There will be four open-top buses in total, including a lead-off ‘Champions’ truck featuring DJs. The Arsenal players will be in the lead bus, with the men’s team staff to follow in a second and then another featuring the Arsenal Women’s squad, who will parade their FIFA Women’s Champions Cup trophy.

Ben Brooke became emotional on Instagram as he shared behind-the-scenes snippets of his choir’s big win.

In a sweet post on social media, showing glimpses of their celebrations, he wrote: “Last night was one of the most incredible nights of my life. A year ago, most of us were complete strangers brought together for what was meant to be a beer advert. None of us could ever have imagined where that one decision would lead.“What followed was friendships, laughter, memories that will last a lifetime and a journey that took a group of ordinary farmers all the way to winning Britain’s Got Talent.

But somewhere along the way, this became about so much more than singing. It became about community. It became about shining a light on farming and rural life. And it became about showing people that no matter who you are or where you come from, amazing things can happen when people come together.”“The support we’ve received has been overwhelming. Every vote, every message and every person who got behind us helped make this possible,” he added. “For generations, farming has quietly got on with feeding the nation. Last night, it felt like the nation stood alongside us.“I’ll never be able to properly put into words how grateful I am. Thank you for believing in us.”

Organisers say that visitors to the show can look forward to a blossoming line-up of special guests from July 31 July to August 2.

Charlie will be attending on August 1 and national television presenter, Chartered Horticulturalist and bestselling author David Domoney will be heading to the show on Sunday 2 August, delivering an inspiring programme of expert talks, audience Q&A sessions and a meet and greet.

David, who inspires people to become more involved and engaged with plants and nature, is a regular face on national television, presenting shows including ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’ (Britain’s most viewed TV Gardening show), and the Sunday Morning show ‘Love Your Weekend’, and serves as the resident garden presenter on ITV’s flagship show ‘This Morning’.

Charlie Dimmock

Firm favourites of the show Jonathan Moseley, Martin Fish and Jill Fish will also be back for 2026, for all three days of the show, sharing their expert knowledge on the Potting Shed Stage.

Caroline Wolfenden, Director of Change & Delivery at Chorley Council said: “What a line-up! We can’t wait to welcome special guests from the worlds of gardening, TV and radio to this year’s Chorley Flower Show, and there’s more to be revealed so keep an eye out.

“Visitors can also look forward to spectacular show gardens, stunning floral displays, great shopping opportunities, expert talks and workshops, an array of food and drink options, and a wide variety of entertainment for all the family to enjoy – so don’t miss out on early bird tickets!”

ickets are now on sale at the discounted early bird price and also include entry to the Grade I listed Astley Hall, which provides a stunning backdrop for the show in its eleventh year.

Early bird tickets are now available for £15 for a day ticket, £25 for a three-day ticket (plus booking fee when purchasing online). Children under the age of 16 go free (when accompanied by a responsible adult with a paid for ticket) Tickets can be purchased at chorleyflowershow.com/tickets or from the Astley Hall Gift Shop, Ebb &Flo Bookshop and Chorley Theatre (see chorleyflowershow.com/tickets for opening hours of each ticket outlet). Tickets will be full price from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Jonathan Moseley,Jill Fish and Martin Fish

Discounted tickets are also available online for groups of 16 or more when booking together. Group travel operators wishing to arrange coach trips to the show should email events@chorley.gov.uk

For more information visit chorleyflowershow.com, or follow Chorley Flower Show on Facebook or Instagram.

A CALL for “coherent policy and action” on energy from a York Liberal Democrat councillor has prompted a wide-ranging and at times combative response from Press readers, reflecting deep divisions over the UK’s approach to fossil fuels, renewables and climate change.

City of York councillor Christian Vassie, writing from Wheldrake, criticised what he described as inconsistent national policy, arguing that continued reliance on fossil fuels supports hostile regimes. He also highlighted subsidies and system inefficiencies, including payments to wind farms to switch off turbines and the use of gas to meet demand.

His letter has sparked a fierce row over energy policy and the Lib Dems.

Comments among readers have focussed on issues spanning biofuels, international politics and the long-term viability of renewable energy.

