/qresearch/ -  Q Research

>>24251958

>>24251964

>>24251961

Another case of failure to keep proper records, and another "gold group" like CONVID's "gold command". I wonder how much gold they get for covering all this stuff up? >>24251973

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/police-scotland-says-no-gold-36787418

Police Scotland says it has no 'Gold Group' records from Operation Dash grooming gang probe

Exclusive: Operation Dash was an investigation into a grooming gang in Glasgow, with dozens of young victims and 27 people reported to the Crown – but there are no high-level meeting minutes on file

John Glover

28 Feb 2026

Police Scotland is facing questions after bosses said the force didn't hold any "Gold Group" meeting minutes relating to the Operation Dash grooming gang probe.

The major investigation into members of an ethnic minority rape gang targeting young girls in and around Glasgow was set up in 2013 by the former Strathclyde Police. It ran for two years, most of that time under the national force.

Officers identified at least 139 potential victims and dozens of perpetrators, with 28 reports being submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service into 27 male suspects.

However, no large-scale gang trial ever took place and only a handful were convicted. The only gang member to be named was Afghan national Javaid Akhond, who was sentenced to six years in jail in 2014 for targeting three girls aged, 12, 13 and 15.

The Scottish Express asked for copies of any Gold Group minutes relating to Operation Dash. These minutes record the formal decisions, actions, and strategic discussions from meetings of senior officials managing critical incidents or high-level, sensitive operations – which can include the chief constable.

But Police Scotland stated in response to our freedom of information request: "In regard to gold group minutes relating to Operation Dash, following an extensive search of internal systems, no documents were found of relevance. As such, the information sought is not held by Police Scotland and section 17 of the Act therefore applies."

A police insider said: "It is highly unusual to not have Gold Group minutes for an investigation for this high-profile."

Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for justice Liam Kerr MSP said: “Now that the SNP have finally bowed to pressure for a grooming gangs inquiry, it is vital that there is full transparency at every level – victims must have confidence that nothing is being withheld.”Everything of worth to victims will be withheld, just as in other inquiries, such as child abuse inquiries, past and present (worth noting - the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, [SCAI] have taken down their X.com page)

We previously revealed that police chiefs were refusing to release the Gold Group minutes into Operation Cerrar, another grooming gang investigation from 2016. It followed on from Operation Dash, which in turn was connected to an even earlier probe called Operation Cotswold.

The force even admitted that releasing the Cerrar minutes would contribute to public debate around grooming gangs, before going on to deny our request anyway.

During Operation Cerrar, detectives identified 55 suspects, 46 of whom were positively identified. All were from the Kurdish, Afghani, Egyptian, Moroccan, Turkish, Pakistani or Iraqi communities.

They preyed on at least 44 girls, including a core group of six victims. Horrifically, one girl may have been abused by as many as 28 offenders, while another was linked to 23 men. Once again, no grooming gang trial was ever held and most of the perpetrators were either deported or remained at large in the city.

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

>>24251962

>>24251964

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/man-arrested-after-tower-block-36805691

Man arrested after tower block stand-off and knife drama on streets of Edinburgh

The suspect was seen walking the streets of a housing scheme clutching two, apparently blood-soaked knives, before later appearing at the window of an 11th floor flat

Richard Elias

02 Mar 2026

A man has been arrested after a lengthy stand-off in a block of flats after another man suffered stab injuries and a woman suffered a gash to the head.

Armed police surrounded the building in Edinburgh after a suspect was seen walking the streets of a housing scheme clutching two, apparently blood-soaked knives.

It happened just yards from a primary school although online claims that the suspect had tried to enter the playground have since been dismissed. Detectives said that the incident was not being treated as terror-related although few other details have been released.

It has been reported by one national newspaper that the detained man is from Somalia but this has yet to be confirmed. The incident began shortly before 8.30am on Monday in the capital’s Calders area after claims that several people had been stabbed.

Locals reported seeing a man fleeing a convenience store which appeared to have been trashed. Two people were taken to hospital a short time after the alarm was raised but neither is believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

Police have yet to confirm the identity of the male arrested or his age or place of birth. Later, a male, believed to be the suspect, was seen leaning out of an 11th floor flat in Cobbinshaw House. Around 4pm, police were seen escorting one man from the premises and putting him in a waiting patrol car.

