NICOLA STURGEON

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Friday evening.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

Scotland's first minister delivered her keynote address at the SNP party conference.

Scotland’s leader says she will renew her push for independence from the United Kingdom next year with the aim of holding a referendum on secession in 2023.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday broadened its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for all adults as the new omicron variant is identified in more countries.

Britain is extending its COVID-19 booster vaccine program to millions more people as part of efforts to tackle the spread of the new omicron variant, which is feared to be more contagious and vaccine resistant.

Two more children have died after contracting infections at Scotland’s crisis-hit “super hospital”, the Scottish Labour leader has said as he urged Nicola Sturgeon to sack health board chiefs and take direct control.

COP26 begins in Glasgow, amid dire warnings for the future if urgent climate action is not taken.

What happened, who the MP was, and what the reaction has been so far.

Queen Elizabeth II has opened the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament, reflecting on the “deep and abiding affection” she and her late husband shared for Scotland.

The row over plans for a new oil field at Cambo has placed Shetland in the heart of the debate over energy production.

The resurgence of COVID-19 this summer and the national debate over vaccine requirements have created a fraught situation for the nation’s first responders, who are dying in larger numbers but pushing back against mandates.

It is the third time this week that the country has set a new record for positive tests.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

The Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens have agreed a power-sharing deal that falls short of an official coalition government but could pave the way to another referendum on Scotland’s independence from the U.K. in the coming couple of years.

Boris Johnson heads to Scotland this week with no sign an independence referendum will be soon.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday morning.

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of having a “Donald Trump style meltdown” after she claimed critics who accused her of missing a key Covid vaccination target lacked intelligence. The First Minister said she had been assuming “common sense” among her audience when she told the Holyrood chamber last month that she planned to fully vaccinate everyone in their 40s by Monday this week. Official figures show around a quarter of people in the age group were yet to receive a second dose, but Ms Sturgeo

SNP ministers have been urged to rule out implementing domestic Covid passports amid warnings over the "serious" impact they would have on beleaguered hospitality businesses and young people. Speaking at a coronavirus media briefing on Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon refused to give a date for when a decision will be taken on vaccine passports North of the Border after Boris Johnson announced that nightclubs in England would require them for entry by the end of September. The First Minister insisted an

Nicola Sturgeon’s husband is expected to be interviewed by police as part of an escalating fraud probe into "missing" SNP donations. It was claimed on Sunday that senior party officials, including chief executive Peter Murrell who is married to the First Minister, are set to be spoken to by detectives. There is also mounting speculation that police are set to seek warrants to obtain internal SNP financial documents. Police confirmed last week that they will formally investigate complaints into h

Nicola Sturgeon "misled" the Scottish Parliament when she said her Government couldn't launch a money laundering probe against Donald Trump, a court has heard. The Court of Session heard how the SNP administration was asked last year to investigate how the Trump Organisation managed to pay for golf course developments in Scotland. Advocate Aidan O’Neill QC, who represents international human rights group Avaaz, told judge Lord Sandison on Wednesday that Ms Sturgeon didn’t understand the law on a

Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid advisers are considering whether levels of coronavirus circulating in schools can now be considered “acceptable”, it has emerged as she faced demands to scrap self-isolation rules for children before the start of the new term. Minutes from a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Covid advisory group showed they agreed that the previous strategy of focusing on reducing transmission in classrooms may need to change to put more emphasis on pupils’ “wider wellbeing”. An educat

An independent Scotland that is part of the European Union will need to build a "great wall of Gretna" at the English border, the UK Immigration Minister has warned. Kevin Foster said a separate Scotland that is part of the Schengen scheme, which permits free travel without passport checks between European nations, would necessitate the construction of a hard border with England. Speaking on a visit to Scotland, the Home Office Minister challenged Nicola Sturgeon's party to "start being upfront

Police have launched a formal investigation into allegations against the SNP that more than £600,000 raised from supporters to fight an independence referendum campaign has gone missing. Police Scotland said it had received seven complaints over the funds, amid claims they were fraudulently spent elsewhere, and had decided to launch a full inquiry after consulting with prosecutors. The development is a blow to Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell, her husband and the SNP's chief executive, after sh

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday morning.