Read Councillor Vassie’s full letter here:

One reader, posting as NigeBoddy, challenged parts of the argument by pointing to government action on sanctions against Russian oil, suggesting newer measures were aimed at reducing Vladimir Putin’s revenues. They called instead for practical incentives to expand biodiesel use, including tax changes and support for converting buses and taxis.

“Anything which diminishes the income of both the current Iranian regime and Putin’s regime simultaneously is a good thing,” they wrote, advocating for a shift in taxation policy to promote domestic fuel alternatives.

Others focused less on energy policy and more on party politics. A commenter using the name PsDsTsTsK argued the Liberal Democrats were failing to capitalise on political opportunities, claiming the party risked irrelevance. They described the party as lacking clear policies and suggested it could “fold” before the next election.

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That view was disputed by other readers, who pointed to Lib Dem activity in local government and recent electoral performance, arguing the party remained active and competitive despite national polling challenges.

Energy generation itself was also a point of contention. One commenter highlighted emissions linked to the Drax power station, describing it as the UK’s largest single source of carbon dioxide and questioning the focus on other fossil fuels. The claim was used to argue that not all renewable-labelled energy sources are without environmental impact.

Debate over climate change quickly followed. Some readers dismissed recent weather patterns as inconsistent evidence, while others emphasised long-term trends. One commenter noted that climate science predicts more frequent extremes rather than steady change, citing record-breaking May temperatures as a sign of shifting conditions.

The discussion also revealed contrasting attitudes to the pace of the transition away from fossil fuels. Several contributors argued that oil and gas remain essential in the short to medium term, warning against what they described as unrealistic expectations.

More readers’ views:

“Life as we know it is strongly dependent on them, with no practical alternative at present,” wrote one reader, who criticised the idea of reducing domestic production while continuing to import energy at higher cost.

Others echoed similar sentiments, calling for continued drilling alongside investment in alternatives. Some argued the UK’s emissions are relatively small on a global scale, suggesting domestic policy changes alone would have limited impact.

However, supporters of stronger climate action countered that coordinated international efforts and long-term planning remain essential, even if progress is uneven.

The debate also touched on public perception of government figures. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was both praised and criticised, with some backing his push for renewable expansion while others dismissed his approach as unrealistic.

Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher has replaced the injured Billy Gilmour in Scotland’s World Cup squad.

The 19-year-old made his international debut as a half-time replacement in Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden.

Napoli midfielder Gilmour damaged his knee in a first-half incident and his withdrawal from the squad was announced later in the evening.

Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren, has played more minutes for Scotland than he has for his club, having come off the bench twice for United this season.

Fletcher, whose twin brother Jack has chosen to represent England, was added to the training squad last week by head coach Steve Clarke, along with Hearts duo James Wilson and Liam McFarlane and Dundee defender Luke Graham.

“It boosts our numbers for training given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar,” said Clarke at the time.

Following Gilmour’s injury, Clarke had mentioned Rangers’ Connor Barron, Andy Irving of Sparta Prague and Lennon Milller of Udinese as standby options.

“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Clarke.

“The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.

“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”

Napoli team-mate Scott McTominay wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated for you brother. Football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”

The country pub has outdoor seating and Sunday roasts making it a nice spot for any season

Found in the quiet village of Wansford, the Paper Mills might be a good place to escape from city life to enjoy a meal with family and friends. After taking a slow walk through the village, the country pub is worth popping into for a quick drink.

The pub is in the heart of the “picturesque” village and offers a wide choice of beers and ciders as well as a selection of wines and soft drink options. The Paper Mills says its “takes pride in offering a true country gastropub experience”.

To go alongside your drink, there are plenty of dishes created using “fresh, locally sourced ingredients”. The pub has small plates for £6 each or three for £15 with options to pick from including fish tacos, Korean BBQ chicken wings, and pulled beef croquettes.

If you need something more filling, there are a range of pub classic meals such as sausage and mash served with onion gravy and savoy cabbage or beer battered haddock that comes with chips, mushy peas, and tartare sauce. There are also a few “refined” choices like the ribeye steak and pork and beef lasagne.

On Sundays, the Paper Mills offers a roast dinner where you can choose between a range of meats like lamb shoulder, pork belly, and chicken. There is also a smaller roast for children and a vegetarian option meaning everyone is catered for.

