The mess got messier very quickly

The mess got messier very quickly. Yesterday the British Government was mired in a political mess, today it’s mired in a legal mess as well. Today all three judges in the highest Scottish court, the Court of Session, have ruled that the prorogation of parliament was unlawful. The case was brought by a group of MPs led by the SNP’s redoutable Joanna Cherry QC, who has been indefatigable in her use of the courts as a means of holding an overweening government to account. I had planned to take the day off today, cos it’s my birthday, but I couldn’t not blog about this lovely present to all of us from Joanna.

None of the judges dissented from the ruling. The court found that the prorogation was illegal because the UK Government sought it in order to prevent itself being scrutinised by Parliament, and not as the Government has claimed in order to introduce a new legislative progamme. This blog doesn’t call Boris Johnson Lyin’ Bastert Johnson for nothing, but today’s ruling means that the highest court in Scotland has found that LBJ has lied to the monarch and lied to parliament. We are being governed by lawbreakers whose actions in parliament are illegal. This is constitutionally explosive stuff.

The Scottish judiciary is not exactly noted for being a bastion of pro-independence sentiment, although if you were to look at some of the comments from Brextremists on social media you’d imagine that Scottish judges were all in the pay of the SNP. The sentiment that many are expressing is how every dare those uppity Jocks interfere with the glorious march to Brexit and contradict their betters in an English court. The High Court in London issued its full judgement today on its ruling last week that the matter of prorogation was not one which the court could rule on.

But this isn’t just a reaction from some zoomers on social media. Downing Street itself has released a pursed lipped statement which attempted to impugn the neutrality of the Scottish courts and implied that Scotland’s legal system is a nest of separatism actively plotting to block Brexit. The statement said, “We note that last week the High Court in London did not rule that prorogation was unlawful. The legal activists choose the Scottish courts for a reason.” That’s an actual press release from the Prime Minister’s office. Reflect on that for a second. The party that calls itself the party of law and order is attacking law and order. Gavin Barwell, who was Theresa May’s chief of staff, tweeted that this was a very unwise path for a party that believes in a) the union, and b) the rule of law, to go down.

Even Tory MSP Adam IT’S THE LAW Tomkins is very concerned by the reaction from Downing Street. He tweeted: “To politicians who don’t like court judgments: don’t attack the judges or the independence of the legal system. Don’t ever do that. Appeal, test your legal arguments in a superior court. Why does this even need saying?”

It needs saying Adam, because your party is led by a man who is a liar, a charlatan, and a populist opportunist who believes himself to be above the law and whose only guiding light is the unshakeable conviction that rules are for other people. He is quite prepared to trash the constitution, to destroy the rule of law, and to light a bonfire of democratic standards in order to secure his power. Everyone outside the narrow confines of the Conservative Brexit wing understood this before the man ascended to leadership. We warned you. So why are you surprised by this?

The Scottish Court of Session isn’t exactly noted as being an active partisan force in holding the executive to account. Like Gavin Barwell it isn’t notable for its sympathies with Scottish independence. It is instinctively conservative, with a small c. The real reason the case was lodged with the Scottish courts in the first instance was because English courts don’t sit in August – that’s because we don’t have a summer in Scotland. But Number 10 isn’t going to let that fact get in the way of its conspiracy theories. The zoomers have taken over the British government.

The matter will now go to the UK Supreme Court. It is expected that the hearing will be on Tuesday of next week. There is currently another court case on the legality of the prorogation winding its way through the English courts, and a ruling is expected on that case later this week. The Supreme Court will most likely take both judgements into account when it hears the case next week.

Should the UK Supreme Court overrule the highest Scottish court, on a ruling which the three judges of the Court of Session unanimously agreed on, it will be a further nail in the coffin of a union which is already more nail than wood. Scots law is very different from English law, and a Scottish court naturally will on occasion come to a different conclusion about the law than an English court will.

Politicians are now demanding that Parliament is recalled immediately. That won’t happen. The appeal will be heard in the Supreme Court on Tuesday and it will make a ruling. One of two things can happen. The Supreme Court can uphold the unanimous finding of the Court of Session, which will mean that the Government will be in contempt if it doesn’t recall Parliament immediately. A Parliament which returns to sit after the prorogation has been found to be illegal by the highest court in the UK is a Parliament which is highly likely to impeach the Prime Minster. There’s going to be a lot of very unhappy MPs who will be eager to voice their opinions. Get the popcorn ready.

Alternatively the Supreme Court can overrule the Court of Session, and that will spark off yet another political crisis. The UK Supreme Court is of course the highest court in the UK, but it sits in London, and the majority of its judges are steeped in English law, not Scots law. For those who call themselves Unionists, the optics of this are very bad. Overruling the Court of Session will appear as an English court and English law overruling Scots law in a matter which directly affects Scotland. The Westminster Parliament is, after all, Scotland’s Parliament too. A ruling which overturns the Scottish Court of Session will be seen as an English court asserting the primacy of English law over Scots law within Scotland and will only highlight the ever starker constitutional and political differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Politically that’s going to be difficult for the Tories to sell in Scotland. The party of law and order that doesn’t respect the law, the party of the union that wants Scots law to be subordinate to English law, led by a Prime Minister who casts aspersions on the independence of the Scots judiciary.

This mess just got a lot messier.


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95 comments on “The mess got messier very quickly

  1. Bill Hume says:

    It’s a good day for your birthday……have a great day.

  2. Janette Leck says:

    Happy birthday 🎂

  3. Wee Chid says:

    I’d have thought that, in overruling the Scottish Court, the UK would have effectively broken the Treaty of Union and it would automatically be dissolved. I’m taking comfort from the fact that this is going to piss off so many Brexiteers in England that they will be calling for our immediate ejection from the Union. As a good friend once suggested “We wont get independence until a majority in England want us out”. Let’s annoy them as much as possible.

    • Heartsupwards says:

      Wee Chid, “immediate ejection from the union”……that would be, “immediate end to the union”. an ex-parrot, deceased, slipped off the mortal thingummybob.

    • mogabee says:

      Unfortunately the Treaty has been breached, kicked about and stamped on quite a few times with no action against it so it will not be dissolved. Would that it was so easy!!

      • weegingerdug says:

        The treaty was breached within a few months of coming into effect. One of the provisions of the treaty was that the mint at Edinburgh should continue to produce coinage, but it was closed down in 1709.

      • J Galt says:

        Let’s not kid ourselves – it was a hostile takeover dressed up as a “Treaty”!

  4. billy says:

    Petition
    Official observers from OSCE ODIHR to monitor the next Scottish referendum.
    its on craig murrays blog i have signed it hope others do the same
    especially with this tory shambles of a government they could not run a menage never mind a referendum spread the word if you can cheers

    posted on grumpyscottishman

  5. Colin Mccartney says:

    Happy Birthday, but dont you dare prorogate yourself even for one day – your wit and wisdom would be missed.

  6. Therapymum says:

    The last two days have cheered me up no end! What a total shambles! And how funny! Congratulations to everyone involved in the case & appeal. And have a wonderful rest of your Birthday WGD! You deserve a really good one.

  7. Caledonian Lass says:

    Happy birthday, Paul. Have a great time today. This latest news will certainly ruffle a few feathers down South!

  8. Noirin Blackie says:

    Happy birthday Paul hope you are having a great day..this certainly made ours! Thanks x

  9. Petra says:

    Another brilliant article Paul and won’t it get even messier if the case ends up in Europe?

    Meanwhile it highlights that the Scots aren’t “too stupid” at all, giving confidence to the Scottish “cringers” and that there is a massive divide in the UK between one thing and another. A divide that can only be resolved now with Scottish independence.

    The Queen was duped or was she? Whatever the case I’d love to be a fly on the wall of Balmoral.

    And the BBC, surprise, surprise, actually covered Robert Buckland QC’s response to No 10’s pathetic allegations. https://mobile.twitter.com/RobertBuckland/status/1171743709148454913

  10. Macart says:

    It didn’t take long for sure.

    Mind you, things are speeding up a tad these days.

  11. deelsdugs says:

    The cauldron keeps spewing the jetsam.
    LBJ truly thinks he is an untouchable cherub.

  12. […] via The mess got messier very quickly — Wee Ginger Dug […]

  13. Cubby says:

    You kept one of your most brilliant analyses for your birthday. Happy birthday and well done.

  14. carolclark1 says:

    Happy birthday Paul.

    I find myself in quite a dark place at the moment, which for me is very unusual. I’m usually a glass half full kinda gal. But this bourach is getting me down. WOS MT, I’ve just about given up. I don’t know what’s going on with Stu Campbell, he’s never been the same since his case against Kez.

    I’ jist cannae read a’ the doom and gloom ony mair. If you listen tae Stu, we’ve had it for Indy. That’s why it’s great to come to the WGD, you never fail to cheer me up, your a brilliant writer Paul, with a are turn of phrase at times. Thank you for that.

    I cannae make myy mind up whether tae get roarin drunk, or tak a long walk aff a short pier.

    • weegingerdug says:

      It’s always darkest before the dawn. Or words to that effect.

      • Jimmy The Pict says:

        “It’s always darkest just before it goes pitch black”
        (de-motivational poster I saw once)

    • Cubby says:

      It’s just ridiculous all this wet blanket stuff as we are as near to getting independence as we have ever been. Everyone should be positive and confident more than ever. Too many glass half empty Independence supporters always dreaming up problems but no solutions to their possible problems.

      Keep positive Carol.

      • Welsh Sion says:

        Glasses – half empty or half full? You decide …

        3. (of 60.)

        The two men in the pub

        Once upon a time there were two men sitting around a table in a pub. On the table there was a small tumbler with some golden coloured liquid inside.

        “I say, old chap,” said the first man pointing to the glass, “you seem to have a half empty glass of Scotch there. Let me top you up and dilute it for you with the best unionist water.”

        “Och nae, laddie,” replied the second man. “Ta tae ye, a’ the same. But thon glass is hauf fu’ tae me. An’ Ah dae like my whisky neat. Ah think Ah’ll get masel’ a double!”
        _______

        Parables for the New Politics
        2012-2019

    • Petra says:

      Totally agree with you Carol. I don’t know what going on at WOS but whatever it is it’s bringing people down, driving genuine supporters away and is being infested with more and more Unionists, IMO, with a few stalwarts fighting an internal battle of their own with such Unionists. As to the total change of direction re. Kez, I’d reckon it began (noticed a change) after he was pulled in by the Police along with whoever else wanted a wee word with him.

      • crabbitgits says:

        “Brought in by the police”, I wonder if they’ve turned him; it’s been known to happen and his drivel of late certainly isn’t helping our fight for independence!

  15. bringiton says:

    Happy Birthday Paul.
    What we have to remember is that BoJo may be a right wing nut job,along with the creatures he appointed to his cabinet,but he was appointed by a democratic vote of England’s right wing nutter Tory party members.
    I am pretty sure that the majority of Scottish Tories didn’t vote for him or his Brexit.
    So,he does represent a certain constituency.

  16. Many Happies, Paul.

    Question: doesn’t the UKSC when evaluating the CofS decision have to apply Scots Law to determining its own decision on whether the CofS judges erred in Scots Law? Surely that’s the only thing the UKSC can do – determine whether the CofS judges erred in Scots Law? And, if not, then the judgement of the CofS stands.

    Thoughts?

    • JSM says:

      I was wondering that, too. But, does the UKSC know Scots Law?

      • I believe there are Scots judges in UKSC.

        • raineach says:

          the logic is that parliament has to observe both legal systems – a 2 hurdle rule. too much to hope for, tho

          • Legerwood says:

            In general Parliament does recognise both legal systems which is why many Acts of Parliament also have a separate Act (Scotland) which will have had parts of it rewritten so that it complies with Scots Law/Legal system

    • mogabee says:

      Seems self evident to me too. Looking for clarity on that point!

    • Paul, between mouthfuls of Birthday cake quotes WATP Two Jobs Professor Adam Tomkins Listory by the back door because he failed at constituency level here in the West Glasgow, crawling home a pathetic and distant fourth but somehow is front and centre and a darlin’ of the Brit Nat Dead Tree Scrolls and Donalda MacKinnon’s BBC Propaganda Branch of the English Ministry of Truth over a Pathetic Quay:
      ““To politicians who don’t like court judgments: don’t attack the judges or the independence of the legal system. Don’t ever do that. Appeal, test your legal arguments in a superior court. Why does this even need saying?”

      Paul seems to think that We Are The Peeple’s comment is a criticism of Downing Street’s clearly xenophobic and racist reaction to the judgement of scots judges.
      I see it differently.
      His description of the London court, as ‘superior’, suggests to me that he is urging patience, that it will all be quashed in England next week by our Overlords.
      Like the trashing of the Sewell Convention, the ‘Powergrab’ of 26 areas of devolved administration come Brexit, and the determination of the English to water down devolution by holding back Scottish funds to be administered by English Ministries.

      This is what ‘superior’ means in Tomkins’ eyes.

      If it had gone the other way, he would have declared that this was an end to the matter.

      Of course we have 8 weeks to take it all the way to the ECJ.
      Oh, delicious irony.

      I note the concern of some on here over WoS rush of blood and apparent anti SNP blogs.

      I read his ‘Wet Blanket’ riff.
      Like Paul, he needs some ‘me’ time.

      He couldn’t be more off the mark.
      We now have Scots Case Law on the statute.

      That’s good enough for me.
      If Tomkins ‘superior’ court overturns this ruling, then, that is our Assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand moment.
      The Campaign for Freedom begins then.
      I bet that I can guess the wish you made when you blew out the candles on your cake, Paul.

    • Cubby says:

      Not a lawyer but I would have thought it perfectly possible for the UK Supreme Court to uphold BOTH the High court and Scottish court decisions. That being so if one of the UK legal systems (the Scottish court) says it is unlawful then logically it is unlawful for the UK.

      It just highlights the dogs dinner that is the UKs unwritten constitution.

  17. Terry callachan says:

    Things have just got very interesting indeed.
    Lord Reid is the new head honcho in the Supreme Court the previous incumbent retired.
    Reid is anti Scottish independence for sure, let’s see how he wangles this one.

    And here we have Westminster making up the rules as it goes , in Ireland .
    The GFA good Friday agreement says Irish people in Northern Ireland can choose to be Irish or British

    But the home office UK says not , they are now telling an Irish woman from Derry Northern Ireland that she is not Irish even though she was born there , they are telling her she is british whether she likes it or wants it or not.
    This case came to light when she tried to bring her husband from USA to live in Derry with her under the EU rules that allow EU citizens to do this but the UK home office say she is british so they are not allowing it but f she wants to rescind her British citizenship and take Southern Ireland citizenship she might be able to do it.
    Basically Westminster are saying that the GFA saying people in Northern Ireland should be treated as Irish or British whatever they choose is not legal.
    Well who knew that for the last twenty years ? Certainly nobody in Ireland.

    Then there is another Irish woman who’s husband lives in USA and tried to visit her in Derry Northern Ireland landing in Dublin from USA with a return ticket ten days later he was refused entry by the uk home office who said he cannot enter Northern Ireland , he said he was visiting his wife and three children for ten days but no luck they sent him back to USA.
    So there you go two examples of Westminster not sticking to the EU rules.

    So all those people who call themselves Scottish and British or Scottish or Welsh or Irish just letting you know that as far as Westminster in concerned you are not Irish or welsh or Scottish you are british .

    https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-womans-husband-sent-back-to-us-after-bid-to-visit-children-38487167.html

    The De Souza case has major constitutional ramifications for citizens’ rights in Northern Ireland

    • So the English people are not English, but British.

    • Och, Terry, we’ve been discussing this conundrum on here for years now.
      My wife is Irish, worked in the UK for (timeline deleted under fear of death by frying pan) ‘ages’, but may yet be deported to Belfast if they tear up the GFA, and introduce an English Homeland Security ‘hostile environment’ to the 100’s thousands of Irish working and settled in the UK.
      I’ll miss her.
      It’s all bubbling up nicely.

    • yesindyref2 says:

      Reed isn’t president till next January, it’s still Hale, and she and 8 others including the 2 Scottish justices, the NI one and the Welsh one will be hearing the case which will be televised and attracting worldwide interest.

    • Petra says:

      ”Things have just got very interesting indeed. Lord Reid is the new head honcho in the Supreme Court the previous incumbent retired. Reid is anti Scottish independence for sure, let’s see how he wangles this one.”

      Lord Reid is Scottish of course and you may be right about him being a Unionist, Terry. Just wondering though if you have any evidence to support your assertion?

