May urges Brussels not to 'derail' Brexit talks over Irish backstop impasse 16 Oct 2018 at 12:01am
THERESA May has appealed to Brussels not to ?derail? the Brexit talks over the Irish border issue as she insisted that a deal with the EU was still ?achievable? even though negotiations might run on into December.
No-deal Brexit 'disaster' for Scots financial sector 15 Oct 2018 at 11:34pm
SCOTLAND?S financial sector faces ?pretty horrific? consequences in a no-deal Brexit, MPs were warned yesterday, as a key EU figure said it was ?more likely than ever before?.
Activists bypass Sturgeon on new Indyref2 campaign 15 Oct 2018 at 1:20pm
GRASSROOTS activists have launched a new campaign for Scottish independence amid growing frustration over the lack of progress under Nicola Sturgeon.
Nicola Sturgeon: Staying in customs union/single market 'common sense' approach 15 Oct 2018 at 12:02pm
NICOLA Sturgeon has insisted that the ?common sense? option of the UK staying in the single market and customs union is probably the only one that can now command a Commons majority as she claimed the case for Scottish independence had ?strengthened immeasurably? since 2014.
Folic acid to be added to flour UK-wide 15 Oct 2018 at 5:07pm
PLANS to fortify flour in the UK with folic acid will have a ?monumental? impact on child health by reducing birth defects, especially in Scotland, campaigners have said.
Whitehall flatly rejects claim Sturgeon has mandate to call for indyref2 14 Oct 2018 at 7:01pm
WHITEHALL has brushed aside the Scottish Government?s insistence that Nicola Sturgeon has a mandate to call for a second independence referendum, arguing that Scotland?s Claim of Right does not uphold the First Minister?s position.
Nicola Sturgeon to unveil 'common sense' Brexit plans 14 Oct 2018 at 1:49pm
A "common sense" alternative to the UK Government's Brexit plans is to be set out in a new Scottish Government paper, Nicola Sturgeon has revealed.
McVey asks for extra cash to help ease Universal Credit anguish 16 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
Talks are being held ahead of the Budget in an effort to ease the pressure on Universal Credit claimants, amid mounting anger over the impact of the flagship welfare reform on the poorest.
Theresa May left isolated as MPs lose patience over Brexit 16 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
Theresa May has signalled a Brexit divorce deal is unlikely to be reached at an EU summit starting tomorrow amid a continuing deadlock over Northern Ireland and with ministers and Conservative MPs piling on pressure over the terms of the UK’s future relationship with Brussels.
Jonny Hughes: SNP needs some of Michael Gove?s vision for countryside 16 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
The UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove has spoken about linking Government payments to farmers to the work they do to improve the environment, but in Scotland the situation is less clear, writes Jonny Hughes.
Russell Barr: Modern slavery would have appalled Skating Minister 16 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
If only the UK had truly achieved the dream of Robert Walker, made famous by Henry Raeburn’s painting of the ‘Skating Minister, to abolish slavery; its modern form, ‘human trafficking’, is a growing problem, writes Russell Barr
Leader comment: Brexit has its own version of West Lothian Question 16 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
The Northern Ireland Question has no answer but both the UK and EU knew that two years ago; they knew it had to be fudged but failed to agree a compromise and, as a result, the UK is now facing a no-deal Brexit.
Theresa May remains ?confident? of getting a Brexit deal 15 Oct 2018 at 4:37pm
Downing Street has insisted that the Prime Minister remains “confident” of getting a Brexit deal, despite the failure to bridge differences over the future of the Irish border ahead of this week’s crunch summit.
The good, the bad and the other one by Chris Cairns 13 Oct 2018 at 10:25am
(We apologise for the late arrival of this week’s toon, due to MI5 on the line, probably.)
