We’ve had yet another opinion poll showing a substantial majority for Yes. Today’s poll for the Scotsman, carried out by Savanta ComRes, has Yes on 57% and no on 43%. When the don’t knows and undecideds are removed, there’s still a majority for independence, Yes is on 51%, No is on a mere 38 %, and don’t knows/ undecideds on 10%. The headline figure of 57% for yes is a 1% drop on the 58% recorded for yes in the previous poll for the Scotsman by the same polling company , however this is not statistically significant. Polls are usually carried out with a margin of error of 3% and a confidence level of 95%. What this means is that that in a poll which reports, say 50% ,for yes the true value for yes is +/-3% around 50%, so the true value for yes support in the population would be in the range between 47% and 53%. the confidence level of 95% means that if the poll was repeated, then 19 times out of 20, we’d see the same result. One poll out of twenty is likely to be a so-called rogue poll, which gives a result outwith the usual 3% margin of error and which is unlikely to be a true representation of public opinion.
So the previous poll for the Scotsman which returned 58% for yes was really reporting a value for yes between 55% and 61%. Today’s result of 57% is comfortably within that range and therefore by itself the apparent drop of 1% is not statistically significant. It most certainly does not mean that support for independence has decreased.
There are two important lessons to be drawn from today’s poll. The first is that this poll and the previous poll have both put Yes ahead of No by more than the margin of error and that even when the margin of error of 3% is taken into account, No is still polling below 50%. This means that we can be confident that independence really does enjoy majority support amongst the wider population. This confidence is reinforced by the fact that we have now had 18 polls in a row placing yes in the lead. That run of consistent results means that it is implausible that we are dealing with a rogue poll with today’s poll, as both it and all the previous 17 would have had to be rogue polls too. This is statistically highly unlikely. Yet this is the phantom straw which many British nationalists on social media are clutching at.
Yet others are refusing to accept the results, dismissing them as coming from “Angus Robertson’s polling company,” It seems that in the imaginations of British nationalists in Scotland, Angus Robertson owns and personally controls every polling company whose polls produce a result that they don’t like. In fact today’s poll was carried out by a company, Savanta ComRes, which has no connection to the former Westminster leader of the SNP. Moreover the poll was commissioned by the notoriously anti-independence Scotsman newspaper. It should be noted however that any polling company which consistently and deliberately produced poll results skewed to reflect the political opinions of one of its shareholders is a polling company which would be kicked out of the British polling Council and would not remain in business much longer.
Angus is a director of Progress Scotland, an organisation which commissions polls, but which doesn’t actually carry out the polling itself, the polling itself is undertaken by the Survation company, a member of the British Polling Council.
Today’s poll is a disaster for the Scottish Tories. It is the first poll carried out in Scotland since The Johnson Government’s Brexit deal, yet far from giving the Conservatives a boost in Scotland, this poll shows that the party of British nationalism is haemorrhaging support. The Tories are down 1% in the constituency vote and down a whopping 4% in the list vote – a figure which is greater than the standard margin of error. the SNP is on 53% in the constituency vote, down 2% on the previous poll and 44% in the list vote, up 2% on the previous poll. Translated into seats, this would give the SNP 71 MSPs, a clear majority, The Conservatives would lose 14 of their existing 31 seats and be left with just 17, being pushed out of second place in terms of seat numbers by Labour, which is projected to lose only three of its current total of 24 to be left with 21. So even though Labour would regain its place as Holyrood’s second largest party, this doesn’t exactly represent a boost in the party’s fortunes. a large segment of Labour’s remaing support is in favour of independence and is quite likely to defect to the SNP if Labour is foolish enough to double down on opposition to independence and support for Brexit. Meanwhile The Greens are projected to end up with 11 MSPs, meaning that there will be an overwhelming pro-independence majority in the next Scottish parliament with 82 seats in the 129 seat chamber being held by pro-independence MSPs.
The other information we can glean from this and other recent polls is that neither the new fringe independence parties nor George Galloway’s latest anti-independence vanity project are picking up sufficient support to even register in the polls. Equally it now seems certain that the great majority of people will not be swayed in their voting intentions by the twists and turns of the Salmond/Sturgeon saga, no matter how consumed by it some sites or sections of the media appear to be.
Of course this will do nothing to quieten the woe woe and thrice woe faction, who will just keep asking what use it is voting SNP if Johnson just keeps saying no to a section 30 order. However, that’s the wrong question to ask.
The real question to ask is what happens if the SNP does not do well in May’s election. The narrative in the media will not be that the SNP did poorly because the independence movement thought Nicola Sturgeon wasn’t sufficently aggressive in her pursuit of independence. It won’t be because some independence supporters were unhappy with her role in the Salmond affair. It won’t be that the SNP failed to secure a majority because there was no plan B for achieving independence. It most certainly will not be because the independence movement didn’t trust Nicola Sturgeon to deliver on a referendum. All we will hear from the media and the anti-independence parties will be that the voters of Scotland don’t really want independence, and that is the narrative that will become entrenched.
Politics is not primarily about facts, it’s about stories. It’s about who can tell the most compelling story. If politics was really about facts, Brexit would never have happened and Donald Trump would still be just a reality TV star. Politics is not about facts, it’s about establishing a dominant narrative. It’s about stories. If the SNP do poorly no one will care about your reasons for not supporting them, all we will hear is that Scotland doesn’t want independence. That might not be fair, but that’s what will happen.
Following May’s election, the dominant narrative we must establish is that Scotland wants independence. Everything else flows from that. The only way this can be achieved is by ensuring that the main pro-independence party does very well, and the Conservatives and Labour do poorly. The polls strongly suggest that we are on course to do just that.
I’ve recently been having severe issues with post-stroke fatigue. According to my physiotherapist it’s the most debilitating effect of a stroke, experienced by some 40% of stroke survivors. It means I just don’t have the energy to post a new piece every day, or to keep on top of the comments when (a small minority) don’t behave. So please, when commenting, try to think about that 10% of don’t knows and undecideds. If your comment won’t help to bring them to supporting independence, then maybe think twice about posting it and refrain from commenting at all.
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To get where we wish to get to it has to be SNP 1 and 2 or SNP 1 and Greens 2.
Sorry for the other hopefuls but you are too little and too late.
Cannot risk a hung Scottish Parliament.
”Sorry for the other hopefuls but you are too little and too late.”
Does anyone actually have any idea as to who these particular ”hopeful” individuals are? Know anything about them? If not, why would anyone think of voting for them?
My comment re “ hopefuls” was being nice with a fixed smile!
Think Wallace and Grommit.
SNP ‘1’ seals the deal if everyone does that. The ‘2’ is open to debate, and will depend on who looks good in the coming weeks.
I agree with you on this.
The problem with that theory is that you can’t tell who you should have voted for until all the votes are in.
For me it’s SNP 1 and 2. I was tempted to support the ISP because I’m opposed to the GRA reforms and the HCB. However, the MSM won’t care about anyone’s moral dilemmas. They will simply count the votes and any shortfall in the SNP vote will be touted as a drop in support for independence.
Maximising the number of seats for independence has some appeal. But the bottom line is getting over 50% of the vote. That is what the Unionists will focus on.
exactly this The local SNP constituency candidate where I currently live opposes equal marriage for gay people and wants to see the Christian fundamentalist doctrine of creationism taught in schools as an alternative to evolution. He opposes women’s abortion rights. Nevertheless ,if I am still in this constituency in May I will be holding my nose and voting for him.
Sorry Paul,
I think the evidence being uncovered by the Holyrood enquiry and James Hamilton QC goes beyond that.
I wish it didn’t but I can’t ignore it.
I’m lucky that I can trust & vote for our MSP despite the SNP rosette but for the list? Either abstention or ISP at the moment unless there’s a big clean up
Well done for holding your nose on your constituency candidate and let’s hope things smell better once we are independent.
Also those punting the ISP are doing them no favours, many seem to be from the remove NS brigade.
They are almost religious about how they want a purer Scotland but then want to try and manipulate what is supposed to be a more proportional system. They go on about sovereignty but want to claim independence without majority support, that’s why voting SNP 1 & 2 is important, if we can crack the majority then WM hasn’t a leg to stand on.
SNP 1 & 2 is a total waste, SNP will get a majority purely on the Constituency vote, voting Greens or ISP depletes Unionist representatives warming seats at Holyrood and increasing the Independence presence.
You must be the only person known who is in possession of true foresight.
Are you The Brahann Seer Mk 2?
Can you offer a cast-iron guarantee that the SNP will DEFINATELY mop up the Constituency vote?
…and I DO MEAN CAST-IRON……100% CERTAIN!!!
No……of course you cant.
SNP BOTH VOTES.
*think I may have mis-spelt Brahann ….apologies.
Can only hope that voters realise this and follow suit.
I gave some serious thought to the idea of splitting my vote SNP 1, ISP 2. Until I looked at the figures. Consider:
In 2011 SNP gained an over all majority with the help of its 16 List MSPs on 44% of the vote (see below):
Now look at what happened in SE2016. The SNP’s List vote slipped from 44% down to
41.7%. That loss of 2nd votes was very costly as it cost the SNP their over all majority in 2016, winning only 4 List seats (see below):
If you want to give the Yoons a bloody nose by getting shot of a few of them (not guaranteed), then by all means give your List vote to another Indy party.
However, if you want indy then and you the SNP to have the best chance of gaining an absolute majority then that is best achieved by voting SNP 1 & 2 (as the facts above prove).
The British Nationalist parties are on record as saying the SNP must gain an absolute majority (like it did in 2011) before they will yield to an Indy Referendum (as they did in 2011). That is why I want to give the SNP a final chance to deliver IR2, by replicating the same (or better) outcome as the 2011 result. If, upon, doing that and the SNP fail to deliver a 2nd IndyRef them, as far as I’m concerned, all bets are off and I’ll be looking elsewhere.
But this is our best chance ever of extricating ourselves from this cursed Union. Let’s not blow it just because we want to give Murdo Fraser, James Kelly, Cole-Hamilton and all the rest of the BritNats in Holyrood a bloody nose.
This is a call to arms. We have two votes. If we can get the SNP List vote back up to the 44% (or better) level, then we’re on our way and the SNP will have no more excuses for dithering on IndyRef (or a plebiscite vote on indy).
Thanks for that Paul. I know you don’t have the energy to kick my butt as often it needs kicked; indeed yon Michael Gove won’t let you, yet. Woebegone.
Apologies for this digression so soon but Richard Leonard has quit as Scottish Labour leader
Yes, Leonardo Da Ricki has pulled the ripcord of his parachute.
Perhaps the mad Duke of Starmer will take direct control now, rather than indirect.
There’s a couple of things I’ll miss about Rhubarb Lollygagger: 1, the wordplay over his name & 2, please refer to 1.
Jackie Baillie is interim leader, surely that’ll a gift?
*”that’s”*, not that’ll
Richteabiscuit Lanyard has resigned.
..”but the key to his resignation is possibly the fact”…
That Labour will get hammered in May and Routed Loafer has decided that he won’t allow his backstabbing ”mates” to use him as the fall guy for their lousy, washed-up party and policies.
I see Richard Leonard has resigned, how are we going to survive without the funny made up names.
Farewell Ruptured Leakbladder, Scottish politics won’t be the same without you.
‘Ruptured Leakbladder’ You saved the best till last.
Who from the House of Lords will take over from RL
Having two ( or more ) from the House of Lords will make it easier for them to coordinate their propaganda war on Scotland
RD will be getting her scripts written by allies in the House of Lords
Speech training
Debate training
British media at her behest
Ripostful Linebreaker right there. 😀
While I’m not usually inclined to link to Beeb material, I can’t decide if they are trolling LN or not here:
Oh I say!…..you are a card!…….lol
Renegade Librarian?…….anyone?
Retarded Laborite
‘Rumpled Lickspittle?’
Poor Richard Leonard. A pub quiz question of the future for sure.
Hi Paul
You started it, all these wonderful names. You should have copyrighted it! Hope your flit to sunny Maybole is progressing well. Best wishes.
Now Leonard has resigned. Too many bad polls?
Take care. We need you Paul. Big hugs.
Mark Drakeford is rumoured to have also resigned.
So who will be the next leader of Scottish Labour? I’m backing Jackie Baillie with her “forensic” mind. 🙂
Drat, I was hoping for James Kelly with his unique oratory style, almost Shakespearian ‘Is this a dagger I see behind me’.
I don’t see any reputable source for this.
I’m thinking the same Capella…..but dont forget ‘us geeks in the polito-sphere’ are a tiny minority in the scheme of things.
The SLAB electorate will more than likely go for who they’re told to i.e. a ‘Starmist’…….Enter Anas Sarwar.
I’m backing her too because she’ll really scunner the Scots and witness, as leader, the final death throe of Westminster’s Labour Branch Office in Scotland.
Fraser blames who????
Well right enough…legend has it that the 1st Officer on the Titanic was considering pulling his pistol on the Captain if he didnt give the command to abandon ship……just sayin.’
Dont underestimate her Petra….she’s a well liked politician (in her constituency) ..I think she is not so much a ‘dark horse’ for the job but likely contender.
I’m probably wrong again…as usual.
I think Mark Drakeford said some time ago that he would stand down at the next election
Scottish Labour Branch jacket holder…who will it be.
Will it be another Red Tory grovelling to a London Master or will they become an actual Scottish Party supporting Independence.
Would anyone trust them? Remember all those Better Together photos if you get tempted!
Perhaps gordie the broon or George the gorge Galloway
It should at least bring a few days entertainment watching the “Scottish” Labour party worthies scrambling to find excuses for NOT becoming the new Branch Manager.
So the Yorkshire pudden has gone off? What Blairite clone has Sir Keith got lined up? NB – Rumours that Drakeford has chucked it in Wales, too. Looks like the People’s party are birling like a whirlygig and don’t know which way to turn. Shame that.
“the notoriously anti-independence Scotsman newspaper”
On the other hand it seems they’ve kicked out Brian Wilson who wrote an article for the Herald – maybe the first of more. He does seem to like flatulating in flatlining newspapers.
Is this true yesindyref2 ?
Please tell me it is.
Just very recent observation, Scotsman has Kenny Macaskill who used to be at the Herald, and Angus Robertson and Kirsty Strickland who used / maybe still are The National. Jumping to conclusions, so very possible wrong. But the Herald is going downhill with Gordon who can be quite sensible going overboard, Struan Stevenson and even supposedly Indy Mackay seemingly toeing the unionist line, plus one or two others. Just one or two left there to give some balance, like Ian the business guy.
Herald hasn’t done its own polls, BMG, for maybe years now, and misrepresented this one as “51% YES”, only mentioning that NO was 38% and don’t know 10% further down. It used to do the BMG quite regularly. It also seems to ignore that its own “readership panel” seems to be pro-indy in about the right proportions. It’s kind of like it’s given up and serving out its last few months. Scotsman is doing these polls in a monthly series, and maybe sees the way the wind blows from the results so far.
Wrong way around for me personally, but I’d take it if true, and it would probably be better for Indy.
Written at the poolside in Dubai, yesIR2?
I hope you’ve got plenty of money, Jack, they’ve closed the borders and you’ll be stuck in Dubai, unable to get back to Belfast.
Yesindyref2…..dont know if their is a facility on Paul’s forum to PM ?
BW*** stuff.
no sorry, there isn’t
Paul,
You wrote: “”If the SNP do poorly no one will care about your reasons for not supporting them, all we will hear is that Scotland doesn’t want independence.””
Very true. A prime example of this was the result of the 2017 Westminster GE. The SNP lost seats although still the biggest party overall but it allowed the Unionist Parties to claim for months afterwards that there was no appetite for an independence referendum
Good legerwood…..you’re exactly right
They will always report the worst and hide the best of Scotland
Its come to my attention ..Terence..that you always post ‘Good’ when replying to a previous post.
Dont get me wrong because I’m being deliberately pedantic here (I’m in a good mood…first time in …how long?)
Mibeez adopt a new start..for a New Year like…’Brilliant!…or ‘Fantastic’ or Totally Underwhelming….just sayin!
LoL……just bein’ a Bam Terence. Awra Best.
😄
Sorry to hear that fatigue is still a drag on your recovery ….it’s your body recovering Paul …it needs to rest to recover….don’t get too anxious about it ….waste of energy.
Lovely news re poll …fair cheered me up. SNP all the way to the door of Holyrood.
Adieu Richard Leonard ….whose up next to fill that glorious spot.?
“These flinching cowards and sneering traitors make me sick.”
This from Neil Findlay, referring to his fellow Brit Nat Red Tory MSPs.
Vote Labour, vote for your local ‘flinching coward and sneering traitor’ in May
Vote for us and like Keir, our beknighed millionaire leader, back Brexit, Trident, and remain in servitude to the English Head Office.
Hutcheon in the Police Gazette describes Leonard’s electoral record in three years as ‘disappointing’, and ‘poor’.
Paul H, it has been an unmitigated disaster.
Labour were pushed into third place at the last SGE, fifth in the European election, and lost 6 of their 7 MPs in the UK GE.
Yet Leonard still clings on as a List MSP.
Who’ll be next?
Johann Lamont? Jenny Marra? Neil Findlay? Iain Gray?
Oh, wait..they’re all chucking it in, in May.
Anas Sarwar, millionaire dentist, whose children are educated privately, would be an ideal Red Tory replacement, and probably Starmer’s Born Again New Labour pick.
But Leonard’s shop steward Union mates, in GMB, Unison, Unite, EIS, will again use their misappropriated block votes to crush Sarwar’s bid.
Jackie Baillie it is then.
The Red Tory Branch Office…the gift that keeps giving.
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES , 18 times YES.
A lovely piece, Paul, but for all our piece of mind, take it easy.
‘our piece of mind’? Ed. ‘peace’.
Autocorrect.
I’m tempted to give my editor(me) a piece of my mind.
Yesindyref2…..dont know if their is a facility on Paul’s forum to PM ?
BW*** stuff.
..”’Anas Sarwar, millionaire dentist, whose children are educated privately, would be an ideal Red Tory replacement, and probably Starmer’s Born Again New Labour pick. But Leonard’s shop steward Union mates, in GMB, Unison, Unite, EIS, will again use their misappropriated block votes to crush Sarwar’s bid.”..
And on and on it will go here (until they die a death very soon) and south of the border. The Labour Party is divided and always will be now. In other words they are finished and the sooner their Scottish supporters see that the better, vote for Independence and recreate a new political party in Scotland.
Didnae ken Sarwar was a dentist Jack….just sayin.’
He’ll be able to solve the Blue Tories’ Brexit ‘teething problems’?
I’ll get ma coat, Tam.
….seee ya Jack!……lol
You need a fact checker. The EIS is not, and never has been, affiliated to the Labour Party.
Heidstaethefire,
“Samuel Johnson, renowned man of letters in the eighteenth century, wrote, almost single-handed, the first great reliable dictionary of English. It was published in 1755 by a consortium of printers, among whom were the founders of Longman, the publishers I worked for, publishing dictionaries, for over 30 years.
Johnson was famous for his acerbic wit, as well as for usually thinking he was always right … But he had made a mistake in the dictionary. He had defined the word pastern (part of a horse’s leg near the hoof) as the knee of a horse, which was wrong.
When a woman asked him why he had done this, his answer was: ‘Ignorance, madam, pure ignorance.’ At one stroke, he put the woman in her place for asking such a silly question, yet also took full responsibility for the mistake.
I wonder if that other famous Johnson (Boris) would be so honest and straightforward in admitting he was wrong …
But is this a mistake?”
Source: Della Summers Dictionaries.
I too plead ignorance, Heidstaethefire, but probably instinctively included the EIS in the Shop Stewards’ undemocratic grip of their members’ votes because Larry Flanagan, ‘ ….active in the Militant Tendency and in the Labour Party. He was elected to Glasgow City Council, where he called for the party to oppose the Poll Tax with a campaign of non-payment.He hoped to stand in the 1988 Glasgow Govan by-election, but was not considered as a candidate due to his involvement with Militant.’
Early in the 1990s, Flanagan was suspended from the Labour group .’ (From wiki.)
So of course you are correct; Flanagan, sorry, the EIS, ahem, will have no influence on who becomes the next Red Tory Branch Manager in England’s Last Filthy Rich Colony.
So,like Johnson, Heidstaethefire, I plead, ‘ignorance, pure ignorance.’
That Leonard beat Sarwar because of his shop steward pals’ bloc votes, is beyond dispute.
Well it’ll likely be Anas Sarwar with Jackie Baillie’s hand up his backside working him now that Rumpole of the Labour has exited the building, but will Anas accept the chalice from the palace or will he drink from the brew that is true and refuse it
Votes for other parties other than the SNP are just a waste because the Tories will count seats, they’ll count votes, they’ll count the toes on your feet if they can mold a story that makes it look like Scotland doesn’t want Independence, some folk think a win by SNP+Greens will do it, the Tories will say “what’s a Green*? they don’t count, you know they will if they get the chance
If we want Independence we have to overwhelm the system with both votes SNP, we have to overwhelm the media with the truth so they can do nothing else but be forced to report it then it’s up to the FM and her team to put those votes into the action we want taken, if we do that there’s not a country in the world could deny that’s not the mandate to beat all mandates
Scotland will *take back control* and the applause from the EU and the rest of the world will be heard even inside Boris Johnson’s hidey fridge
And Boris will say no to a Section 30…repeat.
Do you like spangles John?…just askin,’
Love them
Reblogged this on Ramblings of a now 60+ Female.
