Scottish referendum: is the SNP's question fair?

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Alex Salmond has published his favoured wording for a referendum question on independence. Is it loaded? Polly Curtis , with your help, finds out. Get in touch below the line, email your views to polly.curtis@guardian.co.uk or tweet @pollycurtis Yesterday, the Scottish National Party published its favoured wording for a referendum question on independence. It...
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Who most wants independence for Scotland? The English… – The Guardian (blog)

Sunday, January 29, 2012
Who most wants independence for Scotland? The English… – The Guardian (blog)

The Guardian (blog) Who most wants independence for Scotland? The English…The Guardian (blog)In his recent Hugo Young lecture about Scottish independence, Alex Salmond used some of the lines of Robert Burns, which was predictable of the Nationalist leader, and, which was more unexpected, he quoted GK Chesterton, a quintessentially English …Independence Part 1: How...
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SNP 'backtracked' on housing pledge

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The SNP is facing pressure over its handling of the housing budget and the length of waiting lists for rented accommodation amid accusations the party "backtracked" on a manifesto pledge. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Way ahead for inshore fishing

Sunday, January 29, 2012

£750k funding under new strategy for fishing activity close to shore. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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PB NightHawks on the day on the day of RBS bonuses

Sunday, January 29, 2012
PB NightHawks on the day on the day of RBS bonuses

… The big news today, of course, has been that the chairman of RBS, Sir Philip Hampton has given up a £1.4m shares bonus due next month. This will probably end the row which has caused problems for both government and opposition. Meanwhile it costs nothing to join tonight’s conversation in the PB NightHawks...
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Exports plan ‘good for Scotland’

Saturday, January 28, 2012

A drive to boost exports of British food and drink to high-growth markets will benefit Scotland, it is claimed. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Anger at Sheridan ‘gagging order’

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Tommy Sheridan’s lawyer accuses prison authorities of trying to ban him from speaking in public on his release from jail on Monday. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Politicians clash over NHS

Saturday, January 28, 2012

INVERCLYDE politicians clashed over saving the National Health Service. West of Scotland SNP MSP, Stuart McMillan, claimed Labour MPs, including Iain McKenzie of Inverclyde, voted at Westminster for an important role for the private sector. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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SNP urged to 'come clean' on separate defence plan

Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Scottish Government is under fresh pressure to unveil its defence plans under independence after new figures revealed the wildly varying size of air forces across Europe. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Alex Salmond’s question over independence gives poll boost to Scottish leader – Telegraph.co.uk

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Alex Salmond’s question over independence gives poll boost to Scottish leader – Telegraph.co.uk

The Guardian (blog) Alex Salmond's question over independence gives poll boost to Scottish leaderTelegraph.co.ukThe “loaded” question Alex Salmond wants to ask in the Scottish independence referendum leads to at least a 10-point increase in public support for ending the Union, according to opinion polls conducted by telegraph.co.uk.Alex Salmond's first challenge: the referendum questionThe Guardian...
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Housing budget set for 41% cut

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Scotland's housing budget for next year will be cut by more than 40%, Scottish Labour has claimed. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Know and Respond

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Scotland’s first air pollution text or voicemail alert service launched. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Friday night and time for the PB NightHawks to gather

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday night and time for the PB NightHawks to gather

… This is, of course, PB’s regular overnight open thread where all things political are discussed. Welcome to the cafe – have a good evening. Mike Smithson @MikeSmithsonOGH View full article politicalbetting.com
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Love Life – January

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Love Life – January

‘Love Life’ is Bella’s Agony Aunt column by Jamie Heckert… because the personal is political and the ‘state we’re in’ is complicated. Freedom, in Scotland and elsewhere, isn’t something that is given by governments or other authorities. It’s something that’s … Continue reading → View full article
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Young councillor quits politics

Friday, January 27, 2012

An Aberdeen councillor who was appointed the city’s depute provost aged just 18 is to quit politics to travel. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Outrage at RBS boss’s bonus deal