The nearby Sighthill Primary School was closed during the incident with parents being sent a text to inform them that their children were. People living in the area were advised to stay indoors whilst neaby roads were blocked off and buses diverted for a time.

One man, who asked not to be named, told Edinburgh Live: “The man was stood outside the back of the shops. I could see his hands covered in blood. And the knives were drenched in it.” He added: “Parents from the school were running with their kids into cars. We begged the police to come and help.”

Another man speaking on the grounds of anonymity, added: “I live above the shop and heard the panic alarms. The man with the knives took a swipe at one of the shop staff and the blade grazed his shoulder. The two guys in the shop were able to get away.”

Two other men, who also wished to remain nameless, told BBC Scotland that they saw a man holding with two blood-stained knives outside a shop. One said: “I got out of my car and the guy came up to me with his hands behind his back. He said: ‘Can I speak to you?‘ He had the two knives behind his back, covered in blood.”

The man went on: “He started going towards the school so I was just trying to chase him back. He was coming towards me the whole time. He walked away up to the flats.”

A Police Scotland spokesman issued a statement about the matter. He said: “A man has been arrested in connection with a disturbance in the Calder Gardens area of Edinburgh, which happened around 8.25am on Monday, 2 March, 2026. Police, including firearms officers, attended after we received reports of a man with a bladed weapon. The incident is not being treated as terror-related.”

The spokesman continued: “Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to non life threatening injuries. A man suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed. A woman suffered a laceration to the head, not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon.”

>>24251959, >>24251961, >>24251964, >>24251973, >>24271264

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/comment/lord-advocate-should-never-been-36803922

The Lord Advocate should never have been allowed to set the parameters for Covid death probe

Writing exclusively for the Scottish Daily Express, NHS whistleblower LESLEY ROBERTS says the Lord Advocate's controversial dual role has compromised the investigation into Covid era deaths

Comment/opinion

Lesley Roberts

02 Mar 2026

Back in 2023 when Roger Livermore, former Crown Prosecutor, Rab Wilson, former NHS registered nurse, and I, decided to go to the police and report senior public figures for committing what we believed to be corporate manslaughter, I was well aware of the difficulties that we faced.

For years, Roger in particular had been raised serious concerns about the Scotland Act 1998. This was an Act that was written to allow for devolution. Therefore, it was UK legislation. As part of that Act, the UK Government legislated for the role of Lord Advocate and Solicitor General to sit in a dual role (Sections 44 and 48).

The dual role allowed them to sit at the head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service but also legislated for them to be Scottish Ministers within the Cabinet. This was always questionable and for many years Roger laid bare his concerns about the problems that this would and ultimately did bring.

During Covid and watching the ineptitude of politicians, it concerned me greatly that the Lord Advocate, be that James Wolffe or his successor Dorothy Bain, was sitting in on all of these decisions. When you consider all of what was going on at that time it is unthinkable to consider that those chief law officers were hearing all of this and doing absolutely nothing to protect the public.

However, it was only when I made the complaint I became fully aware of the issues that surrounded this role. I, alongside the two others, were of the view that Nicola Sturgeon, the late Jeane Freeman and others had committed offences in public office. When you consider the mass misuse of the clinical protocols and the DNA CPR status, it was incredible that no one questioned what was going on.

Nurses were being given unsafe and unlawful masks and the response of those in senior roles was to watch to see how many died. In my opinion, this was simply inhumane. Despite such, the trajectory of harm, injury and avoidable death carried on.

>>24332118

………………………………………………………………………………..continued…………………………………………………………………………………..

When Operation Koper was announced in 2020, Lord Advocate Wolffe should have recused himself there and then, given his connection to those in senior Scottish Government roles. Instead, he simply wrote the terms of reference with regards as to what was to be investigated.

When the police began to investigate they asked me to offer examples in relation to the complaints that I was making. To that end I introduced them to numerous people who would be able to speak of their own experiences and that would offer the police an insight into the information provided.

Given that these cases surrounded the mass misuse of DNA CPR and unsafe hospital care they would have offered a clear picture into the problems that had been created by the SNP Government. Instead the police reverted back to me that most of these cases did not meet the terms of reference has set out by the Lord Advocate.

Once again this emphasises that the role is not impartial and because of such many dreadful cases that need to be investigated will not fall into the terms of reference, as laid out by a Government Minister. In my opinion it is the SNP simply marking their own homework once again.

