Scottish independence and devolution superthread

[JudyJudyJudy]

1 hour ago, OTT said:

Self ID crosses a red line for a lot of people and pits sex based rights against trans folks right to live how they want to live. Its a far cry from gay marriage, which didn't infringe on anyone's rights. 

It crosses the line regarding truth/ honesty. Reality v fiction . Science v fantasy . Hence people reacting how they have . No one likes to be told lies and compelled to believe . And in particular from a politician of all people . Joanna is on the right side of history . A truly admirable woman . Bullied and gaslighted by her own party by  activists too . 

[Dennis Denuto]

3 minutes ago, JudyJudyJudy said:

It crosses the line regarding truth/ honesty. Reality v fiction . Science v fantasy . Hence people reacting how they have . No one likes to be told lies and compelled to believe . And in particular from a politician of all people . Joanna is on the right side of history . A truly admirable woman . Bullied and gaslighted by her own party by  activists too . 

Utter nonsense, in what way was she gaslighted? I suspect you don't know what this word actually means.

[OTT]

25 minutes ago, Gundermann said:

 

You like her, I don't. Fair enough.

 

I did say 'she comes across as a bully'. Maybe she isn't but I don't doubt that she'd start an argument in an otherwise empty room and there were allegations about bullying as well as her saying she was a victim of bullying.

 

As to the trans issue - like I've said before, virtually no-one in the voting public gives a shit. Ask if a trans man should be in a women's prison and folk will say 'no'. Ask if trans people should have rights and be free from predjudice and most will say 'yes'. Ask if it's a priority though...

 

If though, she is so concerned about misogyny and homophobia would she join Toby Young's FSU? An organisation so loopy that even PayPal cancelled their account. Young himself deleted tens of thousands of tweets due to homophobia and misogyny.

 

Sure, she's intelligent and not a grifter but is she the right person to win the general public over and take the SNP forward? No.

 

Yeah, exactly - going to be politicians we like/dislike, nothing wrong with that. 

 

I do remember your previous posts, it could just be a vocal minority, but my impression is that there are a lot of people against the GRA, and seeing SNP politicians like Joanna Cherry, Kate Forbes, Michelle Thomson (formerly) Ash Regan, Neale Hanvey, Joan McAlpine and others, suggests that the opposition to it is more widespread. 

 

On Toby Youngs FSU, yeah I agree they're a loopy looking organisation. I would argue that Cherry joining this was perhaps down to the lack of support she was receiving from the SNP. Ultimately, if any of us were subject to the same sort of abuse she was, we'd probably be keen to find allies wherever we could find them. The feeling of standing alone and having colleagues refusing to support you or meaningfully disavow rape threats and other horrible comments can't be nice. 

 

I agree that she isn't going to take the SNP forward, they don't want her, and her book I think is the sort of thing which will solidify the SNP hierarchy's desire to keep her as far away as possible, but this tracks back to my earlier point around a potential new list only party. Alba saw decent membership because of the stature of Alex Salmond, and nobody else has that sort of platform, obviously breaking through into getting seats was the difficulty but had he not died, he'd have been on the TV regularly promoting his party, something Kenny wasn't capable of doing. Cherry on the flip side I think does have a following, and by virtue of being a KC is a respected individual who I think would garner the sort of attention needed to launch a party. As I've said before, political parties don't need to be all things to all people (ironically quoting Zach Polanski there!) and offering an alternative to the SNP which aligns more to other peoples views on how the country should be ran would be no bad thing, would also offer an opportunity to sweep up the vote gap between SNP support and Independence support (circa 15-20%). Could argue a less divisive/controversial figure might be better, but its a field of non-entities sadly, best I could see would be Duncan Hamilton, who is an excellent speaker. 

[OTT]

33 minutes ago, Dennis Denuto said:

Utter nonsense, in what way was she gaslighted? I suspect you don't know what this word actually means.

 

I dunno, I think Sturgeons defence of the GRA did cross into that realm. Referring to legitimate opposition as "not valid" paints those against as picking fault over nothing. Like that their concerns aren't real and are unfounded, which I think does fall into gaslighting territory. Then there was removing her from being Justice Spokesperson at Westminster, which I think was done to diminish her, and reduce her potential platform to oppose the policy. It wasn't a merit based demotion, because she was replaced by someone who had zero legal training and the SNP went from handing Braverman her arse on a silverplate every week, to stumbling through with Ann McLaughlin reading from a script.. Could also add the SNP internal policy to prohibit dual mandates, which was done to prevent her standing as an MSP, and then reversed to allow Flynn to stand this year, JC said at the time that it was being done to prevent her standing, which was denied (obv) and then not too long after its reversed. Hard to see how she was wrong, the pretence about serving voters etc. is a pack of rubbish and again, feels a bit gaslighty. 

