There has been a muted reaction to news of the 4 July Westminster poll from Scotland's charity sector

Devolution must be respected – and a path found to a new, humane way of doing politics.

That’s the message from Scotland’s charity sector as the 4 July Westminster general election campaign gets underway.

Reaction from Scotland’s voluntary groups to the announcement of the summer poll was muted, reflecting the sector’s closer relationship with the Scottish Parliament and the country’s devolved structures.

On that basis, it is important that whoever is in charge at Westminster on 5 July, Scotland’s democracy is respected.

This comes after the last Tory government took an increasingly bullish attitude towards Scottish affairs and law-making.

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “It is our sector that steps up, time and again, to provide vital support to people and communities across Scotland impacted by Westminster decision-making – on issues like immigration, social security, the economy and more.

“As we head towards polling day, our sector will be making the case for a humane way of doing politics, one that puts people and communities first. Their voices must be heard, and SCVO will be supporting them to do just that.

“With the Scottish Parliament turning 25 this year, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the vital contribution our sector has made, using new avenues to transform society for the better. I want to see that legacy built upon. It is crucial therefore that we see a commitment from all parties to let that happen, by respecting devolution.”   

Scottish charity regulator OSCR has issued updated advice for charities during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “With a general election coming up, voters will rightly be asking politicians what they will do to lower energy costs for good.

“Energy prices remain 50% higher than they were before the energy bills crisis began and are due to tick upwards again as we head into winter 2024/25.

“Years of staggering energy bills have taken their toll on household finances up and down the country. People are turning to loan sharks to pay their energy bills, millions of people are living in cold damp homes and many are experiencing a mental health crisis driven by high bills.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer issued a very short statement, which perhaps summed up the feelings of many when the election was called.

It simply read: “Good. And not a moment too soon.”