The Scotland Act 1998 is UK legislation. Therefore, it should come down to the UK Government to makes the changes necessary. I have now written to Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander on two occasions and he simply ignored me. Despite the Prime Minister raising all of this in Parliament, no one from the Scotland Office responded.

The role must be split to ensure that the judiciary is being run completely impartial. Only then will operations like Branchform and Koper be investigated as they should without the suspicion of government interference and without the country's most senior law officers sitting in dual roles

Where is the sanity in letting a whole rogues gallery of unconstitutional wretches determine changes to roles to perpetuate the same rogues? Pull the whole wretched temple down to its foundations and rebuild, from the bottom up….only this time when it's done, turn it upside down and put the people at the top and the SERVANTS right back where they should be: at the bottom SERVING.

Just goes to show these fuckers know how corrupt it is when they urge you to hold your nose before voting for them?

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/anas-sarwar-urges-anti-snp-36793662

Anas Sarwar urges anti-SNP Scots to 'hold their nose' and vote Scottish Labour in 'last chance' to get rid of John Swinney

The Scottish Labour leader made one last gasp plea to Scots to back him as he's the 'only option' to replace John Swinney as First Minister and prevent another five years of nationalist rule.

David Walker

27 Feb 2026

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar made a last gasp plea to voters in Scotland, urging them to “hold their nose” and vote for his party as it could be the “last chance” to get rid of the SNP. He made the rallying call while speaking to journalists after a crushing day for Keir Starmer and Labour following a brutal by-election defeat in Manchester.

The party plunged to third behind the winning Greens and Reform. Mr Sarwar has tried to distance himself from the Prime Minister - even taking the unprecedented step to call on him to resign in order to save his Holyrood Election campaign. This was rejected by Sir Keir, who will likely need to go anyway if he loses in Scotland and Wales in May.

While refusing to comment on the defeat in Gorton and Denton, the Scottish Labour leader did confirm he was still in favour of Sir Keir stepping down but wants to focus on the SNP’s record in Scotland. It’s a message that is barely working, with a new poll suggesting that Scottish Labour may finish FOURTH on the list behind the Scottish Greens.

Speaking after his keynote speech at his party conference in Paisley, where he announced plans to build 125,000 new homes, he rejected a suggestion by the Scottish Daily Express that Sir Keir had won the Holyrood Election for the SNP and John Swinney.

He said: "The people of Scotland are going to decide the election in 10 weeks time and they have a straight choice: A third decade of the SNP or change with Scottish Labour, and that's a campaign I relish in the next 10 weeks."

Pressed on the fact that support for his party is plummeting, and the Prime Minister is one of the least popular politicians in the country, he admitted this was an issue but once again insisted he can be the next First Minister. He said: "Let me be really clear, the point I'm making to people across the country is that there is a clear majority in this country that want to remove the SNP from office.

>>24332317

……………………………………………………………………………….continued……………………………………………………………………………

"I think that's clear and you're right to to suggest that there's deep unpopularity with the UK Labour Government, but there's a clear majority in Scotland that want the SNP out of office. What I'm saying to them that the only people that can remove the SNP from office are me and Scottish Labour, there's only two people that can be First Minister after the election, John Swinney or I.

"So I'm saying directly to people, if you want to get of the SNP, whether you do it with enthusiasm, whether you do it with anger, or whether you have to hold your nose and do it, you have to back Scottish Labour and you have to vote for me, because only I can remove them from office, and that's a direct plea that I make to pople across the country, because we cannot risk a third decade of SNP Government and all the damage that will do to our country."

Pressed further on this, he stated that there was a "clear danger that if we do not take this opportunity and this chance to get rid of this SNP Government, then it might be our last chance to do this." With Reform touted as the potential main opposition, Mr Sarwar dismissed this, insisting that nobody knows who party leader Malcolm Offord is, and saying "he can't save us from the SNP."

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “Anas Sarwar is simply too weak to take on this failing SNP government. Scandal-ridden Labour are too busy fighting themselves and continue to agree with the Nationalists on so much. He has even reached the point where he’s pleading with Scots to hold their nose to vote for them, hoping they haven’t noticed the chaos engulfing his party.

