Boris Johnson’s government failed to anticipate and to react to pandemic threat but Nicola Sturgeon’s government made up for his incompetence
This from last year has popped up across social media, where it’s being seen in greater numbers than the Herald does, these days. So, it needs rebutting. First, How Boris Johnson’s top civil servant credited Nicola Sturgeon for showing them how to do it One more reason to be utterly disgusted by the current witch-hunt: From the National in May 2024: NICOLA Sturgeon was showing the Tory government “how to do it” during the Covid pandemic, according to WhatsApp messages sent by the UK’s most senior civil servant. Simon Case, who as cabinet secretary oversees the work of the UK’s entire civil … Continue reading Boris Johnson’s government failed to anticipate and to react to pandemic threat but Nicola Sturgeon’s government made up for his incompetence
Burnham’s Manchester is the worst for homelessness in the north west
By stewartb Ah but what about the supposed economic miracle that is Manchester? From the Manchester Evening News (December 11, 2025): ‘Manchester is the worst for homelessness in the north west – One in every 61 people in Manchester are homeless, according to the latest data. There are 4,678 children and a total of 9,589 people without a home in the Manchester city council area – the most out of any other area in the north west.’ Homelessness across Greater Manchester by borough: Manchester – 9,589 (one in every 61 people) Salford – 2,327 (one in every 126 people) Oldham – 1,347 (One … Continue reading Burnham’s Manchester is the worst for homelessness in the north west
Protecting politicians – do the Widdecombe lessons not apply to Nicola Sturgeon too?
By Liz S In Talking-up Scotland yesterday? BBC Scotland today, surprisingly, given the Widdicombe murder obsession of all the press… However on the BBC website headline today is this: “Investigation into Widdecombe’s death rekindles debate over how to protect politicians” Also today on the BBC website is this headline: “Sturgeon’s police statement on SNP finances won’t be released, says lawyer” This is a long article that also includes “How the Peter Murrell case unfolded” which includes a timeline and a breakdown of yet another regurgitated BBC report on this past case , that as a criminal case has now been concluded , as the … Continue reading Protecting politicians – do the Widdecombe lessons not apply to Nicola Sturgeon too?
Risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has plummeted in last ten years
From Cancer mortality Annual update to 2024 planned revision, published today: Let’s be clear what this means. Slightly more people died from cancer in 2024 than in 2015 but that is simply because there are more older people in the overall population. What really matters here, as a measure of how well NHS Scotland is performing, is the ratio of those dying, of the overall population – the risk you face. That has improved dramatically, falling 12.1%, from 328,5 per 100 000 to 288.9 per 100 000. Source: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality-in-scotland-annual-update-to-2024-planned-revision/ Continue reading Risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has plummeted in last ten years
Six unique steps the SNP Government is taking to avert the claim that ‘children will be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades’
You know what I’m going to say. Yes, no mention of Scotland in this, from the Guardian‘s Health Correspondent, Tobi Thomas. Do you think that means Tobi has done the research and knows that doomy claim applies equally to Scotland? Has s/he flip! The Scottish Government has taken several targeted actions on child nutrition, obesity, and related health issues, which could help mitigate aspects of the UK-wide problems highlighted in the RCPCH report upon which the Guardian report is based. Such as? Here are a selected six of them. Expansion of free school meals to tackle child poverty and improve … Continue reading Six unique steps the SNP Government is taking to avert the claim that ‘children will be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades’
Disability benefits – Burnham only has to ask as Scotland already offers a large majority of what is proposed for a ‘truly progressive system’
In the Guardian today, once more, complete Anglocentrism as a writer does not think to ask if any other part of the UK has already done what she wants Andy Burnham to do. There’s not a mention of Scotland in the above but to what extent does the Scottish system already offer what is suggested? Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment (ADP) system already delivers a substantial portion of what the article advocates, particularly in shifting away from the most criticised elements of the current PIP system in England and Wales. It provides a more humane, less intrusive process and greater security … Continue reading Disability benefits – Burnham only has to ask as Scotland already offers a large majority of what is proposed for a ‘truly progressive system’
UK Home Office ‘regularly’ leaking confidential medical information to lawyers – imagine the media frenzy in Scotland
Thanks to Dottie for this: From the FT today: UK immigration lawyers say that they regularly receive confidential medical information meant for individuals whose work visa applications they handled, in an apparent breach of privacy rules that stretches back years. The lawyers have received emails and text messages ranging from notifications of hospital appointments to messages about vaccinations and diagnostic tests, they said. In one recent case, cancer test results were shared. The lawyers suggest that this is occurring because the people in question have given their details to UK Visas & Immigration, part of the Home Office, as the … Continue reading UK Home Office ‘regularly’ leaking confidential medical information to lawyers – imagine the media frenzy in Scotland
A more than 3 000 extra violent crimes surge in Scotland’s once low crime areas is more in the public interest than going to a murder pub in Spain over 84 ‘offences’ in Scotland
BBC Scotland today, surprisingly, given the Widdicombe murder obsession of all the press, has headlined: Gang feud ended with ‘resolution of differences’ between rivals – police – Ross McGill (centre), the former head of Rangers Football Club’s ultras fan group the Union Bears, was a key figure in the feud – Police have revealed that a violent gangland feud spanning six months came to an end through dozens of arrests and a “resolution of differences” between rival groups. The trouble began in Edinburgh last March and led to a series of fire-raisings and attempted murders across the central belt, totalling … Continue reading A more than 3 000 extra violent crimes surge in Scotland’s once low crime areas is more in the public interest than going to a murder pub in Spain over 84 ‘offences’ in Scotland
SNP invests in further reducing homelessness already much less common and severe than in England but gets no MSM coverage
From the Scottish Government but getting no attention from BBC Scotland, STV, Herald, Scotsman or Record so far as I can see today, ten hours later, the above, and: First 100 days commitments continue to be met. Halfway through the first 100 days of the Scottish Government formed in May, the rollout of an expanded 10-year £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund is underway. £1 million is being made available for a second year to enable social landlords and third sector organisations to support tenants to stay in their homes. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Homeless Network Scotland are … Continue reading SNP invests in further reducing homelessness already much less common and severe than in England but gets no MSM coverage
Talking-up Scotland 