Politics · 22 July 2026

Swinney says UK-Scotland relations have 'haemorrhaged' under Douglas Alexander

First Minister John Swinney claims relations with the UK government worsened after Douglas Alexander became Scotland Secretary in September 2025. On Monday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed Alexander would stay in his position, notwithstanding Swinney's worries that he was "making life difficult". Alexander joined the campaign at the same time Swinney was named joint director of the Scottish Labour Holyrood election campaign.

By BriefTea Editorial · 22 July 2026 at 16:23

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