foreign travel advice scotland

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Foreign travel advice

Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

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COVID-19 Guidance & Advice for Holidays in Scotland

Let us make visiting Scotland simple with our Covid-19 information and advice.

Last updated: 23 January 2023

Bloodyfoot near Kinglassie

© Fife Council / Damian Shields

Covid-19 Travel Restrictions in Scotland

The landscape of Assynt looking towards the peak of Stac Pollaidh

© Unsplash

Visiting Scotland

There are no Covid-19 travel conditions to visiting Scotland, regardless of what country you live in or your vaccination status.

When in Scotland

• You no longer have to wear a mask in public places or on public transport.
• If you  develop Covid-19 symptoms , you should stay in your accommodation.

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May 22, 2023 • 6 min read

Pack for weather of all kinds for your trip to Scotland © Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Jam-packed with hidden glens, haunted castles and cryptic lochs, overrun with mind-boggling festivals and melodious bagpipe players, and soaked in peated whisky , gin and rain, Scotland can be as baffling as it is brilliant.

This country specializes in astonishing travelers at the same time as confounding them, delivering a double punch of euphoria and disbelief. Not that you’d know it from the chipper locals who take everything in their stride.

For all the undreamed-of scenarios that you can encounter while here – summer hiking in shorts with an umbrella, for instance, or being terrorized by an invisible nuisance, the blood-sucking midge – the truth is that Scotland is an easy country to crack if you know the answer to some crucial questions and practicalities.

What’s the smartest way to travel around when venturing outside of Edinburgh ? How long do you need to make a trip to Scotland's islands worthwhile? Is it really OK to eat a deep-fried Mars Bar in Glasgow ? (Spoiler: yes, but no one ever really does.)

Here are a few key things and etiquette tips to know before traveling to Scotland.

Pack for all seasons, even in summer...

A joke often told is that Scotland had a great summer last year – it was on a Wednesday. It’s a tongue-in-cheek punchline, of course, but there’s a kernel of truth at its core: the country’s weather is a carousel of ever-variegated four-season shifts, with summer days often wet, wild and glorious all in the same place at nearly the same time.

For the most dependably bright and dry weather, visit in May, early June or September. If gray is your favorite color, any time of year will suit you fine.

...and check the weather if you’re going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Look away now if you don’t want the grim news. Despite the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts gathering, taking place in so-called peak summer in August, the event is often a washout. Waterproof shoes and an umbrella that you don’t mind getting blown inside out are as essential as a healthy appetite for comedy, theater, circus and raucous beer gardens.

Scottish pound sterling banknotes are valid everywhere in the UK

It sounds absurd, but the variety of banknotes in the UK can be bewildering. All pound sterling bills, whether printed in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland, are legal tender and valid across the country. You can spend English bills in Scotland, but many retailers won’t accept Scottish bills south of the border. Some foreign exchange services even provide worse rates for Scottish-printed bills.

Be wary when talking politics

Scotland is a divided country, politically speaking at least. On one hand, the independence movement is growing, but some Scots resolutely want to remain part of the United Kingdom. For a simple crash course, know that Scotland is a de facto separate country already with its own parliament – it exists in a political and monetary union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and that way you won’t raise the ire when chatting with locals in the pub.

The next decade could see unprecedented change in Scotland. A second independence referendum is often touted, after the 2014 referendum before Brexit failed to get over the line, but Westminster has resisted the call. Even a bare-bones understanding of the country’s sociopolitical history will deepen the pleasure of traveling to Scotland and remind you that you’re not just visiting a place, but a moment in time.

Driving outside the cities can be an art form

On first impression, Scotland is a pipsqueak in terms of European geography. It's easy to digest on the map and then drive around in a matter of days, right? Wrong.

Perhaps the most consequential effect of its jigsaw-puzzle shape, with crooked sea lochs, knobby islands and corkscrewing glens, is that getting from A to B outside the main cities always takes longer than the GPS and Google Maps suggest.