“Anas Sarwar cannot represent change because he is in denial about the reality facing Scotland’s economy. Like John Swinney he’s happy to force Scots to pay higher taxes to fund a ballooning benefits bill. Under his leadership they backed Nicola Sturgeon’s reckless gender self-ID bill and Humza Yousaf’s Hate Crime Act, while Sarwar is so weak he didn’t even address John Swinney’s push for another independence referendum once in his speech.

“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party strong enough to stand up to the SNP and that is why it is essential Scots vote for us on their peach ballot paper to help stop an SNP majority.”

>>24251959, >>24251961, >>24251964, >>24251973, >>24271264,

>>24332118

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/dorothy-bain-done-snps-bidding-36809278

Dorothy Bain has 'done the SNP's bidding for five years' as Lord Advocate and Crown Office needs a 'reset' says Russell Findlay

Exclusive: The Scottish Tory leader spoke to the Scottish Daily Express about his growing concerns with the Lord Advocate over her role in tipping off John Swinney about Peter Murrell - as well as championing SNP causes.

David Walker

03 Mar 2026

Scotland's Lord Advocate was branded an "activist" by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay who insisted he had "no faith" in her ability to head up the impartial Crown Office - while also sitting in John Swinney's Cabinet. And he called for a "reset" within the prosecution service, no matter what happens after the Holyrood election.

Dorothy Bain KC has come in for some severe criticism in recent weeks after secretly tipping off John Swinney about details of the charges Peter Murrell faced before the public knew about them. The first briefing came almost 12 months before the former SNP chief executive faced having to submit a plea in open court.

She has been hauled in front of MSPs twice now to answer questions about this, but her answers have not satisfied the Scottish Conservatives who have said that her position is not tenable. She failed to justify why she briefed the First Minister about how much Murrell allegedly embezzled in March 2025, as the full terms of the indictment was never going to be made public then.

There has been no parliamentary time set aside for Ms Bain to be grilled again this week and Mr Findlay accused Mr Swinney of "attempting to shut down scrutiny of the Lord Advocate." Speaking to the Scottish Daily Express as he marked Apprenticeship Week with a visit to Midlothian, he hit out at the "dual role" she plays, describing it as "completely untenable."

He went on: "She was hand picked by Nicola Sturgeon. She immediately, after a few months in the post, moved to effectively decriminalise possession of heroin, crack cocaine, without any form of SNP legislation, it wasn't even in their manifesto. She then went to court on Nicola Sturgeon's direction to argue that the Scottish Parliament should have the power to hold a referendum.

"£250k of taxpayers' money later, they lost that case, which was inevitable, as they knew they would. And separately, the Lord Advocate has in many ways been an activist. She, on the one hand, tells us she's politically neutral and that she or the Crown Office don't have a view on certain matters to do with legislation, but separately she's backing some pretty radical changes to the justice system, including the scrapping of juries in some cases.

>>24337384

…………………………………………………………………………….continued………………………………………………………………………….

"The Scottish Conservatives and many members of the legal profession realised that this was wholly inappropriate, wrong and dangerous and it was due to our pressure that it was eventually scrapped by John Swinney." He pointed to these issues as to why the Lord Advocate role needs split in two.

He added that it "stinks to high heaven" that Mr Swinney was "twice" told "highly sensitive" information about Murrell's court case. And he demanded Ms Bain return to Holyrood and "explain" why she told the First Minister about this, and informed him that Ms Sturgeon wouldn't face any charges before she was told herself.

Pressed on whether Ms Bain should quit, he described her position as "completely untenable" and criticised the fact Mr Swinney has "confidence in her," pointing out "of course he has faith in her, he's got a Lord Advocate who's done the SNP's bidding for the past five years and he's not going to lose face by getting rid of her.

"But even if she clings on until the election, as seems likely, post election we need to completely reset the relationship and have a robustly independent head of a prosecution service - it's a hugely important and big job - and if the government needs a legal adviser, that should be a different role altogether."

Asked if he still has faith in Ms Bain to perform her duties, he said "no." It will take action from the UK Government for the Lord Advocate role to be split in two, but the SNP hasn't bothered to make any requests for this, despite promising to look at it in its 2021 manifesto.

Ms Bain attended Cabinet at Bute House on Tuesday and is understood not to be planning a proactive statement at Holyrood. Mr Swinney raged about Mr Findlay questioning her reputation last month, insisting he had "absolute confidence" in the Lord Advocate, who he described as an "outstanding" lawyer of "unimpeachable service".