Farewell Richtwit Leotard we will not miss you. How many permanent Scottish Labour leaders have there been since McConnell was FM is it 5 or have I missed someone. You think someone in the hierarchy in the party in Scotland would notice they are not getting their message across to the public aka the leadership are clueless. The more Labour stand against Independence the more Scots despise them but that’s good for Indy supporters though.
Winning elections in Scotland is not top priority for the Labour Party
Their top priority is the better together campaign
which is spearheaded by
take as many votes from Scottish independence as possible
and if that means colluding with the Conservative party or the Lib Dem’s they are happy to do so
We can safely treat Labour Party Conservative Party and Lib Dem Party
AS ONE political party
Thank you for this post Paul. You are a star. Please relax now and charge your batteries.
Great to see support at 57%.
The FM is under huge pressure with this pandemic but she doing a great job in and in the process reassuring the Scots that independence is the way forward.
My personal hope is that she is sharpening her teeth to deal very sharply with any detractors who choose to project their personal issues as being more important than Scotland’s wellbeing. Having watched her deal admirably with a range of apparently insurmountable challenges, in her own inimitable way, I have no doubt that she will prove too astute for those who are apparently intent on undermining her.
Nicola is popular with the majority of Scots for good reason. Those who oppose her are not popular for equally good reasons.
Arthur
Excellent and very accurate post
Nicola is the person for the job and will lead to Independence
Like Legerwood upthread, what Paul says is dead on target: if the SNP do poorly (or even as in 2017, slightly more poorly than expected), the only “story” that will be told by the BritNats is that “Scotland doesn’t want indy”.
So all the havers from the Bathistan Oracle, in overt collusion now with the BritNat papers and the Tories – all waddling and quacking happily together – are just an obnoxious distraction. The supposedly alt-indy splitterists likewise. The SNP is the necessary and sufficient way forward for the coming election.
Paul is also correct: politics is indeed about establishing the dominant story, and thankfully with the convergence of the UKGov virus crisis ballsup and Brexit realities becoming ever more evident, the independence movement has it in spades. Despite these straining “noises off”, this will assuredly not be 2017 revisited, but another big leap forward.
“The supposedly alt-indy splitterists likewise.”
My goal is Scottish Independence. Nothing else. Based on current VI, Holyrood’s voting system has an SNP overall majority on the constituency vote alone. Most polls I’ve seen show SNP to win 0-4 list member seats, depending on regional spread and how well a specific unionist party does at the constituency level (e.g. Tories do better in the borders, so the SNP get a list seat there).
Even if the SNP got 50% in every region, it would amount to half a dozen more seats than current polling, and it’s the seats such as the Highlands & Islands, or the Borders when they have to make the greatest movements. It’s not likely, based on polling. The SNP’s regional list VI is always lower than its constituency VI.
I’m for maximising the chances of Indy. Not for the benefit of the SNP, and not for the benefits of the Greens, or any other party that might appear in May. As one who takes no party affiliation, the one thing I notice constantly in this place is an anti-this and anti-that stance on non-SNP people with sound logic.
If the right party on the day is the SNP, then great, but if the constituency is sewn up, the majority of list votes are wasted, short of getting more than 50% in the list. I suggest you try to motivate all the stay-away folk that turned out for 2014. Most Holyrood elections are low turnout by Westminster standards, and very low by the Indyref turnout standards.
I expect the unionist parties to do a 2017, and have a lot of paper candidates, so the unionist vote coalesces around certain politicians at the constituency level. It probably won’t help them, but they’ll probably try anyway. The panic is starting.
Lastly, it would be nice if people can consider the simple maths of the HR voting system, and appreciate that all the party loyalty in the world can’t argue round it. I for one would be delighted at SNP 70 seats and Green/Indy Others with 20 seats, and I’m not even Green-inclined. Even if the SNP get 80 seats, the unionist will find a strange stat or event to shift the goalposts once more.
It’s a lot harder to shift them with 90-100 Indy MSPs saying “nope” to them. #JustSaying 🙂
Statgeek…
I’m not interested in party politics but concluded that it’s impossible to vote for a cause unless you vote for a political party given that there are so so few independents so I don’t really understand your point statgeek
There is only one party in Scotland that is going to get Scottish independence
and that is the SNP….for the benefit of those who want Scottish independence
Sorry to disillusion you, but without clear mutual understanding and close co-ordination – as is manifestly not the case, queered as it has been by you-know-who – the alt-indy parties will amount to zit in May. Just like RISE before them. If ordinary people instead devote their increasing enthusiasm for indy to SNP on the list as much as in the constituencies, the SNP would gain even more seats, not less. (Green supporters would disagree, of course, and would be well within their rights.)
It’s this relentless “we’re no good” negativity that has actually slowed everything down. Time to accentuate the positive and stop looking backward to “saving the majority”. We’re way past that place now. This is not 2017 revisited. We’re on the cusp of a big move forward. The important issue is what we do after the election, not counter-productive faffing-around beforehand.
It seems as though we can’t get rid of the failed labour leaders from BLiar, Broon, McLeish, McConnell and Dugdale. Will Leonard ultimately find a lucrative wee ”niche” for himself too? As far as they are concerned ”auld acquaintance should be forgot”, imo.
‘Constitutional Debates: Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot.’
..”Join us for a discussion of Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot with John Lloyd, Andrew Wilson and chair, Kezia Dugdale.”..
http://www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk/news_opinion/constitutional-debates-should-auld-acquaintance-be-forgot
…………………………………….
‘Richard Leonard Labour: Here are five of the outgoing leader’s worst gaffes.’
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19012333.richard-leonard-labour-five-outgoing-leaders-worst-gaffes/
They omitted to mention a cracker, imo, that is when Leonard said that public services such as Scottish Water should return to Scottish public ownership 😀 .
To make matters worse his own party, Labour, opened up the market to the private sector.
..”The claim that Scotland’s water is publicly owned is essentially accurate. The water supply is provided by state-owned Scottish Water which supplies the vast majority of Scotland. However, in 2005 the non-household market was opened up to private sector competition. This has allowed companies to bid for water services, most notably Anglian Water gaining government contracts to manage services for Scotland’s public bodies.”..
..”However, some aspects of water provision have since allowed involvement from the private sector. Scottish Water inherited a number of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts for sewage plants which are contracted for between 25 and 40 years. These treat around 45 per cent of Scotland’s waste water.”..
https://theferret.scot/scottish-water-public-ownership/
Yep, it’s why when you try to wash your hands in a supermarket loo, there is virtually no water to do so. Labour branch sold the non domestic arm of Scottish water, and they planned to do the same with it all. Englands water is not good, in some areas it’s quite contaminated. Labours PFI scheme was the biggest scam in Scotland in a long time. Councils are still having to pay the ‘debt’ to the tune of £billions. It’ s an utter disgrace, all Labours legacy from their stint at the helm at Holyrood, ten years, that’s what they did, nothing positive just scams.
Water in Scotland provided to business premises farms etc is privatised e.g. castle water
To the tune of: ‘ Land of Hope & Glory.’
“Goodbye Remington Loadspear
good bye FMQ’s too
Goodbye Jeremy Corbyn
They’ve done for me too.”
Phantom Power:- ”Remainer Murdo Fraser in a right old state: blames fishing crisis on Scottish Govt, pleads ignorance over Victoria Prentis’ failure to read Brexit deal then says it’s better than Common Fisheries Policy Tories negotiated. [fair play to Geissler – more please].” https://mobile.twitter.com/PhantomPower14/status/1349477257291714565
………………………………..
‘Scottish fishermen threaten to dump rotten shellfish outside British parliament.’
..”In a video posted on Twitter, Jamie McMillan of Lochfyne Seafarms warned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that “if Scottish exporters can’t get their product to market next week, we will be at the gates of (the Palace of) Westminster and we’ll be dumping our shellfish on your doorstep, rotten. We are fighting for survival here,” he said. “Get it sorted and get it sorted now.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-scotland-fishing/scottish-fishermen-threaten-to-dump-rotten-shellfish-outside-british-parliament-idUSKBN29I1ON
Fraser blames who????
Well right enough…legend has it that the 1st Officer on the Titanic was considering pulling his pistol on the Captain if he didnt give the command to abandon ship……just sayin.’
Somebody once worked out that because of Labours PFI that over the time period of debt school toilets would end up costing £30.000 each
£500 for replacing a light switch in 2002
£2 for one from B & Q
….so how would that turn out in terms of :
pish per p.
‘Just days after the deal … 10 Brexit disasters (and counting).’
http://www.businessforscotland.com/just-days-after-the-deal-10-brexit-disasters-and-counting/
………………………………..
‘IS THAT IT NOW?’
..”For months now we’ve heard that Ruth Davidson and Jackson Carlaw were talking out of turn as their leaders in England had already approved the practice they frothed angrily about here:”..
Check out the btl comments such as, ”We have really taken back control of our borders now. No one wants to come here any more, not even delivery companies!” 😀.
”Wow! This is big !!! From Germany: “Schenker AG, the logistics subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn with 76,000 employees and a presence in 130 countries, will currently no longer accept goods for transport to the UK.” https://mobile.twitter.com/BrexitBin/status/1349390483076874240
…………………………………………………..
‘The policy headaches the EU-UK Brexit deal didn’t solve.’
http://www.politico.eu/article/outstanding-uk-eu-brexit-headaches-trade-customs-health-care-travel/
Petra
Seafood …. its only the start…the amazing thing is that the MSM are homing in on UK Gov(Gove)…….probably wont last….but the wind are definately in our sails.
is
Glad to see this article Paul as I was getting a tad anxious about you.
As I said , you don’t need to stress out over articles , just pop in and tell us how you are doing – it’ll keep me happy anyway.
Answer the bl**dy questions why don’t you!
Haggis_UK: – ”Mr. Speaker shut down Boris Johnson for not answering the question. “Sometimes you’ve got to try & answer the question.” https://mobile.twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1349330942884786178
…………………….
Check out Ann’s latest links on the Indyref2 site.
https://indyref2.space/forum/topic/links-thursday-14-january-2020/
Back to Lickspittal for the last word on the dead donkey story (possibly)
Shame his heroic struggle on behalf of a certain group of women from Glasgow which resulted in them being locked out of equal pay for many years. But at that time he was just the trade union guy.
It wasn’t until years later as leader of a political party he had the brass neck to bitterly complain about how long it was taking another political party (the Government) to fix his (colourful word replaced) mistakes.
Insert “DIDN’T MAKE THE LIST” where ever you deem appropriate.
Robin McAlpine:
https://wingsoverscotland.com
For those that don’t want to be tainted by Wings:
https://sourcenews.scot/robin-mcalpine-nicola-sturgeon-this-is-a-matter-of-the-integrity-of-scotland-as-a-nation/
Just read it, deranged would be an apt description.
Robin McAlpine’s most important four words:
“This will out eventually”.
He’s either right or wrong, and we’ll just have to wait and see.
Robin MacAlpines’ most important word:
“I”
Aye aye. I didn’t read past the 10th use of it (approx).
.. but you’ll agree he’s either right or wrong, and that we’ll find out in due course?
Who’s really going to care or even know if he was right or wrong?
McAlpine is a nonentity and unknown to 95% or more of the Scottish population, more people knew who Rickety Ladder was than know McAlpine and that’s what bugs him LOL
Seriously, I didn’t get past the 10th use of the “I” word – 2 boring sentences.
😂
The solid evidence that would satisfy any lynch mob!
The “anti-SNP” team have copied the Unionist tactic of quoting each other as……the evidence.
That was bang on the money Julia
Oh, FFS. McAlpine proving that he’s a political nonentity on the distant sidelines with nothing to contribute except more hot air that nobody gives a stuff about. If his head was any more full of empty pomposity it would explode.
You wandering quackers from Bathistan are getting more and more of an embarassment to indy.
Just read it. Not a single fact contained therein. Just innuendo and insinuation. And who was that mysterious person in a cafe near Holyrood who whispered in his ear for three hours with the devastating “news”? Craig Murray at the Storytelling Centre? that would be my guess.
Robin Macalpine ?
When he was refused a contract
to supply the SNP with a plan of action
for governing Scotland immediately after it becomes independent
He went in a huff
Yes he wrote and published a couple of very good books on it
But since then he’s been full on anti Scottish independence anti SNP
I don’t believe a word he says now
Sorry robin mcalpine? Another conspiracy theorist. Give us a break.
Independence is the goal.
The usual ‘the things I heard but you can’t know but trust me, Sturgeon should be sacked; guff.
Who the fuck is Robin McAlpine/
A legend in Kevin McKenna’s lunchtime?
These guys have never held office, never actually had anything to do with governing Scotland, yet they have such a big hit for themselves, that they set themselves above the rest of us mere proles, and pontificate?
I know my own back story; I have had a productive and meaningful life, and am confident that I have had enough life experience to make up my own mind about what’s important to me, and what’s not.
Robin McAlpine and the Panzer strength array of Think Tanks exist for one reason only; to promote the tiresome agendas of, and make money for, their members.
The attacks on NS are based on egregious hearsay; nothing else.
And we don’t need this dross seeping through into WGD.
The intention is to contaminate this blog with the hysterical rants of WoS and others.
This site is for adults, not gossip mongers.
You are taking advantage of PK being incapacitated to flood his blog with unsubstantiated smear and anti-Independence toss.
Brexit, kids starving, Covid…nah, let’s cower in the corner and destroy Sturgeon.
Go back under the rock from which you crawled.;
We are taking back our country this year. And whether you lot like it or not, the SNP Party is at the political vanguard of that goal.
Presumably is paying these people to churn out this mince.
At least the bloke on the street has next to no chance of coming across this guff, seriously I would have hoped that sane people would know better than to spread this drivel which does absolutely zero in furthering the cause of increasing support for Independence.
A lot of heads in the sand on this thread.
QED.
Meaningless one liners from the Dark Side.
Go away.
Here’s my conspiracy…… many folk from another place have decided to visit this site.
Fine. Let’s see how we can as independence supporters maximise support by persuading the undecided.
This!
Good point Hamish 100 but if their views are odd surely you say so ?
And for those who’ll feel like the hearts been ripped out of them..
That too will pass, many Wingers accepted this thing ages ago and we’re all still here, all still busy organising and getting ready.
All still YES
It changes nothing for the movement xxx
Exactly Liz. The ONLY figurehead I have IS independence. It isn’t dependent on any one person.
Me too…
But I’m aware that England’s Westminster will do anything to stop Scottish independence
And I do mean anything
Every leader of the the SNP is hunted , others in the SNP who do good work are hunted too
We see it every day on tv radio and in the newspapers
The only thing missing is arrests
Most people in Scotland are not even aware of how bad it is because they’ve been raised on thinking that the BBC and the news on tv , radio and in the newspapers on the whole is honest factual and acts within the law , they don’t see them as a danger but it is through this media that everything is done to stop Scottish independence
If this propaganda war on Scotland fails and SNP win a majority in May they will have to turn up the heat , what next to Scottish independence ?
They won’t get mass public protest on the streets in favour of unionism because so many unionists want anonymity for one reason or another
So they create trouble elsewhere
Personally, my heart’s doing just fine because it hasn’t had to reconcile belief in any individual with objective political reality, and the only “thing” I recognise with a degree of disappointment and hurt – well, betrayal, frankly – is a backstabbbing operator on the loose with an increasingly comfortable mutual relationship with the BritNat Dead Tree Scrolls and the Tories, all apparently unanimous in wanting to decapitate the SNP in the leadup to the coming crucial election. Way too much quackery for comfort.
The time for pushing for a more proactive approach is in the wake of a record election success that is ungainsayable to everyone. Just (re-)read Paul’s wise words above to see why.
Accepted what thing Liz?
I’d be interested in what thing I’m supposed to be accepting too
The people of Scotland are the movement
Ye know the Thing !!!
You must be referring to that old film called ‘The Thing’ it was all furry and monster like, yes, that is clearly it. A ‘b’ movie.
Oh that ”thing” 😀.
I’ve accepted it, that’s why I no longer visit the Wingers site and read the BTL cult delusion’s. It sad when you believed in an independence supporter to find out the truth, your wounds will heal.
Let’s hope the pro Indy vote surpasses expectations and those who vote unionist continue to decline in numbers. Many thanks for another inspiring post in difficult circumstances. You have kept the candle burning for many over the last few years. Above all take care of yourself and be patient till your strength returns.
Meanwhile a temporary mortuary that can hold 1300 bodies has just been constructed in London to accommodate the overspill of dead people that cannot be handled by existing mortuaries and funeral parlours.
It’s not the only one as there have been others quietly constructed around England in recent weeks.
“The facility in Ruislip is the latest of a number of temporary mortuaries set up across the country, including at the former military hospital Headley Court in Leatherhead, Surrey, and at a former aircraft hangar at RAF Coltishall, north-east of Norwich.”
This latest mortuary is expected to start receiving the bodies of people who have died from Covid from tomorrow, noticeable today too that Public Health England did not release any data on the latest Covid death figure because “Due to an issue with the processing of deaths data, the update for 14 January 2021 is delayed.”
Yet our so called journalists in Scotland are questioning the FM on why she released the plans for roll out of the Covid vaccine when the information was “sensitive” according to No 10, why is no one asking them about the mortuaries that are being built or the delay to the publishing of the number of deaths caused by Covid in England yesterday? I think we all know why.
Indeed Alex, Sky news reporting that patients are being treated outside hospitals in ambulances all over England and the NHS is broken beyond capacity yet Boris Johnson and his pile of Tories continue to punt out propaganda garbage about how the SNP have run down Scotland’s health service when without complacency Nicola Sturgeon and Jean Freeman has made sure our system here can still more than double capacity if required to do so, crossed fingers that won’t happen
The BBC’s official answer as to why they refuse to correct Boris Johnson’s lies is that doing so would undermine democracy, well Trump got away with that shit because folk wouldn’t stand up to him in America and look what happened, the BBC and Sky are equally and criminally responsible for what by omission they’ve allowed aided and abetted to happen to the British isles
Have you got anything by way of official comment to back up what you said about BBC refusing to contradict De Pfeffel’s lies on the grounds that doing so would undermine democracy? I despise the BBC and a bit of extra ammunition would be gratefully received.
Alastair Campbell has just dug up an old story:
The Evolve piece was based on a 2019 Guardian article by Peter Oborne:
‘A big reason for Johnson’s easy ride is partisanship from the parts of the media determined to get him elected. I have talked to senior BBC executives, and they tell me they personally think it’s wrong to expose lies told by a British prime minister because it undermines trust in British politics. Is that a reason for giving Johnson free rein to make any false claim he wants?’
https://archive.vn/ByTWR
Sorry – didn’t mean to inflict the full tweet on you in ‘glorious technicolor’!
I’m glad you did Lynne – well spotted. 🙂
It is truly appalling that the “public service” broadcaster thinks it’s OK to spread lies as that protects democracy. It actually destroys democracy. Democracy depends on access to information to inform decision making. Protecting lying politicians leads to tragic wars – as Alastair Campbell well knows.
I would rule out mass JCB dug lime pit graves in England next.
I suspect there is more behind this SG vaccine publication than meets the eye, tin foil hats on.
If you knew you were being deliberately strangled for vaccine, or HMG had done a flayling grayling in ordering, would publication of your planned roll-out not raise a few eyebrows among those in the know ?
That 3 week gap in the “continuous rollout” stuck out like a sore thumb…
Kirsty Wark had a wee cosy chat with That Dick Leonard on Newsnight.
The Yorkshireman sees Scotland like Andy Burnham’s Manchester or ‘the West Country’. he means of course the SW of England, not Stranraer, or the Isle of Whithorn, as a region of England,yet wonders why he has been the architect of Labour’s death in Scotland.
He really does talk the most meaningless shallow drivel.
Yet he is going to be a list MSP after May, on £1200 a week, plus exes, if the new Leader lets him on the Gravy Train of course.
How did he change Scotland in three years as leader?
Not one little bit.
That takes a special skill.
Immeasurable indolence.
Oh, please, if there is a god, let it be Monica Lennon.
Oh, please, if there is a god, let it be Jackie Baillie 🙂
There must be a joke I’m missing here?
…. Jesus – Suffrin – Fuck Alex , are you a secret masochist or sumthin ?
Jackie ( stranded vowels ) Bailie, wi 3 questions every FMQs..
Whit did Scotland ever dae tae you 🙂 tut tut young man tut tut….
Those of us who share that preference reckon it would finish-off the British Labour Party in Scotland in fairly short order, Liz, for exactly the reasons you give.
Hard to thole, admittedly, but better in the short run even. Think of it like a kind of political colonic irrigation.
But through oor ears man …… that’s “Marathon Man” ( showing ma age here , although if anybody asks ” I watched it fae ma pram 🙂 ) level abuse … LOL
… or Anal Sarwar ( not a typo ) , or James Kelly , or ( enter name if any other Labour MSP – but please refrain from giggling ! )
Oh please, if there is a God, let it be James “A wanty make a point of order” Kelly. 😀
All the very best to ye Paul!
Spot on as usual!!
Rgds tae ye!
JR frae Kelty
Sorry O/T but seeing that guy McAlpine has an article somewhere all about how bad the FM is, and yessers on twitter basically agreeing saying Nicola Sturgeon should go now, what is going on anyone know? They BritNats really want NS out of the picture don’t they.
I see further up thread this was discussed. Seeing tweets from independence supporters demanding NS resign or be chucked out, pretty damn disgraceful.