  18. JSM says:

    Happy birthday!

  19. […] Wee Ginger Dug The mess got messier very quickly The mess got messier very quickly. Yesterday the British Government was mired in a […]

  20. Jan Cowan says:

    Paul, many happy returns!

  21. Dennis Smith says:

    Genuine question. As I understand it, there are three legal systems in the UK – English law (which effectively subsumes Wales), Scots law (essentially independent but incorporating some stuff from English law) and Northern Ireland law (based on English roots but with some differences). There is no UK law as such. Most of the time the UK Supreme Court offers top-level interpretations of English, Scots and NI law. How does it proceed if it concludes that English and Scots law are basically in conflict?

    The usual way would be a split decision offering a little bit to everyone. But in a case as divisive as this this will be a hard act to bring off.

    • Welsh Sion says:

      English and Welsh Law – if you please. Although, the JURISDICTION comes under that of England for my country, and so the ‘SYSTEM’ is English (and Welsh) Law, there is a body of law which is known as Welsh Law: (a) prior to independence: to 1284, (b) post-conquest: from 1284, and (c) post-devolution: from 1999.

      Nothing like keeping things simple!

      • Welsh Sion says:

        *prior to LOSS OF independence: to 1284, I meant.

        And then the REPEALED ‘Acts of Union’ 1535 and 1542, called the country ‘England’ for statutory purposes – unless mentioned otherwise – (until 1967), with the Acts of Union themselves repealed in December 1993 (as amended).

      • Dennis Smith says:

        Sorry. I was kind of aware of this but I was trying to keep things simple (!) But it does highlight the anomaly that while the Scots and NI legal systems are sufficiently autonomous to merit having their own judges on the UK Supreme Court the Welsh system is not.

        • Welsh Sion says:

          Nothing about the ‘UK’ and its legal systems (plural) is simple – I’m sure you’ll agree. I was (un)lucky enough to study Business Law (in England) for my first degree 1986-1989 (prior to devolution) and very little was made of my country and its language at the time. I even recall that on an Open Day at Aberystwyth Uni it was scoffed at to have the very idea of studying Law through the medium of Welsh. (Some things have changed since …)

  22. Arthur C says:

    Hey there Petra
    You can find great links on Nana’s page. That’s where I go every day as she’s a veritable mine of information.
    Here’s the page for anyone interested and she updates during the day https://indyref2.space/wednesday-11th-september-2019/#comments

    • Petra says:

      Thanks for that info Arthur, however I’d like to point out that I’m a GREAT fan of Nana Smith and read her links every day. To my mind the links that she posted on Wings made a MASSIVE totally invaluable contribution to the popularity of that site, more so to effectively enabling us all to ”convert” others to our cause, to the point that I actually ”predicted” that they would in fact be removed, one way or another, before it came to pass.

      I pointed out that Stu Campbell (previously), Nana Smith and Robert Peffers (seemingly scunnered off of the site now) were in fact a real threat to the Establishment. The top three ”hit list” contenders, imo. I actually spoke out on Nana’s behalf, on a number of occasions, hoping that her links would be reinstated on Wings to no avail, rather when I made further criticisms of Stu Campbell I was banned from the site altogether.

      Nana thank goodness has managed to ”circumvent” being ”written off” by launching her own site. One that I would also highly recommend to all others, in particular prior no voters or those sitting on the fence. Not too late of course for Stu Campbell to simply repost the links in Nana’s site onto his own, if Nana so wishes.

  23. Colin Dawson says:

    It doesn’t matter what the Supreme Court says. If the Westminster Parliament is not immediately recalled, it is a breach of Scots Law and the Treaty of Union. Nicola Sturgeon should call an immediate convention of all Scottish MPs, MSPs and MEPs, vote on reasserting the sovereignty of the Scottish people and repeal the Treaty of Union for material breach as of a suitable future date, subject to a confirmatory referendum organised by the Scottish Parliament under supervision of international observers.

    • Luigi says:

      I do hope the SG now plan to up the stakes. Just waiting around for the Supreme Court to overrule won;t cut it I’m afraid.

      C’mon SG – you don;t have to call IdyRef2 quite yet, but please d something. The country will back you. Be bold, be brave, be spectacular. WM on its knees – time to hit em hard. 🙂

    • John says:

      Sounds good as long as we don’t lose the confirmatory referendum. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?