Nicola Sturgeon risks losing public trust if she "punishes" Scots by again postponing her timetable for abolishing Covid restrictions, Douglas Ross has warned ahead of the First Minister's announcement about the next steps on Tuesday. The Scottish Tory leader said Ms Sturgeon should move the entire country to the lowest Level 0 restrictions next Monday as scheduled, adding that she risked "losing public buy-in" if she failed to deliver a clear plan of action. Mr Ross said delaying the move again

Aviation leaders including the heads of TUI, easyJet and Jet2 have warned Nicola Sturgeon tens of thousands of jobs will be at risk if she refuses to follow England by axing quarantine for double-jabbed travellers from amber countries. In a joint letter to the First Minister, the leaders of seven major companies in the sector urged her to emulate the UK Government by introducing the exemption from July 19, when she intends to lower restrictions to Level 0 across Scotland. They said that “connect

Nicola Sturgeon must stop "pondering" and provide "full clarity" on when restrictions will be eased and how she will resolve the deepening NHS self-isolation crisis, opposition leaders have demanded. Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, accused the First Minister of confusing people and businesses with "mixed messaging" by stating that not all restrictions that are due to be eased when Scotland moves to Level Zero on July 19 may go ahead as planned. He said that Ms Sturgeon must use her state

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of dithering over axing Covid self-isolation rules that are keeping hundreds of NHS staff off work as operations were cancelled across Scotland's capital. The First Minister said she was considering whether to make staff who have had both vaccine doses exempt from having to self-isolate for 10 days if they are a close contact of a positive case. But NHS Lothian became the latest health board to announce some operations were being postponed because of the pressure

Cases of Covid in Scotland appear to have started falling since the country bowed out of the Euros, experts say. Scientists said the trends suggested that rises in England could begin to fall a few weeks after Sunday’s final. Latest data from Imperial College London suggests that cases in England have recently been doubling every six days, which could lead to rates exceeding 100,000 a day by July 19. Researchers said the timing of the rise and gender differences of those infected - with women fo

SNP ministers must stop "dodging questions" about the easing of lockdown in Scotland and what the new normal will look like, the Tories have said, after Boris Johnson unveiled details of his plan for England. Douglas Ross said Kate Forbes, the Scottish Finance Secretary, had refused during an interview to provide a "concrete guarantee" that the entire country would move to the lowest tier of restrictions on July 19. The Scottish Tory leader also said that she had failed to make clear when direct

The SNP's "critical failures" in handling the record surge in Covid cases cannot delay the move to the lowest level of lockdown this month, Douglas Ross said after Scotland was confirmed as Europe's virus hotspot. Mr Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, said it would be "completely unforgivable" for Nicola Sturgeon to again postpone her timetable to move to Level 0 of her five-tier system of restrictions on July 19. He blamed SNP ministers "taking their eye off the ball" for the World Health Organisa

Nicola Sturgeon is under pressure to scrap the legal requirement to wear face coverings in Scotland, after UK ministers said masks are to become a matter of “personal choice” south of the border. While the First Minister has said face coverings in shops and on public transport will probably be "required" after Scotland's Freedom Day, planned for Aug 9, she is yet to decide whether this will be backed up by law. Senior figures within Scotland's hospitality industry called for the requirement to b

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of trying to rewrite history after she claimed Scotland fans had "very explicitly" been told not to travel to London for the Euro 2020 clash with England without a match ticket. It is estimated that more than 20,000 supporters travelled to London for the June 18 fixture at Wembley, with public health experts linking it to almost 1,300 confirmed Covid cases which have contributed to Scotland's record virus surge. Ms Sturgeon this week claimed her administration ha

Nicola Sturgeon bows to Andy Burnham as Scotland lifts Manchester travel ban

Michael Gove has warned Nicola Sturgeon to keep the Scottish Greens “at arm’s length” after arguing that her plans for a formal cooperation deal with them would further ravage the economy as it recovers from the pandemic. The Cabinet Office minister said the Greens were opposed to economic growth and investment and argued that Ms Sturgeon's proposed agreement threatened the prosperity of the North Sea oil and gas industry. Speaking on a visit to his hometown of Aberdeen, he said he did not belie

