Author: johnrobertson834

Retired Professor of Media Politics Not-for-profit independent political analysis
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Labour must give up on nuclear power in Scotland as Torness with 46 reactor cracks is to operate till 2028 yet its troubled French owners are required to investigate plant in France with only 1!

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By Professor John Robertson Many thanks to Dottie for alerting me to this. From the Ferret today: The number of cracks in the core of an ageing nuclear reactor at Torness in East Lothian has risen to 46, prompting warnings that prolonging its operation would be “gambling with public safety”. The UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) told The Ferret that the cracks were detected in April 2024 and were “at the upper end of expectations”. The first three cracks were discovered at Torness in February 2022. EDF, however, insisted that the cracks did not affect normal operations or the ability to shut down … Continue reading Labour must give up on nuclear power in Scotland as Torness with 46 reactor cracks is to operate till 2028 yet its troubled French owners are required to investigate plant in France with only 1!

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County Lines drug gangs from cities in England fuel major surge in violent crime in Scotland’s smaller towns

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In the Express yesterday, we read: Knife crime epidemic rising faster in market towns after spread of county lines drug gangs. Knife crime is rising more rapidly in rural counties and market towns than in cities, a study has found. Although most of the police forces in the top 10 included large inner city areas, the study found offences were soaring at an alarming rate outside of urban regions. According to Police Scotland, there are more than 50 County Lines drug and child-abusing groups active in Scotland, first identified in 2019, commonly in smaller towns where there is no existing … Continue reading County Lines drug gangs from cities in England fuel major surge in violent crime in Scotland’s smaller towns

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Labour government Bill on the ‘Lords Spiritual’ extends and applies to Scotland: should we be grateful, reassured … puzzled?

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By stewartb On the website of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland we learn that of Labour Government Bills in the Kings Speech, 24 out of 40 are identified as applying in Scotland. Notable among them is this one: ‘Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill’ concerning representation in the House of Lords. Lords reform It’s hard to resist looking back to 5 December 2022 when the Scotland page of the BBC News website had this headline: ‘Gordon Brown: Labour plan would make UK work for Scotland’. Here we find a photograph of Brown and Keir Starmer … Continue reading Labour government Bill on the ‘Lords Spiritual’ extends and applies to Scotland: should we be grateful, reassured … puzzled?

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How the SNP might compensate the WASPI women and win the next election(s)

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By Professor John Robertson I came up with this idea several months ago and sent it to the new FM John Swinney but have had no response. It has been warmly welcomed by most SNP members I’ve spoken to and by leading local WASPI leaders. One or two, understandably, have rejected it on the grounds that the UK Government should pay the bill. I understand that but doing at least something before more WASPI women die and, of course, defeating Labour seemed and still seems a bit of a priority for us. Proposal: That the Scottish Government introduce a scheme, … Continue reading How the SNP might compensate the WASPI women and win the next election(s)

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How the SNP Government is already years ahead in the eradication of child poverty yet Ian Murray, Gordon Brown and UK media pretend it begins now

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To read these fully-sourced reports, click on: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/?s=child+poverty To read these fully-sourced reports, click on: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/?s=child+poverty To read these fully-sourced reports, click on: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/?s=child+poverty Continue reading How the SNP Government is already years ahead in the eradication of child poverty yet Ian Murray, Gordon Brown and UK media pretend it begins now

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Total meltdown as new Scilly Islands ferry service launch is delayed for second time

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From Cornwall News today: Another delay for new Isles of Scilly ferry service launch as boss quits. It looks like a total meltdown as it’s the second time the start up of the new company’s new crossings have been postponed within only a few hours. A planned new ferry service to the Isles of Scilly has hit choppy waters as its boss quit and it has now postponed its launch by over a week. The first Scilly Ferries crossing from Penzance was due to take place on Monday (July 22) but, as reported by CornwallLive was earlier today postponed to the … Continue reading Total meltdown as new Scilly Islands ferry service launch is delayed for second time

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Do statements by leading Labour politicians in Scotland require Talking down Wales?

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By stewartb The Herald had this headline on 19 July 2024: ‘Scots ‘failed’ by a lack of planning for a pandemic by SNP or Tories.’ Within the article there is this: See https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-herald-1130/20240719/281672555180089 . Before commenting further, note the sleekit attempt at casting doubt on ‘transparency’ and ‘honesty’. It’s as if Wales was NOT also judged to be just as ill-prepared by the Covid-19 Inquiry: it’s as if the Labour spokesperson in Scotland has erased the fact of her party being in government in Wales throughout the period of devolution; it’s as if Labour in Scotland really do hold firm … Continue reading Do statements by leading Labour politicians in Scotland require Talking down Wales?

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418 ‘unnatural, unexpected deaths’ but Wes Streeting has no worries

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The day after the Health Service Journal (HSJ) shockingly reports, Review finds 418 ‘unnatural, unexpected deaths’ linked to troubled trust, BBC Norfolk, above, have no interest. In an extended report, the HSJ does not mention any politician, far less the Health Secretary. Only the Trust is blamed. BBC Health, equally show no interest. Imagine this was in Scotland with even just one, not 418 deaths? or no deaths at all, just a delay? or this? or this? Continue reading 418 ‘unnatural, unexpected deaths’ but Wes Streeting has no worries

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Knowing the neighbour  – insights from high profile English patriots

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By stewartb The profile of English patriotism has been heightened by two notable endorsements recently. Many may recall the open letter – to ‘Dear England’ – written by the England men’s football team manager, Gareth Southgate before the European Championship in 2021. This gained such a status that in advance of the England team’s appearance in the recent final of the same competition, the flagship BBC Radio 4 ‘Today’ programme had the letter read out to the ‘nation’ once again. The full text of the letter can be found here: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/dear-england-gareth-southgate-euros-soccer The other high profile statement on English patriotism came … Continue reading Knowing the neighbour  – insights from high profile English patriots

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Understanding ‘patriotism’  – insights from the Labour Party

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By stewartb – a long read In early July this year and following elections to the European Parliament, we learned of the formation of a new alliance of far-right MEPs. The group chose for its name ‘Patriots for Europe’. (See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9vre72wpdo) ‘Patriotism’ has become a much favoured characteristic recently. In April this year, Keir Starmer (20 April 2024) wrote a piece for The Telegraph – long known as the Conservatives’ de facto house journal – below the headline: ‘Labour is now the true party of English patriotism’. Are we all ‘patriots’ now? It’s notable how much attention Labour Party-supporting organisations … Continue reading Understanding ‘patriotism’  – insights from the Labour Party