Point-scoring ‘debates' at Westminster dodge the important issues
I can report that many of the faces are different but Ye Olde Worlde House of Commons rumbles on at a snail's pace and has retained all the petty point-scoring 'debates' I witnessed in my nine years as an MP.
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Take Friday's Private Members Bill on transferring powers over immigration policy to the Scottish Parliament, which was introduced by the SNP. Post-Brexit there are many reasons why Scotland should have its own bespoke immigration system. The reasons are supported by diverse sources ranging from UK Hospitality and Reform Scotland to the newly anointed Lord Gove of Torry as a means of strengthening the Scottish economy. Sectors such as agriculture, health and social care services need this support to make them more resilient and to act as a buffer against the disaster of Brexit which is still with us today.
What we heard from Labour in this important debate for Scotland was the usual tirade of criticisms about everything from ferries to schools in Scotland … in fact, anything other than a Scotland-specific immigration policy!
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The most positive thing that can be said is that if this anti-Scotland Labour government continues down this route and does not respond to the needs of our nation, losing a by-election in Glenrothes by a whopping amount will be the least of their worries as the Scottish people prepare to deliver a large SNP, Green, and Alba pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament elections next year.
For the true prosperity and wellbeing of our nation, accepting a devolution settlement was never the answer. Such a settlement that can't be flexed to meet changing circumstances is even worse. Independence is the only answer.
Douglas Chapman
Dunfermline
IN a world apparently in turmoil, it seems easy to grasp at simplistic solutions offered by charlatans masquerading as concerned politicians.
Donald Trump, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage not only spout common deceitful messages but all are adept at enriching themselves while many are impoverished through their actions. The world is complex, and while it seems easier to navigate the complexities if we can make decisions seem straightforward, simple soundbites don't convey serious solutions to the difficult challenges we face as a global, interconnected society.
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Little increasing personal wealth actually 'trickles down', and in fact the 'nouveau riche' invariably become greedier, condemning the poor and disadvantaged to greater hardship. Geographical boundaries of today based on feudal conquest, or the complicity of self-serving elites, do not necessarily reflect the social or economic aspirations of different nations for tomorrow, but changing those boundaries requires informed discussion, not dogmatic imposition. Not all men and women fit neatly into the category of 100% male or 100% female, as has been evident throughout human history and now through more detailed assessments determined through DNA analysis.
Only with more understanding will we make our planet safer and better for all of its citizens.
Those who truly wish for an egalitarian independent Scotland should lead in progressing human understanding and respect for others, not become distracted by misleading messages or by misguided contributions of those who regrettably, although often not deliberately, hinder further enlightenment.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
AS you all know, I am a great believer in everyone's point of view being respected and have said that often in these pages. It would appear that those of us who think it is a bad idea for the FM to be writing in the Daily Record are stupid and naive. Let me assure all of you that Old John is neither stupid nor naive. I believe that an unfortunate choice of words was used on this occasion. I am quite relaxed at the thought of other people having a different point of view to me.
Enough of that, as there are bigger fish to fry. Rotten Rachel has been in Washington to beg for a trade deal, and told Katy Balls of The Sunday Times that she thought Trump should be allowed to address the UK Parliament.
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As I have no liking for the cesspit I would hope that if Trump is let loose in the mother of parliaments, the small number of SNP MPs would refuse to attend! At least that would show us that they actually have a spine. Mind you, I would not be betting the farm on that one.
All eyes are on the upcoming by-election. Nothing less than an SNP win will do. I am sure we are all all wondering where independence will be in the campaign? I would hope it is front and centre, and not just an afterthought! The Puppet will be trying to pull the wool over the voters' eyes again and I hope they won't fall for it. He is done and he knows it. His only chance of power in 2026 is via a deal with Reform UK.
Interesting times lie ahead, and it is up to John Swinney to make sure that the offer to us is one we can't refuse. Independence Independence Independence. That should do it!
Old John
Ayrshire
IS it good that several respected newspapers have encouraged Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent MSP at next year's Holyrood election, or is it just another Unionist ploy to further weaken a troubled SNP and the independence campaign?
My friend Fergus is an energetic, honest and forthright politician, and just maybe the inevitable vicissitudes of life have misplaced the memorable statement of his mother (the late glorious Madam Ecosse): 'Stop the world. Scotland wants to get on.'
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore
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