Gosport Hospital probe reveals 'truly shocking' catalogue of failings 21 Jun 2018 at 12:16am
Criminal charges could be brought following "truly shocking" revelations that the lives of more than 450 people had been shortened by the prescribing and administering of opioids without medical justification at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital.
Government expected to fend off Brexit rebellion 20 Jun 2018 at 3:08pm
The Government may have seen off a Commons rebellion over its flagship Brexit legislation with a last-minute concession to pro-EU backbenchers.
Sick MPs may be unable to take part in crunch Brexit vote 20 Jun 2018 at 2:40pm
With Theresa May facing a knife-edge Commons vote over Brexit, Labour has accused the Conservatives of refusing to co-operate with a long-standing convention permitting sick MPs to vote.
Cancel Trump's UK July visit, Blackford tells May 20 Jun 2018 at 8:42pm
IAN Blackford has called on Theresa May to cancel Donald Trump?s visit to Britain next month as he decried the US Government?s ?vile? and ?barbaric? treatment of child migrants, some of whom have been locked up in cages.
Prestwick would be 'wound up' if forced to repay taxpayers' loan 20 Jun 2018 at 1:00pm
LOSS-MAKING Prestwick Airport would be forced to shut if it was asked to repay the tens of millions of taxpayers? cash it has received in the last four years, bosses have admitted.
May faces fresh threat to leadership amid knife-edge Brexit vote 19 Jun 2018 at 10:31pm
THERESA May is today facing one of the biggest tests of her premiership as she prepares for a dramatic Commons showdown with Conservative rebels on the UK Government?s flagship Brexit Bill.
Theresa May NHS figures 'so dodgy they belong on the side of a bus' 20 Jun 2018 at 10:21pm
Theresa May's figures on extra NHS spending are "so dodgy they belong on the side of a bus", Jeremy Corbyn has claimed as he urged the Prime Minister to be straight with voters on tax rises to fund the plans.
'Half the Cabinet' have used cannabis, says ex-health minister 19 Jun 2018 at 7:02pm
A former UK Health Secretary has claimed ?probably half the Cabinet? have used cannabis as Home Secretary Sajid Javid rejected calls for the legalisation of the class B drug but ordered a review into its medicinal use.
Sprinkler plan for all new-build social housing 20 Jun 2018 at 4:35pm
SPRINKLERS will be installed in all new-build social housing in future after the SNP Government agreed to fast-track a proposal from Scottish Labour.
Donald Trump to meet the Queen during UK visit 20 Jun 2018 at 5:52pm
US President Donald Trump will meet the Queen during his visit to the UK next month, American ambassador Woody Johnson has said.
SNP MP warns over UK?s future in event of ?cliff edge? Brexit 20 Jun 2018 at 5:18pm
An SNP MP has warned “there is not a rope in existence strong enough to hold Scotland” to the UK if the government delivers a no-deal Brexit, after Theresa May saw off a Commons rebellion over a ‘meaningful vote’ for MPs on the final deal with Brussels.
Guy Verhofstadt: Scotland ?obliged to follow? Brexit decision 20 Jun 2018 at 2:08pm
The European Parliament’s chief negotiator has said Scotland was ‘obliged to follow the decision of the majority’ on Brexit despite voting to remain in the European Union.
Theresa May calls US child migrant policy "deeply disturbing" and "wrong" 20 Jun 2018 at 1:19pm
Theresa May has condemned the US Government's policy of separating children from their parents if they are captured after crossing the border from Mexico, saying it was "completely and unequivocally wrong".
English upskirting ban ?will also apply to kilts? 20 Jun 2018 at 9:51am
Men wearing kilts will also be protected by plans for a ban on upskirting in England and Wales, it has been disclosed in the Lords.
Scots consume ?10 litres of pure alcohol a year? 20 Jun 2018 at 7:54am
More than 10 litres of pure alcohol was consumed last year for every adult in Scotland, a new report on the nation’s drinking has revealed.
A funny kind of Unionism by Rev. Stuart Campbell 20 Jun 2018 at 12:41pm
In all the excitement of the torching of the devolution settlement, we forgot to mention a curious piece of data from our recent poll of English voters. Of all the people south of the border who would gladly throw Scotland and Northern Ireland under the bus (and more to the point, out of the UK) in …
The Day Before Tomorrow Today by Rev. Stuart Campbell 20 Jun 2018 at 10:06am
They’re back to save us all. Wait, correction, that should read: they’re back – God save us all.
