Sarwar’s business dealings targeted

Labour leadership candidate Anas Sarwar was yesterday savaged by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over his business affairs.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions yesterday, Ms Sturgeon launched a stinging attack, saying there was a “gulf as wide as the Clyde” between the words and deeds of Mr Sarwar, who has faced criticism after it emerged that his family’s firm does not pay all staff the real living wage or recognise trade unions.

Legislation to ban wild animals in travelling circuses must be tightened up to avoid loopholes, a Holyrood committee has said.

MSPS on the Environment Committee have backed the principle of the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Bill but said it must be strengthened to achieve its aim.

The Bill, if passed, would make Scotland the first part of the UK to outlaw wild animals in travelling circuses. In a report, the committee said the definitions of “travelling circus” and “wild animals” in the legislation were open to interpretation. MSPS said it was crucial the definition was sufficiently targeted so that it did not capture other kinds of performances.

The committee also criticised the decision to introduce the Bill on ethical grounds rather than animal welfare concerns.