Friday, January 27, 2012

A £963,000 bonus in shares awarded to Royal Bank of Scotland boss Stephen Hester is strongly criticised by politicians and unions. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Chickenpox halts Scottish referendum talks

Friday, January 27, 2012

Talks about a referendum on independence for Scotland due to take place on Friday have been cancelled because the British minister in charge of challenging the move to break up the UK is ill. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Expert's centralisation concerns

Friday, January 27, 2012

A historian says the SNP must show "convincing evidence" that centralisation would not be a feature of an independent Scotland. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Funding for V&A at Dundee

Friday, January 27, 2012

Culture Secretary confirms £1.75 million additional support. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Alex Salmond insists British Chancellor would ‘bite hands off’ Scotland to … – Scottish Daily Record

Friday, January 27, 2012
Alex Salmond insists British Chancellor would ‘bite hands off’ Scotland to … – Scottish Daily Record

Scotsman Alex Salmond insists British Chancellor would 'bite hands off' Scotland to …Scottish Daily RecordAlex Salmond said that oil and gas reserves and the value of Scottish exports, such as whisky, meant an independent Scotland would benefit a "sterling area" of countries using that currency if it left the UK but retained the pound.Why...
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A big night for PB NightHawks

Friday, January 27, 2012
A big night for PB NightHawks

Thursdays are generally more interesting than usual. We have Question Time on BBC1, the council by-elections as well as, tonight, the final TV debate between the GOP candidates in Florida. We also have the final YouGov daily poll of the week. Share your thoughts here in the PB NightHawks Cafe. Mike Smithson @MikeSmithsonOGH View...
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New inquiry into Chhokar murder

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Police are instructed to carry out a new investigation into the unsolved murder of an Asian man in North Lanarkshire in 1998. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Climate change risk assessment

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Report supports development of Scottish Adaptation Programme. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Vote date divides finance chiefs

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, and Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney disagree over referendum timing. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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SNP in fresh view on 'Claim' plan

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The SNP hails Scotland's historic 1989 Claim of Right, which helped pave the way for devolution, despite previously refusing to sign it. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Education Maintenance Allowance 2010-11

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Letters: How the SNP became more Labour than Labour

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Do UK Labour leaders realise the implications of their failure to present a simple, clear, positive and socially caring policy for the UK? Alex Salmond's speech ( Scotland will become a beacon of fairness , 24 January) ought to provide a jolt. Post-1945 policies of welfare and nationalisation were welcome here and provided a...
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Independence referendum consultation

Thursday, January 26, 2012

First Minister begins process leading up to biggest decision Scotland has made in 300 years. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Alex Salmond’s wish is for a home rule option for Scotland – and he’ll get it – The Guardian

Thursday, January 26, 2012
Alex Salmond’s wish is for a home rule option for Scotland – and he’ll get it – The Guardian

The Guardian Alex Salmond's wish is for a home rule option for Scotland – and he'll get itThe GuardianLike many other nationalist leaders, Alex Salmond loves to place himself in the frame of history. It's part of the political narcissism that may one day prove his undoing. But it's why he inevitably chose today,...
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Historic day for the UK: Salmond consults Scotland but can Paxman be civilised, Gerry Hassan

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Scotland’s Prime Minister has launched a consultation with the people over the coming independence referendum. He seeks a calm, normal process but will Westminster let him have it? the tables are already turned as the nationalists are rational and the traditional Unionists become incoherent retro-romantics. 25 January 2012, Burns Night, will be remembered as...
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Welome PB NightHawks as the Scottish referendum gets closer

Thursday, January 26, 2012
Welome PB NightHawks as the Scottish referendum gets closer

Twitpic What do we think of this spoof? I think its fun and certainly gets over a lot of the emotional case on one side. Quite a few betting markets are being established but given the time-scale there’s nothing that I can recommend. I like to bet on something and see an outcome in...
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Salmond Hugo Young Lecture 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012
Salmond Hugo Young Lecture 2012

