DONALD Trump is within touching distance of becoming President of the United States for the second time.
At 7.15am BST the controversial figure has amassed 266 electoral college votes, just four votes short of a remarkable victory.
Wee Janey Godley will be birlin’ in her grave …
LOCAL Greenpeace volunteers were door-knocking in Bruntsfield yesterday to spread the word about Greenpeace’s current UK-wide campaign Project Climate Vote.
Project Climate Vote aims to recruit one million climate voters ahead of the next general election, in order to pressure all political parties to commit to bolder action on climate change. Climate voters pledge to show visible support for climate policies and vote with the planet in mind.
Edinburgh volunteers went door to door in Bruntsfield having conversations with residents about their concerns about the climate crisis and wider connected issues. As climate voters, locals were asked to place a poster in their window and to voice their concerns about the climate crisis should local candidates come to their door in the run-up to the election.
Sue, a volunteer from Bruntsfield said: “The conversations we’re having show that the climate crisis is a key concern for the majority of people and they want bolder action from our leaders. It’s encouraging that so many people want to sign up…the hardest part is finding folk in on a sunny afternoon!”
Today follows numerous other door-knocking sessions Greenpeace volunteers have carried out in Edinburgh since September 2023, including in Pilton in North Edinburgh in February. The group will be out canvassing again during future weekends, right up until the general election, which is currently expected to take place in the latter half of this year.
Zoë, a volunteer from Newington said: “Project Climate Vote is a very exciting and crucial campaign aiming to hold politicians to account on delivering the action that we need in order to ensure a liveable future.
The climate crisis is already happening up and down the country. People can see it with their own eyes and are playing their part to mitigate their own impact on the environment. What we need now are our leaders to step up to the plate.”
Greenpeace UK are hosting weekly online training sessions for those interested in taking part in the canvassing campaigns in their local areas. Anyone is welcome to join a canvassing team, regardless of if they have any past experience with Greenpeace.
UK voters can sign up to be a Climate Voters and order their posters on the Greenpeace website.
Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections – voting starts on Monday 6 November and closes on Sunday 19 November
21 candidates are standing in these five constituencies:
Edinburgh Central – 6 candidates
Edinburgh Northern and Leith – 3 candidates
Edinburgh Pentlands – 4 candidates
Edinburgh Southern – 4 candidates
Edinburgh Western – 4 candidates
Two candidates will be elected unopposed for Edinburgh Eastern.
Brief candidate profiles are available at: https://elections.syp.org.uk/elections/19/ (see ‘select constituency’ at the bottom of the page).
Who can vote?
All young people aged 12 (or in 1st year of secondary school) to 25 can vote in the contested constituencies.
Voting will take place online. Young people can vote using their Young Scot card or a temporary number at:
Temporary numbers have been issued to schools in the contested constituencies so young people can ask for a temporary number at school or by emailing:
To check which Scottish Parliamentary constituency you are in, please visit https://boundaries.scot/ and enter your postcode.
What you can do
Please encourage young people you work with or are in contact with to vote for their preferred candidates. Every vote will count so it’s essential that we give as many young people as possible the opportunity to vote.
The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. Please help us to ensure that we have a good turnout in Edinburgh so that the successful candidates have a strong mandate to represent young people.
For more info visit SYP website
The Knowledge Transfer Programme will look at new ways to identify voters
Edinburgh Napier University and Democracy Counts, a company which runs elections around the world, are teaming up in a joint effort to give people more trust in their voting systems in the digital age.
The University’s Blockpass ID Lab will work with the firm over two years as part of a new Knowledge Transfer Programme, funded by Innovate UK.
While many electoral operators still rely on paper and pen to recognise voters, the partnership will look at developing new ways of identifying citizens, while keeping their personal information safe.
It is hoped that this will make elections more secure, transparent and reliable in future.
Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, who leads the Blockpass ID Lab at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This collaboration will bring forward new methods, using our expertise in advanced cryptography, to properly identify voters at each of the key stages of an election.