Support for Scottish independence has dropped in recent months and stands at its lowest level for two years, according to a poll. The Panelbase survey for the Sunday Times found 48 per cent support for separation and 52 per cent backing for the Union when undecided voters were excluded. This represented a four-point swing since a poll conducted in April produced the opposite result. It also showed the lowest support for independence in a Panelbase poll since 2019. Prof Sir John Curtice, Britain'

Britain's elections regulator could agree to a future demand by the SNP to hold a non-binding referendum on Scottish independence, even if the move is opposed by Boris Johnson, the body's new chairman has indicated. In his first interview since taking up the role, John Pullinger told The Telegraph that the Electoral Commission is not just "a body of the UK Parliament", and would have an "independent discussion" with the Scottish Parliament if it wanted "something to be done that helps them with

In Mexico's famed beachy paradise destination, these seven upscale communities boast everything from lush gardens to scuba diving Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

Alex Salmond has accused Nicola Sturgeon of appearing to do "nothing at all" to deliver independence after Michael Gove ruled out another referendum before the 2024 general election. The Alba Party leader said Ms Sturgeon's Government was wasting time "having discussions about discussions", while Westminster was already plotting to "rig the ballot". The former First Minister said it was "time to force the Scottish issue now" and get on with delivering a referendum rather than "have Michael Gove

Nicola Sturgeon's government is “losing its way” on Scottish education, Douglas Ross said on Thursday. It came after Ms Sturgeon refused to say whether pupils would sit traditional exams next year when the pandemic is over. The Scottish Tory leader said the First Minister had left pupils “in limbo” after she said they would need to wait until August for answers on next year’s assessments. He also highlighted how three weeks ago Ms Sturgeon insisted she had full confidence in the Scottish Qualifi

Andy Burnham has accused Nicola Sturgeon of making their dispute over the Scottish National Party’s travel ban “personal” in an effort to distract from the harm her policy is causing. The Mayor of Greater Manchester said he was merely doing his job when he criticised the Scottish First Minister’s policy, which means about one million of his constituents have been banned from Scotland. Ms Sturgeon initially dismissed Mr Burnham’s concerns by suggesting he was only trying to start a high-profile r

A rift between Andy Burnham and Nicola Sturgeon over the SNP’s travel ban escalated on Wednesday night, when a slanging match erupted after an acrimonious meeting. The pair spoke during a call convened by the UK Government, which the Greater Manchester Mayor said he hoped would help resolve the leaders’ row over restrictions on movement imposed by the SNP. However, after the talks broke up a source close to the Scottish First Minister accused Mr Burnham of making an “incoherent and absurd” contr

Nicola Sturgeon has accused Michael Gove of “sneering, arrogant condescension” after he said a new Scottish independence referendum would not be granted before the 2024 general election. The Scottish First Minister and SNP leader said Mr Gove’s comments in an interview with The Telegraph would actually increase support for Scotland leaving the UK. Meanwhile, one SNP MP indicated that the refusal of the UK Government to allow another referendum meant his party should now unilaterally push ahead w

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

Andy Burnham has accused Nicola Sturgeon of trampling on his constituents’ civil liberties as he raised the prospect of mounting a legal challenge to force her to compensate people hit by her travel ban. In a rapidly escalating row between the two devolved leaders, the Mayor of Greater Manchester accused the Scottish First Minister of “insulting” people in the North West of England after she suggested he had only started a row over restrictions as part of a plan to become UK Labour leader. A ban

Scotland’s leader has defended the ban on nonessential travel between the country and the northwest English city of Manchester after its mayor lambasted the decision and called for compensation.