Extract from Alex Salmond’s Hugo Young lecture (see video here): I want to reflect on the astonishing, and increasing, pace of change in Scotland. Devolution took a century to be delivered. The last decade embedded the Scottish Parliament as the … Continue reading → View full article
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Scots referendum question set out

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond sets out the question he intends to ask voters in a referendum on independence. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Libyan patients treated by NHS

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Prosthetic patients arrive in Scotland. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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MSPs support Scottish Budget Bill

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

MSPs overwhelmingly back the Scottish Budget Bill which was debated in the Scottish Parliament. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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The SNP publishes it referendum consultation paper

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Alex Salmond has very conspicuously left open the possibility of staging a multi-option ballot. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Exams to include Scottish texts

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Literary tradition to be recognised in the classroom. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Scottish independence consultation paper marks a defining moment

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The publication of the Scottish Government's consultation paper is a defining moment in a journey of false starts, twists and turns. Related Stories Data expected to reveal fall in GDP Alex Salmond to unveil blueprint for indpendent Scotland Alex Salmond to unveil blueprint for an independent Scotland Ed Miliband's personal ratings at a record...
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New Council of Economic Advisers

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Two Nobel Laureates on expert group advising Scottish Government. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Alex Salmond: crossing the border – The Guardian

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Alex Salmond: crossing the border – The Guardian

BBC News Alex Salmond: crossing the borderThe GuardianToday, before he settles down to his Burns Night supper, Alex Salmond will unveil the Scottish government's detailed proposals for the independence referendum he wants to hold in 2014. The new consultative document will need to be carefully scanned.Labour accuses Alex Salmond of keeping quiet on true...
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Dear Mr. Betfair in the PB NightHawks Cafe

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Dear Mr. Betfair in the PB NightHawks Cafe

The row over Iowa moves up another notch For those like me who are battling with Betfair over the Iowa caucus outome I’ve now dug up what could be helpful evidence. Betfair is claiming that the statement on election night by Matt Strawn, the Chairman of the Iowa Republican party, was the official announcement...
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Warning over back-to-work scheme

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The government has overestimated the number of people who will be helped back into employment by its work programme, the National Audit Office says. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Royal Assent for Offensive Behaviour Bill

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Approval for important new religious hatred legislation. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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MSP’s right-to-die bill revived

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Independent MSP Margo MacDonald launches a fresh attempt to give terminally ill people in Scotland the right to choose when to die. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Salmond explains 'big decision'

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

First Minister Alex Salmond says the vote on independence will be Scotland's biggest decision for 300 years. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Reappointments at NHS Boards

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Chairs of Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Tayside and Health Scotland. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Salmond delivers 'beacon' lecture

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

First Minister Alex Salmond is to argue that England will benefit from an independent Scotland when he delivers a lecture in London. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Targeting reoffending

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Prisoners to work 35-hour week and focus on reducing reoffending. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Alex Salmond to deliver annual Hugo Young lecture – BBC News

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Alex Salmond to deliver annual Hugo Young lecture – BBC News

BBC News Alex Salmond to deliver annual Hugo Young lectureBBC NewsScottish Secretary Michael Moore has already launched a UK government consultation into the issues surrounding the poll. The launch of the SNP's consultation will be followed by a meeting on Friday between Mr Salmond and Mr Moore. Alex Salmond.Scottish independence referendum: Fresh trouble for...
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PB NightHawks after a huge day of polling

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
PB NightHawks after a huge day of polling

ICM has CON 5% ahead while Populus gives LAB a 1% lead It’s been a huge day of polling on both sides of the Atlantic and I’m only now catching up with the first UK telephone polls of 2012. ICM had with changes on December – CON 40%(+3): LAB 35%(-1): LD 16%(+1) . So...
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Something for the weekend: Big Burns Supper & Neu! Reekie!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Something for the weekend: Big Burns Supper & Neu! Reekie!

by Kevin Williamson For anyone planning on being in the Edinburgh or Dumfries area this weekend, here’s a heads-up on a couple of events I’m involved with that might be worth checking out. The monthly Neu! Reekie! culture club returns … Continue reading → View full article
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Norse invasion views challenged

