Holyrood 550 / 19 May 2025

"I have Healed it"
John Swinney has fixed his broken party and is now eyeing another election win

3 Editor’s note
Is there anything progressive about a policy that puts a value on life, that forces disabled people to question their worth?

5 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
Labour should just hand Nigel Farage the keys to Downing Street now

8 In Context
The Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill

10 Spotlight
On assisted dying, MSPs are wrestling with a matter of huge significance

13 Election 2026: Higher education
Scotland’s universities and colleges are struggling after years of underinvestment

18 Election 2026 Leader Interview: John Swinney
The first minister says he’s brought his party back together after a difficult couple of years

26 Mental Health: Overview
Mental health services are nearing breaking point amid a surge in demand over the last decade

28 Mental Health: Social media
‘Pro-eating disorder’ content is putting vulnerable people at risk

31 Mental Health: Life expectancy
People with severe mental illness die 15-20 years earlier than the average Scot – why?

34 Political Interview: Pauline McNeill
Labour’s justice spokesperson on breaking out of the bubble and listening to voters’ concerns

38 Getting to Know You
Labour MP Johanna Baxter on her trip to the Serengeti

40 Comment
Fear the unintended consequences of assisted dying, says Joan McAlpine

41 Political Spin
Roz McCall on her love/hate relationship with The Lady in Red

42 Diary
Nicola says no to sex parties while Humza offers relationship advice

43 Last Word
Sketch: John Swinney preaches to the choir