Correcting the corrections by Rev. Stuart Campbell 12 Oct 2018 at 12:59pm
We’re blacklisted by the press regulator IPSO, but fortunately when we raise issues with especially blatant inaccuracies in UK newspapers alert readers sometimes take up the cudgel and file complaints with them because we can’t. One such case was when the Daily Express published a story this summer with the eye-rubbing and creatively-capitalised headline “MAJORITY …
The Man With No Brains by Rev. Stuart Campbell 12 Oct 2018 at 10:29am
When indoor-hat-wearing uberYoon nutter George Galloway appeared in some of the madder corners of the gutter press this week after appearing on RT to extravagantly belittle last weekend’s indy marchers, we didn’t bother talking about it because who cares what that irrelevant old zoomer thinks, right? But when an alert reader drew our attention to this spectacular …
The end of everything by Rev. Stuart Campbell 10 Oct 2018 at 11:32am
We knew this would be a fast-moving phenomenon when we created it, but we’re only just beginning to realise the magnitude of the rod we’ve made for our own backs. Because the supply of rock-headed clownshows sucking up taxpayers’ money on the opposition benches at Holyrood appear to be effectively infinite. There’s only actually one “l” in …
The challenger responds by Rev. Stuart Campbell 8 Oct 2018 at 8:53pm
We felt sure that our awarding of the inaugural Thickest Politician In Scotland title this morning would be taken as the throwing down of a gauntlet, and we weren’t wrong. Because within just hours, the Prince Regent had staked his claim to the crown. Greene – who was rejected by the voters of Cunninghame North …
The definition of insanity by Rev. Stuart Campbell 8 Oct 2018 at 12:56pm
A famous quote commonly attributed to Albert Einstein (and hotly disputed, as always, by point-missing Quote Nazis), runs that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”. It’s been bouncing around our heads for the last couple of days, because with the SNP annual conference in full …
The Unofficial Idiot World Championships by Rev. Stuart Campbell 8 Oct 2018 at 10:49am
Alert readers will be aware that while the absolutely mind-numbing empirical stupidity of Scotland’s latest batch of Unionist MPs and MSPs is a recurring theme on Wings, we’ve never attempted to place it on any sort of formal footing. And to be honest, that sort of laziness on our part is no longer sustainable. Because …
The Slide by Rev. Stuart Campbell 7 Oct 2018 at 12:33pm
Especially alert readers may have noticed that we’ve had a new page on Wings for a while, maintaining a current list of Scottish newspaper circulations. We were just checking it today and noticed that – seemingly unreported anywhere – the Scottish “regionals” had had their biannual figures published, so we thought we may as well …
Grapes are the sourest fruit by Rev. Stuart Campbell 6 Oct 2018 at 8:29pm
Tens of thousands of people had a party in Edinburgh today. They caused no trouble, spat on no priests, and everyone involved had a ball. And for some reason that really, really upset Unionists. Although in fairness, the ultra-Yoon hardcore had a great turnout too. If you’re having a wee drink in an Edinburgh pub …
Sturgeon: 'Time to compromise' on Brexit 15 Oct 2018 at 7:15pm
Scotland's first minister says it is "time to compromise" and find a "common sense" solution to Brexit.
Lib Dem MSP cleared over election leaflets 10 Oct 2018 at 4:18pm
But the Electoral Commission says a wider probe into Liberal Democrat general election spending is ongoing.
Britain is now a prison - the SNP must set out its escape plan by James Kelly 2 Oct 2018 at 7:39am
Britain is no longer the country that most of us grew up in, and the transformation has been incredibly recent and sudden. Every Prime Minister between Harold Wilson and David Cameron accepted tha...
Corbyn's day of infamy as Labour become the party of colonialism by James Kelly 23 Sep 2018 at 6:41pm
If it was the case that Labour were simply saying that winning a majority in Scotland at the next general election would constitute a mandate to block an independence referendum, that might just ab...
Your all-important YouGov subsample update by James Kelly 22 Sep 2018 at 6:43pm
Apologies for the radio silence of late - I'm out of the country at the moment. But you know me, I'm a slave to my responsibilities, so here (albeit a couple of days late) is your all-important Yo...
New YouGov subsample offers reassurance for SNP by James Kelly 8 Sep 2018 at 6:00pm
So as you'll probably remember, the first polling straw in the wind after the Alex Salmond story broke was a Scottish subsample from a GB-wide YouGov poll, and although it had the SNP in the lead, ...