Nicola Sturgeon has denied Dominic Cummings's claim that she pushed to delay a crucial plan to halt the spread of Covid before the UK went into full lockdown. Boris Johnson's former chief adviser said the First Minister had backed Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, in an effort to stall a requirement for entire households to quarantine if one member had symptoms. Mr Cummings claimed she had supported Mr Hancock's attempt to put off the measure because a helpline was not yet ready, but that the

Mainland Scotland will not move down to the lowest level of Covid restrictions for at least five weeks, Nicola Sturgeon has disclosed as she delayed once more the easing of lockdown. The First Minister said her original plan for the country to move to Level 0 of her five-tier system on June 28 would be postponed by three weeks so more people could be vaccinated. However, her official spokesman later confirmed the new July 19 target - the same date chosen by Boris Johnson to lift all restrictions

Nicola Sturgeon is under increasing pressure to allow parents to attend nursery "graduations" this week amid fury that they are banned while thousands of football fans can gather in Glasgow. The Tories and Labour demanded the First Minister reconsider her government's decision to stop parents attending the events, which usually see children delivering performances as they leave to start primary school. Meghan Gallagher, a Scottish Tory MSP, wrote to Ms Sturgeon proposing they be allowed to take

Nicola Sturgeon is overseeing a "more sleekit" repeat of last year's exams crisis with pupils' grades still being reduced "based solely on where they go to school", it has been alleged. Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, told First Minister's Questions that teachers were now being ordered to review grades if they were out of kilter with a school's historical performance, rather than the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) performing this role. He told MSPs that for the second year runni

Nationalist stereotypes about the British Empire and the UK being "worn out" need to be dispelled to win over young Scots and prevent Scottish independence, according to a think tank. A report by the Council on Geostrategy said many Scottish nationalists equate "Britain with empire and empire with evil", with independence part of "the progressive arc of history". Under this narrative, it said the break-up of the UK would be "an act of national repentance from an oppressive imperial past" with "s

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of undermining her own “cautious” coronavirus approach after it emerged football fans attending Euro 2020 games in Glasgow will undergo the most lenient Covid checks of any host stadium in Europe. A guide published by Uefa shows that all venues across the continent to have finalised rules will have a stricter regime in place, with most requiring fans to prove they present a lower risk of spreading the virus, for example by showing they have been vaccinated or rec

Planning has started on a vaccine rollout programme for children aged 12 and over, Nicola Sturgeon said as she faced demands for children to get jabs before the new school year starts in August. The First Minister said her government would act "as quickly as possible" on forthcoming advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on whether it should begin vaccinating children. In a statement at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon acknowledged that giving children Covid jabs could

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

Royal advisors want the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to look like they are "residents" in Scotland under plans to boost the Union. Kate and William are reportedly keen to build on the success of their recent tour of Scotland, which saw them visit their old home of St Andrews, due to royal fears UK politicians are "losing" the country. The couple are expected to follow up with more visits north of the border in the near future. The Duke also held private meetings with Gordon Brown, who recently

The most anticipated summer in Scottish soccer in a generation started with a public outbreak of perhaps its deepest-rooted problem.

Scotland’s leader has told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that a second Scottish independence referendum is “a matter of when, not if,” after her party won its fourth straight parliamentary election.

The Scottish National Party has won its fourth straight parliamentary election on Saturday and insisted it will push on with another referendum on Scotland’s independence from the U.K. even though it just failed to secure a majority.

British voters are casting their ballots in local and regional elections that could have huge repercussions for the future of the United Kingdom.

Scotland holds an election Thursday that could hasten the breakup of the United Kingdom.

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 file photo, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond poses for photographs in Turriff, Scotland. The former First Minister is setting up a new pro-independence party that will field candidates in the countrys upcoming elections. The governing Scottish National Party, which Salmond led for two decades until 2014, hopes to use the vote as a springboard to another referendum on Scottish independence, and is leading in opinion polls. The new party is the latest twist in a bitter feud between Salmond and with his successor as SNP leader, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Salmond was Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014, playing a major role in transforming the separatist party into Scotland's dominant political force.

A Scottish parliamentary investigation says Sturgeon misled lawmakers about sexual harassment allegations against her predecessor. Lawmakers have been investigating the Scottish governments handling of sexual harassment allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond. A report published Tuesday says Sturgeon gave lawmakers an inaccurate account of what happened at a key meeting with Salmond in 2018 and "misled the committee on this matter. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)LONDON – A Scottish parliamentary investigation concluded in a split decision Tuesday that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon misled lawmakers about sexual harassment allegations against her predecessor. … But I am clear in my mind that I acted appropriately and that I made the right judgements overall," Sturgeon told lawmakers.

FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2020, file photo, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a 'Scotland's European Future after Brexit' event at the European Policy Center in Brussels. Sturgeon did not mislead lawmakers or act improperly over sexual harassment allegations against her predecessor, a senior lawyer said Monday, March 22, 2021 in his report into a scandal that is roiling Scottish politics. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool, File)LONDON – Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon didn't mislead lawmakers or act improperly over sexual harassment allegations against her predecessor, a senior lawyer said Monday in his report into a scandal that has roiled Scottish politics. Hamilton’s probe centers on the Scottish government’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Alex Salmond, who served as Scotland’s first minister before Sturgeon took office in 2014. The political and personal feud has pitted Sturgeon against her former friend and mentor Salmond, and is wracking Scotland’s governing Scottish National Party.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at the Holyrood Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland, Thursday March 18, 2021. Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has dismissed suggestions that she misled lawmakers, saying she stands by testimony she gave to the Scottish parliament committee investigating her governments handling of sexual harassment allegations against her predecessor Alex Salmond. (Andy Buchanan/PA via AP)LONDON – Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has dismissed suggestions that she misled lawmakers, saying opposition members of a legislative panel had made up their minds before they heard her evidence. If Sturgeon is found to have misled parliament, she could be forced to resign for breaking the rules governing the conduct of government ministers. In his testimony to the committee, Salmond criticized the government of his one-time friend for undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon takes the oath before giving evidence to the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints, at Holyrood in Edinburgh, Scotland, Wednesday March 3, 2021. The inquiry is investigating the governments handling of sexual harassment allegations against former leader Alex Salmond, and allegations that Sturgeon misled parliament. Its antagonists are Salmond and Sturgeon, two former allies and friends who have dominated Scottish politics for decades. AdHe accuses Sturgeon of lying about when she learned of the allegations and breaking the code of conduct for government ministers. AdAn election for the Scottish Parliament is due in May, and the SNP has a strong lead in opinion polls.

Johnson is facing accusations that he is not abiding by lockdown rules as he makes a trip to Scotland on Thursday to laud the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccines across the United Kingdom. (Jeff Mitchell/Pool Photo via AP)LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced accusations Thursday that he is not abiding by the country's lockdown rules as he visited Scotland to laud the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccines across the United Kingdom. “I’m here in my capacity as prime minister of the whole country to thank hard-working officials and public servants across the whole of Britain who are doing fantastic work," he said. Police Scotland confirmed they had received a “small number” of complaints about the prime ministerial visit. ___Follow AP’s coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines and understanding the outbreak:https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemichttps://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccinehttps://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak___Follow all AP stories about Brexit and British politics at https://apnews.com/Brexit

A person walks with an umbrella in light rain in the City of London financial district in London, Jan. 5, 2021, on the first morning of England entering a third national lockdown since the coronavirus outbreak began. Mexico City’s hospitals hold more virus patients than ever. Even pandemic success story Thailand is fighting an unexpected wave of infections. Mexico’s capital has more virus patients than at any point in the pandemic and is flying in doctors from less hard-hit states. The pandemic is even reaching countries that seemed to have the virus under control.

“It’s not hyperbole to say that the (National Health Service) is going through probably the toughest time in living memory,″ said Siva Anandaciva, chief analyst of the King’s Fund, a U.K. think tank that focuses on health and social care. Johnson and Sturgeon said the restrictions were needed to protect the hard-pressed National Health Service as a new, more contagious variant of coronavirus sweeps across Britain. On Monday, hospitals in England were treating 26,626 COVID-19 patients, 40% more than during the first peak in mid-April. In December, a record 2,930 people were forced to wait 12 hours or more before hospitals could find beds for them, the Health Service Journal reported Monday, citing leaked figures from the National Health Service. In addition to a nationwide network of hospitals, doctors and nurses, it can rely on other allied health care professionals, such as pharmacists, to deliver the vaccine.