Way back then by Rev. Stuart Campbell 19 Jun 2018 at 12:59pm
Ah, those were the days. That’s a relief, at least. Oh. Remember when it was independence that would create a massive risk to Scotland’s security against crime and terror, readers?
The false starters by Rev. Stuart Campbell 16 Jun 2018 at 12:54pm
Although this site is blacklisted by the press regulator IPSO and therefore unable to file complaints about inaccurate and misleading newspaper articles, our alert readers sometimes pick up the baton from Wings articles and do the job themselves. We reported one such example a week ago. But the reader who took up that complaint has furnished …
Return Of The Great Intervener by Rev. Stuart Campbell 15 Jun 2018 at 8:00pm
Goodness, are the Unionists THAT nervous already?
The bonehead parade by Rev. Stuart Campbell 15 Jun 2018 at 12:12pm
We’re seriously starting to think there’s some sort of competition going on among the Unionist parties of Scotland to see who’s the thickest. We’ve spent quite a bit of time pointing out the scarcely-believable dimness of the Scottish Conservative benches, but this week Scottish Labour really pulled out the stops to try to seize back …
News shafted by Rev. Stuart Campbell 14 Jun 2018 at 7:19pm
Yesterday was quite an eventful day, so it’s moderately possible you may have missed the alarming news that some shady Mafia-backed hedge fund or such has apparently funded these irresponsible and morally-suspect chancers (last seen shilling on air for literally Vladimir Putin and BBC Scotland, in that order) to produce an all-new series of scurrilous and dubious …
We might take a holiday by Rev. Stuart Campbell 14 Jun 2018 at 10:39am
Because the World Cup starts today, and with these guys doing our job for us, we’re not really sure we need to be here. Zero power at Westminster? Not as important as Manchester? Owned by London? No chance of having Scotland’s will respected even with 100 hours of debate? Heavens, it’s almost as if they’re beginning …
Today In Parliament by Rev. Stuart Campbell 13 Jun 2018 at 2:20pm
What happened at PMQs this afternoon: As you can see, the Speaker offers Ian Blackford MP, who was protesting about last night’s silencing of Scottish MPs, a choice of when to hold a vote under Parliamentary standing orders, but then improperly refuses his choice and orders Blackford from the chamber, at which point the rest of the …
Judge says fracking not banned in Scotland 19 Jun 2018 at 2:43pm
Ineos loses its legal challenge after a judge says "there is no prohibition against fracking in force".
This barefaced hypocrisy from Ruth Davidson cannot be allowed to stand. Not ... by James Kelly 31 May 2018 at 3:42pm
I've always thought that equal marriage and abortion law in Northern Ireland are the ultimate tests of how committed you really are to devolution. You may think you believe that any Westminster in...
The case for Chris McEleny by James Kelly 18 May 2018 at 5:19pm
As you probably know, voting is now open in the SNP depute leadership election, and if you're part of the 2%+ of the entire population of Scotland that are members of the SNP, you have until 8th Ju...
Scottish Country Dancing - What To Do With Old Ball Books? by /u/tparikka 20 Jun 2018 at 9:02pm
I got involved in Scottish Country Dance last September with the Silk and Thistle group outside of Chicago in the US and have been having a fabulous time with it! I've been to a number of balls and...
Nothing is as blue as Barrs Bubblegum by /u/tobyaw 20 Jun 2018 at 5:29pm
Forget the fuss over the reduced sugar Irn Bru? the real change is that Barrs Bubblegum is now sugar-free. That means I can drink pints of it without worry, doesn?t it? Oh, and only 75p for a two l...