It’s a strange one don’t you think? An article entitled the ‘Integrity of a Nation’ with comments like ”our future, our nation must be born from honesty and integrity or you should want no part of it” and yet here we have someone, Mr McAlpine, putting together an article condemning Nicola Sturgeon before she’s had her say and before we’ve had the opportunity to consider the findings of the investigation.
He’s no doubt another, one of many, that demanded that Alex Salmond should be deemed to be innocent until found guilty and yet that same ultimatum doesn’t seem to apply to Nicola Sturgeon. Is that the kind of Scotland that we want to live in where someone runs with an article that contains no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Nicola Sturgeon has done anything at all that warrants resigning as leader? His ”evidence” in fact is replaced by remarks such as ”I have a suspicion”, ”I believe” and ”it appears to be.”
He’s clearly an individual with a massive ego that’s on a power trip 🙄 …..”I have worked close to the power of government my whole life. I have studied and read widely on power.”
And one who seems to have lost the plot ….. ”and this whole affair has remarkable parallels with Watergate.” FGS 😀
He would also make you laugh, if it wasn’t so serious, with his, ”this is all going to pour into the public domain like it or not.” Like it or not people like him will make sure that it does.
It seems that Robin has hoodwinked Richard Murphy as well.
https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2021/01/15/for-those-who-thought-scotland-has-the-kind-of-leadership-we-should-aspire-to-it-may-be-time-to-think-again/
Richard Murphy is a bandwagon jumper, popular because he says what people want to hear about GERS. He even touted himself as THE proponent of MMT where in fact others had been doing that for years. His opinions on politics are worth diddly squit.
I wouldn’t give him platform space even at Central Station.
Mmm, I think there may be a platform going spare in Thrumster.
OT just saw this and thought it worth a share.
Dearie me, I’m sorry Malky but we have heard all this constitutional bollocks before.
I offered no opinion on the video I merely shared it. However if you want my opinion it’s more accurate about the current situation than any msm or bbc offering. I found it unbiased and an mildly realistic summary notwithstanding his Catalonia comparisons. All in all one of the more objective pieces I’ve come across of late. Did you watch the whole video? Cut the patronising ‘dearie me’ shite do you think I’m a bairn?
James Ker-Lindsay is a ‘visiting professor’ at The LSE,
He is an Anglo Brit and this video is just a rehash of the Garbage churned out on a day to day basis.
England will stop you taking your country back.
‘malkymcblain’. posts this crap just to clog up this site.
I wonder who funds James Ker-Lindsay’s very expensive videos?
He’s certainly not paying for it out of his own pocket.
et another Englishman telling me a Scot that he has more power over me than I have over my own destiny, and that through his superior intellectual reasoning, I must be threatened by Catalonia or Kosova strength English violent reprisals which the UN will back if I don’t just crawl back into my wee Jock box and let England continue to rape my country?.
‘malkymcblain’, crawl back to your spiritual home, WoS, please.
This reheated shit from Project Fear One is laughable, and, well, irritating.
Go away.
You guys really are tired old Brit Nat trolls.
This video is laughable junk.
Notice how all these Brit types give out all the information except the bits they don’t, the Englandsplaining result is always the same, *we really like you but will you just accept you’re inferior and go away*
Unfortunately all to many accept your offering as a ‘ reasonable ‘ summary of Scotland’s constitutional position within the UK rather than its actual position as an equal partner in law. I certainly view any acceptance as probably the ultimate manifestation of what’s termed as the Scottish cringe. It’s as accurate as the nonsense that Scotland joined the union because it was bankrgupt. It’s as accurate as the nonsense that Scotland was extinguished and it’s accurate as the nonsense that westminster is sovereign.
Malkymcblain….thanks for the video….
personally it reminds me of the tricks that England’s Westminster propaganda machine used to use to make people in Scotland think they have no say in their own future .
Scottish people are wiser now a lot has happened in the last few years that has opened eyes and made people realise that they have been conned by Westminster
Just because people hold a particular view on matters such as those in this video doesn’t exclude them from the Scottish independence movement
Many of us who support Scottish independence have differing points of view on all sorts of things
Nothing wrong with that
It’s normal
Sometimes the responses to an opinion on here and elsewhere can be harsh
Usually because it’s all been heard before
I’ve found that it’s a great help to mention as often as possible that you support Scottish independence because if you do that your opinions on other matters are usually tolerated more
That’s what I’ve found anyway
I will lay odds that he was given both money and a script!
Politics 101 was dumped in his greed.
The U.K. Is not a country…it is a Union.
Actually Golfnut…I found this chaps video informative and interesting.
Let me put my cards on the table…I am an SNP Member.
I take issue with many of the assumptions stated on this video….nontheless,I found it interesting and moreover informative in the sense that it offers a window into the construct of anti-independence thinking…and to be fair to the chap..he didnt state his own preference so I wont make the mistake of stating…” Aye….but I bet he wouldnt vote for Indy!”…..I’ve done that in the past and ended up with egg all over my face!
So…in summary….thats my take and a Guid’ Ne’er tae ye’ Aw!…wha’s like us!
An interesting analysis until he stumbled into the “Catalonia” argument – From BTL comment, he is fully aware the legal foundations for secession are very different, but insists the international community would disregard the distinction.
To suggest international leaders are uninformed or would remain so by their legal advisers is the height of intellectual snobbery, but to then suggest Spain (with intimate knowledge of the legal distinction) would blackball Scotland from EU membership, is arrant nonsense.
Also notably missing from his analysis is the changed world and european perspective on the post-Brexit UK, it made few friends chasing the little-England agenda.
Not going to watch the video but I suspect I can summarise it, Scotland cannot become independent without England’s permission.
As far as I’m concerned Scotland is an independent country, all we need now is the peoples permission to tell WM to F.O.
Malkymcblain…..
Regularly you hear ….U.K. is not a country
Regularly you hear U.K. being referred to as “ the country “
The fact is U.K. is not one country just like EU is not one country
The correct term for United Kingdom is actually
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
It used to be just the United Kingdom of Great Britain
The United Kingdom of Great Britain was just England Wales and Scotland
Until England and Scotland colonised Ireland
It then became The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1800
the name United Kingdom tells you England and Scotland United to become a United Kingdom
but they didn’t become one country called England or one country called Scotland and when they colonised Ireland it didn’t end the existence of Ireland
As we know Ireland continued to exist as a country and became independent again in 1922
Well most of it anyway
The United Kingdom kept control of Northern Ireland after 1922
Northern Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom really that’s why
the United Kingdom is called the United Kingdom of Great Britain ( and Northern Ireland )
Northern Ireland was not a kingdom
Only England and Scotland were kingdoms
The union of the kingdom of Scotland with the kingdom of England is the United Kingdom of Great Britain
From 1922 when Ireland took back its independence the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
It would have been better to call them
Ireland and the United Kingdom of Britain
Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain
This video argues from the point that a completely new country was established calling itself United Kingdom
but if that were the case then England would no longer exist as a country
and Scotland would no longer exist as a country
We know they do still exist as countries
They are still separate countries
United Kingdom is not a country it’s a group of countries
This video argues from the point of view that a bit or a part of a country cannot break away and become independent without the agreement of the parent country
so as in Spain a part of Spain such as Catalonia cannot break away without Spain’s agreement
The same applies to England for example Cornwall can’t break away and become independent without England’s agreement
The same applies to Scotland for example Orkney can’t break away and become independent without Scotland’s agreement
It doesn’t apply to the U.K. because the U.K. is not a country it’s a group of countries
It doesn’t apply to the EU because the EU is not a country it’s a group of countries
Just as the Soviet Union was not Russia,although often conflated.
It’s the Scotland was extinguished argument, but ask them to point out in the treaty where it states this. The only mention is one Kingdom (that’s not a country), one parliament but it doesn’t state it is permanent or Scotland can’t withdraw from it. It spends more time on trading arrangements.
The fact that it doesn’t mention Scotland can’t leave leads me to believe a majority of Scottish MP’s supporting independence at WM meets their ‘constitutional’ requirements to leave, the one they agreed with until it happened.
I think it would have been interesting what the opinion of Greater England would have been if the EU said you can’t leave it.
SuborbialPigeon…..haha that would have been a laugh watching them react to
No you can’t leave the EU ted Heath took permanent membership
O/T. I noticed this morning that when you visit Ian Blackford’s and Michael Russell’s twitter page where once the ‘you might like’ list on the right directed you to other SNP sites; the suggestions now are Tory sites. What’s twitter up to? MI5?
Just crappy algorithms
Aye Golfnut,
I hate you.. I really really hate you…!
there’s me doing the two finger keyboard stuff, formulating all the wonderful justifications for ignoring the “Listen I’m so reasonable pish” An you go and do it in just one sentence.
Aye your probably younger and better looking than me as well, yup I just hate you so much.
… need a drummer ?
Cheerio duggers
Thank Heavens for that!!
Away n bile it pal
Malkymcblain….don’t leave, take a breath come back and tell everyone how you feel about Scottish independence
Can I just say that to you that my own personal views of Britain and England’s control of it do not sit well with this website and some of its attendees but to have discussion with a large group you have to learn to give way and rethink the boundaries you set around your comments
I might agree with most f what you believe
I don’t know you well enough to say
Nor you me
Don’t let a few comments put you off
I liked your input so I for one look forward to your next comment
Haste ye back
Terrence thanks for your comments. I am very aware of the constitutional construct and the history of the uk. I’m also well read on all of the current debate including the division that is being fomented by nefarious directors and their actors and puppets.
I don’t comment on other blogs and seldom on this one. I think our host Paul is the most rational clear headed of all independence bloggers. On the odd occasion that I do post something it’s usually OT and more often than not it’s just a link to something Indy orientated that I found interesting…such as the now controversial video above. I should add that just because I find something interesting doesn’t mean I agree with it. It could be utter tripe but it could still be interesting. This video interested me because it used more than the usual minuscule amount of objectivity. I completely disagree with him that UDI after a majority Indy govt win in May and subsequent non section 30 referendum that says Yes by simple majority would not be recognised by the international community. Especially since the Tories have made the UK an international laughing stock that is prepared to break international treaties. What I didn’t expect when I shared that video was the personal nature of the commentary that followed and admit I was a bit numbed by the experience.
I believe that the SNP are the only party and Nicola Sturgeon is the only leader that can feasibility lead the country to independence. I have no vote in May or the referendum but I would urge all who do to vote 1 and 2 SNP even if you have to hold your nose like Paul does with his homophobic msp. Living in the diaspora and looking in I can confirm that Nicola is very highly regarded in the same way as Jacinta Ardern is around the world. Scotland has star in the FM.
You may see an interesting link or two from me in future but for a while I’m taking my neurologists advice and keeping my blood pressure down incase my aneurysm pops and I end up like at the worst the late great Davie Cooper or at best the brilliant Amy Callaghan.
A bit of a punctuation/proofreading problem in your first paragraph.
57/38 when the don’t knows are excluded, surely not the other way.
Otherwise very good and clear on error margins.
Best wishes on recovery and power to your elbow
British Unionists argue themselves out of their own argument, because if Scotland in their opinion (which they constantly insist is undisputed and irrevocable fact) can never ever till the end of time become an Independent country why are they arguing so vehemently against people even trying, and why do they do it so aggressively, they positively seethe with anger at the very sound of the word Independence yet they *know* they say, that it can never happen
So given that the British Unionists *know* that Independence can never happen there must be another reason as to why they’re so damn angry all the time, now what on earth from that position of strength and mighty power can they be so angry about if it’s never going to happen, well there’s the sectarianists and we’ve always known what they’re angry about they just hate everybody who’s not them, what about the rest though, what can it be that’s got that variety of Unionist so riled up, could it be because they’ve failed in their 300 year mission to Englify the disobedient Scots so they’re annoyed that we refuse to be English colonists or that we just plain won’t convert to Englishism like it’s a religion or something, or could it be that England is so insecure in itself that apart from the property ownership and finance we provide they’re just a wee country who are afraid to stand on their own two feet without Scotland, a people and a country that isn’t afraid to do that
The Oxford vaccine phrase is a current example of Englands attempts to make itself feel more important than it is, they bash out this phrase as though no one else in the world ever did anything, Scotland doesn’t go around shouting about the Scotland Penicillin or the Scotland Anaesthetics or the Scotland almost every modern invention since the Greeks came up with democracy
England is a feart wee country reducing in importance at a rate of knots, they know it, we know it, the whole damn world knows it, and they hate the whole idea of it and it scares them, funny how similar England is to America, afraid of losing their power so become insular and Nationalistic in the real sense of the word retreating from co-operation with the world and going backwards into opposing the world whereas Scotland is the exact opposite, we want to embrace the world and join in
Fear and Insecurity
Ooft, Dr J.
People who go to food banks are fat and aren’t really hungry.
A fascjst Tory can actually spout such hatred and not end up in jail.
I’ll brook no argument from racist fascist thugs that England can and will force us to remain subserviant lesser beings in their ‘Union’.
To all Brit Nat Kill Nic trolls slithering under the wire, fuck off.
Spot on Dr Jim. My husband and I got talking to a guy on the ferry to Mull just before Indyref1. He had moved there from London and was looking for a house for his mother who also lived in London. I eventually got round to asking him (as I’m prone to do 😀) how he would vote and he said I know that I should vote for Independence but I’ll be voting No. Oh right said I with a smile, whilst feeling like pushing him overboard 😎, why’s that? He said I love Scotland and I know that I’m being selfish but I’ve got friends and family in England and I know that without Scotland England is finished 🙄. He and his maw better be voting for Indy this time around … or else … feart or not 🤬.
And there it is Petra England wants to retain the power to make Scottish peoples lives as shit as they think their own lives are will or aught to be and that makes them the shittest neighbours anybody could ever have, you just caught a microscopic version of why they left the EU, they couldn’t control it so they tried to shit on it
England deserves no quarter from us, ever! they are untrustworthy and nasty, even the ones who stick on a fake smile while they’re doing it
If I won the jackpot lottery every last one of my relatives would benefit greatly, in England it would appear the opposite is true, they’d buy a nice new motor and leave their relatives in the rain at the bus stop and smilingly wave as they passed
There it is again, lurking under the surface, the English are afraid to lose us because their standing in the world / their access to free resources comes under threat. We keep them afloat economically and geopolitically so it’s us who are selfish in wanting to keep all the goodies for ourselves. Yet they can’t and won’t concede that with all those advantages it’s we here who should have a far bigger say in the running of the Union. This disjunct is the fatal flaw in their Union.
Concede to them for a second time, and we all know fine well that the day after we’ll get another EVEL speech from whoever is the PM in London and it’s “thanks again for all the fish, suckers, now kneel before me”.
Many many many English people in Scotland like that Petra
They say you Scots should of course vote for your independence
They can’t say anything else now because the shocking treatment of Scotland during the last decade has taken away the position they once had of saying we are all treated the same because we are all British
It’s now clear even to English people that we are not all treated the same
So their new position is yes you should vote for your independence but we will do everything we can to stop you getting it
We will come and live in your country then vote to keep your country under the control of our country
We have seen so many lies from England’s Westminster in recent years and another one that is yet to be uncovered is that the number of English people living in Scotland is much much higher than declared
( Malkymcblain….this last paragraph
is one that I regularly get shouted down for you’re not alone )
If BBC and STV news is anything to go by Terence there’s no one left in Scotland with a Scottish accent.
Right enough Petra……I reckon theyre a’ fae Mull!…….(whens the last time you were in Tobermory) …lol
All said in jest in case any of my pals in ‘English Scots for Yes’ took offence…ye ken me.
I love the Scottish accent
I was born in Dundee parents took me overseas for nearly two decades HM Forces
Returned to Dundee been here since
BBC accent by the time I returned
Tried hard to get a Dundee accent
Still remember relatives and others saying to children “ speak properly “ “ speak proper English “
I was shocked , surprised , couldn’t work out why I wanted to speak like them and they wanted to speak like me
Eventually the penny dropped
I had copied the people I’d lived beside …English people
They,d been taught in school that they should talk like the people I lived beside..English people
Colonists always ban the local language
So that they always know what you are saying
So that you don’t recognise your own folk
So that they know that you know who’s boss
Dr Jim good points you make I agree
An independent Scotland unlike U.K. and USA will not have military bases all over the world
It’s incredible that USA have 700 bases in Europe
They bribe smaller countries with trade threaten withdrawal of trade bully one country to cease trade with another if t happens to suit the USA bribery of that other country
U.K. taught USA these behaviours
Grant Costello:-
·
Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader has seen off:
3 Scottish Labour Leaders
🔴 Jim Murphy
🔴 Kezia Dugdale
🔴 Richard Leonard
2 UK Labour Leaders
🔴 Ed Miliband
🔴 Jeremy Corbyn
2 Scottish Tory Leaders
🔵 Ruth Davidson
🔵 Jackson Carlaw
2 Tory PMs
🔵 David Cameron
🔵 Theresa May
She has also won 5 straight elections:
🟡 2015 UK General Election
🟡 2016 Holyrood Election
🟡 2017 Scottish Council Elections
🟡 2017 UK General Election
🟡 2019 UK General Election
And has led YES to an 18th straight polling majority for independence.
Ah,but, Petra, ‘she must have known’.
No other politician in history has had such a remarkable domestic track record.
But McAlpine demands that she resign…
Also EU Ref in 2016 and EU elections 2019.
In her time as leader 2018 was the only year free of elections etc.
Throughout all of that the SG has also got on with the job of government – building schools, hospitals, houses; training teachers, nurses, medics; building roads etc etc.
Looks like a mandate to me.
I’m sure I’m not alone on here in getting severely p*d off with all the crap that’s being peddled.
So I say to all the conspiracy theorists, the Salmond –Lazarus enablers and particularly the disciples of the Bathistan cult, will ye just get tae ….!
Oh and BTW while I’m on that subject, you may think all those visitors to your blog show how popular you are, real life analogy, car crashes usually draw a crowd of morbid onlookers!
You can fling all the mud you like but there are a number of simple facts that are just that – FACTS!
Look at the polls, Independence support is at record levels, SNP on track to achieve a majority at Holyrood without any need for any other “pro-Indy” votes.
And the one that will particularly stick in a few throats, Nicola Sturgeon approval ratings, in the middle of a pandemic, sky high.
Fortunately to the average Joe Public voter all the cyber space mudslinging is going unseen, I hope to god (and I’m not particularly religious!) it stays that way. Otherwise, we really are going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and to those who seek to undermine the current positive position, I really hope you can live with yourself if we do blow this golden opportunity.
I think I can safely say every single advocate of Independence has been frustrated at the pace of the campaign, but simple fact after blowing it in 2014, there was absolutely no point holding another referendum until now, I fully subscribe to the “I don’t want to just hold a referendum, I want to win one” view, L&G that time is very near.
Win the election first, wait for the inevitable Section 30 rejection then kick plan B into action, to those that say “aye but all we’ve ever heard is we keep asking for a Section 30 and it keeps getting rejected, whit then?”
I’m going to use a football analogy, your team is going into a big cup tie and your manager comes out the day before the game in the press with exactly how you’re going to win, you’d be rightly horrified that any possible advantage was gone.
Same logic applies to achieving Independence, if we don’t know what plan B is, neither do Westminster, but I trust there is a plan B (and C, D, etc if necessary). This is a marathon not a sprint and let’s let our opponents hit the wall not us!
I know I’m preaching to the majority on here, to those who seek to undermine where we are, I say simply FOXTROT OSCAR!
Damn right Robert
They don’t want NS removed by the people, they know that’s not possible. What they want is the unionists on the committee to force her to resign.
They have no plan beyond that, except they hope AS will rise again. As he is not even a member of the SNP presently I’m not sure how that will happen. Maybe it’s a long term plan, try and make sure there is no SNP majority at Holyrood then you have five years for the resurrection.
“They have no plan beyond that”.
It is that part which infuriates me! It reminds me of mindless vandalism.
I prefer rationale debate to the pitchfork/lynch mob cult that is being promoted, Trump like, from Bath.
I’ll wait and see what, if any, evidence emerges.
I waited with confidence when Alex Salmond was put on trial. I still believe in the concept of innocent until proven guilty.
The messiah’s evidence ” I know things but cannot share it” doesn’t quite do it for me.
You’ll notice too, Julia, that as the Leader Off encourages his lackeys to get rid of Nicola Sturgeon he doesn’t ever propose who would replace her. In fact both he and Craig Murray say that it doesn’t matter who the next leader will be, as the popularity of a particular individual doesn’t count. Have you ever heard such a load of old guff and yet so many of their followers believe them 🙄.
Totally agree there Robert, well said. Of course the ones who are actually doing everything to oust the FM are doing so because of all the things you point out about N. Sturgeon’s popularity as well as the growing support for independence. It really gets to the BritNats that the FM is viewed in a positive light around the globe as well, unlike the PM in London.
The BritNats will really step up their anti SNP campaign in the coming weeks and months. The real hard line, nasty BritNats were out in force on twitter yesterday, facilitated by supposed independence folk. Either gullible or fakes, blocked them either way.
Brilliant, Jeane Freeman just managed to squeeze in the ‘Kent variant’ at the briefing, the BritNats will be climbing the walls.