Monday, January 23, 2012

A new book challenges a traditional view that the Norse period on the Western Isles was marked by violence and slavery. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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City Lib Dems elect new leader

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Liberal Democrat group on Aberdeen City Council elects Aileen Malone as new leader to replace John Stewart. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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WAR & PEACE & ANNA KARENINA

Monday, January 23, 2012

I am taking a day or two off to read these. Perhaps Haggis and Chips and company can …………………..Oh! Well! It’s a season of goodwill. Ian xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Reply to Dougie. Can’t manage it. A bit too long. Anyway I want to get Ulysses in as well. View full article Ian Hamilton QC
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Scottish Enterprise

Monday, January 23, 2012

Members Re-appointed to the board. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Tam o’Shanter is nation’s favourite

Monday, January 23, 2012

Scots and Scots at heart gear up for annual Burns celebrations. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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NUS say bursary funding too low

Monday, January 23, 2012

Research from the National Union of Students in Scotland finds student support funding is not high enough. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Sinopec Finalizes Deal To Boost Stake In Australian LNG Project By 10% To 25%

Monday, January 23, 2012

Sinopec Finalizes Deal To Boost Stake In Australian LNG Project By 10% To 25% View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Former Army officers ridicule SNP plans to transfer famous regiments into 'Alex Salmond's home guard'

Monday, January 23, 2012

FORMER Army commanders have reacted angrily to plans for some of Britain's most famous regiments to be transferred into "Alex Salmond's home guard". View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Alex Salmond to reveal independence poll wishlist in Burns Day speech – Scottish Daily Record

Monday, January 23, 2012
Alex Salmond to reveal independence poll wishlist in Burns Day speech – Scottish Daily Record

BBC News Alex Salmond to reveal independence poll wishlist in Burns Day speechScottish Daily RecordALEX SALMOND wants to stage an independence referendum on a Saturday with 16-year-olds voting for the first time. The weekend date in Autumn 2014 and lowered polling age will be on a wish list to be unveiled by the First...
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Three weeks into 2012 and still no phone poll

Monday, January 23, 2012
Three weeks into 2012 and still no phone poll

Will ICM back-up the latest YouGov? Today is January 22nd and the only VI polls that we’ve seen this year have been online – all but one of them from YouGov. So before rushing to judgement on the latest from YouGov – 41/36/9 – let’s wait till we see if the same trend of...
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Alex’s Army is already coming under not-so-friendly fire

Monday, January 23, 2012
Alex’s Army is already coming under not-so-friendly fire

Plans for ‘Salmond’s Home Guard’ have not survived contact with Scots officers, writes Alan Cochrane View full article Alan Cochrane’s columns, comment, opinion
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Quicker Farepak payouts sought

Sunday, January 22, 2012

An MP has urged the government to speed up the compensation process for Farepak families after it emerged 200 customers have died before receiving money. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Councils may get house sale power

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Scottish councils could be given the power to sell empty homes as part of measures to cut the number of vacant properties. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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'Answers needed' on independence

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The deputy prime minister calls for "basic answers" from the SNP on the referendum for Scottish independence. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Speed up Farepak process, MP urges

Sunday, January 22, 2012

An MP has called on the UK Government to intervene and speed up the compensation process for Farepak families after it emerged more than 200 customers have died since the Christmas hamper firm collapsed five years ago. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Continued growth in GDP and exports

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Finance Secretary comments on Labour Market, GDP and Manufactured Exports. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Gerald Warner: Goodbye reality, and welcome to the delusional world of Alex … – Scotsman

Sunday, January 22, 2012
Gerald Warner: Goodbye reality, and welcome to the delusional world of Alex … – Scotsman

BBC News Gerald Warner: Goodbye reality, and welcome to the delusional world of Alex …ScotsmanWould that be the same Alex Salmond who championed the “penny for Scotland” and condemned the “unpardonable folly” of intervention in Kosovo? Would it be the Alex Salmond who, in his first week in office in 2007, demanded a separate...
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Who’ll come out top tonight – Mitt or Newt?