  24. Indy Chas says:

    Happy birthday Paul

  25. Legerwood says:

    Since the Treaty of Union is being discussed you may find these articles of interest.

    The first was written to mark the 300th Anniversary of the Treaty by Professor David Walker Regius Professor Emeritus of Law in the University of Glasgow.

    http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Magazine/52-6/1004238.aspx#.XXkiy-zTW9c

    The second is a rebuttal of Crawford and Boyle and the ‘rUK continuator’ analysis published during indyref1

    http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Preview/1014185.aspx#.XXkmPezTW9d

  26. Alba Laddie says:

    Does anybody want to buy some prison visitor passes that I will have in my possession shortly?

    I’ll knock them out to you at a fiver a pop.

    (Crisp, blue Scottish give pounds note on!y, please.)

    • Welsh Sion says:

      Would you be happy for me to share a story I wrote about your sister, Alba Lassie, in your in-box, Alba Laddie? 😉 I can share it with you elsewhere if you prefer, so as not to disturb this thread.

      And – belatedly – Penblwydd Hapus to Paul! 😀

  27. Molly McC says:

    Hi everyone,
    May I say that this is not the forum for discussing what’s gone wrong on Wings?
    In my wee opinion, it undermines this blog.
    On WGD the discussions are about making the country Independent once more. Not about highlighting divisions on other sites.

    I have appreciated many of the postings on Wings and am glad to see people posting more here.
    I only check Wings on a Saturday these days, I would hate to miss Chris Cairns Cartoons!

    But! Please friends, don’t make this blog about criticising another one.
    Just Gaunnie no dae that?

    Thanks Paul as always, have a dram on me.

  28. Arthur C says:

    @ Molly McC Well said, I don’t comment online very often but I lurkalot and have noticed ex Wingers ( not from Star Wars ) sniping on here. Rev Stu has his faults, who doesn’t, but he has done as much as Paul for the Indy cause so lets not let disharmony spread.

  29. Ken Mathieson says:

    The unlawful offence (insofar as it relates to the involvement of the Queen in approving the Prorogation request) took place on Scottish soil and therefore comes under the jurisdiction of Scots Law. It is therefore entirely appropriate for the Court of Session to pass judgement on it.

    If the UK Supreme Court overrules this decision it will leave itself open to charges of meddling with the processes of Scots Law and it will inevitably undermine the Devolution settlement, the integrity of the Scottish legal system and its place in the UK, as well as potentially breaching the Act of Union 1707 which protects the rights of Scots Law.

  30. Undeadshuan says:

    Petra, I agree Wos hasn’t been the same recently, I rarely visit now and dont post there any more.
    I dont get when we are almost there with lots of previous no’s turning to yes why he would be so negative.

    I wonder when they confiscated his computer, if he was threatened in some way, which would explain the negativity and is the kind of thing that the UK “Establishment” would do.

    Wee ginger dug and Scot goes pop are my go to sites now.

  31. PictAtRandom says:

    Yellowhammer published. Only 6 pages. Seemed pretty much like the Sunday Times version. But Assumption No. 15 redacted.

  32. Mark Russell says:

    Four men – friends from schooldays – rented a large apartment in a collective for the last two decades. Charles, Hamish, David and Mick share the tenancy on an equal basis, but Charles – with the highest income has contributed generously to their living expenses over the years – yet always respected the views of the others in matters of any importance concerning their home. They’d had their share of disputes with neighbours in the past, but in recent years relationships had improved greatly and life was good. Until Charles fell out with the landlord.

    It had been simmering for years, then one day, Charles announced that he’s had enough and told the other three that he wanted to move. David said ok – but Hamish and Mick were reluctant. They liked the landlord and the neighbours too – so they said no. That drunk more wine and argued some more then Charles tossed a coin – and it fell in his favour.

    Next morning he served a notice to quit on the landlord – and tells the other three afterwards. Major argument. Bigger fallout. They have 30 days to find another place – and the landlord reminds them that they also have to pay a termination fee and the full-year maintenance charge for the residents association. Charles tells them he has no intention of paying this and the dispute intensifies.

