Nicola Sturgeon bids to agree "common framework" for Scots Christmas lockdown

decision not to ease restrictions was unpopular but warned: "It would be like pouring petrol on smouldering embers." Sturgeon defended the decisions as public health officials and politicians prepare to set Scotland's 32 council area tiers for another week. The First Minister will announce what levels are being imposed during a statement at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon.Last week's review saw Glasgow and 10 neighbouring councils leave the highest level 4 curbs.

festive "bubble" with a maximum of three households over a five day period from December 23, meaning they can meet up indoors if social distancing rules are followed. But rising infection rates in other parts of the UK - with London on the brink of tighter lockdown - has led to some questioning whether now is the time to relax lockdown restrictions.

East Kilbride schoolgirl hopes to draw a line under a ‘gloomy’ 2020 after winning Nicola Sturgeon’s festive card competition.Sophie Blackett was one of 700 children across Scotland to submit artwork for the First Minister’s official Christmas card this year.Nicola Sturgeon was on the hunt for a design that “represents kindness” for the 2020 card.The 10-year-old's design celebrated the hard graft Scots citizens have put in to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus across the country.Her

Nicola Sturgeon could relax social bubbles rules for families of disabled children after desperate pleas from a Scots mum. Paisleymum Danielle Haynes this week urged the First Minister to relax extended household rules for families with disabled children to help combat loneliness.

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injections were offered in almost all regions, while Shetland and the Western Isles residents will get them this week. Sturgeon announced the progress as another 50 people died from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.

police - because it is not “essential travel”. The Scout Scotland Santa Run in Stewarton, which has been running for decades, was halted after officers said the sleigh ride through the town breached lockdown rules.

will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

will be given jabs at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus. Among those who will be first in line for the vaccine is Andrew Mencnarowski, a senior staff nurse at the Western General in Edinburgh.

Murdo Fraser claimed the First Minister had "pandered" to republicans in her own party. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Edinburgh Waverley station today as part of a whistle-stop tour of the UK, aimed at thanking frontline workers of the pandemic.

the crisis. She said the right to leaving the UK is "inalienable" and taunted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to try to block another pro-independence majority at Holyrood.

festive tradition is the latest in line to fall victim to strict public health rules which already banned Halloween guising and bonfire night gatherings. The Scottish Government has not finalised the rules but carol singing is being reviewed along with other traditions, including popular Santa's grottos for children.Nicola Sturgeon said work is under way shortly after a Boris Johnson spokesman said permission was granted in England.

referendum. Before the first speeches, Sturgeon said she has "never been so certain" Scotland will achieve independence.

First Minister spoke ahead of her party’s annual conference today by telling members she has “never been so certain” the country will achieve independence.Her party is riding high in opinion polls and is widely tipped to win a majority of MSPs at next year's Holyrood election.That could set off a constitutional showdown with Westminster as the SNP uses its mandate to demand an IndyRef2 takes place.While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not allow another referendum on

post-Brexit paperwork for fish products.

vote on the constitution. With the Nationalists currently soaring in the polls it means Boris Johnson could face huge pressure to allow an IndyRef2 to take place in the coming years - despite repeatedly saying he would not.

the relaxed plan, which the First Minister already admits has split public opinion. Sturgeon also repeated confirmation a risk assessment of the new rules has not been carried out.

festive break between December 23 and 27. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agreed the basic UK-wide plan but urged caution and wants to keep gatherings to a minimum.

agreement to allow trave l across the whole of the UK regardless of what lockdown level each area is in at the time. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed the plan but told people to "think carefully" before reuniting with relatives and loved ones.