Roads are often single lane, requiring pulling to the side of the road to let oncoming vehicles pass (a friendly wave is part of the roadside theater). Slow-moving vehicles like tractors, campers and motorhomes can grind traffic to a halt, particularly on the now infamous North Coast 500 . Wayward sheep and red deer might also take over the road.

Patience is key, and a car or camper will get you to where you want to go faster – and more efficiently – than using Scotland's skeletal train and bus network . Or take your bike, inflatable kayak or canoe on a Scotrail service, now amped-up with more bike carriages and space for bulky sports gear, to see all the parts in between. 

Plan for more time, not less

The biggest regret of first-time visitors to Scotland? Trying to cram too much into a single trip. If you’re spending time in Edinburgh and Glasgow and then the Highlands or Stirling and Perthshire , you’ll need at least a week. Add the Isle of Skye or the Outer Hebrides to your itinerary, and you’ll need two weeks – and you’ll still be struggling to catch your breath.

To do Scotland and its idiosyncratic islands justice, you really need three to four weeks. Travel more sustainably and focus on one chunk in particular, like the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway or Aberdeenshire and Moray . Do this, and you’ll be encouraged to stop more regularly and invest more back into the rural towns and villages you might otherwise whizz through. 

Wear a kilt if you want

The stereotypical link between the historical birthright to wear a kilt and the act of doing so is gibberish. Everyone looks better in a pleated, knee-length skirt and furry sporran, regardless of gender, nationality or patriotism to Scotland. If you need a new addition to your wardrobe, there’s nowhere better than Scotland to get measured up in tartan.

Don’t be afraid to join in

Going to the pub is a national pastime in Scotland, verging on a human right. The Scots are among the world’s friendliest, most approachable people. They love to binge on alcohol too – cue a whole dictionary of words for drinking, like blootered, bladdered, hammered, steamin’, smashed and wrecked – and see no harm in inviting a complete stranger to share a drink or dram, particularly around Hogmanay (New Year).

Expect to be invited to parties and pubs more so than you would be in many other places around the world. Like anywhere else, though, take care and be aware of your surroundings.

Is it safe to drink the tap water? 

Yes. The one thing Scotland isn’t short of is water. Cut down on single-use plastic with a refillable bottle, and take advantage of the free network of rivers and lochs when embracing the great outdoors.

Can travelers get free health care in Scotland?

NHS Scotland, the country’s devolved National Health Service system, is a cornerstone of life, and visitors from most European countries are covered for certain emergency treatments should they have an accident while on vacation. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is the key for this, while travelers from elsewhere should check on reciprocal healthcare agreements between their home country and the UK.

This article was first published Sep 4, 2022 and updated May 22, 2023.

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Coronavirus Travel Information

Consumer advice coronavirus travel information.

Free, practical consumer advice and information on the coronavirus pandemic for the citizens of Scotland

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This comprises two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is utterly indispensible Various airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be used for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional details on going abroad and present government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but customers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Consumers are advised to contact their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

In conditions where the hotel and place are open, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may miss out.

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial compensation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected areas after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are recommended to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the current condition, issues surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those travellers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any additional expenses for housing and any food vital. For those consumers who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of worry finishes here. It is then the duty of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain further help. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in regard to a destination that the traveller selects to journey to, and the traveller chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and assistance.

Events and Entertainment

Cancelled events

If the tickets to an event such as a concert or sports event have been cancelled, and these have been reserved through an official booking site, then you should genrally get a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory association and as such, compel firms registered with them to refund the ticket’s face value amount when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the fee paid for delivery.

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a refund can be bidden via the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not contain the fee paid for booking fees or delivery.

Certain events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Customers wishing not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the big movie franchises have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should define in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not probable, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on unnecessary goods for transporting medical supplies and necessary items. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the items should be the initial point of contact.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various situations mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing merchandise from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the tradertold
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the seller

If asking for repair or replacement within first 30 days, then the purchaser enters the wait period with the remainder of the thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above do not fit for their products and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in considerable trouble

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be permitted to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser price
• Return the merchandise for a refund (full repayment within 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must match the explanation provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text

If the purchaser thinks that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel services have different policies regarding refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the situation, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel that is no longer needed or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel service for more info on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign land should return back to the UK, many are still trapped with no means to get home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made several suggestions about what people who are stranded abroad must do.