People were told to work from home unless it's impossible to do so, and leave home only for essential trips. All nonessential shops and personal care services like hairdressers will be closed, and restaurants can only operate takeout services. As of Monday, there were 26,626 COVID-19 patients in hospitals in England, an increase of more than 30% from a week ago. Authorities have recorded more than 50,000 new infections daily since passing that milestone for the first time on Dec. 29. London and large areas of southeast England were put under the highest level of restrictions in mid-December, and more regions soon joined them.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)BEIJING — China has designated parts of Hebei province near Beijing as a coronavirus high danger zone after 14 new cases of COVID-19 were found. The other three COVID-19 cases were in the city of Yantai. Approximately 174 private clinics have also requested vaccines, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said. County health officials fear the incoming Christmas and New Year’s surge. Superintendent Henderson Lewis said a spike in positive cases in the city prompted the “unfortunate but necessary” decision to go back to distance learning.

A lorry arrives to board the first ferry heading to Britain after Brexit, Friday Jan.1, 2021 in Calais, northern France. A new U.K.-EU trade deal will bring restrictions and red tape, but for British Brexit supporters, it means reclaiming national independence from the EU and its web of rules. In the subdued streets of London — which voted strongly to remain in the EU in Britain's 2016 referendum — there was little enthusiasm for Brexit. Northern Ireland, which shares a border with EU member Ireland, remains closely tied to the bloc’s economy under the divorce terms. In Scotland, which voted strongly in 2016 to remain in the EU, Brexit has bolstered support for separation from the U.K.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gives an update on COVID-19 restrictions, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland, Tuesday Dec. 22, 2020. (Russell Cheyne/PA via AP)LONDON – Scotland’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has apologised for breaching coronavirus restrictions when she took off her face mask at a funeral wake. A photograph published in the Scottish Sun newspaper showed Sturgeon chatting to three women in a bar while standing at a distance but without wearing a mask. Under the Scottish government’s coronavirus rules, customers in restaurants and bars must wear a face covering except when seated at their table. “I was in the wrong, I’m kicking myself, and I’m sorry.”

(Jonathan Buckmaster/Pool via AP)LONDON – A national train tour by Prince William and his wife Kate has received a frosty welcome from leaders in Wales and Scotland, with one Welsh official saying he would rather “no one was having unnecessary visits” during the coronavirus pandemic. Asked if it was the right moment for the royal couple to visit, Gething said Tuesday: “I’d rather that no one was having unnecessary visits. “The tour will be a welcome morale boost to frontline workers who have done so much during the pandemic,” the statement said. Wales and Scotland have their own devolved governments and different sets of coronavirus restrictions from England even though they are all part of the United Kingdom. Welsh and Scottish officials have discouraged people from the rest of the U.K. from traveling to their regions without a reasonable excuse in a bid to reduce the virus’s spread.

LONDON – Scotland’s leader said Monday that she hopes to hold an independence referendum as soon as next year, setting up a political showdown with a U.K. government that refuses to countenance another secession vote. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would campaign in the May 2021 Scottish Parliament election for a mandate to hold a vote on independence “in the early part of the new parliament,” which will run from 2021 to 2025. Scotland voted to remain in the U.K. by a margin of 55%-45% in a 2014 independence referendum that was billed as a once-in-a-generation event. A new binding referendum requires the U.K. government’s approval, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists he’ll say no. A narrow majority of U.K. voters opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, but a large majority in Scotland voted to stay.

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 file photo, Douglas Stuart speaks at The 2020 Booker Prize Awards Ceremony, at the Roundhouse in London. The Scottish writer was at home on Manhattans Lower East Side when he was announced as the winner of the 2020 Booker Prize last week. The Scottish writer was at home in Manhattan when he was announced as the winner of the 2020 Booker Prize last week. Glasgow-born Stuart is only the second Scottish Booker winner in the 51-year history of the prize, open to English-language novels from around the world. Stuart thinks it’s important — and overdue — that a working-class writer has won the Booker Prize.