The First Minister said Mr Findlay should be "ashamed of himself and should withdraw every word of contemptible rubbish he has put on the record".

A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "It would be inappropriate for the Lord Advocate to be drawn into political discussions and she is grateful for the many messages of personal and professional support she has received. Scotland’s prosecutors act independently and in the public interest at all times. Commentary on matters relating to active cases may give rise to prejudice and undermine the administration of justice, and restraint is advised."

>>24251967

>>24251961

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/shona-robison-complains-uk-government-36804509

Shona Robison complains that the UK Government is 'bypassing' Holyrood by handing cash straight to councils after years of SNP underfunding

The Scottish Government's Finance Secretary has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and raged about Westminster supplying £140m of funding direct to local regions for regeneration projects.

David Walker

02 Mar 2026

The Scottish Government's Finance Secretary has moaned about the UK Government "bypassing" Holyrood by handing cash directly to underfunded councils. Shona Robison has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Spring statement on Tuesday, with nothing surprising set to be announced.

Scotland's coffers will be boosted by a business rates announcement for pubs in England - with all bars and music venues given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years. It will cost £80m in its first year, with the SNP Executive set for its own windfall due to Barnett Consequentials.

Ms Robison has vowed to pass on all this to the hospitality industry but has form for failing to do this previously. A total of £650m of taxpayers' cash has been earmarked for shops and pubs in recent years but this has been swallowed up by the Nats to pay for other policies, such as benefits.

In her letter to Ms Reeves, the Finance Secretary moans about the fact the UK Government is handing cash directly to cash-strapped local authorities. The £140m local growth fund has been allocated to five regions of Scotland: Glasgow City: £60.9 million, Edinburgh & South East: £37.8 million, Tay Cities: £19.5 million, Ayrshire: £11.8 million and Forth Valley: £9.8m.

According to the Scotland Office, "the programme will fund regional projects which will drive economic growth. That might mean projects like infrastructure investment, business support, or skills development - projects which will make a real difference in terms of skilled jobs and people’s prosperity."

But it has angered Ms Robison who wrote: "The continued use of the powers in the UK Internal Market Act to directly fund activity in devolved areas in Scotland, while bypassing the Scottish Parliament, is unacceptable. It is most disappointing that the current UK Government is continuing the practice of the previous government, most notably through the Local Growth Fund, where the UK Government refused to engage with the Scottish Government in the design and delivery of this fund.

>>24337541

……………………………………………………………………………continued………………………………………………………………………….

"This contrasts with the situation in Wales, where funding will be provided to the Welsh Government. This level of funding announced also does not come close to matching the funding it is intended to replace and leaves nine local authorities without support.

"The Scottish Government, working with Local Government and communities, has been leading the way on regeneration policy in the UK through place-based, cross-sector collaboration, and any UK Government initiatives must respect this. It is important that any further funding announcements respect the devolution settlement and that funding is provided to the Scottish Government in the usual way. It is simply not acceptable for the UK Government to ignore the role of the Scottish Parliament and bypass the devolved responsibilities of the Scottish Government to spend directly in devolved areas."

Cosla, the council umbrella body, recently warned the SNP's 202/27 budget was "very poor," failed to deliver £750million to protect social care and could lead to job losses and service cuts. Leading SNP councillor in Glasgow, Ricky Bell, admitted that the money handed to local authorities was "billions short."

Privately, Scottish Government officials criticised the local growth fund, as revealed by the Scottish Daily Express. Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Craig Hoy said at the time: ”John Swinney’s government never misses the chance for a grievance, but this one takes the biscuit.

“The have spent their last two decades in power undermining Scotland’s councils by failing to fund crucial local projects. Councils have also suffered a further blow by the Labour government withdrawing funding the Conservative government had earmarked for local communities in Scotland. Both of Scotland’s governments should be working together to support hard-pressed communities hit by their damaging policies, rather than engaging in this kind of childish spat.”

>>24339914

>>24251958

>>24251964

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20zg39wrlvo

Former police officer jailed for indecent messages to 'child'

2 March 2026

A former police officer who sent sexual messages to an undercover colleague posing as 12-year-old girl has been jailed for a year.