Lovely moment wasn’t it
I’m sure that many Scots who didn’t have a clue about who was who previously are now absolutely gobsmacked seeing one SNP politician / expert after another standing at these briefings showing how competent they are. They’re a real credit to us. Also no doubt cracking up listening to the journalists hell bent on stirring things up and talking a load of sh*t. The latter think that they are being smart in their attempts to discredit the SNP, such as today constantly, one after another, bringing up the, ”you Jeane Freeman revealed confidential vaccine details which means that you’ve breached the ministerial code.” That’s the BritNat war cry now, eh? Breaching the ministerial code. Pathetic.
Top comment Petra
Can I get a gold star, Terence 😀.
You get at least two gold stars… 🙂
A blue and white one Petra
Can we go back to the Lickspittal thing for a moment?
One question to ourselves is:-
“Is this a problem for the Scottish branch office, or a problem for independence?”
There is a theory currently rattling around inside my head.
One which I am loath to give print room to. In case it gives the unionists’ idea’s which they then run with.
I would therefore be very grateful if some of the more politically astute, deep thinking contributors to this site would consider all the possible ramifications of the temporarily leaderless branch office. ( I have a feeling that a new manager will be dropped in fairly quickly . Just like they did with Dross)
Just to be prepared you understand. Let’s try to be on the front foot with this, and pull out the weed before it sprouts arms and legs.
You’re going to need to come up with some names before I start worrying about Labour, I look around at their dearth of talent and find it hard to be concerned. The only D.Ross thing they could do is drop in Ian Murray, they have no other Scottish MP’s, he only appeals to the Tory heartlands.
The biggest threat just now is their attempt to delay the election and install a ‘government of national unity’, by which they mean dislodge the SNP and put unionists in charge without an election. No real difference to what Trump has been attempting.
Mc Connell making a comeback??
I watched Sarah Boyak through the wonders of I Player after I had watched jeane Ministerial Code Breaker Freeman’s professional daily Briefing.(4 times the hacks tried and failed)
Boyak had written to Freeman two months ago about a ‘constituent’ and had only received a reply this week, the observation being that the Health secretary isn’t doing her job?
Boyack is of course a List Gravy Trainer, with no constituent, never mind constituents.
BBC 1 breaks from the Covid daily update on BBC Scotland to let Boyak, then Harvie today, to tell us how badly the Scottish Government is doing I tackling the virus.
fortunately, the rest of us actually stick with the facts communicated in the Daily updates.
Sarah Boyack for Leader?
The Tea Lady?
Anybody?
Do they even have enough bodies to stand in each constituency in May.
They can bring in someone as leader and then do what the tories did with Ross , say he’s busy on other stuff so they’re bringing in a Lord to do the job temporarily for a long time
So they want to enact a coup in Scotland, thought they’d try that one.
You mean…. no, surely not …
The Sage of Bath for new Great Leader (northern branch)…?!
{laugh}
It’s Anas Sarwar. They’re already touting this One Horse race everywhere.
Keir Starmer will pick the winner. Millionaire in £2000 suits. Cola Scuttle Hamilton, the alternative tailor’s dummy, is already taken.
Anas will solve the educational gap. He’ll send all kids to private schools, just like his ain weans.
‘Irrefutable Evidence – Scotland’s Direct European Wealth Comparisons.’
..”The greatest cheat every played on Scots is that they believe they aren’t capable of being independent – yet even in this utterly dysfunctional union, with 76% power retained in London and our hands tied behind out backs – we still out perform Ireland, Denmark, Germany and England across all 11 areas. Why is it that with less resources and less per population share of said resources they can afford independence but we cant? I wonder if its because we are far wealthier as a nation than you are told. Please spread the truth far and wide people – believe in yourselves, and our future generations to make this country better for all of us.”..
………………………………………..
Good 😀.
‘Pollster warns Nigel Farage’s new political outfit will split Scotland’s unionist vote.’
..”Professor Sir John Curtice has said the new Reform UK party in Scotland will be targeting Tory voters who backed Brexit in Scotland, making it harder for the Conservatives to retain their position as the official opposition.”..
http://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-news/westminster-news/john-curtice-on-reform-uk-6903592
We demand more transparency said Tories Labour Lib Dems and Greens, or death to Jean Freeman
We demand less transparency say Tories Labour and Lib Dems or death to Jean Freeman
Jean Freeman sings *There ain’t no pleasin you*
Robin McHelpme will be writing something about her too I’ve no doubt
Oh, I can give him his first couple of sentences:
“I am me and I’m ‘I’, the first person I always think about when anyone says ‘I’, and you must listen to me because I’m me and I studied all this and I’m clever and I know what I am talking about.”
Oh sorry, that was just one sentence.
Well, I enjoyed seeing Jeane Freeman fronting the covid briefing. The figures are disappointing but the percentage positivity of 7.5% is a plus.
I bet the journalists are glad they don’t have to face Jeane every day. She is definitely less diplomatic than Nicola and the journalists will all be familiar with how Jeane handed Brillo boy his nuts on a plate.
The questions from the journalists never fail to be purile. What must it be like to know that you are actively trying to undermine people who are working their hearts out trying to save lives?
Question from journalists to Jean Freeman *The UK government is playing politics so why aren’t you playing politics so we can criticise you for playing politics*
Arthur posting for those who may have missed it 😀.
‘Jeane Freeman Wipes The Floor With Andrew Neil.’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcScFcs3Vio
Oooops wrong one. Try again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhDyN7PCKPo
I seem to have upset a few of the Ivory Tower dwellers on WoS this morning on the question of making difficult/unpopular decisions for the greater good of the mass.
Life is full of compromise and difficult decisions, Ask Winston Churchill and the others who authorised the dropping of bombs in WW2.
Why are you not blocked like the rest of us?
The great man only permits those who worship him and agree with his outpourings now.
Indeed Julia Gibb…
I stumbled on WOS a few years ago just before indyref 2014
WOS was different back then
It all changed about a year ago
….and that ‘change’ occurred when he decided to appeal the Kezia Dugdale case…remember?
I posted then that I thought he should let it go but he wouldnt.
That ..to me…signalled his narcissistic tendencies and I knew it wouldnt end well.
It was his interview with As for RT that changed his whole outlook.
The Kezia thing “activated” him, is my guess, made him believe that the whole political establishment would “circle the wagons” and protect itself against “upstarts” who didn’t know their place, irrespective of the cause they were promoting, but yes, the consequence being that his subsequent meet-up with AS became an unfortunate coalescence of grievance. I’m convinced that this muttering about “I know stuff that I can’t say more about” originated from that meeting. Likewise with everyone else who comes out with the same line. Such “nods and winks” are cowardly in my book, because they can poison minds and change attitudes without ever being capable of being debated, challenged or addressed. Mischief festers in the darkness.
I disagree with you, though, Tam, insofar as you can’t have a judgement that absolutely clears a person of being homophobic yet gives a free pass to the alleged offender all the way to awarding full costs to the latter. That’s not even-handedness between defending reputational integrity and free speech, and does leave a distinct whiff of establishment bias. I don’t think the reaction to that was evidence of narcissism, but rather was a mixture of wounded pride and righteous affront at the self-evident unfairness.
It’s how a person deals with the inevitable “slings and arrows”, though, that ultimately makes the man (or woman). The inadequate responses of SC and AS have diminished them both in my eyes.
I don’t think that it was the Dugdale issue that changed him at all, grizebard. I noticed the onset of ”change” when he was charged by the Police, had his computers etc removed.
Yup
Excellent post Grizebard and I accept your criticism…it was only ever my opinion.
I noticed your (excellent) post gullaneno4. It stood out like a sore thumb on there 😀.
I forgot to check out what Sturgeon said:
twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1349757330792083461
“Despite our political differences, I’ve always liked Richard Leonard. He is a decent guy and I wish him well for the future.”
I remove the https:// on the link as embeded tweets, yhoutubes and any of that make the page jump up and down for long seconds and make it a pain in the butt. I don’t always remembers, as in pdfs, where you get to see multiple pages at times, slowing doen the whole shebang 😦 I think the http gets added then and it’s not am imbed, hopefully, just a link. Perhaps there’s some setting in wordpress?
Mr Leonard seems like a likeable man I have never met him but I’ve never thought of him as being sneaky or uncaring the way Davidson Johnston are
He is a puppet, or rather was, a willing one at that. Didn’t he have something to do with the women of GCC having to go to court to try to get equal pay?
George Galloway *demands* that Nicola Sturgeon resign and the SNP be replaced so there can be no Indyref, full story the National
So we’ve got the Grand Mufti of Bathistan Robin McAlpine of nowhere and George Galloway of the saucer of milk all agreeing with the Tories that Scotland’s democratic rights be removed
There must be a great deal of this Tory money sloshing around being paid out to stop a thing they say they won’t allow, one says the FM doesn’t want Independence one says she’s not ideologically socialisty enough and one wants her carted of to the tower of London to be beheaded, what a bunch of servile little Twonks
In the last year Nicola Sturgeon has probably mentioned Independence less than the fingers of one hand and it’s the people of Scotland who are doing the talking about it, so for first time readers of Wee Ginger Dug there’s a demonstration from the Unionists how much they take Nicola Sturgeon seriously when she says she takes her instructions from the people because that’s what she was elected to do
Notice that none of the others above are elected to anything by anybody but like Gordon Brown Sir Kier Starmer Boris Rees Moggson and others they all agree they must stop her from doing what they say they won’t allow her to do, I’m kinda thinking she can or they wouldn’t be so shit scared of her
Apologies, the full story is in the Daily Express not the National so will appear in the Bathistan Chronicle in a minute
🤣😂🤣
‘ I’m kinda thinking she can ‘ and you’d be right.
Galloway is looking for a way back into politics
Sucking up to the English nationalists is his last ditch attempt
Macalpine lost his way when Scottish government didn’t take his book that offered a route after Scottish independence he was upset by that but I was always amazed that he would think a government would take his blueprint and make it policy
Message to “Peter N” :
if you think the content of this site is “mindless nonsense”, you are welcome to fuck off and comment elsewhere, because you’re not commenting here again.
I forced myself to read Robin McAlpine’s essay.
Adolescent is what comes to mind.
I won’t be wasting any more time on reading his outpourings.
Enough of that.
I hear on the radio right now that the R number in England is 1.1 to 1.3. As I recollect, Nicola said yesterday that the R number in Scotland is estimated to be 1.4. Oh really, I ask myself? I will be interested to see how this actually pans out.
Arthur, there is more than one estimate of the R number in Scotland, the SAGE estimate was between 1.0 and 1.4, the Scottish Governments modellers latest estimate for R is between 0.8 and 1.0 and was published yesterday.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-modelling-epidemic-issue-no-34/
I have noticed though that Scottish officials generally quote the SAGE estimate for R rather than their own modellers estimate. I have no idea why they would choose to do that but there will be a reason.
Thank you for that Aex.
jfngw says:
January 15, 2021 at 1:04 pm
You’re going to need to come up with some names before I start worrying about Labour, I look around at their dearth of talent and find it hard to be concerned.
The only D.Ross thing they could do is drop in Ian Murray, they have no other Scottish MP’s, he only appeals to the Tory heartlands.
Thanks for your response and observations which I whole heartedly agree with.
Although the border mint most definitely does not fit into the scenario here.
I have very little knowledge (which I do not wish to increase) of the branch office in Holyrood so cannot give you any names. But I can say the names immediately offered by various sources are no better a fit than the border mint.
No the drop in uncontested manager in this scenario would probably be.
Previously fairly unknown, had leanings toward independence or possible a supporter of increased powers for Holyrood. And at the present time a supporter of the fishing industry and an opponent of the IMB.
But as manager will be a supporter of an independent Scotland (as vaguely as possibly defined by his new department)
(We will support it in the north, and condemn it in the south) and none the two should be made aware of the other.
This worries me.
I was just thinking about Jeanne’s classic ‘Kent’ variant today and how these variants are called ‘Brazilian’, ‘South African’ and of course ‘UK’. Do you think if there had been a mutation of the virus in say Greater Glasgow, Lothian, Aberdeenshire, Cardiff, Swansea or Belfast they would still call it the ‘UK’ mutation?…. no me neither
Bob, in Scotland we refer to Covid 19 by its correct scientific name, the Dreaded Lurgy.
The North Red Tory Branch Office is chock full of untapped talent: Claudia Beamish Lewis MacDonald Rhoda Grant James Kelly Elaine Smith Colin Smyth David Smith David Stewart.. a whole host of talent who are household names.
They’re spoilt for choice really.
Claudia Beamish is good at her job IMO. So that rules her out of the running.
….sarcastic?….. oor Jack?…………..lol
Hands up anyone who would like to be in Nicola Sturgeon’s shoes right now? She’s faced with the might of the Establishment and now by some who are supposed to be on her (our) side. I see that Richard Murphy who doesn’t have a clue about the Alex / Nicola issue has jumped on the bandwagon and has just posted an article (Malcolm 11.30am) condemning her too because he knows McAlpine 🤡. What the h*ll’s wrong with people? How pathetic is that?
I was just thinking about the fabulous relationship that AS and NS once had. They were close friends and basically worked hand in glove for around a couple of decades at least. I’d bet my bottom dollar that during that time AS would have confided in NS often, opined about others, would have made mistakes, covered up botch-ups, probably even potentially breached the Ministerial Code with Nicola remaining loyal to him and schtum. She’ll have the goods on him (non-sexual) if anyone has, I’m sure, but is not in a position to speak out. More so probably wouldn’t want to do so. If I’m correct she must be feeling totally frustrated, extremely angry and of course profoundly sad.
………………………….
‘Alliance For Unity MSP hopeful shares ‘Nicola Sturgeon fascist dictator’ post.’
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19012893.alliance-unity-hopeful-retweets-slur-calling-nicola-sturgeon-fascist-dictator/
…………………………
‘THE AGENDA: FIONA BRUCE MISQUOTES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT.’
..’On Question Time last night, after Dr Philippa Whitford had made a general and constructive point about the NHS, all parts of it, being still open and making no comparison with Scotland’s better data, Bruce pounced: And, Phillipa, let’s talk about Scotland for a moment because large parts of Scotland, I mean, the Central Belt, the most populous areas of Scotland, have been pretty much in lockdown since September and yet the Scottish Government has admitted, as has around the UK, that Covid is running out of control, so what’s gone wrong?”.
.
I’m buttin’ oot o’ this in-fight Petra.
Someone is right/someone is wrong….but I doubt if things are as cut n’ dried as that…politics seldom are.
Personally…I’m going to sing a song and wait for the dust to settle.
…”Que Sera Sera…………………………………………………………………..
So, you’re the man who knew too much, Tam?
An accusation seldom levelled at me by my teachers Jack!… lol.
Incredible this nonsense about J Freeman leaking information about vaccine doses allocated to Scotland
How dare these people say that J Freeman should keep secret the number of vaccines Scotland is to receive and when Scotland is to receive them
How dare they
Who do they think they are
We the people of Scotland deserve and have the right to know this information if it’s information that’s available and we know it is available
The idea that U.K. wants to keep it secret so that other countries being supplied with vaccines by the three companies we are getting our vaccines from so that other countries don’t get annoyed and so these companies don’t have to answer important questions about how they distribute the vaccine , makes my blood boil.
Typical right wing control give to the rich deprive the poor
Some poorer countries have said they will not get any vaccine at all until 2022 at the earliest perhaps even later
Scandalous
Scottish government should be telling Westminster we pay for our vaccines we will tell people in Scotland how many we get and when we are getting them if we choose to do so
England’s Westminster orders and dispenses allocations to England Wales Northern Ireland and Scotland but England isn’t does not own all the vaccines dispensed
England doesn’t pay for the vaccines allocated to Wales Northern Ireland Scotland we pay for our own
Richard Murphy is usually sympathetic to our cause. But he has read Robin McAlpine’s sad story, probably on WoS unless someone helpfully sent it to him, and clearly thinks there’s no smoke without fire.
All the Grand Inquisitors reference each other in a wee bourach of entirely fact free opinionating culminating in NS MUST RESIGN!
R McA even references Euan McColm (aka Brian Spanner apparently) who quotes an unknown source who quotes….
Why wait until NS has given evidence? She is already pronounced guilty, along with Leslie Evans and anyone else whose testimony they don’t like.
What I want to know is – who was that gossip he met in a cafe near Holyrood who told him – for three hours – all about the conspiracy? I guessed above it was Craig Murray at the Storytelling Centre. But there may be bigger sweetie-wives touting their wares.
Plenty of men complaining eh, no women? are men more psychic than women then, do men have secret access to the FMs phone text messages that women don’t or could it be that women pretty much know the score on this and just couldn’t care less, people talk about gossipy women, I think in this case it’s all men doing the gum bumping, and you know I don’t even wonder why because they’re making it more obvious every day
Mon the Wimmin
They smell VICTORY in the air. The May elections.
Unionists and Egotists are united under one overriding aim – get rid of Nicola Sturgeon. Their hysteria rises with every positive poll result.
You’ll notice that as they wind their lackey’s up to get rid of Nicola Sturgeon, with 111 days to go to the election, not one of them has mentioned who could successfully fill her position other than saying that it doesn’t actually matter who’s leading the party. Aye right pull the other one 🤥. Worse still some individuals have got so carried away, confused with the gaslighting, that they think that Alex Salmond is going to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and take over.
I wondered about this myself. And possibly came to the same conclusion as Dr Jim.
Then again as they all seem to be into conspiracy theories, Capella, maybe one of them was taken in by a Westminster agent and had his head filled with mince. Said mince then being shared out.
So far I’ve not seen a shred of evidence to suggest that Nicola Sturgeon was involved in a ”stitch-up” rather the man himself, probably knowing more about what went on than Campbell, Murray and McAlpine, has only complained about Nicola knowing what, when (28th March / 2nd April). And taking it that AS wasn’t at the 28th March meeting he himself has no idea of what was said never mind the Three Stooges.
It’s a bit like the Ipcress File basically. Get invited to a TV studio by the Big Yin, oh so flattering, what me, I’m so modest, damn, I forgot to clench that sharp nail in my palm oh well, nevermind. Yes, roses are violets and red is blue and that rhymed didn’t it?
Shhhhh, it’s a secret.
My money’s on MI5, 77th Brigade or whatever they’re calling themselves these days being involved at the core of this riddle wrapped in an enigma. Somehow.
Aided and abetted by a handful of useful idiots.
Spot on Capella. When you take into account what’s at stake here (MASSIVE implications) you’d know, have to know, that they’d surely be involved in attempting to bring down the 2 most influential leaders of the Independence movement at this time. Shooting them would be kind of obvious. You know like 2 bullets to the brain passing as suicide. You’d have to be pretty naive, thick, to think otherwise when you study the hellish “tactics” that they’ve used elsewhere to combat what they see as an insurrection. And just look at the timing. A coincidence? FGS.
Useful idiots? That too plus those that are being blackmailed and / or receiving a couple of £million bung here and there. Peanuts when you compare with the £trillions they’ll lose, Trident issue etc.
I have a dream. Yeah I know 😀. Anyway I have a dream that when the investigation is over Alex and Nicola will walk out of Holyrood together, arm in arm and stick their two fingers into the air. Don’t anyone be knocking me on this one. It keeps me going 😉.
O/T
…and COMPLETELY off-topic indeed:
However… we all need a bit of light relief so what better a way to indulge oneself in such as………..
GREENOCK MORTON v tiny wee team fae fife…dunfermline (the pars)
Biased I hear you say?
YES!… ABSOLUTELY and indefatigueably so…..” MON EH’ TON !!! “
Great stuff!
Colin Dunn;- ”That’s my 10pp A5 z-fold flyer updated & ready to download for printing, covering nine key topics that people want to know about an independent Scotland. @RogueCoder250
may be able to help with discounted bulk printing.” https://mobile.twitter.com/Zarkwan/status/1349434683252207618
https://indyposterboy.scot/yes-scotland-can-a5-z-fold-10pp/
Dr Steedman, Deputy CMO, interviewed on The Seven. Excellent interview on the roll out of the vaccine. Scots will be reassured.
Scotland is well served.
Tories insist on an exit plan for schooling and the pandemic
Funny how the Tories have access to all the same information, all the same data and all the same experts yet they never come up with a plan of their own and they’re never even asked why not by the media, isn’t being the opposition just great and easy, or is being the government very hard and that’s why they’re not it
The BritNats really can’t abide Nicola Sturgeon, she is successful in so many ways, she has managed to save lives against huge odds and all while doing the actual day job as well. It’s classic BritNat tactic, to put out false articles by nobodies who are given a platform, all to disseminate as widely as possible and get even reasonable intelligent people on their side. It’s really quite fascist.
Scotland is up against a monster for sure, the BrItish state.
I would think very few would want N. Sturgeon’s job right now, well except the BritNats so they could take a wrecking ball to everything good and positive that has been achieved for Scotland over the past few years, since the SNP became the party of choice. Before that, BritNat parties did absolutely nothing for Scotland and really used devolution to scam Scotland even more than they had before. They want back in at any cost, McAlpine is helping them, I wonder what he’s been promised.
Really disappointed in Richard Murphy to say the very least.
Strewth. Think I’ll go back into hibernation again. Whit a guddle.
If you need a wee smile, try this. Have a good weekend.
ArtyHetty….remember though , Richard Murphy isn’t Scottish
He’s against Tory policy in the main from what I’ve read but he won’t stand up for Scotland just because it’s right to do so.
I’ve only seen him comment on Scotland about a subject that is close to him, currency and MMT and I think that because it suited his own agenda to support Scotland having its own currency many people thought of him favourably.
He’s an Englishman England is his country not Scotland so I’m not surprised
Very true, that puts it into perspective thanks TC.
