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 »
The Prime Minister and the First Minister both face issues with predecessors. Neither had a seamless transition into office and the former post-holders cast a long shadow. The contexts are of course vastly different, but I cannot help feeling that Rishi Sunak has handled things far better. A raft of by-elections is the last thing a beleaguered Prime Minister wants. But… Read more »
The focus in Parliament, as with the media, was on Boris Johnson. The Privileges Committee report was more scathing than anyone imagined and no doubt the former PM himself as his response was even more petulant than usual. He really is a charlatan who has demeaned the office of Prime Minister. Exposed at last, he shows no remorse either for… Read more »
Last week in Parliament I met with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. They’re the state body who will take over the operation of Torness when EDF depart. With closure anticipated for 2028 preparations are already being made. Obviously and, in terms of employment, welcomely there’ll be no significant immediate loss of work, even if ownership and management transfer. It’ll be a… Read more »
I was recently taken out to see Floating Offshore Wind Turbines. These Leviathans standing some 190 meters tall and with turbines spanning over 160 meters are impressive from distance, and even more imposing when underneath. Coming constructions will be even bigger, 300 meters predicted, that’s the height of the Eiffel Tower. The power generated will be enormous. Scotland already produces… Read more »
The good weather and holiday weekends have seen visitors flock to the county. Not just the additional numbers but the accents disclose that it’s people come for a break. That’s a good thing as they boost the local economy, spending cash and creating jobs. But it also comes at a price as the pressure on facilities and services increases, and… Read more »
SAYS MACASKILL IN CHALLENGE TO UK GOVERNMENT Speaking today (Tuesday) in a Westminster Hall Debate at 4.00 pm in which he will lead on “immigration rules affecting offshore workers” Kenny MacAskill MP will argue that workers in the offshore wind sector should not face exploitation from unscrupulous employers. This has included the practice of sacking UK workers and bringing in workers from… Read more »
Like most I was gobsmacked by the Chiefs statement that Police Scotland was institutionally racist, never mind similarly afflicted with sexism and misogyny. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no significant evidence was produced, nor action detailed to address it. Instead, it seems to have been a final salvo as the Chief heads off into retirement but leaving rank and… Read more »
Are there racist, sexist and misogynistic police officers? Sad to say, there’ll be a few, but it’s the same in other walks of life – politics, the press, civil service or health service. All seek to exclude them when recruiting but even the best processes can be circumvented or fail to pick up unacceptable views. Nefarious behaviour and inappropriate attitudes aren’t to be… Read more »