So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly arise and make them miserable. - Aldous Huxley
If This Is A Surprise? by michaelgreenwell 17 Jun 2018 at 7:24pm
Sorry to say it but IF the BBC are finding this concept surprising, they really haven’t been paying attention to Scotland fans for a long time. That said, they must know, as every time there is a tournament that England are in and Scotland aren’t, they tend to trawl every town and village in Scotland …
Scottish Independence Podcast 166 ? Pensioners for Indy and more by michaelgreenwell 3 Jun 2018 at 9:09am
The 166th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast features, amongst other things, an interview with Peter Swain of Pensioners for Independence (courtesy of Independence Live). You’ll also find out why I was very tempted to call the episode “Archie, Archie, What’s the Score?”, even if part of that joke will only make sense if you … Listen
Nation 1 ? The Faroe Islands by michaelgreenwell 29 May 2018 at 10:07pm
Phantom Power and Lesley Riddoch working together on a marvellous new series. Not to be missed…
Scottish Independence Podcast 165 ? BBC 1943 or 2030? by michaelgreenwell 21 May 2018 at 11:34pm
We’re back. Just a little reminder of why… Hope you enjoy. You can download here if you click THIS LINK. You can listen online at the show?s spreaker webpage, or you can subscribe with itunes. We can also be found on youtube and on facebook. These podcasts are independently minded and independently funded, you can … Listen
Not Going Here by michaelgreenwell 21 May 2018 at 10:44am
Here’s somewhere I won’t be going today, not that I think they would have me. All the same, it is interesting to see that the Tories and Labour have decided to get together again…
The Department For Exiting The European Union? by michaelgreenwell 18 May 2018 at 11:02pm
Here is Herbert Asquith talking about The War Office from World War One. Seems strikingly similar to something at the moment. For the record, World War One was an essentially pointless exercise in sabre-rattling that led to the death and impoverishment of millions of people.
Feudal Relics and Colonial Conquests by Bella Caledonia Editor 20 Jun 2018 at 10:03am
The Crown Estate is both a feudal relic and the last gasp of Empire argues Andy Wightman. Forty years ago, the first fish farms appeared in Scotland?s west coast sea lochs. No planning consent was required and as they spread, local politicians and campaigners became aware of the unaccountable and remote body that is the …
Rogue Won by Bella Caledonia Editor 19 Jun 2018 at 6:17pm
* It’s time for a massive show of opposition to Trump and the far-right internationally. Stand up and be counted. July 13th , George Square Glasgow from 5pm. July 14th National demonstration 12noon, The Meadows, Edinburgh #trumpvisit
Scottish Independence Would Help (Not Hinder) Jeremy Corbyn by Bella Caledonia Editor 19 Jun 2018 at 5:57pm
The SNP’s disruptive tactics over the past week has put the fragility of the British establishment back into focus. Jonathan Rimmer argues that now is the time for both Labour and the SNP to reassess their tactical approaches… It’s been a funny few weeks in Scottish politics. Many on the pro-independence left were understandably critical …
Democracy 21: Let?s Build A Democracy Fit For The 21st Century by Bella Caledonia Editor 19 Jun 2018 at 4:21pm
‘If it?s not built by us, it?s not built for us?: Reshaping local democracy in Scotland The early years of this decade were an invigorating time for Scottish political activists. Meetings about the type of country and democracy we wanted started attracting hundreds of people ? rather than the handfuls that we had been used …
Casa Padre and the Banality of Evil by Bella Caledonia Editor 18 Jun 2018 at 6:15pm
One of the images in the Casa Padre shelter in Brownsville, Texas, is a large mural of President Donald Trump with a quote (rendered in both English and Spanish) from his 1987 book The Art of the Deal. ?Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war,? it reads. But if the mural …
Learning Gaelic, Learning Scotland: Normalising Language by Bella Caledonia Editor 18 Jun 2018 at 8:19am
I’m sitting in an entirely empty train carriage at Glasgow Queen Street Station on my way to Mallaig. Two older ladies board and start speaking to each other in Gaelic, believing they won’t be understood. They are discussing how I am sitting in one of their booked seats and how young people these days have …
The History Man by Bella Caledonia Editor 17 Jun 2018 at 11:51am
The reverberations from the SNP Walkout earlier in this week are still being felt – a mild action in and of itself but which suggests disruption and direct action have untapped value – and clearly some of the chumocracy are rattled. A case in point is Euan McColm writing in today’s Scotland on Sunday (‘The …
Inside Climate Denial, Disinformation and Fake News by Bella Caledonia Editor 16 Jun 2018 at 10:28am
There’s bad journalism (flawed, inept, biased, sleazy, trivial) and then there’s outright lies and disinformation. As the toxicity of the Brexit process intensifies we can now see the convergence of political operators, lobbyists and hacks coming together in an unholy alliance around an agenda of de-regulation, climate denial, black ops against legitimate protest and corporate …
Glasgow must review heritage planning following fire, says MP by Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent 18 Jun 2018 at 9:44am
Glasgow North East MP calls for radical action to protect city?s Victorian architectureThe city of Glasgow should undertake a ?radical and very honest? review of the way it manages its heritage buildings after the fire that gutted the Glasgow School of Art?s Mackintosh building, according to a lo...
