New first minister axes cabinet independence role

Govts share desire to end child poverty

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden held a press conference during the British-Irish Council (BIC) summit in Edinburgh, where Pat McFadden defended Labour's record on reducing child poverty. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM attends the BIC plenary meeting

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Taoiseach Simon Harris, sit down with leaders from the Council's eight Member Administrations for the plenary meeting during the British-Irish Council (BIC) summit in Edinburgh. Formed in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, this will be the 42nd meeting of the intergovernmental forum. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

British-Irish Council family photograph

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer poses for a family photograph alongside the Taoiseach Simon Harris, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan during the British-Irish Council (BIC) summit in Edinburgh. Formed in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, this will be the 42nd meeting of the intergovernmental forum. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Swinney: NHS central to Scottish budget priorities

Support for the “vital and precious” institution of the NHS will be at the heart of the upcoming Scottish Budget, John Swinney has said. The First Minister visited Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert where he met staff and toured the ambulatory care centre. He said the NHS will be “right at the heart” of the Scottish Budget, which will be published by Finance Secretary Shona Robison on Wednesday. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn