By Liz S Much of the UK media seem to be revelling in what they say is the rise in popularity of the Reform UK party. However in Scotland , for many voters, it is still unclear to some voters what Reform UK’s true intentions are if any are elected as MSP’s for our parliament in the Scottish elections in 2026. However one clue is that in a speech made by one of their MP’s , Rupert Lowe, he made it clear that he seeks an end to devolution and that going forward he wants WM to “take back total … Continue reading What voting Reform UK means for Scotland

By stewartb It would appear the leadership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) in England has less interest in taking steps to have the BBC report its critical press releases about the Westminster government and NHS England. At least less than their colleagues in Scotland do regarding critical statements about the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. Or have I got this the wrong way round? Is it that BBC Scotland is more keen to amplify the RCEM’s critical statements regarding the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland than the BBC elsewhere is to report the RCEM’s critical statements regarding the Westminster … Continue reading How the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) in England has little interest in having BBC England report its critical press releases about the Westminster government

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 Herald today claims: ‘Culture of misogyny’ in Police Scotland sex crime unit – Detectives working in Police Scotland’s rape investigation unit would “frequently” describe female complainers as “slags,” a whistleblower has alleged. In a 30-page statement, … Continue reading Tackling misogyny in Scotland – more police officers dismissed, rape convictions soar, more sensitive approach to domestic abuse calls and Labour hypocrisy

‘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

From the National on 23rd January 2024: MSPs were threatened with expulsion from the Holyrood chamber amid a raucous First Minister’s Questions which saw John Swinney accuse Jackie Baillie of giving false information about the NHS. Baillie had lied about NHS Scotland A&E waiting times. She criticised the ‘SNP’s‘ handling of A&E performance, saying: “Each week the First Minister says sorry and each week it gets worse.” The SNP leader said Dame Jackie’s assertions were “not true”. The FM was correct in pointing out that an increasing percentage has been seen [full ED] in 4 successive weeks from 56.7% to 62.4% by week-ending … Continue reading Scottish Labour in a panic as Welsh Labour plan to ban liars like Jackie Baillie