Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background The issue of Scottish independence or continued union within the UK continues to be the major fault line in Scottish politics. The months and weeks building up to the election in May appear already to be dominated by the political parties …
Election
Migration, asylum and refugee issues briefing
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background Scotland’s population is now estimated to be around 5.4 million people, the highest level ever. Driving the growth has been the contribution of inward migration to Scotland especially over the last 20 years. According to the most recent …
Alcohol, drugs and substance misuse
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Drugs deaths Scotland has the worst drugs death rate in Europe, and in 2020 records showed 1,264 people died, a record number for the sixth year in a row. It is about three and a half times the rate for England and Wales. Drugs regulation is a …
Poverty & Inequality briefing – Scotland
Updated March 2021 by David Bradwell “Poverty is not only about shortage of money. It is about rights and relationships; about how people are treated and how they regard themselves; about powerlessness; exclusion and loss of equity.” Participant at local poverty hearing held in …
Poverty & Inequality briefing – England
Updated March 2021by Paul Morrison “Poverty is not only about shortage of money. It is about rights and relationships; about how people are treated and how they regard themselves; about powerlessness; exclusion and loss of equity.” Participant at local poverty hearing held in …
Elections in Wales
Elections will be held in each of the 22 Local Authorities in Wales on May 5 2022. In many places, there will also be elections for Town or Community Councillors. At all these elections, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible to vote, as well as those over 18, and many overseas citizens are also eligible …
How to Host a Hustings
Elections are scheduled to take place in England, Wales and Scotland on Thursday 5 May 2022. You can find out which elections are happening in your area here [external link]. You can read why it's good for churches to host a hustings here. Hustings events can take a lot of …
Elections
On 5 May 2022, local elections will be taking place in Scotland, Wales and England. Every election presents an opportunity for citizens to participate critically and constructively in the democratic process. The Joint Public Issues Team encourages everyone to ‘Think, Pray, Vote’. We’ve put …
How many children are “Growing up Poor”?
There are a number of measures of child poverty and all agree that child poverty is rising. Tonight’s Channel 4’s Dispatches programme “Growing up Poor” gives some of the children affected by poverty the chance to tell their own stories – and is incredibly powerful as a result. It is great …