SNP

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of Scotland's SNP, has had his legal aid withdrawn following his conviction for embezzlement. The Scottish Legal Aid Board confirmed the decision after the guilty verdict, meaning Murrell may have to meet his own legal costs going forward. The move follows a lengthy police investigation into the SNP's finances that also drew in his wife, former MSP Nicola Sturgeon's leadership era.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has pledged £200m to support industry in Grangemouth, Falkirk, prompting criticism from the SNP. The Scottish National Party has questioned the announcement, though details of its objections remain limited. Grangemouth has been a focus of political attention amid concerns over the future of its industrial and petrochemical operations.

Synopsys, the chip design software company, is drawing attention over whether its strong design business justifies the premium valuation of its shares. Investors are weighing the quality of its design automation franchise against a price that already reflects substantial growth expectations, a debate that has picked up as semiconductor and AI-related software stocks command elevated multiples.

Amazon has struck a $1 billion deal with Synopsys, whose software is used to design semiconductors, to support development of custom chips for its AWS cloud division. The agreement underscores Amazon's push to build in-house silicon for AI workloads and reduce reliance on outside chip suppliers. Financial commentators are now weighing what the deal means for investors holding Synopsys stock.

Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and husband of former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, has had his legal aid withdrawn by the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The decision affects funding for his defence in the ongoing criminal case against him. Murrell was charged in connection with an investigation into SNP finances. The withdrawal means he may have to fund his legal representation privately going forward.