Ask every patient who comes out of a Scottish hospital having survived Covid who they’re going to vote for at the next election, it sure as hell won’t be Tories or Labour or those other guys
They’re going to vote Nicola Sturgeon for making sure the Scottish NHS had more of everything than the Unionists would have made available, and they might just remember that the Tories in England tried to withhold PPE from Scotland with their secret emails, or that they came to Scotland to *borrow* breathing machines from our health service because England’s NHS had been left short of kit nurses doctors ambulances and so on, and now patients are being treated for Covid in the streets outside hospitals in ambulances because of underfunding by Tories who incidentally knew about the Covid virus at least three months beforehand and made absolutely zero preparations, because you know the British will never get it will they
I have a very elderly neighbour who was contacted by her nearby surgery the other day to book her Covid Vacc appointment. She expressed concern about the frosty pavements as she has some mobility issues and dare not fall, otherwise she would have made her own way. No problem. A day or two later a nurse came round and administered her first dose! Service with a smile. Job/jab done.
For some odd reason, when I hear Sir Starmer talk about Scotland or hear he has talked about Scotland it makes me think of Lord Brocket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDRu6HIxRFU&list=PLxxJ7qZGdB_LMK5DJtP0xDwqK3xlUKtu7&index=9
And on the subject of Hamish Imlach, here’s a bit of history for the youngsters amongst us (I’m a poet and I don’t know it), even including the song but also the story after it “As Skye boats sail on a Sunday”. Who knew!
http://mysongbook.de/msb/songs/s/scosabba.html.
Tories are really concerned the location and supply of vaccine is kept secret for ‘security’ reasons. As if a half decent terrorist couldn’t find this out, just follow the refrigeration trucks. The location of a nuclear arsenal is not so much of a problem for them. I smell something and it’s not the roses.
Probably more to do with the fact there is a 2/3 week period with no vaccine available, probably because they ( the UK gov) didn’t order enough. I think it was a good move by Scotgov to publish the timetable, westminster/media will have a much harder job attacking the SG rollout over that period.
I’ve half an idea that perhaps gifts and promises were exchanged between the manufacturers of the vaccine and the UK government that they want kept secret from the competition, or that perhaps they didn’t purchase as much as other countries because the EU perhaps got more for cheaper, but security? Nah not so much, it’ll be about some UK cover up scam as usual
Maybe Chris Grayling got a boat out of it or Boris Moggson got a free holiday in Barabbas land for him and his Da, if only Britain had such things as journalists to find out eh
Passports for cash?
I see Dr PW has tweeted out the location information has been in the public domain for ages and was published last year by NHS England. So it becomes a Tory cover up for their lies about quantity available. Have they made one claim that doesn’t turn out to just be a Tory lie.
Scot goes Pop poses the question would Scotland have won the 2014 referendum if the Bathistan Chronicle hadn’t put so many voters off by his abusive behaviour and shows some anecdotal bits of evidence that perhaps maybe, but it also shows that even then Nicola Sturgeon was the vote winner for young women
Thanks for that Dr Jim. I’d just like to add that my daughter works from home now. Set up her own (educational) business and is basically in demand worldwide (proud mammy here 😀). She’s worked for ScotGov and without divulging too much has connections with the Welsh Government. She was telling me last week (good news mum) that a contact there (high flier) had confided that he and his family are now planning to move to Scotland due to Nicola Sturgeon’s performance. Love the country and are REALLY impressed with her. I’d imagine if he’d been directed to WoS he may have changed his mind. I know I would now. She told him that we all supported independence and her mother was … well you know 😝. He said that’s why we’re planning to come and have started looking for a house. We’ll be voting for independence from Westminster too 😀.
Stu Campbell has nothing constructive to offer anymore. That young girl is right. He’s not attracting prior no voters to the cause like Paul. He’s talking to a wee “we hate Nicola Sturgeon / the SNP” online cabal and doing no more now than attracting BritNats to his site who would be voting no anyway. That is if they even live here and have a vote.
And as for Alex I’d hoped he would have pulled himself together and gone on to do great works. Hitching his wagon with Campbell (if he did so at all) has culminated in being a fatal mistake for him, IMO.
https://scotgoespop.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-young-female-voters-verdict-on-nicola.html
My plumber who is not steeped in politics thinks The previous FM. has taken money to take down Nicola Sturgeon. (Before the next election) He’s definately putting himself before independence for Scotland.
I remember during his first debate with Darling (2014 Indy Ref) he seemed to be lost for words on currency, and when he started talking it wasn’t great.
Maybe Independence was never his reason for being in politics.
Vert O/T but this seems quite serious. My (Scottish and Scotland HQ’d) energy company were subject to a cyber attack very recently too.
This is SEPA, Scotland environemental protection agency, what is going on…
Given that SEPA are involved with Scottish Water in taking and analysing samples of water around Scotland on behalf of Scottish government to determine how much covid19 is found so that they can more accurately pinpoint where hotspots of covid19 infection lies , it apparently shows up quite markedly in the waste water , I am leaning towards a connection between this and the SEPA cyber attack theft of information.
It’s too coincidental in its timing for it not to be connected in my opinion.
Add this to the clear propaganda war by England’s Westminster targeting Scottish governments handling of vaccinations its a sign that we are moving to a higher level of underhand moves by them to stop Scottish independence.
The favourable poll results and Scottish governments efficiency in providing daily updates on covid19 has pressed a button .
BBC question time were brazen in their misinformation effort this week, Scottish people know it seen it but English people will be accepting of what BBC say against Scotland particularly because it’s a scot that presents it, England’s Westminster favour presentation of incorrect denigrating information about Scotland if presented by a scot ,it’s their effort to make it seem real.
There is worse to come.
My first thought on reading AH’s comment was UK gov agency but was struggling with the why. We know they are now very interested in Scottish water but I know little enough regards this subject to be all but classed as ignorant.
Wastewater analysis is a regulatory requirement under SEPA to monitor plants both commercial and public, SW use their own monitoring in addition to keep them advised on plant health and trace pollutants.
Expanding this for Covid analysis has been a wise move as it covers much higher population numbers than random people testing can provide, and can be traced to an area as early warning or where testing might be better targeted.
SEPA being attacked was explained as a “ransom” expedition, but given HMG visibly desperate moves to control and disrupt SG information (commercially sensitive information by JF which HMG had previously published themselves), it is indeed a highly suspicious “coincidence”.
Given HMG’s propensity for disinformation for England without regard to the damage on the general population has been horrifying, but expanding that to essentially cyber-warfare could literally prove fatal for some.
Thanks for shedding some light on this.
Let’s hope that BBC Plantation Quay, and STV have bought pairs of Nikes for Glenn the Hon Sarah Colin and ‘I’M John MacKay !’.
Sports footwear is now essential if you want to ‘interview’ the Tory linesman.
There is a full SPL Programme of Fitba’ this Saturday afternoon.
The only way the hacks will get to interview The Linesman Dross Leader of the Blue Tories in the Northern Territory, if yet more Brexit disaster unfolds today between say, noon and 17.00 hrs,,is to head to Dingwall; Ross County take on Aberdeen…The Part Time Leader will be trousering yet more ‘pin money’ while Scots children and their fat parents who are not really hungry, queue for food parcels.
It is beyond insult that this grubby wee money grabber gets unlimited access to TV radio and newsprint, unchallenged about any aspect of life in Covid /Brexit smitten Scotland, and the SFA fresh from Sellik’s Dubai arrogance, allows Dross to dip in and out of the ‘professional’ bubble’, from the disease ridden benches of Tory WM,
What a farce.
If Dross is currently based at the wastemonster how is he able to travel to the Ross County game. It’s not essential work or his primary employment. Even if he is participating at wastemonster by electronic means. You are only supposed to leave home for essential puposes, get shopping, get medication, care for others. Exercise does not mean a second job.
Where is the even handed enforcement and fines for this politician. (for lack of a better description)
My point exactly, Pog.
This irritating little man seems to have carte blanche to do what he likes, say what he likes on the telly, and we plebs are just expected to accept that as one of the Occupying Iron Heel Oligarchy Force in the Scots Colony, he can crash his way throughout Scotland, spreading disease and Brit Nat lies, at will.
I am ‘way past letting these traitors destroy Scotland.
Yes, ‘traitors’, I write, ‘traitors’ in every sense of the word, I mean.
There are dark days coming, very very soon now.
Yes it appears that only unionists and in particular con-servatives & unionists are immune to the laws of this land, and enforcement there of.
Where’s the top down approach so loved and advanced by the con-servatives ???
Or is it that the police are to busy with crowd control at and around football grounds to be dealing with people breaking the law????
Oh aye! by the by before the pish starts.
Giving the money earned by breaking the rules to any charity,
does not negate the breaking of the rules/law
Reminds me of the Westminster politicians over the years who have broken rules and broken laws sometimes imprisoned but welcomed back into the fold because they said they went to a church for help or did a community service or asked some agency for guidance .
Guidance on how not to break the law guidance on how not to break the rules things that a child knows not to do.
As if their bad behaviour and personality would be changed after a few sessions with someone telling them not to break the law and not to break the rules.
Committing crime and giving money to a charity reminds me of how unfit for purpose the charity regulator is where just about anyone can register as a charity rake in loads of money pay themselves a salary , with expenses of course and find that nearly all the charity money is gone before they get started on whatever it is they are supposed to be helping.
Err em,
Your not referring to ‘Buckfastwe’rereallyanicecharitydotcom’ are you ???
Baron Mike Watson, drunk at a Herald Politician of the Year Do set curtains on fire, and was banged up for 8 months of a 16 month sentence, then straight back on the Gravy Train.
Corbyn made him shadow Education Guru in the Lords. Corbyn the socialist who backed trident btw.
It is not unusual for an ‘ex-politician’ to set up a charity, headed by a spouse, then take a salaried seat on the board, and donate public speaking fees to the charity…
There are hundreds of ‘socialist’ Lords and Ladies, made for life, while 15 million UK citizens gnaw on raw carrots and rotten bananas.
How much is Tory Blair worth now? £100 million?
He who pays the piper, gets the PFI and Arms contracts.
WE are on the brink of leaving this corrupt little Union behind.
B..but, Sturgeon must have known, and Freeman broke the Ministerial contract.
We must hold firm, and march on to May’s election, stalwart, together, and filled with righteous fervour.
Now’s the day…
Here’s a wee gem, apparently Ronald Loophole now ex Labour leader in Scotland has been guaranteed a list seat by his party in the May election in order to keep him employed in Scotland
but here’s the funny bit, Nicola Sturgeon is being blamed by the usual suspects for allowing it
The last time I looked the Labour MSP and Presiding officer runs the business and rules of the Holyrood Parliament along with his mates in the business bureau, and that’s people like Tory Jackson Carlaw
I suppose when folk can’t think of something to blame the FM for they do come up with inventing some doozies to sling her way
Nicola Sturgeon ate my hamster is sure to follow
The reward for being an absolute failure but true blue Fifth Columnists for the English Imperial Class is to continue to get £1200 a week of my money, plus an index linked final salary pension at the end of a life of abject failure.
It is testament to our limitless patience that we are not on the brink of an armed uprising (Oh, how the Brits would love that.)
Roll on May.
Sturgeon has ruined Scottish politics by making the other parties look stupid, I’ve just read that and the person who wrote it wasn’t joking, It’s like saying you hate Muhammed Ali for being a better boxer than everybody else
So what kind of people hate other people for being better than others at their job, I think that comes down to any one of the prejudices that the majority of people don’t want, like race, creed, colour, religion, women v men misogyny, jealousy, but probably more likely is the simple dislike that the people they want to win are just not good enough to win and in fact they don’t represent majority view so it becomes hatred on the basis of no basis other than hatred itself and to my mind means there’s a problem with those kind of people and not the folk (who they don’t usually even know) who are winners
We love an underdog until the underdog becomes the winner then we have to bring the winning underdog down to prove that *we* control who wins and loses
Newspapers and media have a lot to answer for on this, but of course they’re not elected so never do
Now we have the glorious Internet where everybody with a keyboard can make themselves a *journalist* and like the print and media giants nobody votes for them or for the garbage they write either
‘Silence from Douglas Ross as Welsh Tories apologise for ‘extra’ £375m claim.’
“Douglas Ross was quick to welcome the supposed extra £375m in support, but after the Treasury backtracked and it became clear that there would be no additional funding, he has gone into hiding. Ross and his Tory colleagues must apologise to Scottish businesses who have suffered a devastating blow due to the pandemic and have been misled by the Treasury’s false funding promises. The Tory government must then hand over the £375m in extra funding that was promised in black and white without any delay. Scotland has been forced to tackle this pandemic with one hand tied behind our back – with the Tories withholding funding and refusing to devolve powers.”
https://www.thenational.scot/news/19016450.silence-douglas-ross-welsh-tories-apologise-extra-375m-claim/
Of course there’s silence from Dross. He’s sunning the line at the Ross Co game.
Not once this week, since he is the Leader of the Blue Tories in Scotland was he called to task over Brexit…
We are living in a totalitarian state now.
Brexit will never be mentioned again. It’s done and dusted.
Suck it up, you Scots slaves.
Scottish Conservative Unionist Members – the capitalised letters says it all!
John Robertson has a good take on the Jean Freeman debacle
Brian Wilson on a new labour leader – labour have to get in to the debate as the majority want Scotland in the Uk – what plant is he on – just ignored 18 consecutive polls that say otherwise
Maybe he is suffering from sunstroke following Sellik’s trip to Dubai? He’s on the Board, I believe.
There they are, singing about Irish Freedom, but not Scotland’s?
Where is the Scotsman finding cash to pay this man?
Last I looked, they were in liquidation?
Is he doing it as pro bono Brit Nat Unionist propaganda?
My freedom is good but I ‘m against you having the same equality
Black folks in America still get a lot of that
One Scotland Many Cultures. How dare people in Scotland sing songs of Irish Freedom. Unfortunately Scotland doesn’t have any songs of Freedom, as the Scot’s Shat the Bed in 2014.
Give it up Jim
I have neither the time nor the energy to deal with supposedly adult people behaving like adolescents
Grow up. I’m not telling you again. And frankly I don’t give a fuck if you think that’s not fair.
A tiny little plant , a blade of grass , just kidding , making fun of your typo
“There can be no perfect Europe in which Ireland is denied even the least of its national rights.” James Connolly
A 100 years ago it was true for Ireland it remains true for Scotland.
I thought at first that you had a typo there, but on further consideration I guess a plant must be involved. There is no better explanation, IMO.
‘Plant’? I dunno plant poison Ivy? It’s very invasive and perpetual and it strangles the life out of other plants.
Davie Oga says:
16 January, 2021 at 7:30 am
As a small n nationalist I would obviously abstain or spoil, but if I were forced to vote, I would vote for a party led by Reinhardt Leopold before I would vote for the monstrosity that is the current inc
It seem wingers can’t recognise they are Brit Nat unionists. This lack of self awareness is similar to the trumpists attacking an election they lost and yet chanting U S A. Would eating freshly caught fish help them I wonder?
Deluded fantasists might be more appropriate. I see Craig Murray is demanding that Peter Murrell be jailed. If the Lord Advocate doesn’t put him in prison then the Lord Advocate is corrupt. Probably he should be in prison too.
Have we abandoned trials and due process in Scotland now? To be accused of something is an automatic verdict of guilty. No evidence or witnesses required. (Depending on who the accuser is of course).
Are Craig Murray and Ian Murray related?
no
Why do I suddenly have a craving for chili chicken fried rice and a naan?
You pregnant again Jack?
What’s the Kangaroo Court ”judge and jury” accusing him of?
Being too fly for them and not falling into their bear traps AFAIK ( I haven’t read the article – can’t be bothered ATM). 🙂
Yip fantasy right enough.
This one thinks Murray in his wee UJ suit would improve labours chances.
Captain Yossarian says:
16 January, 2021 at 11:29 am
Ian Murray seems a good bet to me. He’s need to resign his Westminster seat first so it probably won’t happen.
I think Wos should rename to “The Vow”
As far as I can see Mr Murray is demanding the release of a lot of material that has no relevance to his defence. He has been accused of contempt of court, what the evidence of the AS case is it has no relevance as to whether he is in contempt of court. The fact that he feels others should have been charged is irrelevant, they may have published info but some highlighted how to piece it together and not just him.
One thing is clear though, he is a loose cannon that would be a liability to any political party.
Hamish and jfngw, you may simply be coincidentally cross-posting, but in case anyone is unintentionally misled by it, I strongly suspect you are talking about two different Murrays.
Both preposterous posers, each in his own unique way. {grin}
I’m not convinced that echoing the ranting of the Bathistanis on here is doing anyone a favour. It just gives their toxic BritNat-quacking views more publicity than they merit, least of all on here.
I was thinking the same. I know we are all fed up but surely we can find something else more positive to discuss.We are just helping spread the garbage that the
Bam from Bath and his horseman of the apocalypse spout and empowering them. 99% of the population of Scotland dont know who he Robin McAlpine or Craig Murray are. In the scale of things what they think or write is irrelevant
👏👏👏👍
We need voters not pitchforks.
Back stabbing Baillie of the wee Westminster controlled Labour branch office in Scotland.
‘Furious Neil Findlay hits out at Scottish Labour’s ‘hard Unionist agenda.’
..”According to reports his resignation followed a meeting on Wednesday at which UK Labour leader Keir Starmer made his views clear. The Zoom conference call involved Leonard’s deputy Jackie Baillie, as well as potential donors, who are understood to have said they would not back Labour while Leonard stayed in his post. When news of Leonard’s resignation emerged Neil Findlay commented: “Looks like those who have led a three year campaign of briefings to journalists, leaks of private conversations and the constant feeding of stories to the media to bring down a decent and honest man have succeeded. “These flinching cowards and sneering traitors make me sick.”
..“People whose mantra when Corbyn was leader was that Scottish Labour was autonomous — ‘don’t you dare come up and stamp on our autonomy’ — and who came down like a ton of bricks on Corbyn or John McDonnell if they came to Scotland and said anything on Scottish issues. These same people have absolutely nothing to say on the intervention of the UK leader (Starmer) prompting the Scottish leader to resign.” Findlay, an MSP for the Lothian region, described a “poisonous” culture in the Labour group who don’t want left-wingers in the party.
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19016741.furious-neil-findlay-hits-scottish-labours-hard-unionist-agenda/
…………………………………
‘Grassroots anger at deal that guarantees Richard Leonard Holyrood seat.’
”There’s growing anger among Labour’s grassroots over a secret deal that all but guarantees Richard Leonard a seat in Holyrood next year.”..
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19016473.grassroots-anger-deal-guarantees-richard-leonard-holyrood-seat/
Dr Philippa Whitford:- ”Rubbish! Details were not REVEALED by @JeaneF1MSP but by NHS England on 7/12/20! “NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service “Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine pathway critical control points” Freely accessible via the internet!” https://mobile.twitter.com/Dr_PhilippaW/status/1350231905011195909
………………………………………………………
Prof Colin Talbot:- ”Yesterday I tweeted that the just published Scottish Government’s vaccine deployment plan looked much better than the Whitehall one for England. Today the Westminster Government has forced Scotland to withdraw their plan using some highly dubious ‘national security’ excuse.” https://mobile.twitter.com/colinrtalbot/status/1349704768852287488
When Governments use the ‘National Security’ card, it generally means they are desperately trying to cover up their dirty wee lies and the secrets they dare not have exposed. They’ll try to say ‘it’s in the public interest’ but actually it’s anything but and nothing whatsoever to do with security, national or anything else.
The British are past masters at the game when you consider that there are files still closed for scrutiny today dating as far back as WW1, WW2, possibly before, and most certainly since. The truth is, it’s done to protect the ‘reputation’ of those who are or were in power.
Petra,
Re Prof Talbot’s comment about the SG being forced to ‘withdraw’ their plan. ‘Withdraw’ is the wrong word there. The SG were forced to take down the plan from the internet but they will still be following what is a detailed plan but with flexibility built depending on circumstances not least the supply of the vaccine. A necessary caveat given today’s reports from Pfizer that the delivery of vaccines will be reduced for a short time because it is upgrading its manufacturing plant in Belgium in order to upgrade production volumes.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/uk-to-face-short-term-delay-in-delivery-of-pfizer-vaccine
Here is a link to the vaccine deployment plan
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-deployment-plan-2021/
Thanks for that info Legerwood.
Thx Petra – I spent some time today reading the first half dozen articles in Prof Robertson’s site. The pathetic schoolboy bullying of the Westminster government is appalling. They have ignored the recommended vaccine rollout plan and left thousands of people in care homes unvaccinated in order to get a faster throughput in their “world beating” but dangerous alternative progamme.
All this so that the BBC and MSM can run headlines blaming Scotland and everyone else for being slow.
If people are suffering from low blood pressure I recommend it. Start anywhere.
https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/blog-feed/
This will come back and bite them on the bum. The Scottish Government has taken the right decision in taking care of the most vulnerable patients first even though that is more difficult as the vaccine has to be taken into the care homes.
Vaccinations in Scotland will really ramp up from next week with the most difficult having been completed. They will have questions to answer for their failure to vaccinate the most vulnerable first while people are still dying in great numbers in care homes.
I’m not convinced it will, the media has formed a ring of protection around the Tories. They have been instructed to highlight any numbers which are lower in Scotland that can be portrayed in a negative context, the facts are irrelevant. Just look how they have pounced on Jeane Freeman and the vaccine roll out, one is nonsense and the other is the recommended roll out method.