 

Had she taken a conciliatory approach around dissent on this, and allowed MSPs and MPs a free vote/opinion on the issue, I'd have less opposition to how she conducted herself. 

 

The obvious comparison is around the same sex marriage vote back in 2014, where Alex Salmond felt confident enough in what was put forward to allow his MSPs a free vote, I think actually by forcing a whipped vote, it exposes how insecure Sturgeon was about the merits of the GRA. If you're confident in your position, then you shouldn't need to force votes. 

 

As I've said previously, I think the GRA was more about Sturgeon trying to create some sort of legacy, rather than actually defending the rights of transpeople. Ironically, if anything her position and the way she went about it inflamed tensions that I don't think existed prior to her pushing ahead with this (did Trans folk face ridicule etc. before 2016 absolutely, but I think as positions became more entrenched, they started to face sustained abuse).

[Dennis Denuto]

38 minutes ago, OTT said:

 

I dunno, I think Sturgeons defence of the GRA did cross into that realm. Referring to legitimate opposition as "not valid" paints those against as picking fault over nothing. Like that their concerns aren't real and are unfounded, which I think does fall into gaslighting territory. Then there was removing her from being Justice Spokesperson at Westminster, which I think was done to diminish her, and reduce her potential platform to oppose the policy. It wasn't a merit based demotion, because she was replaced by someone who had zero legal training and the SNP went from handing Braverman her arse on a silverplate every week, to stumbling through with Ann McLaughlin reading from a script.. Could also add the SNP internal policy to prohibit dual mandates, which was done to prevent her standing as an MSP, and then reversed to allow Flynn to stand this year, JC said at the time that it was being done to prevent her standing, which was denied (obv) and then not too long after its reversed. Hard to see how she was wrong, the pretence about serving voters etc. is a pack of rubbish and again, feels a bit gaslighty. 

 

Had she taken a conciliatory approach around dissent on this, and allowed MSPs and MPs a free vote/opinion on the issue, I'd have less opposition to how she conducted herself. 

 

The obvious comparison is around the same sex marriage vote back in 2014, where Alex Salmond felt confident enough in what was put forward to allow his MSPs a free vote, I think actually by forcing a whipped vote, it exposes how insecure Sturgeon was about the merits of the GRA. If you're confident in your position, then you shouldn't need to force votes. 

 

As I've said previously, I think the GRA was more about Sturgeon trying to create some sort of legacy, rather than actually defending the rights of transpeople. Ironically, if anything her position and the way she went about it inflamed tensions that I don't think existed prior to her pushing ahead with this (did Trans folk face ridicule etc. before 2016 absolutely, but I think as positions became more entrenched, they started to face sustained abuse).

TBF to NS the Trans debate and Gender ID were something that was changing all over Europe before she took hold of it, I think the debate was moving in terms of entrenchment anyway. I think rather than legacy I think it was about her obsession with doing things differently from Westminster, she was convinced that the way to increase support was to show we were fundamentally different, it was a very flawed approach imo.

I think JC going against the SNP leadership, especially the very controlling days of 'The Murrells' was always likely to lead to demotions, also I don't agree with your assessment that it went into gaslighting as NS genuinely believed in the policy, she thought she was correct, it wasn't about deliberately misleading the other side.  Where she was dishonest, if that's the right word, was in her assessment that it needed moved right to the top of the political agenda in Scotland. 

[OTT]

5 minutes ago, Dennis Denuto said:

TBF to NS the Trans debate and Gender ID were something that was changing all over Europe before she took hold of it, I think the debate was moving in terms of entrenchment anyway. I think rather than legacy I think it was about her obsession with doing things differently from Westminster, she was convinced that the way to increase support was to show we were fundamentally different, it was a very flawed approach imo.

I think JC going against the SNP leadership, especially the very controlling days of 'The Murrells' was always likely to lead to demotions, also I don't agree with your assessment that it went into gaslighting as NS genuinely believed in the policy, she thought she was correct, it wasn't about deliberately misleading the other side.  Where she was dishonest, if that's the right word, was in her assessment that it needed moved right to the top of the political agenda in Scotland. 

 

Interesting, good post - not taking any umbrage on your disagreement RE gaslighting, fair comments. 