“We will aim to replace our paper-based signatures with a more reliable and trustworthy digital approach. Through advancements like this, and digital wallets, we hope to provide more convenient and accessible ways for citizens to take part in the democratic process.”
Simon Verdon, CEO of Democracy Counts, said: “We run elections around the world, and each one differs in their scope and implementation.
“This collaboration will allow us to build the next generation of trusted voter registration and election systems which can integrate different levels of digital trust, and should make voting more transparent, more resilient, and more trustworthy.
“The opportunity is thus for the UK to continue to be an international leader in the setup of elections.”
Paul Keating, Technical Director of Democracy Counts, said: “Digital trust plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, especially as we move towards digital signing.
“As elections have to have high levels of trust and transparency, this work will bring forward the current state-of-the-art in digital trust.
“But there are challenges around using citizen data, and so the collaboration will bring forward the latest research in the preservation of privacy and make sure it has high levels of trust from citizens.”
Established in 2009, Democracy Counts is a market-leading provider of electoral management software, support services and training to the UK Government and local authorities across Scotland, England and Wales – as well as managed referendums and ballot services to public, private and community organisations.
Edinburgh Napier University’s Blockpass ID Lab has spent the last five years researching ways in which blockchain technology can protect personal data from online scammers and hackers.
Are you 25 or under and passionate about issues such as climate change, equality, poverty and your community? Or do you know someone who is? If so, then you might be interested in the forthcoming elections for the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).
The SYP represents Scotland’s young people and democratically elected members listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people, making sure their voices are heard by decision-makers. It is a highly rewarding role that requires passion, determination and, perhaps most importantly, commitment.
All young people aged between 14 and 25 can stand for election and anyone aged between 12 to 25 is eligible to vote.
This year’s elections will be held in November and applications are open until 31 July.
Before then, interested young people can find out more and begin the application process on the SYP website which is open until 31 July.
Information sessions will be held and there is support available from the SYP and from Edinburgh’s Youth Work Team.
Beau Johnston, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Edinburgh Central, said: “I felt so well supported and was pushed out of my comfort zone constantly – but in the best possible way.
“My confidence has improved, and I have learnt many new skills. I feel grateful to have met so many inspirational people throughout this process, and to have worked with them on issues that I am so passionate about.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for young people to join the Scottish Youth Parliament and make their voices heard.
“The Parliament has a proud history of delivering youth led campaigns that deliver meaningful change and have led to many improvements to the lives of young people not just here in Edinburgh but across Scotland. I would encourage anyone interested to apply and see if you can really make a difference.”
Calling all residents of Corstorphine/Murrayfield! On March 9 choose your new ward councillor in a by-election.
Remember to vote in person on the day, return your postal vote as soon as possible or arrange a proxy vote
Find out more: https://edinburgh.gov.uk/elections
Hustings event to be held at Corstorphine Community Centre on 20.02.23
Submit your questions via our online form.
Come along and find out what the future plans and priorities are
As of earlier today, an Executive can no longer form and I am duty-bound by law to call new elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly as set out in the New Decade, New Approach agreement as soon as practicably possible and within 12 weeks.
I believe strongly that people in Northern Ireland deserve locally-elected decision-makers who are working for them, to address the issues that matter most to people here.
Having spoken with the various Party leaders this week, I know no one in Northern Ireland is calling for an election – but nearly all Parties signed up to the Agreement that put us in this position only a couple of years ago.
Today I also met the Chief Electoral Officer to discuss operational considerations to inform my decision about the election date.
It was particularly disappointing to see yesterday that the Assembly was still unable to elect a Speaker, despite all the time that has passed.
At a time when so many are struggling with the cost of living and fearful of what is to come, I understand people’s frustration that MLAs continue to draw a full salary when they are not performing all the duties they were elected to do. So, I will be considering my options to act on MLA pay.
Right now, the Executive no longer has Ministers in post to act for the people of Northern Ireland.
That means no Ministers to deliver the public services you rely on. That means no Ministers to manage the budget pressures affecting the funding of your hospitals, your schools, your doctors and nurses.
So in the absence of an Executive I will take limited but necessary steps to protect public finances and the delivery of public services.
I have already met the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady, to discuss this and gather evidence on the state of Stormont’s financial position. I shall hopefully receive more detailed information about this next week.
Then I’ll soon outline our plan of action to make sure that the interests of the people of Northern Ireland are protected.
And to those who have called for “joint authority” of Northern Ireland in recent days, let me say this: this won’t be considered.
The UK Government is absolutely clear that the consent principle governs the constitutional position of Northern Ireland. We will not support any arrangements that are inconsistent with that principle.
Between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, the Trussell Trust’s food bank network distributed 1.9 million three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, a 18% increase on the previous year. More than seven hundred thousand of these went to children.
Across Scotland, more than 237,000 were distributed – 80,000 of which were for children.
Food bank use has increased by 74% over the last five years, the charity reports. The top three reasons for referral to a food bank in the Trussell Trust network in 2019-20 were low income, benefit delays and benefit changes.
Releasing the charity’s latest annual statistics, Trussell Trust’s CEO Emma Revie said: “This year has been an extraordinarily difficult one, with many more people across the country facing destitution as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Food banks carry on, working as tirelessly as ever, to support people in crisis through the unprecedented challenge the pandemic continues to pose.
“The statistics in our 2019/2020 report show the situation in food banks up until the end of March, before the true economic impact of the pandemic had hit. Despite this, we see a rise in the number of people being forced to use a food bank yet again.
“This constant rise in food bank use, year after year, cannot continue. More and more people are struggling to eat because they simply cannot afford food – and when we look to the year ahead, it’s likely even more people will be forced into destitution. This is not right.”
“We know this situation can be turned around – that’s why we’re campaigning to create a future where no one needs a food bank. Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty and while additional government measures have helped some people stay afloat this year, clearly more needs to be done.
“That’s why we united with partners from across the charity sector in urging the UK government to make sure everyone can afford the essentials through the economic downturn.
“And we want to see governments at all levels doing everything in their power to protect people from financial hardship.
“We have outlined what needs to be done – it’s in our power to protect one another, we’ve seen it during this health crisis, and we need it to continue during this economic one.”
The candidates nominated to stand in the City of Edinburgh’s six constituencies and the Lothian Region in the Scottish Parliament Elections on Thursday, 6 May have been announced.
Nominations for candidates closed earlier today (Wednesday 31 March). The nominated candidates for each constituency are listed in full below.
Edinburgh Central Constituency
BOB, Bonnie Prince – Independent
DOUGLAS, Scott – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
JOHNSTONE, Alison – Scottish Green Party
KIRKMAN, Maddy – Scottish Labour Party
LAIRD, Tam – Scottish Libertarian Party
MACKAY, Donald Murdo – UK Independence Party (UKIP)
ROBERTSON, Angus – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WILSON, Bruce Roy – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Eastern Constituency
COOK, Bill – Scottish Labour Party
DENHAM, Ash – Scottish National Party (SNP)
HUTCHISON, Graham – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
REILLY, Jill – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Northern and Leith Constituency
BELL, Rebecca – Scottish Liberal Democrats
FACCENDA, Katrina – Scottish Labour Party
LAIDLAW, Callum – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
MACPHERSON, Ben – Scottish National Party (SNP)
PULLMAN, Jon – Scottish Freedom Alliance
SLATER, Lorna – Scottish Green Party
Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency
CAMERON, Lezley Marion – Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party
GRAHAM, Fraser John Ashmore – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LINDHURST, Gordon – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
LUCAS, Richard Crewe – Scottish Family Party
MACDONALD, Gordon – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Edinburgh Southern Constituency
BRIGGS, Miles – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
HOLDEN, Philip – Scottish Family Party
JOHNSON, Daniel – Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party
MACDONALD, Catriona Mary Elizabeth – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MACKINTOSH, Fred – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Western Constituency
COLE-HAMILTON, Alex – Scottish Liberal Democrats
FRASER, Daniel – Scottish Libertarian Party
GRAHAM, Margaret Arma – Scottish Labour Party
MASSON, Sarah – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WEBBER, Sue – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
PARTY: Abolish the Scottish Parliament Party
CANDIDATES: LECKIE, John Johnson; NICHOL, David Lindsay
PARTY: Alba Party
CANDIDATES: MACASKILL, Kenneth Wright; ARTHUR, Alexander; HENDRY, Christina Mary; AHMED, Irshad
PARTY: All for Unity
CANDIDATES: MORLEY, Charlotte; SINGH, Parvinder; HOGG, Alan; MACAULAY, Andy; HAMILTON, David; KNOX, Mike; CLARK, Derek
PARTY: Animal Welfare Party
CANDIDATES: MOIR, Vivienne; RIDLEY, Gavin
PARTY: Communist Party of Britain
CANDIDATES: WADDELL, Matthew Finlay
PARTY: Freedom Alliance – Integrity, Society, Economy
CANDIDATES: PULLMAN, Jon; WASE, Cara Patricia; MCCANN, Patricia
PARTY: Reform UK
CANDIDATES: WINTON, Derek Steven; BROWN, Mev; MORSE, Iain Murray; MACDONALD, Lesley
PARTY: Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
CANDIDATES: BRIGGS, Miles; WEBBER, Sue; BALFOUR, Jeremy; FRASER, Rebecca; OFFORD, Malcolm; DOUGLAS, Scott; LINDHURST, Gordon; MUNRO, Marie-Clair; HUTCHISON, Graham; WHYTE, Iain; LAIDLAW, Callum KENNEDY, Charles
PARTY: Scottish Family Party
CANDIDATES: LUCAS, Richard Crewe; HOLDEN, Philip; COLVILLE, Norman David; KIRK, Gareth; IRELAND, Amy
PARTY: Scottish Greens
CANDIDATES: JOHNSTONE, Alison; SLATER, Lorna; NEVENS, Kate; BOOTH, Chas; BURGESS, Steve; MUMFORD, Alys; FROOD, Emily; PARKER, Ben; TAYLOR, Elaine; WILSON, Bill; WESTON, Evelyn; STANIFORTH, Alex
PARTY: Scottish Labour Party
CANDIDATES: JOHNSON, Daniel; BOYACK, Sarah; CHOUDHURY, Foysol; KIRKMAN, Madelaine; SULLIVAN, Kirsteen; WARD, Nicholas; HESSLER, Frederick; CURRAN, Stephen Robert
PARTY: Scottish Liberal Democrats
CANDIDATES: COLE-HAMILTON, Alex; MACKINTOSH, Fred; REILLY, Jill; BELL, Rebecca Louise; PATTLE, Sally; GRAHAM, Fraser John Ashmore; LINDSAY, Caron Marianne; WILSON, Bruce Roy; DUNDAS, Charles Christopher
PARTY: Scottish Libertarian Party
CANDIDATES: LAIRD, Tam; PATERSON, Cameron Paul
PARTY: Scottish National Party
CANDIDATES: CAMPBELL, Graham; ROBERTSON, Angus; HYSLOP, Fiona; MACPHERSON, Ben; MACDONALD, Catriona; MASSON, Sarah; MCCARRA, Greg; DICKIE, Alison; ORR, Alex; EWEN, Andrew; CONNELL, Rob
PARTY: Scottish Renew
CANDIDATES: ASTBURY, Heather Jane; FREEMANTLE-ZEE, Anna
PARTY: Scottish Women’s Equality Party
CANDIDATES: WATT, Emma Jane; RENTON, David Malcolm Alexander; HAMMOND, Lucy
PARTY: Social Democratic Party
CANDIDATES: YOUNG, Alasdair James; MANSON, Neil Peter; EDWARDS, Lawrence Sebastian
PARTY: UK Independence Party (UKIP)
CANDIDATES: MACKAY, Donald; MUMFORD, John Laurence; HOLLIS, Steve; LOWRY, Kenneth
INDEPENDENT:
GRACZYK, Ashley
Find out more about where, when and how to vote.