When the sun is shining, there is plenty of space to sit outside in the pub’s beer garden or you might opt for the conservatory if you want a more formal place to enjoy a meal. The inside of the pub is also well decorated with a cosy fireplace for the colder months.

The Paper Mills also has lots of events happening throughout the year including live music and special deals. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, there are different deals on meaning you can get a main for just £10.

The Paper Mills can be found on London Road and is only a 17-minute drive away from Peterborough via the A47. The pub is open everyday from 12pm to 11pm apart from on Sundays when the pub is open from 12pm to 6pm.

An urgent search is under way for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering a river in South Yorkshire.

Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at 7.59pm on Saturday 30 May after the boy was seen entering the water of the River Don but was not seen getting out.

A specialist search operation remains underway attended by South Yorkshire police officers, alongside emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

An underwater search team is working to find the 11-year-old as part of the multi-agency operation with drone and helicopter assistance from above.

The boy’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Doncaster response team inspector Neil Pryce said that the boy had left items on the riverbank and been seen by witnesses getting into the water, indicating his entrance point.

“We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water. Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway and we are doing everything we can to find this young man.

“We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones. This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone’s safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don.”

He asked that members of the public avoid watching or filming the search operation in order to allow the family some dignity amid the “tragic incident”.

“To give the boy and his family the dignity they deserve, we ask that people do not spectate or film the search operation.”

It comes as at least 14 people have died during the heatwave after getting into difficulties in bodies of water.

The hot weather has attracted many people to open-water swimming which has resulted in a number of deaths across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire over recent days.

SINGAPORE (AP) — American allies stressed the need for unity at a top defense conference Sunday, saying that as threats increasingly transcend regions, cooperation is more important than ever, even as Washington has become more critical of its traditional friends.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been extremely harsh about NATO, and the comments at the Shangri-La conference came the day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again chided Western European allies at the forum for not devoting enough resources to defense.

Japan pushes for unity, saying it strengthens deterrence

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi praised Hegseth for his commitment to the Indo-Pacific, but at the same time stressed the continued need for strong coalitions globally.

“Division weakens deterrence, unity strengthens deterrence,” he told the conference, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“If gaps emerge among the United States, Europe, and allies and like-minded countries, forces which take it as an opportunity will surely come in,” he said. “We must prevent such a situation. We must keep our cooperation going on. Now is the time to make our cooperation even stronger.”

Philippines, Japan remain critical of China despite softer US approach

As China has been rapidly expanding and modernizing its military, Japan has been reshaping its own defense policy. Last month, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change in its postwar pacifist policy.

China criticized the change, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying China would “resolutely resist Japan’s reckless moves toward a new type of militarism.”

Koizumi scoffed at that accusation as ironic, coming from China.

“Think about it, there is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers,” he said, speaking in English. “Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled new militarism. Isn’t it strange?”

He said that transparency comes from “discussion and dialogue” and lamented that China had not sent its defense minister to the conference.

At this year’s conference, Hegseth toned down his comments from the previous year on China, when he had warned of rapidly developing threats from Beijing and cautioned it was “actively training” for a possible invasion of Taiwan.

This year’s conference came only about two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump visited Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, however, where Hegseth said the two had agreed to “build a constructive relationship of strategic stability.” His comments were met with praise from China’s delegation in Singapore.

On Sunday, Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr., whose country has clashed repeatedly over competing maritime claims with China, told a small group of reporters that he wasn’t concerned with the change in tone from his most important ally.

“The situation with the United States is different than that from the Philippines,” he said. “They can talk to China that way in a position of parity, if not superiority, while the Philippines cannot.”

He added, however, that he had no intention of following suit.

“If China doesn’t change its behavior, my tone won’t change,” he said.

Australia defends need for rules-based approach to defense

In his speech Saturday, Hegseth applauded many Asian partners for their efforts to step-up defense spending, while reiterating criticism of European allies, who he suggested got “distracted by empty globalist rhetoric about the rules-based international order, while European capitals threw open their borders and hollowed out their militaries.”

“You can have all the rules you want and rules are great,” Hegseth said. “But if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on.”

