sturgeon gave tearful evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry’s Edinburgh hearing as she spoke of policy regrets and said there was a “large part” of her which wishes she not been in the job during the pandemic. She admitted WhatsApp messages were deleted but insisted it was in line with Scottish Government guidance and all salient points were added to the official record.
