Nicola Sturgeon's Christmas lockdown plan an 'act of madness', SNP politician warns

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.

Peter Murrell ’s evidence to the Holyrood probe. A special Parliament committee is examining how the SNP Government bungled the handling of sexual misconduct complaints against the former First Minister.

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Nicola Sturgeon  is set to announce the latest update on Scotland's five-tier coronavirus lockdown system today.The First Minister will confirm which level Scotland's 32 local authorities will fall into following a review of lockdown restrictions.Eleven council areas have been in tier four - the highest level with the toughest rules - for three weeks since November 17.However, Sturgeon confirmed yesterday this would end on Friday - but has refused to give details ahead of her announcement this

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

Nicola Sturgeon has shared a photograph of her hugging a fan on the campaign trail last year reminding people that when the covid outbreak is over we should never again take something as simple as a cuddle for granted.

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.

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.

Prime Minister said there is "a very good discussion going on" with the devolved governments over the length of the festive break. Earlier on Monday Nicola Sturgeon said she wants to see only “a small number of households” to meet up over “a small number of days” over the festive period amid fears that looser restrictions will lead to a higher number of infections.

Hogmanay parties next month.The First Minister said today the New Year period was not part of the four-nations discussions on how to ease lockdown restrictions in late December.The focus would instead be on allowing people to meet indoors in small numbers around Christmas.The SNP leader said when it came to relaxing the rules next month, ministers "couldn't do everything" and warned a ban on indoor household gatherings could be back in place by Hogmanay.Speaking at her daily media briefing in