In the P&J, two days ago, the report on the left suggests a puzzling change of heart by a senior judge. It’s really difficult to understand this given what he said in July, on the right, and what it must have been based on: Police report a notable increase in drug offences in Inverness. Gangs target the region because of demand, less competition, and vulnerable people. Cases involve women and sometimes children being coerced into the networks. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o How widespread and how damaging have county lines gangs been in the Highlands? They are not as pervasive as in major English cities … Continue reading Inverness Sheriff says county lines gangs from England exploiting vulnerable women and children must be stamped out then spares them jail – got at?

In the Guardian today, the above, and: Illegal dumps in West Yorkshire, Surrey and Kent will be cleared up using taxpayer money, Andy Burnham has announced, as the prime minister promises a new drive to tackle toxic waste. Ministers have identified dumps in Bradford, Runnymede and the Isle of Sheppey, which collectively contain about 22,000 tonnes of illegal waste, to be cleared in the next phase of the government’s national clear-up effort. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/19/taxpayers-to-fund-clear-up-of-dumps-in-west-yorkshire-surrey-and-kent Why will this not be paid for by a waste management budget for England? The money comes from the UK Treasury’s pooled revenues, which include taxes raised across … Continue reading Twice as effective closing their own illegal dumps but Scots taxpayers to pay for Burnham’s clear-up of illegal dumps in West Yorkshire, Surrey and Kent and there will be no Barnett consequentials