If someone has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally displayed when somebody is infected by coronavirus. This is listed at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The embassy or consulate in the region where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies#

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional information on transport home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance should contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck should also keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in some circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical essentials, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can even provide monetary aid in certain circumstances. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must ensure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this till they come back to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person till they fly back.

If no other choice is available, the home local authority must be contacted for further support and advice.

If the stranded passenger has pressure about their job or self-employment

If they are working, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

If they are employed, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign land

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad

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Travelling abroad

If you are intending to travel abroad you should:

• check the entry requirements for your destination country on the  UK foreign travel advice pages
• get up-to-date information from the website of your destination country
• check the  re-entry requirements  for your return to Scotland

If you require evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status, please visit NHS Inform.

Don’t forget to check the  Fit For Travel website  to see if you need any other vaccinations or anti-malarials ahead of your travels.

You can book a consultation with NHS Lothian’s Travel Clinic here.

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Travel Essentials

When planning a trip to Scotland it’s easy to get so excited about all the amazing things you’re going to do that one or two essentials slip your mind. Don’t worry though, we have you covered! From accommodation and currency to driving and connectivity, this is your one-stop shop for essential travel information.

Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, a quaint B&B or a unique ‘glamping’ experience, Scotland has an impressive array of accommodation options. After a busy day uncovering the myths and legends of our ancient buildings, sampling the whisky at a local distillery or dancing the night away at one of our ceilidhs, you’ll definitely need somewhere to rest your head and recharge your batteries for your next adventure.

Learn more here

If you’ve got an international driving license then you’re able to drive in Scotland. This is especially good news when you realise the amount of jaw-dropping, scenic road trips you can soak up during your visit. We also have a large number of car rental firms spread throughout the country, making it easier for you to find a vehicle during your trip. Wherever you plan to drive in Scotland, we recommend allowing some extra time for your journey, because you’re definitely going to stop along the way for some photos!

Learn more about driving at VisitScotland.com

We take your safety incredibly seriously; after all, Scotland is famous throughout the world for its warm welcome and hospitality. More than 2.5 million visitors travel to Scotland every year and everyone speaks of the genuine friendliness of the Scottish people. We work incredibly hard to create safe place for you and your family to visit and our dedicated police force work within our communities to tackle and prevent crime.

Travel Visas

When planning a trip, it’s important to know what legal documents you may require to enter the country. It’s important to note that, depending on where you are travelling from, you may need a visa to enter Scotland. If you’re an EU citizen, then you don’t need a visa to visit Scotland, however, if you’re travelling from outside of the European Union, you may need one. This will depend on how long you’re planning to stay and why you’re visiting.

Learn more about travel visas on Visitscotland.com

Currency and Cost

During your trip to Scotland, one of the biggest decisions you’re going to have to make is what souvenirs to take back to remind you of your visit. To make sure you’re not caught short at the register, it’s important to know all about the currency and the different methods of payment we accept. Foreign currency is rarely accepted in Scotland, but we also have plenty Bureau de Change kiosks at our international airports and in most of our city centres, making sure you have the right money for your purchases.

Where is Scotland

Located in the mid-west of Europe, Scotland may be small but we’re punching well above our weight! Occupying the northern third of Great Britain we share a border with England in the south and pack some of the most stunning scenery in all of the UK into our borders. From wild coastlines and pristine beaches to rolling valleys and towering mountains, Scotland’s geography is a huge part of its appeal.

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Foreign travel rules updated

More countries designated as high risk.

Ministers have agreed, on the basis of advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, to place additional restrictions on travellers arriving in Scotland from Ethiopia, Oman, Qatar and Somalia. All passengers travelling to Scotland will be required to enter managed quarantine if they have been in one of these countries in the 10 days before arrival, including people travelling on from elsewhere in the UK or in Ireland.  Exemptions from isolation will be cut, and available only for a short list of essential workers. 