Adam McManus, 40, was working at Cumbernauld police station when the crimes happened.

He was caught last year after a covert police operation aimed at tackling online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

McManus had previously admitted three offences at Falkirk Sheriff Court, where he was told on Monday that custody was the only option.

The court heard that McManus had worked as a school campus police officer covering two high schools in the Airdrie area "for a number of years".

He first contacted the undercover officer on an instant messaging app in January last year, the court was told.

The decoy told McManus that during the initial communication the child was a first-year pupil at a school in Airdrie.

Over the course of almost a month he repeatedly asked for images of the child, made sexual remarks and quizzed her about her sexual experiences.

Police traced the messages back to married father-of-one McManus.

Officers searched his then home in Larbert and seized his mobile phone.

A forensic examination found the messages he had sent, as well as illegal images and videos that showed the abuse of children.

Resigned from police

McManus admitted sexual communication with an undercover officer pretending to be a child, downloading child abuse images, and indecent electronic communication with a paedophile.

Pamela Rodgers, defending, said McManus had "taken steps to address" the cause of his offending.

She said he had been "significantly impacted" by what had happened.

"He has lost his wife, his home, his career, his income, his temporary accommodation, and all contact with his son," she said.

Sheriff Christopher Shead said: "Having considered the charges and in particular the nature and number of the offences I have reached the conclusion that a custodial sentence is the only appropriate disposal."

The court heard that McManus had resigned from the police since tendering his plea.

He has also been added to the sex offenders register for 10 years.

>>24251964

>>24251967

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/husband-of-scottish-labour-mp-joani-reid-among-three-men-arrested-on-suspicion-of-spying-for-china

Husband of Scottish Labour MP among three men arrested on suspicion of spying for China

Joani Reid's spouse David Taylor, 39, was taken into custody on Wednesday

STV News

Mar 4th, 2026

The husband of a Scottish Labour MP is among three men arrested by counter-terror police on suspicion of spying for China.

Joani Reid’s(Yet another corrupt little cunt who won't change her name after marriage?)spouse David Taylor, 39, was taken into custody in London on Wednesday.

Scottish counter-terror officers also searched a property in Reid’s East Kilbride constituency.

The MP said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law”.If he's your husband why do you hide the fact by using your own name?

Taylor is a lobbyist and the director of Earthcott Limited, a PR, communications and consultancy business.

He is also the director of policy and programmes at Asia House, which is a London-based think tank aiming to connect Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in Politics and business

‘I have never been to China’

Reid said she was not a part of her husband’s business activities, had never been to China, and had never raised the country in the Commons.

“As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests,” she said.

The Metropolitan Police said they also arrested a 68-year-old man in Powys, mid-Wales, and a 43-year-old man in Pontyclun, South Wales.

They were seized on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section three of the National Security Act, 2023.

Taylor did not have a pass to access the parliamentary estate, the Speaker of the House of Commons has said.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, we carried out a search of an address in East Kilbride on behalf of an investigation being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.”

Counter terror officers in England and Wales have also searched addresses in London and Cardiff.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “We have seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years and we continue to work extremely closely with our partners to help keep the country safe and take action to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.

“Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this. Our investigation continues and we thank the public for their ongoing support.”

The arrests relate to foreign interference targeting UK democracy, Dan Jarvis has told the Commons.

The security minister said: “I would like to make a statement regarding the three arrests that took place this morning as part of a counter terrorism policing investigation into suspected National Security Act offences.

“I can confirm that this relates to China. I can also confirm this relates to foreign interference targeting UK democracy. For reasons that you will understand, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any aspect of what is now a live investigation.

“It is absolutely critical that we do not hamper the work of the police or prejudice any future legal processes by what we say in this House today.

“I would, however, point the House to what the counter terrorism police have just said in their own statement, namely, that this morning officers from counter terrorism policing arrested three men as part of an investigation into suspected National Security Act 2023 offences.

“All three men were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to section three of the National Security Act. Of course, any decision as to whether to proceed with a prosecution would be a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.”

>>24340874

https://www.thejc.com/news/who-is-joani-reid-the-non-jewish-mp-standing-up-against-antisemitism-in-parliament-sl8euj78

Who is Joani Reid? – The non-Jewish MP standing up against antisemitism in Parliament

Growing up Reid admitted she knew ‘more antisemites than Jews’

December 19, 2024 14:39 (1+4+3+9= 17, just saying ¯_(ツ)_/¯)

Ellie Grant

2 min read

Joani Reid, the Member of Parliament for East Kilbride and Strathaven, has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against antisemitism in the UK, despite having no personal Jewish connections.