But it said he was not criticizing devolution, only its use “by separatists and nationalists to break up the U.K.”“The PM has always supported devolution,” Downing St. said in a statement. Brexit was championed by Johnson and supported by a narrow majority of U.K. voters in a 2016 referendum, but strongly opposed in Scotland. Scotland voted to remain in the U.K. by a margin of 55%-45% in a 2014 independence referendum that was billed as a once-in-a-generation event. If Sturgeon’s SNP wins the anticipated majority, she is likely to demand a new independence referendum. U.K. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick defended Johnson, saying he did not oppose Scotland exercising its own powers.

FILE - In this Jan. 23, 1987 file photo, actor Sean Connery holds a rose in his hand as he talks about his new movie "The Name of the Rose" at a news conference in London. Scottish actor Sean Connery, considered by many to have been the best James Bond, has died aged 90, according to an announcement from his family. “He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘The name’s Bond... James Bond,’” they said in a statement. By then he was at peace with James Bond, and when he arrived onstage at the Oscars ceremony he declared, “The name’s Connery. Thomas Sean Connery was born Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first of two sons of a long-distance truck driver and a domestic worker.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on Monday expected to back a new three-tier local lockdown system, which could see pubs and restaurants in coronavirus hotspots in England being temporarily closed. In response to the virus’ resurgence, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce in Parliament on Monday a three-tier local lockdown system, formally known as "Local COVID Alert Levels," for England, his office said. Under the new system, the country will be placed into “medium,” “high” and “very high” alert levels. The new lockdown system, which is intended to simplify the process by which local restrictions are imposed, has been widely anticipated for a couple of weeks following a sharp increase in new cases. England’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, warned that the U.K. is at a “tipping point" akin to where the country was in March.

“In some parts of the country, the number of cases are rising very fast and we are taking that very seriously." In many areas of northern England, it's not clear the local restrictions have worked — in some areas, the number of new infections is 10 times higher than when the localized virus restrictions were announced. Unions are demanding that the government accompanies any lockdown changes with a financial support package to prevent mass unemployment. A national program that has helped keep a lid on unemployment is due to halt at the end of October. ___Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Britain's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced that pubs and restaurants closing at 10pm, due to the spike of cases of coronavirus across the United Kingdom. The most high-profile change centered on pubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues in England, which from Thursday must close at 10 p.m. In a change of emphasis, Johnson urged people to work from home where possible. “If we follow these simple rules together, we will get through this winter together,” Johnson said in a prime-time televised address. “In essence, the government is saying, ‘Stay sober, stay sensible and the venues can stay open.’ It’s a carrot to encourage responsible behavior,” she said.

LONDON Prominent equality and environmental activists, including Lord of the Rings star Ian McKellen, have urged the British government to drop plans to make former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott a U.K. trade adviser. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government faced growing criticism Friday over reports it will appoint Abbott, who led a conservative Australian government between 2013 and 2015, to the U.K.s Board of Trade. Opponents cite Abbott's opposition to same-sex marriage, persistent allegations of sexism and statements downplaying the impact of climate change. In power, his government repealed a carbon tax paid by polluting Australian industries. Abbott has been in London in recent days and said he has spoken to the government about a roleThe U.K. is seeking to boost trade with countries around the world in the wake of its departure from the European Union.

The handling of the coronavirus pandemic by Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has drawn praise, in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. That has catapulted the idea of Scottish independence from the U.K. back up the political agenda. The four parts of the U.K. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland acted together to impose a nationwide lockdown in March. If Sturgeons Scottish National Party wins the anticipated majority, she is likely to demand a new independence referendum. I would love to have independence, but I think maybe now is not the time.___Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. SCOTTISH LEADER WINNING PRAISE Nicola Sturgeons calm and sober response to the coronavirus pandemic is standing in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. WE HAVE NO WAY TO FORCE THEM OUT Beiruts massive explosion has fueled widespread anger at Lebanons ruling elite, whose corruption and negligence many blame for the disaster. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SAGA PERSISTS The evangelical school said Jerry Falwell Jr., embroiled in a sex scandal, had offered his resignation as president but then reversed course.