Hypothetical question, about citizenship and the Brexit disaster... by /u/unixjig 15 Oct 2018 at 10:45pm
Hi. My question is, that if Scotland gets to have another referendum for independence, and decides to leave the shit-hole that the UK is becoming, would i be able to apply for dual English/Scottish...
OK Scotland - I need your advice! (Marriage Proposal) by /u/Haphe 15 Oct 2018 at 10:11pm
My girlfriend and I are traveling to Scotland in December for the first time! My girlfriend is such an amazing woman...the amount of care, love and joy that she gives to everyone around her, and t...
Fury over River Clyde dock owner's Ł619million warship repair snub by John Ferguson 14 Oct 2018 at 4:30am
Operators Cammell Laird were awarded the MoD deal last week but none of the work is to be done at Inchgreen Dry Dock in Greenock, with the contract instead going south to Merseyside.
Michael
Greenwell
So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly arise and make them miserable. - Aldous Huxley
Scottish Independence Podcast 171 ? Dr Philippa Whitford by michaelgreenwell 9 Oct 2018 at 4:20pm
The 171st episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast is mostly a speech by Dr Philippa Whitford (a previous guest on the show). I’m sure you do, but just in case you didn’t know, Dr Whitford MP is an SNP MP but before her time in politics she was a consultant breast surgeon, one who also worked … Listen
Bloody Nora x 1000 by michaelgreenwell 7 Oct 2018 at 8:58pm
Trump at the UN…
Scottish Independence Podcast 170 ? Mike Russell On Brexit & More by michaelgreenwell 1 Oct 2018 at 5:59pm
The 170th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast is mostly a speech by Mike Russell regarding the (bleak) situation with Brexit and people really should hear it. I am reproducing the talk here and thanks to Newsnet for allowing me to do so. There are also a couple of cameos, Martin Compston gets it right … Listen
Scottish Independence Podcast 169 ? Thomas Muir Lecture 2018 by Gerda Stevenson by michaelgreenwell 22 Sep 2018 at 5:35pm
“I have devoted myself to the cause of the people. It is a good cause. It shall ultimately prevail. It shall finally triumph.” ? Thomas Muir?s speech from the dock, Edinburgh, August 1793. Courtesy of Phantom Power, the 169th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast features the Thomas Muir lecture for 2018, which was given … Listen
Results by michaelgreenwell 14 Sep 2018 at 7:22am
The other day in a little poll I asked the people who listen to the podcast if they preferred shorter or longer episodes or just took them as they are. Here are the results… Given those results I think I’ll just continue to do them by letting content determine length, rather than the other way …
A Question for Listeners by michaelgreenwell 10 Sep 2018 at 11:36am
I put a little poll on Twitter with a little question for listeners. You may have noticed that the Scottish Independence Podcast is back and coming out more frequently again. Apart from making podcasts, I listen to many different ones. Some are 30 minutes, some are 1 hour, some even go to two hours long. …
Scottish Independence Podcast 168 ? Spitting The Dummy & Lovebombs by michaelgreenwell 7 Sep 2018 at 7:24pm
The 168th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast is a mix of some recent things that you won’t want to miss. Here you’ll find a psychic that didn’t seem to predict the consequences of telling a nation of people to go f*ck itself, or how much of an idiot she would like when she was … Listen
This is It by Bella Caledonia Editor 15 Oct 2018 at 9:06am
This is it: Major fundraising drive to get indy support beyond 50% of Scots voters launches today. The independence movement has today seen the launch of a major fundraising drive on to set up the campaign organisation that aims to take support for independence consistently beyond 50% in the polls. If successfully funded this will …
Skye High Tourism by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Oct 2018 at 7:08pm
Highland Council estimates that there were over 660,000 visitors to the Isle of Skye in 2017, on an island where there are only 10,000 permanent residents. Airbnb has over 500 listings across the island ? where there are only 5000 homes on Skye. Stark figures at the heart of the highlands massive over tourism crisis that’s …
Moving to Yes by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Oct 2018 at 12:03pm
Iain Black, researcher for the Scottish Independence Convention, outlines the findings from exclusive new voter research they have commissioned ahead of their re-launch this week. Considering where we are on this road to independence, the most difficult task we currently face is not winning a referendum but getting the chance to win one. Theresa May …
The Laughter by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Oct 2018 at 10:45am
The macabre spectacle of patriarchy and white power spooling out across the worlds screens from America in the past few weeks seems like a fast-forward distillation of American gender history: veering from glimpses of the frat boy sex romp of Porky’s to the financial violence of the Wolf of Wall Street, via Chappaquiddick and settling …
Generalist Lee by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Oct 2018 at 8:07am
Poet Iona Lee is next up in our Creative Scotland series (see previous Lorna Miller and Shaun Milne). Lee is a poet, visual artist and performer who stormed the spoken word scene when she was seventeen and, in 2016, won the title of Scottish Slam Champion. Lyrical svengali Michael Pedersen has described her poetry as “spells …
The End of the Myth of Green Capitalism by Bella Caledonia Editor 12 Oct 2018 at 7:34pm
The IPCC report landed in public consciousness on Monday. By Tuesday it was forgotten. On the day the most comprehensive and chilling prospectus on climate breakdown was published most newspapers in Britain led with Strictly Come Dancing. In the evening the BBC’s flagship Newsnight invited a Trump-supporting climate denier on television. Today the UK govt …
The HSBC Cabal by Bella Caledonia Editor 11 Oct 2018 at 7:31pm
In June 2017 I stood against Home Secretary Amber Rudd for election to parliament, fighting corruption. During a hustings in Rye, Amber Rudd had the chairman of the meeting shut me up when I started talking about HSBC and its links to Saudi Arabia. In an effort to keep talking I changed the subject to …
Cock-Up versus Conspiracy by Bella Caledonia Editor 11 Oct 2018 at 6:25pm
I’m assured by Lynn Henderson, president of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and a Labour Yes supporter, that the STUC was not approached by the SNP?s Sustainable Growth Commission for discussion and input, before the publication of the Commission?s report last May. Equally, I?ve been assured by Keith Brown, the SNP?s depute leader, that the …
Nicola Sturgeon calls for extension of Brexit transition period by Pippa Crerar Deputy political editor 15 Oct 2018 at 7:26pm
SNP leader says more time is needed to get ?commonsense? future relationship with EUNicola Sturgeon has called for an extension of the proposed 21-month Brexit transition period to give the UK government more time to negotiate a compromise with opposition parties, in order to deliver a ?commonsen...
Glasgow: thousands of women to strike over pay discrimination by Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent 15 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
More than 8,000 council workers, most of whom have never been on a picket line, will take part in two-day actionThousands of women council workers across Glasgow plan to bring the city to a standstill this week in what is believed to be the biggest equal pay strike seen in the UK.More than 8,000 ...
If Nicola Sturgeon wants a new referendum, now is the time to set the timetab... by Kevin McKenna 14 Oct 2018 at 5:59am
Why wait for Brexit? The window for another campaign will not be open for ever?Managing expectations? is the SNP?s favoured locution in describing its current thinking about a second referendum on Scottish independence. ?Profound vagueness? would be a less charitable take. It was evident whenever...
Nicola Sturgeon touts 'commonsense' Brexit alternative by Press Association 14 Oct 2018 at 1:43am
Scottish first minister and SNP leader to press case for continued membership of single market and customs unionScotland?s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, is to unveil a ?commonsense? alternative to the UK government?s Brexit plans.A new Scottish government paper, due out on Monday, will reinfor...
Like Banksy?s artwork, the United Kingdom is shredding itself in public | Ian... by Ian Jack 13 Oct 2018 at 6:00am
Those who most loudly trumpet their patriotism would quite happily break up Britain ? just as long as they get their BrexitNearly two decades after the American broadcaster Ed Murrow immortalised London in the blitz as a city of everyday heroism ? where people ?stand very steady in their shoes? ?...
The Irish border, SNP conference and emotions in politics ? Politics Weekly p... by Presented by Heather Stewart with Charles Grant, Katy Hayward, Lisa O'Carroll, Libby Brooks and William Davies; produced by Phil Maynard and Simon Barnard 11 Oct 2018 at 5:21pm
Heather Stewart is joined by Charles Grant, Katy Hayward and Lisa O?Carroll to discuss one of the toughest issues yet to be resolved in the Brexit negotiations: the Irish border. Also this week: Libby Brooks reports from the SNP conference in Glasgow and William Davies discusses his book Nervous ...