 

My feeling on it is that Sturgeon was being very cynical about it, but that is pure opinion on my part. I think being unable to move the dial on Independence, and having same sex marriage already passed (along with Salmond's litany of other achievements in office) left her with very little legacy to create, Baby Boxes alone is pretty lukewarm. Politicians are ego-driven people, that isn't a slight on Sturgeon, Alex Salmond I have no issues saying is my political hero, but the guy had a massive ego. Nothing wrong with that, as long as they can deliver. 

 

I do agree about the Murrell regime being very controlling. What is interesting is that Salmond was very demanding around his MSPs/MPs, but he by and large had everyone batting for the same cause. Its interesting that Sturgeon couldn't match that same leadership approach. She'd previously spoken about "Imposter syndrome", and I do wonder if that led to seeing dissent as potential challenge, rather than disagreement. I think by side-lining Joanna Cherry, they diminished themselves in Westminster. She had the Attorney General on the ropes every week without fail, and her successor just didn't have the legal background to be able to maintain that. Could say the same on Fergus Ewing too, who was a vastly experienced cabinet secretary and was out pretty much as soon as she could. Were appointments like Shirley Ann-Somerville and Shona Robison improvements? Absolutely not. 

 

Its maybe a cautionary tale about going into the highways and byways of niche interests. The SNP dominated the Independence movement as the primary political vehicle for that, and began to splinter when it stopped being a big tent party, and looking at niche interests like the GRA (IMO). If they can refocus back to the Salmond fundamentals of getting the basics of governance right, then I think that will help with the credibility issues they've faced over the last decade.

[Dennis Denuto]

1 minute ago, OTT said:

 

Interesting, good post - not taking any umbrage on your disagreement RE gaslighting, fair comments. 

 

My feeling on it is that Sturgeon was being very cynical about it, but that is pure opinion on my part. I think being unable to move the dial on Independence, and having same sex marriage already passed (along with Salmond's litany of other achievements in office) left her with very little legacy to create, Baby Boxes alone is pretty lukewarm. Politicians are ego-driven people, that isn't a slight on Sturgeon, Alex Salmond I have no issues saying is my political hero, but the guy had a massive ego. Nothing wrong with that, as long as they can deliver. 

 

I do agree about the Murrell regime being very controlling. What is interesting is that Salmond was very demanding around his MSPs/MPs, but he by and large had everyone batting for the same cause. Its interesting that Sturgeon couldn't match that same leadership approach. She'd previously spoken about "Imposter syndrome", and I do wonder if that led to seeing dissent as potential challenge, rather than disagreement. I think by side-lining Joanna Cherry, they diminished themselves in Westminster. She had the Attorney General on the ropes every week without fail, and her successor just didn't have the legal background to be able to maintain that. Could say the same on Fergus Ewing too, who was a vastly experienced cabinet secretary and was out pretty much as soon as she could. Were appointments like Shirley Ann-Somerville and Shona Robison improvements? Absolutely not. 

 

Its maybe a cautionary tale about going into the highways and byways of niche interests. The SNP dominated the Independence movement as the primary political vehicle for that, and began to splinter when it stopped being a big tent party, and looking at niche interests like the GRA (IMO). If they can refocus back to the Salmond fundamentals of getting the basics of governance right, then I think that will help with the credibility issues they've faced over the last decade.

I agree with much of what you say, I also think it is really just our own slight differences on opinions about Sturgeon's exact motives that separate us.

I understand why Salmond stepped down when he did, but it was a mistake, very much with hindsight as NS was very popular for a couple of years, even through much of the pandemic.  Maybe time had just run out anyway, it is difficult for political parties to all pull in the same direction for years on end and the SNP had an unusual mix of people with very different views who managed to stick the course for a long time, until it all fell apart.

[lost in space]

1 hour ago, Gundermann said:

 

 

 

Sure, she's intelligent and not a grifter but is she the right person to win the general public over and take the SNP forward? No.

I think you are correct, in that she is intelligent and that she actually wants to do the "right thing".  Is she a leader though? - IMO, I dont think she is.   A very good cabinet minister in many areas probably but not a First Minister.

I dont think that Flynn is the right person for FM either. He is certainly not ready now - arrogant and not mature enough.

Looks as though Swinney has the job for the foreseeable future.  

What a mess.

[Carter]

On 08/03/2026 at 19:36, OTT said:

 

Yeah, I think the longer Sturgeons term went on, the more clear it became that she didn't have a clue or the stones to progress Independence. Her taking things to the supreme court I think solidified her cluelessness. Salmond IIRC called her out for this, and noted that especially doing so with a Lord Advocate that was at best lukewarm on Independence was extremely foolhardy. This GRA became what she saw as her legacy, and its became a legacy of shame I think. Could argue it was done with the best of intentions, but honestly, I don't think so. 