LONDON The British government came under renewed pressure Tuesday to recommend high school students in England wear face masks, at least in communal areas such as hallways, after the advice in Scotland was changed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government is ready to follow suit and advise a change in certain situations if the medical evidence deems face masks to be necessary in containing the spread of the coronavirus. If we need to change the advice, then of course we will.For now, the advice of the British government, which oversees schools in England, is that face masks aren't necessary. It points to a recent report from Public Health England that showed very few virus infections during the partial reopening of schools for younger students in June. Schools in England are Wales are due to reopen in September.

The British government insists that science is guiding its decisions as the country navigates its way through the coronavirus pandemic. But a self-appointed group of independent experts led by a former government chief adviser says it sees little evidence-based about Britains response. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)LONDON As Britain navigates its way through the coronavirus pandemic, the government insists that science is guiding its decisions. And at nearly every turn, the independent experts have essentially pointed out glaring mistakes in the governments approach. We fear that the government has given up trying to control the pandemic further," the independent scientists wrote in a July report.

When pubs and restaurants reopen Saturday, it will be anything but business as usual. I think the vast majority of pubs and restaurants are welcoming and opening with enthusiasm, said Jane Pendlebury, chief executive of the Hospitality Professionals Association. Nonessential shops have been closed and pubs and restaurants will not be reopening on Saturday. Pubs in Scotland can open beer gardens from Monday but wont be able to serve people indoors until July 15. Scotland also has not agreed to the plan to end quarantine for arrivals from low-risk countries, which for now applies only to England.

Five of Atlantic City's casinos will reopen on Thursday, while three others, including Harrah's, will open Friday. ________________________FINANCIAL AID: Alaska Airlines has secured nearly $1.2 billion in private loans to further secure its financial stability. McGee Air Services, a wholly owned ground services subsidiary of Alaska Airlines that operates independently, has also received nearly $30 million in funding. Three others, Caesars, Ballys and Harrahs, will reopen Friday, after allowing their highest rollers a one-day head start on Thursday. MARKETS: Wall Street is rallying Thursday after a report showed the U.S. job market continues to climb from the crater created by the coronavirus pandemic in the spring.

The British government said Friday it will delay bringing in full border checks on goods coming from the European Union to relieve pressure on businesses hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. After that, British firms trading with the EU will face customs checks, border inspections and unless there is a free trade deal tariffs. But on Friday the government said border checks would be introduced in stages. The U.K. says it will build new customs and border facilities for all the checks a process that has been set back by the pandemic. Asked about the border checks, Sefcovic said the EU is determined to protect its single market, customs union and financial interests.

(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)LONDON LONDON (AP) Passengers on Englands buses, subways and trains will have to wear face coverings from June 15 when most shops reopen, the British government said Thursday. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said face coverings will be mandatory from the date nonessential stores, such as department stores and electronics retailers, are scheduled to reopen. The evidence suggests wearing face coverings offers some, albeit limited, protection against the spread of the virus, he said at the government's daily briefing. He also said face coverings will be a condition of travel and failure to abide by the requirement could potentially lead to fines. Transport unions had also been urging the government to make face coverings compulsory after the deaths of dozens of workers.

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)LONDON The U.K. eased more lockdown restrictions Monday despite warnings from some health officials of another spike in coronavirus infections, especially if Britons persisted in flouting the new guidelines. She said police in Scotland dispersed 797 groups on Saturday alone for not abiding by the guidelines, five times higher than the previous Saturday. The four nations that make up the U.K. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are moving at different speeds out of the lockdown that began March 23. He also said the U.K. recorded 111 new coronavirus-related deaths, the lowest daily total since the lockdown was put in place on March 23. Schools have remained open to vulnerable and key worker children throughout the lockdown period, and as the lockdown eases, it is likely this will lead to greater demand for places, he said.

Following are developments Monday related to national and global response, the work place and the spread of the virus. The iPhone maker reopened five U.S. stores last week in Idaho, Alabama, South Carolina and Alaska. Ireland is taking its first steps out of lockdown, with some stores reopening and outdoor work resuming. In Kazakhstans capital, some mosques, markets cafes and restaurants reopened Monday. In Azerbaijan, cafes and restaurants reopened in the capital, Baku, and four others cities.