Flights from Qatar will still operate, but Border Force will refuse entry to the UK, using reserved immigration powers, for travellers from those countries who are not British, Irish, or have the right to reside in the UK.  Aviation and maritime crew will not be required to enter managed isolation.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre also assess risk of travel from Portugal and Mauritius is reduced, and they are removed from the list of acute risk countries.  Travellers arriving in Scotland will still enter managed isolation, but additional roles will be considered for exemption. Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The virus continues to pose real risks to health and to life here and around the world and we need to interrupt the rise in cases, meaning we need to limit the importation of variants of concern. We need to continue the comprehensive approach to managed isolation to reduce risk from new cases and strains entering the country, particularly associated with the variant first identified in South Africa in the case of these countries.

“These changes are essential preventative action and address the risk of new variants entering Scotland with the potential to increase the numbers of cases testing positive or reduce the effectiveness of vaccine. “Our message remains clear that people should not currently be undertaking non-essential foreign travel. People need to stay at home to help suppress the virus, protect our NHS and save lives.”

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Local election results: Labour admits Gaza a factor in some council election losses - as senior Tory says London mayor result 'might be tight'

The Tories suffer some historic losses in Thursday's local elections, while Labour admit the party's stance on Gaza was "obviously" a factor in its failure to record more wins. Meanwhile, a Conservative minister says he has heard suggestions the London mayoral race "might be tight".

Friday 3 May 2024 20:13, UK

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• Watch and follow the Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, live
• Labour shadow minister says 'we need to reflect' over Gaza stance 
• Labour wins mayoralty in PM's own backyard
• Relief for PM as Tory mayor clings on in key race
• But Sunak admits overall results are 'disappointing'
• Tories could be 'almost annihilated' at general election
• Starmer hails Labour wins - but admits Gaza cost him votes
• And party fears possible result to come in London mayoral contest
• Vote 2024: Council results in full  | Mayoral results as they happen  | Labour will fail to gain overall majority based on council election results - projection
• Live reporting by Katie Williams , Emily Mee , and (earlier) Andy Hayes and  Ben Bloch

Voter turnout figures for the London mayoral election - one of the most closely watched - have landed this evening. 

Some 40.5% of the capital's electorate headed to polling stations to cast their vote, according to data from London Elects. 

The figure is down 1.5% on the 2021 turnout. 

The election result will be announced on Saturday once votes have been counted in 14 constituencies.

The lower turnout has sent rumours swirling that the election could be tighter than it was thought. 

Sophy Ridge wants to get the opinion of our Politics Hub panel, and former government special adviser James Starkie says he believes this vote will be a gamechanger in a sense. 

"For the last four or five years, London has been considered a Labour city and impossible [for the Conservatives to win]," he says.

"My prediction would be, whatever the result, when we come out of it that will no longer be the case and it will be seen as at least winnable." 

Former Labour minister Caroline Flint says Mr Khan may have been impacted by the switch to first past the post. 

"In the past, the Labour candidate would have benefitted from Greens, Liberals and others to the left voting their second preference for Labour," she says.

This might be a terrible set of results for the Conservatives, but it's not an unequivocally good night for Labour either, our elections analyst Professor Michael Thrasher says. 

Labour has lost some seats to independents, and the drop for the Conservatives is not fully reflected in Labour's rise, he says. 

Thrasher says local voters are becoming more "willing to engage with smaller parties" as well as with independents. 

He also points out the "enormity of the task facing Labour". 

"Starmer and his party require a swing larger than any seen in any post-war election just to win a majority of two seats," he says. 

Even Tony Blair did not achieve a swing of 12.7%, he says. 

"Labour still has not crossed the line, even on these results," he adds. 

It's more bad news for the Conservative Party as it loses control of two more councils.

Havant is now under no overall control after the Tories lost 17 seats there.

Labour gained seven seats and the Lib Dems gained five. It also marked the first seat gains of the local elections for Reform UK, which secured two.

The Conservatives have also lost Dudley to no overall control after a loss of 11 seats.

Seven more seats went to Labour, three to the Lib Dems and one to an independent candidate.