Westminster?s contempt has lifted Scotland?s hopes of independence | Kevin Mc... by Kevin McKenna 17 Jun 2018 at 6:00am
The Commons showdown and SNP walkout have put the spotlight sharply on Brexit?s impact on devolutionWe?ll never know if Nicola Sturgeon is among those who daily solicit the intervention of the Almighty, Scots being traditionally reticent regarding their religious habits, or if she rather chooses ...
Independent Scotland would face 'extended austerity' under SNP by Severin Carrell Scotland editor 15 Jun 2018 at 2:05pm
Growth commission?s strategy would lead to extra decade of cuts and restraint, says IFSAn independent Scotland would face an extra 10 years of austerity if it implemented plans outlined by a Scottish National party report, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned.The IFS, a highly regarded eco...
Government publishes amendment to EU withdrawal bill - Politics live by Andrew Sparrow 14 Jun 2018 at 8:14pm
Rolling coverage of the day?s political developments as they happenCarwyn Jones? Brexit speech - SummaryAfternoon summary 8.14pm BST That?s it from me this evening. For a full report on the government?s amendment to the EU withdrawal bill, read this: Related: Tory rebellion back on after MPs reje...
The Guardian view on the SNP?s protests: signs of weakness and strength | Edi... by Editorial 14 Jun 2018 at 6:30pm
Scotland?s governing party has been in power for 11 years. Independence is stalled and Nicola Sturgeon has low ratings, but the party still shapes the agendaScotland was short-changed in this week?s Commons debates on changes to the EU withdrawal bill. Because of the way the timetable for debate ...
SNP promises more guerrilla tactics over Brexit powers by Anne Perkins Deputy political editor 14 Jun 2018 at 3:00pm
Party threatens to cause trouble ?day by day? and accuses minister of ?shafting? Scotland The Scottish National party is threatening to keep up its guerrilla tactics at Westminster in protest against the government?s handling of Brexit and the powers of the Scottish parliament.The SNP leader in t...
SNP MPs walk out of Commons in protest over Brexit debate by Pippa Crerar, Peter Walker and Libby Brooks 14 Jun 2018 at 12:00am
PMQs descends into chaos as SNP leader is ejected in row over lack of time given to debate devolution The SNP has warned of a ?complete breakdown? in relations between Edinburgh and London as their leader at Westminster launched a campaign of parliamentary guerrilla tactics to cause maximum disru...
Shadow minister and five Labour PPSs resign to defy whip over Brexit ? as it ... by Andrew Sparrow 13 Jun 2018 at 9:43pm
PMQs verdict: resilient May sees off Corbyn?s attempts at ridiculeHow MPs are voting on the EU withdrawal bill amendments ? at a glanceHighlights from EU withdrawal bill debateAfternoon summary 9.40pm BST 9.31pm BST The government won the eighth vote, removing the Lords amendment on environmenta...
Lies, damned lies, and newspaper headlines
When you see a newspaper headline that baldly states, “Court rules fracking is not banned, despite SNP rhetoric,” what are you going to think? What are you going to think happened in court this week when you know that the chemical giant Ineos has been taking legal action to challenge the Scottish Government on fracking …
Accept no substitutes
In recent days there’s been a suggestion on social media that there’s some wizzard wheeze that means that Scotland can legally unchain itself from Westminster rule and leap free in a single bound. This kind of thing surfaces pretty often amongst certain circles within the Scottish independence movement. This time the claim is that because …
Katie Price and the smouldering squirrel
This week’s Sunday newspapers in Scotland were all devoted the serious issues which assail the country. There’s the utter disarray and confusion about Brexit in which both the Conservatives and Labour are mired as the clock is ticking and time is running out to reach a position that the EU will consent to. There’s the …
There?s been a Broontervention
You can always tell when the forces of British nationalism in Scotland are feeling a bit unsettled. They wheel out the great sulker himself for a Broontervention. Broonterventions are a phenomenon that is unique to Scotland, and proof that Scotland can indeed achieve things that no other nation can achieve, in this case meddling with …
The Sewer Convention
It’s been a good week for the Scottish independence movement. The British nationalist parties have proven beyond any shadow of doubt that they fail even on their own terms and are incapable of defending Scottish interests within the context of the UK. The SNP has, at last, finally found some bottle and is no longer …
Scotland won?t be silenced
Today, Thursday, The National is publishing a special edition to mark the commencement of a new stage in Scotland’s campaign for independence. Make sure you buy a copy. Give it to your friends and family. The disgraceful treatment of Scottish concerns by the Conservative government in Westminster this week finally puts to rest any pretence …
The sixth circle of devolution hell
The Tories talk a lot about how Brexit means taking back control. Except for viewers in Scotland. For Scotland Brexit does also mean taking back control, it’s just that the control is being taken back by Westminster. The devolution settlement has taken years, indeed decades, to thrash out, yet this Conservative government has unilaterally trashed …
This is what contempt looks like
Back before the independence referendum, Ruth Davidson told us that a vote to remain a part of the UK was a vote to strengthen and entrench devolution. Aye. Right. As far as Scottish democracy is concerned, the Westminster Parliament is the biggest waste of time since someone tried to explain to Scottish Tory MSP Jackson …
Attainment gap closes for school leavers from the poorest areas
EDUCATION Secretary John Swinney hailed the ?real improvement? in Scotland?s schools after new figures showed more pupils from the most deprived communities are going on to work, training or further study.
