News you need today: London travel pass and Scottish by-elections
Today’s briefing covers calls to protect free travel passes for Londoners and the start of voting in two Scottish by-elections. We also look at a major report on hospital abuse and a significant drug seizure in Aberdeen.
Age UK has sent an open letter to London Councils, the body representing the city's local authorities, urging them to protect the Freedom Pass. The pass allows older people and those with disabilities to travel for free on most public transport in London. While London Councils said they would consider various options for the scheme later this year, they stated that any changes would involve a full public consultation.
Residents in two areas of Scotland are heading to the polls today for Westminster by-elections. Voters in Aberdeen South and the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry constituency are choosing new Members of Parliament. Key issues in these areas include the economic health of local high streets.
A long-awaited final report into the mistreatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is set to be released. The inquiry investigated allegations of abuse against vulnerable patients at the facility. Families of the victims have expressed hope that the report will lead to radical improvements in the healthcare system to prevent future mistreatment.
Police in Aberdeen have charged eight men following the discovery of cannabis with a street value of more than £1.3 million. Officers targeted 11 different addresses across the city on Monday and Tuesday, uncovering eight separate locations where the drugs were being grown.
The US state of Texas is opening a new trade office in London to strengthen economic ties with the UK capital. Texas officials described London as a leader for international business, despite some other firms recently moving their operations away from the city.
For more on these stories and other news, visit the app's News section. Read about residents in West London complaining of a "rat city" in their flat block, plans for a large new holiday complex in Dumfries and Galloway, and how an American student revived a historic London football club.