Since her election in July 2024, Reid has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to confronting prejudice and promoting tolerance. She chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism,

Reid made it clear last week at the Actions Matter Summit, hosted by the European Leadership Network and Combat Antisemitism Movement in Vienna, that the battle against antisemitism is a responsibility for everyone. She said: “it cannot be left to just those in the Jewish community.”

She also stressed that when combating antisemitism, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition “has to be your starting point.”

Born and raised in Glasgow, Reid grew up in a family with strong political roots. Her grandfather, Jimmy Reid, was a prominent Scottish trade unionist and politician, and her upbringing, shaped by the “hard left,” gave her a unique perspective on social justice issues. Reid admitted, “I knew more antisemites than Jews.”

Despite that Reid has become a steadfast advocate for combating antisemitism, both within her political party and in society.

At the summit, she explained that her decision to speak out against the issue stems from a deep sense of duty, particularly in light of the “terrible legacy” left by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“We have to have the courage to stand up and call it out,” Reid said. She believes that people who chant antisemitic slurs “must be held accountable in the legal system.”

Reid’s political journey has been marked by her tireless dedication to improving her community. Before becoming an MP, she served as a councillor for Lewisham Central for eight years, including a stint as cabinet member for Safer Communities.

She was faced with a difficult choice when Jeremy Corbyn led the Labour Party: “either leave the party or take action.” She chose the latter becoming actively involved in addressing the rise of antisemitism within the party.

Although Reid represents a constituency with few Jewish residents, her perspective on antisemitism is clear: it is not an issue that only affects Jewish people. “We have to call it out within our communities and within our political parties,” she says.

She was selected as the Labour candidate for East Kilbride and Strathaven in February 2023, and since her election in 2024, Reid has used her platform to advocate for a broad range of social justice issues, with antisemitism as a key focus.

She says: "The Prime Minister made sure to clear out all the antisemitism in the party, and it is now a far cry from what it was under Corbyn. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

In recognition of her work, Reid was encouraged by Danny Stone MBE, Chief Executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, to stand for election to chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism.

Initially hesitant to take on the role, Reid realised that her position as a non-Jewish leader gave her an important responsibility to speak out against hate in all its forms. “I can’t imagine how it must feel to feel unsafe,” Reid says. “I will do everything in my power to tackle antisemitism in the UK.”

Seems likely the husband is Jewish?

>>24340874

>>24340886

>>24341640

https://register.fca.org.uk/s/individual?id=003b000000KSy3aAAD

Current roles and activities

This is not a full employment history, as it only covers roles with activities regulated by the FCA and/or PRA.

David Edward James Taylor is connected to:

Origen Financial Services Limited

The individual’s information has been confirmed as correct by their firm within the last 12 months

Firms are required to confirm that the information shown is correct at least annually.

>>24341640

>>24341674

>>24341640

>>24341674

>>24341678

>>24340831

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7955ewj7gwo

MP not seen anything to suspect husband has 'broken any law', after China spy arrests

Tom McArthur and Thomas Mackintosh

Published

4 March 2026, 12:30 GMT

Updated 5 hours ago

Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid has said she has never seen anything to make her suspect her husband has "broken any law" after her spouse David Taylor was arrested on suspicion of spying for China along with two other men.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Police said the men, aged 39, 43 and 68, had been arrested in London and Wales as part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation under the National Security Act.

All three men, who have not been named by police, remain in custody. Searches were carried out at properties in London, Cardiff and East Kilbride on Wednesday.

Following Taylor's arrest, Reid said in a statement that she is "not part of" her husband's business activities.

She added: "Neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and we should not be treated by media organisations as though we are. Above all I expect media organisations to respect my children's privacy."

Reid, who was elected as the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven constituency in 2024, added that she had never been to China nor had she ever spoken on any China-related matters in the House of Commons.

"I have never asked a question on China-related matters," she said.

"As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests."

She added that she is a social democrat who believes in "freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections" and not any sort of "admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party's dictatorship".

Hours before Reid's statement, the Met Police said a 39-year-old man had been arrested in London.