Sunday, January 22, 2012
Who’ll come out top tonight – Mitt or Newt?

Voting’s about to end in the South Carolina – the state that is usually third in line in each primary season and the state which ALWAYS in modern times chooses the eventual GOP winner. A week ago this looked a certainty for Mitt. Now it could be going the other way. Polls close at...
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Max Headroom

Sunday, January 22, 2012
Max Headroom

By Doug the Dug The Labour, Conservative and Lib-Dem parties’ joint strategy is clear as all of them want a single question referendum. In or out, yes or no. A binary choice for Scots with no middle way of devo-max … Continue reading → View full article
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No criminal case against Purcell

Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Crown Office says proceedings will not be brought against the former leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Funding for sustainable transport

Saturday, January 21, 2012

£50 million to promote low-carbon travel. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Holyrood security hall ‘bonkers’

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Plans to build a new security hall at the front of the Scottish Parliament are branded “bonkers” by a former presiding officer. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Electoral Commission call over poll

Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Scottish Government has been urged to allow the Electoral Commission to oversee the referendum on independence. The calls came following reports that the SNP Government was prepared to drop its opposition to the body supervising the ballot on whether Scotland should break away from the UK. View full article snp – Yahoo! News...
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Action to boost meat exports

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Extra £300k to promote Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb sales in Europe. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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US midday: Corporate quarterly revenue figures disappoint

Saturday, January 21, 2012

-German Finance Minister says G20 should insure that IMF has enough reserves. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Children to get more play opportunities

Saturday, January 21, 2012

£3 million commitment to enhance play facilities. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Leader: It will take more than Alex Salmond’s assertions to win public trust – Scotsman

Saturday, January 21, 2012
Leader: It will take more than Alex Salmond’s assertions to win public trust – Scotsman

BBC News Leader: It will take more than Alex Salmond's assertions to win public trustScotsmanOn Thursday, Alex Salmond asserted a Scottish defence force would have the same number of army, navy and RAF personnel as envisaged under the UK government's defence review. He further asserted this force would include the elite Scots Guards and...
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It’s PB NightHawks time

Saturday, January 21, 2012
It’s PB NightHawks time

What are other bookies doing about Iowa? Has anybody had any correspondence that might be helpful? I still await a response from Betfair. I’m still in the north-west where I’ve been in family business but will be heading back down the M1 tomorrow. Mike Smithson @MikeSmithsonOGH Recent Threads View full article politicalbetting.com
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Clocks move bill runs out of time

Friday, January 20, 2012

A bid to move the UK’s clocks forward by an hour for a three-year trial period fails after the legislation ran out of time in the Commons. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Funding for Scottish Maritime Museum

Friday, January 20, 2012

£1 million to carry out repairs to Irvine visitor attraction. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Referendum body ‘not impediment’

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Scottish government is preparing to drop its opposition to the UK Electoral Commission supervising an independence referendum. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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SNP warned over referendum legality

Friday, January 20, 2012

The UK's top law adviser in Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to ensure its independence referendum is legally binding and warned: "Wherever law ends, tyranny begins." View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Storm damage

Friday, January 20, 2012

Emergency funding considered for councils. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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SNP to introduce its Budget Bill

Friday, January 20, 2012

Opposition parties have called for the Scottish Government to listen to their concerns as part of budget plans for the year ahead. The SNP, which now has a majority at Holyrood, will introduce its Budget Bill for 2012-13 to the Scottish Parliament. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Business and public sector efficiency advice

Friday, January 20, 2012

New site integrates a range of Scottish Government backed services. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Alex Salmond reveals vision for Scottish armed forces – Scotsman

Friday, January 20, 2012
Alex Salmond reveals vision for Scottish armed forces – Scotsman

Scotsman Alex Salmond reveals vision for Scottish armed forcesScotsmanBy EDDIE BARNES ALEX Salmond has set out his vision for an independent Scottish defence force, saying it would consist of the same number of army, RAF and navy personnel as under plans being drawn up by UK ministers. In the first detailed statement on …Alex...
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After such an eventful day – relax in the PB NightHawks cafe

Friday, January 20, 2012
After such an eventful day – relax in the PB NightHawks cafe

What a day we’ve we’had – the YouGov London poll showing Ken ahead; the official result from Iowa that had Santorum as the victor; Rick Perry dropping out and endorsing Gingrich; and, still to come, the much-hyped interview with Newt’s second ex-wife, Marianne. All of these have impacted on the betting. I’m off early...
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Decommisioning Dounreay: Babcocks or Starbucks?