Many NATO countries failed for years to meet alliance defense spending commitments, but since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many dramatically increased military expenditures and plan more in the future.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference Sunday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, said he agreed with Hegseth’s point that “the rules based order needs to be underpinned by power,” but at the same time said strong rules were “more important today than they have ever been.”

“We are all committed to a rules based system, because that is actually what gives middle powers like Australia or smaller countries agency,” he said.

He also said alliances remain critical to the region’s defense.

“This is a collective challenge and it demands a collective response, which is actually what the rules based order is all about,” he said.

Dutch defense minister pushes for shared response to global conflicts

Netherlands Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius said the current conflicts have global implications and demand a shared response.

“A war in Europe involves drones from Iran, soldiers and ammunition from North Korea and various types of support from China,” she said. “The lesson is clear: regional tensions are no longer regional. Our security is interconnected.”

She said that if middle powers do not work together, they risk becoming spectators or the “subject of conversations,” but with coalitions they can help preserve stability.

“The fact that international rules are being violated does not mean we should abandon them,” she said.

“On the contrary, it means we must defend them more constantly and more courageously. International law may be imperfect, but history teaches us that the alternative is far worse.”

Thomas Hughes was lured by Faith Smyth, who pretended to take him to visit her grandmother after a trip to McDonald’s

A teenager who was enticed down an alleyway by a girl before being attacked with a frying pan by her ex-boyfriend says he “didn’t think she would be capable of doing what she did”. Faith Smyth pretended to be taking the boy to see her nan following a McDonald’s visit, but was in fact leading him into an ambush.

This resulted in him being threatened with a knife and battered unconscious by Callum Smith and John McCormick, who had been lying in wait for their target. McCormick was even reported to have threatened to torch Smyth’s family home in a bid to coerce her into the scheme.

Liverpool Crown Court heard this week that, after their relationship ended, McCormick “cajoled, threatened and encouraged” Smyth to entice then 17-year-old Thomas Hughes to Arnot Street in Walton, Liverpool, so he could be robbed by both him and Smith.

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The 20-year-old sent his then partner a message warning he would “blaze her family’s gaff”, adding in a voice note that he “didn’t want to hurt her family” and “knew where every single member of her family was”.

Alex Langhorn, prosecuting, outlined how this led to Smyth, who was then 17 but is now 19, arranging to meet Mr Hughes in Liverpool city centre on February 18, 2024, where they “wandered around” St Johns Shopping Centre before “convincing him to travel to the L4 area, waiting until it was darker”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The two then visited McDonald’s on County Road before “spinning him a story” that she needed to visit her grandmother in order to borrow money for food.

Smyth, of Melling, had even saved McCormick’s number under the name “nan” in her phone to avoid suspicion as they messaged one another prior to the attack. Shortly before 7pm, she and Mr Hughes entered an alleyway off Arnot Street, where McCormick was waiting and apparently armed with a frying pan alongside Smith, who was carrying a knife.

The teenager attempted to run but was chased, taken to the ground, kicked and beaten and told to empty his pockets while being threatened with the knife, handing over around £40 in cash. He was also said to have been repeatedly hit over the head with the pan, causing him to lose consciousness.

McCormick, of Fenwick Street in the city centre, later posted a video of the assault on social media alongside the caption “hahaha, don’t try and message anyone I’ve been with again”. Smyth tried to pretend she wasn’t involved by sending a voice note to Mr Hughes asking if he was alright.

The teenager was later found injured by a car park attendant, who was on duty during a matchday at nearby Goodison Park. He was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, where a 4cm laceration to the back of his head had to be closed with five staples.

In a statement read to the court on his behalf on Thursday, Mr Hughes said: “Before this happened, I had just started college in September 2023. I was meeting new people, new friends, studying sports coaching and development.

“In February 2024, I was just getting used to college and starting to enjoy myself. I was trusting of people and took them at face value. I did take her at face value and didn’t suspect anything was wrong. I just wanted to see where things would go with her. I had no ulterior motive and thought we could be mates.

“I didn’t initially think anything was wrong, even when she changed the plans to go to another part of Liverpool. I didn’t think she’d be capable of doing what she did to me. She took me to McDonald’s and told me she needed to go and get cash from her nan.

