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John Swinney – 2026 Comments on a Bank Holiday in Scotland for World Cup

The comments made by John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, on 5 January 2026.

Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.

January 5, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : World Cup Public Holiday in Scotland [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 5 January 2026.

First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.

The First Minister said:

“Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

Background

Bank holidays are set under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. The relevant powers were devolved by the Scotland Act 1998.

A day can be appointed as a bank holiday in Scotland by Royal Proclamation. The First Minister advises the Privy Council on proclamations for Scotland that are then designated by Royal Proclamation by His Majesty the King.

January 5, 2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 23 December 1925

23 DECEMBER 1925

In his Speech to the Parliament of Northern Ireland the King expressed gratification regarding the recent settlement with the Irish Free State, and said he hoped it would be cemented by a spirit of goodwill and friendship.

In his speech proroguing Parliament until February 2 the King reviewed the legislation of the session, especially referring to industrial and social Acts. Hopes were expressed for peace and goodwill at home and abroad.

The Lords amendments to the Rating Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill were disposed of in the House of Commons.

Mr Baldwin had an interview in London with the Turkish Ambassador on the subject of the Iraq boundary.

In an interview in London Emir Zaid, who has been acting as Regent of Iraq, expressed the belief that the decision of the League of Nations would have an immense effect in ensuring a bright and happy future for his country.

Mr Churchill, replying to a deputation on the subject of a tax on betting, promised to examine impartially the question in all its aspects.

Sharp fighting is reported between the Chinese belligerents. The troops of Feng Yu Hsiang have advanced, and Tientsin is in danger of falling. At Mukden Japanese troops are prepared forcibly to keep the contending forces six miles from the railway, and in the event of the Chinese pledges being broken, the nature of the action to be taken by the Japanese troops is left to the discretion of the respective Commanders.

Chinese pirates seized and looted the British steamer Tungchow. The captain was wounded by a shot, and the officers navigated the vessel at the point of the pistol. Europeans on board were not molested.

Captain Gordon Canning, hon. secretary of the Riff Committee in London, in an interview with a Press representative, at Marseilles, made a statement in regard to Abdel Krim’s views on peace terms with France and Spain.

January 5, 2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 December 1925

22 DECEMBER 1925

The Prime Minister stated in the House of Commons that the safeguarding of a basic industry of the magnitude of the iron and steel trades would have repercussions which might be held to be in conflict with the Government’s declaration in regard to a general tariff. While in all the circumstances of the time they had decided that the application of these trades could not be granted, the Government would keep them under observation with a view to promoting their well-being should any other measures be deemed desirable.

By 239 votes to four, the Socialists taking no part in the debate or the division, the House of Commons carried the Prime Minister’s resolution expressing approval of the action taken by the British representatives at Geneva in accepting the Iraq boundary award.

In the House of Lords, the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, replying to a question regarding Rosyth, stated that when the full economies the Admiralty proposed were brought into operation it would be found that Scotland had not been unfairly dealt with as compared with England.

A cheque of £1000 has been sent by the Prince of Wales to Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., the desire of His Royal Highness being “to share in some small degree the burdens” shouldered by the guarantors of the British Empire Exhibition.

January 5, 2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 December 1925

21 DECEMBER 1925

Proposals made by French industrialists with a view to the rehabilitation of the country’s finances are on the whole meeting with a good reception in France.

Attired in the distinctive dress of the Order, the Prince of Wales was present at the celebrations in London of the tenth birthday of Toc H, when he consented to light the lamp of maintenance.

“The Scotsman” express train travelling to Glasgow ran into a goods train at Linlithgow, both trains being badly smashed. Passengers on the express had miraculous escapes.

President Coolidge is sounding both sides in the Senate as to American participation in a Disarmament Conference. He has consulted Colonel House.

Edinburgh’s housing problem is the subject of an article in which the position is considered in view of the Prime Minister’s declaration to withdraw the £40 subsidy and the vote taken at the Edinburgh Town Council meeting last week.

January 5, 2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 December 1925

20 DECEMBER 1925

It was reported that there had been an explosion at Birchenwood colliery in Staffordshire, killing seven miners and injuring seven others. It was later confirmed that there had been 374 persons underground when the explosion took place.

It was confirmed that the men had returned to work at the Ulster Special Constabulary and duties were being completed as usual.

January 5, 2026
Mette Frederiksen – 2026 Statement on US Aggression over Greenland

The comments made by Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Denmark, on 5 January 2026.

If the United States decides to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything would stop, that includes NATO and therefore post-Second World War security.

January 5, 2026
NEWS STORY : UK urges “safe and peaceful transition” in Venezuela in UN Security Council statement

STORY

The UK has called for a “safe and peaceful transition” to a legitimate government in Venezuela, telling the UN Security Council that Venezuelans “have suffered for years” under Nicolás Maduro’s rule and deserve a government that reflects their vote at the ballot box.

Speaking in New York, Ambassador James Kariuki said Maduro’s actions had fuelled poverty, violent repression and failing basic services, while also driving a displacement crisis across the region. He repeated the UK’s longstanding position that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent and pointed to the fact that Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has still not published full results from the July 2024 presidential election, alongside reports citing irregularities and a lack of transparency.

The remarks came as the Security Council met at what the UK described as a “pivotal moment” for Venezuela’s future, amid heightened international scrutiny of events in the country and wider debate over how external powers are responding to the crisis.

January 5, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 January 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela.

The Venezuelan people have suffered for years.

This Council now meets at a pivotal moment for Venezuela’s future.

Maduro’s actions created extreme levels of poverty, violent repression, and failing basic services.

His regime’s rule precipitated a displacement crisis affecting the whole region.

The United Kingdom has long been clear that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent.

To date, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections.

Independent domestic and international reports also observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency.

President, the United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

They deserve a government which reflects their vote at the ballot box, and delivers a more stable, prosperous future for all Venezuelans.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

These foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law.

January 5, 2026
European Commission – 2026 Statement on Iran

The statement made by the European Commission on 3 January 2026.

We follow closely the unfolding situation across Iran, with demonstrations reflecting the demands of many Iranians. We are concerned by the reported deaths and injuries and urge Iran’s security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling peaceful protests. Socio-economic challenges were acknowledged by authorities and should be addressed through inclusive dialogue, not through violence.

We call on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and to enable the free flow of information and access to the internet. All individuals arrested for peacefully exercising their rights should be immediately released.

January 5, 2026