Now Brexit really is threatening to tear the UK apart | Martin Kettle by Martin Kettle 10 Oct 2018 at 7:03pm
Despite warnings, Theresa May has maintained her dangerously obtuse attitude to Scotland and Northern IrelandTheresa May cannot say she has not been warned. Brexit poses a mounting threat to the unity of the UK. Nor can she dispute the eminence of those who have been doing the warning. During the...
Sturgeon's dilemma: what we learned from the SNP conference by Severin Carrell Scotland editor 9 Oct 2018 at 7:32pm
Scotland isn?t ready for independence but the party needs to keep it on the agendaScotland?s constitutional affairs minister, Mike Russell, had the potentially perilous task of urging SNP activists to temper their ardour for a second independence vote. Related: The Guardian view on the SNP: Nicol...
No laughing matter? maybe
A guest post by Samuel Miller I was looking forward to a nice Sunday with the feet up and maybe watching a box set of Laurel and Hardy’s best screwball slapstick. Had a bit of a hankering for some of the classics of comedy recently. Can’t think why. What I got instead was a nice …
This is it
Hi there. You may have seen a piece this week in the National about the Scottish Independence Convention’s plans to try and help along with the rest of the movement reach our goal of Independence. It was an open letter from the executive committee. However this is a personal plea from me to …
Sauce for the goose
A guest post by Samuel Miller Been a hectic few weeks out there for political anoraks. Not to mention fairly enlightening for those of us who believe that self determination is the normal state of affairs for countries and individuals. A Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, (badly) dances onto a stage when most folk are …
SIC letter to the independence movement
In this letter to the independence movement, the newly elected Executive Committee of the Scottish Independence Convention explain why the move to create a national campaign organisation can get independence consistently beyond 50% in the polls and give Nicola Sturgeon the backing of the majority of the Scottish people when calling for a referendum. What’s …
Stronger than fear
A guest post by Samuel Miller I’m guessing that over the next few days there’s going to be an awful lot of hot takes on what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in her keynote speech yesterday. There’s going to be what she said. What she might have said. What others think she said and what …
A One-Off Event?
A guest post by Samuel Miller It appears some folk aren’t happy with them essenpee and their completely unhealthy obsession with that whole silly independence thing. A subject pro Westminster elements of the political class and meeja keep bringing up near every day, but y’know, fair enough. It seems they’ve grown bored with the whole …
Clap along if you feel like you?re in a land with unlimited potential
A couple of years ago, an annoyingly chirpy song called Happy was never off the radio. One of its lyrics irked me, “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.” But I get it now. It means that your potential is no longer being capped. It means that above you there is …
Growth Commission Consultation, Gathering #2
by Jason Baird, IndyApp We would like to thank Wee Ginger Dug for agreeing to publish this and help us get the word out across the movement as widely as possible. It is very much appreciated. A little background: Following successful discussions at our recent national meeting of IndyApp Group Editors in Dunblane on September …
Sturgeon calls on MPs to vote against 'cobbled together blindfold Brexit'
NICOLA Sturgeon told an audience in London the case for independence has strengthened since Britain?s vote to leave the EU ? while also warning it would be a ?dereliction of duty? if MPs voted for a ?bad or blindfold? Brexit.
House of Commons' 'culture of silence' allows bullying to thrive
BULLYING and harassment of staff has been able to thrive in the House of Commons amid a top-down culture of ?deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence?, a damning official report has found.
More money needed to see end of austerity, leading think-tank warns
SUBSTANTIAL tax rises or better than expected economic growth are needed to achieve the Prime Minister?s aim of ending austerity and the Chancellor?s intention of balancing the books by the mid-2020s, according to a report from a respected think-tank.
Sturgeon challenges Davidson and Mundell over resignation threats
NICOLA Sturgeon has challenged Ruth Davidson and David Mundell to keep to their word and resign if more customs controls are introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in a move to prevent a hard border in Ireland.