Blackford to call for emergency devolution bill
IAN Blackford will today use a House of Commons debate to make the case for emergency legislation to prevent the ?power grab? on Scottish devolution.
Fact: The British State Predetermined the Outcome of the 2014 Scottish Indepe...
The Tory Government – British Army Media and Psychops Elite Unit The Brigade, named the 77th in tribute to the Chindits, the British guerrilla force led by Maj Gen Orde Wingate against the Japanese in Burma during the second world war, was formed in 2013/14. It is headquartered near Newbury, in … Continue reading "Fact: The British State Predetermined the Outcome of the 2014 Scottish In...
The DUP and the Orange Order in Scotland and Their Near 150,000 Scottish Vote...
The Orange Order of Scotland, supporters of the DUP and the Tory Party in Scotland The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland Grand Master Jim McHarg, in a speech in 2017 said: “The bulk of the Lodge?s estimated 50,000 Scottish supporters are Tories, and more members of the Order are … Continue reading "The DUP and the Orange Order in Scotland and Their Near 150,000 Scottish Voters Have Est...
The Tory Party in Scotland is Nearing Cracking Point as the Battle for Supre...
09 December 2007: Murdo Fraser, Tory (List) MSP, for Mid-Scotland and Fife belatedly admits to the theft of a university memorial to Nelson Mandela the late South African President. As an active member of the Federation of Conservative Students (FCS) in Aberdeen during the 1980s Fraser said he … Continue reading "The Tory Party in Scotland is Nearing Cracking Point as the Battle ...
Those with an inclination to vote to remain with the UK in the next referendu...
Martin John Callanan, (Baron Callanan) Is an ultra right wing Tory Party politician and UK Government Minister. He was Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for North East England from 1999 to 2014 and Chairman of the European Tory and Reformists group from 2011 to 2014. Failing to win re-election … Continue reading "Those with an inclination to vote to remain with the UK in the nex...
The Labour Party and the Tory Government Are at Risk of Being Indicted by Pre...
16 Feb 2018 Washington, USA: Special Counsel Robert Mueller Issues Indictments Against Russians Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicted 13 Russian nationals and 3 Russian companies, accusing them of setting up Facebook and Twitter accounts, buying Facebook ads and violating U.S. criminal laws to interfere with American elections and the political process. … Continue reading "The Labour ...
Energy Production ? Scots Are Getting Ripped Off By Westminster and it will G...
Scottish Electricity Generation – The Black Start Scotlands increasing reliance on renewable electricty generation places the Scottish grid at risk of “blackout” in the event of a prolonged period of calm conditions. The risk is partially reduced by the output from the Peterhead gas power station (0.55GW) which is capable of sustaining … Continue reading "Energy Production – Scots Are Get...
Better Together ?Bash Street Kids? Team Resurface 3 Years After the 2014 Scot...
Policy Exchange Better Together “Bash Street Kids” Team Resurface and Cause Mischief 3 Years After the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum On 22 May 2018 “Policy Exchange” hosted a major conference in London considering the future of the United Kingdom. Keynote speeches were delivered by: Ruth Davidson, Michael Gove, Arlene Foster, Brandon … Continue reading "Better Together “Bash Str...
Scottish Secretary of State ? David Mundell MP ? Clueless Bunch of No-Hoper -...
March 2007: Tory MSPs Are Clueless No-Hopers – According to Conservative MP David Mundell. Murdo Fraser MSP had raised the spectre of a split from Westminster control so that the Party in Scotland would be able to decide upon policy. Countering the Fraser challenge Mundell delivered a damning statement … Continue reading "Scottish Secretary of State – David Mundell MP – Clueless Bun...
