Tag: politics

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Why are only Scottish prisoners released early a reason to be afraid? Blame the Two Liams!

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The Talking-up Scotland fund raiser primarily to enable the recruitment of some research assistance, in order to take pressure off me [74 in June and tiring] and hopefully to further improve the blog, has made a good start. To contribute, only if you can (!) go to: Talking-up Scotland – a Politics crowdfunding project in Ayr by Professor John Robertson By Professor John Robertson OBA From BBC Scotland two days ago: Up to 390 prisoners will be released early starting from next month in the latest move from the Scottish government to reduce the prison population. Emergency legislation was passed last year … Continue reading Why are only Scottish prisoners released early a reason to be afraid? Blame the Two Liams!

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Cautious but still positive signs that Scotland CAN reduce car use by 2030 contrary to opinions of media fuelled by the Auditor General’s latest politicisation of events to undermine SNP Government

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The Talking-up Scotland fund raiser primarily to enable the recruitment of some research assistance, in order to take pressure off me [74 in June and tiring] and hopefully to further improve the blog, has made a good start. To contribute, only if you can (!) go to: Talking-up Scotland – a Politics crowdfunding project in Ayr by Professor John Robertson By Professor John Robertson OBA The media in Scotland are largely of one mind: Scottish government ‘unlikely’ to meet 2030 target on reducing car use What is their source for this? From the Auditor General for Scotland, two days ago A lack … Continue reading Cautious but still positive signs that Scotland CAN reduce car use by 2030 contrary to opinions of media fuelled by the Auditor General’s latest politicisation of events to undermine SNP Government

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Now THREE different sources of evidence confirm unambiguously that Scotland really has significantly lower crime levels after 17 years

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By Professor John Robertson OBA Ipsos Scotland today posted the poll results above showing that like other parts of the UK, Scotland’s voters seem far more concerned about the economy, health and immigration than any other issues. The SNP will do well to keep this in mind. I should quickly point out that Ipsos Mori, unlike most other pollsters, some owned by Tory grandees or headed up by Labour lords, can be trusted. Based in Paris, when it comes to Scottish independence, they ‘do not have a horse in the race.’ Not being discussed much is the 11% concerned about crime across … Continue reading Now THREE different sources of evidence confirm unambiguously that Scotland really has significantly lower crime levels after 17 years

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As households in England & Wales see hikes in water charges of 19% to 47%, let’s paraphrase documented responses to sub-10% increases in Scotland from Dame Jackie Baillie MSP

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‘It is a gross insult that the English and Welsh are being forced to pay for eye-watering bill hikes while a water industry chief executive can rakes in over £3 million a year’ ‘The Labour government has responsibilities for the water industry in England and Wales, and approved this inflation-busting rise during a cost-of-living crisis. Labour must reverse this outrageous decision.’ ‘It beggars belief that the Labour governments in Westminster and Cardiff are letting water companies in England and Wales hike bills at a time when so many people are struggling to make ends meet’ ‘‘If the Labour Party really … Continue reading As households in England & Wales see hikes in water charges of 19% to 47%, let’s paraphrase documented responses to sub-10% increases in Scotland from Dame Jackie Baillie MSP

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Scotland has to decide in 2026 whether they will vote for slogans from Labour

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By Liz S Whether Labour are indeed holding off and so preparing to announce benefits for Scotland next year prior to the Scottish election then why wait until then as that surely will be too obvious and also too tactical ? Yes I do know that is who Labour are politically. Though will most of the political damage and the fallout for Labour in Scotland not already have happened by next year ? Many of Reeves announcements, for England, were for the future so why not also include something for every nation within the UK. It also stinks to make … Continue reading Scotland has to decide in 2026 whether they will vote for slogans from Labour

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British Labour Party leaders find ways to excuse their track record in government by reference to external factors when they don’t have the SNP to blame

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By stewartb The British Labour Party’s leader in the Holyrood parliament, Anas Sarwar MSP is quoted in a Holyrood magazine article from February 14, 2024 entitled: ‘Labour unveils new ‘blueprint for economic growth’. It was a fairly typical ‘blame the Scottish Government’ piece useful for illustration. ‘Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the SNP-Green government of “failing” businesses and “choking off opportunity and hurting families and companies in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and a cost-of-doing-business crisis”. (my emphasis) And: ‘The Labour Party argues that the SNP has failed to grow the economy over its 17 years in government ..’ It’s worth recalling … Continue reading British Labour Party leaders find ways to excuse their track record in government by reference to external factors when they don’t have the SNP to blame

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Polling tells SNP to keep it simple and to repeat what it is doing for the cost-of-living and health

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From pollster More in Common, based on data gathered 24-27 January 2025, the above. As in previous polls there are clear and repeating messages for the SNP in the run-up to the 2026 Holyrood election. Across the UK, the cost-of-living is by some way, the most important concern for voters, and in Scotland too. This means that it, perhaps combined with employment, has to be upfront almost all the time in campaigning. The myth of higher taxation in Scotland is damaging and will be milked by opposition parties and their media lackeys. The tiny but nevertheless higher amount paid by … Continue reading Polling tells SNP to keep it simple and to repeat what it is doing for the cost-of-living and health

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Elaine Stewart MP and Rachel Reeves – What is Scotland getting and when is it getting it?

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By Liz S When Elaine Stewart awakes from her stupor perhaps she can digest this below and then ask the Chancellor “What’s Scotland getting and when” ? Labour UK government future plans and projects and more importantly the locations of these future government plans/projects. Heathrow expansion – location London. Also they have backed the expansion of City Airport and Stansted Airport – location around London. Expand Luton Airport and build an emergency runway at Gatwick Airport will be delivered soon – location London. Reopen the Doncaster Sheffield Airport, aiming to turn it into a thriving regional hub – location is regional hub … Continue reading Elaine Stewart MP and Rachel Reeves – What is Scotland getting and when is it getting it?

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Labour MP, Elaine Stewart, former boxing club treasurer, sits nervously on her hands and betrays the 7 000 Waspi women in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock

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In the vote today in the House of Commons, to follow the Ombudsman’s recommendation and compensate the Waspi women, Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr Carrick and Cumnock, did not vote, resulting in the betrayal of these women, many caring for elderly and vulnerable relatives, minding grandchildren so that their sons and daughters can work in this difficult cost-of-living crisis or seriously unwell themselves. 10 of her Labour colleagues did have the courage to vote. You have to wonder how a volunteer and the treasurer of Doon Valley amateur boxing club could be so chicken. 10 Labour MPs did have the … Continue reading Labour MP, Elaine Stewart, former boxing club treasurer, sits nervously on her hands and betrays the 7 000 Waspi women in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock

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Scottish Government call for closer energy links with Europe to cut bills is ignored by ‘Scottish’ media

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Posted just after midnight, this morning, and so in plenty of time for consideration and publication, but there is none, the Scottish Government has called for closer energy links with Europe: The Scottish Government is calling for closer co-operation with Europe to help lower energy bills and boost investment. Ahead of upcoming UK Government talks with the EU the Scottish Government has published a report, identifying  a number of opportunities to more closely align with the European Union on energy matters. These include: Estimates from the UK energy industry predict that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU … Continue reading Scottish Government call for closer energy links with Europe to cut bills is ignored by ‘Scottish’ media