 

I think she was desperate to create some sort of legacy, and trans issues being flavour of the day for c2016-2022 made her think this was onto a winner. Given she's a self appointed feminist, it was crazy to see, she could have stood on business on this, went against the grain and probably got a lot of respect across the spectrum (minus the greens). Especially with the so called "gender critical" side being proven basically right in time. Maybe part of the Bute House Agreement was around this, but honestly, I think she was being extremely cynical. 

 

Would also add, for a feminist, she did absolutely nothing to support Joanna Cherry when she was subject to rape and murder threats from within her own party, alongside some absolutely disgusting bullying from other MPs and activists. Pretty disgusting, and insight into just how cynical a politician she is IMO. Joanna Cherry could have been rallied around and supported into a more senior position, especially following her successful legal challenge when Boris illegally prorogued parliament - was a bloody nose to the leader of the Union, and should have been championed by the SNP, instead of quickly moved on from to dampen JC's victory and likely her future leadership potential. 

Dorothy Bain? 

[JudyJudyJudy]

1 hour ago, OTT said:

 

I dunno, I think Sturgeons defence of the GRA did cross into that realm. Referring to legitimate opposition as "not valid" paints those against as picking fault over nothing. Like that their concerns aren't real and are unfounded, which I think does fall into gaslighting territory. Then there was removing her from being Justice Spokesperson at Westminster, which I think was done to diminish her, and reduce her potential platform to oppose the policy. It wasn't a merit based demotion, because she was replaced by someone who had zero legal training and the SNP went from handing Braverman her arse on a silverplate every week, to stumbling through with Ann McLaughlin reading from a script.. Could also add the SNP internal policy to prohibit dual mandates, which was done to prevent her standing as an MSP, and then reversed to allow Flynn to stand this year, JC said at the time that it was being done to prevent her standing, which was denied (obv) and then not too long after its reversed. Hard to see how she was wrong, the pretence about serving voters etc. is a pack of rubbish and again, feels a bit gaslighty. 

 

Had she taken a conciliatory approach around dissent on this, and allowed MSPs and MPs a free vote/opinion on the issue, I'd have less opposition to how she conducted herself. 

 

The obvious comparison is around the same sex marriage vote back in 2014, where Alex Salmond felt confident enough in what was put forward to allow his MSPs a free vote, I think actually by forcing a whipped vote, it exposes how insecure Sturgeon was about the merits of the GRA. If you're confident in your position, then you shouldn't need to force votes. 

 

As I've said previously, I think the GRA was more about Sturgeon trying to create some sort of legacy, rather than actually defending the rights of transpeople. Ironically, if anything her position and the way she went about it inflamed tensions that I don't think existed prior to her pushing ahead with this (did Trans folk face ridicule etc. before 2016 absolutely, but I think as positions became more entrenched, they started to face sustained abuse).

Well Said NS and the SNP wanted to gaslight the population and certainly those gender critics in the party . It failed . 

[OTT]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czj18zpr1lzo

 

Starmer said ministers can go against wishes of Welsh and Scottish governments in leaked memo

 

A Union of equals  

A Family of Nations  

 

A union based on consent  

 

Nothing more than a comfort blanket for Unionists. 

 

This idea of the UK being some sort of multi-state union is a farce. The English government have zero interest in respecting the devolved governments, and as Starmer tried to do with his "Nations and Regions" nonsense, they want to reduce the devolved nations stature into being little more that counties that can only nod along. Well to quote the late great Alex Salmond "Scotland is a Country, not a County". 

 

Douglas Alexander, like Alister Jack has no interest in Scotland, and is utterly subservient to the anglo-centric nature of the UK. Nations of different sizes have different needs, and the idea that the English government can ride roughshod over the wishes of Scotland and Wales is utterly offensive. 

 

The quicker this "Union" dies, the better. 

Edited March 11 by OTT

[Glasgowben]

Do we want to be independent?    Not sure I'd want to leave the UK

[JackLadd]

So the snp ferries fiasco takes a new corrupt twist with news one of them needs a 3.2m refit after just 12 months. Apparently needs new propellers 😯 The same snp just gave Ferguson Marine a new fiasco blank cheque contract, but hey ho it's just Westminster cash they are Murrelling away. Best wee corrupt country in the world.😤 

[JudyJudyJudy]

31 minutes ago, JackLadd said:

So the snp ferries fiasco takes a new corrupt twist with news one of them needs a 3.2m refit after just 12 months. Apparently needs new propellers 😯 The same snp just gave Ferguson Marine a new fiasco blank cheque contract, but hey ho it's just Westminster cash they are Murrelling away. Best wee corrupt country in the world.😤 

Dear lord . !