Yvette Cooper says Labour's stance on Gaza has "obviously been a factor" which has seen the party's vote share fall in some areas.

The shadow home secretary tells the Politics Hub that many people "rightly" feel strongly about the issue as "tens of thousands of people have been killed, including the majority of them women and children".

Questioned on whether Labour feels it is on the right course or will change its stance, Ms Cooper says: "We have to recognise the strength of feeling on this issue and I think we always take the view in the Labour Party that we need to earn every vote and therefore we have to always listen and reflect. When we lose votes in any area, we always have to listen."

The crisis in Gaza is an issue that spans beyond party political debates, she says.

Labour previously faced heavy criticism over its repeated refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Keir Starmer triggered anger among many people within his own party after comments he made about Israel during an LBC interview in October.

In the widely shared clip, the Labour leader was asked what a "proportionate" response would look like, to which Sir Keir replied that responsibility "lies with Hamas" and that Israel "has the right to defend herself".

Presenter Nick Ferrari interjected: "A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?"

The Labour leader replied: "I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation."

He added: "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts."

Next up on the show is shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.

She says the results of the local elections so far indicate the country is "desperate for change".

But she notes that they don't "translate completely" to general elections.

She says the party will continue to work for "every single vote" .

Sophy Ridge now questions Mel Stride over "rumours swirling in London that we could see an upset", referring to a potential loss for Sadiq Khan. 

"I don't know, we have to wait for the results," the work and pensions secretary says.

"There are indeed suggestions that it might be tighter than one would imagine." 

He won't be drawn on the subject any more than that. 

Next up is Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, who admits the results have been "difficult" for the Tories. 

Although he points to a couple of more optimistic results in Tees Valley and Harlow, he says he is "not putting any gloss on this". 

But he says the Conservatives are now looking ahead to the general election, as that is what's "really going to matter". 

Asked by Sophy Ridge whether they will change anything, he says the manifesto has not yet been created so he won't comment on that. 

However, he suggests Labour will need to start making changes.

He says the opposition party will "have to start explaining what their policies are".

"People are going to expect more of Labour and they are going to have to actually tell us what they stand for," Mr Stride says, adding there will be a "very different dynamic going forward".

We're talking now to our panel, and former government special adviser James Starkie says the low turnout in the polls suggests there is a "significant number of unknowns" in terms of voters.

He says the Tories will be targeting those who are undecided when it comes to the general election, adding that "no one has really put a compelling case" for many people. 

Former Labour minister Caroline Flint says Labour will be "pleased" with the results as it has done well where it wanted to do so. 

She points out York and North Yorkshire in particular, which she says is "not easy for Labour".

The results we've had from the local elections so far leave us with two questions, says our  political editor Beth Rigby .

They are: How much trouble is Rishi Sunak in, and is Labour headed for a general election majority?

Kicking off our Politics Hub special programme with some initial analysis, Beth reiterates that it's been a "terrible night" for Mr Sunak, with the Tories "absolutely battered" with Tees Valley their "only crumb of comfort".

She says she's spoken to senior Conservatives who say that the prime minister should "own these losses" and make way for a new leader if the party should lose the election.

It's a little more complicated for Labour, Beth explains, with Sky News figures showing it is on course to be the largest party - but without an overall majority.

Labour figures argue that the party is winning in "battlegrounds" such as Tamworth and Milton Keynes and are on course for victory, she says.

But there's not "massive enthusiasm" for leader Sir Keir Starmer around the country, Beth notes - leaving questions over how he's selling a "changed country" under a Labour government to voters.

"Some in the party think he has more work to do on that," she says.

Our weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  is live now on Sky News.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Sophy will be joined by Work and Pensions Secretary  Mel Stride , Labour's shadow home secretary  Yvette Cooper , Reform leader  Richard Tice , Lib Dem  Helen Morgan , and elections analyst  Michael Thrasher .

And on her panel tonight will be:

• James Starkie , former Home Office adviser;
• Caroline Flint , former Labour MP and minister.

Watch  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  from Monday to Thursday on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

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