There’s a quantitative difference in how the Scottish and UK Governments are handling the wave of strikes we’re now facing. Now I preface my comments by stating I support the strikers. The wage demands are legitimate given rising costs and inflation predates their claims. But its still never easy for any government and I’ve been involved in some sensitive discussions… Read more »
A Merry Xmas and a Guid New Year when it comes to one and all. This has been a very challenging year for most and extremely so for many. Despite the challenges that people face I still hope you will be able to enjoy the Festivities. It’s a special time of year especially for children but likewise for many others… Read more »
The Lord Advocate has been in the USA for the commemoration of the Lockerbie atrocity. She’ll be meeting US Justice counterparts and getting briefed on the latest information about Masud believed by many to be the bomber. What won’t be under discussion though’s any suggestion of him being released to Scottish authorities for a trial to take place here. Of… Read more »
The recent cold snap brought home the energy crisis. Those with smart meters saw costs rising before their very eyes. For many it was frightening and for some sadly just unaffordable. Those feeling the pressures aren’t restricted to those on basic pensions or state benefits. They’ve always been vulnerable. In recent years these been joined in poverty, by those working… Read more »
Abu Mas’ud involvement in the Lockerbie bombing’s well known, the only surprise being his recent apprehension. At the very outset he was one of many sought. Top of the list was Gadhafi, followed by his evil henchman Senussi. But Mas’ud was up there and far higher in the wanted list than either Megrahi or his co-accused Fimmah. But the agreement… Read more »
The SNPs Westminster leadership change was always on the cards. Suggestions by the new Leader Stephen Flynn that an earlier challenge hadn’t been contemplated were frankly disingenuous. Dissatisfaction with Ian Blackford had been growing and not just over the Patrick Grady affair, which was at odds with the “whiter than white” party image, cultivated by Nicola Sturgeons inner circle, even… Read more »
Much of the focus last week was once again away from the House of Commons. This time it was just along the Westminster corridors in the House of Lords. The allegations that Tory Peer Michelle Mone received £29 million through contracts arranged for PPE equipment were described by the Prime Minister as “absolutely shocking”. I think most of us would… Read more »
There’s undoubtedly great truth in the heroism of Ukrainian troops and their people. But there’s a limit to what can be sustained or endured. It’s one thing for President Zelensky to be bullish, it’s quite another for front line soldiers to sustain their morale or a people survive the civic catastrophe that has befallen that land. It’s also quite another… Read more »
I’ve never been comfortable with the Scottish Government’s proposals on gender recognition. For sure, an updating of rules was required and transphobia is rightly condemned, some changes to legislation are doubtless appropriate. But self-ID has always caused me concern. Maybe it’s an age thing, or I’m just old-fashioned, but I share the concerns of many women’s rights advocates, even if… Read more »
The Scottish Governments proposals on gender reform are proving highly controversial. Transphobia’s to be condemned and those who undergo the procedures to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate must be protected. But I share the concerns that many women’s rights campaigners have about the requirement for protecting single sex spaces and the dangers of gender Self -ID. Call me old fashioned… Read more »