Friday, January 20, 2012
Decommisioning Dounreay: Babcocks or Starbucks?

by George Gunn Recently I was stuck between a conference where mobiles were verboten and writing a screenplay where everything other than the work in hand was verboten. But I had this desperate need to know whom the Nuclear Decommissioning … Continue reading → View full article
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Steel warns PM on independence

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Former Holyrood presiding officer Lord Steel urges David Cameron and senior English politicians to withdraw from the Scottish independence debate. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Anglo-Scottish interconnector approval

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Changed power lines will connect renewable energy developments to the grid. View full article Scottish Government News Online: Latest
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Salmond vision for defence force

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond says the UK defence review has produced a template for the armed forces in an independent Scotland. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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CORRECTED-BRIEF-Moody's assigns Aa2 rating to Radian Group

Thursday, January 19, 2012

(Correction to remove incorrect RIC's and codes) Jan 17 (Reuters) – Radian Group * Moody's Investors Service has today assigned an Aa2 issuer rating to Radian Group. Inaddition, the rating agency has assigned … View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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SNP dismisses ex-pat voting call

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Scottish ministers dismiss calls to give Scots living outside Scotland a vote in the independence referendum. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Scotland’s economic gloom deals blow to Alex Salmond’s Plan MacB – The Guardian

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Scotland’s economic gloom deals blow to Alex Salmond’s Plan MacB – The Guardian

The Guardian Scotland's economic gloom deals blow to Alex Salmond's Plan MacBThe GuardianAlex Salmond's claims that the Scottish government has a superior economic strategy have taken a dent after fresh evidence showed weak growth and higher unemployment than the rest of the UK. In September, the first minister argued that his "Plan MacB" …WOMEN...
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Welcome again to the PB NightHawkscafe

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Welcome again to the PB NightHawkscafe

I am still in the north-west on family business and haven’t really been following the day’s political moves. I’ve not even watched PMQs or looked at more than a dozen comments on the thread. In the US race there are indications that Newt Gingrich might be moving back again. A new national poll has...
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Lord outlines Supreme Court view

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The High Court should be able to decide which criminal appeal cases can be referred to the UK Supreme Court on human rights grounds, Scotland’s most senior judge says. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Ambulance deal agreed

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

150 new jobs to be created at Scottish Ambulance Service. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Ambulance staff to have hours cut

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Ambulance staff in Scotland will have their working week cut to resolve a long-running dispute over meal breaks, the government announces. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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SNP dismisses expat voting call

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Scottish ministers dismiss calls to give Scots living outside Scotland a vote in the independence referendum. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Scottish Index of Manufactured Exports

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A National Statistics publication for Scotland. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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English head of Scottish civil service tells his staff to expect an SNP victory in poll

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The head of Scotland's Civil Service has faced accusations of partisan behaviour after telling his staff that he expected an Alex Salmond victory in the independence referendum. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Social services voluntary bodies funding

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

£1 million investment in social care training. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Sir Peter Housden faces fresh accusations of partisanship – Telegraph.co.uk

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sir Peter Housden faces fresh accusations of partisanship – Telegraph.co.uk

Scotsman Sir Peter Housden faces fresh accusations of partisanshipTelegraph.co.ukBy Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor The head of Scotland's Civil Service faced fresh accusations of being politically partisan last night after he told thousands of his officials that he expected Alex Salmond to emerge victorious in the …Alex Salmond seeks talks with Michael MooreThe IndependentScottish...
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Tuesday night in the PB NightHawks cafe