[lost in space]

1 hour ago, JackLadd said:

So the snp ferries fiasco takes a new corrupt twist with news one of them needs a 3.2m refit after just 12 months. Apparently needs new propellers 😯 The same snp just gave Ferguson Marine a new fiasco blank cheque contract, but hey ho it's just Westminster cash they are Murrelling away. Best wee corrupt country in the world.😤 

Well the existing propellers cant be rusty - they have hardly been in the water.

[lost in space]

2 hours ago, OTT said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czj18zpr1lzo

 

Starmer said ministers can go against wishes of Welsh and Scottish governments in leaked memo

 

A Union of equals  

A Family of Nations  

 

A union based on consent  

 

Nothing more than a comfort blanket for Unionists. 

 

This idea of the UK being some sort of multi-state union is a farce. The English government have zero interest in respecting the devolved governments, and as Starmer tried to do with his "Nations and Regions" nonsense, they want to reduce the devolved nations stature into being little more that counties that can only nod along. Well to quote the late great Alex Salmond "Scotland is a Country, not a County". 

 

Douglas Alexander, like Alister Jack has no interest in Scotland, and is utterly subservient to the anglo-centric nature of the UK. Nations of different sizes have different needs, and the idea that the English government can ride roughshod over the wishes of Scotland and Wales is utterly offensive. 

 

The quicker this "Union" dies, the better. 

Good. Very happy that Alexander makes decisions on funding from Westminster. The money might actually go to the places it should go to - like local councils - rather than going to an SNP slush fund.

The SNP continually try to undermine the UK and Westminster - in an attempt to persuade us to become independent.

 

Can you tell me what the SNP government has actually done to deserve respect?   

 

[JudyJudyJudy]

The legislation should never have been passed but at least “ sex “ has now been added to it which has left the  greens fuming . Imagine voting against women !

 

 

 

 

[lost in space]

Watchdog says he 'can't trust ministers' with Sturgeon inquiry files - BBC News

 

I know we can no longer trust politicians but this case shows how bad it has become in Scotland.

 

The Information Commissioner, David Hamilton said he could no longer trust the government to handle some files "unsupervised" after being given "preposterous and unacceptable" excuses for not complying with his orders.

 

Our Scottish government - the one that continuous to criticise Westminster for sleaze - is lying and refuses to comply.

 

What a despicable party the SNP are - but nobody is really that interested now.  Lie to parliament/dont comply with the law - who cares?   The standards are so low that this is now acceptable and even expected in Scotland.  

 

We were disgusted by Johnston and Trump - but we dont need to look outside our borders to find a leader who lies and hides the truth.

 

RANT over - phew, I feel better now!

[Gundermann]

On 11/03/2026 at 13:56, lost in space said:

Good. Very happy that Alexander makes decisions on funding from Westminster. The money might actually go to the places it should go to - like local councils - rather than going to an SNP slush fund.

The SNP continually try to undermine the UK and Westminster - in an attempt to persuade us to become independent.

 

Can you tell me what the SNP government has actually done to deserve respect?   

 

 

Devolution isn't about the SNP. We voted for it. It's not for Douglas 'The Penguin' Alexander to overrule democracy which was once supported by his party.

 

As to spending money, maybe they should sort out the public water, beaches, NHS, public transport and local councils in England first? How many English councils are bankrupt or close to it? Labour, Tory and Reform are all responsible for that. Maybe 'the UK' is common denominator?

 

Quote

In December, research by the Local Government Association revealed that almost 1 in 5 council leaders and chief executives think it is very or fairly likely that they will need to issue a Section 114 notice this year, or next year due to funding shortfalls. The LGA has estimated that local authorities in England face a funding gap of £4bn over the next two years.

https://archive.is/j1sI2

Edited March 13 by Gundermann

[JudyJudyJudy]

1 hour ago, lost in space said:

Watchdog says he 'can't trust ministers' with Sturgeon inquiry files - BBC News

 

I know we can no longer trust politicians but this case shows how bad it has become in Scotland.

 

The Information Commissioner, David Hamilton said he could no longer trust the government to handle some files "unsupervised" after being given "preposterous and unacceptable" excuses for not complying with his orders.