“I struggle to find the words and how shocking I find this. It’s left me wondering why she’d do something like that. What did I do to deserve it? I’m left with the burning question, why me? I wonder, what goes through your heads? What gives you the right to do that to someone?

“I never thought anything like that would happen to me. I thought I was going to die. My scar reminds me of that night. I want to ask each of you why you did this to me. I want you to know, the five words that got me through this were ‘don’t let this define you’. I won’t.”

McCormick’s criminal record shows five convictions for seven offences, including receiving a referral order for assaulting an emergency worker in 2022 and a 15-month imprisonment suspended for two years for possession of MDMA with intent to supply in August 2024. Alex Beevers, defending, said his client maintained he “did not inflict violence with any weapon” but added: “He was 18 at the time. This is clearly a serious offence.

“He is in his 20s now. There appears to have been some modest progress, in my submission. I cannot pray in aid that he has been offence free since, but there has not been a repetition of anything as serious.

“Your honour will appreciate that Mr McCormick has not had a stable life. I hope your honour will accept that he does not seek refuge in that as an excuse. He has been known to a number of organisations throughout his childhood and adolescence. He is a fairly volatile individual who has had a fairly volatile life.

“Clearly, on one hand, he has qualities. He can demonstrate motivation, but the frustrating aspect of his character comes from his implementation of that. He has had a very itinerant lifestyle. He was sleeping in an abandoned taxi. He has had his problems with substance misuse. Ostensibly, he has managed to rid himself of poor influences.”

Smith, of no fixed address, has seven previous convictions for 10 offences, including assaults both before and after the robbery of Mr Hughes. Megan Cox said on the 23-year-old’s behalf: “He clearly was then, and still is now, an immature individual. He had been a daily user of cannabis. He consumed alcohol, and he was suffering with his mental health in the period leading up to this offending.

“He has found that his time in custody has been beneficial to him. He is now abstinent from cannabis and has not consumed any alcohol. He describes himself as being in a much better place mentally at the moment.

“He is waiting to be assigned a job in the prison as a cleaner. He has used this time, really, to try and sort himself out. He is now motivated, in a way that he may not have been previously, to turn his life around on his release.

“Now, having been abstinent of alcohol and drugs, he sees the negative impact that they have had on his life. He also sees the negative effect that his peers have had on his life. His main motivation now is his children. He wants to be a role model to his children and, hopefully, find employment when he is released.”

Smyth has no previous convictions. Her counsel Louise Santamera told the court: “The defendant readily accepts that she played her role. She was not aware that any weapon would be brought to the scene.

“She was living in a hostel and became involved in an abusive relationship, which she says directly led to her becoming involved in this offence. Ms Smyth is very keen to let Mr Hughes know that she is extremely sorry for what she did that night. She is ashamed of herself. She does not intend to repeat the same mistake.

“She is in a very different position today. She is in a stable relationship with her new partner and living at home with her mother, having restored their relationship. It appears to have become a close relationship, which can only strengthen and enhance her chances of going forward and leading a crime free life.”

Smith was found guilty of robbery by a jury following a trial, having admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool, he was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

McCormick pleaded guilty to robbery and was handed four years and 11 months behind bars. Smyth similarly admitted robbery and was given a 22-month imprisonment suspended for two years with 120 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement.

All three also received restraining orders which will prevent them from contacting Mr Hughes for life. Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: “He had no idea that he was walking into a trap. A plan had been hatched a day or so earlier. You, Mr McCormick, upset that your on-off girlfriend, Ms Smyth, had been talking to Mr Hughes, directed her to bring Mr Hughes to a location where you would be waiting.

“It is clear that you were intending to attack and rob him. At this time, you, Mr McCormick, were staying at the address of your close friend, Callum Smith. That evening, you left the address after dark and headed to the alleyway, where it had clearly been arranged that Ms Smyth would bring Mr Hughes.

“You were both armed. There was, it seems, potentially a frying pan, or certainly a weapon with a flat bottom. Also, you, Mr Smith, had a knife with you. The two of you lay in wait for about 10 minutes.

“As Faith Smyth led Mr Hughes to that location, the two of you both emerged. Mr Hughes saw the knife and ran. The two of you males chased him up that alleyway. You both kicked him. He went down.