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday night in the PB NightHawks cafe

I am visiting the north-west on family business for a few days and have not had much chance to follow the media or PB. It’s amazing how out of touch you can get just by not sitting in front of your computer for half a day. Have a good evening in the PB NightHawks...
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Why Indy Lite is Wrong

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Why Indy Lite is Wrong

By Pat Kane It’s fair to say – along with the not-so-gentle student arm-twisting of a newly elected representativefor the South of Scotland region – that the veteran SNP grandee Jim Sillars is responsible for my current political identity. His … Continue reading → View full article
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Police and fire plans published

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The justice secretary says that single police and fire services for Scotland will put them at the “heart of communities”. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Renewables research partnership

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

First Minister signs deal with alternative energy company Masdar in Abu Dhabi. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Panel to probe West Lothian issue

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The UK government announces the panel of experts who will look at issues raised by the so-called West Lothian Question. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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New poll builds pressure for devo-max question

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

PRESSURE was mounting last night for a "devo-max" option to be part of the Scottish independence referendum, as the SNP Government was again warned not to attempt to hold its own poll. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Police and Fire Reform Bill

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Plans to secure future of police and fire and rescue services. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Labour MP quits social media role after Alex Salmond 'Hitler' video row

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A Labour MP has stepped down from his role as the party's social media adviser in Scotland after he created an online video portraying SNP leader Alex Salmond as Hitler. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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First Minister in Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Alex Salmond shares vision at World Future Energy Summit. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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When will Alex Salmond listen to wiser counsel? – Telegraph.co.uk

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
When will Alex Salmond listen to wiser counsel? – Telegraph.co.uk

Financial Times When will Alex Salmond listen to wiser counsel?Telegraph.co.ukThe all-important fact that Alex Salmond and his supporters refuse point blank to accept is that it would be unlawful, illegal, ultra vires — choose your own term – for his administration to conduct a referendum on breaking up Britain. …Leader: Alex Salmond's stubborn stance...
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Come into the PB NightHawks cafe on this cold January night

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Come into the PB NightHawks cafe on this cold January night

It’s warm here and the conversation is good Welcome to our regular overnight thread where the idea is that we are a bit more relaxed. If you’ve not posted before then why not do so tonight? It really is quite easy and the broader the range of views the better. Have a good evening....
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MP quits over Hitler joke video

Monday, January 16, 2012

Labour MP Tom Harris steps down as his party’s internet adviser after posting a joke video portraying First Minister Alex Salmond as Hitler. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Council Tax Base statistics 2011

Monday, January 16, 2012

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Lord warns of unlawful referendum

Monday, January 16, 2012

Westminster’s senior adviser on Scots law says Holyrood risks flouting the rule of law with its own independence referendum. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Labour MP stands down after Nazi film spoof

Monday, January 16, 2012

A Labour MP has stepped down from his role as the party's Twitter czar in Scotland after he created an online video portraying SNP leader Alex Salmond as Hitler. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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2012 smoking campaign launched

Monday, January 16, 2012

Smokers urged to improve their health and wealth by kicking the habit. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Call SNP's bluff on referendum

Monday, January 16, 2012

The stance of the Scottish National Party is cynical and disingenuous. In attempting to dictate the timing of the referendum to late 2014, and to include a question on transferring of further powers, they are trying to allow themselves as much time as possible. Related Stories Charities say thank you The GAA doesn't follow...
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David Cameron agrees to Alex Salmond referendum meeting – BBC News

Monday, January 16, 2012
David Cameron agrees to Alex Salmond referendum meeting – BBC News

BBC News David Cameron agrees to Alex Salmond referendum meetingBBC NewsThe decision follows claims by Alex Salmond he had asked on six occasions for a meeting with Mr Cameron, none of which had been accepted. But Number 10 still believes that the first minister should meet the Scottish secretary first. …Scottish independence referendum: David...
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Marf on those leader ratings..

