ULEZ, or the ultra-low emission zone was clearly a factor in the Tories holding Uxbridge and Ruislip galvanizing Tory support and giving those reluctant to support the shambles of a government. It was at least something to vote against rather than stay at home, which was what happened in the two seats the Tories lost. But Labour’s vacillation on the… Read more »
Having a coffee with a young friend last week he told me that he and his partner were expecting their first child. Delighted for him I said it was the best thing that had ever happened to me. It’s life changing and for the better, though it also comes at a cost not just in sleepless nights but especially childcare…. Read more »
Winnie Ewing’s memorial service brought an attendance from across the political spectrum, joined by business and civic leaders. No less would be expected for someone who transformed Scottish politics and left a deep mark on Scottish society. As eulogies from Alex Salmond and Alex Neil detailed her energy catapulting the SNP from a fringe group to a serious political party… Read more »
It’s not just food that people are struggling to access but homes. There’s a crisis as those who can’t buy or afford high rents in the private rented sector struggle to obtain council or housing association accommodation. As with other aspects of poverty it’s a far cry from what I experienced as a youngster. I recall applying for a council… Read more »
Ending the war on drugs is sensible. It’s the route to travel, whether within the UK or as an independent nation. Sadly, the practical benefits of radical change are being lost amid the political posturing: the Scottish Government doing it simply for show, while Tory and Labour line up under an irredentist “it’s irresponsible” banner. That latter position’s as vacuous as Nancy Reagan’s “Just… Read more »
With fairer weather and reduced bills, the energy crisis has slightly dissipated. But it’s not gone away and will return with a vengeance when winter comes. Prices may be lower than the last few bills, but they’ll still be higher than what was the norm before they rocketed. The dangers were brought home by some statistics that the campaigning organisation… Read more »
It’s over 50 years since Jimmy Reid’s rectoral address at Glasgow University, described by the New York Times, which reprinted it in full, as the most important speech since Lincoln’s at Gettysburg. Its theme was alienation and, though not lengthy, it was wide-ranging. It’s best recalled for the immortal lines: “A rat race is for rats. We’re not rats. We’re human beings.”… Read more »
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) sounds a benign technical term. But it masks what’s a serious problem. Both the Brunton Hall and Preston Lodge HS have issues with it leading to closure of all or just parts, and that will be replicated in other public buildings across the county and country. It was a method of manufacture for concrete planks… Read more »
Putting Independence in the first line of their Party manifesto’s surely indicative of the problem faced by Humza Yousaf’s continuity SNP. Over decades many candidates stood simply to keep the eternal flame burning, with no prospect of electoral success. That the Party was for independence was blindingly obvious, it was where it stood on other issues that was too often… Read more »
The price of petrol and diesel isn’t as high as it was a while back. But it’s not cheap to fill up your car and in East Lothian it’s often essential. Many jobs, such as health visitors and care workers, require one and although there’s recompense for mileage it isn’t keeping up with costs. It also affects the self-employed where tradesmen seek to offset mileage incurred from their tax bill. It’s something I’ve raised… Read more »