Category Archives: Press Release

Drug Consumption Rooms – 12 September 2023

  

Drug Consumption Rooms, Safe Injection Rooms, call them what you will, it’s the same thing. A safe venue where an addict can be supervised and be safe in their taking of whatever narcotic they’re addicted to. It stops them doing so in the park, public toilets or even the street and medical practitioners and drug counsellors can both oversee what’s… Read more »

The Age of Oligarchy – 7 September 2023

  

Robert Reich who was Bill Clinton’s Labor Secretary recently tweeted that “three multibillionaires now own more wealth than the bottom 90% of America”. The term bottom 90%  a strange way to describe the overwhelming majority of the population but it makes his additional comment that “this is what oligarchy looks like” ring true. It’s over a decade since publication of… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 7 September 2023

  

Parliament returned on Monday and so last week saw preparations for it. The issues this session remain much the same as before, with energy costs to the fore. There may have been a further reduction in the Energy Price Guarantee, but costs still remain higher than last winter where £400 was given to each household and from the year before… Read more »

Winters Looming – 31 August 2023

  

Summer’s passing with the warmest July on record but who knows what winter will bring and there’s little cheer for those worrying about energy bills. A further reduction in the Energy Price Guarantee trumpeted by OFGEM and by the Energy Secretary Grant Shapps is of course welcome. But it’s going to be a bleak winter for many and a cruel… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 31 August 2023

  

Growing up in the 1970s means I’m no stranger to industrial disputes. All of us who lived through that era recall strikes not just in the pits but even then, in the NHS and Fire Service. There were issues and no one now would argue for a return to strikes called by a show of hands or the absence of… Read more »

He’s No Messiah – 24 August 2023

  

“How do you know he’s lying? His lips are moving” has been the cruel barb flung at politicians over the years. But with Sir Keir Starmer it is: “How do you know he’s U-turning? He is opening his mouth.” We know now, as was shown in his recent foray across the border, that Sir Keir is no Messiah. Instead, he’s simply a politician with no principles who… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 24 August 2023

  

Along with many others I attended Fringe by the Sea. I enjoyed Peat and Diesel as well as the support bands. Similarly, the local pipe band and visiting Swedish one playing in the High Street were likewise excellent. Thanks are due to all those involved at both that festival and at other often smaller events that went on across the… Read more »

SNP Green Coalition – 17 Aguust 2023

  

The SNP Green coalition’s causing ructions within both parties. Of course, it’s likely to survive a while yet as Continuity SNP are wedded to the idea and Green Ministers continue to enjoy the trappings of ministerial office. But the fallout has been harmful for both and it’s hard to see what gains have been made for either. For sure there’s profile… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 17 August 2023

  

Last week was exam results day, which can be stressful for many, not just the pupils. Parents worry as much over their kids as they did about their own. It’s the same for teachers who, all too often it’s forgotten, care deeply about youngsters in their charge. Obviously, for some there’s joy whilst for others its commiseration. If the latter… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 10 August 2023

  

A further interest rate rise is a disaster for many families and also for many struggling businesses. Both face increased mortgage or bank charges at a time when energy and other costs are continuing to rise. Of course, inflation has to be brought down but this is crippling individuals and our economy and’s damaging. Banks are making fortunes whilst ordinary… Read more »