Also the Tories don’t really care about the death numbers, their tears are as authentic Matt Hancock’s raspberry performance on the TV. They will at some point have a memorial service and give well rehearsed speeches of sorrow. Maybe they will record the names on a digitised Covid doomsday book.
You may be right about the Tories not caring about deaths. This from a couple of days ago reports that NHS England may be about to discharge patients into care homes without testing them.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jan/14/plan-to-discharge-covid-patients-to-care-homes-in-england-is-madness
Let’s see if that will be reported by BBC Reporting Scotland, Legerwood.
Yes, while their Jock Puppet proxies were ranting all last year about how “disgraceful” was the handling of care home residents personally by Nicola the Fairy Godmother/Wicked Witch of the North. Their cynical issue-mongering in the face of a very real and deadly crisis, the like of which we haven’t encountered for a century, isn’t merely hypocritical, it’s utterly, utterly contemptible.
People notice these things. The BBC can put whoever they like of these empty whingers on the telly after each briefing, and the contrast couldn’t be more stark. BritNat self-abasement.
They can, all of them, change the faces of their purely nominal “leadership” as much as they like and it doesn’t matter a whit. The more musical chairs the merrier. It’s their own tattered self-serving time-expired policies that are hastening their inevitable downfall.
Posted a response, but (once again) it has ended up in the dunny. Can’t think why. {sigh} Wish I knew what I’m supposed to avoid.
And from Philippa Whitford Capella.
‘UK Government ‘blinded by gimmicks’ on Covid tests, says Dr Philippa Whitford.’
”THE SNP’s Dr Philippa Whitford has said the UK Government is acting like a child “blinded by gimmicks” and “shiny beads” in seeking to maximise testing figures while ignoring more effective epidemic strategies. She also accused the Health Secretary Matt Hancock of “burning through money” chasing headline-grabbing Covid testing figures rather than pursuing a policy which would better suppress the virus.”..
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19016427.uk-government-blinded-gimmicks-covid-tests-says-dr-philippa-whitford/
Philippa Whitford is doing a great job in exposing the dreadful attitude and tactics of the EngGov. The gloves are off now for sure this is about saving lives and the people of Scotland know who has that intention, and who gives not one iota whether they or their loved ones die. The disaster capitalists are not going to be allowed to destroy lives and communities in Scotland any more, their game is up. Scotland, by doing things competently and responsibly, is way ahead and it’s obvious to pretty much everyone now.
The EngGov will be remembered for allowing to people to die when it really could have been avoided, the people of England will not be very ‘happy’ Brits when they realise that.
They will never answer those questions, Alex.
However, the public in Scotland – and elsewhere – will ask themselves the questions and will see the truth. The Brits can’t help but bugger up everything they touch. Conceit and contempt is the British way.
The Tories may not answer for their decisions to the people of England but in Scotland, they will pay the price when the people of Scotland go to the polls and especially in the next Independence referendum.
When the BBC were asked about exposing Boris Johnson’s lies they said they wouldn’t do it because it would undermine National confidence in the government
In Scotland the BBC deliberately undermine National confidence in the government by reinforcing Boris Johnson’s lies
There was absolutely no legitimate reason for Rienhart Lickbum to resign his post right now
The UK government know they can’t stop the SNP winning the election in May so they’re fighting a rearguard action to limit the size of the win, the resignation of Robert Lamplight is part of that, it means the media can pretend to focus once again on the woes and speculations over who is going to be the next saviour of that wonderful party thus removing as much attention as they can from the SNP
So expect to see and hear the media doing Labour Labour Labour for the next few months as a distraction to keep the SNP and FM out of the news unless they can report some good SNP Baad
As we now know, the BBC believes its civic duty is to propagate the lies of Westminster politicians unchallenged.
Happily, we have Prof Robertson on their case 🙂
The National is reporting right now that Westminster have put together a *committee* that will oversee direct spending in devolved areas bypassing the Scottish government
‘Shared Prosperity Fund: Westminster outlines plans to bypass Holyrood.’
”THE UK Government has for the first time outlined its plans to bypass Holyrood and spend in devolved areas.’
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19017186.shared-prosperity-fund-westminster-outlines-plans-bypass-holyrood/
There is a right furore in the comments section of The National on that subject tonight. As usual it is full of knuckledragging unionist trolls. I do not understand why the National allows multiple posts from the same poster on a subject. They must have the crappiest software on the planet Anyone curious about Indy reading the comments section of the National would be totally disillusioned
The National is a bit of a trojan horse…imho. They are no friend of the SNP, they do though employ some excellent pro independence bloggers, like Paul to write pieces of great value.
But, most people just see the front page, and if it’s publishing pro indy headlines, the BritNats literally ensure it is well hidden out of sight in the shops always (!) and if a bit pro union, ie anti ScotGov, it sits happily next to other pro union rags. A double edged sword if ever there was.
Hmmm, I do tend to agree.
With the coming of the virus crisis, I should have switched from my daily over-the-counter purchase to an online sub, but I couldn’t bring myself to bother. It has always been rather over-fond of the radical left and their (shall we say) somewhat variable attitude to indy and their ever more overt jealousy of the SNP.
I have never bothered with the BTL section since to me it was always very much a mixed blessing, but allowing itself to become infested by BritNats, as Eilidh says, is indefensible, whether as deliberate clickbait or not. It’s not as though these creeps exactly lack Union-friendly alternatives.
The newspaper is operating on a shoestring. If we want to combat the knuckle-dragging idiots we have to get on there to combat what they are saying, imo..
Well that is the death knell of devolution. It is deceased and joined the choir invisibule.
What now?
Yep it’s direct rule in all but name. Scotland you are in great peril, I do hope you have some very good friends abroad and many plans under your kilt to escape the cesspit they call a ‘union’.
British Nationalists; 2014 ‘all in it together (wink wink) but we will so so shaft you lol lol lol, when you vote no’, UKOK!!!
Well, a rather cack-handed attempt at it anyway. But likely to backfire, since it is undoubtedly a significant (and damnable) breach of good faith, and visible to all.
If not the actual death of devo, it’s certainly moribund. It’s still managing to protect us for now, but nobody in politics loves it any more.
Being a cynic, I see this direct spending( bypassing)Holyrood as Indy 2 campaigning. Were going see and hear a lot promises/ projects like a bridge to Ireland, all smoke but no fire. Money will go directly to councils of course but if it’s anything like the promised covid funding, we’ll see precious little of it.
They will however spend lots of cash telling us about it.
And, of course, it’ll all be part of the ‘broad shoulders of the UK (ie England) subsidising Scotland’ narrative and sold as thus. Sadly, still too many people will fall for it and the Unionist politicians/councillors/opinion makers will flog it for all it’s worth.
It will go to relevant councils to restore grouse moors or for food parcels for school kids with 2 bananas and a packet of kraft cheese slices to last them 5 days.
Which is fine for us, but we don’t need it so much anyway. I just wish that ordinary BBC viewers could see it all as well. They are the ones who need the reality-distortion “immunisation” most.
Quite a lot of ordinary Scots are aware of BBC propaganda. I believe the licence refuseniks in Scotland are rife – so the BBC won’t publish the number openly. It’s mostly the older generation who rely on the BBC and I certainly tell everyone I know what I think of the serial lying.
Young people are all on socil media so that is probably the bet place to go. I have a twitter account but I don’t use it to tweet much, just an alt source of news about stuff I want to keep tabs on. Maybe it’s time we all started tweeting Prof Robertson’s articles and WGD as widely as possible – not that I have many followers.
Yes, that all makes good sense. I don’t “do” the Twitter thing myself, but the more that people can echo the good prof on the platform, the better.
“Maybe it’s time we all started tweeting Prof Robertson’s articles and WGD as widely as possible – not that I have many followers.”
You’d be surprised how far beyond the intended audience links can travel, especially with the younger more tech savvy…
Do please yes! Share Prof John’s (Talking up Scotland) articles far and wide, and of course WGD, on twitter or where ever you can. It seeps through and the BritNats hate that…
Done 🙂
Good idea to email to your contacts as well. . . . . . Not sure you can trust social media to forward links to pro indy sites!
Good idea to email to your contacts as well. . . . . . Not sure you can trust social media to forward links to pro indy sites!
I’m thiking that come the next indyref – as it will – the BBC should be treated as a partisan grouping, and be prevented during a rigidly-enforced purdah period from making any commentary whatever on the issue, and instead be required to make all programming time available on a 50:50 basis to the opposing sides for their own contributions. Those contributions to be fact-checked in real time (or immediately thereafter) by suitable neutral third-party non-UK nationals.
It’s only during a properly-conducted campaign itself that we will finally be free of the state broadcaster’s pernicious half-truths.
OT – Janey Godley is doing a Big Burns Supper on the 25th at 7.00 pm on Facebook and Youtube. Free to watch. Details here:
http://bigburnssupper.com/janeygodley/
Big Burns Supper? Sounds good and free of charge 😀.
…………………………………..
Another damning letter to the Tory liars. Beggars belief that they allowed themselves to be taken in by the notorious charlatans.
‘Letter to Prime Minister from SFF Chief Executive.’
http://www.sff.co.uk/letter-to-prime-minister-from-sff-chief-executive/
………………………………………………………..
Phantom Power:- ”The @ScotTories are helping the push for Scottish independence. Let’s put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands. #indyref2👇” https://mobile.twitter.com/PhantomPower14/status/1350084013084594177
The Phantom strikes again… 🤣
How it could be ☹. Anyone else up for digging a Channel between Scotland and England?
Watch:- ‘The only part of the British Isles without Covid restrictions on gatherings and masks.’
..”After the Isle of Man went back into lockdown last week, the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including the islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney) are now the only places in the British Isles where there are no Covid restrictions on gatherings, distancing and masks.”..
http://www.itv.com/news/2021-01-16/the-only-part-of-the-uk-without-covid-restrictions-on-gatherings-and-masks
………………………………
Check out Ann’s latest links on the Indyref2 site.
https://indyref2.space/forum/topic/links-saturday-16-january-2021/#postid-2543
All about the numbers is it? Stick that in your Westminster pipe and smoke it.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde:- ”Today we’re vaccinating 5,000 staff at @NHSLouisaJordan. This marks the biggest mass clinic in the UK. A huge congratulations to the whole team involved. Pictured here, Shirley McHale the first to be vaccinated this morning.” https://twitter.com/NHSLouisaJordan
I didn’t see tonights ‘London Calling’ from BBC but caught the STV news and there was a passing mention of the 5000 but no mention that they are all NHS and Carer frontline staff. I am sick to my stomach at the way this pandemic and peoples lives are being politicised by the right wing British Nationalists but it makes me more sick that these excuses for human beings are my fellow Scots.
Grizebeard at 5.58
If we get an indyref2 – and I am not sure that is how Indy will come – it is absolutely essential we have independent media monitoring. I have long argued that t is essential we have observation of the campaign from the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). They will monitor media, and state media especially, in the campaign and the run-up to it.
The UK is constantly using this process on other state members of OSCE, so I am sure they would be delighted to reciprocate. OSCE observation should be a component of any new “Edinburgh Agreement”.
OT just a wee rewind back up the thread. Imagine my surprise when I saw Indycar Gordon Ross/indy truck Davy posting not only exactly the same video as I was lambasted for by the regular commentators here but a whole series of interesting videos from the same guy on You Tube.
To Terrence Calachan I reply to you here:
Terrence thanks for your comments. I am very aware of the constitutional construct and the history of the uk. I’m also well read on all of the current debate including the division that is being fomented by nefarious directors and their actors and puppets.
I don’t comment on other blogs and seldom on this one. I think our host Paul is the most rational clear headed of all independence bloggers. On the odd occasion that I do post something it’s usually OT and more often than not it’s just a link to something Indy orientated that I found interesting…such as the now controversial video above. I should add that just because I find something interesting doesn’t mean I agree with it. It could be utter tripe but it could still be interesting. This video interested me because it used more than the usual minuscule amount of objectivity. I completely disagree with him that UDI after a majority Indy govt win in May and subsequent non section 30 referendum that says Yes by simple majority would not be recognised by the international community. Especially since the Tories have made the UK an international laughing stock that is prepared to break international treaties. What I didn’t expect when I shared that video was the personal nature of the commentary that followed and admit I was a bit numbed by the experience.
I believe that the SNP are the only party and Nicola Sturgeon is the only leader that can feasibility lead the country to independence. I have no vote in May or the referendum but I would urge all who do to vote 1 and 2 SNP even if you have to hold your nose like Paul does with his homophobic msp. Living in the diaspora and looking in I can confirm that Nicola is very highly regarded in the same way as Jacinta Ardern is around the world. Scotland has star in the FM.
You may see an interesting link or two from me in future but for a while I’m taking my neurologists advice and keeping my blood pressure down incase my aneurysm pops and I end up like at the worst the late great Davie Cooper or at best the brilliant Amy Callaghan.
And to Barpe I reply to you here:
Away n bile yer heid ya rude bastard
Here’s the video again as posted to you tube by Davy and Gordon. Now give them the same stick you gave me.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=stZmXNiGvkY
If you google
James Ker-Lindsay site:thenational.scot
it’ll give you links for the number of times The National have mentioned him in articles, mostly because he says Scotland would be fast-tracked. But I remember seeing his idea about what to do if an S30 refused before.
All possibilities are debatable and yes, we don’t have to agree with things to find them interesting, or maybe half agree with them.
As for LSE, in Indy Ref 1 they had many of the most balanced articles on Indy, Man Uni being strangely enough another one. As you’d expect, Oxford and Cambridge were quite colonial in their bias. LSE is cool, I knew people from there back in the day. They were always up for a pint.
As for this forum, the only person who owns it is WGD and he’s the only one can tell us to f off, though some others think they have the right to do so with someone else’s hard-worked property / blog – apparently the second most visited indy blog, and the most consistently putting the case for Indy rather than going off on one. Oh, and The National supports Indy whatever some strange people try to say.
“fast-tracked” into the EU!
Malky I’ve had no time to watch the video but hey keep on posting on here.
Thanks Petra I appreciate your posts and your mild wisdom.
Your foul mouthed reply to me says all I need to know about you, Malkyman.
You told a lie about ‘leaving’, then???
You really are a rude bastard then thanks for confirming. Noo beat it and troll someone else.
You really are a rude bastard then thanks for confirming. Noo beat it and troll someone else.
Pathetic is the only word that comes to mind for you, Malky.
Pathetic is the only word that comes to mind for you, Malky.
See, I can do a ‘double’ as well, but in only ONE post!!!
😂😂😂
behave barpe – personal attacks on other people who comment here won’t be tolerated. This is your sole warning
Sorry, Paul, but he did refer to me as a ‘bastard’, – THREE times! Why didn’t he get a sole warning, as well? I have never used derogatory language on this (or any other) site, or, for that matter in my personal/professional life.
But, so be it, it’s your site so I accept the chastisement, unequal though it appears to me.
because I didn’t see that – if I had he’d have got the same warning
It is now James-Ker Lindsay’s blog?
The medium is the message?
There is absolutely nothing new is this video. It just perpetuates the myth lies and threats of violent reprisals from Mighty England and that England has control over our destiny.
It insults our intelligence. It repeats the same garbage churned out by Johnson, Rees Mogg, Mark Francois, Michael Gove, Andrew Neil, Andrew Marr Glenn Campbell The Hon Sarah Smith Kirsty Wark…you get the picture.
Posting it on here under the guise of ‘some of you might find this interesting’, is the Brit Nat way.
We didn’t find it interesting the first time; it is Brit Nat Iron Heel Oligarchy patronising toss, rehashed Imperial messages, we are bigger than you, Scotland, you are like Kosova and Catalonia, not one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and we will crush you, by force if necessary, and the UN and EU will look on in tacit approval.
I am not going to be rude.
You are planting this garbage on a pro Independent site not to stimulate discussion but to reinforce the fascist Imperial English message, of which we are all made aware every day on the telly, in print, and on the radio.
To repost this junk, and it is Imperial junk, on here confirms my earlier obnservation; you hope by repeating lies and threats, you clog up serious discussion, and mercilessly flood all means of communication with fascist threats and lies that’ll let you away with it.
Well, we won’t..
Go away.
What Jack said. I would add its insidious Constitutional pish.
You are a right grumpy old bastard aren’t you Jack.
I usually enjoy your posts but your way off the mark if you are so deluded as to think I’m some puppet of the britnats. Your assertions are absolute bullshit and you need to be told to pull yer heid in and stop being so effing obnoxious. End of discussion I’m not wasting anymore of my monthly data allowance on this discussion.
Two out of three’s not bad, mcblain.
I was not born out of wedlock.
Please, go away.
Nope!!
Jack’s the nice one.
I’m the grumpy auld git. The one your mother warned you about. We don’t think your a britnat puppet. At least I don’t. I believe youare a semi-autonomous britnat muppet. Who posts contentious shit and when you are picked up on it immediately goes to personal insults. To try and develope a slanging match. Now please feel free to dra’til helvita fitta today before tomorrow.
Last comment o jack below.
Well said Jack!
This morning the man who refused to press charges on Jimmy Saville in exchange for a knighthood
British Labour party leader Sir Kier Starmer will appear on Tory supporting journalist programme Andrew Marr to tell the people of Scotland who don’t vote for his party what he’ll *allow* and *disallow* in Scotland because he tells us he knows what we want in Scotland if he ever becomes the Prime Minister of the UK, which as we know is in England
Yep well the *British* people have voted haven’t they, golly I feel so empowered by this devolution thing don’t you
As if by magic scrap that last post because the great Labour saviour of Scotland in Union Sir Kier Starmer isn’t going to appear on Marr at all
Aw now I’m disappointed, it’s just going to be a Toryfest of Luurve
Wasn’t he on Marr last Sunday? Maybe I’m wrong, I don’t watch it, but I do remember people tweeting about his anti-Scotchness.
Starmer was on last week; it’s Ed Davey’s turn this morning. He reaffirms the Better Together Brit Nat English Message. The Lib Dems are now four square , the Red Blue and Yellow Tries have linked arms with Can Can Dancers precision backing Brexit.
It’s over, suck it up, Scotland.
England is as one….
Marr challenged Dominic Raab on the quotes of scots Fish companies saying that they are within a week of going under. .’I don’t agree with that..’ Raab retorts, and Marr, lotal English Uncle Tam that he is, leaves it at that.
I don’t need LSE videos to remind me that I am held captive by a foreign fascist government to the South.
Again, Marr’s Covid news and figures are ‘The UK’ and ‘the country’.
There is absolutely no content in Marr that relates to Scotland, the land of his birth.
We have run out of patience with the ‘UK’ Project.
We are taking our country back.
Funnier and funnier Lord Jack McConnell on Politics Scotland says he’s been in Scotland because of lockdown more than he’s ever been before (which is a laugh all by itself) and he’s talked to more people than ever before (during lockdown, so his mates on the phone) and although the people of Scotland in 18 polls in a row are now demanding Independence Lord Jack McConnell says no they don’t want Independence because apparently In Lord Jack McConnell world like in British nationalist world saying YES to Independence actually really means NO and even though Labour are dumping Reinhart Lickbum who’s a lovely warm and fuzzy guy with a heart of gold and decent decent decent, oh so decent, Anas Sarwar will be great as long as he says the exact same things as his predecessor and of course what he’s told by the real leader of the Labour party English MP Sir Kier Starmer in London
Corbyn stuck the last Labour branch manager in, now Starmer has arranged his choice of manager
let’s just say twas ever thus, when Labour in London decide to change the staff in Scotland either to try to pull the wool over Scotland’s eyes or in this case create a media distraction away from the SNP London’s always in charge and what they say goes so sticking Anas Baillie in pretendy charge of the branch will make not a jot of difference, and yes I did say Anas Baillie deliberately
The Labour party need a new motto *We really are Tory lackeys but we’re not allowed to say*
Shh don’t tell them but Scottish people already know that
Spot on.
Never mentioned the Vow once!
Dr Jim, spot on.
I watched Gary R’s TV version of GMS too. But I need to ‘shower my head’ as my Belfast ‘Queen of the Land’ Everlovin’ would say before I comment.
A hour of Bilko should do it.
Lord McConnell she get out of his bubble ( in a non-covid sense) more.
C’mon guys guyesses and anyone else, brighten up!
The establishment are worried.
The polls are in our favour- consistently.
The opposition one SFA 2nd refereee and another heading off in her tank to get an ermine coat. Hypocrites
Lord McConnell wants more for Scotland ( or does he mean himself?) but this can only happen with Unionism and Brexit.
The front runner for the Labour Party post is the best they can muster. A millionaire helped by his old man who ripped up his British passport to become a another Lordy type in Pakistan. Labour are self seeking wannabes and do not attract the young or those who wish something better for this nation.
Independence is the way and only way.
Vote SNP 1 & 2 or SNP 1 and Green 2 in May.
I’m watching the one where Fort Baxter has cut corners in their Induction Programme to impress the Pentagon, and a monkey is accidentally recruited into the US Army, and has to be officially ‘court martialled’ to hide the horrific blunder.
Bilko ahead of its time.
England’s Brexit and Covid rush has recruited its fair share of baboons for much the same reason.
I have speed checked Sportscene’s games yesterday. The Linesman Dross wasn’t doing his ‘day job’ at any game featured. I’d suggest that Glenn or Colin rush over to Motherwell if they want to chat to Dross before 12.30 today.