 

Our Scottish government - the one that continuous to criticise Westminster for sleaze - is lying and refuses to comply.

 

What a despicable party the SNP are - but nobody is really that interested now.  Lie to parliament/dont comply with the law - who cares?   The standards are so low that this is now acceptable and even expected in Scotland.  

 

We were disgusted by Johnston and Trump - but we dont need to look outside our borders to find a leader who lies and hides the truth.

 

RANT over - phew, I feel better now!

Shameful stuff really . 

[XB52]

Yet another potential strike averted due to grown up discussions between the SG and unions. Unlike in England.

 

Strike action planned for schools in six Scottish council areas next week has been called off after a deal on teacher workload was agreed.

[lost in space]

15 minutes ago, XB52 said:

Yet another potential strike averted due to grown up discussions between the SG and unions. Unlike in England.

 

Strike action planned for schools in six Scottish council areas next week has been called off after a deal on teacher workload was agreed.

It's easy to avoid strikes. Just give the employees and unions exactly what they want and tax the public higher rates of tax.

[lost in space]

1 hour ago, Gundermann said:

 

Devolution isn't about the SNP. We voted for it. It's not for Douglas 'The Penguin' Alexander to overrule democracy which was once supported by his party.

 

As to spending money, maybe they should sort out the public water, beaches, NHS, public transport and local councils in England first? How many English councils are bankrupt or close to it? Labour, Tory and Reform are all responsible for that. Maybe 'the UK' is common denominator?

 

https://archive.is/j1sI2

You didn't answer my question though. The last sentence highlighted in bold print.

Could you do that?

[Gundermann]

19 minutes ago, lost in space said:

You didn't answer my question though. The last sentence highlighted in bold print.

Could you do that?

 

Utterly irrelevant.

 

No democratically elected govt in Holyrood should be overruled by Westminster.

[lost in space]

18 minutes ago, Gundermann said:

 

Utterly irrelevant.

 

No democratically elected govt in Holyrood should be overruled by Westminster.

You seem to have forgotten that Westminster is also democratically elected. 

Holyrood has devolved powers only - despite the fact that Swinney wants to have foreign embassies and be a defence spokesman.

You also seem to have forgotten that there has been a democratic referendum.

[manaliveits105]

4 hours ago, lost in space said:

Watchdog says he 'can't trust ministers' with Sturgeon inquiry files - BBC News

 

I know we can no longer trust politicians but this case shows how bad it has become in Scotland.

 

The Information Commissioner, David Hamilton said he could no longer trust the government to handle some files "unsupervised" after being given "preposterous and unacceptable" excuses for not complying with his orders.

 

Our Scottish government - the one that continuous to criticise Westminster for sleaze - is lying and refuses to comply.

 

What a despicable party the SNP are - but nobody is really that interested now.  Lie to parliament/dont comply with the law - who cares?   The standards are so low that this is now acceptable and even expected in Scotland.  

 

We were disgusted by Johnston and Trump - but we dont need to look outside our borders to find a leader who lies and hides the truth.

 

RANT over - phew, I feel better now!

It’s fair comment 

and whilst Swinney and his cohorts welcome illegal immigrants and men in women’s toilets there will be no independence under their watch unfortunately with what’s coming round the corner Dan saf.

 

[Dennis Denuto]

On 11/03/2026 at 13:56, lost in space said:

Good. Very happy that Alexander makes decisions on funding from Westminster. The money might actually go to the places it should go to - like local councils - rather than going to an SNP slush fund.

The SNP continually try to undermine the UK and Westminster - in an attempt to persuade us to become independent.

 

Can you tell me what the SNP government has actually done to deserve respect?   

 

You mean apart for being the democratically elected government of the people of Scotland? Does there need to be another reason?

[John Findlay]

1 hour ago, Dennis Denuto said:

You mean apart for being the democratically elected government of the people of Scotland? Does there need to be another reason?

What do they actually govern?

Everytime anyone takes them to task. The stock answer is. It's all Westminster's fault.

So why bother having Holyrood, if they are not at fault for anything?

[lost in space]

2 hours ago, Dennis Denuto said:

You mean apart for being the democratically elected government of the people of Scotland? Does there need to be another reason?

Please see my reply to Gundermann  from earlier today.

[JamboGlen]

4 hours ago, Dennis Denuto said:

You mean apart for being the democratically elected government of the people of Scotland? Does there need to be another reason?

You mean you actually respect the Scottish "Government"? 🤣

[lost in space]

17 hours ago, Gundermann said:

 

Utterly irrelevant.

