First Minister John Swinney has accused the UK government of taking an "absolutely appalling" approach to welfare reform. MPs have backed changes to the social security system, but only after Labour ministers made major concessions to rebels that removed the bulk of the proposals for reforming disability benefits.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer marks a year in office this week, facing challenges from within his party and the public.

Amid fears of imminent defeat, Starmer authorised a last-minute climbdown. Experts said the emasculated bill, which passed a parliamentary vote on Tuesday evening, could even lose the government money overall after it was initially intended to generate net savings of £5bn.