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 ...
Toxic Masculinity must be defeated. Silence is not an option for any of us
Toxic Masculinity must be defeated. Silence is not an option for any of us Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, October 10th 2018 Hate seems to be everywhere in public life. This week Scottish Justice minister Humza Yousaf floated making misogyny a specific hate crime illegal, while in the previous week, the Scottish Government launched a high …
Britain and Scotland have changed: The Tory Story of Britain is Dead
Britain and Scotland have changed: The Tory Story of Britain is Dead Gerry Hassan Bella Caledonia, October 3rd 2018 The British Conservative Party is one of the most successful electoral parties in the developed capitalist world. They might not look like it at the moment but this is a force which has adapted to numerous …
Could Corbyn?s Labour be the future? A work in progress, but now imaginable
Could Corbyn?s Labour be the future? A work in progress, but now imaginable Gerry Hassan Compass, September 27th 2018 Labour conference this week is an important staging post in the new Corbyn-led, energised mass party – not just the biggest in Britain, but bigger than all the other party memberships put together. The Jeremy Corbyn-John …
Whatever happened to the springtime for democracy?
Whatever happened to the springtime for democracy? Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, September 18th 2018 Three decades ago democracy was the future and carrying all before it. The Soviet bloc was collapsing, the South African apartheid regime was crumbling – and all across South America brutal dictatorships were being replaced by democracies (however imperfect) symbolised by …
Who is going to champion Glasgow? Life after the GSA fire and the threat to t...
Who is going to champion Glasgow? Life after the GSA fire and the threat to the CCA Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, September 12th 2018 Glasgow hasn?t had to look too far to seek its troubles of late. There has been the devastating Glasgow School of Art fire (the second in four years), followed by the …
Speaking for Scotland: The Salmond Case, Independence and the Silences of Mod...
Speaking for Scotland: The Salmond Case, Independence and the Silences of Modern Life Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, September 5th 2018 The Salmond controversy has garnered huge press coverage. Beyond the actual cases itself, this says a lot about the state of Scotland. I am not making any assumptions about the guilt or innocence of Alex …
Why the Alex Salmond controversy matters beyond politics
Why the Alex Salmond controversy matters beyond politics Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, August 29th 2018 There has only been one story in the last few days in Scotland; that of Alex Salmond. The substantive allegations and Alex Salmond?s response and denial of any wrong-doing have been amply catalogued. The whole controversy covers many issues – …
Jeremy Corbyn in Scotland: What he should say about Broken Britain
Jeremy Corbyn in Scotland: What he should say about Broken Britain Gerry Hassan New Statesman, August 23rd 2018 Jeremy Corbyn is in Scotland. He has problems understanding Scotland and the changing dynamics of the UK. Here is the speech he should give while here. The backdrop to this speech is that Corbyn and his team …
Scottish independence fundraising campaign to "ensure" majority for Yes vote
Scottish independence fundraising campaign to "ensure" majority for Yes vote The ScotsmanThis is it: Campaign to grow indy support before referendum raises Ł10k in hours CommonSpaceFundraising drive to create new independence campaign body Wirral GlobeFull coverage
Is Scottish independence still possible?
Is Scottish independence still possible? Aljazeera.comBrexit 'boosts case for Scottish independence' BBC News20000 rally for Scottish independence as Brexit looms South China Morning PostIain Macwhirter: Nicola Sturgeon shouldn't be afraid of a People's Vote on Brexit - it's the only referendum she's likely to ... HeraldScotlandFull coverage
Fraser Nelson SHUTS DOWN calls for Scottish independence in BRILLIANT Questio...
