A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
16th July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Rowling charity threatens legal action over Amnesty report
Beira's Place, the sexual violence support centre founded by J.K. Rowling, has threatened legal action against Amnesty International UK over a report that labelled the charity "anti-rights". Lawyers claim the report was defamatory, harmed the charity's reputation and led to abusive correspondence and disruption to services. They are demanding the report's permanent withdrawal, a public apology and an independent investigation into its publication, warning court proceedings could follow if Amnesty refuses. Amnesty has already withdrawn the report pending an internal review, saying it was published without normal checks and that its language did not reflect the organisation's position.

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THE LAW
Khan backs maximum workplace temperature call
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan supports calls for a maximum workplace temperature as heatwaves intensify. The UK lacks regulations for maximum temperatures, despite rising heat levels causing significant disruptions. Unison and the Trades Union Congress advocate for a maximum of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson confirmed no plans for mandatory limits but mentioned a forthcoming public consultation on workplace health and safety, including temperature thresholds.
Labour considers adding race and disability to equal pay law
Labour plans to expand equal value pay claims to enable workers to sue for race and disability discrimination. The move marks a significant shift in the legal landscape for equal pay, which lets staff bring claims against their employers for discrimination if they are paid less than those in similar jobs. Equal pay claims have already effectively bankrupted Birmingham City Council and led to lawsuits against Asda and Next, which could cost the retailers £1.2bn and £30m, respectively. Commenting on the plans, Claire Coutinho, the shadow minister for equalities, said: "All this will do is cost taxpayers and consumers more, and encourage divisive identity politics in the workplace."
Hillsborough Law clears Commons
The Hillsborough Law has passed the House of Commons, introducing a legal duty of candour for public officials, new offences for deliberately misleading the public, and expanded legal aid for bereaved families at inquests involving public bodies. Writing in the Edinburgh Evening News, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the legislation would improve accountability following failures exposed by the Hillsborough disaster, Grenfell Tower fire, infected blood scandal and Post Office Horizon scandal. He described the Bill as a significant legacy for Sir Keir Starmer, with Andy Burnham pledging to uphold it.
New law mandates single-sex facilities
New guidance on single-sex toilets and changing rooms will take effect on August 5. This law, updated by Britain's watchdog, follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that "women are women and men are men." Under the new code, facilities must be used based on biological sex, not gender identity. This applies to toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards, and refuges. The code suggests that unisex options, like lockable cubicles, could provide inclusive solutions, stating it would be "very unlikely to be proportionate" to deny a trans person access to services.
Labour MP reintroduces assisted dying law
Labour MP Lauren Edwards is set to reintroduce the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, aiming to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in England and Wales. Lord Charlie Falconer, who will sponsor the bill in the Lords, expressed support, noting that over 200 peers requested its return for further scrutiny.

 
CASES
Abuse survivors frustrated by extradition delays
Survivors alleging abuse by former Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College teacher Iain Wares have voiced frustration after a South African court postponed his sentencing for a third time. Wares, 86, was convicted of indecently assaulting a pupil in Cape Town but failed to appear, reportedly due to ill health, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant. Scottish prosecutors are seeking his extradition over 89 charges, including sexual assault and rape, but proceedings cannot continue until the South African case concludes.
Experts disagree in Peterhead baby death trial
The trial of Courtney Gartshore, accused of culpable homicide following the death of her three-month-old daughter Dahlia-Rose, heard conflicting evidence from burns specialists. A defence expert said it was more likely the baby was already dead when burns were inflicted with a hairdryer, while the prosecution expert believed she was still alive. The court also heard several original neglect and drug-related charges against Gartshore have been dropped.
HEALTH
QEUH review widens over cleaning chemical use
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has expanded an internal review after discovering a corrosive dishwasher detergent may have been used to clean floors across Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for up to three years, rather than as an isolated incident. Domestic staff have been offered occupational health support amid concerns they handled the chemical without appropriate protective equipment or training. Trade union GMB has raised health and safety concerns, while opposition politicians have called for answers. The hospital, already subject to a public inquiry into infection outbreaks and a separate investigation into seven deaths, faces renewed scrutiny over governance and safety procedures.
POLICING
Glasgow seeks policing review as events boost economy
Glasgow City Council has called for discussions with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and COSLA over police funding for major events after hearing the SEC generated a £557m economic impact last year. Councillors said Glasgow's events also attracted significant tourism and investment but placed growing demands on policing. The council will seek a review of whether current funding arrangements reflect the pressures on host cities, alongside a report examining the impact of major events on neighbourhood policing capacity.
TECHNOLOGY
Meta faces lawsuit over AI layoffs
Twenty-six employees of Meta Platforms have filed a lawsuit alleging the company used AI tools to unfairly target staff for layoffs. The lawsuit claims that the AI systems disproportionately affected workers with disabilities and those on medical leave. Filed in federal court, the plaintiffs seek to halt the layoffs scheduled for July 22. They argue that Meta violated federal and state discrimination laws and failed to test its AI for bias. A Meta spokesperson stated: "These claims lack merit and are not based on fact." The case marks a significant challenge to AI's role in employment decisions.
INTERNATIONAL
France greenlights assisted dying bill
The French National Assembly has approved a bill permitting assisted dying, despite opposition from some health professionals and concerns within President Macron's government. The legislation, supported by 84% of the public, passed with 291 votes to 241. It requires patients to be over 18, suffering from a serious illness, and capable of expressing their will. Critics, including eight health professionals, warn it may endanger vulnerable individuals, citing "numerous areas of uncertainty" in the legislation.

 

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