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 »
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 »
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 »
Back in 1979 when the SNP voted to bring down Jim Callaghan’s Government, the then Prime Minister described them as “turkey’s voting for an early Christmas”. His administration fell through deeper factors than the confidence vote, but he was right in his prophesy as SNP were mauled in the election. In helping bring about the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election… Read more »
I’ve never been someone who believed Scotland was a colony. It’s complex and was a union rather than a takeover, albeit a political “shotgun wedding”. However, advocates of muscular unionism are now making me reconsider. Whilst history cannot be rewritten, the democratic nature of the relationship’s threatened. Some seem to be suggesting that although it was a voluntary union, what… Read more »
The heatwaves and fires raging in Europe are frightening and sadly a portend for what we face in coming years. The fear of both tourists and locals in Mediterranean resorts well known to Scottish holidaymakers was evident. Worse still, lives have been lost, not just holidays ruined. But heatwaves are also affecting almost a third of the USA, and similar… Read more »
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 »