Sewel: no "constitutional safeguard", just a "self-denying ordinance..."
By any reckoning, Richard Keen QC is an uncommonly political lawyer. Former Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, and now the UK government's chief adviser on Scots law, Ruth Davidson appointed him chairman of the Scottish Tories in 2013. While in office, he reportedly summoned the party's MSPs to his "small castle", and subjected them all to a dres...
"A quintessential matter of political judgment for Westminster..."
Last Friday, the Lord Advocate published the Scottish Government's intervention in the ongoing Brexit litigation before the UK Supreme Court. James Wolffe QC weighed in behind the Divisional Court's judgment, arguing that the royal prerogative cannot lawfully be used to trigger Article 50. But Scotland's senior law officer also ranged beyond tha...
"Ane absolute power to Cass, Annull & Dissable -- Contrair to Law..."
Last night, the Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC published the Scottish Government's written intervention in the Article 50 litigation. The case is scheduled to be heard by all eleven of the UK Supreme Court's Justices between the 5th and 8th of December. It is, as you'd expect, a weighty legal document which you may not find instantly digestible....
Lord Carloway's right to silence
Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee launched an inquiry into "the role and purpose of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service," to focus on:"... its core role and examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the COPFS, how well it works with its stakeholders, and the support it provides to witnesses and victims o...
Escaping the Mire
Longstanding readers of this blog know what I think about the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, and the events which led to its introduction. Alex Salmond seized on an Old Firm fracas in 2011, arguing that this so-called "shame game" required special legal measures.Elected with a majority in the Holyrood election of that year, there was no re...
Legally, can Holyrood "block" Brexit?
"100 days on from the referendum and with up to six months until the triggering of Article 50 it is time the government got serious and put our economic interests and membership of the single market at the front of their negotiating plans. With a clear majority in the Scottish Parliament for retaining membership of the single market - expressed ...
19th September, 2014
On the 19th of September 2014, I wrote a piece entitled ?under the low sky.? It is an evocative line ? stolen ? from a book I read years ago about the experience of living in the Netherlands, where the horizon presses down on you, without the thrown elbows of mountains to keep it at bay. But the phrase seemed apt to the slate-grey Glasgow aftern...
A Bill for Criminal Letters
"Criminal Letters" sounds like a pot-boiler crime novel, written by one of Agatha Christie's less talented impersonators. But in Scots law, this evocative phrase has a more precise meaning. The overwhelming majority of criminal cases in this country are pursued by the Procurator Fiscal, prosecuting individuals in the public interest, under the ...
The Good Ship Britannia Sinks Below the Waves: Scotland, Brexit and the Thoug...
The Good Ship Britannia Sinks Below the Waves: Scotland, Brexit and the Thoughts of Tim Shipman Gerry Hassan Bella Caledonia, June 13th 2018 The events of the last two days have shown how the British establishment, political classes and their supporters view the UK. There is the contempt and chaos in the Brexit process; ?Taking …
Celebration and a Politics of Collective Joy is central to making Scotland?s ...
Celebration and a Politics of Collective Joy is central to making Scotland?s Future Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 13th 2018 The sunshine has been out a lot in Scotland recently and in more ways than just the weather. It seems us Scots are feeling happier about things and more optimistic about the future – 36% …
What would Power to the People really look like? And are our politicians read...
What would Power to the People really look like? And are our politicians ready to let go? Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 6th 2018 The people are continually cited and invoked everywhere in democracies. Not only that but this is the age of directly asking the population via referendums ? such is the disdain mainstream …
A Tale of Two Nations and Becoming Normal: Ireland and Scotland
A Tale of Two Nations and Becoming Normal: Ireland and Scotland Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 30th 2018 Ireland has made international headlines in the last week as the country voted to legalise a woman?s right to choose, overturning decades of religious and moral dogma. Meanwhile in less dramatic terms Scotland?s debate on independence and …
The Royal Family, Britishness and Living in Disneyland
The Royal Family, Britishness and Living in Disneyland Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 23rd 2018 The Royal Family are an important part of what it means to be British, and whether you like them or loath them, they are one of the few remaining national symbols of cohesion which unite lots of people. Yet the …
The coming rebellion against the world of the Sunday Times ?Rich List?
