Author: johnrobertson834

Retired Professor of Media Politics Not-for-profit independent political analysis
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No point in devoting effort to changing perceptions of the BBC in Scotland?

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Scotland’s different relationship with the BBC – evidence from the Corporation’s own data By stewartb The National Audit Office (NAO) has recently published an assessment of a BBC corporate initiative called ‘Across the UK’. The NAO’s report explains (with my emphasis): ‘In March 2021, the BBC published The BBC Across the UK (ATUK), setting out its ambitions to strengthen its delivery for the whole of the UK, particularly in areas where perception of the BBC’s relevance are relatively low, and to ensure that every household gets value from the BBC. It plans to do this by cumulatively spending at least … Continue reading No point in devoting effort to changing perceptions of the BBC in Scotland?

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SNP Housing Minister makes strong impression on sector

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Here’s a game. Tell me if you spot this story in the MSM. From Inside Housing on 30 November: “The best housing minister we’ve had for 20 years.” That is the verdict of one Scottish social housing source when asked by Inside Housing to describe Paul McLennan. It is remarkable praise for anyone to receive, but particularly impressive for a minister who has been in the role for only eight months, and an MSP for two years. Inside Housing caught up with the minister via video call to find out more about how his new brief is going, what his aims are and … Continue reading SNP Housing Minister makes strong impression on sector

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Scotland’s drug deaths – handy summary on the real facts – Westminster responsibility, falling fast, Scottish Government acts

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Westminster is ultimately responsible for Scotland’s drug deaths Drug deaths fall by 21% in only one year as SNP policies begin to reverse long-term effects of decades of Tory/New Labour neglect Evidence emerges that significant drug deaths fall is largely due to Scottish Government programme first in world Drug deaths in England & Wales significantly under-reported according to UK Civil Service Significant falls in drug deaths among the young after 16 years of SNP rule Continue reading Scotland’s drug deaths – handy summary on the real facts – Westminster responsibility, falling fast, Scottish Government acts

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BBC Scotland woman journalists betray their own kind just to protect UK minister responsible for mass deaths!

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On the left, how BBC Scotland want you to remember Nicola Sturgeon’s much-praised performance in the pandemic with, on the right, the reality most of us should remember. The BBC Scotland report is unattributed but there are lots of senior women at Pacific Quay who might have selected a better headline had they a shred of decency in them. The report does go on, at the very end of course, to let a spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon to tell it like it was but the damage is done by then. Before that, we get line after line of Hancock’s vague, … Continue reading BBC Scotland woman journalists betray their own kind just to protect UK minister responsible for mass deaths!

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Isle of Wight ferries so bad government transport priorities report fails to mention them at at all

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From the Isle of Wight Observer today: A major new report issued by the body that “speaks with a single voice about strategic transport priorities for the south-east” and the Department for Transpor has regard to when developing government policy, doesn’t even mention ferries. Transport for the South East (TfSE) was established in 2017 and yesterday published its first ‘State of the Region’ report. While it covers ‘affordability of transport’ for both buses and rail and the Isle of Wight’s rental e-bike trial, there is no mention of the Island’s unique dependence on cross-Solent services in its 58 pages. What … Continue reading Isle of Wight ferries so bad government transport priorities report fails to mention them at at all

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Hospital ‘Highest Alert’ over ‘extreme pressures’ does not require Labour Government explanation

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From BBC Wales this morning: More than 80 people are waiting for beds at a hospital which has declared the highest alert level. Morriston Hospital in Swansea said it was under “extreme pressure” in its emergency and unscheduled care services. The hospital said the number of “acutely unwell” emergency patients waiting for beds was “extremely high”. People have been urged to avoid going to the A&E department unless they are seriously ill or badly injured. Swansea Bay health board said a business continuity incident – the highest level of alert – had been declared. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67569780 There is no mention in … Continue reading Hospital ‘Highest Alert’ over ‘extreme pressures’ does not require Labour Government explanation

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British ‘Top Boy’ gangs are a cancerous but secret presence terrorising small town Scotland

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It’s clear from rare Scottish mainstream media coverage such as the Sunday Post report above, nearly 5 years ago, and a few mentions in Daily Record, Courier and Evening Standard since then, that ‘County Lines’ or ‘Top Boys’ drug gangs based in larger English cities have penetrated most of Scotland’s small towns, increasing access to illegal drugs at low cost and terrorising locals with a level of violence beyond that of any local groups. See more on this at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2023/06/30/why-are-scotlands-national-media-not-reporting-the-terror-of-english-county-lines-gangs-in-scotland/ Yet, in the last few days, the riots following the burning of two selected houses in Auchinleck and Cumnock, have … Continue reading British ‘Top Boy’ gangs are a cancerous but secret presence terrorising small town Scotland

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One of newest ferries breaks down again to cause chaos at Christmas in Canada already over-charged by corporations

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British Columbia Ferries’ 16 year-old, German-built MV Coastal Renaissance has broken down for the second time to put further pressure on a service which enables large numbers of Canadians to return to family on the many islands around Vancouver, at the busiest time of the year. The relatively young vessel suffered engine failure in August 2023 and had been expected to return to service in October. The withdrawal caused lengthy waits for travellers throughout the summer period [above]. However, a new engine problem means the Renaissance is out again and the MV Coastal Celebration will be required to help at … Continue reading One of newest ferries breaks down again to cause chaos at Christmas in Canada already over-charged by corporations

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The UK’s imperial mentality

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By Leah Gunn Barrett In today’s conflict-ridden world, an advantage of an independent Scotland would be the ability to control its foreign policy. As part of the failing UK, not only is Scotland out of the Single Market, but it’s part of an expansionist, war-mongering NATO, is forced to pay for and keep the UK’s nuclear arsenal on its soil, and is contributing to the UK’s funding of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts.  The UK’s imperial mentality spawned this disastrous situation. The first rule of empire is to divide and conquer because you assume your neighbour is your enemy. Scotland … Continue reading The UK’s imperial mentality

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Why the latest poll giving a Yes lead is more accurate

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Polling for elections is inevitably subjective but a look at sampling often reveals underlying biases. I’m grateful to Independent Voices (https://t.co/JI3hr4wNKa) for confirming my suspicions. The most recent Ipsos MORI polls gives yes a 54% to 46% lead. Independent Voices has already noted that polls that use the 2014 referendum suppress the Yes vote consistently. The recent Ipsos MORI poll bases its sample, in the light of demographic change including more young Yes voters entering the electorate and dying out older No voters, on 402 Yes voters, 370 No voters and 193 new voters. Contrast this with Savanta for the … Continue reading Why the latest poll giving a Yes lead is more accurate