 

No democratically elected govt in Holyrood should be overruled by Westminster.

Well this poll is definitely relevant to us all.

 

You love a poll Gundy - so how about this one??? -

 

 

 NEW POLL: Scots overwhelmingly reject SNP’s focus on another referendum

[manaliveits105]

35 minutes ago, lost in space said:

Well this poll is definitely relevant to us all.

 

You love a poll Gundy - so how about this one??? -

 

 

 NEW POLL: Scots overwhelmingly reject SNP’s focus on another referendum

No surprise but Swinney will bat on regardless instead of stepping aside or changing some policies .

The Chris Iwelumo of independence.

[JudyJudyJudy]

49 minutes ago, lost in space said:

Well this poll is definitely relevant to us all.

 

You love a poll Gundy - so how about this one??? -

 

 

 NEW POLL: Scots overwhelmingly reject SNP’s focus on another referendum

Good to see Scottish people have the right priorities , health , housing , the economy etc . Pity it’s completely out of synch  with the Scottish Govt . 

[manaliveits105]

THE SNP have passed a pro-independence motion telling the UK Government to begin to prepare for Scotland’s exit from the Union.

The motion, which was tabled by the Glasgow Southside constituency association, passed unanimously at the SNP conference after a bid to withdraw it over being “incomplete” failed.

The independence motion – the shortest on the 2026 conference agenda – read: “With the achievement of a self-governing and independent country coming ever closer this Conference commends and recommends to the UK Government that it commences preparations for the time to come when it may no longer be able to rely upon continuing subsidies from Scotland.”
 

😂😂😂

 

Not whilst you can’t say what a woman is ya tubes. 

[JudyJudyJudy]

34 minutes ago, manaliveits105 said:

THE SNP have passed a pro-independence motion telling the UK Government to begin to prepare for Scotland’s exit from the Union.

The motion, which was tabled by the Glasgow Southside constituency association, passed unanimously at the SNP conference after a bid to withdraw it over being “incomplete” failed.

The independence motion – the shortest on the 2026 conference agenda – read: “With the achievement of a self-governing and independent country coming ever closer this Conference commends and recommends to the UK Government that it commences preparations for the time to come when it may no longer be able to rely upon continuing subsidies from Scotland.”
 

😂😂😂

 

Not whilst you can’t say what a woman is ya tubes. 

They really are pathetic 

[lost in space]

42 minutes ago, manaliveits105 said:

THE SNP have passed a pro-independence motion telling the UK Government to begin to prepare for Scotland’s exit from the Union.

The motion, which was tabled by the Glasgow Southside constituency association, passed unanimously at the SNP conference after a bid to withdraw it over being “incomplete” failed.

The independence motion – the shortest on the 2026 conference agenda – read: “With the achievement of a self-governing and independent country coming ever closer this Conference commends and recommends to the UK Government that it commences preparations for the time to come when it may no longer be able to rely upon continuing subsidies from Scotland.”
 

😂😂😂

 

Not whilst you can’t say what a woman is ya tubes. 

The SNP are hilarious.  "subsidies from Scotland" - ha ha ha - fantastic banter!!!

 

Perhaps they would look less stupid if they listed all of the things that the SNP have done in preparation - 

like building the Scottish National Bank

like deciding on currency

like deciding and explaining our military defence

like deciding how we are going to join NATO while dropping nuclear Faslane

like when we would be able to join EU

like listing the embassies we will have

 

Oh wait a minute - they havnt done any of these things......

 

The SNP can be very funny - but what an embarrassment they are!!!

[manaliveits105]

Rudderless 

[JudyJudyJudy]

9 minutes ago, manaliveits105 said:

Rudderless 

What a surprise ! 

[Thunder and Lightning]

3 hours ago, JudyJudyJudy said:

What a surprise ! 

Be fair. They will do, just after they scrap the council tax I'm sure. 

[Australis]

Swinney warning the UK government at conference he plans another referendum.

 

Did he give a date for it.

Set it in stone

Promise it.

 

 

Or is it just more words for his donkeys to lap up.

[JudyJudyJudy]

52 minutes ago, Australis said:

is it just more words for his donkeys to lap up.

This 

[Mikey1874]

On 10/03/2026 at 12:40, John Findlay said:

Apparently Joanna Cherry's book is published on Apr 26th. We get her version of events about all the transgender stuff and why the SNP dropped her.

 

She won't be able to tell the full story.

 

That would involve naming Woman A from the Salmond trial. 