The force added that a 68-year-old man had been detained in Powys, Wales and a 43-year-old man had been arrested in Pontyclun, Wales.

Police said all three have been accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service under section three of the National Security Act, which was introduced in 2023 to target suspects accused of working against UK interests.

The Met said they were supported by counter-terror police in Wales and in Scotland.

An address linked to one of the arrested men in Pontyclun was being searched. A car outside was also searched and photographed.

Taylor is a former adviser to Welsh Labour politicians and former Labour candidate to become North Wales police and crime commissioner.

The Welsh government said it does not comment on live police investigations.

The Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd have tabled a request for an urgent statement from the first minister.

Meanwhile, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force had carried out a search of an address in East Kilbride on behalf of an investigation being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

>>24341788

……………………………………………………………………………………continued…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the Met had seen a "significant increase" in national security casework in recent years, but officers were working to "disrupt malign activity where we suspect it".

The arrests come weeks after Sir Keir Starmer visited Beijing, as the government looks to pursue a cautious reset of UK–China economic ties.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Parliament if Chinese interference in UK sovereign affairs were proven, "severe consequences" would be imposed.

"This government stands resolute in our resolve to counter foreign interference activity targeting the UK from any state actor," he told MPs.

British officials had informed Chinese counterparts in London and Beijing about the allegations, he added.

Jarvis also said it would be "naive" for anyone to say that the UK should not have a "functional working relationship with China".

In response to Jarvis in the Commons, shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart said: "Unless the United Kingdom stands up to these threats, our country will continue to be treated with disdain."

Burghart referenced the previous collapsed spy scandal case involving China, and the recent approval of the Chinese mega-embassy in central London, despite opponents warning it could be used as a base for espionage and pose security risks.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch posted a video on X, saying: "The spouse of a sitting Labour MP has reportedly been arrested for spying, alongside the partner of a former Labour MP.

"These men were arrested under the National Security Act, suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service, directly targeting our democracy.

"China is targeting Britain, targeting our MPs. Enough.

She also criticised Sir Keir's decision to visit Beijing in January, and the government's approval to build a new Chinese embassy in London.

Additional reporting by Ella Kipling.

>>24251967

>>24251961

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g44dnxn3lo

SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim

4th March 2026

7 hours ago

A prospective SNP candidate in May's Holyrood election is standing down after it emerged she is being investigated over an alleged benefits fraud.

As first reported by The Scotsman, external, Sally Donald - who was selected to contest the Edinburgh Southern seat - is being investigated by Social Security Scotland over claims for the Adult Disability Payment.

Announcing she would no longer run for election, the SNP staffer "strenuously denied any and all wrongdoing".

Donald, who works for MP Graham Leadbitter, said she did not want "recent reporting" to distract from the SNP campaign.

The staffer - who previously worked for Culture Secretary Angus Robertson - has built up a considerable following on social media, where she promotes the SNP.

Campaign 'distraction'

In an Instagram post, external, she said she had "regrettably" decided not to stand in for election in May.

Donald wrote: "While I strenuously deny any and all wrongdoing, I do not want recent reporting to distract any further from the excellent campaign being run in Edinburgh Southern."

She thanked her supporters, adding: "I wish the team and the new candidate all the best for 7 May."

Donald - who was joined on stage by First Minister John Swinney at an event announcing her selection as the Edinburgh Southern candidate - has previously posted about autism on social media.

The Adult Disability Payment, external is given to people with long-term illness or disabilities that affect their everyday life.

It can be worth thousands of pounds per year.

If a Social Security Scotland claimant is investigated for fraud they could be interviewed under caution by the organisation's counter-fraud branch.

If sufficient evidence is gathered the case could be reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Scottish Conservative security secretary spokesman Alexander Stewart said: "Sally Donald's position as a candidate was clearly untenable and it's right that she's stepped down."

He claimed the Scottish benefits system was not "fit for purpose".

A spokesperson for the SNP confirmed Donald had informed the party she would no longer be standing.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "Sally Donald has made the correct call to stand down as a Scottish Parliamentary candidate. However, serious questions still remain unanswered.

"Ms Donald was selected by the SNP as a candidate in March 2025, and yet we are still in the dark about what SNP bosses knew and when about the benefits fraud investigation, and the allegations made against her."