What's happened
Inquiry into Edinburgh tram project reveals significant cost overruns and delays
Why it matters
The inquiry's findings highlight significant mismanagement and financial impact on Edinburgh residents and the city's reputation, prompting calls for new legislation to enable sanctions against individuals or companies who knowingly submit false statements on major projects.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the inquiry's findings were immediately dismissed by Scotland's current transport minister, Mairi McAllan, who claimed some of its conclusions were not supported by evidence. The Guardian highlights Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day's apology for the serious mistakes made by the council, while also emphasizing the positive impact of the tram system. The Times focuses on the inquiry's recommendation for criminal sanctions against individuals or firms who deliberately lie to councillors, and the need for substantial reforms in the oversight of tram projects in Scotland.
How we got here
The Edinburgh tram project was plagued by delays and cost overruns, leading to a long-awaited inquiry into the reasons behind its failure.
More on these topics
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Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. Historically part of the county of Midlothian, it is located in Lothian on the Firth of Forth's southern shore.
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Andrew Rutherford Hardie, Baron Hardie, PC, QC is a former Senator of the College of Justice, a judge of the Supreme Courts of Scotland, and a former Lord Advocate, the country's senior Law Officer.
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Màiri Louise McAllan is a Scottish politician serving as Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform since May 2021. A member of the Scottish National Party, she has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Clydesdale since 2021. McAllan