The Know Daily - Tuesday 30 April 2024

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Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years, according to a landmark study led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers also found that “monumental efforts” have been made to increase access to immunisation, with the WHO Director-General describing vaccines as “among the most powerful inventions in history”. 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The situation in Scotland, explained

Humza Yousaf yesterday resigned as Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader.

How did we get here?
Yousaf’s resignation came after the power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens collapsed earlier this month. This agreement - known as the Bute House agreement - had allowed Yousaf to govern with a majority in the Scottish parliament since becoming First Minister in March 2023. 

On 18 April, the Scottish government announced it was dropping a major environmental target - prompting the Greens to arrange a vote on whether to stay part of the Bute House agreement. But before this vote could take place, Yousaf announced on 25 April that he was ending the SNP-Green deal, Channel 4 News explained.

What happened then?
When he announced the end of the Bute House agreement, Yousaf said he would stay on as First Minister and lead a minority government. However, he was facing two no confidence votes, called for by opposition parties. 

In a press conference on Monday, Yousaf said while it was “absolutely possible” that he could have survived the confidence votes, he had decided not to continue as First Minister.

What happens now?
The SNP has officially begun the process of choosing a new leader. Former party leader John Swinney and former finance secretary Kate Forbes - who lost out to Yousaf during last year's leadership contest - are two names currently in the frame, although neither have declared their candidacy.