More Bilko for me.
Away ahead of its time on many levels.
If you think the Tories aren’t taking over the Internet take a look at the various Twitter accounts then take a look at who Twitter recommends you look at
Example: Scotland’s FM account advises you to link and check out Theresa May Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer, they say you might *like* that
I predict Labour will still come behind the Tories at the Holyrood election…even though the Tory vote is going to fall drastically.
A branch office is still a branch office no matter how much they pretend otherwise.
Hamish 100, I agree.
Despite the deluge of lies and deceit that is pumped out endlessly and daily by the Brits, we are winning.
We are winning because those who are working for Scotland are doing so genuinely and competently. They eschew gimmicks, short term gain and deception. They focus on making Scotland the best it can be in the here and now and by their actions give the lie to British claims of superiority.
Like everyone else I am angered and frustrated by the craven behaviour of the Brits and their lackeys – and it cheers me up greatly when some on here articulate those feelings and long may they continue – but it is important too that we keep reminding ourselves that we are on the path to success.
Guess what party “Shite over Scotland ” is rubbishing again ? Come on guess ?
Thought for some time he might be taking the “Queen’s shilling” beginning to think it must be true.
I see that he’s winding them all up again. Looking for as many of his ”followers” to say I won’t be voting for the SNP in May. Name of the game scupper Indyref2. Now I wonder who else advocates not voting for the SNP in May? 🤔
Old Pete
That’s a hard one!
Help me out. Is it the only party that can win outright Mays election here in Scotland and can only deliver independence with the support of the people of Scotland?
The Grand Mufti moves his attacks to the National newspaper now in the same way as the Express and the Daily Mail in the hope of once again undermining the FM and the cause of Independence
If anyone is still in any doubt as to the purpose of the Bathistan Chronicle it should have just become crystal clear, because it certainly is not the cause of Independence
To ridicule the National newspaper in this way knowing that the paper is read by ordinary members of the public who couldn’t give a monkeys about Internet squabbles between *him* or *her* is a direct intervention against Independence in the same way as any unionist figure attacks the cause of Independence in any other paper
Nicola Sturgeon should lead marches and if she doesn’t it means she doesn’t want Independence they say, rubbish and ten times rubbish to that, because the SNP and the FM of Scotland is and are not a protest rebel group they are the government of Scotland of which Nicola Sturgeon is the First Minister and she has been described by world media and other world leaders as one of the top stateswomen in the world and she’s earned respect for Scotland and herself in the way she has conducted her position and collected allies from around the world in doing so
The FMs predecessor’s claim to fame is he was a rebellious Scottish politician who lost a referendum, sorry folks but he earned zero recognition for Scotland in any department
Scotland is on the world map because Nicola Sturgeon put it there by hard graft and personality, and no she’s not about to gird her loins and buckle up with armour and a broadsword to make a fool of herself and Scotland by storming Number 10 Downing street and lopping off Boris Johnson’s head so some hotheaded nitwits can say Wow she lost even better than Alex Salmond and made a fool of us all into the bargain…. again like the last one
Independence is for the people to decide, it’s for the people to march, it’s for the people to demonstrate their anger and shout as loud as they can, all that is our job
The First Minister’s job is to take that as her instruction to her government and proceed towards Independence in a stateswoman political serious and soberly correct manner when she believes she will win not when some Internet rabble rouser insists she does, who the hell voted for him, Opps nobody!
To achieve Independence for a country is no small thing, it’s not the Wham Bam gaes Independence or we’ll smash yer windaes in affair the Mufti has his supporters thinking it is, and no it’s not been wasted opportunities all over the place, these distortions of the true facts are tiresome from a tiresome diatribe of nonsense conjured to delude those who don’t or don’t want to think carefully about these things, it’s rabble rousing rubbish from start to finish in a quest to remove a politically elected figure in the same way Donald Trump deluded his followers using *facts* that aren’t facts at all but complete and total fabrications and psychic mind reading of the type one used to find in the Glasgow Barras on a Sunday afternoon
Except not from anyone tall dark or handsome, so no change there
Wonderful, Dr Jim.
Well said again, Dr Jim, our FM has worked her backside off to get us where we are, and as you say respected around the world.
If we try to ditch her now we would be maniacs.
It’s a shame too when you see how he’s really conned so many people with the GRA / HCB. Worried as parents and grand parents about the safety of the women in their family. Yes they need to be amended, imo, but can’t these people see that they will go ahead if the BritNats get into power at Holyrood and god knows how that’ll pan out, plus having a green light to do whatever else they’ve got planned for Scotland 🙄.
To be fair, I think the SG (and the shouty online radicals in the party) got rather ahead of itself and ordinary people on that issue, but the leadership do seem to have finally used their political antennae and sensibly backed off. So no reason for anyone to keep on keeping on about it right now.
Personally, I believe that this is one of those (thankfully rare) examples of a constitutional issue that has to be debated-out and decided in a referendum of a sovereign country, as the Irish did with other matters not so very long ago. There’s some things that need informed consent from the people and can’t be forced on them by (eg.) bien pensant authoritarian “liberals” (in the pejorative American sense).
One for Jack Colatin….
You should be honoured to be an old bastard (a term of respect here in Australia) Follow the link and consider setting up a Scottish branch.
https://www.aoob.com.au/
Once again spot on Dr Jim.
Spot on Dr Jim
So well said Dr Jim
Guess the BBC online headline,, can you align the headline to the country.
NHS delivering 140 jabs a minute
Patchy supply hampering vaccine roll out
NHS given as many vaccines as it can cope with
Nothing for NI, maybe they aren’t getting any.
BBC propaganda for then noninquisitive.
”Centrist Armin Laschet has been elected leader of Germany’s Christian Democrats (CDU), the party of Chancellor Angela Merkel.”
Alex Johnstone:- ”When @NicolaSturgeon won the M100 Media Award in 2019 the new CDU leader did the laudation & was (rightly) very complimentary of Nicola.” https://mobile.twitter.com/alexjohnstone01/status/1350400281389969408
………………………………………………
It looks as though Armin Laschet’s opinion of Nicola Sturgeon differs somewhat from Murray’s, Campbell’s and McAlpine’s (who are they again?) 😀.
‘Laudation by Armin Laschet.’
..”And that is why there is much that connects Germany, and the German countries, with Scotland, with Scotland’s efforts to uphold these European values, even in a time of populism.
.”This small question alone, which I am sure is hardly a factor in Brexit, shows how important this European project is, irrespective of the economic issues, irrespective of the supply chains that link us all and irrespective of what Scotland has made of its special situation, which is to be a dynamic region in the middle of this United Kingdom, with all the opportunities offered by the European internal market.
We owe much to the Scots and the British, even after 1945. We remember that many Scottish soldiers fought in the British army and were stationed in Germany after the war. One from Glasgow at the 51st Highland Divisions regiment gave birth to a son named David McAllister. He became Prime Minister in Germany and served in the German army afterwards. The idea that the son of an occupying officer at the beginning ended up in an army of German officers is a special sign of how closely the countries were connected and how we shaped this new situation after the Second World War.
Scottish Ingenuity sounds much more beautiful than German engineering and is something we could use more in Germany. The Scots have shaped our entire Western philosophy, art and culture much more than one would expect with a region of five million people.
Adam Smith as the father of the national economy, or David Hume as the philosopher of the Enlightenment, are familiar to us all. And few know that the term “common sense” is a concept from the Scottish Enlightenment. Sometimes, in these heated and polarizing debates of today, I would wish for more of this “common sense”, which the Scots have developed as a concept, in our debates as well.
And with these Scottish virtues, the Scotland of today has become a modern, technology-oriented region, looking forward above all, thanks in part to its energetic Head of Government. This can be seen, for example, in the high value that equality of opportunity in schools and universities and equality between men and women enjoy in Scotland. And you can see it in the large number of successful start-ups in Scotland. From very traditional universities such as St Andrews and Edinburgh the future is tapped today.
So it is no wonder that Nicola Sturgeon is the first minister in her country to champion Britain’s retention in the European Union with passion and very good arguments.
Dear Nicola, you are a friend of Europe and a reliable pro-European voice in Britain. And yours has been a strong a voice for cooperation and reason in the whole debate about Britain leaving the European Union.
Therefore, I am happy that your advocacy for a united Europe is being honored with this year’s M100 Media Award. Congratulations.
And dear Mrs. Sturgeon, this was not an easy way: At the age of 16 you joined the Scottish National Party. National Party sounds to us like it’s more on the political right. It’s a left-wing party, David McAllister once explained to me, a party that sees itself as a people’s party. You joined at 16 to strengthen Scotland’s role.
After a successful law degree and first political steps at the university, there were again and again setbacks at elections. Sometimes it doesn’t help. I know that. Setbacks in elections can strengthen you.
But, dear Nicola, you did not let yourself be discouraged. You stuck to your convictions, to your commitment to the people in your constituency in the south of Glasgow and to a Scottish accent in politics. And now, for five years, you have been the First Minister of your country and are seen far beyond Scotland and the United Kingdom as a far-sighted and energetic politician.
There is no doubt about your values, about your intelligence and also about your objectivity in how you conduct politics, trying to argue against those who have a different political opinion.
And it is always the common sense, seeking the common, the counter-model of “My Land First”, but developing common solutions, that distinguishes them in particular. And it is not for nothing that, in a joint interview for Die Welt and La Republica, you point out that the polarisation we are currently seeing in the United Kingdom is partly inspired by the worldwide wave of populism. You say literally: “Much of it comes from Trump’s political handbook.”
Now we are all transatlantics. All close friends of the United States. I have just described how we in the West were liberated by the Americans. Many people still know that. How Berlin lived from the Airlift, from the solidarity of the Americans in difficult times. But that does not mean that we are satisfied with every step of the administration. And in such times it is worth looking into the regions. I met governors from the United States a few weeks ago. They say: we say yes to the Paris climate agreement.
The president has pulled out, the administration in Washington has pulled out, but California continues to work on the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Washington State continues to work on these goals. Our old friend Phil Murphy, governor of New Jersey, is committed to Paris’ climate change goals. And that is why we now have a cooperation between German states and American states to continue for the time when perhaps the administration will be a different one again.
And so I ask myself, no matter how the British decide now, no matter how the Scots define their path for themselves when it comes to Brexit: shouldn’t we try between the countries to shape cooperation with those who think pro-European also in the future? Should we not continue to try to transfer the acquis communautaire of the European Union, at least in the areas where we have competence, to the state possibilities, the constitutional possibilities, which Scotland has in the United Kingdom?
Germany, by the way, has an example. Until 1985, Berlin, West Berlin, was formally not in a congruent position with the German Bundestag. And yet West Berlin always adopted every federal law as a Berlin law, thus creating a similar legal area.
If Scotland can succeed in maintaining its European orientation in the future for the fields in which it is responsible, then I believe that this is a perspective that looks beyond the day.
And that is why I wish first of all to all those who are still endeavouring to find a good path for Great Britain close to Europe or in Europe, the decision will be taken in Great Britain, all of whom we wish much strength, much success, also much legal success – this week there may be important decisions pending before the Supreme Court.
We are doing everything we can, with town twinning, youth and student exchanges, scientific cooperation, and, and, and, to stay in close contact with Scotland and Britain.
And we especially thank you, dear Nicola Sturgeon, for your clear attitude, your tireless pro-European commitment.
The “M100 Media Award” is a sign of gratitude, a sign of encouragement, a sign of recognition for your commitment to Europe.
I would like to congratulate the 2019 awardee. Congratulation.”
http://www.m100potsdam.org/en/laudation-by-armin-laschet/
What a tremendous accolade from a foreign politician for Nicola Sturgeon.
Now that’s the kind of talking up our FM engenders in people, what better tribute can you get to her personally and to the prospects of the country she leads, and that’s what’ll help to make her and us winners, her folks must be so proud
What a man to have on your side, eh?
‘Merkel’s party picks another centrist as its leader — and maybe Germany’s future chancellor.’
..”Laschet is very much seen as the centrist successor to Merkel, who stepped down as party leader in December 2018 and has said she will not stand for reelection as chancellor. Laschet could be the one to replace her as chancellor, too, when Germany holds elections in September.”.
http://www.vox.com/2021/1/16/22234430/angela-merkel-cdu-party-leader-armin-laschet-centrist-germany-chancellor
Robert Macintyre:- ”Here’s the start of the takedown of #devolution. Flag of European Union structural funds were managed by the governments in Edinburgh, Cardiff & Belfast. This UKGov #SharedProsperityFund completely by-passes them.” https://mobile.twitter.com/RobertTyreBute/status/1350415399813328899
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Douglas Fraser:- ”£100m a year in EU structural funds, directed through @scotgov is going. Being replaced by Shared Prosperity Fund – details unclear, until yesterday, when Steve Barclay wrote to Kate Forbes MSP saying it will be a UK fund, effectively by-passing Holyrood, Cardiff, Stormont ScotGov has plans to set its own priorities, but the UK govt wants to use the fund for its own ‘levelling up’ agenda, which is more focussed on the north of England. Having a big say on spending in Scotland also puts a union flag in the ground. Kate Forbes MSP wrote to the Treasury earlier this week, asking for a share of Covid contingency fund. Steve Barclay reply lists UK spending on Scotland, Holyrood tax flexibility, and says contingency is mainly for testing and vaccines, which are centrally funded.” https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCDouglasF/status/1350414381994094594
‘The Tories ramp up the betrayal of the notorious “Vow” that rescued a No vote in the 2014 indyref.’
..”No reasonable person would interpret the words “permanent” and “extensive new powers” as meaning that powers already held by the Scottish Parliament in 2014 could be stripped away by the UK Government at any time.” ..
..”Just a reminder of the text of “The Vow”, as signed by David Cameron on behalf of the Conservative Party in September 2014 –
“WE ARE AGREED THAT …. The Scottish Parliament is permanent and extensive new powers for the Parliament will be delivered by the process and to the timetable agreed and announced by our three parties…”
https://scotgoespop.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-tories-ramp-up-betrayal-of.html
………………………………
Fintan O’Toole: ‘Nicola Sturgeon’s staunch ally in her push for independence – Boris Johnson.’
..”It is a great historic irony that one of the key reasons David Cameron went ahead and called the momentous Brexit plebiscite in 2016 was his deluded belief both that he had personally won the Scottish referendum two years earlier and that this victory settled the Scottish question once and for all.”..
http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/fintan-o-toole-nicola-sturgeon-s-staunch-ally-in-her-push-for-independence-boris-johnson-1.4456478#.YALlCAAliN8.twitter
I’d argue that many on here would consider Annie Lennox to be the thinking man’s (and some women he hastily added for fear of a backlash) beautiful queen of music.
Well, today on Sunday Politics Scotland I fell a little bit in love (she can have him. I’ll pack all his medicines in a handy wee freezer bag. Mrs C.) with Ms Lennox’ medical doppelganger, Jillian Evans, Head of Grampian’s Medical Intelligence team.
Gary Robertson fronted the half hour, so we were treated to his GMS format.
He opened by reviewing the ‘papers which none of us read, but are owned by billionaire Barons, arch right wing Get Brexit Dunners.
David Wallet Locksmith, or whatever that new lad’s name is, opened with Anas Sarwar’s piece in the Sunday Observer, that well known socialist Rag.
No, it’s gone. I’ve forgotten what Sarwar wrote.
Then The Sunday Times, and Brexit fish…Then the Sunday Herald, about vaccine delays and NHS ‘under pressure’.
Now let’s be generous and say that 50,000 citizens buy these Dead Tree Scrolls, good on them.
I ‘didn’t, and I object to the BBC shoving their views down my neck every time Gary gets near a mike.
Anyway; the guests on the Corona Crisis in Scotland piece were the aforementioned Jillian Evans and Dr Andrew Buist, who I suspect is the source of Coal Scuttle Hamilton’s oh woe is me comment the other day that he heard from a GP surgery that they had only received 100 doses of the vaccine and that had quickly run out.
Dr Buist repeated this ‘100 doses then ran out’ anecdote, but agreed that there were ‘good prospects’ for a successful immunisation programme in Scotland.
Jillian Evans oozed positive enthusiasm and energy. WE will beat this, beamed from her face.
Gary ‘Bring Out Your Dead’ Robertson tried his best to SNP Bad News the item.
Dentists complaining about form filling and Fire and Bomb certificates…supplies delayed. mass vaccination centres the hubs of more infection England 24/7 why not Scotland? Oh, they are ..oops and so on.
It looks as though we might beat this thing Ms Evans beamed.
Ms Evans won’t be asked back.
Then 12 minutes about the Red Tory Branch Office Leadership brouhaha.
Lord Jack McConnell on Skype.
His pick for the next Failure, Anas Sarwar, millionaire dentist, son of a billionaire, who would get business on side and produce a ‘radical message’ which would stop the Unionist Nationalist divide Up Here.
Sarwar’s neckties cost more than a UCS claimant gets to live on every week.
Och, it was the usual guff, the ‘Radical Change’ which That Dick Leonard was spouting up until yesterday.
Jack McConnell announced that people would be throwing up their breakfasts at the thought of Indyref2.
He came across as an ancient Gravy Trainer who has made his packet and is totally out of touch with modern society, never mind the mood of Scotland.
Of course, not a Blue Tory in sight. Nothing for them to be held accountable for this week.
What a pointless wee half hour this was..apart from Jillian, of course.
It’s a pretty poor state of affairs when you look at the misery men who appear on the telly then the women begin and the enthusiasm pours out over how much can be achieved with a bit of hard work and effort, back to the men and we all want to slit our wrists and die, I’m embarrassed by my own gender once again, c’mon the wimmin
We’re here Dr Jim 😀 …. 👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦
And thank God for you Petra, get mair wimmin
Times two, Dr Jim.
Sisters are doing it for themselves.
”Headline story for BBC Scotland:
Speaking on the BBC’s Politics Scotland programme, Dr Andrew Buist, who chairs the British Medical Association’s (BMA) GP committee in Scotland, said there was (sic) inconsistencies across the GP network. Dr Buist’s evidence was, of course, just from his own practice. He hadn’t any survey evidence.”
Colin Dunn:- ”Interesting fact: a cargo ferry running between Grangemouth and Dunkirk would have to travel 95 miles *less* than the new ferry from Rosslare in Ireland to Dunkirk. Just saying. FFS indy people. The point was about relative distances, & the implied point that an independent Scotland *could* have similar import/export ferry services running directly to the EU and bypassing England’s ports entirely. Stop with the ‘ah, but, ah, but’ hair splitting pulease.” https://mobile.twitter.com/Zarkwan/status/1350418767826837504
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David Osler:- ”UK shipping insurer Britannia redomiciles in Luxembourg as result of #Brexit. ‘Clearly we would not be redomiciling our business if it were not for Brexit. It has been an unwelcome diversion and an unwelcome cost,’ says chief operating officer.” https://mobile.twitter.com/finance_LL/status/1349766797336190977
Scotland once independent will have ferries from Scotland to Denmark to Norway to France and Belgium just like we did before this union started.
One of Scotland’s biggest shipping routes was from Edinburgh to Antwerp Flanders Belgium
Mountebank Tours:-‘‘To Boris🪳’ – my reimagining of a Burn’s classic ‘To a Louse’ dedicated to the PM 😊🏴 #Burns #Boris #Scots.” https://mobile.twitter.com/mountebanktours/status/1350145602672336900
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Check out Ann’s latest links on the Indyref2 site.
https://indyref2.space/forum/topic/links-17-january-2021/
It’s not only Unionist politicians that are raging about this. Mr Campbell of WoS is demented about it too. All in it together … Better Together 🙄.
‘Unionists fume at SNP for setting up new independence taskforce.’
”Unionist parties have launched a fierce attack on the SNP for announcing a new dedicated independence taskforce to lay the groundwork for a new Yes campaign.”..
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19017771.unionists-fume-snp-setting-new-independence-taskforce/
……………………………….
‘Former BBC Newsnight host Gavin Esler says Union seems destined to break up.’
..”He adds: “I have a strong Unionist background and inclination, yet I have come to believe that Britain may indeed be coming to its end. It is not alarm bells I hear. It’s a death knell.”..
http://www.thenational.scot/news/19017690.former-bbc-newsnight-host-gavin-esler-says-union-seems-destined-break/
They try hard as they smile and try to make themselves amenable to us then when they think we’re not looking they slip in the Federalism word, I guess they think if they remove their Pith helmet before they do it us dumb Jockos won’t notice, or it could be they think we’ll *not normally* see that coming
I can see Boris Johnson (if he’s still Prime Minister that is) trying the secret *don’t tell anybody but whaddya think of this deal* phone call to the FM, or he’ll use Gove for it because y’know he used to be Scotch didn’t he
Plums
It is possible the Rev is taking the proverbial, having sucked in unionists as lurkers. Look at that page, the paper headlines and ignore the writing – it’s a blatantly subliminal advert for IndyRef2, the FM – and The National.
Anyways, the “taskforce” itself seems to me to be a trap for thick unionists who talk about “the SNP” when they mean “Scottish Government”. A political party can do what it wants internally, as long as it’s legal!
Rennie & Co have made fools of themselves. Now that’s a first …
Not so much Rev Campbell as Agent Campbell
Alex Cole Hamilton tweets about Scotland rejoining the EU.