[Mikey1874]

3 hours ago, Australis said:

Swinney warning the UK government at conference he plans another referendum.

 

Did he give a date for it.

Set it in stone

Promise it.

 

 

Or is it just more words for his donkeys to lap up.

 

If I was leading this I would want to focus on there still being around 50% support for independence.

 

Talk up the positives while focusing on improving services (the SNP and so the independence movement's greatest weakness) to show its an obvious next step.

 

Stop all the talk about a referendum. Like the first time it will happen when the people demand it. When polls show 60% etc. Then the British Government will have to grant it. 

[manaliveits105]

The Scottish Parliament is moving to ban greyhound racing, with the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill passing Stage 1 and clearing further hurdles in early 2026. Backed by the Scottish government and campaigners, the bill aims to outlaw racing, specifically targeting oval tracks to improve animal welfare. 

Scottish Parliament +5

Key Details on the Potential Ban:

Status: The Bill has passed key legislative hurdles, making it highly probable that traditional greyhound racing will become illegal in Scotland.

Purpose: The legislation aims to end the "cruel and archaic" industry, which campaigners argue causes injuries, exhaustion, and deaths.

Scope: It specifically aims to prohibit racing on oval tracks, which are associated with higher injury risks, but also allows for the regulation of other track types.

Current Situation: As of early 2026, there were no active licensed greyhound tracks in Scotland, with the last, Thornton Stadium, having ceased operations.

Opposition: The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has opposed the ban, arguing that "effective regulation" rather than a ban is the best way to ensure welfare, and suggesting a ban could drive the activity underground. 

Scottish Parliament +8

The proposal follows growing pressure from animal welfare groups, including the Unbound the Greyhound coalition, which supports a complete end to the practice.

 

Good to see the muppets in Holyrood are concentrating on important matters considering there are no tracks here now .

They have support of the deviants including the newly elected clown in Manchester. Elected by people who slaughter animals inhumanely to eat 😂

Edited March 17 by manaliveits105

[JudyJudyJudy]

5 hours ago, manaliveits105 said:

They have support of the deviants including the newly elected clown in Manchester. Elected by people who slaughter animals inhumanely to eat 😂

This 

[Dennis Denuto]

If banning the Dog racing isn't your think maybe this is more fitting for the status of the Scottish Parliament - 

Will Scotland be the first to legalise assisted dying?

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

7 hours ago, manaliveits105 said:

The Scottish Parliament is moving to ban greyhound racing,

7 hours ago, manaliveits105 said:

They have support of the deviants including the newly elected clown in Manchester. Elected by people who slaughter animals inhumanely to eat 😂

 

 

[MoncurMacdonaldMercer]

43 minutes ago, Dennis Denuto said:

If banning the Dog racing isn't your think maybe this is more fitting for the status of the Scottish Parliament - 

Will Scotland be the first to legalise assisted dying?

sensible regulation and it probably is needed for the greyhounds

 

unfortunately one of the easiest sports to take underground if banned

 

 

[lost in space]

35 minutes ago, Dennis Denuto said:

If banning the Dog racing isn't your think maybe this is more fitting for the status of the Scottish Parliament - 

Will Scotland be the first to legalise assisted dying?

I would be very impressed if Holyrood passed this bill. It would show that Scotland CAN be forward thinking.

The Scottish Parliament has scrutinised it appropriately and a free vote is how our parliament SHOULD work.

I fear though that there still may be too many "god botherers" (of any religion) who will wring their hands and say "I agonised over this but in the end I was concerned that some vulnerable people could be coerced". 

Bollocks of course - brainwashed by their religion is the real truth for most.

IMO of course.............

[Dennis Denuto]

8 minutes ago, lost in space said:

I would be very impressed if Holyrood passed this bill. It would show that Scotland CAN be forward thinking.

The Scottish Parliament has scrutinised it appropriately and a free vote is how our parliament SHOULD work.

I fear though that there still may be too many "god botherers" (of any religion) who will wring their hands and say "I agonised over this but in the end I was concerned that some vulnerable people could be coerced". 

Bollocks of course - brainwashed by their religion is the real truth for most.

IMO of course.............

I do sometimes worry that the Parliament is over represented by 'god botherers' compared to people in society these days.  I think representation is fine, but it seemed every party leader or leadership candidate was a follower of one religion or another for a while there, except the Greens of course but I don't want to mention them as it triggers some people...........

I too hope it passes, my one concern is for people who think they would use up savings to stay alive or in care and would rather end their lives so it can be passed down to loved ones, but I am in favour of the Bill in general.