“You continued to rain multiple blows on him. You, Mr Smith, demanded that he empty his pockets while you continued the attack. While he lay there in a ball, he was struck in the head with what transpired to likely be a frying pain that caused a gash to his head.

“You, Ms Smyth, stood by and watched what happened. You then all fled, leaving an unconscious and bleeding boy on the pavement. It is a matter of luck, rather than design, that the physical injuries were not more serious in this case.

“However, it is not just the physical injuries that make an offence such as this a serious one. It is the emotional impact that it has. At the time, he had just started college. He was a trusting young person.

“His faith in people has been completely undermined. He thought, that evening, in that alleyway, he was going to die. He still has that scar on his head, which he feels every day when he brushes his hair. He had nightmares about seeing that knife. He feels like he has to check over his shoulder.

“He is a courageous young man who, I hope, has a positive future ahead of him. As he has said, he does not intend to let this attack on him define him. I hope that, with the support of his family, he is able to move on from this matter.”

Turning to Smyth, Judge Pierpoint said: “You are somebody who has not been before the courts before. You now show genuine remorse for what you got yourself involved in. But the fact is that you played a very important role in this very serious offence. If it were not for you luring this young man to this attack, it is unlikely that this offence would have taken place.

“You were just 17 at the time. Your life was not stable. You were no longer living at home and had moved into a hostel. It was at that hostel that you met Mr McCormick and began a relationship with him. I accept that your involvement was through some level of coercion and intimidation. However, you still involved yourself in this matter.

“You are somebody, at the time, who was psychologically vulnerable and open to a level of exploitation. That explains why a young woman such as you got yourself involved in what was a serious matter.

“This was your first serious relationship. I hope it is right that, over the last two years or so, you have grown up and been able to reflect on what you got yourself involved in.

“You are now 19. I could send you to young offenders today. No complaint could be made about that. You did play a significant role in the matter. In my judgement, in your case, there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. There is strong mitigation.

“In your case, in my judgement, I can suspend that sentence upon you today. I make it clear that you have been very close to being sentenced to immediate custody today. This is not a soft option. I have given you an opportunity today. I will remember this case. If you breach this, you will be going through that door on the next occasion.”

The First Minister said he had not called former MPs Douglas Chapman and Joanna Cherry – both of whom resigned from the SNP’s governing body in 2021.

John Swinney has admitted he has not spoken to SNP whistleblowers since Peter Murrell pled guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.

The First Minister said he had not called former MPs Douglas Chapman and Joanna Cherry – both of whom resigned from the SNP’s governing body in 2021 amid concerns they had not provided with “support or financial information” in order to scrutinise the party’s then financial position.

It has since transpired that 2020 and 2021 were the peak years of Murrell’s decade-long embezzlement of SNP cash.

Chapman, a well-respected figure within the party, quit as the SNP’s national treasurer and claimed in June 2021 he had been given enough information to do his job.

Speaking in 2021, Swinney said he could not understand what had prompted the then MP’s decision. Asked at the time whether Police Scotland was investigating “£600,000 of SNP funds and perhaps diverted elsewhere?” Mr Swinney replied: “Not to my knowledge, no.”

Speaking today, the now First Minister said: “What I’ve got to do is serve my party and to make sure I bring forward the improvements and the governance that are taking place so we have the highest standards of governance.”

Asked whether Chapman, Cherry and others had not “kick-started an investigation into the party that uncovered criminality”, and “ultimately done the party a great favour”, Swinney added: “I grieve for the party members as the trust in one of its most senior members was betrayed.

“And as a consequence of that, a police investigation has found out the extent of that betrayal, to the highest possible standards, which has resulted in a High Court prosecution.

“And that’s come about because of the forensic investigation taken forward by the police.

“The assurance I give to party members today is that I’ve got in place now the strongest standards of governance and we will continue to challenge ourselves to make sure those standards of governance are applied at all times.”

In a post on social media hours after Murrell was convicted, Chapman said: “When you circle the wagons make sure you’re protecting the right guys.

“SNP group-think, plus lack of self-awareness, political judgement and decency suggests there will be no apology from the party hierarchy – some of whom are now serving as MSPs/ministers in the Scottish Government.”