The coming rebellion against the world of the Sunday Times ?Rich List? Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 16th 2018 Starting in 1988, The Sunday Times ?Rich List? is now in its 30th year. It has survived and prospered through all sorts of political seasons and economic social periods, from the high point of Thatcherism and …
Independence has to be about more than an indyref. It is a state of mind
Independence has to be about more than an indyref. It is a state of mind Gerry Hassan Sunday Herald, May 13th 2018 Scotland and the UK feel in hiatus and stasis – awaiting the unfurling and unraveling of Brexit. Some people are marching. Last Saturday?s gathering was significant given the lack of SNP and Scottish …
The Future has been Postponed: Making Sense of the Age of Nostalgia
The Future has been Postponed: Making Sense of the Age of Nostalgia Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 9th 2018 Nostalgia is everywhere. The past seems all around us ? alive, noisy, ever-present, and more relevant and dynamic than the voices of today and the concerns of tomorrow. Take a couple of examples. The British Labour …
'Be careful' - SNP warns UK government of tipping Scotland towards independence
'Be careful' - SNP warns UK government of tipping Scotland towards independence Reuters'Be careful': SNP warns UK govt of tipping Scotland towards independence FirstpostSNP Lawmaker Says UK Government May Push Scotland Toward Independence Sputnik InternationalFull coverage
SNP report outlines new prospectus for Scottish independence
SNP report outlines new prospectus for Scottish independence Aljazeera.comSturgeon tweets Growth Commission defence BBC News'You only want another referendum because you lost the last one': Tory MP slams Sturgeon's latest Scottish ... Daily MailFull coverage
No change in support for Scottish independence
No change in support for Scottish independence The TimesSturgeon starts new route to Scottish independence after setbacks ReutersIndependence report exposes divisions in Scottish National party Financial Times'Stop obsessing' on timing of second Scottish independence vote, Sturgeon says Gibraltar ChronicleFull coverage
Editor responsible for 'The Vow' now backs Scottish independence
Editor responsible for 'The Vow' now backs Scottish independence The ScotsmanArchitect of 'The Vow' Murray Foote backs Scottish independence HeraldScotland'Independence it must be': Mastermind behind 'The Vow' switches from No to Yes CommonSpaceFull coverage
Rebooting the case for Scottish independence
Rebooting the case for Scottish independence BBC NewsWill the prospect of £4100 per voter deliver Scottish independence? Here's what the Indyref evidence tells us The Conversation UK11 key things in the SNP's new blueprint for Scottish independence iNewsLetters: Contempt for our EU vote demands a new independence ballot HeraldScotlandFull coverage
SNP protest at PMQs 'not a one-off', Ian Blackford warns
SNP protest at PMQs 'not a one-off', Ian Blackford warns The ScotsmanSNP threaten to stage FURTHER protests against Theresa May after 'DISRUPTIVE' PMQs antics Express.co.uk'Be careful': SNP warns UK govt of tipping Scotland towards independence ReutersFull coverage
SNP set to miss 2021 seats target for new independence referendum
SNP set to miss 2021 seats target for new independence referendum The TimesFarage explains why Sturgeon's SNP will NEVER SUCCEED in creating independent Scotland Express.co.ukGordon Brown brands SNP as Scotland's austerity party after Growth Commission report Scottish Daily RecordFull coverage
'Be careful' - SNP warns UK government of tipping Scotland towards independence
'Be careful' - SNP warns UK government of tipping Scotland towards independence Reuters'Be careful': SNP warns UK govt of tipping Scotland towards independence FirstpostIan Swanson: Independence an uphill trudge for SNP despite walkout The ScotsmanFull coverage
SNP report outlines new prospectus for Scottish independence
SNP report outlines new prospectus for Scottish independence Aljazeera.comDO YOUR JOB! Sturgeon accused of putting independence dream ahead of governing Scotland Express.co.ukInterview with Alex Salmond, Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 The Yale PoliticLetters: The real Scottish patriots were those who voted No in the 2014 referendum HeraldScotlandFull coverage
No change in support for Scottish independence
No change in support for Scottish independence The TimesIndependence report exposes divisions in Scottish National party Financial TimesSturgeon starts new route to Scottish independence after setbacks Reuters'Stop obsessing' on timing of second Scottish independence vote, Sturgeon says Gibraltar ChronicleIain Macwhirter: The SNP was roaring ahead even before the Growth Commission report ? ...
Question Time
A bit feisty this evening to say the least.
Brexit slowly becoming a Farce.