Fraser Nelson SHUTS DOWN calls for Scottish independence in BRILLIANT Question Time point Express.co.ukSmug Sturgeon should get on with her job The TimesThere's more to being a democratic country than independence alone The NationalFull coverage
Sturgeon calls for 'patience' over Scottish independence
Sturgeon calls for 'patience' over Scottish independence BBC NewsNicola Sturgeon calls for patience over Scottish independence Financial TimesBrexit and May's 'disgraceful failure of leadership' pave way for second Scottish independence referendum, Nicola ... The IndependentHerald View: Sturgeon treading water amidst the fog of Brexit HeraldScotlandFull coverage
Scotland's independence marchers show the movement is far bigger than the SNP
Scotland's independence marchers show the movement is far bigger than the SNP New StatesmanThousands march through Edinburgh to back Scottish independence ReutersThousands march in Edinburgh for Scottish independence BBC NewsFull coverage
Sturgeon's dilemma: what we learned from the SNP conference
Sturgeon's dilemma: what we learned from the SNP conference The GuardianSNP conference: Nicola Sturgeon on Scottish independence BBC NewsReport: Sturgeon speech to SNP conference BBC NewsWhat exactly does the SNP have to show for 11 years in power in Scotland? Telegraph.co.ukFull coverage
Former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars says election victory could pave the way...
Former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars says election victory could pave the way for Scottish independence The TimesScottish National Party proposes pact with Labour for second Brexit referendum World Socialist Web SiteNicola Sturgeon calls for extension of Brexit transition period The GuardianFull coverage
Scottish independence fundraiser gets fast start amid Brexit nerves
Scottish independence fundraiser gets fast start amid Brexit nerves ReutersScottish National Party proposes pact with Labour for second Brexit referendum World Socialist Web SiteScottish leader vows to reject UK PM's Brexit deal FRANCE 24Full coverage
Labour to block new Scottish independence vote
Labour to block new Scottish independence vote BBC NewsScottish Labour leader: 'There is no case for a second independence referendum' in Scotland BreakingNews.ieLabour's next manifesto will oppose a second Scottish independence poll, insists Richard Leonard HeraldScotlandFull coverage
Sturgeon calls for 'patience' over Scottish independence
Sturgeon calls for 'patience' over Scottish independence BBC NewsBrexit and May's 'disgraceful failure of leadership' pave way for second Scottish independence referendum, Nicola ... The IndependentOnly independence can resolve Scotland's Brexit quandary: Nicola Sturgeon The Indian ExpressFull coverage
Is Scottish independence still possible?
Is Scottish independence still possible? Aljazeera.comSturgeon: Scottish MPs will back second Brexit referendum POLITICO.euScotland could get independence without second referendum, SNP MP claims Irish ExaminerFull coverage
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 ...
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!
The secretary of state for Scotland.
What the feck is the point of this office? the present incumbent comes across as a Buffoon on TV interviews and appears more like a bewildered hamster the more I see the twat.
We have a Scottish Government and Civil Service which do liaise with the central government meanwhile so what does ...
When will indyref2 happen?
Not when you would like it to happen, but when do you believe indyref2 will happen?
Question Time
A bit feisty this evening to say the least.
There is no such thing as an independent Scotland.
An independent Scotland is impossible.
An independent Scotland is worse than a Scotland in the United Kingdom of of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Israel lobby v Corbyn
At fever pitch at the moment, and a daily event yet still to hear anything Anti-semitic he's done.
Tartan
Army Message Board (often features political threads)
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...
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 Thr...
On Line betting.
Backed a horse today and it won at 8/1. William Hill paid me my winnings. 10 mins later after using some of the winnings for other bets my account went in to a minus, 2 mins later money back in my account, 2 mins later minus again. Checked the race result and noticed my horse was disqualified. Lo...
Question Time Tonight
From Kelso The panel includes Labour's shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry MP, the Scottish government's finance secretary John Swinney MSP, Conservative chairman of the defence select committee Rory Stewart MP, Scotsman columnist Lesley Riddoch and editor-at-large of the Independent on Sund...
Las Vegas Mass Shooting
It's been a few months since the last one
20 dead at the moment
Would appear not to be ISIS related as Trumpy would have tweeted if it was
This Board Needs Tunes
Been off the board for a few weeks and have no idea what's going on.
Couldn't resurrect the original thread so here's a timely new beginning. Come on back folks!
Our beautiful Scotland.
Glasgow Council Female Staff To Take Their Equal Pay Battle to the Streets Ca...