‘Not through independence, that’s for sure, unless you can tell me how we’ll meet accession criteria of:
a) an established currency of our own (sterlingisation wouldn’t be permitted)
b) a structural deficit of less than 3% (ours is nearly 3x that).@
This reveals he is either stupid or a liar (more likely both). What an embarrassment he must be to the LibDem’s, although that is inferring they have some integrity, how could I be so stupid to even consider that.
You have to laugh at them when they insist what will and will not be permitted by the EU, the Brits still don’t understand their own Brexit regulations yet, and the Brits have no veto anymore on any decisions the EU will make because they’re out
The National reports that the feud between the present and former FMs has not dented support for the SNP nor the current FM.
https://archive.fo/3IwTm
I am a bit confused re the Scottish Government bit. Are they meaning the nuts and bolts workers of government such as the Civil Service as the Snp basically are the government. If anyone asked me that question I would have thought they meant Nicola and her ministers.
Eilidh, see the following wiki article for an explanation. The directorates of the Scottish Government are run by civil servants responsible to the Permanent Secretary and not Ministers appointed by the political party that runs the government.
Every Director General in charge of the six directorates reports to the Permanent Secretary and all of them ultimately report to the head of the Civil Service in Westminster.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directorates_of_the_Scottish_Government
Thanks for the link Alex.
It’s interesting when you take a closer look at the background of the people who are running things, such as Leslie Evans was born in Northern Ireland, educated at High Storrs School in Sheffield and studied Music at the University of Liverpool.
Lesley Fraser took up the role of interim Director-General for Organisational Development and Operations in July 2019. Before joining the Scottish Government, she worked for Tower Hamlets Council in London, English Heritage and the UK Government. Lesley was a historic buildings expert before becoming a civil servant.
Caroline Lamb, the head of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Scotland, has been appointed the new chief executive of NHS Scotland on 23rd December 2020. Ms Lamb will also become the Scottish Government’s director-general for health and social care. Ms Lamb, who is expected to take up her post in January 2021, began her career working as a chartered accountant in London before moving to Scotland and taking up management roles in the NHS.
…………………………………..
That’s just 3 of them. I’ve still got around 43,117 to check out 😀.
‘Home Employment and labour market People in work Public sector personnel Civil Service statistics, UK Civil Service statistics, UK: 2018.’
http://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/bulletins/civilservicestatistics/2018
I know all that Alex but in common parlance the Scottish Government is the politicians. It was a horribly worded question for a poll if it was worded that way. it is unclear who the question refers to. I have two close friends who are junior civil servants in the Scottish Government in Glasgow in directorates a world apart from the Salmond thing They are rampant Indy supporters and would hate to think people thought they were the Scottish Government rather than employees of it. The question should have been clearer and asked if people trusted senior civil servants in the Scottish Government.
The ordinary non political geeky folk don’t know there are two governments, the representatives they elect *policy makers* and the civil service the carriers out of the policies, that why the BBC and others love to refer to the Scottish government when they mean the civil service and Mr and Mrs Joe and Jean Scotland think it’s all the same thing so they look at the ones they voted for wondering what’s going on when half the time whatever it is has very little to do with the people they think it does
Of course in Scotland’s case we have four governments, Westminster, their civil service our civil service and our elected government, that’s one government and thousands of civil servants too many
Ooh! I forget the secret London Mandarin government in the city of London that always remains and runs everything
Aye the BritNats have and do keep people in the dark about the workings of government in their UK and in Scotland. I’ve had pals in England tell me how terrible the ScotGov are for ‘deporting people from Scotland’, and been sent petitions from companies like 38 degress telling me to sign against the ‘Scottish MOD’ for murdering sea life in Scottish waters. Was sent one other day (having blocked 38 degrees because they send out false misleading petitions) by a pal about extending ban on tenants being evicted, which had already been implemented in Scotland, it was not made clear that it was about England and I doubt the extension there has been granted.
One thing the SNP or others(?) could do is send out leaflets outlining which powers are devolved and which are reserved to WM, because many people just do not know. Oh and UgPriti Patel is deporting a mother who is an asylum seeker in Scotland and from India, in the next few hours, knowing she is an asylum seeker. I wonder how many will protest against the Scottish governments ‘immigration’ minister, oh wait that’s a reserved power to London EngGov.
Patel must be the devil incarnate for her utter cruelty and disregard for human suffering. A dreadful human being indeed.
Too right Dr. Jim, very costly for Scotland as well…the EngGov’s civil service is not gratis, even more so now they are plonking 1000’s more In their bespoke brand spanking new (or vice versa aye) office right in centre of Edinburgh! They need hooses as well, and all the mega millionaire abode’s up for sale are selling like hotcakes here in Edinburgh…I wonder who is buying them up.
The EngGov don’t come cheap either, in fact they must be costing mega £’s…I wonder how that cash could be better spent in Scotland hmm.
Anyone not in the know must believe the nice friendly sharing caring Tories and red Tories are just dab hands at handing out red tape, all gratis of course.
That will annoy some folk. They think it is the most important thing to your gender.
I do hope so 🙂
I must have a sick deranged sense of humour, but all this incessant negative emetic causing piffle that seeps from British Nationalists just makes me burst a gut laughing . Imagine if Scotland did their own version of Spitting Image , it would equal Still Game . They have nothing left in their armory because I believe my fellow countrymen and woman can smell the shi** and fear a mile off. JRM happy fish had me on the floor and you’ve got Hancocks half hour, dearie me folks it is every hour almost that a politician down south talks pi**.
Now I don’t underestimate our struggle, but they are doing the work for us.
I don’t post often as ive said before, but thankyou for all the contributions.
J M
That’s a good stance to take I reckon, must take a page out of your book, and ditch my northern England ingrained negativity, it helps no one…Ta!
Yeah happy fish John as the unhappy fishermen (and women) see their livelihoods going right down the stank thanks to the Tories and the Labour party.
‘Rees-Mogg ridicules SNP’s Sturgeon/Salmond row and claims fish are happier post-Brexit.’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6VD9txvfjQ
Yes the reality is nothing to be happy about at all, it’s horrific for many people they must be despairing, so utterly dreadful. The Rees moggs of this world are despicable excuses for human beings they really are.
Man with ridiculous name ridicules people with quite common names
Hi Petra, my comment was me trying to process the SNP Scotland bad etc etc etc, in no way was I belittling the plight of fishermen or anyone else affected by the British Nationists.
”no way was I belittling the plight of fishermen or anyone else affected by the British Nationalists.”
Yeah I know that John. Your post was excellent, I knew what you were getting at and if anything I was trying to belittle Mogg the callous crackpot.
Thanks for that Petra.
Rees Moggy – a good ‘catholic’ need I say more!
What’s that to do with anything? His abhorrent policies are not indicative of any religous grouping but of himself and the political party to which he belongs. Take your nod-and-wink sectarianism and shove it.
grizehard
Should have said Christian or religious – get a life!
grizehard
Should have said Christian or religious – get a life!
He’s Catholic- I’m lapsed!
Whatever, it’s still got nothing to do with anything, and saying it twice over doesn’t make your vapid protestations any more convincing. Mixing-and-matching irrelevancies is the mark of the
sh…troublemaker.It’s life experience- religion is the root is all evil
As you obviously know
But Independence is SO more important
Obviously hit a sore point with you
Sorry your offended
But we all want Independence
Monica Lennon has thrown her hat into the ring at the last minute to be the next Labour branch office leader, nominations were to end at midnight tonight and she is the only one so far to do so and will take on Anas Sarwar.
Does anybody really care?
https://archive.vn/5vyBI
There’s still two hours left for Jackie to step up to the traps before the starting gun fires. C’mon Jackie, I’m backing you! Ignore the other “snivelling traitors”.
🙂 🙂
Oh that’s so cruel, why would you spoil an Anas moment with an even bigger one ?
Would it make any difference anyway…?
Well, I’ll be a horse’s stocking !
She’s as much chance as Neil Lennon.
Hail Anas, King of the Fews, not the Many.
Gotta have somebody else to pretend it’s a contest and gives the media more to pretend to talk about, I know I’m biting my fingernails to the quick here
Anas!
One for Jack Colatin….
You should be honoured to be an old bastard (a term of respect here in Australia) Follow the link and consider setting up a Scottish branch.
https://www.aoob.com.au/
O/T Re the Covid situation, over the last fortnight or so, numbers have been on an exponential increase with a doubling time of ~20 days. In the last few days, it looked like there was the beginning of a levelling off, but with the further increase reported today it may be just another sideways lurch as also happened a week ago. So it looks like we might pass a new high of 2000 in a day or so whatever. That same rate, if it persists, would see the 3000 mark being breached by month’s end, but hopefully recent measures will begin to take significant effect before then.
(Sorry, just to make it clear, those numbers are current hospitalisations. That measure necessarily has a built-in lag, but the numbers are definitive and thus in their way fairly indicitave and reliable.)
I’ll take my figures from Nicola not your estimates
You increasingly passive-aggressive silly person, these are directly derived from the government-published figures. You could do the same analysis yourself, if you only had the (elementary) expertise. But ignore the plain facts if you like, I don’t give a toss.
And enough of the duplicate postings.
Night night! Arse?0o No need to analyse
SG provide them daily
Superior Little person
No need to analyse
SG provide them daily
Superior Little person
I’ll take my figures from Nicola not your estimate
I’ll let you into a little secret (shh, don’t tell), but Nicola doesn’t produce these figures, it’s done by people like me (except they get paid to do it). And you will find that Nicola will be announcing over 2000 hospitalisations tomorrow (Tue) or the day after at the very latest, as I said. But don’t believe me, by all means just wait it out if you insist. Ho hum.
It may be stating the obvious (to most of us at last), but the reason the (Scottish) government produce these figures is precisely so that people can independently analyse what’s going on, and verify that the fairly draconian measures that the government is obliged to visit upon us all are indeed fully justified. Not merely to remind people that the effect of an unchecked exponential increase is to turn a problem into a full-scale disaster in very short order (as has happened in the US), but also to demonstrate that the measures being imposed to prevent that happening do actually have the desired effect. As happily they do.
But if you prefer to sit in your humphy anti-science little bubble just waiting passively to be told what to do, don’t let me stop you.
Monday Monday so good to me ,
But not just now of course because Saturday and sundays figures get added together and reported on Mondays
So they always look worse than other days
Grizebard…don’t you know that ?
During the middle ages they celebrated the end of the plague with wine and orgies.
Does anyone know if they have anything like that planned when this one ends?
(asking for a friend)
Sitting in a candlelit booth opposite my Everlovin’ in our favourite Curry House slurping down the best Rogan Josh in the world and washing it down with a glass or twa of Bordeaux, any Bordeaux.
I’m a simple man with simple tastes.
‘Home is fine and orgies are vile, but a man needs an orgy once in a while’.
Ogden Nash
Oh we know what they’ll do when it ends, they’ll roll out the Queen, Spitfires Union flags garden parties and bunting and all thank Boris Johnson for his Churchillian victory at last while the Tory party secretly plots to get rid of him after all the trouble’s over
Can you hear the music? Jerusalem Jerusalem da da dee dah where’s Cliff at this important historical moment , oh look somebody’s wheeling him in now to wave to *the country* I’ve got a lump in my throat and my upper lip is so stiff I could pull it over my head, is that a tear? no dear it’s only dust in my eye I said looking away to the side bravely remembering, camera cuts to historical sad bit, you must remember this a kiss is still a kiss a sigh is just a sigh the fundamental things apply as time goes by, cut to re enactment clip by Judy Dench and Daniel Craig
The Royal Variety show returns and we are so grateful, I know what you’re thinking now, maybe Covid wasn’t so bad
Dr. Jim
Sadly I think you are spot on with your predictions!
If anything, you may have underestimated the Red, White and Blue extravaganza!
You missed the Boris Johnson knighthood, ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few’.
This of course will be referring to us and the few will be Johnson and his cohorts who have lined up to cash in on the virus. This was true of Churchill also I believe, near bankrupt in 1939, very comfortable post war, so maybe he is Churchillian.
sadly you have identified the only justification for not holding a referendum – the fact that we would not have to thole such vileness!
The Tories will be voted out. Johnston will lose his seat. The Queen will send a card to herself or a mass parade. Scotland will vote for Independence. A mass celebration.
O/T but I saw this and realised it is obviously Edinburgh honouring the original Duncan’s walnut whip (pre the moulded version) and originally made in Edinburgh. Once they’ve put the walnut on top it will look stunning.
The previous God-awful 1960s brutalism on the site only lasted about 40 years before going out of fashion and being demolished – hopefully this garbage won’t last that long!
I remember seeing the St James Centre from a distance on the bus at Goldenacre, from there it look like one of those WWII fortifications that were always being stormed in movies. Along with that and the perpetually broken down kinetic sculpture it was a planning disaster.
‘Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder’ right enough eh?
Walnut whip?
My eye tells me its a metallic ‘dog t**d ! ‘
Seafood exporters are driving their lorries around parliament square outside Westminster as a protest 🙂
The BBC reports that support for Independence in Scotland is only *slender*
Prof Robertson reporting that an Opinium poll sub sample puts support for the SNP at 62%. Worth it for the photo of Willie Rennie being “rammed”.
Kevin Pringle tweets that the Savanta ComRes poll for the Scotsman puts support for independence among women at 60%. A first.
But – of course – Sturgeon must go!
They want to remove, Sturgeon (x2 and most aren’t even SNP members), Swinney, Lord Advocate and basic anybody else they have taken a dislike to or doesn’t agree with them. They are even hinting they see Scotland as a fascist run state. Funnily wanting to remove elected officials and have your own supporters take their place seems a bit less democratic, I imagine some of the replacements are themselves.
I had a lot of sympathy for AS but the behaviour of these people have removed this completely, there is someone feeding them this info. They have also wiped out any chance of me even considering splitting my vote, they should be nowhere near government.
Yup, the alt-indy thing was supposedly all about “supporting the SNP, not competing with it”. So much for that theory. A self-defeating bust.
I agree. AS appears to be motivated purely by revenge.
I recall a text message sent by one of the Alphabet women saying that he was determined to get “her” and would bring down Nicola in his rage. I had no idea who “her” was at the time but I now believe it’s Leslie Evans.
He is apparently declining to appear at the committee tomorrow. So it will continue to drag on.
As you say – sympathy evaporates if our independence takes second place to personal vendettas – whoever is the vendettee. We await evidence.
This won’t go down well with / be ignored by the other place.
Covid briefings by Scotland’s FM:
Journalists in Scotland constantly accuse the FM like opposition parties of being obsessed with Independence and attempt to questions her about Independence at every Covid briefing they attend despite being told by the FM she’s not going to discuss politics during a health briefing
Perhaps viewers might ask themselves the question as to why Journalists in Scotland are so obsessed with England as every question they ask is framed as though Scotland is in some sort of competition with that country and not say for example Wales? or Northern Ireland? both of which are more reasonably comparable in size to Scotland
At this moment England is vaccinating its population using a slightly different formula to Scotland inasmuch as they are following political decisions made rather than clinical decisions advised, a bit like herding a flock of sheep into a pen and counting them but missing out on all the sheep that ran into the woods and hoping to find them later
Scotland is doing the hard part of finding all the sheep in the woods first then moving on the the more easy part of the field herding, but never let that prevent journalists in Scotland from doing Nya nya na nya na England’s better until Scotland moves past them on the home straight then those same journalists will ask no questions whatsoever on the same subject because they don’t want the answers to those questions which in their minds might lead to Scotland’s population doing Nya nya na na nya the other way round
Perhaps Journalists in Scotland don’t think the population of Scotland will notice their obsession with England, but I notice it, and if I notice then so do they, and if journalists in Scotland would rather work in England why don’t they have the guts to go there and get a job and maybe they can then be satisfied they’re in the country they most admire being governed by, after all England is a country based on thriving newspaper gossip so these wee laddies and lassies should feel right at home there
Well said, Dr.J.
It’s not just an obsession with England, it’s an obvious determination to “prove” that we’re doing everything more badly. Which more often than not is actually the reverse of the case. They’re journalists (allegedly), so you would expect that they would be in full possession of the relevant facts such as the political decision you mention by the English Government to do the easier stuff first, purely for show. If these journos really are that unaware, they ought to be sacked en masse as rank incompetents. But they’re evidently paid to nit-pickingly find fault instead, in the vain hope that they can gaslight enough people to save their (employers’) precious Union.
They may easy-please the rump of diehard holdouts, but what they are so patently about (in stark contrast to the southern media’s attitude to their government) is becoming ever more transparent to the rest of Scotland. What a fail.
Through the wonders of I Player, we can dip in and out of BBC’s coverage.
On BBC Scotland we get the whole briefing and the hacks attack on Nikla and their pathetic attempts to attempts to ‘politicise’ what is a daily Public Health Update.
It is clear that the Fourth Estate Fifth Column work in tandem under joint instruction from the English and US Far Right owners, and the English Government, and the themes, so clumsily transparent, are all designed to do down the Scottish Effort to conquer this virus, bum up Mighty England, and THANK GOD THE BRITISH ARMY HAS STEPPED IN, all 98 of them, who will be building cubicles in identified sites throughout Scotland.
None of the squaddies will be administering the jags, they won’t be wearing PPE for 12 hour shifts, they won’t be suffering the stress of tending to thousands of our citizens suffering, many dying, of this terrible curse.
But by Christ, the army were getting all the praise today, both from the hacks, but also, from Jackie Baillie and Gary Robertson, and then Willie Fuckin’ Rennie, both of whom were forced upon us by BBC1 to lie about Covid in Scotland, and mouth BAD SNP prompted by Loyal Gary, and quite shamelessly belittle the Government’s efforts and progress so far.
Jackie Baillie…for god’s sake.
Wullie Rennie was fed a ‘mental health’ riff by and obliging Gary Robertson…the man who has contributed literally nothing to Scottish life in his role as a Lib Dem politician…
No sign of Drsos Jack, Duguid. Bowie, Lamont, or Mundell, or Baroness Rape Clause of course.
Gary might feel obliged to ask them about the mental health of trawlermen, or seed potato growers, or UCS claimants..
This quite deliberate disruption of a vital Public Health broadcast a to allow wasters like Baillie Rennie and The Linesman Dross to attack the Government is clearly free political TV time…Rennie lied about 200,000 doses of the vaccine stored somewhere unused in a warehouse, and Gary said nothing…
The lunchtime news merely repeated the ‘patchy’ supply, England vaccinating twice as many as the Bad SNP, and an actual feature and interview with a young army Lieutenant, because if the Army hadn’t been brought in, the ‘British’ army, the Better Together UK army, to help out, then wee Scotland would not have coped..
I am beside myself that this BBC Lie Machine is flooding our airwaves with constant Brit Nat lies and distortions now.
The Hack Pack are in propaganda overdrive now.
They are terrified.
We are taking back our country.
And it will be this year, despite the Daily Record man trying to ‘politicise’ the Health Briefing by demanding that the SGE and Indyref cease, now, and presumably forever.
What a steaming pile of vicious Brit Nat information thuggery yet again from the bought and sold staff of the BBC in Scotland, and the slavering Hack Pack.
Now we know that they are in retreat, tails between their legs.
Gary Robertson, grow a pair.
How the MSM must hate Prof John Robertson, specially the BBC who tried to get him sacked from his Uni of West Highland job. That’s where I go to get my info these days once I’ve read through the WGD site. I hope he has a secure income but I expect the occasional donation wouldn’t be unwelcome. We need more of his analytic watchful eye on the purveyors of top quality trolling aka the BBC.
Great site Capella and he seems to have been working his butt off for years now and not asked for a penny, as far as I can see. Compare what he’s been doing to ”another” site that has, until recently, hoovered up at least a £million of independence supporters money. What I do find strange is that even although this site promotes his work more than any other it’s not on his ”blogs I follow” list.
Gordon Brown says Scotland isn’t educated enough to understand self determination, Lord Jack McConnell and every person opposed to Scotland becoming a self reliant Independent nation say the same thing, we’re uneducated they say yet they believe we’re too stupid to see that that in itself is insulting to most of Scotland because most of Scotland votes SNP yet they keep saying it, so to substantiate their claims of population stupidity they blame what must be masterful cleverness of the SNP to dupe and fool an entire nation into believing they’re stupid, y’see in order for them to claim this they tell us that the education system has been so dumbed down so far as to make us all susceptible to SNP duplicity, well they’re kind of insulting the entire teaching profession as well now
But the opposers of self determination don’t leave it there do they, oh no, they go on to insult the professionals and workers in the NHS by saying they’re not good enough either, but hold on a minute don’t most workers in the NHS in Scotland vote SNP too, well of course they do or the SNP wouldn’t be proportionately largest political party in Europe and the government of Scotland, plus the FM has seen off more Labour and Tory opposition leaders than Moses in her time in office
So how dastardly clever the SNP and FM must be that they can pull off such a charade, after all the dastardly Donald Trump could only manage this feat for about 5 minutes before the world jumped up and panicked and he stayed on for a few years
So to my point, given that all these opposition figures keep losing the argument to the devious and clever SNP doesn’t that obviously mean that this party and this FM are exactly who Scotland wants standing behind us to win our fight for self determination from what appears and virtually admitted by themselves to be not very clever opposition
If all they’ve got is Scotland’s stupid, I feel strongly that Scotland will disagree with that and vote for that clever SNP we’ve already got thanks very much
Aye Dr Jim, most definitely aye…
A virtual Burns Supper organised by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at Glasgow University on 25th Jan. An interactive map will be developed showing contributions from all over the world in a global Burns Supper.
https://archive.fo/9YZcu