Let's face it, this Tory Govt has no intent on pulling out of EU. It will go on and on and on until lie of land changes!
When will indyref2 happen?
Not when you would like it to happen, but when do you believe indyref2 will happen?
Fracking
The Scottish Government has been running a consultation on the potential use of fracking and coal bed mining in Scotland. Today is the last day if you want to express your views on it:
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/fracking-unconventional-oil-and-gas/
...
General Politics Thread
Firstly, what happened to capybara's thread? I've went back about four pages and can't find it. Am i going blind/dottled?
Anyway, until it is found.
I know it's purely an English/Welsh issue, but the junior doctors' dispute is not improving. Looks like the government is going to try to impose ...
Local Council c***s
Thought a thread to share the sort of shit local councils get up to might highlight some very cuntish behaviour and I want to see if other local councils are as bad as Aberdeen.
The other day there were reports in the P&J that they could start charging homeless people to store their belonging...
Indy Ref 2
Since no-one's started the thread...
A lot of former No voters including some pretty prominant activists, politicians and commentators either coming out for Yes or softening their position - even Chris Deerin saying today that he's not saying that he would vote Yes but that he couldn't say th...
Drygate Brewery
Never heard of this place before until I bought a bottle today In Aldi. Cracking Bearface Lager.
Anyhow while googling them I see they do tours and seems like they do good food too so thinking of using it for a lads trip out one Sunday and looking to see if anyone on here thinks it?s as worth...
Series Worth Watching
Wee bit like the movies thread - just got this showbox app on my tablet and it's got hundreds of different series on it.Anybody recommend any worth watching?Am about halfway through Homeland - quite enjoying it and have watched Peaky Blinders (which I found surprisingly good).Tried Game of Throne...
Crypto Currency
Can someone please explain in simple terms what a Crypto currency means? I think I know how the basics of economics works but this is a whole new thing for me. Someone in Iceland has started the 'Auroracoin' which I get is something like bitcoin but what does it mean? Is it something that could w...
Today was the day we said enough
There was an inevitability about what happened in that sham of a democracy they call Westminster. Scotland?s perspective being completely shut out on something as fundamentally important as the EU withdrawal bill is wholly unacceptable as is the power grab of devolved issues that rightfully belong with the Scottish Parliament. How long could democratically elected…
FFS Let?s have a referendum!
The Scottish Parliament is under attack and its power being undermined. Brick by brick the foundations of the little devolved power we have is being eroded and undermined by the very people who promised we would lead the UK if we remained part of it. As a nation we do not have to accept this.…
e-Voting in Scotland
In Scotland electronic voting may soon replace traditional paper ballots and polling stations as the Scottish Government plans to roll-out a pilot scheme to test this new digital approach to the electoral system. In response to a letter organised by Webroots Democracy and co-signed by 30 leading academics and charity bosses, Minister for Parliamentary Business Joe Fitzpatrick MSP has reaffirmed the…
The Scottish Government Are Being Filibustered
Just over 1 year ago, March 28th 2017 to be exact The Scottish Parliament voted for a second referendum on independence by 69 to 59 in favour of seeking permission for a referendum before the UK leaves the EU. About 1 week earlier in advance of this Theresa May first uttered her ?Now is not…
The Indy Pledge Launches Today
Please use the following link to sign up to the Indy Pledge. IndyPledge.Online Read the background to the Indy Pledge here. This pledge was, in principle, agreed at the Local Groups Conference, in Dunblane. It was agreed that this would be done with Yes Kelty taking the lead with the support of YES Dunfermline and…
Judge Jails Catalan Deputies
Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena has decided to send Jordi Turull, Josep Rull, Raül Romeva, Carme Forcadell and Dolors Bassa into pretrial detention without bail. Both the public prosecutors and the acusación popular1, right-wing party VOX, asked for the measure. Whilst the public prosecution yesterday seemed to be uncertain whether to ask for prison or not, evaluating…
West Lothian Labour/Tory councillors attack the vulnerable then piss off to T...
The Labour Tory de facto coalition in West Lothian have voted through a series of eye watering cuts in West Lothian that target the most vulnerable in the county. Meanwhile the coalition of chaos decided they could afford to treat themselves to an all expenses paid jolly to Taiwan. I kid you not. More on…
Qualitat Policia
In line with the absolute obsession of Spanish society to arrest, jail and silence anyone who even murmurs a hint that the place is a shit hole and that the reason for that is that the blind obedience to authorities who have stolen the wealth of the people and the futures of their children has…
