Labour government Bill on the ‘Lords Spiritual’ extends and applies to Scotland: should we be grateful, reassured … puzzled?
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?
How the SNP might compensate the WASPI women and win the next election(s)
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)
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
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
Total meltdown as new Scilly Islands ferry service launch is delayed for second time
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
Do statements by leading Labour politicians in Scotland require Talking down Wales?
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?
418 ‘unnatural, unexpected deaths’ but Wes Streeting has no worries
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
Knowing the neighbour – insights from high profile English patriots
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
Understanding ‘patriotism’ – insights from the Labour Party
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
England’s national debt is 885 times Scotland’s borrowing limit
The Herald today reports: UK public sector borrowing came in higher than expected in June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Borrowing was £14.5 billion in June, £3.2 billion less than June last year, but well above the £11.6 billion forecast by the Government’s spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Scotland can borrow a bit, contrary to some claims. From the Ferret: Under the fiscal framework, Scotland’s borrowing powers are limited. However, they do have some ability to borrow within the fiscal rules. The Scottish Government is able to borrow for both resource and capital spending, but does not … Continue reading England’s national debt is 885 times Scotland’s borrowing limit
BBC Good Mourning Scotland reports ‘high’ cost of full child care in Scotland as costs in England soar well above it
Many thanks to Dottie for alerting me to this. BBC Radio Good Mourning Scotland this morning, about the allegedly high cost of full nursery care in Scotland, put it at £167 per week. As ever no context such as the Guardian report today: Parents can expect to spend more than £1,000 per child for care over the school summer holidays, according to research. A survey by the children’s charity Coram found that British families will be paying, on average, £1,049 for summer childcare for children aged from four to 14 – £635 more than they would pay for six weeks … Continue reading BBC Good Mourning Scotland reports ‘high’ cost of full child care in Scotland as costs in England soar well above it
