Author: johnrobertson834

Retired Professor of Media Politics Not-for-profit independent political analysis
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England’s Third World NHS puts Scotland at risk of deadly measles surge

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By Professor John Robertson Thanks to Dottie again for alerting me to this. From the Sunday Times, yesterday, the above disturbing report of cuts to vaccine programmes: As of 15th May 2024, there have been 11 cases of measles confirmed in Scotland. 1 When in February there were 5, all were ‘linked to travel’ ie not due to infection within Scotland. 2 According to the ONS, 26 March, 2024: In the UK, 24-month coverage of measles, mumps and rubella first dose vaccination (MMR1) remained at 89.9% 3 In January 2024, from the UK Government: In order for our measles, mumps and … Continue reading England’s Third World NHS puts Scotland at risk of deadly measles surge

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Scotland’s corridor care myth as less than 2% respond to survey

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The Guardian and the Daily Record today have Rise in hospital ‘corridor care’ is national emergency, union warns Scots nurses set to declare ‘national emergency’ due to hospital corridor deaths Tellingly, the Daily Record uses an ITV rather than STV image. Both the Anglocentric Guardian piece and the patched up Record piece are based on: Corridor care: unsafe, undignified, unacceptable published today by the RCN. In it we see: Statement: clinical care took place in an inappropriate environment e.g. an additional bed in a bay, waiting room, a corridor or a location not designed for patients. to which 38% of … Continue reading Scotland’s corridor care myth as less than 2% respond to survey

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Cancer rate growth among under-50s in Scotland increasing by less than 1%

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From the Guardian’s Chicago health editor (?) today: The number of people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer in the UK [sic] has risen 24% in two decades, a sharper increase than any other age group, according to figures experts say are likely linked to soaring obesity levels, cheap junk food and inactivity. https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/02/cancer-rates-under-50s-rise-24-percent-obesity-junk-food-inactivity From Public Health Scotland in March 2023 (latest data), in the 5 year period 2017/2021, there were 15 527 cases among those 0-49 years and in the period 2016/2020, there were 15 403. https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/cancer-incidence-in-scotland/cancer-incidence-in-scotland-to-december-2021/ That’s a statistically insignificant increase of 124 or 0.8%, less than 1%. … Continue reading Cancer rate growth among under-50s in Scotland increasing by less than 1%

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Survation and YouGov stuck in 2014 to bias their polling

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In their most recent poll, in January 2024, Ipsos Scotland got: Last week and being trumpeted as more bad news for John Swinney, Survation got: YouGov had identical results the week before. Survation had this sample ratio weighted according to the 2014 referendum, 10 years ago: YouGov had the same ratio. Ipsos had this sample ratio weighted according to trends since the 2014 referendum, 10 years ago: Ipsos is a multinational market research company based in France with no ‘horse in the race’ when it comes to Scottish independence. YouGov is a UK-based pollster set up by former Chancellor Nadhim … Continue reading Survation and YouGov stuck in 2014 to bias their polling

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German research suppressed by Labour Government and media in 2008 revealed under 5’s living near nuclear plants more than twice as likely to develop leukemia

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By Professor John Robertson I’m grateful to JB for alerting me to this. I knew nothing of it because mainstream UK media do not seem to have covered it at all. On 30th June 2011, the German Bundestag voted to phase out nuclear energy. Why? Safety was a paramount concern in the decision to phase out nuclear power: the use of nuclear energy causes highly dangerous radioactive radiation for humans and the environment and leaves behind highly toxic waste. High safety precautions must be taken throughout the entire life cycle – from the extraction of the raw material uranium to … Continue reading German research suppressed by Labour Government and media in 2008 revealed under 5’s living near nuclear plants more than twice as likely to develop leukemia

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Alister Jack and Labour’s commitment to building new small modular reactors in Scotland ignores research revealing their greater toxic waste production and thus cancer risk

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From the Herald: The next government is being urged to make “big decisions” on nuclear power projects to help deliver jobs and energy security. The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has published its manifesto, saying it was important to ensure continued momentum. The association called for measures including pressing ahead with the planned Sizewell C power station, as well as extending the life of current power stations. The manifesto also pressed for the building of a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country and a third large-scale station at Wylfa on Anglesey in north Wales. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/national/24357628.call-next-government-make-big-decisions-nuclear-power-projects/ Labour’s manifesto commitment: … Continue reading Alister Jack and Labour’s commitment to building new small modular reactors in Scotland ignores research revealing their greater toxic waste production and thus cancer risk

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Emergency issue of potassium iodine tablets to those living near to US nuclear plant and research showing significant cancer risks casts serious doubt on Scottish Labour plans

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By Professor John Robertson Yesterday, in the Philly Voice, USA: People living near active nuclear power plants are advised to have potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on hand in case of a radiological emergency. KI is an over-the-counter medication that protects the thyroid from absorbing nuclear radiation. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering free KI tablets to people who live within 10 miles of the Limerick Generating Station in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, on Wednesday, June 12. Radioactive iodine released into the environment during a nuclear accident may be absorbed by the body, increasing the chance of thyroid cancer. Saturating the thyroid … Continue reading Emergency issue of potassium iodine tablets to those living near to US nuclear plant and research showing significant cancer risks casts serious doubt on Scottish Labour plans

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CalMac hits 99% for month of May until Unionist council-owned and maintained lifeline terminal fails after 11 years of neglect

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Image Newsquest From the 1st to the 28th May 2024, across its 50 or so routes with 34 vessels, CalMac averaged 98.8% on time. In April 2024, a cabal of Tory, Lib Dem and Independent councillors gave up, after 11 years, and let the SNP run the show. Two days ago the Dunoon terminal failed causing the cancellation of up to 54 crossings per day, letting thousands down and, with that number, distorting the picture: Continue reading CalMac hits 99% for month of May until Unionist council-owned and maintained lifeline terminal fails after 11 years of neglect

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Has Labour in Scotland now shifted its stance on NHS use of private healthcare?

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As ‘Investors eye opportunities in Labour pledge to boost private health sector’ has Labour in Scotland now shifted its stance on NHS use of private healthcare? By stewartb We know that a key plank in the Labour Party’s plans for the NHS in England should it win the upcoming General Election is to increase the use of supposed spare capacity in the private healthcare sector as the solution to stubbornly long waiting lists for hospital treatment. It seems, at least from the tone of BBC and mainstream media reporting, that the ‘Overton Window’ – the window of discourse that frames the range … Continue reading Has Labour in Scotland now shifted its stance on NHS use of private healthcare?

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BBC UK report Labour’s con trick on energy while BBC Scotland rush to Labour’s defence

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BBC UK report on Labour’s energy plans this morning with a fairly full account of the criticism of them, including John Swinney’s simple assessment: 25 minutes later BBC Scotland offer an uncritical advert for Labour Not a word of criticism of their plans. A simple piece of comparative reporting for an S4 Modern Studies class lesson on propaganda by, of course, a decent teacher, not that ethnic cleansing apologist Michael Shanks in Rutherglen. Continue reading BBC UK report Labour’s con trick on energy while BBC Scotland rush to Labour’s defence