Tag: Politics

Scotland: we have a problem?

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On Wednesday 20 April, Electoral Reform Society Scotland is hosting a free public discussion to coincide with the release of our new report One Party To Rule Them All: Does Scotland Have A Predominant-Party Problem?

The report addresses the dangers of one party dominance in a parliament designed for coalitions. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to explore what Scots want from our democracy and what we can do to help keep the Scottish parliament diverse and cooperative.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Speakers include:

  • Lesley Riddoch (journalist and commentator)
  • Angela Haggerty (editor of CommonSpace)
  • Rory Scothorne (ERS Scotland)
  • Compered by Gerry Hassan (writer and academic)

7pm – 8.30pm, Wednesday 20 April.

Blythswood Hall,
Renfield St Stephen’s Centre,
260 Bath St,
Glasgow, G2 4JP

Join the Facebook event and invite your friends here.

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Letters: History lessons must be learned

whacko

Dear Editor

The Conservatives have been in power for six years: in that time they have made the majority of people pay in so many ways for the financial crisis that was not of their making. The financial institutions, unscrupulous investors and some very dodgy dealers were the culprits – and they have got away with it.

The Conservatives have not only made the people pay but have also taken the opportunity to pursue their cherished aims of privatising as much as possible, changing society in favour of investors once again. Their main political objective is the breaking of local authority control of public services, initially financially – followed by privately-run services.

Their latest move in England – making all schools into ‘free’ Academies without any reference to the democratic principle of local council elections determined by the people.

Changing a school name is meaningless, but ‘free’ is a very divisive move. It will pit school against school for staff, grants and finding; it will be divisive on pay and conditions offered, divisive on schools in poorer and better-off areas.

So far this applies only to schools in England, but it is better to be forewarned.

This step into the past is very dangerous to all that has been struggled for over generations of activity to make society fair and caring, able to exercise it’s right to decision-making.

The Conservatives are proving over and over again they can never represent the interests of the majority of people.

A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens

Letters: Beware promises made to be broken

Dear Editor

Holyrood

Between now and the election of members for the Scottish Parliament in May, prospective candidates will claim and counter-claim that they are the ones we can trust. When we make our choice we hop that trust is not misplaced – the only help we have in choosing is the past record of the individual or their party.

A close look is needed to avoid being taken in by words and promises that flow freely during election times. Promises made, then broken, are usually blamed on others – whether here in Scotland, the UK or abroad.

After voting we cannot sit back and let them have free rein: this has happened so many times, resulting in a dreadful cost to most of us.

A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens

 

Kirkgate Crusher: “You grunt, I’ll groan”

Surprising new career for Leith’s popular parliamentarian

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What does a parliamentarian do when it’s time to walk away from front-line politics? Some take up directorships, some retire gracefully to spend more time with their families while others write newspaper columns, memoirs and novels. Continue reading Kirkgate Crusher: “You grunt, I’ll groan”

Last call for Holyrood candidates

Thinking of standing in the Holyrood election? Then you’d better get your skates on!

scot parliament

Nominations close today for candidates to stand in next month’s Scottish Parliamentary Election – and papers must be submitted by 4pm.

The Notice of Election was published on 14 March for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies plus the Lothian Region.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by Friday, 1 April.

The Scottish Parliamentary Election will take place on Thursday 5 May when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh and Regional Returning Officer for the Lothian Region, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period. The forthcoming election will enable the city’s residents to have their say, and I would take this opportunity to urge all citizens to use their vote.

“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election last year and the Scottish Referendum in 2014, including the 16 and 17-year-olds who will be able to vote for the first time. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

More than 84% of the city’s residents voted in the Scottish Independence Referendum in September 2014, which also saw a record-breaking turnout across the country. At the UK Parliamentary Election in May 2015 turnout in the capital stayed high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.

On 5 May it will be the first time that 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in a Parliamentary election after the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill was passed last year.

While most people who registered to vote in time for the UK Parliamentary Election will still be eligible to take part in the Scottish Parliament Election in May, first time voters or anyone who has since moved house will need to register again. Continue reading Last call for Holyrood candidates

Budget: sweet and sour for Scotland

Budget 2015

Yesterdays’ Budget statement was a perplexing mix of measures and raft of tax changes which pleased some and angered many more. Supporters hailed the budget as ‘historic’ but Labour leader Jeremy Corbin said the budget ‘has unfairness at its very core – paid for by those who can least afford it’ and the SNP’s John Swinney warned of ‘hidden cuts’. Continue reading Budget: sweet and sour for Scotland

Question Time event to focus on Social Justice

TUESDAY 22 MARCH 6 – 8pm

CRAIGROYSTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

SOCIAL JUSTICE QUESTION TIME

QT Tue 22 March