Industrial Action in Glasgow Indications are that women employed by Glasgow District Council will be taking industrial action very soon in pursuance of their long running campaign seeking equal pay with male workers as required by law. It is important that the hard working people of Glasgow attribute fault … Continue reading "Glasgow Council Female Staff To Take Their Equal Pay Batt...
The murky world of Westminster politics ? big business protection ? and the a...
A Murky World In the article before this I provided a “through the keyhole report on the activities of Hayluyt. It generated a bit of interest and begged the question. How deeply entrenched in the British state is this bunch of very rich individuals? This article provides some answers and raises … Continue reading "The murky world of Westminster politics – big business protection – and ...
British Spymasters revealed
I am publishing the under-noted article which exposed the activities of the British Secret Services to the public in Scotland. Many of the principal characters involved went on to dominate Scottish politics and, operating out of London still do so. After reading the article you might wish to read … Continue reading "British Spymasters revealed"
Transatlanticism drives UK politics- Scots need to get off the Bus Sharpish
The Political Ideology of “New Labour” The political thinking of right wing “New Labour” politicians is closely aligned with their Tory “soft left” colleagues in Westminster and in political pressure groups in England, Wales and Scotland The right wing faction opposes just about all of the economic policies of the … Continue reading "Transatlanticism drives UK politics- Scots need to ...
The 1707 Act of Vandalism is not fit for purpose and should be binned without...
Massacre of the Macdonalds at Glencoe Events that break the political union The discredited Westminster political system of government is close to collapse and its welcome termination might be closer than the pundits would have you believe. The press is increasingly headlining that a huge majority of little Englanders … Continue reading "The 1707 Act of Vandalism is not fit for purp...
A brief history of the Rises and Falls of the Labour Party From 1945 and a cl...
The Labour Party 1945 -1997 Some voters may be unaware of the internal rivalry driving the politics of the Labour Party and make their judgements on the conduct of party officials and activists conducting its business acting on information provided by the media and press. These platforms, in … Continue reading "A brief history of the Rises and Falls of the Labour Party From 1945 a...
Tory troublemaker Adam Tomkins claims he stokes the fires of soccer sectarian...
Enlightened Tory politician Adam Tomkins speaks out against bigotry – Sectarian chant is a stupid relic of the past Rangers Fan and Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins despairs at the anti-Catholic bigotry of some of his fellow supporters. When I moved from England to Glasgow in 2003 there was little that surprised … Continue reading "Tory troublemaker Adam Tomkins claims he stokes the fires ...
Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party under attack from the Zionist Lobby ? If J...
British Democracy under threat of destruction Investigative journalism by the, al-Jazeera media network revealed how the promotion of Israel operates, including how critics are targeted and criticized as well as what is done to destroy their careers and reputations. The network used an undercover reporter to infiltrate U.K. pro-Israel groups … Continue reading "Jeremy Corbyn and the L...
Politicising our heritage ? the fiasco of Holyrood Park?
The following article is by Catherine Gillies and is republished below with her permission. I find myself musing endlessly on the current furore over Historic Environment Scotland?s decision not to allow stalls and speeches after the forthcoming All Under One Banner march in Holyrood Park on the grounds that they, as an organisation, are…
Support Alex Salmond #forFairness
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/AlexSalmond I have been a member of the Scottish National Party for 45 years, 20 of them as party leader and seven as First Minister of Scotland. I hope I have done the party and the broader cause of independence some service. Apart from a political spat back in the 1980s, that has been a…
Press conference video & statements: President Quim Torra, Clara Ponsati and ...
Video from press conference at the Principal Hotel, Edinburgh. PRESS STATEMENT1 STATEMENT ISSUED AT PRESS CONFERENCE BY AAMER ANWAR ON BEHALF OF CLARA PONSATI FOLLOWED BY THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY PRESIDENT QUIM TORRA- 11TH JULY 2018 11AM-12PM Good Morning I would like to start by welcoming President of Catalonia Quim Torra and his delegation to…
Westminster forced to admit the Scottish people are Sovereign
What happened? The SNP have played an ace card when using their allocated Opposition Day debate. Standing order number 36 was agreed and resolved without contention late last night in the House of Commons. This was a motion proposed for debate by Ian Blackford the SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and leader of…
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…