Monday, January 16, 2012
Marf on those leader ratings..

Something for PB Nighthawks – a bit early View full article politicalbetting.com
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Consultation? Nats don’t know the meaning of the word

Monday, January 16, 2012
Consultation? Nats don’t know the meaning of the word

To the SNP, “consultation” means doing what Alex Salmond wants, writes Alan Cochrane View full article Alan Cochrane’s columns, comment, opinion
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Let the i Generation In

Monday, January 16, 2012
Let the i Generation In

By Kate Higgins If, even in the quietest moments, we wondered if we might sneak independence in by the back door, well, we ken noo.  One of the most contentious issues is the SNP’s proposal to allow 16 and 17 … Continue reading → View full article
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Vote Britain

Monday, January 16, 2012
Vote Britain

By Alan Bissett People of Scotland, vote with your heart. Vote with your love for the Queen who nurtured you, cradle to grave, Who protects you and cares, her most darling subjects, to whom you gave the glens she adores … Continue reading → View full article
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Salmond agrees to Moore meeting

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore asks to meet Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond on Thursday to discuss Scotland’s constitutional future. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Cameron agrees to Salmond meeting

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Prime Minister David Cameron agrees to meet Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond over how to decide Scotland’s constitutional future. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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SNP launches city council campaign

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The SNP has launched its campaign to win control of Scotland's largest council, with just over 100 days to go until the local government elections. The party hopes to win a majority in Glasgow City Council, which is traditionally a Labour stronghold. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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£7.6m for fishing communities

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Local groups able to seek funding for projects that benefit their communities. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Tory warning over referendum roll

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Almost a million Scots could be denied an independence referendum vote if the SNP refuses the proper powers to run it, the Conservatives warn. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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Who can lay a glove on Alex Salmond? – The Guardian

Sunday, January 15, 2012
Who can lay a glove on Alex Salmond? – The Guardian

Mirror.co.uk Who can lay a glove on Alex Salmond?The GuardianThey, more than anyone, contributed to Alex Salmond's victory last week in the first battle of the war of Scottish independence. After Michael Moore, the Scotland secretary, told MPs at Westminster last Tuesday that the Scottish Parliament had no legal …Alex Salmond the Brave puts...
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ICM : Staying in UK just 3pc ahead in Scotland poll

Sunday, January 15, 2012
ICM : Staying in UK just 3pc ahead in Scotland poll

Something more for PB NightHawks to chew over There’s a new poll just our by ICM on Scottish independence for the Sunday Telegraph. The figures are 40% FOR independence and 43% for remaining in the UK. Amongst the English voters polled 43% support Scottish independence with only 32% opposed. Only those in Scotland, of...
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Solar panel bid sees light of day

Saturday, January 14, 2012

A south of Scotland council seeks approval to spend up to £2.2m installing solar panels across some of its buildings. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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College funding outlined

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Student numbers will be maintained for 2012-13. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Salmond in Abu Dhabi energy trip

Saturday, January 14, 2012

First Minister Alex Salmond is travelling to Abu Dhabi for a visit which will include the signing of a deal on renewables. View full article BBC News – Scotland politics
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Politicians clash over independence referendum

Saturday, January 14, 2012

INVERCLYDE politicians have clashed over when the Scottish independence referendum should be held. First Minister Alex Salmond has proposed that it should be in the autumn of 2014, with his strategy backed by local SNP man Stuart McMillan. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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First Minister on visit to the Gulf

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Scotland promoted at World Future Energy Summit. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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Andrew Grice: Osborne: the SNP's secret weapon

Saturday, January 14, 2012

"Westminster Eton Toff will not decide our referendum," wrote Angus MacNeil, the Scottish National Party MP for the Western Isles, after David Cameron lit the touchpaper for a debate on Scotland's future which could end with the United Kingdom splitting apart. View full article snp – Yahoo! News Search Results
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FM invites PM to Scotland

Saturday, January 14, 2012

First Minister proposes inter-governmental discussion during referendum consultation period. View full article The Scottish Government News Online – Latest
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