    In a final showdown the following week, Hamish and Mick tell Charles they are staying put. They’ve spoken to the landlord and he’s very happy to let them have the flat on their own – without incurring any new tenancy fees – and they’ve also spoken with their neighbours who all urged them to stay too. Even David is having second thoughts.

    Charles explodes, packs a suitcase and tells them he’s off on holiday and can’t be contacted for the next two weeks. He’s not due to return until the night before his notice to quit expires. He still hasn’t found a new place to live – but he tells the other three that they will be moving out, no matter what – and he wants them to pay a couple of grand up front to help him find a new place for them when he gets back.

    Guess what happens?

    • Welsh Sion says:

      Bravo, Mark.

      I see you and I both enjoy writing parables. I have my own Brexit one which has appeared on WGD (with permission) a few times along with a couple of others. Maybe I could send you mine (outside this blog) if you’d like to read it?

      In all, since 2012, I have written 60 such fables in all in promoting independence for the ‘Celtic’ nations – but they are also read by those other ‘stateless nations’ who seek greater autonomy/independence for their homelands. In 2015, I self-published 56 of them (for 56 SNP MPs – I’m a Party Member) and they exist in both book form and Kindle format on Amazon.

      More power to our scribblers’ elbows – and all others (creative or otherwise) who support Indy!

      • Mark Russell says:

        That’s most kind WS – very much enjoy reading your contributions, especially the poetry and lyrics. Would love to read some more if you have them available. Most grateful. Paul has my email address – happy for him to send this to you.

        Best wishes.

  33. Petra says:

    Oh well I’ve just made a post (hasn’t shown up) that is counter to Paul’s recent comment:- ”I would prefer that people don’t use this blog as a forum to criticise other pro-indy sites.”..

    My post may not show up but if it does so, I’ll obviously comply from here on in.

  34. Petra says:

    Boris Johnston et al are refusing to release their aides texts.

    ..”Insiders suggested it is because it would breach the European Convention of Human Right.”

    The one that they are planning to dump altogether if they can get away with it, FGS. You couldn’t make it up.

    http://archive.fo/V6Guc

  35. Drew Anderson says:

    Just a thought; if the UKSC upholds the CoS ruling, does that mean that the Parliamentary session continues? If prorogation is unlawful, then no Queen’s Speech on October 14th, as it won’t be a new session, but a continuation?

  36. Petra says:

    Seemingly Jacob Reece-Mogg couldn’t keep his big mouth shut, lol. https://twitter.com/joannaccherry/status/1171666465289887745

  37. yesindyref2 says:

    Anyways, this is a great (birth)day for Indy, whatever happens next Tuesday.

  38. Petra says:

    Does anyone else reckon that if the Scottish case is overruled at the SC it could go on to appeal to the ECJ, time permitting?

    • Chicmac says:

      As I said in the previous article comments, there are several ways in which the Court of Session might have considered Boris’s shenanigans impinged on EU law and could therefore in theory, and indeed as they have done in the past, refer the matter directly to the ECJ for clarification and adjudication.

      However, since they have not done so in this instance and now that it lies within the Supreme Courts jurisdiction it is unlikely to get to the ECJ since I cannot see the UKSC referring the matter to the ECJ.

      • Petra says:

        Oh well too bad Chic. It would have been great if they’d managed to find a way of it impinging on EU law. That would have put the cat amongst the pigeons.

  39. Petra says:

    Led by Donkeys projection depicting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a criminal lighting up the Houses of Parliament, ha ha. Good for them.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/09/11/is-prime-minister-criminal-projected-onto-british-parliament/

  40. Petra says:

    It looks as though holding an EU referendum was a bad idea, lol.

    ‘Poll: 51% of Northern Ireland voters back united Ireland, according to Lord Ashcroft survey.’

    http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/poll-51-of-northern-ireland-voters-back-united-ireland-according-to-lord-ashcroft-survey-38488280.html

  41. Elizabeth says:

    Belated Birthday Greetings Paul! Thanks for writing this on your birthday xox

  42. Bob Lamont says:

    A further point beyond the legalities and jurisdictions is what action Liz and the Privy Council will take over the CoS revelations and judgement on Mogg’s involvement in this business?
    As a proponent of the “cunning plan”, and one of 3 messengers requesting the prorogation, it is inconceivable the establishment will simply let it slide.

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