Reading Time: 16 minutesThis extended blog explores polling and public opinion in relation to assisted dying across the UK from 2004 to present. It focuses on the perceived
Month: September 2025
The European Commission’s State of the Union – Progress or Not?
Reading Time: 7 minutesTowards the end of 2024, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was re-appointed to serve a second five-year term. On 10 September 2025, the Commission President delivered the first State of the Union speech of her second term. This blog looks at what has happened during the first twelve months of the second term and Ursula von der Leyen’s vision as set out in the State of the Union.
What happened to the Housing (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2?
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe final stage of the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Stage 3) is due to take place on 23 and 24 September 2025. Â This blog looks at
Labour market update: September 2025
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSources: UK Labour Market: September 2025 and Labour market in the regions of the UK: September 2025 For constituency-level labour market statistics, please visit the labour market in
Data Protection: Is the UK Moving Away from EU GDPR?
Reading Time: 4 minutesOn 19 June 2025, the UK’s Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA) received Royal Assent. The Act amends provisions in the UK relating to
Free personal and nursing care in Scotland
Reading Time: 7 minutesFree personal and nursing care are two elements of the social care support available in Scotland. SPICe regularly receives enquiries from MSPs and their staff about free personal care, this blog looks at some of the frequently asked questions.
Why no hosepipe bans in Scotland?
Reading Time: 6 minutesThe blog explores why hosepipe bans have not been introduced in Scotland despite increasing water scarcity, detailing the legal and operational differences from England, the challenges of implementing restrictions, and the broader need for improved water efficiency and long-term resilience planning.
Recent developments in food policy across the UK
Reading Time: 6 minutesThis post provides further details on other recent announcements relevant to food policy in Scotland, as well as parallel developments in food policy in the rest of the UK.
Next steps towards a Good Food Nation – do we have the right plan?
Reading Time: 12 minutesThis guest blog provides background to the development of a National Good Food Nation Plan for Scotland.